Ray Garraud

Wednesday June 7th is Global Running Day! A day dedicated to celebrating the joys and abundant benefits of running.”

Global Running Day began in 2009 as National Running Day in the United States. It was established by the New York Road Runners (NYRR) and has since gained international recognition and participation. The event was renamed Global Running Day in 2016 to reflect its global reach and celebration of running worldwide. It takes place annually on the first Wednesday of June, encouraging people from all walks of life to embrace running and its numerous benefits.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner taking those first steps, running offers countless physical, mental, and emotional rewards. It’s a universal language that connects us all, promoting fitness, well-being, and a sense of community. So, let’s get moving, share our love for running, and inspire others to join in this incredible journey towards a healthier and more connected world. #GlobalRunningDay

In 2007, Smith Magazine challenged its readers to sum up their lives in six words. I penned “My reach always exceeds my grasp” as my six word memoir and submitted my entry.

A year later and after receiving several thousand submissions, the magazine chose a few hundred to be included in a new book. My six word story was chosen and found a place in the book “Not Quite What I Was Planning - Six Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure”. Released to great acclaim, joining narratives that resonated with readers worldwide and becoming a New York Times bestseller. My story is on page 51.

This unexpected journey taught me the power of brevity, concise storytelling and the beauty of embracing unforeseen opportunities. From a simple challenge to literary success. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the magic that can unfold in even the briefest of moments.

Running a marathon is an incredible feat in itself, but running it alongside a loved one adds a whole new dimension of joy and achievement. In 2022, I had the privilege of running the renowned New York City Marathon with my daughter. It was an unforgettable experience that brought us closer together and left an indelible mark on our hearts.

As I reflect on my running journey from couch to full marathons in just 6 years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude.

What began as an invitation from my daughter has evolved into a life-changing pursuit that has impacted my physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The journey has taught me the power of perseverance, the joy of pushing beyond perceived limits, and the immeasurable value of shared experiences. Today, I am not just a runner, but a testament to the incredible transformations that can occur when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges.

For the past year or so, I’ve included runner specific strength training as a part of my marathon training.

Strength training is highly beneficial for runners as it helps prevent injuries, improves running economy, increases power and speed, enhances muscular endurance, and strengthens the core.

By incorporating functional exercises that mimic running movements and engaging multiple muscle groups, runners can develop strength and power without focusing on building bulk.

It is also important to prioritize recovery and seek guidance from a coach or professional trainer to ensure proper technique and individualized training.

I came across this decades old photo of me from when I was 9 years old. It compelled me to reflect on my life’s journey and embrace this child, my inner child.

My inner child represents a symbol of my creativity, and curiosity. Those are qualities that can get lost as we grow older and face life’s challenges.

Embracing and loving your inner child in this context, can be seen as a powerful act of self-love and self-acceptance. It’s a reminder to be kind to yourself, to appreciate your unique journey, and to honor the person you have become.

Embracing your inner child also means acknowledging and honoring the experiences, both positive and negative that have shaped you. It’s about embracing your vulnerability and allowing yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with being human.

Ultimately, my quest is to find a deeper sense of peace and happiness in my life. By acknowledging and accepting my true self, I’m building stronger relationships, living more authentically, and pursuing my dreams with courage and resilience.

I asked ChatGPT to analyze this Haiku poem I wrote about 10 years ago. I wanted to see how well it would interpret what poem conveys. Here is the Haiku poem followed by its analysis. Well done!

Covered with dry leaves/ That crackle beneath my feet/ The footpath is gone

This haiku poem is a beautiful example of how haikus can evoke strong imagery and create a sense of atmosphere in just a few words.

The first line, “covered with dry leaves,” sets the stage for the poem, describing the setting as one covered in dry leaves. This sets up a visual image of an autumnal landscape, with leaves having fallen and blanketing the ground.

The second line, “That crackle beneath my feet,” uses onomatopoeia to create a sense of sound in the poem. The sound of the leaves crunching underfoot adds to the sensory experience of the reader, making them feel as if they are walking alongside the author.

Finally, the third line, “The footpath is gone,” brings a sense of loss and confusion to the poem. The image of the footpath disappearing under the leaves emphasizes the idea that nature is always changing and can easily obscure man-made structures. This adds to the introspective and contemplative mood that is often associated with haikus.

Overall, this haiku poem evokes a strong sense of place, using sensory language and imagery to create an autumnal landscape. It also reflects on the relationship between humans and nature, suggesting that man-made constructs can easily disappear when confronted with the forces of the natural world

“The Obstacle is the Way" is a concept based on the philosophy of Stoicism. The idea is that obstacles and challenges are not roadblocks to success, but rather opportunities for growth and improvement. The concept suggests that by embracing obstacles and challenges, we can develop our character and become stronger and more resilient.

This is a concept I’ve worked on embracing over the years, but I’ve found myself often struggling to apply it in principle. It takes courage and mental fortitude to apply consistently but I’ve become better at it. Practice makes improvement.

The phrase is often associated with the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who believed that we have the power to control our perception and interpretation of external events. Epictetus argued that it is not the obstacle itself that causes us pain and suffering, but rather our thoughts and beliefs about the obstacle.

For example, if we encounter a difficult challenge in our personal or professional life, we may initially feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or defeated. However, by adopting a Stoic mindset and focusing on the opportunities presented by the obstacle, we can transform our negative emotions into positive actions. We can use the obstacle as a chance to learn new skills, develop our resilience, and cultivate our character.

Ultimately, the philosophy encourages us to focus on what we can control, rather than dwelling on what we cannot control. if you find yourself struggling to apply this into your own circumstances, remember that consistency is the key. As with all philosophical concepts, consistent application will guide your efforts and lead to positive results.

I ran 20 miles this weekend, (10 on Saturday and 10 on Sunday). My weekend long runs are mostly at an easy conversational pace. 80% of my runs are done at my easy pace, this is where I get the best aerobic adaptations and cardio vascular fitness. Once a week, I do some faster training for neuro muscular adaptations etc. That’s my 20%.

Every runner’s easy pace and training plan will be different based their level of experience and fitness level. if you’re new to running, find out what works best for you by getting a coach, personal trainer or qualified professional to assist you. if you decide to run on your own, do your reasearch and pay careful attention to how your body is responding to your training.

I’ve been running consistently for about 7 years, during that time, I’ve participated 5 full marathons (26.2 miles) 15 Half marathons among many shorter races. The most important thing I’ve learned during this time is that running is a journey. There’s no instant gratification, it’s an arduous process that will benefit as well as reward you greatly, in the long term.