Tales From the Perimeter: More on That DNF

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I formerly worked, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

It's been far too long since I put up a Tales From the Perimeter post, but since I retired my running frequency with the group has plummeted.  At any rate, though, I'm sure our next run will feature my recent email to the group as a discussion topic:


Guys,

Must have been a Freudian slip, but I failed to provide results for the Ironmaster’s Challenge 50K this past Sunday that I ran with my buddy JS.  Web site is http://www.ironmasterschallenge.com 

JS ran quite well and was content to stick with me thru Mile 20.  He finished in a decent time, despite a slow start due to my drag.   

Mile 20 at about 5 1/2 hours is where I dropped out (DNF meaning, of course, Did Not Finish).  I had taken 3 hard falls—which is pretty uncharacteristic of me—and I just felt out of gas.  Totally.  The falls banged up various body parts, to include knee, elbow, hand, shoulder, ribs, and a pair of solid shots to the left side of my head (apparently I’m a "left-roller" when I bite the dust).  But mostly I was really gun-shy that the next fall when it inevitably happened would really bugger me up, so I figured it was time to bid adios to those happy trails.  It wasn’t safe and it just wasn’t fun anymore.

Not a stellar day in terms of results, but JS and I did spend some quality hours together.  Here on Thursday, my body still aches: slight limp due to the knee, and the side of my head is still tender to the touch.

A word to the wise: beware of under-training.  You can only pull a big performance--based solely upon long running history and muscle memory rather than good solid training--out of your butt up to a point.  A point that I have apparently passed in my running career, as my nine lives may now be exhausted.

So, that’s my race report.  Now let loose your replies, all of which will likely invoke the words “butt” and “wuss”…. (but remember, be nice, this is the part when you say, “Gary, great job, not many people can run 20 miles, blah blah blah”)

Regards/Gary

Crime at the Beach

Mister Tristan (the blog, not the 7 year old human being), has been dark since Sunday, as the bride I and have been away for a few days at Nags Head, NC, with one of our loved ones.  I could have pre-written several posts and scheduled them for publication while I was away, but life interfered with blogging.

But we found that even pleasant vacation spots can experience violent crime:

Image credit Gary: GSW to the back of the shell at close range

More real blogging coming soon.  I am running on Thursday morning at the Naval Support Activity-Mechanicsburg--from whence I retired--with my pre-retirement former running buds.  I fully expect to laugh for about 1 hour, the time it will take to complete one lap of the 6-mile perimeter road.

With any luck I will be able to write another Tales From the Perimeter post.   It's been too long since such a post.

Tales From the Perimeter: Hammers

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I formerly worked, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

[Image credit Hurley Auctions]

 

It's been far too long since I put up a Tales From the Perimeter post, but since I retired my running frequency with the group has plummeted.  At any rate, though, I'm sure our next run will feature this recent email as a discussion topic:

 

Guys,

Saw this photo among items in a on-line tool auction I was recently bidding on (JH bids on-line for tools ALL the time).  Of course, I thought immediately of PH, our local rocket scientist and the classic analogy: Dumb as a box of hammers.  Although in fairness to PH, me cutting off part of my finger in a snowblower may move me past him on the smartness scale, in the negative direction.

 

Where are all you vacationers now?  I’m thinking about coming up for a run by the Ides of March.  Will have to be finger-dependent, however.  I see the doc this afternoon to get stitches out…but an infection has developed in the finger that may set things back awhile.

 

And no email from me would be complete without a Chuck Norris quote, since you all are clamoring so desperately for more.  In deference to JH, who inexplicably is NOT a fan, I’ll put it at the end.

 

Regards/Gary

--Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is Chuck Norris, there is no other way.

I continue to love these guys as brothers, from having shared--literally--blood, sweat and tears over the years and over the miles.  I hope that you are fortunate enough to have some similar running compadres.

 

 

Fire on the Mountain 50K Results

Below is the email that I sent to my long-time running buddies, describing the race on Sunday.

Guys,

 

Ultrarunning update.  Jody and I ran the Fire on the Mountain 50K on Sunday over in western MD.  I struggled through the first half—woefully undertrained and mostly trying to rely on “muscle memory”—and was seriously considering dropping at the midpoint.  I had fallen 3 times, which I almost never do, and I just wasn’t feeling the mojo.

 

However, Jody helped me regain my will to live and continue, and the race actually got easier for me in the second half.  

 

Preliminary results are up here and show us at 88 and 89 of 111 finishers, in a time of 8:10.

In a massive touch of irony, I also note that I would have won the 60+ age group if they had had one.  Pretty funny, for someone who would have quit except for Jody’s encouragement. 

Prior to this race I have always parroted the mantra that in the race you vow to keep running unless doing so would cause injury.  Merely being tired or hitting the wall are not good enough excuses to drop, if you are physically able to continue your forward motion.  At all points in the race, physically I could easily walk and even run whenever I chose to, so I certainly did not meet my criteria for quitting.  My mind was just weak for awhile (unlike Pete, whose mind is weak all the time!) and it took Jody’s steady presence to remind me of that. 

Note that Jody had just run a 50K only 2 weeks prior, so his effort on not-fully-recovered legs was quite stellar.

Anyway, although I am still hobbling around from the real beating my legs took, it was a pretty good day.  A great day, actually, spending a day in the woods doing what I love to do.

Still planning to join you all for a perimeter run soon.

Regards/Gary

 

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Self-Endorsement

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.


Have you ever had a running bond, with either an individual or a group, that was important to you?  If so, you know what I'm talking about.  I used to totally get into the so-called loneliness of the long-distance runner thing and spend mots of my miles solo, but the older I get, I increasingly appreciate me some camaraderie.

Here's a strong endorsement of our little noontime perimeter running group that made my eyes glisten just a bit, from the esteemed member "Horse":

Damn good run, and many thanks to you boyz, who ran, rain, shine, hot, cold, thunder lightnin....whatever....like brothers, we were there.......enjoyed that camaraderie....

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Downton Abbey

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

As I look over that things I've posted over the years, I see where this is my 25th installment of Tales From the Perimeter. If you scroll down to the SEARCH box at the lower right and hit perimeter you will be able to access that treasure-trove of literary brilliance.

Well, seems the Pope resigned this week, to be effective the end of the month.  One of our running group (Pete) is quite religious--though NOT obnoxiously so--thus he naturally became an easy target.

Here's the email string that resulted, with me first stirring the pot by imagining Pete as the Pope:

++++++++++++++++++++From: Gary
To: Running Buds
Sent: Tue Feb 12, 2013 8:46 AM

Subject: Holy Quit!

In thinking about Pete as Pontiff, despite his sincere religious convictions, I think he'd be a wretched choice, simply dreadful.  A rubbish bin would make a more suitable Pope.  You chaps will no doubt agree.

Now I'll begin dressing for lunch.

Regards/Gary

(who this weekend joined the bride for a Season 1 and 2 marathon of Downton Abbey--some 16 episodes but maybe I just lost count)

++++++++++++++++++++

From: Michael

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:52 AM
To: Gary and Running Buds

Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

Downtown Abbey???? You're really "Living the Dream"!!

  

++++++++++++++++++++
 From: Gary

Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 8:56 AM

To: Mike and Running Buds

Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

Actually the show is very good, and I'm kinda hooked.

Kevin...defend me here...you also like British drama.

Regards/Gary

++++++++++++++++++++
From: Jack
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 9:52 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: Re: Holy Quit!

I think Gary has officially turned in his man card!

 

+++++++++++++++++++

 From: Gary
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 10:05 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: RE: Holy Quit!

My Man Card?  Oh, that was surrendered long ago. 

And in honor of the occasion:

Jesus, Chuck Norris, and a Pope are stranded in the middle of the ocean in a boat. Jesus gets out and walks on the water to shore. Chuck Norris watches and does the same. The Pope tries and drowns. After seeing this, Jesus turns to Chuck Norris and says, "Do you think we should have told him about the rocks?" and Chuck Norris smiles and says, "What rocks?"

Or this:

The Pope confesses to Chuck Norris.

Regards/Gary

++++++++++++++++++++
From: Kevin
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 10:10 AM
To: Running Buds
Subject: RE: Holy Quit! [also addresses our ongoing raging debate over what topics are appropriate for discussion during the run]

Gary, tempting to throw you under the bus, but since my sons' troop is hiking on your trail this year, I'll cut you some slack.

Mike, first of all it's Downton Abbey, not Downtown Abbey.  And it is getting rave reviews for its authenticity in 1910's and 1920's England.

xxxxx [his bride] watches it, as the first two seasons are on Netflix. 

Anyone who watches Survivor or Amazing Race doesn't have a man card to begin with.  However, those that take charge of 7,500 of their little workers who can easily sting someone to death, now that person has a mancard!  And just for you Jack.  I mailed a birdhouse (in the shape of a church) to my mother for her birthday.  It involved using woodworking tools and equipment, and will house some fluffy little bird family.

I've got building plans for butterfly houses if you're interested?

Boy Scouts - check; bees - check; woodworking - check; butterflies - check; ragging on worthless reality television shows - check; new topic, British shows - check.

 

++++++++++++++++++++

 

Gary here: God, I miss these guys!  Our perimeter runs are always just filled with laughter, in short supply these days.

 

Tales From the Perimeter: My Running Buddies

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

As I look over that things I've posted over the years, I see where this is my 24th installment of Tales From the Perimeter.  If you scroll down to the SEARCH box at the lower right and hit perimeter you will be able to access that treasure-trove of literary brilliance.

The reason for today's post is that I made the trek from Chambersburg north to Mechanicsburg to run with my running buddies on Wednesday.   God, I don't miss that commute!

As always, the weeks and the distance fell away and I was left with the feeling of secure camaraderie.  I could go a year without seeing these guys but I know, I know, that if I picked up the phone and said "I need a favor" the answer would be "YES" even before I said what the favor was.

As I previously posted, here:

I thought of the past 11 years of running here with these guys, my brothers. We have literally shared blood, sweat and tears as we’ve commiserated on our families' joys and struggles, our despairs and our high points. It’s a bond that I have truly been fortunate to have been a part of. Such a compatible group of fellow runners does not come along often, I am convinced.
 

As usual, we laughed, over anything and everything, from Survivor and Amazing Race, to football (a sport), baseball (another sport), NASCAR (not a sport), and golf (also not a sport).  We talked about children and grandchildren, model trains, home improvement projects, trail maintenance, God, Sandy Hook, guns and gun violence, and, yes, about sex as well.

 

I came away recharged and refreshed and ready to return to the world.

 

 

Tales from the Perimeter: I Feel Better Than James Brown

Via YouTube:




Just got back from a run with my old noontime running buddies.  Now that I am retired I make it a point to join them about once a month for a run.

It was a time of catching up, of Olympics talk, of home improvements, of families.

And I gave each of the guys a gift: a DVD copy of Brokeback Mountain.  Some years ago when the bride and I saw the movie, I told the guys how much I liked it.  Ever afterwards, they teasingly busted me about gays every chance they got. And believe me, there were plenty of opportunities, as I always went out of my way to defend gay and lesbian rights.

So now they have their very own copy.  And I feel better than James Brown.

Tales from the Perimeter: An Order of Magnitude

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

Just exchanged some email with my retired running buddy, Steve.  I see him a couple times a year when all of us get together for a memorial run to the good old days.


I guess I blew him away once when I was talking about some Ultra training run or another.  The distances we run, once incredible to imagine, have become routine.  It's all a matter of training.


Here's what he just wrote:


And Gary,,,,,,the best Gary story I tell to my other workout bud's.....when we would say goin out for a long run this weekend, 7-10 mile....you said "gonna go out for 6.....hours, that is"......you are incredible......


 

Tales from the Perimeter: Thank You

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

Tuesday I took what was my final spin around the perimeter as an employee.  Hereafter I plan to run here with my buddies about once a month or so, but it will be as a retiree.

Today I was alone: CH is in Afghanistan until mid-summer; JH is just finishing up a pleasure cruise with the bride; KK has an injured knee; and MS was also unavailable.  The sky was brilliant blue, absolutely cloudless.  The temperature was mild—around 45 F or so—with only a slight wind.  It was one of those near-perfect running days, and I let it sink in.

I thought of the past 11 years of running here with these guys, my brothers.  We have literally shared blood, sweat and tears as we’ve commiserated on our families' joys and struggles, our despairs and our high points.  It’s a bond that I have truly been fortunate to have been a part of.  Such a compatible group of fellow runners does not come along often, I am convinced.

So my hat’s off to you guys. You helped me to survive some rough times, so Thank you.  I hope to be back here to run in a few weeks.

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Bailed...and Ultrarunning

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity. 

Right before Christmas I did the normal noontime perimeter run with my running buddies, then told them about my plans to do a double that day and run a short section of the Appalachian Trail on my way home.  I rarely do doubles, but I had a couple hours of vacation time I still had to use or lose, so that was the plan.

However, as we all know, the best laid plans....so here's the confessional email I sent to the guys afterwards:

Gents,

Without sounding too much like Brandon Hantz [from the most recent season of Survivor], I wanted to be up front with you and tell you I wussed out of the trail run.

When I got to my turn off Rt 11 and had to commit, it was raining HARD and I just thought, "I really don't feel like doing this."  Plus I was thinking about a number of other stops I needed to do today.  So I didn't run.

Please vote for me for the $1M anyway, so I can turn around and give it to somebody.

Sometimes the right running plan is NOT to run.

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Survivor

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

During yesterday's run we had a full quorum of our group, save for KK,  who is still rehabbing a surgically repaired knee (a non-running injury).  The majority of our group avidly follows both The Amazing Race and Survivor, and the conversation as we navigated the perimeter turned to Survivor.

In this week's episode, Coach's team prayed as a group prior to the day's challenge--which they won--and immediately afterwards, Coach bade them to get down on their knees...to thank God for the positive result. 

Oh, and Ozzy committed to a poorly-thought-out scheme whereby he volunteered to be voted out so he could go to Redemption Island so he could defeat the unlikeable incumbent castaway Christine so he could reemerge into the game triumphant after the merge so he could sail on towards the $1M so he could have pulled of the boldest stroke EVEH in the game so he could have immortalized himself forever in Survivor lore.

I was appalled. Nope, not the Ozzy strategy stuff, interesting as that will be as it plays out. Rather, what shocked and astonished me was the shameless invoking of God to favor a particular team...and thanking him afterwards for the positive results, as though God gave a sh*t about it.

Talk about peer pressure.  If one of the team were, say, an atheist or a Buddhist, and wouldn't go along with the prayer circle stuff ("I'll just stand over here while you guys pray", and said so...methinks that player would be voted out ASAP to retain the purity of the team.  Inquisition, anyone?

PH, our non-Survivor-watcher, but who is our most religious member, commented that they were engaging in transactional prayer.  That is, praying for a specific result for which there would be a reciprocation from the supplicant should the wish be granted.  Example: "Dear God, please let our team win 'cause if we win I will become a better Christian, I swear I will."

Transactional prayer, in theology, is thought to be pretty much a juvenile approach, analogous to treating God as though he were Santa Claus. PH believes that the goal of prayer should be to achieve understanding and to create a close relationship with God, NOT to ask for specific favors.

So it'll be all the sweeter when Coach and his band of religious thugs go down hard.  Then it'll be interesting to see how they explain why God changed his mind.

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Knee Surgery

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

Image credit Amazon.  Book is also available at the OBX Bookstore.

One of our noontime running group, KK, buggered up his knee to the point where he could no longer bend it properly.  It was not a particular incident or accident, but rather a cumulative effect that resulted in a torn meniscus.  So last week he had arthroscopic surgery to fix it.

Once I got the report that KK was doing well, I could not resist combining busting him at home via email, using a children's book that the bride and I had bought for Mister Tristan (the human being, not the blog):

KK,

Glad to hear that the knee surgery went well.

However, if your recovery takes a sudden change for the worse, plus you somehow are transformed into a cat, you still may have a productive career in piracy ahead of you.

Regards/Gary

Tales From the Perimeter: Finding Motivation

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

A recent email exchange with the noontime running boyz, a couple of them being rather Republican in their politics, just prior to my surgery:

This week I will be teleworking on Wed rather than Tues so I can attend a training session on Unauthorized Commitments.

Said training is tomorrow 1100-noon, so I'll just pass on running at midday. I might go out in the AM if I can summon some motivation.

I asked a Republican friend how I could get motivated. He said "Cut taxes for the rich and let the free market fix it."

Anyway, I probably won't see you all this week. My surgeries are on Thurs, and I expect to be out 2-4 weeks. I'll email when I know more.

Regards/Gary
 

Tales From The Perimeter: Everything is Relative

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

Monday during our 6-mile run around the base perimeter, everyone seemed a bit slow and devoid of energy. Our pace typically hovers near the 10 minute per mile mark and even that seemed fast.

I had had not run on Sunday and should have been fresh, but instead felt logy (I love that word!).

Mike mentioned how his legs felt absolutely trashed from an 8 mile training run the day before. He had run a couple laps around Wildwood Lake, which is part of the Harrisburg Marathon course. A pleasant asphalt path encircles the lake and goes through the woods, including a couple decent hills. Mike had run a strong first lap and decided to try to put the hammer down for the second lap.

A check of his watch revealed that putting the hammer down = 8:05 miles. I appreciate the irony. Everything is relative nowadays.

Actually (and I'm not rationalizing, am I?) I'm glad that I not only am old and slow, but that I recognize and accept the fact that I am old and slow. Road racing PRs are a distant and painful memory. I no longer enjoy running fast and love the freedom to be slow that Ultrarunning provides. Footing rough? You walk. Uphill? You walk. Just feel like taking a walking break? You walk. Otherwise, you run the flats and the downhills and savor the sheer joy of running in the woods.

I embrace and honor the word trudge. Speed kills, as they told us in the 70s. A slog is a pleasant pace.

 

Tales from the Perimeter: Chuck Norris Cat

Image credit here.

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

The following is an email I sent to my running buddies the other day.  By way of introductory explanation, for some inexplicable reason, I am totally smitten by Chuck Norris jokes.  I LOVE them.  On the other hand, one of our group (Jack), does not embrace Chuck Norris jokes whatsoever.  He is not neutral on the subject: he doesn't like them, doesn't get them, and doesn't think they are funny.

Jack, of course, is dead wrong.

Oh, and "The Horse" is a retired member of our group, with a build like a linebacker but still a very good runner.

Running Homies,

This one is especially for Jack, since he no doubt has been on Chuck Norris deprivation during his recent cruise with the lovely bride. Jack, I know you declared a CN moratorium but I BEG you to make an exception in this case and view the attached photo.

Obviously (and sadly), the dog, of course, did not survive the roundhouse kick.

I am on travel this week to the Springfield VA area, and tonight--in honor of The Horse--I elected to stay at the hotel and enjoy a couple beers rather than try to run on streets around this god-forsaken semi-urban hellhole.

Regards/Gary

My apologies to any readers who live, work, or run in the greater DC area.  When I use the term "semi-urban hellhole" it only means in contrast to my rural existence, where running on the rural roads around my home, I usually encounter maybe 1 car per mile. 

   

Tales From the Perimeter: Tool of Lucifer

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

With promised 70 degree weather here today in PA, cold weather seems a thing of the past.  Yet we still have a month or so of susceptibility to a BIG snowfall, to say nothing of cold temps and wide. In fact, I am predicting we'll have one snowfall of 12" or more before this winter says adios.

Anyway, reminds me of a conversation we had on the perimeter a couple weeks ago when it was in the low 20s and the wind was a-howling.  Our group was (were?) the only runners out that day, as it was pretty miserable.  However, since the base is basically a circle, you only have to brave the worst wind for maybe 2 miles before you turn and get a respite. 

One of the irregular guys (retired, so he only joins us sporadically) later emailed to mention a trip to the gym to work out.

Love these cold temps and wind....Gary, as we discussed years back, love the adverse conditions....when I appear at the gym and watch the treadmill runners.....I put my miles (slow) outside.

He nailed it.  At the risk of offending some folks, for me, treadmills are tools of Lucifer.  There's no such thing as bad weather, just weather for which you are unprepared.  There's always another layer....

Tales from the Perimeter: Mithraism

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity.

One of our group, CH, is pretty religious but not in-your-face. His approach to faith is one that is respectful and able to be respected, even by nonbelievers.

That said, we other runners cannot help but bust him whenever we can. MS heard something about the religion Mithraism on public radio, was intrigued, did some research, and sent out a list of some 17 similarities with Christianity, just to tweak CH:

Today's Running Discussion Topic - Mithraism

Q - What is Mithraism?
A - Ancient Persian religion popular among Roman military which preceded Christianity by approximately 600 years?

Q - Who is Mithra/Mithras?
A - Ancient Persian god of light and truth; sun god?

Q - What similarities exist between Mithraism and Christianity?
A - Numerous

1) Mithra was born on December 25th as an offspring of the Sun.
2) He was considered a great traveling teacher and masters.
3) He had twelve companions as Jesus had twelve disciples.
4) Mithras also performed miracles.
5) Mithra was called "the good shepherd, "the way, the truth and the light, redeemer, savior, Messiah."
6) He was identified with both the lion and the lamb.
7) Mithras seems to have owed his prominence to the belief that he was the source of life, and could also redeem the souls of the dead into the better world ...
8) The ceremonies included a sort of baptism to remove sins, anointing, and a sacred meal of bread and water, while a consecrated wine, believed to possess wonderful power, played a prominent part.
9) The sectaries of the Persian god, like the Christians', purified themselves by baptism.
10) The disciples of Mithra formed an organized church, with a developed hierarchy.
11) They possessed the ideas of Mediation, Atonement, and a Savior, who is human and yet divine, and not only the idea, but a doctrine of the future life.
12) They had a Eucharist, and a Baptism.
13) In the catacombs at Rome was preserved a relic of the old Mithraic worship. It was a picture of the infant Mithra seated in the lap of his virgin mother, while on their knees before him were Persian Magi adoring him and offering gifts.
14) He was buried in a tomb and after three days he rose again. His resurrection was celebrated every year.
15) Mithra had his principal festival on what was later to become Easter, at which time he was resurrected.
16) His sacred day was Sunday, "the Lord's Day."
17) The Mithra religion had a Eucharist or "Lord's Supper."

Whereupon I emailed the group as follows as to my theory on why this religion has not flourished:

-----Original Message-----

From: Gary
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 10:27 AM
To: xxxxx
Cc: xxxxx
Subject: RE: Today's Running Discussion Topic - Mithraism

Probably why Mithraism hasn't caught on is that it doesn't lend itself well to blasphemy.

Like when you hit your thumb with a hammer, it's much more satisfying to say "J**** C***** !" than it'd be to say "Mithra!"

Regards/Gary

Tales From The Perimeter: Chuck Norris, and Thanksgiving

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity. See also here for a previous post that I sorta like.


A quick story from last week. Here's an email I sent after the fact to my lunchtime running buddies:

Despite the howling gale, I ran alone on Wed to uphold the honor of the tribe.

Back to Tuesday's run in the rain (KK, JH and I being the hardy ones), I have a profound observation: we got wet. But if Chuck Norris had run with us, he wouldn't have gotten wet--the rain would have gotten Chuck Norrised.

This makes 2 runs in a row with less than optimal conditions. I'm glad I'm a macho man. Today should be a pretty fine day to run, see ya later.

Regards/Gary

I love these guys, with whom we have literally shared blood, sweat, and tears. My Thanksgiving wish for you out there is that you are fortunate enough to have running buddies in your life who are half the people these guys are.

Tales From The Perimeter: A Bit of Politics

Perimeter meaning the 6 mile patrol road inside the fence of the military installation on which I work, where some half a dozen of us comprise a pool of running “talent” and strive to show up for a noontime run a couple times a week if we can escape our desks. We share a lot and these guys are one of the core pillars of my sanity. See also here for a previous post.

Never missing an opportunity to bust a running partner, here's an email string sent among our group the morning prior to a run last week.  Political differences aside, we would go to the mat for any of our group. We've shared--literally--blood, sweat, and tears and I feel as close to these guys as to virtually anyone in my life.

You should know that CW is a retired Marine and is very conservative; I am the exact opposite, the classic liberal/progressive.  KK is in the middle.  PH is a warm-hearted, lovable oaf.

Anyway, on to the story:

From: KK
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 1:40 PM
To: xxxxx
Cc: xxxxx
Subject: Running

OK guys, CW is starting to get a complex, because no one else will run with him. I've been running (stuck) with him the last three (miserable) running days. I can't stand his (liberal) views and need someone more (conservative) like Gary to balance him out.

Let's show our support to CW and his ego by not punishing him (or me) by having him running with me.

KK

-----Next Message-----

From: Gary
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 16:06
To: xxxxx
Cc: xxxxx
Subject: RE: Running

KK,

You're right, even Ray Charles could see that CW is such a flaming liberal that he puts Nancy Pelosi to shame. Come hell or high water, I will relieve the pressure on you on Friday, and hope for 2 laps. I will speak eloquently about:

--My passion for preserving tax cuts for millionaires (because that trickle-down sh*t REALLY does work)

--Why we need to kick Iran's *ss militarily right NOW

--Why man-made climate change is about as real as William Shatner's hair

--How "don't ask, don't tell" makes our armed forces stronger

Regards/Gary

-----Next Message-----

From: PH
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2010 9:05 AM
To: xxxxx
CC: xxxxx
Subject: RE: Running

It's NOT REAL??? Please don't tell me that ;-(

Guys, I'm going to attend bible study today....so I will not be running. Please keep xxxxx in your prayers as she is taking her day long medical boards today. I'm also praying for xxxxx'x mother and her speedy recovery!

I may come to work for 1/2 day tomorrow and if so, I will run with you guys. Consider that a warning.

Warm Regards
PH

I love my running buddies, that's the only way to say it.  They have kept me sane when things were unraveling.  Hoping that you, too, have some people like this in your life.