I learned about two important studies from the Cooper institute on Clarence Bass's website. This institute was founded by Dr. Ken Cooper, whom many call the "father of aerobics". Reading his classic book Aerobics way back in the early 70s helped get me started on a life of fitness. Dr. Kenneth Cooper The first was … Continue reading Modern Medicine Helps, But Fitness Still Matters →

This is a nice loop that starts out semi-rural going from Morgan Hill towards Gilroy, then climbs up over the foothills separating Gilroy from the next valley over, which is rural, with ranches and vineyards. I'm not sure of the name of that valley, but Watsonville Road runs through it on the way to Hecker … Continue reading Mantelli Drive Loop →

"All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone"- Blaise Pascal, 1654. When we have nothing to do, no tasks to perform, just sitting quietly, our brains enter "default mode". You would think that would be relaxing, but for many of us it is not. That's when we start … Continue reading Calm Your “Default Mode” →

This is a hopeful book by Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio. He practices mindfulness himself and describes how it keeps him cool under pressure and helps him make better decisions and be more present for his constituents. The book starts with a good and thorough survey of the science of how mindfulness helps. Then it … Continue reading A Mindful Nation →

I had a combination road ride to St. Teresa Park then did some mountain biking there. Total of about 2 1/2 hours. It was a pleasant ride and good workout. Starting out from home on a nice day, clouds gathered over El Toro Farm Fields on a back Road (Dougherty) on the way there. Entering … Continue reading Road and Mountain Biking- St. Teresa Park →

This inspirational book by mental health care professional Kate Champion profiles and interviews seven athletes ranging in age from mid fifties to late eighties, including a long distance hiker, a climber, the oldest woman to swim the English channel, some ultramarathon runners, and the "iron nun", Sister Madonna Buder, who has completed dozens of ironman-length … Continue reading Never Too Late →

I went for about a two and a half hour ride yesterday, and tried the "relive" app on my phone. It's pretty cool when it works, it makes a video of your route and shows where you took photos. Unfortunately, I took 4 shots and it only got one of them. Here's the link to … Continue reading Tried “relive” on my ride… →

It is amazing how much power belief can have, especially when it comes to our minds and bodies. There is an entire book that deals with this concept: Timeless Healing, by Dr. Herbert Benson and Marg Stark. Dr Benson is the pioneering meditation researcher who coined the phrase "the relaxation response". I first encountered this … Continue reading The Power of Belief →

I used to have a special running bike made by an unfortunately now defunct company in Australia (run4). They described using their bike as "running on air". That's what standing up to pedal feels like to me on a regular bike, and it's especially pleasant when you get the gearing right. My Trek is now … Continue reading Running on Air →

I recently read True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart, by Thich Nhat Hanh. This is a nice little book that emphasizes that true love is unconditional. And, appropriate for the teacher whose writing introduced myself and many others to mindfulness, he also points out we must be present to others to be truly … Continue reading True Love →