Listen

Another in an avalanche of sagacious responses to the WSJ article. It is validating to know that so many are passionately debating the "findings" of the initial article. Chris Carmichael checks in here with a level-headed and rational (one of the very few times will get to use those words in the context of endurance training) comment on age, distance and intensity. Additionally, if I was to follow the advice of the "One Running Shoe in the Grave" article, 20 miles a week at a 7:30 pace would be IMPROVEMENTS. 

Good information is hard to find when passions run high. Here is one baby step towards getting solid feedback from an expert:

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY FIRST!

Run when you need to run.

Ride when you want to ride.

Spin on a regular schedule.

Do some type of resistance training.

Stretch like a yogi.

Eat right.

Sleep well.

Manage stress without toxins.

Love the one your with.

Let the experts flail their way towards their chosen agendas. They want your attention because it is the best, most proven way to get your credit card information. And the best way to get your limited attention is to challenge convention and raise eyebrows. Examples:

LOSE THIRTY POUNDS OF FAT IN ONE WEEK!

KILLER ABS OVERNIGHT!

A THOUSAND DOLLARS PER DAY WORKING AT HOME!

REVOLUTIONARY NEW DRUG ERASES WRINKLES!

MAGIC SUPPLEMENT ADDS MUSCLE AS YOU SLEEP!

ONE SECRET ALL MILLIONAIRES KNOW!

HOW TO PICKUP HOT BABES!

EAT ALL YOU WANT AND LOSE WEIGHT!

MAKE HER BEG FOR MORE!

FREE HEALTH CARE!

Obviously the exclamation points are crucial in the successful marketing of these absurd commodities. But guess what?

The marketeers and slimeballs behind the campaigns are laughing all the way to the Grand Caymans. Because people buy (into) this crap. People want an easy fix. They want it NOW. From plastic surgery to retirement planning, washboard abs to hair loss and body mass index to Rolex watches, people want the outward signs of success. As easy and as quick as possible. With no work, with no effort and with no sweat. Preferably in pill form and available at Wal-Mart. An entitlement of shallow.

Listen to no-one but you. Don't listen to me. Ignore my ravings. Think of me as another challenge in your relentless pursuit to eliminate distraction. When I plead with you to focus, think positive, go further, smile and repeat, give it some thought. Ask your heart, your lungs, your core, your telomearse, your very soul for second opinions. Listen closely to that response. 

And then follow their advice. The sage is within.