Dirty Inspirations

A Fly on the Wall of Ambiguity

2009-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Upon returning from crewing at Western States 100 this past weekend I revisited - again - the "why's" of 100 milers. So I dug up some old thoughts on this topic that happen to still ring true... and most likely will for you...

(from July '05)

For an experienced ultra-runner, pacing another runner in a 100 mile trail race is like being a fly on the wall of one’s own chosen abyss of suffering. I had yet another opportunity to experience that genre of voyeurism in the Vermont 100 two weeks ago. My friend and training partner, Kevin, signed up for this race as his first 100 and asked me to escort him the last 32 miles to the finish.

The concept of “pacing” a runner in a 100 mile race was conceived as a means to keep a compromised and late-in-the-game delusional, athlete safe during the literal and emotional darkest sections of an event. Since those who run 100 milers frequently enter challenging altered states and severe bouts of physical and psychological discomfort, pacing was designed as a way to guide a runner to his destination while lowering the incidence of face plants, passing out on the trail and choking on one’s own vomit, wandering off trail into a void, and therefore not making it safely to the finishline. I summarized pacing to my rookie Western States pacer this year as, “I am the drunk person at the party who is trying to have a good time, and you are the designated driver. Your job is to keep me safe so I can party on.”

The pacer makes sure the runner is eating and drinking properly, she encourages the runner in his labored efforts to run and helps keep the body and mind moving forward positively. The pacer constantly negotiates silence and what she should say to the runner in a “walking-on-egg-shell-type” relationship in which verbal expression is carefully planned and executed.

Pacing is sort of like a mini adventure race except that one of the teammates is really messed up and the other is fresh, and the two only go as fast as the messed up one can manage. If the pacer is fit, she sees the experience very clearly, can multi-task easily, and keep pace without effort.

A pacer will escort the runner for 30, 40, or 50 miles+. This distance depends on the difficulty of the course and, therefore, when a runner is expected to hit sunset. Strange things happen for runners when the lights go out. Pace slows, perceptions change, motivation can wane and most definitely decision making is altered. In an otherwise crazy moment in a runners race, the pacer can become the voice of reason and calm during that last stretch of darkness and/or sunrise to the finish line.

For an experienced ultra-runner, pacing is like looking in the mirror of ones own usual race condition and the reflection most often isn’t pretty. As with most all 100 mile racers, Kevin struggled a bit and then a lot the last 20 miles of his race. He grew sullen, he had fits of temper, laughter and frustration, he ran courageously and solidly, he walked with difficulty and through it all he pressed on. I watched in fascination the expected demise of an otherwise strong and capable athlete. 100 miler’s reduce humans to a throbbing mono-focus and the pacer gets to take it all in with enthrallment.

The pacer observes this odd spectacle and asks, yet again, why she herself chooses to partake in this nature of difficulty. And somehow through the ache she sees something bright and worthwhile. She sees the rawness of the person, the undercoat, the warrior, the peeled away layers of self. And she realizes that this type of exposure could very well be the authenticity that eludes most people in life—the epiphany of who we truly are. A 100 mile race is a personal measurement of success that is very honest and pure. Perhaps the rawness of the human, striped down to nerves and blood and emotion is the genuine essence of self. And through the dirt and the sweat it all seems simply worthwhile and unavoidable for those who chose to live in a world of ambiguity and challenge.

Post race, I asked Kevin what was different in this race from other Ironmans or 50 milers in which he had participated. He said it was this raw pain. During and post race, he had experienced a unique and novel means of suffering. A unique and novel means of tapping into depth—a primitiveness. For him it was an affirmation of who he was as an athlete. And just a couple weeks post race—he’s already planning the next challenge. Amen.

No Turd Left Behind

2009-06-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

gorgeous summit day in '05!

In light of my climb on Mt Shasta this coming weekend, I wanted to revisit a post from my last Shasta climb a few years back. Enjoy!

August '05

In their quest to eliminate human waste on the otherwise picturesque and pristine Mt. Shasta, the rangers who manage that 14+k high mountain in Northern California are right on target…literally.

Along with a $20 summit permit a climber is required to acquire a “poop kit” (my name for it) at any ranger kiosk on the mountain before further ascension. The kit includes two brown paper bags that liken the lunch receptacle of an elementary school student. What would otherwise house a PBJ, chips, an apple, and a note from mom, on Mt. Shasta hosts a cup of kitty litter.

In addition to the litter-filled-bags, the kit includes a place mat sized piece of paper with a target printed on it. The target has various circles—smaller circles inside of bigger. The objective of the target-user/poop-maker is to hit the center while using. Hitting the center of the target makes poop wrap up a potentially cleaner prospect. You are also given an instruction sheet (as big as the target) outlining this recommended method of poop gathering. This allows you to read about poop gathering, while poop gathering. Very efficient. All items for the poop kit are enclosed in a large plastic bag.

The climber carries the poop kit up onto the mountain, deposits poop onto target, wraps target into a neat package and places package into kitty litter filled brown bag. Brown bag is put into global poop kit plastic bag and carried off the mountain back to garbage receptacles at ranger kiosk. Thus the mountain and mountaineers are pleased to enjoy snow, scree and glaciers as they are meant to exist—No Turd Left Behind.

During my recent trip to the top of Shasta with a few buddies, I found this method of poop gathering effective (barring high winds). Not only were we required to have our poop kit on us at all times, but any roving ranger we encountered on the mountain asked us if this were so. The rangers were NOT interested in seeing our climbing permits—they only asked us if we had poop kit in tow. No Turd Left Behind Enforcement at it’s best.

The only downside to the otherwise organized and enforced No Turd program was that poop kits housed only 2 kitty-litter-filled brown bags and 1 target. For multiple turd leavers, this posed a problem. I did not see a reasonable way to re-use the target and have a seamless poop experience. If one had an overactive colon due to food or exertion or altitude, the two bag policy was not sufficient. Multiple bags/litter/targets were needed in order for a 1.5-2 day climber to honor the No Turd policy.

Mt. Shasta rangers—great work at this noble cause! Offer a few more amenities in your poop kits, your No Turd Left Behind policy will be flawless and this beautiful mountain remain in tact. Climb on!

Going Longer – In a Different Dimension

2009-05-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

The past few months I’ve been posting perspectives on Going Longer (than you’ve gone before) in endurance sport. I’ve touched on the central concepts of adaptation and patience, revering the chosen new distance, shifting views of success and solidifying your mental game, for your new endeavor. These are all aspects of ultra endurance sport I’ve worked to harness over the years, recently highlighting them in my book, Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration. And in current months they’ve taken on an unwanted different dimension in my life.

I’ve watched many of you plan your upcoming seasons, gain the confidence to sign up for exciting new events, build your base, and see results from your commitment to training. This is the process that keeps me psyched and motivated as a coach—to see you, building a bigger you. And because I am typically taking on the same process for a compelling upcoming adventure, I’ve been asked frequently, “Terri, what are you training for?”

My response right now, “I’m training for life.”

There has never been a time when those trite words were truer.

Due to my Achilles tendon injury it has been 7 months and 4 days since I’ve gone on a “real” run. This is by far the longest period that I have not run for 38 years and it has required me to see shifts in my body and my psyche. In most ways I have not accepted, but conceded to my predicament. But in all ways I have made intriguing swings to different dimensions in my life.

Though I’d rather be running in Namibia, climbing a mountain, or training for a 100 mile trail race, I cross-train patiently and live vicariously through others doing the long stuff. I am even reticent to plan a future adventure, as having that big carrot on the horizon may cause me to push my leg before its ready. Yes, I have struggled with these requirements. Mostly I have learned that I can either remain in the struggle, or, I can accept and face the struggle while focusing on different areas of my little world. I don’t flail gracefully, so I’ve chosen the latter.

My vision is that I am circumambulating all other dimensions of Gong Longer and will come full circle in the near future and start prepping for a big novel physical endeavor (that I have already formulated). As my good friend Charlie Engle says, some of us don’t wish to do things that we know we can do. I think for some, Going Longer requires us to toe the start line to a goal with a huge dose of physical ambiguity.

In the meantime I am going longer in my professional life, pushing forward new business projects and spending time on two new book proposals—all with no immediate financial return—in the worst economy we could muster. If I can’t experience the mood swings of a big mountain, I’ll settle for rolling the dice financially while enjoying my continued driving force toward the right passion focus for my current life. I’d like to round the bend at the end of the summer with a new book deal, a couple new biz projects in place, and ready to take on my next bout with physical ambiguity. We’ll see how it plays out.

In the meantime, if you have been physically sidelined and required to change dimensions in how you Go Longer in your life, I’d love to hear how that’s going for you. If you are solid physically and opting to Go Longer in your endurance life this season, I’d love to live vicariously through your goal!

Going Longer Part 8: Patience is a Virtue

2009-04-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Runners do not hit the wall in a marathon because of the distance; they hit the wall at mile 18, 20, or 22 because they either had an inadequate fuel plan, their training was insufficient for the distance, or they were not patient in their pacing of the distance.

Just as going longer requires your fuel plan to be dialed in, it also obliges you to be prudent in your early race pace. “My pace felt too easy the first 10 miles, so I went a bit faster than I had planned” is a common comment from wall-hitting marathoners.

Of course it’s going to feel easy at the beginning! The best pace for you to run is the pace you can evenly sustain--for the entire 26.2 miles. To hold this pace at the beginning of the event feels effortless, so it is critical that you are incredibly patient with this early effort. If you are not patient and not hitting your correct pace, you will not only slow down toward the end of the race, you may slow down significantly--1, 2, or more minutes per mile.

The place in triathlon where many forget to heed the virtue of patience is on the bike. Again I hear, “I felt so good on the bike, but my run didn’t go so well.” Triathlon is a swim, bike, and run event. So if you have a blazing swim and bike and blow up on the run, it won’t matter if your bike was the fastest of the day for your age group--your finish line result will be disappointing.

The longer you race in triathlon, the more patience is required. An inappropriately paced bike leg in an Ironman can leave a 3:30 marathon runner doing the Ironman shuffle on the run course. Because I have done so many long events, “patience” is one of the words I use in training to bring myself to a place of global reflection of my race. In Ironman events, patience often meant I put my blinders on during the bike leg. Being super fit and tapered for an Ironman equates to feeling like you are on fire on the bike. This is an exquisitely fun sensation but one that needs to be kept in perspective if you wish to have a strong total race experience.

When I said “patience” to myself, it would be my cue to look straight ahead and not at the people passing me. I would check in with my pace, given the distance left and the marathon looming, and I would relax into my own race plan.

Going Longer Part 7: Refine Your Fuel Plan

2009-04-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

The human body can, amazingly, move forward for a few hours with little to no fuel. But if you go longer than a few hours without adequate calories, electrolytes, and water, you’ll be forced to walk, or stop. I’ve seen athletes complete international distance events on a couple hundred calories or less. I’ve seen people complete half-Ironmans on a bit more than that, but in both of these cases, they didn’t have their best race, and there is a high probability they felt very poorly post-race, and perhaps even for a few days after.

The longer you go, the more you are required to fine-tune your fuel plan. Consider adding some protein to your fuel plan, and be hyper-diligent about taking in that fuel on a consistent basis. Toward the end of an Ironman, your body is moving almost solely on what you are consuming. If you miss a food stop or are late in taking in calories or water, you can push yourself over an edge that will be quite challenging to reclaim.

Create a fuel plan that is steady throughout your event--without missing a beat. Missing a feeding in a shorter race may mean that you have a poor performance and a post-race headache. Missing some much-needed calories over the long haul may mean that you miss out on your well-deserved finish line experience.

Going Longer Part's 5/6: Revel in the Experience_Success is Relative

2009-03-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

(our continued discussion of Going Longer than we have prior in endurance sports)

Revel in the Experience. A client who recently did his first Ironman in Hawaii had a very poignant goal for the race: “I’m so excited to go to this race, I really just want to race smart and take in the whole experience.” His main objective was to finish the race. It being his first Ironman, he didn’t know how that would play out. So he came up with a plan for pace and fuel, adapted it as needed along the way, and then metaphorically sat back and enjoyed every minute of the experience. The result: a life-changing experience and a desire to go back and do it all over again.

Going longer is a journey of which you’ve never participated. If you allow yourself to put aside all the worry and hype and revel in the extended experience of your training and the race itself, you may come away with a refreshing view of life and yourself.

Success is Relative. My personal successes in the distances that I have raced or trained are not about you. The way that I define success for me is based on my own experiences and interpretations of their value in my life, and yours need be based on similar criteria--for you.

Your distance-based successes and accomplishments are relative to your own experiences. There is no point in comparing your success to others--they do not live your life, nor you theirs. Each of us will have a definition of success that is relative to our own life. Period.

Going Longer Part 4: Embrace the Mental Game

2009-03-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

The longer you go, the more critical your need to embrace your mental game. Having your goals laid out and your self-talk dialed in will not just help you have a faster time, they may make or break your ability to finish a race of novel distance.

When you train or race for several hours or more, you have no choice but to keep yourself company in your mind. You can be the negative, energy-sucking training partner, or you can be the helpful, rational training partner. The time you spend, or not, refining your mental game will decide who shows up in your head on race day.

Just about anyone can get through a sprint- or international-distance race with the negative training partner chatting in their head, but it takes a mentally trained athlete to dial that self-talk to positive or rational for 5, 7, or 15 hours. Dial in your mental game, and you’ll be assured to embrace an effective mental companion come race day.

One of my clients, Jill, decided to run her first 50K trail race and she summarized her experience with the following observations: “The mental capacity needed to complete this type of endurance event is monumental. The conversations you have with yourself are fascinating, from all perspectives: ‘This is great.’ ‘Now it isn't.’ ‘That hurts.’ ‘Now it doesn't.’ ‘Can I finish?’ ‘I can do this!’ ‘Look at that, how beautiful.’ ‘Did I really sign up for this?’ ‘Paid for this, no less.’ ‘I'm so lucky to be out here.’ ‘I could be sitting in an office staring at a computer.’

“It's very easy to think ‘I could be done right about now.’ The funny thing is…there's no where to go but forward. So…you go. And go, and go some more. In the end, the reward is beyond measure. Sure the medal and t-shirt are cool, but the sense of accomplishment is quite unexpected. You relive each segment of the race and begin to remember the smallest details about the foliage, the terrain, the people, the snacks, the weather, the sounds, and the feeling. You then realize what you just did and smile.”

Embracing your mental game will offer you the possibility of walking away from all events with a strong sense of personal satisfaction. Ignore your mental game, and a bad day on the roads can turn into what my adventure racing teammate so aptly observes, “A whole lotta pain and suffering.”

Going Longer Part 3: Revere the Distance

2009-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

When going longer than you have gone before in your sport, do not fear the distance, admire it. And in that, respect yourself for taking on that distance. Celebrate your choice to step up to the line of a difficult event. You are selecting an endeavor most people would never entertain. Congratulations, you’re opting to move away from your comfort zone and learn a great deal.

Any athlete who has chosen to go longer can attest to their getting seriously humbled. If I ever find that I’m a bit too full of my grand fitness or strength, I quietly remind myself of the remaining distance in my race. My first Wasatch 100 trail running race, I felt fresh and strong on the 4000-foot, several-mile climb off the starting line. When noticing my aggressive pace, I immediately reprimanded myself, “Terri, you have 98 miles to go--slow down!” Now that is a quality reality check when going long.

Revel in the distance you are covering, and be humbled by the distance you are covering. These reminders will keep that distance in perfect balance with your race plan.

Going Longer Part 2: Adapt or Fail

2009-02-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

In considering going longer, adapting--to training, lifestyle changes, cold water, and more--isn’t just a perk that can help you get faster and be on top of your mental game, it’s a requirement. In going longer, you either adapt or you fail.

If you’ve done an endurance sport, you know that it’s common to have difficult issues pop up--crashing on your bike, getting kicked in the face during the swim, getting blisters on the run, and so on. The longer the event, the longer the list can become.

The longer you race or train, the longer you are asking your body and mind to engage in some really tough forward movement. An Ironman isn’t twice as hard as a half-Ironman, it is exponentially as tough. If you’re racing a 7-hour half-Ironman event, you don’t just need a bit more food and water than you do for an international distance race, you need a lot more, and you need to refine your calorie intake to meet the demands of the distance.

To go longer, you need to learn to emotionally shrug off environmental discomfort and deal with it rationally, because 14, 15, or 17 hours are too long to be pissed off at the heat and wind. You are required to adapt to significant structural discomfort and mental struggle. These become part of your everyday existence in training, and you adapt to move with them and not fight them.

From: Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration

Going Longer Part 1: Embracing the Unknown

2009-02-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Many people do endurance sport because it tests their resolve. They get value from those tests--information about strengths and clarity on weaknesses. Taking on an event that is longer than anything you’ve done before places you on the stage of the unknown. This can be a scary place, but if you are methodical and intelligent, you can manage that fear and move into your test with some sense of belief you can achieve. You may ponder, “Am I good enough?” When going long, the answers are loud and clear.

The people who choose to step onto that unknown stage and perform know the value in taking risks. Each long day of training or racing sets a new stage, a new opportunity, a new view of self, a higher value. There is significant value to going longer than you’ve gone before, and those who have know this. Those who seek going longer, sense it, and may build their own opportunities to go longer.

“Going Longer” in Perspective

When considering taking your race distance up a notch, you need to embrace this change with eyes wide open. Going longer will not only place demands on your time, it will require you to change up your perspective on your sport in various ways. Over the next several weeks I'll offer a few critical perspectives to consider when looking at going longer. Stay tuned!

- from: Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration

Take the Pressure Off while Building Your Base

2009-02-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

Unless you live in an area where training outside may be unsafe due to snow, ice, or extreme weather, there is no reason to not get outside. A bit chilly? Wear the proper clothing to accommodate for cold or wind chill. Raining? You get wet anyway when you are swimming, so what’s the issue? The plethora of high-tech clothing and shoes leaves you with no excuse to stay indoors on winter weekends, and chances are, you may have the roads or trails to yourself!

If you are consistent, steady, and disciplined, you will have a long, strong base come March and be in position to add speed to your program. Remember, after some downtime, it will take a while for you to get back into your usual routine and you may slip up and miss workouts more than you do during the season. Take the pressure off, enjoy your easy time on the roads, and you’ll be back up to speed in no time.

If your training is intelligently structured, you will hit your first spring event ready to race with a solid core of strength. The more engaged you are with your playtime and your off-season training, the more enjoyable that first season race will be.

Training Tip: Jump-starting Training

2009-01-28T16:01:00.000-08:00

To jump into off-season base building, keep the focus on being kind to your body with easy, relaxed training sessions. Take your time getting back up to speed by using the following rules as a guide:

* Refrain from starting training where you left off. Start with a third of the training time you were doing midseason.

* For the first couple weeks, train three to five days per week.

* Build your program by 10{en}15 percent of the total time training per week in each sport.

* Every fourth week, do an easy week and cut your mileage by 30 percent. * On the fifth week, jump back to where you were at the end of week three, and continue your methodical build.

* Off-season is a perfect time to refine your skill base. Examine your freestyle stroke, work on spinning full circles on your bike, or have someone video tape you running, and then incorporate drills for improved form.

* Assess your gear to see where you can improve on speed and efficiency. Take advantage of end-of-season or post-holiday sales and get that new bike or wetsuit you’ve been eyeing. Or use the extra darkness of winter to motivate you to get a new bike trainer for indoor cycling.

* If you are starting back in November or December, do minimal anaerobic work for a couple months, unless it’s playful, infrequent, and impromptu.

* Use this time to build your aerobic base and gain a structural base of strength in your body. Slowly accrue miles and training time to get your body and mind ready for the rigors of a full training program.

* Emphasize strength and core strength training with weights, plyometrics, or other types of strength work. Build up to doing your strength training program three times a week in the off-season.

Allow yourself to get creative with your training. Keep it light, easy, and fun for a few months while you are building your aerobic base. Ride in a different area. Check out a new masters swimming program or coach. Explore some new trails while running.

From: Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration

Wishing you introspection and growth in this new year:

2009-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

For over 25 years I've coached hundreds of athletes to help them reach life changing goals and there is one thing that has stood out the most. That enduring in our training to attain fitness not only gives us those rewarding finish line experiences, it is the most valuable action we can take to attain a healthy life in total. If all of our material "stuff" is ultimately stripped away and we still have our heath and mental well being - our families will remain rich indeed.

Now more than ever it is critical that we invest in a process that will offer us the resiliency and ability to adapt in these changing times. I encourage you to sign up for that fitness class, race, or gym membership in ’09. Don’t pull back funds toward your fitness and well being – they are your most valuable possessions.

But don’t stop there! Use this transition time to evaluate what is important in your life and your work. Take a class or seminar to increase your skill level, volunteer to support those less fortunate, offer your strength to friends and loved ones, or initiate a new program that can give value to your community. Our introspection and subsequent growth in these challenging times can be cathartic if we allow it. All the while invest in and sustain your fitness and health.

Embrace the current challenges by taking action and I’ll bet that you’ll engage in some quality, life changing introspection in ’09.

I’d love to hear how that plays out for you,

Terri

My Internal War Zone

2008-12-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

I so envied my friends braving storms, sea sickness and running in several feet of fresh snow that to ease my mind for not being able to partake in my Antarctic adventure I re-read the detailed radiologists’ report of my Achilles tendon MRI. This was a sure way to once and for all rid myself of ridiculous self pity and rejoin the road to reality. Having a fair amount of schooling in anatomy I deciphered enough info to feel some significant anatomical shock and awe.

In short, the whole foot/ankle lower calf area resembles a war zone in Bagdad with no intermittent electricity perks. Between signs of past damage, ongoing damage, and the current issues, it might be prudent to hack my leg off about mid calf and start over with a bionic one. An aside: I must disclose a bizarre fantasy I’ve had while running (pre-MRI). I look for other runners with a natural and healthy looking gait and wonder what it would be like to hijack their left Achilles. What if my left Achilles could feel as solid as my right one does? What running I could accomplish in far off lands!

But then I wake up, review the radiology speak and realize that I’m married to a leg which is an elaborate road map of pain and destruction. Tearing, partial tearing, fluid build up, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, old tears, new ones, atrophy due to prolonged tendonitis. They even unveil damage done "from a probable ankle sprain".

I remember that sprain acquired several years ago while running fast down a narrow circuitous trail during an adventure race. Taking a turn a bit too fast I broke loose the outside of the path (and my ankle) and went down as if getting bucked off a bronco. After clawing my way back up the hillside to the worried looks of my teammates I sat down hard, feeling like I was going to puke.

I've only experienced this post-injury-turning-white-as-a-sheet-puke-feeling a few times in my life (its called shock...). One other time was doing a sideways triple flip off my road bike on a high speed decent after my front tire blew in a corner. Along with some impressive road rash and a few other issues, I tore cartilage in my wrist. I never wear a watch on my road bike (athletic pet peeve #74) but for some reason that day I put one on. When I got home I noticed that the entire face of the watch had been sliced away by road impact. Though the wrist was internally injured the watch no doubt saved me from a significant wrist defacing.

Just as I got back on my bike post crash and rode the 50 miles back to my house (because my brain is programmed that way), I got up and tried to continue in the adventure race post ankle blow out. My leg swelled considerably. I responded by tying my shoe tighter. What wasn't to be ignored was the full year it took to get the ankle 100% solid. Not that any unsolidness stopped me from training and racing on it.

Years later with proof that I had in fact torn a bunch of stuff in that ankle with my fall I still can admit I don't think I would have done anything differently. Is this ignorant? Hubris? Delusional? Perhaps, but as all hard core endurance athletes with a high pain tolerance can attest there is some remote virtue in pushing ‘past’. Past notions of pain, past nature’s obstacles and mostly past the voices in our mind that say "you can't". Endurance athletes ride the fence of being our own hero of 'pushing past' or, succumbing to the sometimes-wisdom of deciding to come up short. Creating a satisfying sporting life within this truth is part of the art of training and racing.

In adventure racing a bright navigator makes sound educated nav decisions while, at times intuitively rolling the dice. If this process is done holistically well (taking everything that he knows into consideration at any moment), he makes the right call about 85-90% of the time. With my team, the other 15% of the time generated the most memorable “wild rides” I’ve experienced in adventure as well as top notch learning experiences.

With my Achilles issue I’ve been pushing past for a very long time while learning to manage the issue well enough to hit that 15% failure rate. Does that make me a dumb athlete? No. Actually if we assess our options frequently and with logic we will develop an important respectful relationship with our body, ease our minds, and make decisions that are mostly correct. Mostly correct isn't so bad in a lifetime of sport. If we choose to play hard we may be required to visit 15% failure now and then.

My ankle has seen better days and will see better ones ahead. But the tough days and places it did see are vast and valuable and I can't say I'd change how it played out. My challenge now is to sort out living in the 15% failure zone – a definite opportunity to see how smart I REALLY am as an athlete.

That said, I still envy all runners I see galloping down trails, but I’m starting to refocus on moving forward. Juices are flowing again and ideas forming… I’m not that good at baby steps so expect some big ones in the coming weeks....Terri

National Day of Listening

2008-11-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 28 is National Day of Listening initiated this year by the founder of StoryCorps which is aired each week on NPR (National Public Radio).

StoryCorps is an independent nonprofit that has helped more than 40,000 Americans record their stories. It is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, and is their mission to help people honor and celebrate one another's lives through listening.

Here's their goal for this first annual:

This holiday season, ask the people around you about their lives — it could be your grandmother, a teacher, or someone from the neighborhood. By listening to their stories, you will be telling them that they matter and they won’t ever be forgotten. It may be the most meaningful time you spend this year.

You can preserve the interview using tape recorders, computers, video cameras or a pen and paper. Or use StoryCorps free Do-It-Yourself Guide. It is easy to use and will prepare you and your interview partner to record a memorable conversation.

Two of the greatest gifts we can give to those we care about don't cost a dime! They are our time and our ear. Take an hour out of your week and listen to someone you love. I'll bet you may see bits of yourself in the interview - a mirror reflection of sorts...if you peek. I'm going to interview my 79 year old mom. I'll let you know how it goes.
Terri

It's Out!

2008-11-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

My new book, Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration, has hit the stores and I kicked off a slew of upcoming book signings right here in Santa Cruz at Capitola Book Café. A fun night indeed. Check my website for a signing in your area. I’d love to meet you and get your feedback!

To entice you to check out the book, here’s a piece taken from the Intro:

Triathletes as Heroes

I have been asked many times who my heroes are in sport. In our society we often associate “hero” as being someone who has accomplished some monumental feat or has unusual talent or vigor beyond the norm for what they take on in life. Yet regular folks and middle-of-the-pack athletes have just as much emotionally riding on their accomplishments as do the inherently talented. Their road to success can often be even more vigorous than those for which it comes a bit easier.

The significance of getting a personal record in your 5K or completing your first triathlon is as much of a champion move in your world as it is for Tiger Woods to bring in another million. We all find value and satisfaction in our accomplishments. How and why we get there may just look a bit different.

As a young girl I was intrigued with professional athletes, just like any kid, but I realized that true heroic feats were happening all around me--daily, by people struggling to do life while going after their dreams. My father worked two jobs to support a family of seven while going to school to get his degree so he could advance in his career. He taught me that no matter what we choose in life, we go after with dignity and hard work and then we can respect ourselves. We can be our own hero.

The world is a tough place, and if you throw voluntary physical duress into your daily repertoire in order to offer your kids a stronger vision of humanity, I’d say that is a heroic decision. As I matured as an athlete, this picture of the everyman-hero became clearer.

In 1993, I coached a group of fifteen women who were interested in competing in the Danskin Women’s Triathlon in San Jose, California. These women became my first sports heroes. Some of them didn’t know how to swim. Others borrowed bikes for the occasion. A few had never run. All were moms with jobs and full lives.
In eight weeks, all fifteen crossed the finish line via life-altering experiences. For some, it was the first time they had given themselves a gift worth coveting-- self-confidence. I admired them for stepping into the unknown in their lives to examine themselves. What they found was more woman than they imagined.

This concept that had eluded them prior seemed to come to me naturally--you want something, go after it. In many ways it felt easy, and I drew strength from making these choices regularly. But I saw the magnitude of their initial fear and struggle and their choice to follow through with their goal. That was heroic. If that vision of “hero” rings true in your world, then you’ll see that the sport of triathlon is full of them. If you don’t believe me, look in the mirror.

(from Triathlon Revolution, terri schneider)

The Conservation Alliance fundraiser

2008-10-30T10:45:00.001-07:00

Clarification on fundraiser:

The money I have collected will go to The Conservation Alliance. If folks wish to still contribute they are more than welcome. I am not doing my Movie Night fundraiser as I'd like to save the films for my next fundraiser. So, Movie Night is the fundraiser that has been cancelled....

Thanks for the inquiry,
Terri

Damaged Goods

2008-10-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

This past week I’ve pined to join the ranks of those I have little tolerance for, and whine for just a minute… Whining, like worrying is generally a waste of breath. We play the victim blah...blah...blah... then we feel like we emotionally got hit by a truck. Yet here I am doing the injured athletes version of Russian Roulette—whining and fretting and hating myself for it all the while. Go ahead—pull the trigger.

This past May I had to pull out of a race for which I had trained well due to problems with my heart. Now I am facing a similar predicament—pulling out of my upcoming Antarctica event—due to a failed body part. More damaged goods. (whine, whine, whine)

After a thorough review with my sports medicine doctor of an Achilles tendon MRI, we’ve discovered I have a partial tear to my left anterior Achilles tendon near and above the attachment. About half of the area is still "healthy" while the rest looks like the page that Jon Stewart frantically scribbles on in The Daily Show intro, with a big messy ink blot at the base. The blot is fluid on the bone and bone inflammation.

I’ve deliberated over the upcoming event for many days and sleepless nights trying to find an opening that makes it feasible for me to race—and moreso to validate my really great fundraiser for The Conservation Alliance. But no matter how the MRI is sliced the fragmented scribble marks hang in my brain. As advised by my doc, I need to make the decision not to race and begin a very long rehab on my leg.

The end of the earth is a long way to travel to just check out the penguins and watch every one else run (can you feel the self pity building…). So the bitterness of deciding not to go hangs in my nostrils, kinda like after being hit in the head by a stray seagull turd. The repeated gull dive bomb is that I'm looking at several months or a lot more of modified training to get this thing healthy again.

Please don’t say, “it could be worse" - I'll get there in due time. I fully realize that I have a really great life and that I have in fact dodged true tragedy such as—a suicide bomber showing up on my mothers doorstep, my dog getting hit by a car, or someone telling me after my next speaking presentation that I remind them of Sarah Palin. But right now this feels like it really sucks and I just need to be in that and be pissed off at myself for not being nicer to my aging body. Right now I just need to whine a little. Knowing myself I’ll get over it very soon and be back at you with some more refined perspective. Wink ;)

Racing Antarctica, Movie Night, Book Launch Party!

2008-10-05T15:05:00.000-07:00

Whew! So much exciting stuff happening.

I must first admit that fundraising has been hugely rewarding – I’m pleasantly surprised. Having passion for what the people at The Conservation Alliance are accomplishing keeps me motivated.

I am astonished at the generosity of so many friends and acquaintances. And it has been excellent touching base with some folks I haven’t corresponded with for quite a while. But this job is unceasing! Pass the word, send people my blog site, or better yet a direct link to my site where they can donate – http://www.terrischneider.net/

To add some fun to this process I’ve decided to host an “Endurance Madness” Movie Night as a fundraiser for Racing Antarctica and The Conservation Alliance. I’ll show film clips from Hawaii Ironman, Eco Challenge and an excellent documentary on Western States 100 and I’m certain that unless you have watched these with me you have never seen them – all “never been seen on TV footage”! This will be a get-motivated-or-your-money-back night of fun, film and raffle prizes. Plan to be massively inspired.
“Endurance Madness” Movie Night
Long Marine Lab, Santa Cruz, CA
Thursday, November 6th 7:00 PM

My new book has hit the market! I’ll be hosting a
Book Launching Party and Book Signing for:

Triathlon Revolution: Training, Technique and Inspiration
at
Capitola Book Café, Capitola CA
November 12, at 7:00 PM

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book I highly recommend it—loads of work but worth the rewards (kind of like an endurance event!).
Please come and celebrate this worthwhile project with me!!

Back at you with more Antarctica updates soon,
Terri

Racing Antarctica - for The Conservation Alliance

2008-09-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

As some of you may know for most of my life I’ve sought adventure, physical duress and travel to far off wild places and the virtue that comes with these types of life choices. I’ve also witnessed the fragile relationship of human interaction with our planet. While the adventures I seek today seem to hold a much greater purpose, my time to give back is way, way, overdue. But the thought of running in 120 degree heat across the Sahara Desert is much more appealing to me than facing the terror of asking people to donate money for a cause…

Won’t you join me for my inaugural fundraising efforts and help dispel my fundraising fears! I’m raising money for The Conservation Alliance – an organization that directs their funding toward your community-based campaigns that protect threatened wild habitats. In this process we’ll embark on a big adventure – really big. I’ll be running 155 miles on one of the harshest continents on the planet – Antarctica. Join me! for Racing Antarctica, my fundraiser for The Conservation Alliance.

By supporting The Conservation Alliance, you will invest in an array of the most compelling conservation projects in North America—projects that support your favorite wild places and those of your children for years to come. The zeal of The Conservation Alliance and the outdoor industry companies who support this organization resonate highly with our lives and passions – like a cohesive family nurturing our planet. Help me in supporting your favorite wild places by joining me for Racing Antarctica. Contribute NOW! .

The idea of running 155 miles in one of the most inaccessible spots on the planet for the cause of protecting your favorite places back home is a perfect fit. Scroll down for a bit more info about the cause, the adventure and what YOU get for joining our Team.

The Cause
Have you given back to the rivers, mountains and open spaces that move you? To the places that humble you and will nurture your children for years to come? The Conservation Alliance does just that. They defend North America’s last wild places by supporting grassroots conservation organizations. Since 1989 they have helped protect more than 39 million acres of land, stop or remove 26 dams, and preserve access to thousands of miles of rivers and several climbing areas. But their job is unceasing! NOW’S YOUR CHANCE to give back!

The Adventure
I am one of 30 invited athletes who will participate in Racing the Planet: The Last Desert, November 24-December 4, 2008. As the windiest, driest and most frigid continent, Antarctica is the largest desert in the world. The Last Desert adventure will begin in Ushuaia, Argentina where we will travel two days by ship across the perilous Drake Passage. For 6 days and a total of 155 miles we will run at several locations on Antarctica and its outlying islands. I will be running to raise money for The Conservation Alliance – the folks who help preserve your favorite wild places.

Our goal is $5,000 (but I’d love to raise much much more)!

Your tax deductible contribution:

As a Racing Antarctica team member you’ll receive the following:
- You’ll come along to Antarctica! Your name (or company’s name) will be placed on a shirt that I’ll wear during my Last Desert adventure. (orca and polar bear levels get top billing)
- Invitation to a Team Racing Antarctica post event slide show and party!
- Regular updates on my training as well as live dispatches from the event.
- All contributors will get well deserved recognition on my website, on my donation site, as well as in all PR materials.

Suggested contributions:

Orca Level: $1000
Polar Bear Level: $500
Leopard Seal Level: $100
Weddell Seal Level: $50
Emperor Penguin Level: $25
Other: Whatever amount you wish!

1. Online donation site: To donate quickly and easily CLICK HERE. Go to http://www.terrischneider.net/ for more info.

2. Via email: To avoid an online fee, email terri@terrischneider.net – your contribution can be taken via visa/mastercard

3. Via mail: Send your check to Terri Schneider – Racing Antarctica, PO Box 1826, Aptos, CA 95001

I’m psyched at the prospect of running in inhospitable Antarctica to raise funds to support the wild places YOU love back home! Help me support this critical cause (and get a well deserved tax deduction…)!

Heartfelt thanks for your time in this,
Terri

“We must become the change we want to see in the world.” Gandhi

Books - Terri's Picks

2008-08-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

My name is Terri and I am a book junkie! When I’m not actually moving on a climbing or racing adventure I seek out quiet spots to devour a few good books. I prefer a real live book over anything digital and gravitate predominantly toward non-fiction.

In a spare moment back home you’ll find me at my local book shop in the travel or biography sections, though I have been known to shop prolifically online. Book stores make me happy! I dream of having my own library where I can sit among great thoughts and just…ingest more thoughts. In the meantime I’ll continue to work on expanding my own publications (next book comes out this November!) while I offer you a selection of my favorite reads.

A few of the below were read recently while some quite a while back. They are in no particular order. Stay tuned as I add reviews of each to my website and this blog. I'll post the url to that web page once its up and running...

I'd love to get your recommendations or comments on the below list!

The Places in Between
Rory Stewart
Brilliant in its simplistic prose via a powerful, complex 'adventure'.

Enduring Patagonia
Greg Crouch
The truth from inside Patagonia and a climbers soul.

Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West
Benazir Bhutto
A testament to the severe tragedy of this great woman's death.

John Muir: Apostle of Nature
Thurman Wilkins
If you can get past the deadpan writing style, the story of a legend who defines the term "ahead of his time" will unfold before you.

The Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle
Like many great seekers, Tolle is powerful in his humility and offers a steadfast means to mindful clarity.

The Big Open
Rick Ridgeway
I love this guy! The adventure: as epic as they come and for a formidable cause. It doesn't get much better.

Behavioral Expressions and Biosocial Bases of Sensation Seeking
Marvin Zuckerman
I devoured this while writing my masters thesis on risk taking. If the topic highly grabs you go for it, but be warned it reads like a text book.

Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies and Why
Laurence Gonzales
In fascinating story form Gonzales explains the who's and why's of survival like no other. Refreshing after all the academic speak stuff I've read on the topic.

The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Wow. This blows doors on the movie. Movie isn't even in the same zip code of how fluid and devastating the book plays out. Have tissue available.

The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z
Steve Martin and Roz Chast
Every square inch of this book is good fun! I bought 15 copies as Christmas gifts for my ADULT friends!

On the Ridge Between Life and Death
David Roberts
Roberts is arguably the most eloquent climbing writer on the planet (and I've read a lot). This most recent book elevates the depth and honesty of his continued examination of the sport.

Mother Teresa: Come Be my Light
by Mother Teresa and Brian Kolodiejchuk
If sharing these writings with the world was in part to help us dip into the vortex of this woman’s limitless faith - it did the job excruciatingly well. Many hats off to the Missionaries of Charity for their continued work.

Dark Star Safari
Paul Theroux
I'll read anything P. Theroux has his name on but this pick is particularly honest and poignantly dark. A heartfelt examination of a brutally complex part of our world.

Three Cups of Tea
Greg Mortenson
I didn't connect with the prose but the story and subsequent work by Greg Mortenson is beyond inspirational. An important piece in helping us understand the complexities of culture in the middle east.

The Beckoning Silence
Joe Simpson
Simpson also at the top of the 'best climbing authors' list. He has a profound knack for helping the reader feel that you are there. His writing gets better with each publication.

The Unheard
Josh Swiller
Within the context of a memorable story, Josh gives us valuable insight into the life of a deaf person. Compelling from start to finish.

Coronation Everest
Jan Morris

Thinking Body, Dancing Mind
Jerry Lynch

Camp 4
Steve Roper

Let my People go Surfing
Yvon Chouinard

Sacred Hoops
Phil Jackson

Man’s Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl

The Elephanta Suite
Paul Theroux

Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch
Henry Miller

Invisible Man
Ralph Ellison

Life in the Amazon Jungle - Kusutkau Village

2008-08-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Note: My apology that this is "late" but in any case, I think you'll enjoy this amazing experience. I will have more photos up soon.

We had the privilege of spending one evening and one morning in one of the Achuar villages, a 30 minute boat ride up the river from our lodge. Since we would be engaging in a couple of Achuar ceremonies, we were briefed by our guide on the social nuances in which we’d engage. We couldn’t just cruise in and start chatting, there was a manner in which these people interacted that was relevant and respectful. We were also told that no photo taking was allowed...

Apparently many years ago one of the Achuar villages (“the people of the aguaje palm”) was visited by some outsiders who wanted to film their existence. After this visit something “bad” happened in that village and the people there equated the mishap to the photos that were taken (don’t ask me why). Since that time photo taking is prohibited. Initially I was disappointed with this prospect. But as our visit progressed I realized the immense value in just being there engaging without having to wonder whether I was missing a good photo op. I remained focused on the nuances and interactions of the people rather than working to capture an image.

Most villages in this region are built on what look like (and is) a dirt landing strip for a small plane or helicopter. Foot and boat travel are these peoples only means of getting from one place to another, but they realize that if an emergency arose they would be ‘stuck’. So at some point they started building landing strips down the middle of their villages for Cessna or helicopter access. I do not know how they contact someone with a plane but apparently they have a system.

Achuar life centers on the domestic household, which consists of a primary family unit but can include close relatives. There are usually about ten to fifteen households within the village. Marriages are typically polygamous though in the family we visited the husband chose to have only one wife because he felt that focusing his time on fewer children and wives helped create a more prosperous and less conflicted environment.

We arrived by river and climbed a short embankment to the village site. I noticed immediately how friendly and aggressive the children were – not to us but to each other. Watching them play, climb trees with their feet and hands like a black bear, and push each other around, reminded me of watching wolf puppies in the wild. If you live in a harsh and tough land you’d better learn how to match the land or you don’t survive. During our visit I witnessed children of all families in this village, caring for each other, wandering off into the jungle to gather food or heading to the river to swim – even if they were only 3 or 4 years old. In this environment their lifestyle requires the kids to be tough as animals and it showed in their movements and interactions.

An Achuar home has a strong roof made of palm leaves and trees and it may or may not have side “walls”. If an enclosure if present it resembles an American fence with a short gate as the front door. We entered our hosts home in the ‘male’ area of the house. This is the section where guests are greeted and engaged. A log may section off another area of the house – the ‘female’ area. Outsiders are not allowed into the female area, it is reserved for family and close friends. Our host sat in the middle of the dirt floor on a wooden stool and we sat in a circle on logs or benches, greeting him as we filed in (there were 6 people in our group). He wore a skirt, a necklace of bones and seeds, a woven head band and his face was painted.

Conversation was initiated by our Achuar guide. They chatted about their day interjecting affirmative guttural noises while they avoided direct eye contact (a form of aggression) and as their conversation progressed it became louder and louder. We were then asked to introduce ourselves and our introductions were translated into Spanish and then into the Achuar language. Our host then asked us a few questions. Questions that were telling as to what was important in his life; space (freedom) and family. “Do you have much land around your homes?” – “Are your parents alive?” (his had died when he was young). We then were allowed to ask him questions.

During this time small children would come and go through the back gate, food was being gathered and prepared, and we were served chicha (sp?) or manioc beer by the wife of our host (who never spoke). This drink is the only source of fluid they take in. They have adapted to not drinking the river water as it is not compatible with humans. Instead they all drink this liquid made from a jungle plant which is chewed by the females of the family then fermented. The length of fermentation decides the strength of the brew.

They have deciphered that if all members of a family or even community ingest the saliva of the women, they are gaining natural antibodies that help their clan in warding off disease. The manioc beer serves that purpose nicely.

As we set up our tents and explored the village, the sun set over the jungle canopy and the full moon shined on a starry night. Many question the primitive existence of such people but in moments such as this in nature, I question the sanity of our civilized existence.

That night our whole group dined like kings on chicken, fish and roots that had been wrapped in banana leaves and placed over an open fire to bake. I then lay down on a pad with just a light blanket and looked out at the stars. I thought of how lucky I was to be sharing this moment with such a rich culture. For people who, in our eyes, have nothing, they seem to possess a strong sense of what is often missing in our world—family bonds and peace.

The Achuar day begins at 4 AM with a Wayusa ceremony (we participated in this ceremony). Strong black tea is drunk until one vomits. This is a cleansing ritual to start their day. While they sip tea they spend time with family, discussing issues in the village, teaching children how to make crafts, and playing. It is family time and is executed every day for a few hours until the sun comes up.

It is said that an Achuar is a living encyclopedia. They can recognize each of the 500 species of birds found in their area. One person can distinguish every tree and explain their medical or practical uses. They live in harmony with their environment, where all animals and plants have human-like attributes with a soul and an independent life. According to the Achuar every plant or animal has its own language and they are believed to understand some elements of this language. They know where to fish, how to hunt and when to harvest their crops. The forest is their nourishing mother.
The Achuar also believe that when somebody dies, some parts of the body become autonomous and will reincarnate in species animals. Thus, the lungs and the butterflies, the shadow becomes a deer, the heart lives in a bird and the liver is an owl.
During our Wayusa ceremony our host played his flute for us. We learned more about the Achuar way of life including how to use a make and use dart gun for hunting. We then got an opportunity to purchase crafts made by the village women and children. Decorative ceramic bowls are made by clay gathered in the river beds, necklaces made with seeds and animal bones, and woven head bands.

These people chose to interact with westerners because they believe that if they can create awareness about the importance and beauty of their environment and culture, we may see its inherent value and stop clear cutting or trying to invade their lifestyle by trying to change it (missionaries). So they let us in to be brief fly’s on the wall of an ancient way of life. What I saw were people with clarity of purpose, family ties, strong relationships with nature and contentment. Not so bad for folks who have no shoes and cook over an open fire on dirt floors.

I once again return home to a changed up lens color. This time further convinced to downsize my life (if I possibly can any more), and live closer to mother earth. Sometimes in our convoluted world – the answers we seek are in the simple places and times. Dust off the travel bag, and a world of answers can await.

To the Amazon Rain Forest

2008-07-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Note: I´m heading home tomorrow (sunday) but wanted to get started on piecing together this portion of my trip for you all. More to come upon my return state-side... (please excuse typos)

Monday, July 14

As we drove to Shell from Quito (Plan B), we noticed that we could see the beautiful snow capped volcanoes. Looks like the weather has cleared - go figure.

The really cool part of this drive was through the deep wet river valley and the start of the Cloud Forest near a village called Banos (yes, Banos). Despite the unfortunate name Banos is the "extreme sports capital" of Ecuador. Just on our wisk through we witnessed mountain biking, rafting, kayaking and bungee jumping. The many waterfalls in the deep canyon accentuated this lovely spot.

Our Cessna flight to Kapawi lodge in the Amazon was nothing short of spectacular. For the first 15 minutes I could see an infrequent smattering of dwellings, then our final 45 minutes into the bowels of the jungle was nothing but a sea of forest as far as the eye could see. Sort of like a lush green version of the Pacific.

Once we decended into our brief dirt runway and I stepped out of our 4 seater plane it felt like OZ unfolding before me and the air smelled like warm honey. "Toto we definitely aren´t at 15,000 feet anymore..."

I have been in rainforests before in Borneo and Australia and I figured out fast that they are all remarkably unique and yet hold similar qualities as well. The sameness lies in the warm enveloping radiance of the moist, still climate teamed with a consistently frenetic vibrancy in the surrounding jungle. Its inviting and confusing at the same time - like being wrapped in a heavy down comforter with a raging storm outside.

On our brief tranquil canoe ride from the landing strip to the lodge I recalled the many rivers just like this one I have paddled and swam (and picked up diseases ..). And I had that feeling of hope I get when traveling to a remote place on the planet - that maybe, perhaps, we are not yet lost to our own ingorance and inadequacies in sustaining our planet. Just maybe...

Tuesday, July 15/16 - Amazon

Yesterday I whiled away the afternoon in the hammock on the deck of our "cabin" writing, watching birds listening to jungle noises. There is a constant chatter and drone about the rain forest. The sounds during the day are unique to those in evening and then at night. As the day progresses into night its as if the critters are slowly sliding the volume up to hit max right when you climb into bed. But the sound is soothing, natural - distinctly different from man made sounds.

We started our day with birdwatching from the river. I´ve never had an interest in going into nature with the purpose of looking at birds but the relaxing rhythm of the canoe and our countless sightings of birds unique to this part of the world kept my interest.

After a lovely breakfast (the food here is quite good and I seem to be adding some weight to my ass as a result), we headed out on a 3 hour hike with the motive of learning about the medicinal plants used by the Achuar people who live in and have the rights to this region of the Amazon.

Only 7 % of plants in the rain forest are edible! The rest are toxic or poisonous ( both of which can be used in particular medicines by the locals). If the forest was more safely chewable than it is it would be taken over by the ridiculous plethera of insects. The animals figure out what they can and can´t eat and yes, there is a very specific pecking order for how it all works. Nature is admirably smart in all this - we are the ones that tend to disrupt things. Though the Achuar have lived here since - God knows when - and they too have adapted to live in sync with all beings in the forest. All depend and thrive on each other for survival.

Here´s an example: The ant bird follows and eats army ants. Certain types of butterflies follow the ant bird and eat its feces - the ant bird apparently excretes a certain mineral that is needed for this butterfly to lay its eggs. So they all work off of each other to survive. We learned of just a few of thousands of these types of processes.

We examined plants used for pain, malaria, wounds, ear aches, to ward off evil spirits and to cure a child with a cold. Wow who needs mega-billion dollar pharmecutical companies when its all right here! Nature truly does provide if one is obliged to seek and experiment. More food and we decided to head out on another short hike before an afternoon canoe trip up river.

Tomorrow we will doing more trekking, then heading to a nearby Achuar village as we´ve been invited to spend the night, interact and have ceremony with these indigenous people. More about this part of my trip when I return to CA...
terri

Back in Quito from the Amazon...

2008-07-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Wow - I´m back in Quito via helicopter, and kinda blown away from my whole experience in the Amazon - including an intimate visit to a family ´home´in a village of the Achuar people who reside there. Wow again...

Once more my perspective of the world and myself in it has been turned over a few times. Really great stuff. I´m a bit weary from travel but will write more soon to recap the whole experience plus share some additional poignant thoughts I chewed on while swinging in a hammock listening to jungle noises...
Back at you soon...
xoxo
terri

Off to the Amazon

2008-07-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

After a serious day of sight seeing in Old Town and shopping at the Quito art exibits we´re off tomorrow to the antithesis of the mountains of Ecuador - the Amazon jungle. I´m still blown away at the diversity of the geography of this country. This leg of our trip will solidify that observation. We´ll be staying at www.kapawi.com - an Eco Lodge owned and run by the Achuar people.

The lodge is a 30 minute plane ride to Colon, 1 hour helecopter ride then canoe journey into the lodge which is located on the border of Ecuador and Peru. The only other way to get into this area is by foot - 10 days through the jungle.

We´ll be trekking, canoing, bird/animal watching as well as spending time with the indigenous Achuar people in their villages. I hope to see pirrahna and pink dolphins and get a strong sense of how these people live in this challenging area...

Needless to say, I won´t have email or internet access while at Kapawi.
Back at you on the other side...
xoxo
terri
(check out posts below on the last few days of our trip in the mountains...)