The 20MR Episode 29: Listener request: what I like and dislike, email responses

Episode 29 is mainly about you, the listener, though it also includes information about me--per your request. Go with me on the weekly long run as I talk about things that I like...and dislike. I am always a bit hesitant to share a lot about myself. I want this podcast to be about running...and life. However, as I promised ( and always will promise), I will respond to all of your emails, some of them during an episode of The 20 Minute Runner when the situation warrants. This is one of those episodes.

While I won't give details here, I do tell you a bit about myself on this run, especially my likes and dislikes. I try not to be too self-effacing, but do want to respond to your input. Again, I love listener email and honestly thank you for responding! Keep them coming.

MY LIKES (NOT exhaustive)

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Arithmetic (just kidding on that one)
4. Community
5. Serving others
6. Animals
7. Brussel Sprouts/Mexican/Chinese/Kraut (you get the picture...)
8. My wife, actually I love her as well :)
9. Podcasting, receiving listener email
10. Photography
11. Family

MY DISLIKES (NOT exhaustive)

1. Arrogance
2. Self-centeredness
3. Being unable to run
4. Having to deal with grieving families
5. Rutabagas

We close by hearing a few more emails and sharing a recent race report from a listener, David. His report is also included on the "Listener Race Report" blog, see the link at the left.

As I type this, we are preparing for the Thanksgiving Holiday. I sincerely trust that yours is safe and enjoyable as you spend it with family and friends. Send me your likes, dislikes and what you are thankful for. I will share them in an upcoming episode. And, as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

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Other links mentioned in this episode

Order a copy of my book For As Long As I Can, A Son's Memoir of His Father's Dying Request from Amazon (benefits Hospice)

Long Ridge Writer's Group (course)

First Wesleyan Church

The music heard in the body of the podcast (and the background) is entitled “Long Ride Home," by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune Music.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The 20MR Episode 28: Podcasting 101 or "How to start your own..."

Welcome to Episode 28 of The 20MR. As always, I am honored to have you along. As I have said many times: If you were all of a sudden not listening, then this effort would truly be in vain.

We begin this run in the dark, literally, not figuratively--at least as far as I can tell. The stars and moon were beautiful on this early morning venture. But the sun eventually shines and we get into this, a ten-mile run. After a few days away--due to Hurricane Ida--we are back on the road. Listen is as I share about the dreary weather and the challenges it poses for running. While I know there are ways to run in 48 degrees F in the rain, I have never chosen to do so. Those days are few and far between--thankfully.

As we begin marathon training in about 3 weeks, I share what that interim looks likes. While I am completely rested from the half in October, I still do not want to push it, at least just yet. But that day is coming. Having trained for races before, I know you can identify.

Steven has just started his own podcast: "The Devoted Runner." It is a real privilege to share some of the first episode's audio with you. Steven has a clear angle for his show and I am looking forward to all of the episodes. That thought dovetails into a large portion of what we discuss in this episode of The 20MR: How to start your own podcast. Now, while I know everyone does not have the time...or desire...to begin their own show, maybe you have been toying with the idea. As Matt of Run Digger Run told me months ago: "We can never have too many running related podcasts." Whether you intend to start one or not, perhaps you will find the process interesting. I have had a few emails asking me to share how it is done, so I know there is interest. As I stated a few episodes ago, however, I am only an amateur. But I will always tell you what I know about any topic of interest and what my experience has been. You do not have to be a "techie" to produce a show. I wish Steven much success.

After the "Podcasting 101" discussion, we close the show by throwing out the idea that you might want to record some of your runs for posterity's sake--whether you ever make them public or not. It could be a meaningful and interesting legacy to leave to your children...or others. Think about it.

Finally, I had one of the biggest complements I have had, recently. Someone said the show was as much a diary of my life as a motivational show on running. I wholeheartedly agree and am becoming more and more convinced that that angle is what makes the show appealing to many. I also want to thank YOU for pushing the show over a substantial threshold last week. We crossed a new barrier for number of subscribers. I am honored...and humbled.

Hope your running is going great and as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute Runner

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Other links related to this episode

The Devoted Runner Podcast

Sony digital recorder I use

Podbean hosting

Audacity editing software

The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Take Time for the Tub," by Derek K. Miller. Check it out at Music Alley.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

T20MR Episode 27: Life's a beach/all things nautical

Although I am now back in the office, we recorded this, Episode 27, while on vacation at Holden Beach, NC. And while we run in most of the episode, we also talk about a variety of topics that happen to come up, including--but not limited to:

• Hurricanes and their impact on my life and my family through the years
• Gill net fishing: How to do it and what it actually is
• The importance my late step-dad played in my life during my teen years, including teaching me how to fish for such great fare as spots, croakers, and the occasional mullet, oh my!
• We go to The Seafood Hut at Calabash, "The Seafood Capital of the World." They have, beyond question, the best fried seafood on the East Coast (I know, fried foods are bad, but it is the only way to eat a shrimp--at least a few times a year). The place where you can't get anything broiled, and baked potatoes are a "no-no"
  
• Sammy is recovering from surgery; I share an update
• Our discussion goes to the bigger, philosophical reasons for running. The main idea: Running may not add years to your life, but it certainly will add life to your years.

We close by talking about the need to sloooow down... Do you feel the need to do so? Getting in a few days several times a year at the beach--or your favorite "quiet" place--is so critically important for our physical and emotional health. If you are a type A or a workaholic, I invite you to stop and listen to the ocean with me in this episode (Yes, we literally stop and listen to the ocean).

All in all, I hope you find your running, and this episode, relaxing. If you can't get away for time at the beach, lace up your shoes and run with me along the shore. But be sure and watch out for the sand spurs. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

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The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.

The piece heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Beach Drive." by Chris Godber. Check it out at Music Alley.

T20MR Episode 26: Thanks and "Dog Protection Tactics 101"

Welcome to Episode 26. As we make our way through 25 more episodes--hopefully--I thank you for sharing the journey with me. I open this show by sharing my thoughts about things up to this point and what my plans are for the future of the podcast. It is also my privilege to say "Thank you" for your support during the last several months. Whether you are a new listener, or have run through every episode, without you listening, this endeavor would truly be pointless and not work. So, after a few minutes of contemplation...we run.

After a close encounter with a dog--well, sort of close--our thoughts turn to ways to protect ourselves from our canine "friends." Now I am a dog lover (and animal lover in general). But sometimes we have to really be on our guard to protect ourselves if such an occasion arises. I offer a few suggestions during the running portion of this episode and also share a funny story when I had the "4 second burst of superhuman energy" that we discussed last week. If you are concerned about a close encounter of the canine kind, consider the following:

1. Don't run an unfamiliar route at night (make sure to try out a new route in the daytime first).


2. Take some protective precautions: carry a weak bleach solution, or even a stick. We discuss how to use it in the podcast.


3. If that doesn't work, stand your ground and act crazy!


4. Last resort: Run. Unless you know you can outrun the dog, then that is crazy!


5. If attacked, protect your neck and head.


6. Carry your phone with you. Even if you are attacked, you should be able to hit speed dial if necessary. Hopefully the owner, or at least someone else, will be near to offer assistance.


7. Finally, run relaxed. A dog can sense when he has the "upper hand." If you express confidence, the dog can also sense that.


8. (One more suggestion that I failed to discuss: act like you are picking up something to throw. Believe it or not, it really works. Ironically, I just had to use that tactic this morning (along with number 3). Thankfully, I am just fine. )
   

Let me hear your canine encounter story. Email it or send me an mp3 or wav file. I will include it in the show. Hope your training is going well and the dogs are behaving. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,

The 20 Minute Runner

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The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.

The first piece heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Sleepaway," by Rob Costlow. Check it out at Music Alley.

The last piece heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "My Dog's Still Walkin," by Smokin Joe Kubek and Bnois King. Check it out at Music Alley.