In the last two day, while debating with some about the tactics the Food Babe and her army use, I’ve been told that I am the r-word or that my questions are r-word-ed.
For the adults out there who can’t seem to get it, here is the definitive list of when it’s okay to use the r-word when trying to insult somebody or make a point:
1. Never
I hope that clears things up for the many of you who still think it’s okay to use that language.
English is a rich, full language, with countless ways to describe, make points, even insult without using the r-word. When you do use that word, you hurt people, intentionally or not, because you make it just a little more okay to make fun of people or insult people at the expense of those who may be intellectually challenged. Stooping to that level, even in anger or frustration, reveals something about yourself, your empathy, your lack of creativity, your lack of humanity.
As my feet hit the pavement for the first time in so long, Selena Gomez sang in my ear…
When you’re ready come and get it Na na na na When you’re ready come and get it Na na na na
The song is at the beginning of my playlist for my Boot Camp in part because it’s a great song to ease into activity. The slow, steady beat keeps you from starting too fast, but the throbbing, eastern feel gives you a sense of anticipation of what is coming after your body warms up…
…but today, the song felt different to me. You see, I normally don’t listen to music for the lyrics. Unlike Jess, whose love of country music stems from the stories country singers tell in their songs, my pleasure from music comes from the weaving of beats, sounds, harmonies, points and counterpoints. It can be years later that I realize I still don’t know the lyrics to a favorite song, in part because I don’t care about what the artist is saying…I care about what the artist is saying…
…but today, the song felt different to me. As Selena Gomez’s voice sang to me…
When you’re ready come and get it Na na na na When you’re ready come and get it Na na na na
…it was almost as if the road was singing as well…
You ain’t gotta worry, it’s an open invitation I’ll be sittin’ right here, real patient All day, all night, I’ll be waitin’ standby…
…and here I was. I have not run regularly in over a year. My last marathon was NYCM ’13, but even before then my mileage had dropped precipitously. Though I still considered (consider) myself a runner, my heart and mind were not cooperating.
…but the road knew…
This love ain’t finished yet So baby whenever you’re ready When you’re ready come and get it Na na na na
As the road sang to me, I got more excited for the slow, 6-miler I had planned.
Some of you may know that way back in the Fall I began talking with a local advocacy group about running 100 miles for them as a way to possibly raise money and awareness of their wonderful work. Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is an incredible organization that offers free legal advice to families in need and works tirelessly on capital hill to protect the most vulnerable of society. By the end of the Fall, we had settled on a Father’s Day run – a crazy dad running not just for his children, but for all children in Massachusetts. The run will take me from Amherst to Boston Commons (an 89 mile route).
Then we got hit with the worst winter Boston has ever (EVAH) seen. Between work and the snow, I ran a total of 0 miles in preparation for my run in June…that’s right: 0.
As my thoughts wandered during my run today, I inevitably began thinking of this monstrous task ahead of me. It is, to say the least overwhelming and scary. The long distance and short training time is not something I would ever prescribe or recommend for a client. As I wrestled with my thoughts, Aloe Blacc began to sing to me…
Stand up now and face the sun Won’t hide my tail or turn and run It’s time to do what must be done Be a king when kingdom comesWell you can tell everybody Yeah you can tell everybody Go ahead and tell everybody I’m the man, I’m the man, I’m the man
…that was quickly followed up by Angélique Kidjo’s rendition of Voodoo Child…
Well I stand up next to a mountain Chop it down with the edge of my hand Well I stand up next to a mountain Chop it down with the edge of my hand Pick up the pieces and make an island Might even raise a little sand
…and I knew, barring injury, I was going to do this 100 miles run.
Kidjo continued to sing…
‘Cause I’m a voodoo child Lord knows I’m a voodoo child
I didn’t mean to take up all your sweet time Make it back to you one of these days I didn’t mean to take up all your sweet time Make it back to you one of these days
…and I was brought back full circle.
Throughout my run, feeling the flow with each beat, I dance and sang and laughed with the music – I can only imagine what it looked like to other runners and pedestrians.
It was a celebration of sorts.
Toward the end of my run (my planned 6 had turned into 10 for no reason other than I was having fun), I passed a Church. People flooded out of Easter services, all dressed in their Sunday best. It hit me – I was dressed in my Sunday best and attending a Church I had not been to in a long, long time.
Now, despite being baptized presbyterian, I am not a religious man by any stretch, but how appropriate would it be were I to resurrect my passion for running on a day many believe to be a day of renewed life?
I went to Church today…and it was good.
Happy Easter and Good Pesach everyone. I hope your Sunday morning was as glorious as mine.
If you want to start your own #CharityStreak pick up the Charity Miles app and start raising money for your favorite charity simply by walking, running or biking:Get the Charity Miles app:
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