What Matters to BRYON POWELL

This is the third in a series of brief conversations looking at What Matters to people who are really taking on their lives. My aim is to uncover what matters to them deeply. To expose their foundational passion.  If this conversation interests you too, let me know and share it with others who matter to you. Today we’re looking at…  What Matters to BRIAN POWELL In 2009, Bryon abandoned a promising career practicing law in Washington DC and moved cross country to live in the Sierra near Yosemite. His aim was iconic—to devote himself full time to iRunFar.com, a trail running and ultra running website. Ultra running is a niche community that, with some exception, has happily remained obscure to [...]

Category: Inspiration

What Matters to TOM GRIFFEN

This is the second in a series of brief conversations looking at What Matters to people who are really taking on their lives. My aim is to uncover what matters to them deeply. To expose their foundational passion.  If this conversation interests you too, let me know and share it with others who matter to you…  Some of my words about Tom: As the past (and beloved) owner of Fleet Feet, Aptos, an accomplished businessperson, deep thinker, artist and ultra runner, I asked Tom to give me a bio he’s used in the past to highlight his accomplishments. He sent me this…: “You asked for my bio and my inclination is to look at all the bios I’ve written over [...]

Category: Inspiration

What Matters to MARK ALLEN

This is the first in a series of brief conversations looking at What Matters to YOU. While I’ll be highlighting people who are really taking on what matters in their lives professionally, my aim is to uncover what matters to them deeply. To expose their foundational passion. Because one thing that matters to me is getting to know what makes the really big doers tick. Thats exciting. Perhaps it will stir you as well—or maybe even cause you to revisit or define—What Matters to YOU.  If this conversation interests you too, let me know and share it with others who matter to you…  What Matters to MARK ALLEN Some of my words about Mark and some background info: Back in [...]

Category: Inspiration

In Memory of Dad – 1928-2011

Its easy to highlight my father as an accomplished, successful man – as society latches onto the concept of success. He defending our country in WWII, then worked 2 jobs in his younger years to support a family of 7. All the while going to school at night so he could advance himself and his career. These were successes that were executed – almost as a reflex – because my dad was cut from a beautifully unique genre of work ethic, loyalty and responsibility.

His early efforts were designed over time to advance his career in the Fire Department in Santa Cruz, CA, which he did, to its highest level possible – as Chief. An admirable feat even for a self-made, self-motivated man. Once retired from the fire department, he continued to expand and mold his career again and again.

Category: Categories

50

I was interviewed last week for a book that is being written about a big handful of athletes/artists/musicians/notable folks who are turning 50 this year. One of the obvious questions on the front end of what turned out to be a really fun interview was, “How are you feeling about turning 50?”

My response: “I’m psyched!”

I’m not psyched that our bodies change up when we reach 50 in a way that isn’t terribly useful for an athlete, nor that we have to consider reading glasses or that our memory tends to wane a bit now and then. My 50th year alone has been a doozy of crazy life challenges and its only June! (much more to share soon).

Category: Events

Why Mindful Running?

Mindfulness is being attentive to and aware of the present moment. As westerners we may hear the word ‘mindfulness’ and conjure up images of candles or incense burning by chanting monks in maroon robes. Though mindfulness is the basis for the teaching of meditation in Buddhism it is not solely a religious concept but rather a means to a focused, aware and powerful mind in everything we do. Even the most learned Buddhist teacher will tell you that one need not study the dharma to realize the immense value gained from regular mindfulness practice. Research has shown that training mindfulness can offer a variety of outcomes toward well being on many levels. In fact many practitioners of western psychology use [...]

Category: Events