Back in 1985, the Coca-Cola drinks company introduced a new twist on their popular
soft drink, the much ballyhooed "new taste of Coca-Cola." But when the
coke-drinking public wasn't buying it, the new formula was soon dumped
and the old one re-introduced, re-branded as Coca-Cola "Classic." The
marketing executives learned very quickly that when Coke tried to be
something it was not, it failed miserably.
In 1993, I ran my first New York City Marathon. Back then, I was a
frightened 20 year-old trying to prove to myself that I had the guts to
complete the famous 26.2 mile event. I did so in unspectacular fashion,
finishing in a respectable time under 4 hours with sore feet and a huge
sense of accomplishment. Since then, I’ve run over 40 marathons
worldwide and the lessons it has taught me continue to inform my life and coaching practice.
That same year, I became acquainted with Dr. George Sheehan
through his columns and books. Though he started running relatively
late in life (beginning at age 45), he quickly became one of the running
movement’s earliest pioneers, and its great philosopher king. "Don't be
concerned if running or exercise will add years to your life," he used
to say. "Be concerned with adding life to your years."
This past weekend I attended a workshop on “mindful leadership” conducted by author Bill George and Yongey
Mingyur Rinpoche, a rising star among Tibetan Buddist Masters. The
audience, including this one, was fascinated by the interplay between Eastern and Western philosophies.
As a fan of Jim Carrey, one of my all-time favorite movies is The Truman Show. The hero, Truman, lives inside a Utopian bubble carefully constructed just for him by a savvy media company. Unbeknownst to Truman, hidden cameras broadcast his every move live on television 24/7 to an audience of millions. While outwardly, he appears happy-go-lucky, inwardly a subtle desperation begins to take hold, as he gradually realizes that the life he thought was his, is in fact a monstrous hoax perpetrated upon him.
I lead a running group in Central Park and this week one of the
participants asked me to recommend one of my favorite marathon guides.
Although this is not a book about technique, training, or nutrition, I
have always loved The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life by Amby
Burfoot.
The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Lifeis a
collection of essays which covers a range of topics including courage,
goals, family, materialism and humility. It is a compact read which
prompts further thoughts for the road.
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soft drink, the much ballyhooed "new taste of Coca-Cola." But when the
coke-drinking public wasn't buying it, the new formula was soon dumped
and the old one re-introduced, re-branded as Coca-Cola "Classic." The
marketing executives learned very quickly that when Coke tried to be
something it was not, it failed miserably.
Eastern and Western philosophies. 
The hero, Truman, lives inside a Utopian bubble carefully constructed just for him by a savvy media company. Unbeknownst to Truman, hidden cameras broadcast his every move live on television 24/7 to an audience of millions. While outwardly, he appears happy-go-lucky, inwardly a subtle desperation begins to take hold, as he gradually realizes that the life he thought was his, is in fact a monstrous hoax perpetrated upon him.
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