"Running in Vermont: Thoughts..."
Blog post by Kurt Scobie
March 13th, 2012

I have felt a bit out of it in my running life lately. Every time I have gone for a run in the past few weeks, my muscles have cramped up, my ankles and shins have ached, and I haven't felt the motivation to push through the pain. I figured out that I was dehydrated and needed to stretch more (the solutions are always simple).

I was right. Today, when I arrived in Bennington, VT (part of my crazy-busy tour schedule) I grabbed my shoes, changed into my running clothes, and went for it. And it was one of my best runs in a LONG time! Nothing energizes me more than a good 6-mile run (even in the rain).

When I finished my run, I had to rush through the shower and out the door for load-in at Southern Vermont College. And when I arrived to campus I knew I would just HAVE to go for ANOTHER run after my show. The campus has an incredible view of the city of Bennington and... MOUNTAINS!!

So I did.

After my show I rushed back to my hotel, changed BACK into my running clothes, and headed out again. This time the sun was setting, so I knew I had to move quickly.

It was just under 2 miles (1.7) from my hotel to the campus... all uphill. And it was worth it. The fresh air, the grandiose view, the peace of the evening... it was perfect.

Often-times I pray while I run. My head is usually clear, and I have very few distractions. I began with thankfulness tonight. I find that when I begin my prayers with thanks, my wish list gets a little smaller and I spend more time listening. It's interesting how much more we can actually hear what God is saying when we shut up for a few minutes.

And I heard God speak to me tonight.

I am realizing that the more I am given the spotlight with my music, the more I will need to keep my ego in check. Pride is a dangerous thing, and is a struggle for me. So I prayed a prayer of surrender to God (something we all should do, daily), telling him that I submit to him and his will for my life. I told him that I will follow his lead and not my own. And I asked him to keep me humble...

Oh boy.

If ever you want a good ego check, compare yourself to the creator of the Universe. Compare YOUR works to the works of the maker of the mountains.

As I looked out at those mountains, God reminded me pretty quickly that I am quite small in this world. That my "brilliant" and "beautiful" creations pale in comparison to his breathtaking works of art. But, he also reminded me of another one of his creations: me. So, while I really can’t boast of my own accomplishments, I can boast God. I can boast Jesus’ work in my life.

As I made my way down the hill and back to my hotel, I felt like I got a taste of what Moses felt after he spent time with God on Mount Sinai (you just pictured Charlton Heston with a beard and a robe, didn’t you? -sorry, had to throw that in. anyway...).

I’m glad I went for that run. I questioned my good judgement when I considered that I was running (in the dark) in a part of the country where bears and moose roam freely. But I assured myself that God’s plan wasn’t for me to learn this lesson only to be mauled by a bear, or charged/trampled by a moose. And I made it back to my hotel safely (the prayers of thanksgiving continue).

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed these thoughts from my run.

It’s good to be back on the running wagon, again.

Remember; drink lots of water, eat some bananas, and stretch before and after you run. And if ever you run in Vermont, listen for God... and watch out for bears.

Peace.
Kurt


(Part of the) View from Southern Vermont College

"I am a Tough Mudder"
Feb 20th, 2012
Kurt Scobie

I received a text message from my friend Jason a couple months ago stating that he was signing me up for a race. Almost immediately after a series of vague answers to my questions about the event, I received a confirmation email for the Tough Mudder event on Saturday, Feb 11th in Washington, GA. If you've never heard of the event, check out this video:



I finished that. 12 miles, 25 obstacles, 38 degrees, completed in about 2 1/2 hours. I am now a "Tough Mudder". The course was probably the toughest physical challenge of my life (so far) AND... it was a blast! I'm glad Jason signed us up.

Here are some pictures from the event. Enjoy!


At the Start Line. (My thoughts: What the hell have I gotten into?)


The Tough Mudder Start Line Pep Talk. (My thoughts: I need to use the little boy's room.)


Running. (My thoughts: I can handle this!)


Exiting the Ice Water. (My thoughts: I'M BEING STABBED BY A BILLION ICICLES!!)


Running Through Wet Clay. (My thoughts: Glad I haven't lost my shoes yet.)


Climbing Up for the Jump. (My thoughts: This isn't so bad.)


About to Jump. (My thoughts: I take that back. Now I have to JUMP!?!?)


Swinging Rings (Dangling Over Ice Water). (My thoughts: Yeah, this just isn't gonna happen.)


Over the Wall. (My thoughts: Please don't fall. Please don't fall. Please dont fall...)


Same Wall. (My thoughts: ...Please don't fall...)


Log Carry. (My thoughts: Let the wood jokes begin.)


Soaked. Running. (My thoughts: [none - too cold])


Running Up The Half Pipe. (My thoughts: Please don't drop me.)


The Finish Line. (My thoughts: YEEEAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!)

One word: fun. I am looking forward to my next Tough Mudder. Anyone wanna join me in 2013? It really was a blast! Thanks to Jason for signing us up and to my baby sis, Amber for cheering us on (and taking these pics).

I am going to run 2012 miles this year.

There. I blogged it. It's official. No turning back.

2012 miles in 2012. I should start a Twitter hashtag. #2012in2012.

Nevermind. Looks like someone stole my idea. ;)

Time to go run...

I just completed my final run for 2011. 

Today's run is especially important to me because I reached a personal goal of mine. Well... I technically reached the actual goal a few weeks ago, but today my iPod shows the proof. My 11-mile run today brings my total miles run for the year to 1,000. This does not count a few races and the runs I did before I used the Nike+ app. So really the number of miles is closer to 1100. Either way, this is a pretty big deal. 



Thanks for following my running journey this year. Here's to many more miles and new challenges in 2012. 

Happy New Year!

Kurt

Today I was asked why I exercise and eat healthy. "Is it for your career/image?" they asked.

First, let me say that I definitely enjoy my share of unhealthy foods. Sometimes I let the "I can eat whatever I want, I ran X miles today" excuse get a little out of hand. Pop-tarts, chocolate cake, pre-packaged brownies, McDonalds' cookies, candy, high gravity (high-calorie) beer, pizza... I eat it all. Sometimes in one day. Sometimes in one sitting. I love food (real or chemically altered).

But running? Why?

I have been thinking about this lately, so when I was asked, I was ready with my answer.

"I enjoy it."

I used to only enjoy the results -before I began running more than 4 miles at a time. I'm not sure what it is, but there is something about tackling a 6-mile (or more) loop at a time that I really, simply, like. I definitely enjoy the way I feel after. But, I am finding that I actually enjoy the process more and more these days. Even on the days my legs ache. Even on the freezing-cold days. I just enjoy it.

I guess this makes me one of those "crazy runner" people.

The Atlanta Half Marathon went great!

I really could not have asked for a better race for my first half marathon. Thank you to all who supported me for this fundraiser! For those of you who have asked, my time was 1:59:44. Perfect. My goal was to run it in two hours or less, so I am happy.

Enjoy these pics (taken mainly by my wife) on race day.


(Official 2011 Atlanta Half Marathon T-Shirt)


 
(My Race Number)



(My wife braved the chilly morning to come cheer me on)



(At the start line)



(Crossing the finish line!)



(Post-race refueling)



(My Finisher Medal)

When I signed up to run this Half Marathon, there's one thing I didn't really consider.

IT'S COLD IN NOVEMBER!!!

I just came back from a 10-mile run. It felt great, but it took me the first three miles to get warm. And this was in the afternoon. My run on Thanksgiving is at 8:00 in the morning.

I am going to freeze.

If you have any tips on how to keep warm before/during/after the race, leave me a comment below. I need all the help I can get!

Thawing,
-Kurt

 A lot of content has gone up on my website lately.

Photos... (www.kurtscobie.com/pics)

Videos... (www.kurtscobie.com/blogs)

Blogs... (www.kurtscobie.com/blogs)

AND a new song... (www.kurtscobie.com/thewake)

I want to tell you a little about that last one. "The Wake" is a new song that I JUST released (Oct. 18) and I am super excited about it. I hope you’ll check it out. Not just because it’s a new song, but because of the story behind it...

When I moved to Atlanta in 2006 I had no idea about the problem of human trafficking that exists in this city. There are several cities in the U.S. that contribute to this problem, but Atlanta usually finds itself at the top of that list.

By now most of you know that the race I am running on Thanksgiving isn't just to check off a bucket list item, but I am running in support of a non-profit organization (As Our Own) that fights human trafficking. Over the past year or so I have had a growing desire to help fight against slavery in some capacity.

A couple of months ago a link to a video was shared with me on Twitter. You might have seen this video put out by As Our Own to help raise awareness for their fight against human trafficking. By the end of the video I was signed up. I felt a “nudge” when I found out that the Atlanta race was on my birthday. After a few Twitter Direct Messages and some emails back and forth, I was As Our Own’s "Team Leader" for Atlanta. The fundraising and training had begun.

I set a personal fundraising goal of $1000. Today, as I am writing this blog, I have reached almost 25% of that goal. Still a long way to go. I’m beginning to feel the pressure. The race is only a few weeks away and I am really hoping people will step up and donate.

Not only do I want people to be aware of human trafficking, but I want them to take action. I want YOU to take action.

Here’s what you can DO:

Donate. The money I raise will go directly to help girls begin a new life after a devastating and horrible life in slavery. I ask you to please consider giving to this amazing cause. Visit my donation page here: http://bit.ly/nUakaR

Share my new song. I am hoping that the story behind the song becomes just as well known as the song itself. I hope it can be encouraging for people who are enslaved in any way. I also hope the song challenges people to take action and not wait for the “right” time to help someone in need. You can direct people here: www.kurtscobie.com/thewake

Talk about it. Most people have no clue about this problem of human trafficking that is happening all around us. India isn’t the only place where slavery exists. It’s here. In the United States. In YOUR state. Probably in your city. Awareness is the first step toward ending this terrible problem. Check out AsOurOwn.org for more info on how they are fighting against human trafficking.

I hope you'll consider how you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of people who desparately need to be rescued and restored. 

Thank you for reading this blog post. This subject has really become something I am passionate about sharing. I appreciate you tuning in.

Peace.
Kurt

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." -William James

One of my favorite things about running is gulping down a hearty protein shake afterwards. I haven't explored very many different kinds, because I have created one that I absolutely love. Here's my recipe for the Ultimate Scobie Protein Shake. 

INGREDIENTS
1 frozen banana
1-2 scoops of (Chocolate) 100% Whey protein powder
1-2 cup(s) Original Almond Milk (I like Silk)
1 glob of creamy peanut butter (yes, a glob)
1 egg (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
Blend all ingredients in blender. I recommend chopping up the banana, to make it easier on the blender. Pour into a big ol' cup or drink it right out of the blender jar!

NOTE: The frozen banana adds the thickness. I prefer this to using any ice. Ice makes it too watery for me. I like it thick, creamy, and filling.

There you have it! Let me know what you think of my concoction.

Before March I had NEVER ran more than 5 miles (at a time).

And once I began increasing my miles, I started having some knee pain (which I had never experienced before). Since I had heard story after story of people throwing out their knees and never ever being able to run again, I knew this was an issue I needed to address before it got serious.

So I began the search for a remedy. It was overwhelming, to say the least. My running friends each had their preferred supplements, drugs, and diet ideas and Google search results were just insane. So, I chose to listen to the advice of some friends of mine who are 1) doctors 2) runners, and 3) awesome.

Their recommendation? BENUTS!

They recommended the Prolo Support Pack, which contains several supplements that help with joint pain as well as Enzymes and Vitamin C.
 
Since taking these AND making sure I get enough fruits, veggies and protein in my diet, my knees have felt great! I actually just placed another order.

If you're looking to strengthen your joints and releive knee pain, I highly recommend you give the Prolo Support Pack a try.

And don't forget to eat your spinach!

:)