thenextmile

More people are buying organic food, but is the cost eating into their wallet?  The organic industry has seen rapid growth in the last couple years.  In 2006 for instance, organic food sales in the U.S. totaled $17 billion, up 22 percent from 2005.  And that number is still rising.  And while both the price of organic and conventional food is skyrocketing, experts believe that green-conscious consumers will continue to pay top dollar for organics, before even considering reverting back to non-organic options.

Unlike the country’s 2001 recession, consumer today are coping not only with slower economic activity, but rapidly rising prices.  Many of them will continue to buy lower-priced groceries at retail outlets, but most are turning to farm co-ops, local farmer’s markets and higher end specialty stores to get the best organics for their money.Last year, 58 percent of U.S. consumers said they regularly check unit pricing at organic and specialty food stores, up from 52 percent in 2006, according to a study on grocery shopping trends by the Food Marketing Institute, an Arlington, Va., food retailer and wholesaler trade organization.And produce isn’t the only corner of the green market seeing the increase.  Price spikes are also steeper for grain, dairy and poultry.  And with many consumers worried about growth hormones and antibiotics, more people are turning to organic dairy and meat options.  A half-gallon of organic whole milk last week was selling in the U.S. at an average price of $4.19, compared with $2.09 for a non-organic version.  And a dozen large organic eggs cost $4.19, compared with $2.99 for their non-organic counterparts. A loaf of organic whole wheat bread carried a $3.99 price tag, while non-organic loaves ranged from $2.99 to $3.49.

The USDA last week said total food prices could increase by up to 5 percent in 2008, compared with 4 percent last year and 2.4 percent in 2006. But 2008’s price spike could reach 9 percent for fats and oils and 8.5 percent for cereals and bakery products.

So no matter if you’re going green or going conventional, the price for your lunch is going up.

So, the mogul of the talk show circuit is going vegan.  Well, kind of.  Oprah Winfrey announced this past week that she’s going on a 21-day diet makeover.  Her vegan diet, which is free of all animal products including dairy, will be centered on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.  Many believe that with this diet, Oprah will be able to generate more of an interest in healthy eating among Americans.  Oprah isn’t alone, every couple months, we hear about another celebrity who’s passing up meat.  But really, do we want the American Public getting their health information from celebrities?Oprah’s yo-yo dieting has been a tabloid headline for years.  Do you all remember when she ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1994?  I doubt she still runs.  Remember in the late 1990s when she would gain weight, then lose weight, then gain weight, then lose it?  Remember the backlash she received a few years ago after she blasted the cattle industry during her anti-beef rampage.  Pretty soon, Oprah’s going to run out of things to eat.  There is no denying the fact that when Oprah does something, people follow.  Take her book club for example.  For authors, if Oprah mentions your book, it becomes a best seller.  If Oprah devotes an hour long episode to the cruelty of animals raised in puppy mills, viewers start adopting pets.  When Oprah does something, Americans follow the leader.  But please, Oprah should in no way be considered a leader when it comes to health.We know that there are benefits of a vegan diet. Nutrition experts have found that a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes offer a wide-range of health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.  But going vegan, or vegetarian for that matter, doesn’t exactly equal instant health benefits.  Many people who make a quick switch from a typical Western diet to a vegan one, don’t often research how to make such changes.  Loading up on pasta and bread doesn’t equate to improved health.  When you cut out your iron intake by not eating meat, you have to find other sources.  Finding alternative sources of calcium becomes an issue.  Going vegan takes not just research, but an entire shift in lifestyle.  And although the number of Americans currently practicing both vegetarian and vegan lifestyles are at the highest point in history, that doesn’t mean that we all need to jump on the bandwagon.  I’m not saying that we shouldn’t all become vegans.  Americans do need to start making better choices when it comes to their health and what we eat.  But for heaven’s sake, don’t put down that piece of chicken just because Oprah is.  Sure, I hope she raises awareness about the benefits of healthy eating, but let’s not all jump on the Vegan bandwagon just because Ms. Winfrey says it’s the thing to do.  We all know where her diet fads have led her before.

Something happens to me each time there’s a race that I’m not a part of.  I get antsy, I think I’m missing out, and I wonder why I didn’t sign up.

This past weekend, two races in particular made me wish I had registered for a spring marathon – the Vermont City Marathon in Burlington, and the Traverse City Bayshore Marathon in
Michigan.  And while there were several other races this past weekend to choose from, I have connections to these two.

I live just an hour from
Traverse City.  Last year, I had hoped to run at least the half marathon portion of the race, but then life took over.  As I was watching the highlights on the news, I saw all those smiling faces.  Some runners cried as they crossed the finish line.  Some were in pain.  But they all had a huge smile, for they had just completed something that only 1 in 1000 will do in their lifetime – run 26.2 miles.  When I ran my first marathon, I remember that feeling.  The feeling of pain, triumph, and success are all wound together.  And no matter how much you hurt when it’s over, that’s not what you remember.  You remember who amazing you feel at the end for succeeding at something you worked months for.  I want to experience that feeling over and over again for the rest of my life.

In
Burlington yesterday, my friend Jackie ran her first marathon.  For Jackie, it wasn’t just about running 26.2 miles; it was a milestone in what has been years of hard fought effort.  For Jackie has lost nearly 100 pounds since 2004.  She has gone from someone who rarely took part in any physical activity, to someone who not only has become a role model for those looking to lose weight, but an excellent endurance athlete as well.  After hearing her race report, next May I hope to be lining up with her in
Burlington.

Sometimes I need to remind myself that there will always be races.  There will always be a reason to push to the next level.  For me, there will always be running.

Trust me, there is such thing as the “runner’s high.”  Without going into scientific mumbo jumbo, I’ll break it down as easy as I can – running can help you reduce the stress in your life.  Runners are great at battling stress.  Whether you use a run to think about personal problems, work issues, or just escape day to day frustrations, many say they can work through their most difficult issues while logging miles.  It clears your mind and allows you to focus on emotions that really matter.Aside from the typical health benefits – weight loss, cardiovascular benefits and increased lung capacity, running helps boost your mood.  It builds confidence in addition to muscle and it works in a way few other individual sports can.  Running allows a person to push themselves further, to recognize both defeat and triumph, and learn from it all.  It allows you to climb hills and overcome obstacles.  It gives you a feeling of empowerment and freedom as you see yourself progress.  The confidence and better self image you gain is a direct product of running.For years, doctors have even proscribed running as a way to treat clinical depression and some addictions.  Running gives these people something besides their addiction or depressed state to focus on.Bottom line, running helps train the mind as much as it trains the body.  But proving to yourself that you can overcome obstacles and learn from defeat, you gain strength in every aspect of your life.

Let’s take a break and talk about what is really on the minds of all of us this week - Gas prices.  No matter where you live, whether you own a car or not, this topic is impacting you right now.  And it will continue to impact you.  I’ve compiled some tips to help you save money as we head into the busy summer driving season. 

According to AAA, just six months ago, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in the
United States was $2.91.  In May, the average price is now sneaking up on $4 a gallon.  Since the start of the year, crude prices have soared more than 30 percent and analysts predict the price will go even higher.  Many predict prices could reach $150 a barrel by the end of this year.  Darin Newsom, an analyst at DTN says the price isn’t going down any time soon.

“There’s no indication we’re at the top of the market,” he said.

The price of oil isn’t just a consumer issue, it’s a political one.  The U.S. Government temporarily stopped buying oil for our country’s strategic petroleum reserve.  They hope that will help lower demand and ease pressure on surging prices.  The reserve was established in the 1970s to help boost the economy from supply interruptions such as that decade’s oil embargo.

But some lawmakers want more done.  Many are calling on President Bush to release oil from the reserve to help level off prices.  But that’s just a short term fix, since the reserve contains only enough oil to help keep our country running at its current rate for about two months.  No matter how you look at it, the price of $1 a gallon gasoline is over.  We need to start making changes in our driving habits. While Americans are still going to travel, they need to find more efficient ways to drive without breaking the bank this summer.

There are a number of ways to help save on fuel, but for many of us, depending on where we live and our driving habits, not all options may apply.  I live in a beautiful area of
Northern Michigan.  I live here because of all the outdoor activities that are offered – swimming in
Lake Michigan, hiking, biking and skiing.  But living in a rural area does have some disadvantages.  Public transportation doesn’t exist here.  Trust me, if I could take a bus or subway to work, I’d hop on in a heartbeat.  Biking to work?  Sure, if I wanted to bike for an hour each way.  And that doesn’t include the winter months.  Biking in -20 degree wind-chill with snow in my face doesn’t sound appealing to me.

I do get out and walk when possible.  But for many Americans, walking, whether due to location challenges or health reasons, just isn’t an option. 

But I do what I can.  I’ve started to make changes in my driving that will help me.  Many of these tips will apply to you as well.  While we all can’t enjoy mass transit or the ability to walk or ride our bike everywhere, we can make small changes that will add up in the long run.  Here are some tips to get your started on saving at the pump.

Combine Errands – You can use twice as much fuel with several short trips as you would with one longer trip.  Combine your grocery shopping, dry cleaning, and post office runs altogether. 

Carpool – If you live near one of your co-workers, or you work near one of your neighbors, share the ride.  It may take some schedule adjusting, but even if you carpool once or twice a week, the savings will add up.

Cruise Control – When traveling longer distances at a steady rate of speed, set your cruise control.  It will greatly improve your fuel economy.

Dead Weight – All that extra stuff you’re hauling around in your trunk and backseat are costing you.  100 pounds of extra weight can reduce your fuel economy by 2%.

Filter Control – When was the last time you checked your air filter?  Replacing a clogged filter will increase your gas mileage up to 10%.

Gas Up – For most cars, the recommended gas is regular octane.  Using a higher level offers no real benefit and just leaves a deeper hole in your wallet. 

Get Under Your Hood – Change the oil already!  Clean oil will reduce the wear between moving parts and also removes harmful substances from your engine.  Your owner manual will recommend what grade of motor oil works best for your vehicle.

Tire Check – Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper levels.  It can help increase gas mileage up to 3%.

Tune-Up - Keeping your engine in-tune to your owner’s manual recommendations will help increase your gas mileage up to 4%.

Watch Your Speed – Once you hit 60 miles per hour, gas mileage decreases rapidly.

Scientists are frantically searching for ways to help us limit our oil consumption, but many advances are a long way off.  And while the price at the pump is only expected to increase, making small changes can help take you further in the long road.

He’s one of the best-known figures in the running world today.  It seems like anywhere Bart Yasso goes, he draws a crowd.  Now, after more than 1,000 competitive races, a brush with a life crippling illness, and numerous triumphs and letdowns, Yasso is giving readers valuable advice on how to become a runner for life and experience the world through the sport of running. 

Until last night, I didn’t know much about Bart Yasso.  I knew he worked with Runner’s World magazine and that he’s a great runner.  But it wasn’t until I started reading excerpts from his new book entitled, My Life on the Run that I realized just how lucky I am to be involved in the same sport as Yasso. 

In the book, Yasso writes about the ups and downs of his running career, including a marathon in Antarctica, a run-in with an angry rhino in Nepal and battling heatstroke in a 148 mile race through
Death Valley.  But it’s not just a story of his experiences in the sport.  Yasso also gives practical advice on how anyone can become a runner for life and draw valuable lessons from the sport.  He offers guidance for beginners, intermediate and advanced runners, such as a 5k, half-marathon and marathon training schedules.   

But the stories of his running adventures are what make it a joy to read.  It will also make you happy to say that you too are a runner.  Yasso’s bottom line – Never limit where running can take you because each race or run has the potential for adventure.

I’ve been going at it hard, possibly too hard.  For 3 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve taken a rest week.  One of them was after a marathon.  Another was during Christmas when I was sick.  That might be it.   

It’s not that I don’t enjoy resting.  In fact, sometimes after a few days of rest it’s hard for me to get back on the fitness wagon.  I enjoy spending time with friends and family, eating ice cream, drinking a few beers, sleeping in and staying up late.  But the bottom line is, I feel better when I’m working out and training.  But sometimes you just need to give your body a break to keep going.  I think I’m due. 

I’ve spent the last few months running 25 plus miles a week.  That’s not counting all the walks, the swims and all that other extra activity.  It all adds up.  While I feel great, sometimes my body just screams, “Give me a break, please!” 

This started off as a busy week for me.  I was going to run 30 miles, and get in at least 2 swims, and a few long walks all on top of working 40+ hours.  But then it dawned on me.  I’m starting triathlon training next Monday, and this will be my last week off until mid-August.  So why am I pushing it?  It’s become a mindset, “I have to run.  I can’t miss that workout.”  While fitness is important to me, so is my health and recovery.   

So I’m easing up in an attempt to make positive gains and strengthen my entire body.  My legs can sure use it.  For pretty soon, I’ll be complaining that I never get a rest day.

Skiing and snowboarding. Hiking, helicopter rides and mountain biking. Sure, these are all great activities and are excellent options for anyone visiting the Mammoth Lakes area. But the real way to see the town and everything it has to offer is one step at a time, on foot, running.

No matter how long you’ve been a runner, and no matter how many miles a week you average, if you’re not used to the altitude, a run in Mammoth Lakes can prove difficult. At 8,000 feet above sea level, running in Mammoth Lakes and the surrounding Sierra Nevadas can be challenging, but the higher altitude also allows for physical gains. After all, Mammoth Lakes is home to hundreds of runners, including 2004 Olympian Deena Kastor and 2008 Olympic qualifier Ryan Hall.

Mammoth Lakes is surrounded by both the John Muir Trail and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The area offers miles of groomed trails, dirt roads and rugged paths that await your exploration. A number of trails and routes offer runners of all ability levels their choice of difficulty and length. One popular route is the Inyo Crater. It’s a long steady climb of just over 11 miles. The dirt roads offer runners not only a challenge, but some of the best scenery along the Mammoth Lakes Scenic Loop. And if you’re feeling up to it, take a short detour from the run to see the craters.

For a low-key, scenic excursion, check out the Lake Mary/Horseshoe Lake route. This dirt road will take you up to 9,000 feet as you make your way forests. The loop is a popular spot for not only fisherman, but Olympic Qualifier Ryan Hall. And be on the lookout, you might see a bear or two.

If you’re looking to get in some speed work, head out to the Shady Rest Park. It’s a 1k road that will take you to a baseball field. It’s a favorite route for local runners for getting in some interval training.

For those that prefer running with others who know the area, The High Sierra Striders, otherwise known as H.S.S., is a non-profit running club started in 2005. The club offers group runs throughout the week, including interval, speed work, and long runs. The club also sponsors some races throughout the year. For more information on the club, visit their website at www.highsierrastriders.org.

Each year, thousands visit Mammoth Lakes to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you ski, hike, bike or run, the area is full of amazing adventures just waiting for you to discover.

In June, ATO records will release a special 15th Anniversary edition of Liz Phair’s Exile in Guyville. Originally conceived as a response to The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Mainstreet, Phair’s Exile became something of a classic in its own right.

I’ve always said that I was born 10 years too late.  I think it all started in elementary school; I was the only 5th grader with a Cure tshirt.  I asked for Smiths CDs in 6th grade.  Sure, I liked Madonna and I admit to having owned a New Kids on the Block album, but I was always a decade behind.

In the summer of 1993, I was fifteen.  It was the summer of Liz Phair and her debut album Exile in Guyville.  She was the toast of the indie music scene, and I was listening to Distintigration.
It wasn’t until a year later when her second album, Whip Smart, hit airways and the single ‘Supernova’ became a Modern Rock hit that I discovered Liz Phair.  Despite being one of my favorite songs of 1995, I never bought a Liz Phair album until college.  My true Liz awakening didn’t happen until 1997 when I purchased Exile in Guyville.

As I sat in my apartment bedroom and hit play, it became clear.  Finally, there was an artist who I identified with.  The roughness and lowfi sound of ‘6′1,’ the opening track, blasted through the speakers with a harshness.  Her off-key singing and unique guitar playing mixed with blunt lyrics and low budget production was like a gift from the music gods.  While I can’t tell you much else about what I did that semester, I can descibe down to the nitty bitty detail what that first afternoon with Exile was like.

Liz’s delivery was flat.  It was straightforward and blunt.  But yet the lyrics of the album’s 18 songs are in no way victim’s anthems and they’re not demeaning tell-alls of a scorned lover.  The songs speak to both the feeling of power and the powerless.  They depict epiphanies and subsequent letdowns.  Together they create a journey of wanting more and wanting out.

Critics and fans wooed her.  She was the girl next door who finally came forward to say what many wanted to say but couldn’t.  While other indie artists were out clawing for a space in a music genre that was known for volume and rebellion, Liz was going for pure honesty with no glitz or glamour, no sugar coating, and no real map of the road ahead.

While fifteen years have come and gone since the release of Exile in Guyville, I’m sure that many of us over a certain age couldn’t escape this album no matter how hard we tried.  After all these years, no one can argue that in the mid-90’s, Exile wasn’t an anthem for both men and women in their twenties and thirties.  In the years since Exile’s release, Phair herself has gone from critic darling to a blip on the music radar.  But with it’s re-release, Exile in Guyville is bound to solidify itself as a rock classic and help Liz relcaim her indie roots.

Each year, thousands of Americans will set out in an attempt to become a runner. Each of these people have different reasons. Some want to lose weight. Some are looking to improve their health. Some are in it in hopes of finding a way to relieve stress or cope with other emotions. Some people don’t have a reason. But despite the reason, these people are making their first strides at becoming a runner. Yesterday, my husband was one of them.

If you took one look at my husband, you’d know he wasn’t a runner. You’d probably know he wasn’t even an athlete. After losing about 50 pounds in the past few years, he’s tall and lanky. He is also lucky that he’s in as good as shape as he is despite the fact he has worked out exactly 5 times in the last 6 months. But yesterday, after years of supporting me at the finish line, he became a runner. He ran his first race ever – a 5k.

So maybe he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter, the race was something I signed him up for (after his approval of course). He did plan to train. But like many others, training went to the wayside due to a busy life – work, family, social obligations. But despite his lack of training, he lined up yesterday morning with hundreds of other new runners. And those new runners mixed with veteran runners, and thus his new life as a runner was underway.

I could have gone ahead and tried to win my age division as I had originally planned. After all, I am one of those veteran runners that all too often, gives an annoyed look to all the newbies crowding the starting line. But knowing that I had the chance to relive my first race through the eyes of my husband, I knew I needed to stick with him.

As the gun went off, we spent the first half mile dodging kids, parents with strollers, walkers who ignored the instructions to start at the back of the pack. We pushed forward, me never knowing if we were going to be taking a walk break at any moment. I let him set the pace and run his own race.

He struggled. We walked once. But we finished. Together. And after no training and 28 minutes of pure struggle, he crossed that finish line and smiled. He was a runner. And I was there to experience his transformation and the beginning of a new chapter in his life. That moment was bigger for me, than any award could have been.