Brian's Blog

 The picture above was take working the grill with Dad, while listening to Irish music and enjoying a Killian’s Red.   Note:  Dad would always buy Killian’s Red (an Irish beer) when I was coming over.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This blog post is to remember/honor my father James Michael Hanley.  Ten years ago - today, my dad passed away from a sudden heart failure.  I was shocked at his sudden death, because I only saw him a few days before his death (we visited on Memorial Day) and he looked better then he did on past visits.   I do remember that  visit with fondness, because for the whole day, I had my father to myself.   We went out to refill the propane tank (we were going to barbecue) and was surprised and delighted that he was going to drive to the gas station (he hasn’t been driving lately).   During the trip I remember telling my dad a couple things.    First, I told my dad how

I mention in one of my last blogs about how running gets you outside and helps you get your needed Vitamin D.  Dr. John Whitcomb, Aurora Sinai Medical Center stated 'I believe [vitamin D] is the number one public health advance in medicine in the last twenty years.'   People throughout the past generations made their livings outside on farms and on boats getting ample doses of Sun light (Unless you live in a region above latitude 40, between Sept-May, at this latitude the sun can't trigger the creation of Vitamin D).   Sadly, today the large majority of the people today don't get enough of Vitamin D and don't know it.  A deficiency causes include; heart disease, chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, hypertension, arthritis, obesity, cancer, MS and other autoimmune diseases.  While men can experance problems with Vitamin D deficiency - woman are more prone with problems.  Also mood related problem of depression, PMS mood changes, parathyroid problems, fatigue, and s

When I run - I normally feel this high on my second mile of my run.  A unstoppable smile comes to my face and I'm just so enjoying being outside, hitting the pavement, and being alive.  I want to throw up my hands as I run as I feel the wind in my face.   When I have alot of stress in my life - I go to God and seek a calm mind and heart - knowing that He is sovereign and cares for His children.  However some stress remains, but is often melted away when I go running.  One place I love to run in near the water - when the sun is out and the air is cool.   Don't get much better then that.  After my fourth mile - my mind gets less active and almost goes into a meditation of calm, which continues to the end of the run.  When I am done running, I am tired - but I am also very relaxed and ready for what ever life throws at me.  This morning, I was talking to my wife about the benefits of running and thought that I would share a few blogs on the subject.  This blog is about

When you look at mankind next to the animal kingdom - you don't think of man as a runner.  You think of a deer or the horse as creatures designed to run.  However this is particularly true when you are thinking short term running.  The Animal kingdom is full of fast running creatures.   But when it comes to long distance running - man is uniquely designed to handle such long distances.  In fact there is even a race in the U.K., called 'Man versus Hourse Marathon' which an event between humans and horses at a distance of 20 miles.  A race in 2004 was the first time a man won a race against a horse, and the reason was the distance.   Here are some reasons man can be said 'they are designed to run': Most animals cool down by panting - while humans sweat - which allows us to remain cool at speeds and distances would over heat animals.   Many animal can be struck with heat exhaustion in 6-10 miles - but a man can go well beyond this.  The short toes of a

City Hall Park (taken by me) One of my brothers suggested that I get a check up before doing the marathon race.  I guess he thinks I'm getting old.   So last week I had a check-up, and asked my doctor -  if there is any concern with me running this marathon.  He looked at the results of my Electrocardiography (a test where the electric activity of the heart is checked) and said that it looked good, he also looked at a stress test that he gave me a few years ago and indicated that he did not see a problem with me doing this race. Praise God - a clean bill of health!  Yeahhhhh!  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. (Psalm 26:2)

This weekend, Lord willing,  I will be doing a 1/2 marathon run of 13.1 miles, this is exciting because I can say I'm halfway there!  So far (thank God) no black toe nails, or knee problem. Maybe I will make it. Normally my runs are boring -however last Saturday - I was running past a hospital and the police stopped me and asked me if my name was Mark.   I told him no my name is 'Brian'.  He asked me for ID, which I told him I did not have any - then hesitantly he rolled up his window and left.  Two minute later a voice yelled out from behind me;  'Hey Mark'!   I turned around.   It was another police officer, with his hand on his gun! - I yelled over to him my name is not Mark - but Brian.  Then he said that -  because I responded - that must mean I AM MARK.  Ugggh I couldn't believe this!   Just out for a run and I'm being confused with a criminal!   Anyway - I explained that the other officer already went through this with me - and with