Author: Voluntary Japan
Living life.
The Echigo Ultra is an ultramarathon I created in the wake of another trail race in Niigata being canceled unnecessarily and unexpectedly due to fear.
This DIY race presented a great opportunity for me to showcase some of the beauty of Niigata (the region formerly known as “Echigo”) in the fall, and challenge myself to run farther than I ever had before. It was also a chance to ask a central question to those I met on the way: “What’s the most important thing in life?”
While the concept, distance, and outcome of this race went through some large and (sometimes unplanned) evolutions and changes, in the end it was a wonderful experience. Running technique-wise. Introspection-wise. Building-up-more-mental-and-physical-endurance-than-you-had-before…wise.
Lots of planning, support from those closest to me, and many little serendipitous things — and difficult challenges — made the first ever Echigo Ultra a 61-miler like no other.
I hope you enjoy the video!
(full version on YT)
Did back-to-back long runs this weekend.
Finally found suitable shoes after searching far and wide.
Now to recharge, and get ready for the big day!
-スミス
Some thoughts on the first day of October. Let’s kick ass this fall!
Categories
Natural Order in Early Autumn
Out in the hills today for some running, thinking, breathing.
Some thoughts on a high-tech return to natural order — a “New Anarcho-Salem,” if you will. Or if you won’t. Whatever. It’s just a video.
Hey everyone. Has been a while. I’ve got a new video blog entry here on YT, where I talk about how everything’s been going. Have been hunkered down and focused, and much more interested in music these days.
Hope you are well.
-スミス
I was going to make a video and post it here, but it’s too personal, and there’s no way to capture the fun adventure this summer has been. Now that summer vacation is over, and I am starting a new business with my family, it is time to look forward to the fall season, and the transition during the remainder of August and the beginning of September before then.
This summer — although the news and state would have us scared of an invisible, hyped up boogey man of a virus, and scared of each other — has been one of friends, music, fireworks, camping, drinking, beaching, talking, eating, thinking, dreaming, planning, running long distances, meeting new people, and going on new adventures. Things have been stressful as hell in some respects, but looking back over the videos and photos I took now, and thinking of all that’s been accomplished, I feel tears of happiness welling up a bit.
The whole point of pirate summer, and the ‘pirate’ lifestyle itself is to do what you want in non-violence, and keep on living to the fullest.
Even if the Orwellian nightmare continues to close in, and it’s time for the shit to hit the fan, as they say, we have done well. We didn’t sell out to the fear this summer, and I had such a good time with my family. Thank you to all of you who are brave, and understand that life is meant to be lived, and not hidden from. Both in Japan and America, you’ve been a big inspiration and boost of courage to me.
They can try to cancel everything, but they won’t cancel my spirit, even in the face of death, God help me.
Love, Peace, and Anarchy.
-Graham
Categories
New Vid: Self-Acceptance for Cynics
Self-acceptance ends the state. More importantly, it helps you feel better.
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洗脳 / BRAINWASH
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No Friends, No Enemies
“You have no friends. You have no enemies. You only have teachers.”
–Buddhist proverb
