Sendō #22: Felt Like A Dream

Lazy training month, lazy creative month, but a busy social month - the most consistently human I've been in years. And I'm still consistent in yoga, meditation and making updates to this website. The point remains that the art of running, both physically and mentally, leads me back to life. But where the heck am I going? Find out in the next chapter of Existentialism For Adults!

July 1st, 2025 to July 31st, 2025

Long story short: I became a WFH deadbeat because life got too hard for an emotionally unstable yuppie. Now I'm trying to redeem myself by running a lot and talking about it. Hopefully you find this entertaining enough to subscribe, tell a friend and take on The Challenge.

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Yeah...not my finest hour in terms of running. Only two recovery runs. But after 8 weeks of consistent training at home, I guess I can't hate myself too much. I thought I'd take off two weeks and get right back on the saddle, instead it's been a month. But I know that there's at least two more races in me this year, and I'm charging towards that marathon full stop.

Running was trash this month, yoga was mid. A lot of 20 minute sessions and the longest I did was a 40 minute session earlier in the month. Been mixing it up with some more Vinyasa practices and Hot 26 which was fun. Yoga really does work wonders though, I spent tons of time this month exploring nature, climbing and swimming and the flexibility from yoga helped me navigate any environment easily.

Don't go anywhere! The Quest will be back after a short break.

“You have to keep your vision clear, because only a clear vision enables you to hold on to your belief.”

The RZA, born Robert Fitzgerald Diggs in 1969, is the de facto leader and spiritual architect of the Wu-Tang Clan, one of the most influential hip-hop groups in history. While known for his gritty production and sharp lyricism, RZA stands apart for his deep philosophical roots and spiritual curiosity, weaving Eastern mysticism, martial arts philosophy, Five Percent Nation teachings, and science fiction into his music and message. His journey reflects a search for higher meaning through both chaos and clarity, blending street wisdom with spiritual discipline.

Raised in Brooklyn and later Staten Island, RZA came of age amid poverty and violence but found refuge in books, kung fu movies, and chess. These influences shaped his artistic vision, giving rise to a sound and ideology that turned pain into power. As Wu-Tang's producer, he created a raw, sample-heavy soundscape that carried messages of empowerment, knowledge, and self-mastery, wrapped in cryptic slang and mythological references. Behind the boards, he saw himself not just as a beatmaker, but a spiritual guide for the Clan.

RZA's personal growth has been marked by a lifelong embrace of study—whether of Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, or quantum theory. He often speaks of meditation, discipline, and the power of the mind to reshape reality. His book The Tao of Wu outlines seven “Pillars of Wisdom” derived from life experience, fusing scripture, street smarts, and introspection into a modern guide for awakening. For RZA, hip-hop was never just entertainment—it was a vessel for truth and elevation.

As an artist and teacher, RZA has used every medium available—music, books, film, and public speaking—to share his ideas on growth, consciousness, and creative freedom. He’s directed films, scored Hollywood soundtracks, and mentored countless artists, all while urging audiences to rise above fear and embrace personal transformation. His message remains consistent: wisdom isn’t just for the elite—it’s for anyone willing to do the work.

In a world that often rewards flash over substance, RZA stands as a rare example of depth, discipline, and evolution. He continues to remind his listeners that true power comes not from domination, but from understanding—and that through knowledge, music, and spirit, even the most broken can become whole.

Back to The Quest!

Unedited manic ramblings, typically after a run.

7/8/2025

Spent some time off the grid in the countryside. Fresh air, lots of swimming, people to socialize with plus crappy WiFi meant that I spent a lot of time connecting with self and others. Another bonus: long travel times to and from the country meant I was able to read a lot and reflect. Felt good to just think about the present moment. Truly embracing "go with the flow" which is easier without cell signal. My social skills and tolerance for others has decreased a ton but this trip was great training in bringing my mind back online in new ways. Living in Texas trained me well for this adventure and it felt great.

Post travels, it's back to work. I'm starting two new training plans in the next few days: my 5K training program and my kettlebell/dumbell program. Great opportunity to learn again and set some new PRs. And I'm also starting Dragon Quest 1 and I'm hoping to complete it by the end of this chapter. Just a nice simple JRPG to learn a bit from.

7/14/2025

First run in two weeks yesterday. Man it felt terrible. Haven't started a new training plan, just doing a couple runs to feel it out. Did like 2.4 miles, longer than I thought, pace was around 12 minutes. With a focus on serious training I should hit 10 minute miles again, then eventually 8 minute miles. This training program will incorporate bodyweight exercises and running for a 5K. Feels exciting. I've been a bum for the last few weeks admittedly but knowing that I'm about to jump into 8 weeks of serious training is exciting, too. And after not doing yoga consistently, I can see how important it is for my overall strength. So by adding strength training like I've been building this system to be based on, I should be able to really kick ass.

7/18/2025

Been a little lazy this month but I've got an action-packed few weeks ahead so some solid training should get me back on track. I took a little time off after completing my 8 weeks, that turned into about 3 weeks of lounging around, though I had a vacation in the middle of that so I'm being kind. Bodyweight and more running is up next. Just got to keep the head down and clear.

7/28/2025

Been a quiet few weeks from me. I admittedly fell off the wagon again but the good thing is that it hasn't kept me from keeping up with all of my obligations. Being home as lead to a very full schedule, which has been refreshing. I mean it's annoying AF to run from one event to another, but it's shown me that the only way you can get comfortable social is by being social, reflecting on how things went and repeat, repeat, repeat. I love Austin. It's the first place I've truly felt free as an adult. I made many mistakes there, but it helped me develop as a person as well. I think the time is coming soon when I'll start the next chapter of my life and adventures in the north east. I've got my crazy plans for Sendō but also family commitments and finding a new group of friends to adventure with and reconnecting with old pals. Looking forward to all of it again. I'm still scared, but I know it's my time to shine.

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Outside of that, I've been really inspired by Jermaine Jones lately. He's a British-born runner based in Australia who I discovered when he was running 21 half-marathons in 21 days. It showed the power of discipline and pursuit of a goal you care about through a medium that feels right. And he's doing it for mental health charity which is neat. We're all finding ways to fight for what's right.

At the same time I've been doubting what I'm actually trying to do here. Am I ready to assemble a team, go all in on marketing and photoshoots and fundraising and networking and all of that exhausting stuff? I don't know man, but I've got to keep on keeping on. I need a team, that's for sure. Good, kind people that I can trust. And I need to keep refining this vision. And I need to become good enough to run like hell and balance all of it. Keeping my heart and mind open.

7/29/2025

Man this is a short chapter. I think I only ran once this month, and I my longest yoga practice has been 40 minutes so far. Not my finest moment but in my half-hearted defense I was busy for the most amount of time in years. Makes me understand how adults get out of shape and fall off the wagon - life gets busy when you spend more time with people. It's worthwhile though, and it's an education in making the most of the time you have available.

See you for the next one.

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