Can we just stop?

I wasn’t watching news, I was suddenly in the middle of it. Walking to the subway in the cold with my colleague after a work day in Manhattan, we were stopped by an unexpected show after dinner. A long line of NYPD officers was forming in front of their well-lit station in Times Square. As…

Feeding Friends

We were not only serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, we were serving the hungry and alone. I observed and learned a few things volunteering at the Great Plate on Thursday. It was a heart opening experience for me. First… people who volunteer do it out of passion, not obligation. Theresa, Iwa and the rest…

Wrap your head around it

Since I finished my first full Iron Man in July, I have received compliments from several friends. Many are athletes who are far stronger than me at running, cycling and swimming. However, there is something intimidating about putting all three sports together that strikes fear into their strong hearts. One particular friend (I’ll call him Joe) told…

These are the brakes

I stood on the edge of the black diamond run looking down at the snow-frosted rocks and towering pine trees, intimidated by the difficult terrain on that long run to the lodge. I had recently converted to snowboarding from the comfort of two skis, and earlier that morning this 40-something dude was by far the…

Only human

I’m grieving the tragic loss of Robin Williams and it reminds me of the time I met his idol and mentor, Jonathan Winters. You young whippersnappers may not remember Mr. Winters, but he had a frenetic, multiple-personality delivery style that inspired the young Robin to let go and play so hard on stage. I was…

Dig Deep, David

I occasionally talk to myself and sing out loud during endurance events. Some of my fellow racers smile and I admit some just stare at me. At mile 136 of the Iron Man 140.6, I just didn’t care. The winding mountain roads of Lake Placid are a lonely place to run in the dark. I…

Accepting exceptions

There’s an exception to every rule, right? You can tell yourself you’re not going to eat THAT, and that you’re going to put in ALL the miles, but life and lack of willpower just get in the way sometimes, don’t they? You have to make a few exceptions in any plan. It’s inevitable. Here we are……

Unforced Perspective

Things are not always what they seem. And to all young people reading this, regardless of your upbringing or environment… I’m telling you social status is a myth. The kids you label popular are mere humans with the same dreams, doubts and insecurities that you are feeling. That’s right, everyone has to struggle with something.…

Best day ever

I was asked recently, “What was your best day ever in your job?” I gave an answer without hesitation. It was the day I hosted a live TV show at Cisco with 4 panelists, taking questions from an online audience along with a teleprompter and a director talking in my ear. I had conducted plenty…