Judd Spitzer

Category: Uncategorized

  • Running to Race

    Running to Race

    I consider myself an average runner. I’m not fast, but I’m not slow either. I just get the job done. My average pace for a 10K is usually around a 10-minute mile, depending on where I’m at in my training. Sure, I’ve had faster races and slower ones too, but the most important thing isn’t the race—it’s the training that gets you there.

    I’ve trained in a variety of ways, from running daily to limiting myself to just three runs a week. Here are some thoughts on training and conditioning for races. Of course, your mileage may vary, and I’m not a certified trainer—this is just my personal experience.

    Prioritize Your Health

    First and foremost, your health comes first. Starting a training program recklessly and getting injured won’t do you any good—physically or mentally. Listen to your body and ease into your routine to prevent setbacks.

    Walking is a Great Start

    If you’re new to running, start by simply getting off the couch and walking. Apps like Couch to 5K can help you build up gradually without overwhelming you. There’s no need to sprint out of the gate—progress at your own pace.

    Don’t Underestimate Cross-Training

    Running is an excellent cardio workout, but it’s not the only form of exercise that benefits runners. Strength training, toning, and other forms of cross-training can help you build muscle and improve overall fitness. At 55, I’ve discovered that cross-training has helped me in ways I never expected. It not only strengthens your body but also provides a much-needed break from the repetitive impact of running, helping you recover better.

    Stretch More

    Stretching is critical, even if it’s something many runners (including myself) tend to skip. Programs like Apple Fitness+ offer guided cool-downs that I’ve found invaluable, especially after other workouts like rowing, spin, or strength training.

    Stretching helps loosen tight muscles, improves flexibility, and reduces the risk of injury. After long runs, your muscles need to recover and be re-nourished, so don’t neglect this step. Refueling after a workout is also essential to prepare your body for your next session.

    Find Motivation and Accountability

    Sticking to a routine is hard, especially if you’re not part of a running group or community. A running buddy or even a non-runner accountability partner can make a big difference. Sometimes, all it takes is someone checking in to keep you motivated.

    Racing as a Celebration

    This week, I’m running two back-to-back races: the Disneyland 10K and half marathon, part of the Dumbo Double Dare series. I’m super excited to run through Disneyland and California Adventure Park—it’s a great way to celebrate all the effort that goes into training.

    As Coach Bennett from the Nike Run Club app says: “We don’t race to prove we are runners. We race to celebrate we are runners.” That mindset perfectly captures why I run races like RunDisney.

    If you haven’t had the chance to participate in a Disney race, consider adding it to your bucket list. Yes, it’s pricey, but the experience is magical. Living in the Orlando area makes it easier for me, but even if you’re far away, it’s worth the trip.

    The Joy of the Running Community

    Beyond Disney races, I’ve done countless others, from short sprints to marathons. Each race presents its own challenges and rewards, from speed workouts to beach runs. The camaraderie among runners is one of the best parts of the sport.

    Runners don’t see each other as competition. We’re a community, supporting one another to do our best. Whether you’re racing against the clock or just enjoying the journey, your fellow runners will cheer you on every step of the way.

    So, lace up your shoes, find your routine, and celebrate what it means to be a runner. Every step you take is a victory—enjoy the journey!

  • Embracing the Unknown

    Embracing the Unknown

    Today marks the last working day of the week for me, and I’ve only got one more day left at my current job. It feels like it’s taking forever to get there, but I know it’s coming soon. I’m ready for new adventures. Right now, I feel a little held back, but as soon as the chains are off, I know the real journey will begin.

    This next chapter isn’t just about my career—it’s about my life as a whole. I’m ready to explore everything: career moves, personal growth, and even things I haven’t thought about yet. The beauty of it all is not knowing exactly what’s coming. I’ve decided to embrace the unknown and let the universe guide me where I’m meant to be.

    The idea of trusting the flow of life feels freeing. I don’t have to map out every detail right now. Instead, I can take it one day at a time, letting things unfold naturally. Who knows what’s waiting on the other side of this change? Maybe a new career that inspires me, stronger connections with the people I care about, or even unexpected passions that come out of nowhere.

    For now, it’s all about letting go and trusting that the next adventure is already on its way.

  • 2024

    2024

    Will it be a year we remember or just another dumpster fire in the making? How many movies can you watch or books will you read? How many more unmemorable songs will be made with the same beat? 

    Normally you expect a new year to bring on some fantastic thought of renewal and forward looking ideas! Optimism! Well Just because we leave the burning building of 2023 behind us, doesn’t mean that fire isn’t still burning.

    There are two wars going on in the world right now, Ukraine and Israel. There are terrorists stopping shipping. There are problems with China, Russia, North Korea, Immigration via Mexico, a major drug problem in this country, with over 100,000 people murdered by Fentanyl; and a new year doesn’t make it go away.

    As for me, I’m under construction. There is plenty of things to do, and that I would like to accomplish over the next year. Figuring it all out isn’t always so easy, but it is the work in progress that is important.

    I’ll leave this here for the time and my entries for this year will be in the blog.

    —

    Take Care,

    Judd Spitzer

  • The Value of Friendship

    The Value of Friendship

    Anyone who knows me knows that I value friendship. There are a lot of things in this world that one could talk about being important, but the bonds between people mean so much to me.

    Friendship is about giving one thing of yourself to someone else that you can never get back, and that is your time.

    We choose who and how we spend our time. Having shared experiences and recalling them with old friends over the years is more than nostalgia, it unlocks parts of our brains that make us feel alive and remember how full of life we are.

    We have acquaintances and we have friends. It is important to know the difference. If you look at a place like Facebook or LinkedIn and see your “Friends” or “Connections” you might ask yourself, are these really my friends? I think some are friends, and some are just casual online connections. Even if you’ve met them in real life.

    What is a friend?

    A friend is someone who actually wants to be part of your life. They are more than an online Facebook birthday wish (And believe me, I am all about the birthday wishes). A friend sees and hears, then picks up the phone and calls you, or drives over, or engages you. A friends checks up on you. A friend wants you in their life.

    But what about that friend that you don’t talk to for a year, then you re-connect and it’s like you bridge the gap of time and it’s like the quiet time didn’t matter? We all get busy. As we get older we do find ourselves getting busy. People have primary romantic relationships, kids, jobs, and there is only so much time to have connections; so it can be easy to think we’ll get back to that friend and forget.

    Forgiveness

    Friendship is about knowing you have an amazing history of shared experiences, and a breadth of life that at one point you intersected with and sometimes that intersection will diverge. That’s ok. But forgive yourself for not being as engaged. Forgive your friend for not being as engaged. When the opportunity comes, and there is time, make it happen. Forget the past, and let bygones be bygones. Holding on to hurt feelings will never let you move forward, and you’ll only have bitter memories.

    Don’t have disposable friends

    I do not have disposable friends. I would like to believe that I would go out of my way for my friends. Sometimes I have not be able to be where I wanted to be to help a friend, but life hasn’t always workout in the ways that I think they would. Be consistent. Show up as much as possible. I saw a meme that said, tell your friends you love them and make it weird. I agree. Why spend time with people you just tolerate, that’s work.

    I have been very fortunate to have people in my life that have shared the path on my journey, and stick with me. These are the people I value, they are in no way disposable. Sometimes they are distant, and sometimes they engage me in ways that make all the difference in the world. There is nothing more appreciated than someone who takes the time and reminds you that you are important to them. Take the time and be a friend.

  • The Mid November update

    The Mid November update

    Well here we are almost at the end of the year! And well, it has been filled with a lot of excitement for sure. Jobs changing and doing some late fall cleaning. Feels good to throw away things that have been sitting for a long time in boxes that just will never be used. It seems that there is always more and more to consider to reduce. I can’t say I’ve always been a fan of it, but I see the benefits of less clutter.

    The World

    The world is spinning out of control, at least in some ways. Ukraine and Israel both under attack from hostile countries. I could go on for hours on this but I support both countries in their struggle to keep aggression and terrorists out of their country and from bringing more harm to anyone else.

    What’s next??

    I’ve been sidelined on running due to that dreaded plantar fasciitis. But I think I’m back. Slowly and with good running shoes, so we’ll see. It’s difficult to predict what will be the next thing, but so far, I’m doing ok, and I’m fortunate. I’ll keep moving forward and looking forward, with a glance or two at the past. There is still a glimmer of hope from the past that I hold on to, because you never know, people surprise you.

  • Comparing and contrasting the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” with the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

    Comparing and contrasting the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” with the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

    I asked Chat GPT to do this.

    Certainly! Here is an essay comparing and contrasting the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” with the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, and explaining why the 1971 film is better.

    The two films are both based on the same beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, but they have distinct differences in their style, tone, and overall presentation. While both films share many of the same characters and story elements, there are several key differences that set them apart.

    One of the most noticeable differences between the two films is their visual style. The 1971 film has a bright, colorful, and whimsical look that perfectly captures the story’s sense of wonder and imagination. The set designs, costumes, and special effects all work together to create a fantastical world that feels both magical and grounded in reality. By contrast, the 2005 film has a darker, more muted look that emphasizes the story’s darker elements and places less emphasis on the joy and wonder of the chocolate factory.

    Another major difference between the two films is their approach to character development. In the 1971 film, the character of Willy Wonka is portrayed as a mysterious and eccentric figure who gradually reveals himself to be a kind and generous soul. By contrast, the 2005 film portrays Willy Wonka as a more troubled and emotionally distant character, with a backstory that explains some of his more eccentric behaviors. While both interpretations are valid, the 1971 film’s approach feels more true to the spirit of the original book and allows the audience to share in Charlie’s sense of wonder and discovery.

    Finally, the two films differ in their overall tone and message. While both films promote the importance of imagination, creativity, and the power of dreams, the 1971 film does so in a more heartfelt and sincere way. The film’s music, performances, and storytelling all work together to create a sense of joy and optimism that is infectious and uplifting. The 2005 film, by contrast, places more emphasis on the darker elements of the story, such as the dysfunctional relationships between the characters and the sense of greed and entitlement that drives the plot.

    In conclusion, while both films have their merits, the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is a better representation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. Its bright, colorful visuals, heartfelt performances, and sincere message of imagination and wonder make it a beloved classic that has stood the test of time. While the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has its own strengths, including impressive visual effects and strong performances, it lacks the same sense of heart and soul that makes the 1971 film so memorable and enduring.

  • Welcome 2023 – For the archive

    Welcome. This site continues to evolve. It is a work in progress, just like anything. I am writing this at the end of 2022 and looking forward to 2023. Some predictions, this will be a year of AI, Artificial Intelligence, but more importantly computers being used to generate original content to some degree. From filtered photos to deep fakes, this will be the year it starts.

    They say we will have an economic downturn this year. The US dollar is strong against foreign currencies. Maybe it’s an excellent time to travel overseas. The year is starting off with Gas Prices lower than ever. Electric cars are flooding the market and forcing Tesla to reconsider its higher prices, and consider higher production.

    The War in Ukraine continues on, so keep watching those defense stocks. And let’s hope Ukraine wins. They are a sovereign nation and should have been respected.

    The Fentanyl crisis continues to plague our country. The Blue Plaid Society here in Florida and many other NGOs are working hard to educate and make a difference in the fight for people’s lives. Bottom line. Don’t do illicit drugs. You’re going to die.

    Finally, back to work, back to the office. For many, they thought the new normal was work from home forever. It seems like the world isn’t so much about that anymore. Cabin fever has struck and companies are demanding their employees return to the office. For some, it’s going to be hard. But it is a reality that social interaction is a requirement for people to have synergy. While you may be productive in the at-home world, sometimes, it’s the casual conversations that make the difference and can only be had over at the break room.

    2023, we’re ready for you.

    Judd Spitzer

  • New Beginnings means there are Endings

    I was watching a news channel this morning and the 2022 in memoriam was on. I remember the surprise that this person or that person had passed away during the year. It was something to see it all at once, and bring back the memories again of these celebrities and notable people. There were of course Actors and Singers. There were also Politicians, News Reporters, Sports Legions, and other Industry Icons.

    Who Cares?

    Well we all care. We live in a world where we expect people to be there. We expect people to be in our lives and we don’t see a life where that will change. It is devastating when a person dies that is important to us. It can rock us to our core, because in a way, people are an extension of our being. Some people like celebrities might be like leaves on a tree. They fall off and we notice them, and maybe some that influenced us are like small branches. Then there are family members; they have the greatest impact and they represent the biggest branches on the tree.

    Moving Forward

    We do have to find ways to move forward. We do that by keeping the memories alive. We do that by not letting the lives that matter to us become just a footnote in a closed book. We do that be living better and doing things that inspire other people to be their best.

    New Year – Restarts

    People love these kind of memes. The idea that they aren’t going to change, but change is what we do. I know it’s not that a day happens and we magically become a different person. Maybe we don’t need new resolutions, maybe we just need to refocus on the things we have let go. We need to concentrate on doing the things we want to do to be better.

    There is no magic wand or moment that happens that makes a person be different. Sure, you can set exercise goals or health goals or whatever, but you were doing that before. EVERYDAY is a day that you get to restart. January 1 isn’t the only day that restarts can happen. It’s too bad that we focus on one day out of the year, when any day is a good day to make changes, adjust and move forward.

  • Being a Best Friend

    So I really don’t do casual friendship for the most part. You’re either my friend or you’re not.

    You could be an acquaintance but that may just be a social connection. I have a lot of those for sure.

    But to be a FRIEND, that’s sort of being elevated to a level of importance in my life. It means I will connect with you, as my empathetic mind works.

    Friendships are relationships. Like it or not they are, and so much more. They are the place where we store secrets and they are the place where we laugh. It is the place where we smile and the place where we cry. 

    Friendships are the real connections that mean we help each other for no other reason than because we are friends. 

    Some friends don’t connect for a long time, but when they do, it was like they never skipped a beat. 

    Some friends check in regularly because they know they need that heart beat. 

    Friendships do change as we grow older, and time marches on. 

    We are busy with life and things that make it seem so hard. 

    But I am sure with the few friends I have, they are my diamonds in the rough, the realist friends that help me out when things are really tough. 

    Sending so much love to my friends. ?

  • Don’t let your memories disappear

    Do you use the cloud to back up your phone or tablet? Or how about your computer? It is much easier these days to restore your devices in the event of a catastrophic event, such as the loss of your device. The trick is you have to do it.

    Apple has made the iCloud system work seamlessly with the hardware ecosystem. What once meant connecting your device to a computer and wait for syncing as been changed to automatic sync while you sleep and charge.

    You no longer have to worry about losing photos, texts, notes and passwords. I know hat you’re thinking, but they have your data, they could do something nefarious with it. Well chances are they aren’t. Of course we know that Apple contends to be super privacy minded, but they still draw some lines.

    What is the most important thing to you no to lose? I would bet photos and videos of your loved ones and friends. What are you and I doing to preserve these memories? You never know who might need to get into your iCloud or phone? Maybe it’s life saving?

    Two stories for you.

    I was on a cruise and thought my iPhone X was more water resistant than it actually was. So I happened to be around water and it got wet. The phone stopped turning on. Basically if it wasn’t for my iPad and iMessage, I would not have had a communication tool. Everything was synced between the devices. However, what about the phone? It was warranteed and I had a new one a day after I returned. I didn’t lose anything. Everything was in the cloud and my phone restored to normal in just a few hours with all of my photos and everything. I would have been devastated to lose all of my personal things.

    Another story is what happens if someone dies? If you don’t have a plan, those precious memories could be lost to the ether forever. iCloud storage is extremely secure, and it is very difficult to reset a password if you lose access to your phone or another device that is logged into that account.

    Take the time to strategize the memories you would like to ensure are available for your family and friends. Create shared albums, do whatever is necessary so that your loved ones are able to keep your memory alive. You just don’t know how long you will live. Life is a crapshoot. You think you’ll live forever, and all that you are could disappear but it doesn’t have to be like that.

    Maybe you have no idea what it is like to lose someone important and wish you had photos of their life. Maybe a parent, a child or close friend. There is nothing that fills a soul up more that seeing YOUR face. See you in all the quirky ways that we are. Take the selfies, take 100… who cares, because we are super critical of your image and only 2 or 3 will matter. But in 10 years, they all will matter, and you’ll have forgotten how wonderful that moment actually was, and maybe someone else needs to see that photo as well.

    I hear this word narcissist a lot this days. We’ve created a device that feeds into everyone’s ability to be their own image manager, and that’s a good thing. I don’t think that taking selfies makes you a narcissist. In a world where we are disconnected, it helps use to maintain connections, because seeing each other matters. That’s what makes us real.

    When you love someone, you want to see them. You want to see them be amazing, doing activities, living their best life. But we need it all, the painful, self reflecting moments, the hard times. Friends support each other, that’s just part of love.

    One day we will be gone, and what memories will you leave? How do you want to be remembered? But don’t let who you are fade away from the world. You matter to someone. You do. There is always someone who thinks you are special and you matter. Leave the gift of you, in some special way, even if it’s just a series of photographs of your life. How you are remembered is up to you.

    This moment, on a Jet going to Seattle for work as I wrote this.