This song rings ever truer for me these days, my travel schedule has been keeping me away from home the past couple of weeks, and the next two weeks are not much brighter. No this isn't just a "James is whining" post, I've got a point.
As I was walking down the steps of the YMCA in Raleigh (nice brand new facility by the way), I noticed one particular verse from Proverbs posted next to a collage of kids pictures. For the life of me I can't remember the chapter and verse and my online searching struck out. So to paraphrase in the "Non-King James Version":
"Raise your children in the ways of the Lord, and when they grow old they won't
depart from them."
For me it made me question my current career. What was I teaching my kids? Would they draw from my absence a knowledge of sacrifice to provide for my family? or "Would they simply remember it as a dad who wasn't there for ball practice and stormy nights?"
But, as I said, this post isn't just about me. The verse that I can't remember, trust me it's there in Proverbs, should cause us to examine every aspect of our lives and our behavior. What are our children learning from us? It's really easy to point the finger at the TV, or video games, but in reality our children learn from us daily from not only our words, but also our actions and those lessons reach far deeper and remain far longer than any others they'll ever learn.
Perhaps in today's world Christians can have a bigger impact on the world not by seeking change in our communities and country, but by changing our homes.
Just a thought!
30 January 2008
28 January 2008
Cup of JOE
After years of decrying coffee as a foul tasting elixir, some cold weather mornings found me drinking it to try and stay warm. Also, because I had cut back on my consumption of caffeinated soft drinks, the jolt of caffeine sets me buzzing pretty darn good.
My first mixture of coffee with exercise came before the Snowman Shuffle 4 miler, and while the evidence is anecdotal, I do think my performance was enhanced over this distance. This morning I grabbed a cup of instant coffee on my way out the door to the gym, and again, it's anecdotal, but my hill workout on the treadmill went rather well.
So tonight I've done a little research and have found pros and cons of caffeine, with the cons tied to the mega doses consumed by many in the US these days, whether from all day drinking of coffee, massive cola consumption (I was one of those until recently), or the new energy drinks that are all the rave.
My initial research, which is still very thin, seems to indicate that consumption of the amount of caffeine in 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day may have some health benefits, and according to some websites has benefit for endurance athletes as well and for high intensity activities in a shorter time frame (i.e. sprinting).
I've got to do some more digging, but for now I think I'll enjoy a cup before heading to the gym for the next couple of days and see how I feel and how the workouts go. I've committed myself to making sure that I keep my consumption to the early morning cup and with the exception of the occasional ice tea, doing my best to avoid the caffeine for the balance of the day.
My first mixture of coffee with exercise came before the Snowman Shuffle 4 miler, and while the evidence is anecdotal, I do think my performance was enhanced over this distance. This morning I grabbed a cup of instant coffee on my way out the door to the gym, and again, it's anecdotal, but my hill workout on the treadmill went rather well.
So tonight I've done a little research and have found pros and cons of caffeine, with the cons tied to the mega doses consumed by many in the US these days, whether from all day drinking of coffee, massive cola consumption (I was one of those until recently), or the new energy drinks that are all the rave.
My initial research, which is still very thin, seems to indicate that consumption of the amount of caffeine in 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day may have some health benefits, and according to some websites has benefit for endurance athletes as well and for high intensity activities in a shorter time frame (i.e. sprinting).
I've got to do some more digging, but for now I think I'll enjoy a cup before heading to the gym for the next couple of days and see how I feel and how the workouts go. I've committed myself to making sure that I keep my consumption to the early morning cup and with the exception of the occasional ice tea, doing my best to avoid the caffeine for the balance of the day.
24 January 2008
Something New
I've added a link in the right hand column under the heading "Water Station". The link is for the "Our Daily Bread Devotionals" website. My mom always got these booklets from church and since I was a kid I've found that they provoked my thoughts and gave me inspiration.
Why the header "Water Station"? Just like a water station in a long race, I always find that even a brief moment with God's word refreshes me and gives me the drive to push on. Unfortunately in life, as I did in last spring's 10 miler and 1/2 Marathon, I tend to push too long without proper hydration and then suffer the resulting pains and diminished performance. If you don't have a steady habit of daily Bible study, take a look, the devotions are short, take 2 minutes to read them and another minute to talk with God, see if you don't feel refreshed and ready to take on life's hills. It's a great antidote to my mindless ramblings.
I've also posted a poll. I'm not going to venture into politics on here, because I'd just tick off the Republicans and Democrats among you. Rather I'm just curious how others might answer the question, "If only one topic/issue differentiated one candidate from another, which one would you consider most important?"
Why the header "Water Station"? Just like a water station in a long race, I always find that even a brief moment with God's word refreshes me and gives me the drive to push on. Unfortunately in life, as I did in last spring's 10 miler and 1/2 Marathon, I tend to push too long without proper hydration and then suffer the resulting pains and diminished performance. If you don't have a steady habit of daily Bible study, take a look, the devotions are short, take 2 minutes to read them and another minute to talk with God, see if you don't feel refreshed and ready to take on life's hills. It's a great antidote to my mindless ramblings.
I've also posted a poll. I'm not going to venture into politics on here, because I'd just tick off the Republicans and Democrats among you. Rather I'm just curious how others might answer the question, "If only one topic/issue differentiated one candidate from another, which one would you consider most important?"
22 January 2008
Random Thoughts
RoadID makes a great gift (www.roadid.com) for a runner/cyclist/traveler. Jina got me the "dog tag" style on a chain for Christmas (they also have a bracelet and one that attaches to your laces). It's nice now when I travel to know my emergency contact information is on me, even when I don't take my Driver's License to the gym or hotel weight room, no to mention if I go for a run.
I went to the gym the other day and wore a matching outfit...yikes...I didn't even know it. The shorts were Champion C9 shorts from Target, (12.99) and the shirt came off the clearance rack (vented/technical) $3.84. After I ran, I walked in front of the mirror in the free weight area and realized I had on a matching set. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again.
Thank goodness for Target and Walmart and occasionally Dick's Sporting Goods (fitness gear brand). I can't bring myself to lay our $35 for a technical shirt just to get the Nike swoosh on it. I must admit to liking the bright yellow "Live Strong" shirts, but when you run some races just to get the free technical shirt, it's not likely you're parting with $35 for a work out shirt.
Does God get that same sense of pride when I do something right, that I get when my children do?
Eating 3 meals a day by yourself stinks!
OLS update: I was helping set up some tables for a client today, didn't have to, but thought I'd be nice since I was work out of their office. As I picked up a folding table by myself and carried over my head to avoid others, an attractive female member of their staff commented on myself and one of the other guys carrying the tables ourselves. I had to suppress my laughter when I realized that OLS symptoms almost flared up. Luckily the humor of the whole situation and setting acted as a natural suppressant.
Time for some sleep, or an attempt. 2 years into this job and I still don't sleep well on the road.
I went to the gym the other day and wore a matching outfit...yikes...I didn't even know it. The shorts were Champion C9 shorts from Target, (12.99) and the shirt came off the clearance rack (vented/technical) $3.84. After I ran, I walked in front of the mirror in the free weight area and realized I had on a matching set. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again.
Thank goodness for Target and Walmart and occasionally Dick's Sporting Goods (fitness gear brand). I can't bring myself to lay our $35 for a technical shirt just to get the Nike swoosh on it. I must admit to liking the bright yellow "Live Strong" shirts, but when you run some races just to get the free technical shirt, it's not likely you're parting with $35 for a work out shirt.
Does God get that same sense of pride when I do something right, that I get when my children do?
Eating 3 meals a day by yourself stinks!
OLS update: I was helping set up some tables for a client today, didn't have to, but thought I'd be nice since I was work out of their office. As I picked up a folding table by myself and carried over my head to avoid others, an attractive female member of their staff commented on myself and one of the other guys carrying the tables ourselves. I had to suppress my laughter when I realized that OLS symptoms almost flared up. Luckily the humor of the whole situation and setting acted as a natural suppressant.
Time for some sleep, or an attempt. 2 years into this job and I still don't sleep well on the road.
19 January 2008
Snowman Shuffle
First let me tell you, I ran my best race yet. They haven't posted results yet, so I don't know how I finished, but planned how I wanted to run it, stuck to my plan, and finished in the time I wanted and in the fashion I wanted. Here's a quick run down.
Weather: 25 degrees, windchill 15, clear and sunny.
I arrived 45 minutes before race time and checked in. Wouldn't you know it, I signed up for the three race Grand Prix at the first race and they failed to get me entered. As instructed I quickly filled out an entry blank and was handed my bib number and free pair of cotton running gloves. By now I'm cold. I'm wearing my running tights under my running pants, because Scotty and I decided a long time ago that a dude in tights only is not a pretty sight for anyone to see, a long sleeve compression T under a short sleeve technical shirt, my Mizuno windbreaker (a door prize from a local race, some day I'll spend the money for a vented running jacket), a knit cap, and the Mizuno running gloves I got this last Christmas. It takes all of 5 minutes outside to feel every layer permeated by the cold.
Back in my car I pin my bib number to my right thigh, place my gloves over the defroster vents and decide how long I'll wait before I get out again. Remembering that I had considered logging miles prior to the race to make up for no long run and being smart enough to recognize that the tightness in my hamstrings could be an issue on such a cold morning, I decide to exit the warm metal cocoon thirty minutes prior to race time and log two easy miles out and back along the first mile of the race course.
The race starts at the top of a large hill, descends sharply in the first quarter mile, then flattens out through the middle 21/2 miles before assaulting you with a steep hill climb between the 2.5 mile mark and the 3 mile mark, a plunge down the back side of this hill and then a steady quarter mile climb to the finish.
As I head out for my warm up miles I let gravity pull me down the first descent and recognize that with little effort I'm able to set a rather quick pace. As I run I notice that the out and back offshoot, added in order to turn the 4K loop into a 4 miler, is not flat, but rather a shallow descent to the turn around and it's rolling grade adds short descents to the return route, negating the felt impact of the return ascent. Memory reminds me that after this out and back comes a long flat portion between two of the parks hills before beginning the climb for which this popular running route is known for.
On my return mile I formulate the following plan. I'll use the initial plunge and following descent to keep my pace in the 7 minute mile pace range, hold that as long as I can, backing off just a bit through the flat portion of the course, conserving energy for the hill and hopefully positioning myself to be able to only fade a few spots as I hit what is for me the biggest obstacle.
At the start I recognized a former collegue and we chatted away the final three minutes before race time, not even hearing the start, alerted by the pack in front of us surging forward. I find myself positioned in with a slower group of runners than I anticipated (some day I'll learn to go to the front) and have to weave my way through traffic before finding a clear opening as I hit the initial descent. I come in under 7 minutes for my first and predominately downhill mile, fading a bit through the out and back, recording a 14:20 when my GPS indicates 2 miles. I'm feeling pretty strong and decide that instead of backing off a bit through the flat to conserve energy, I'll push it to the base of the hill and if the hill kills me, so be it.
The hill proves as daunting and torturous as I expected, but I manage to pass a couple of folks at the beginning of the incline and lose only a couple of spots to others half way up. Near the top my Garmin records 22 minutes at the 3 mile mark and though they protest my legs carry me across the flat top of the hill and I'm able to gain momentum, clinging to my hope of finishing in 30 minutes. Two runners, a female master (over 40) and a younger male pass me on the down hill, I don't care, "Run your race!", I tell myself. As I approach the last climb I glance at my wrist, just over two tenths to go, "Forget pace, maintain same effort, forget pace, maintain the same exertion level" becomes my mantra. Then it happens, I reel in and pass the two runners who passed me on the descent and then pick off one more.
As I rounded the last turn and strode the last few yards of the final incline I realized that as I reached the flat home stretch there would be no 40 yard kick to the finish. If a runner was closing, so be it, I had run my race, I would concede the spot. No challenge was mounted and I crossed the finish in 29:30, not puking, but close, ecstatic that I had not saved anything in the gas tank. Finally, I ran a race exactly as planned, and came away with a time I was happy with.
Weather: 25 degrees, windchill 15, clear and sunny.
I arrived 45 minutes before race time and checked in. Wouldn't you know it, I signed up for the three race Grand Prix at the first race and they failed to get me entered. As instructed I quickly filled out an entry blank and was handed my bib number and free pair of cotton running gloves. By now I'm cold. I'm wearing my running tights under my running pants, because Scotty and I decided a long time ago that a dude in tights only is not a pretty sight for anyone to see, a long sleeve compression T under a short sleeve technical shirt, my Mizuno windbreaker (a door prize from a local race, some day I'll spend the money for a vented running jacket), a knit cap, and the Mizuno running gloves I got this last Christmas. It takes all of 5 minutes outside to feel every layer permeated by the cold.
Back in my car I pin my bib number to my right thigh, place my gloves over the defroster vents and decide how long I'll wait before I get out again. Remembering that I had considered logging miles prior to the race to make up for no long run and being smart enough to recognize that the tightness in my hamstrings could be an issue on such a cold morning, I decide to exit the warm metal cocoon thirty minutes prior to race time and log two easy miles out and back along the first mile of the race course.
The race starts at the top of a large hill, descends sharply in the first quarter mile, then flattens out through the middle 21/2 miles before assaulting you with a steep hill climb between the 2.5 mile mark and the 3 mile mark, a plunge down the back side of this hill and then a steady quarter mile climb to the finish.
As I head out for my warm up miles I let gravity pull me down the first descent and recognize that with little effort I'm able to set a rather quick pace. As I run I notice that the out and back offshoot, added in order to turn the 4K loop into a 4 miler, is not flat, but rather a shallow descent to the turn around and it's rolling grade adds short descents to the return route, negating the felt impact of the return ascent. Memory reminds me that after this out and back comes a long flat portion between two of the parks hills before beginning the climb for which this popular running route is known for.
On my return mile I formulate the following plan. I'll use the initial plunge and following descent to keep my pace in the 7 minute mile pace range, hold that as long as I can, backing off just a bit through the flat portion of the course, conserving energy for the hill and hopefully positioning myself to be able to only fade a few spots as I hit what is for me the biggest obstacle.
At the start I recognized a former collegue and we chatted away the final three minutes before race time, not even hearing the start, alerted by the pack in front of us surging forward. I find myself positioned in with a slower group of runners than I anticipated (some day I'll learn to go to the front) and have to weave my way through traffic before finding a clear opening as I hit the initial descent. I come in under 7 minutes for my first and predominately downhill mile, fading a bit through the out and back, recording a 14:20 when my GPS indicates 2 miles. I'm feeling pretty strong and decide that instead of backing off a bit through the flat to conserve energy, I'll push it to the base of the hill and if the hill kills me, so be it.
The hill proves as daunting and torturous as I expected, but I manage to pass a couple of folks at the beginning of the incline and lose only a couple of spots to others half way up. Near the top my Garmin records 22 minutes at the 3 mile mark and though they protest my legs carry me across the flat top of the hill and I'm able to gain momentum, clinging to my hope of finishing in 30 minutes. Two runners, a female master (over 40) and a younger male pass me on the down hill, I don't care, "Run your race!", I tell myself. As I approach the last climb I glance at my wrist, just over two tenths to go, "Forget pace, maintain same effort, forget pace, maintain the same exertion level" becomes my mantra. Then it happens, I reel in and pass the two runners who passed me on the descent and then pick off one more.
As I rounded the last turn and strode the last few yards of the final incline I realized that as I reached the flat home stretch there would be no 40 yard kick to the finish. If a runner was closing, so be it, I had run my race, I would concede the spot. No challenge was mounted and I crossed the finish in 29:30, not puking, but close, ecstatic that I had not saved anything in the gas tank. Finally, I ran a race exactly as planned, and came away with a time I was happy with.
16 January 2008
One laid to rest, One in critical
No, not anyone I know, just wanted to grab your attention.
Actually I'm referring to my socks...
Approximately 18 months ago the decision was made, based on my increased mileage, to add wicking socks to my running wardrobe, and so I purchased a 3 pack of black New Balance brand socks. Those 3 pair, later supplemented by 2 pair of white (I can't remember the brand name), have lasted me 18 months. They've endured a marathon, a half-marathon, numerous shorter races and countless miles on the road or treadmill.
Earlier this week I returned home from the gym and discovered a large hole in the side of the pair I had on. They were laid to rest with full honors in the trash can. Tonight, the pair that saw casual duty tonight, and running duty tomorrow morning, are showing a pencil eraser size hole in the right big toe region. How much longer can they hold on?
A trip to Target, to replace aging running shorts, prompted me to buy a 3 pack of black Champion brand socks to begin phasing out the pairs that have served me well. Hopefully I have as much luck with the Champion socks as I have with their C9 running apparrel, because I can't support my running apparrel needs and my wife's workout apparrel wants.
When they were no longer considered useful, mighty warriors like the P-51 Mustang fighter plane, the M-1 Garand rifle, and more recently the F-14 Tomcat (yes, the planes from Top Gun) have been withdrawn from service, with only those they served and protected valiantly clinging to the memories of their once proud service. Similarly, so ends the proud career of my running socks. Rest in peace my dear friends, rest in peace. Sob! Sniffle. Weep. Sob!
Actually I'm referring to my socks...
Approximately 18 months ago the decision was made, based on my increased mileage, to add wicking socks to my running wardrobe, and so I purchased a 3 pack of black New Balance brand socks. Those 3 pair, later supplemented by 2 pair of white (I can't remember the brand name), have lasted me 18 months. They've endured a marathon, a half-marathon, numerous shorter races and countless miles on the road or treadmill.
Earlier this week I returned home from the gym and discovered a large hole in the side of the pair I had on. They were laid to rest with full honors in the trash can. Tonight, the pair that saw casual duty tonight, and running duty tomorrow morning, are showing a pencil eraser size hole in the right big toe region. How much longer can they hold on?
A trip to Target, to replace aging running shorts, prompted me to buy a 3 pack of black Champion brand socks to begin phasing out the pairs that have served me well. Hopefully I have as much luck with the Champion socks as I have with their C9 running apparrel, because I can't support my running apparrel needs and my wife's workout apparrel wants.
When they were no longer considered useful, mighty warriors like the P-51 Mustang fighter plane, the M-1 Garand rifle, and more recently the F-14 Tomcat (yes, the planes from Top Gun) have been withdrawn from service, with only those they served and protected valiantly clinging to the memories of their once proud service. Similarly, so ends the proud career of my running socks. Rest in peace my dear friends, rest in peace. Sob! Sniffle. Weep. Sob!
14 January 2008
Service
OK, it's late, and I've got a drive ahead of me tomorrow, so this will be short.
Yesterday I melted down, the full blown, "Why don't I ever get time for myself, to run my errands and just relax. Why is always someone else's wants or needs in front of mine!" In all honesty, I think you can throw one mild expletive (are there mild expletives)into the sentence. Anyway I ruined an entire afternoon and evening.
This morning I left the gym and decided to catch the taped sermon broadcast of one of the local churches.(7:30-8:00 am, Southeast Christian, if you live in the Louisville area and are interested). Well what do you think the sermon was on. No, not expletives. Service, and of course the supporting scripture was Jesus washing the disciples feet and the ensuing instructions.
Here's the passage if you want to read it.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=13&version=31&context=chapter
Anyway, work was a day filled with, you guessed it serving others. Clients, my subordinates, and as I was driving home, a phone call to help get my boss set up in a room, because he had forgot to do so and I thought it was better for me to make the call than for him to stay at work and miss out on time with his kids before he traveled.
Anyway, I'm no saint, as my rant proves, but as much as I hate it when things pile up and I don't seem to get "my stuff" done, (I still haven't made it to the store to get the things I went out for Saturday night), I like how it feels to know I helped someone out. I'm sure someone will tell me that the scripture above has deeper meaning and implications, but a day after my meltdown, I'll settle for the warm fuzzies, and pick up with the deeper stuff tomorrow.
As I wrap this up, Jina just got up to see why one of the little guys woke up crying, you mothers have to know what I'm talking about in this blog, you've got never ending jobs, but doesn't it feel good when the tears stop and the smiles come out?
Maybe more running stuff tomorrow or Wednesday when I'm on the road and have time to think. Until then I'll settle down, log some gym time, clean up my language and see what happens next.
Yesterday I melted down, the full blown, "Why don't I ever get time for myself, to run my errands and just relax. Why is always someone else's wants or needs in front of mine!" In all honesty, I think you can throw one mild expletive (are there mild expletives)into the sentence. Anyway I ruined an entire afternoon and evening.
This morning I left the gym and decided to catch the taped sermon broadcast of one of the local churches.(7:30-8:00 am, Southeast Christian, if you live in the Louisville area and are interested). Well what do you think the sermon was on. No, not expletives. Service, and of course the supporting scripture was Jesus washing the disciples feet and the ensuing instructions.
Here's the passage if you want to read it.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=13&version=31&context=chapter
Anyway, work was a day filled with, you guessed it serving others. Clients, my subordinates, and as I was driving home, a phone call to help get my boss set up in a room, because he had forgot to do so and I thought it was better for me to make the call than for him to stay at work and miss out on time with his kids before he traveled.
Anyway, I'm no saint, as my rant proves, but as much as I hate it when things pile up and I don't seem to get "my stuff" done, (I still haven't made it to the store to get the things I went out for Saturday night), I like how it feels to know I helped someone out. I'm sure someone will tell me that the scripture above has deeper meaning and implications, but a day after my meltdown, I'll settle for the warm fuzzies, and pick up with the deeper stuff tomorrow.
As I wrap this up, Jina just got up to see why one of the little guys woke up crying, you mothers have to know what I'm talking about in this blog, you've got never ending jobs, but doesn't it feel good when the tears stop and the smiles come out?
Maybe more running stuff tomorrow or Wednesday when I'm on the road and have time to think. Until then I'll settle down, log some gym time, clean up my language and see what happens next.
09 January 2008
Looking for a Leader
Funny, I used to get worked up and agitated about the presidential campaign, now it seems to be a foot note to my busy life. Don't get me wrong I still have opinions and stances to take on issues, but I'm beginning to get a bit jaded and wonder whether it really matters.
Perhaps you're convinced that one or more of the current crop of candidates is destined to lead us to greatness, I'm not. Perhaps you've become so jaded you don't even vote anymore. I'm not, nor do I feel that I'll ever be that disenfranchised. Voting is a right that I'm proud to exercise, because many people died throughout the years to secure and preserve it for me.
Anyway, that's about as political as I'm going to get on this blog. If you've found promise in one of the potential candidates, I'm happy for you. To date, I'm undecided and bored with the whole mess. I'm putting myself to sleep typing this. Hey, doesn't anyone know, Do any of the candidates know how to make ends meet on a middle class salary? What it's like to wonder about your kids future education? Has any of them made a job decision based on the availability, or lack thereof of health care benefits?
That's probably asking too much. At least as Christians we're following a leader who walked in our shoes and leaves us trying to follow in his foot steps.
Perhaps you're convinced that one or more of the current crop of candidates is destined to lead us to greatness, I'm not. Perhaps you've become so jaded you don't even vote anymore. I'm not, nor do I feel that I'll ever be that disenfranchised. Voting is a right that I'm proud to exercise, because many people died throughout the years to secure and preserve it for me.
Anyway, that's about as political as I'm going to get on this blog. If you've found promise in one of the potential candidates, I'm happy for you. To date, I'm undecided and bored with the whole mess. I'm putting myself to sleep typing this. Hey, doesn't anyone know, Do any of the candidates know how to make ends meet on a middle class salary? What it's like to wonder about your kids future education? Has any of them made a job decision based on the availability, or lack thereof of health care benefits?
That's probably asking too much. At least as Christians we're following a leader who walked in our shoes and leaves us trying to follow in his foot steps.
07 January 2008
It's my choice...
Seems like forever since I've posted. I wasn't sure why I didn't seem to have anything to write. Then this morning it hit me. Things have been going well, but in a mellow sort of way.
Writers, whether talented, or hacks like me, need motivation. That motivation comes from our emotions. Whether writing about the weather, politics, or posting family pics, it's about what you're mad about, passionate about, or even happy and overjoyed about. In any case you want to share it and spread it.
So, for me, I've been pretty mellow lately, niether high nor low, not fired up about anything or overly excited about anything. It's kind of nice. Cruise control.
I've implemented a new workout regimine, but I'm going to give it a month or so to see if it is accomplishing what I want to accomplish, so not much to write in the fitness area. In all honesty, spiritually, I'm on cruise control. At first I was inclined to "kick" myself for being in that state of mind, I'm reaccessing that opinion. I don't plan on staying in cruise control, but for now, just as recovery days allow runners to heal and recuperate, I feel like I'm resting up and recovering spiritually, so I'm not going to push it for now and therefore I don't have an opinion on anything in that category either.
Now after all my rambling, back to the post title. I have a choice each day to make it a good day or a bad day, to smile or frown, to laugh or to grump. Even when my mood swings one way or the other, I can conciously decide how I'm going to be for the day. I had to put that into practice this morning, and to be honest, the first couple of good mornings were fake and over the top, but by the time I got to work, I was feeling pretty good. Nice to know I have a choice. Note to James: Remember that tomorrow.
Writers, whether talented, or hacks like me, need motivation. That motivation comes from our emotions. Whether writing about the weather, politics, or posting family pics, it's about what you're mad about, passionate about, or even happy and overjoyed about. In any case you want to share it and spread it.
So, for me, I've been pretty mellow lately, niether high nor low, not fired up about anything or overly excited about anything. It's kind of nice. Cruise control.
I've implemented a new workout regimine, but I'm going to give it a month or so to see if it is accomplishing what I want to accomplish, so not much to write in the fitness area. In all honesty, spiritually, I'm on cruise control. At first I was inclined to "kick" myself for being in that state of mind, I'm reaccessing that opinion. I don't plan on staying in cruise control, but for now, just as recovery days allow runners to heal and recuperate, I feel like I'm resting up and recovering spiritually, so I'm not going to push it for now and therefore I don't have an opinion on anything in that category either.
Now after all my rambling, back to the post title. I have a choice each day to make it a good day or a bad day, to smile or frown, to laugh or to grump. Even when my mood swings one way or the other, I can conciously decide how I'm going to be for the day. I had to put that into practice this morning, and to be honest, the first couple of good mornings were fake and over the top, but by the time I got to work, I was feeling pretty good. Nice to know I have a choice. Note to James: Remember that tomorrow.
02 January 2008
MY APFT
Just completed my Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).
My baseline Stats for 2008 are:
Push ups: 41 reps = 59 points
Sit ups: 57 reps = 80 points
2 mi run: 13:15 = 100 points
Total Score = 239 points
I scored about as I expected. Weak on the upper body strength, good in core strength, and a bit better than expected on the cardio. I actually had some room to spare on my 2 mile time.
Now the secret is figuring out how to go about getting those scores up, because my current workout regimen is maintaining my fitness level, but not improving it.
I know that some (like my wife) may read that statement and think I'm a bit obsessive. "Why not be content with where I'm at?" It's because I'm a firm believer that there is no such thing as "sustaining". You're either moving forward or falling back.
I've seen this borne out in everything from business, to sports, to relationships. In fitness it's the same. I'm going to get slower and weaker and heavier, it's a proven fact. It's part of the aging process. Waiting until I was 31 to have my first kid means that when he's 15, I'll be 46. When the other two reach 15, I'll be 50. That is my motivation, that is why I push myself, and yes maybe even obsess at times. I don't want to sit and watch my kids' lives from the sidelines. I want to be an active part of it.
My baseline Stats for 2008 are:
Push ups: 41 reps = 59 points
Sit ups: 57 reps = 80 points
2 mi run: 13:15 = 100 points
Total Score = 239 points
I scored about as I expected. Weak on the upper body strength, good in core strength, and a bit better than expected on the cardio. I actually had some room to spare on my 2 mile time.
Now the secret is figuring out how to go about getting those scores up, because my current workout regimen is maintaining my fitness level, but not improving it.
I know that some (like my wife) may read that statement and think I'm a bit obsessive. "Why not be content with where I'm at?" It's because I'm a firm believer that there is no such thing as "sustaining". You're either moving forward or falling back.
I've seen this borne out in everything from business, to sports, to relationships. In fitness it's the same. I'm going to get slower and weaker and heavier, it's a proven fact. It's part of the aging process. Waiting until I was 31 to have my first kid means that when he's 15, I'll be 46. When the other two reach 15, I'll be 50. That is my motivation, that is why I push myself, and yes maybe even obsess at times. I don't want to sit and watch my kids' lives from the sidelines. I want to be an active part of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)