2 Corinthians 1:9 (New International Version)
9Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
After completeing the Marathon, I started looking at the things I could've/should've done differently. Starting out too fast and ignoring my game plan was Lesson #1. Lesson #2 began to take shape around mile twelve. It started with a simple thought, "If I was running the Mini, I'd be wrapping up in another mile." While seemingly innocent, it was the seed from which many doubts started to grow.
The seed had a very fertile place to grow. I was wrapped in a cocoon of MP3 files. Having borrowed my wife's good, in ear, ear buds, I was oblivious to the world around me. I became trapped inside with nothing but the music and my thoughts. I began to focus on myself, every ache, every pain. Each one feeding the self doubt and cultivating more questions.
I will definitely reconsider the use of the MP3 player during my next marathon. I survived several long runs without it, because of low batteries. I ran 10 miler without it. I'm thinking that had I allowed myself to experience more of the external stimuli that the race had to offer, perhaps I would have staved off some of the mental pitfalls I experienced.
Lesson #2. Don't focus too intently on yourself and how you feel. You're not likely to find an internal drive that survives the long haul, so don't rely on an internal motivator that you have to generate yourself. Leave the music at home?
29 April 2008
27 April 2008
Lesson from the Marathon #1
Proverbs 11:2 (New International Version)
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (New International Version)
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
As I wrap up 2 days of post marathon gluttony, I'm already contemplating what I have to do different in my next marathon attempt. My plan is to run the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio, in September, because the medals are really cool. This marathon is similar to the Akron and KDF, it ain't flat.
Anyway, back to the lesson. I had a game plan. That was to run the 1st half of the KDF moderately, conserving myself to push reasonably hard through the middle of the race and hopefully leaving enough in the tank not to falter in the later stages. Instead, I threw the game plan out the window.
I felt strong and confident at the start, and after a slow start in traffic, picked up the pace to recoup the time, but instead of returning back to my planned pace, I stuck with the quicker pace. Boy oh boy, was I proud of myself. I was on top of the world, I was bullet proof. There I was, out ahead of the 3:40 pace group, loosing ground to them briefly when I took my pre-planned walk/refuel break at the five mile mark, but catching them after my break and building a bigger lead than I did in the first five miles. Man was I proud, "Look at James, he's a bad man. Don't you wish you were cruising along at his pace? Move it to the side slow pokes."
I took a well thought out and measured game plan that was based on my training experiences and threw it out the window based on the confidence I felt in the moment. In a future lesson I'll detail the price I paid for my pride and arrogance, but for now, trust me when I say I paid.
Lesson #1. You always feel strong when you're on top of your game. Better to trust the plans you made when you were tired and defeated. They will provide a clearer picture of where you are and what you can handle. When you think you've got something "licked", that is when you are actually at your weakest. Remain humble.
2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 7:8 (New International Version)
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
As I wrap up 2 days of post marathon gluttony, I'm already contemplating what I have to do different in my next marathon attempt. My plan is to run the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio, in September, because the medals are really cool. This marathon is similar to the Akron and KDF, it ain't flat.
Anyway, back to the lesson. I had a game plan. That was to run the 1st half of the KDF moderately, conserving myself to push reasonably hard through the middle of the race and hopefully leaving enough in the tank not to falter in the later stages. Instead, I threw the game plan out the window.
I felt strong and confident at the start, and after a slow start in traffic, picked up the pace to recoup the time, but instead of returning back to my planned pace, I stuck with the quicker pace. Boy oh boy, was I proud of myself. I was on top of the world, I was bullet proof. There I was, out ahead of the 3:40 pace group, loosing ground to them briefly when I took my pre-planned walk/refuel break at the five mile mark, but catching them after my break and building a bigger lead than I did in the first five miles. Man was I proud, "Look at James, he's a bad man. Don't you wish you were cruising along at his pace? Move it to the side slow pokes."
I took a well thought out and measured game plan that was based on my training experiences and threw it out the window based on the confidence I felt in the moment. In a future lesson I'll detail the price I paid for my pride and arrogance, but for now, trust me when I say I paid.
Lesson #1. You always feel strong when you're on top of your game. Better to trust the plans you made when you were tired and defeated. They will provide a clearer picture of where you are and what you can handle. When you think you've got something "licked", that is when you are actually at your weakest. Remain humble.
26 April 2008
Race Report
I'll pass on some things I learned later, but for now:
4:10:35
9:33 pace.
514th of 1206 Marathon Finishers,
Original Goal was to finish, next goal was sub 4 hour, felt like I had a 3:45 in me. Accomplished my orginal goal only.
Went out too fast, knew better, but felt really strong. By mile 18 the rolling hills of the second half of the race chewed up my legs. Not my hammys and calves, the down hills shredded my quads.
Was great to see my Dad and Brother at the base of the bridge as I came into Jeffersonville, and it was awsome to see Jina and all three boys yelling for me at the finish.
More later, I've still got to check all my friend's times and start laying out my training plan for this falls marathon.
4:10:35
9:33 pace.
514th of 1206 Marathon Finishers,
Original Goal was to finish, next goal was sub 4 hour, felt like I had a 3:45 in me. Accomplished my orginal goal only.
Went out too fast, knew better, but felt really strong. By mile 18 the rolling hills of the second half of the race chewed up my legs. Not my hammys and calves, the down hills shredded my quads.
Was great to see my Dad and Brother at the base of the bridge as I came into Jeffersonville, and it was awsome to see Jina and all three boys yelling for me at the finish.
More later, I've still got to check all my friend's times and start laying out my training plan for this falls marathon.
24 April 2008
My Five Minutes of Fame and Last Post Before Race
The local AM news station's afternoon DJ is a runner, and has a call in spot on his show for people to call in and tell them what exercising they did today.
I tried my luck today and guess what? Yep, my call was selected and I got to talk on the radio about my plan to run the full marathon, blah, blah, blah....
Oh yeah, I also won a gift certificate to a shoe store, good because mine will be pushing replacement mileage after the marathon, but bad because it's not to my usual store, and a gift certificate to a local pizza place.
Anyway not much else to talk about. The "healing" that takes place during taper has stopped hurting and my legs aren't sore every morning now. My mind is starting to focus in on the race.
I picked up my race packet today, time to write out a quick to do/check list for tomorrow, eat a pasta dinner and then "get r done".
Good Luck everyone! I'll hopefully have something to say Saturday night.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
God Disciplines His Sons 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
I tried my luck today and guess what? Yep, my call was selected and I got to talk on the radio about my plan to run the full marathon, blah, blah, blah....
Oh yeah, I also won a gift certificate to a shoe store, good because mine will be pushing replacement mileage after the marathon, but bad because it's not to my usual store, and a gift certificate to a local pizza place.
Anyway not much else to talk about. The "healing" that takes place during taper has stopped hurting and my legs aren't sore every morning now. My mind is starting to focus in on the race.
I picked up my race packet today, time to write out a quick to do/check list for tomorrow, eat a pasta dinner and then "get r done".
Good Luck everyone! I'll hopefully have something to say Saturday night.
Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)
God Disciplines His Sons 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
23 April 2008
KDF Marathon/Mini Marathon Weather
In checking the forecast today I noticed that the Weather Channel dot com forecast looked pretty bleak, so I checked the local stations and the forecasts looked better, so I thought I'd give the local TV station internet addresses for anyone from out of town that is coming in for the race and stumbles upon this blog.
www.wlky.com
www.fox41.com
www.whas11.com
www.wave3.com
www.wlky.com
www.fox41.com
www.whas11.com
www.wave3.com
22 April 2008
If you see me at the race, say hello
Well I noticed by the map that a handful of folks who don't know me stop in occasionally, and I know that at least one person who only knows me from this blog is running the KDF Mini-Marathon on Saturday, sooo...
Here's the shirt I'll be wearing.
Here's the shirt I'll be wearing.
The flash makes it look red, but it's actually maroon. The front is embroidered with ...
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. 2nd Timothy 4:7
The back has the phrase...
How far will your legs carry you today?
The picture on the back has the distance from a wall to a cross marked as 600 meters. The estimated distance Christ travelled outside the city walls to reach the likely location of his crucifixion.
My wife had it made up for me to run my first, and to date only, marathon.
Anyway, if you see me, say hello!
20 April 2008
OLS can wreck your training
Vetus Leo Syndrome: an affliction most prevalent in males over age 30, with severe outbreak and symptoms becoming prevalent after age 35. Commonly referred to by it's English name, Old Lion Syndrome or the initials OLS. The most common and pronounced affliction of this disease is the desire to be recognized as still maintaining alpha male traits by young females of the same species.
In posting a more personal thought on Saturday night, I now realize I may have failed many of my male readers by not passing along a very important warning concerning training after age 30.
As I've admitted before, I am prone to flair ups of OLS. Saturday was nearly one of those days. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I started my long run from the YMCA's parking lot. I didn't go inside with Jina before heading out. I did, however, go into the building to look for Jina after my run. She had already finished her workout and was changing in the locker room by the time I got back. Since the "Y" has policies which prevented me from going in and talking to her while she got ready, I opted to walk a 1/2 mile as a cool down from my run.
My usual workout time means that the predominant make up of the "Pride" (That's a group of lions, if you were wondering) consists mainly of those lions and lionesses who have long since lost the ability to run down all but the feabilist of prey. Mid-day Saturday was a whole different story. Most of the lionesses present were mere cubs when I was in my prime. Here they were, a prime audience for an impressive high intensity workout to prove I still have it. So what did I do. I set the treadmills incline on 2.0 and held down the speed control button until I reached a blistering pace of 3.7 mph. Ouch, I might as well have had a Geritol advertisement imprinted on the back of my shirt, but more importantly my decision to run outside saved me from potential disaster.
Walking into that environment prior to my long run would likely have caused a major flair up in my OLS, prompting me to demonstrate my Alpha status by running faster, farther,and harder than is prudent this close to my date with 26.2 miles. Thankfully, the long run had suppressed the disease and the arrival of my wife prevented any further flair up, thus averting a potentially disasterous and race ending workout.
In posting a more personal thought on Saturday night, I now realize I may have failed many of my male readers by not passing along a very important warning concerning training after age 30.
As I've admitted before, I am prone to flair ups of OLS. Saturday was nearly one of those days. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I started my long run from the YMCA's parking lot. I didn't go inside with Jina before heading out. I did, however, go into the building to look for Jina after my run. She had already finished her workout and was changing in the locker room by the time I got back. Since the "Y" has policies which prevented me from going in and talking to her while she got ready, I opted to walk a 1/2 mile as a cool down from my run.
My usual workout time means that the predominant make up of the "Pride" (That's a group of lions, if you were wondering) consists mainly of those lions and lionesses who have long since lost the ability to run down all but the feabilist of prey. Mid-day Saturday was a whole different story. Most of the lionesses present were mere cubs when I was in my prime. Here they were, a prime audience for an impressive high intensity workout to prove I still have it. So what did I do. I set the treadmills incline on 2.0 and held down the speed control button until I reached a blistering pace of 3.7 mph. Ouch, I might as well have had a Geritol advertisement imprinted on the back of my shirt, but more importantly my decision to run outside saved me from potential disaster.
Walking into that environment prior to my long run would likely have caused a major flair up in my OLS, prompting me to demonstrate my Alpha status by running faster, farther,and harder than is prudent this close to my date with 26.2 miles. Thankfully, the long run had suppressed the disease and the arrival of my wife prevented any further flair up, thus averting a potentially disasterous and race ending workout.
19 April 2008
Next Stop, KDF Marathon!
Well, I've survived my training. I logged the final long run, 8.5 miles, today. While Jina worked out at the "Y", I headed out from the parking lot. Dodging traffic on a busy two lane, turning onto a less busy busy back road laced with rolling hills. Not what I had originally planned for this last run. My decision to make another left hand turn takes me alongside a local golf course, and thankfully a port-a-pot. A brief run on the cart path as it parallels the road then I'm back onto the back road that leads north from Jeffersonville to Sellersburg. I'm running beside a railroad track and decide to run on the track bed on my return route. As I approach my mid-way point I'm presented the opportunity to pick up the rail bed further out and run on it longer. This decision costs me a little time as I have to pick my way across a tressel that crosses a sizable creek, but it's a fun diversion, and causing me to remember the scene from Stand By Me. The tracks lead back along the golf course and I jump off onto a cart path that parallels the tracks, then back onto the tracks before returning to the road for the last 2 miles back to the "Y". I'm having fun, my time is stronger than I planned or expected, the varied course has been a great distraction from my weeks of training and worrying about conditioning, times, endurance levels, etc. and then as I approach the "Y", the field next to the parking lot is dotted with yellow dandelions. They unlock a childish desire in my mind and as I draw even with the leading edge of the field, I leap across the muddy ditch, into the field and end this final training run cruising through the grass and dandelions.
My fun run was then followed by team pictures with the T-ball team I volunteered to coach, when the other coach backed out in the 9th hour. (Well, me and 4 or 5 other dads who have been great to work with, but who didn't want to be the "Head Coach"). Back home after pictures, a ball game that started nearly an hour late, a couple of B-day parties and a very late dinner at the Golden Corral. I'm picking up the den while Jina takes care of the baths, when I pause to look at the shadow box which holds the medals I've accumulated from my races. The first is the '06 KDF Mini finisher's medal hanging against a background made up of a picture of Scotty and I prior to the start. Next is a 1st in age division medal from a small 5k against the backdrop of Jina and I, both with medals, after running the race. The next medal in the frame is the biggest, a large round chunk of finisher's medal from the Akron Marathon, once again set against a back drop of Scotty and I, this time running stride for stride through a state park, mid-race, flashing smiles for the camera man. The last medal to have been placed in the box is from the '07 KDF Mini, but more important is the picture of Jina, Alicia, Tammy, and I side by side in the pre-dawn dark ready for the 13.1 miles ahead.
Why is this such a big deal? Because I realize at that moment, that unlike the past races, this one I'm running alone. Yes we ran different paces in the past races. Yes, Scotty ran only 15 miles of the Marathon with me, (He was the long leg of a 2 person relay) but there was a connection I had with each runner, with each friend, on race day. This year life and other commitments have made it hard to meet up for group training runs. This year, everyone from last year, except for Jina (Mom's stroke eliminated our early morning race day child care), will return. We will also, on last count, add three more of our church members to the list of race participants. While no formal pre-race plans exist yet, I'm sure we will meet up prior to the race to hang out, and laugh, and joke, and pray. Even so, for some reason I feel kind of empty. I've missed running with my friends on long runs. I miss the days Scotty and I spent our long runs discussing everything; family, church, running, theology, politics and everything in between. I miss having Jina run races with me, and I miss having my mom and dad able to watch the kids. Not because it puts a crimp in our lifestyle, but because of the crimp it puts in theirs and the knowledge that it will never be the same again.
In the end, I fully expect to complete next weekend's marathon, but in doing so I will miss seeing Tammy and Frank, and Cara and David cross the finish line. I won't see Alicia come across the finish line with the training partner she will have been carrying for 17 weeks come race day. I will also miss seeing Donna complete her first Mini, a goal she set for herself last fall. Some victories are bittersweet, and this will fit that category, but if I can convince a few of them to join me at Wick's Pizza afterward to see how much pizza I can cram down my throat, then all bitterness will be forgotten, replaced by the sweetness of friendship and accomplishment.
Good luck to all who plan to run next Saturday!
My fun run was then followed by team pictures with the T-ball team I volunteered to coach, when the other coach backed out in the 9th hour. (Well, me and 4 or 5 other dads who have been great to work with, but who didn't want to be the "Head Coach"). Back home after pictures, a ball game that started nearly an hour late, a couple of B-day parties and a very late dinner at the Golden Corral. I'm picking up the den while Jina takes care of the baths, when I pause to look at the shadow box which holds the medals I've accumulated from my races. The first is the '06 KDF Mini finisher's medal hanging against a background made up of a picture of Scotty and I prior to the start. Next is a 1st in age division medal from a small 5k against the backdrop of Jina and I, both with medals, after running the race. The next medal in the frame is the biggest, a large round chunk of finisher's medal from the Akron Marathon, once again set against a back drop of Scotty and I, this time running stride for stride through a state park, mid-race, flashing smiles for the camera man. The last medal to have been placed in the box is from the '07 KDF Mini, but more important is the picture of Jina, Alicia, Tammy, and I side by side in the pre-dawn dark ready for the 13.1 miles ahead.
Why is this such a big deal? Because I realize at that moment, that unlike the past races, this one I'm running alone. Yes we ran different paces in the past races. Yes, Scotty ran only 15 miles of the Marathon with me, (He was the long leg of a 2 person relay) but there was a connection I had with each runner, with each friend, on race day. This year life and other commitments have made it hard to meet up for group training runs. This year, everyone from last year, except for Jina (Mom's stroke eliminated our early morning race day child care), will return. We will also, on last count, add three more of our church members to the list of race participants. While no formal pre-race plans exist yet, I'm sure we will meet up prior to the race to hang out, and laugh, and joke, and pray. Even so, for some reason I feel kind of empty. I've missed running with my friends on long runs. I miss the days Scotty and I spent our long runs discussing everything; family, church, running, theology, politics and everything in between. I miss having Jina run races with me, and I miss having my mom and dad able to watch the kids. Not because it puts a crimp in our lifestyle, but because of the crimp it puts in theirs and the knowledge that it will never be the same again.
In the end, I fully expect to complete next weekend's marathon, but in doing so I will miss seeing Tammy and Frank, and Cara and David cross the finish line. I won't see Alicia come across the finish line with the training partner she will have been carrying for 17 weeks come race day. I will also miss seeing Donna complete her first Mini, a goal she set for herself last fall. Some victories are bittersweet, and this will fit that category, but if I can convince a few of them to join me at Wick's Pizza afterward to see how much pizza I can cram down my throat, then all bitterness will be forgotten, replaced by the sweetness of friendship and accomplishment.
Good luck to all who plan to run next Saturday!
14 April 2008
2nd Qtr APFT
Had to adjust my January score, found that the scoring chart I was using was wrong.
January
Push Ups = 41 Reps/67 Points
Sit Ups = 57 Reps/84 Points
2mi Run = 13:13/100 Points
Total score = 251
April
Push Ups = 40 Reps/66 Points
Sit Ups = 64 Reps/87 Points
2mi Run = 14:42/91 Points
Total score = 244
A little disappointed at the scores, but nothing felt right this morning, oh well, I'm still in shape in case Uncle Sam decides he needs to break out my old Selective Service card and call me.
January
Push Ups = 41 Reps/67 Points
Sit Ups = 57 Reps/84 Points
2mi Run = 13:13/100 Points
Total score = 251
April
Push Ups = 40 Reps/66 Points
Sit Ups = 64 Reps/87 Points
2mi Run = 14:42/91 Points
Total score = 244
A little disappointed at the scores, but nothing felt right this morning, oh well, I'm still in shape in case Uncle Sam decides he needs to break out my old Selective Service card and call me.
13 April 2008
An untitled post...
Well I couldn't think anything to call today's post, and it will catalog a couple different things.
Personal Family Note: The twins turned 3 today. Happy Birthday boys!
Training: Took today off in every sense of the word. Running = 0 miles, Eating = Pizza, snacks, cake and ice cream, I even took an afternoon nap after everyone left from the party. That is a very rare thing for me, and here it is 8:30 and I'm yawning again.
On Thursday I indicated I'd log a 4 or 5 mile easy run and a 14 or 15 mile long run. Well neither happened. I think my body has started to push back. Friday morning I couldn't answer the alarm, I was exhausted and sore all over. Jina was nice enough to wake up and realize my predicament, took a stick to me, yep she beat me severely to get me motivated. No, I'm just kidding, as I lay on my stomach she used the massage stick to work the knots out of my calves and hammies. They were bad enough she could actually feel the stick bouncing over a couple in my calves. Saturday, I over slept again, and since we were headed to senior day for my nieces college softball team, time was short. Headed out for what I hoped to be 14 miles. Great pace on the way out, wind assisted, then I had to run back home against the same wind. Wound up with 12 miles. I've ran in the cold, in the sleet, in freezing temps, in the rain, but by far I think this ranks as my most miserable run ever. When I got home I checked, wind was 12mph-gusting to 17 mph. At times I'd be running an 8 minute pace and then get hit by a gust and watch the pace on my GPS slow by 15 to 30 seconds. Crazy.
So I wrap up tonight, stoked on simple carbs, rested, but ready for more rest. Training schedule on the KDF Mini Website calls for 3 and 4 milers this week for Novice Marathoners, and an 8 miler on Saturday, I think I may knock out my 2nd qtr APFT tomorrow morning and then knock out a couple of easy miles. Then settle in to a routine for the week. OK, enough boring stuff and crying from me.
Personal Family Note: The twins turned 3 today. Happy Birthday boys!
Training: Took today off in every sense of the word. Running = 0 miles, Eating = Pizza, snacks, cake and ice cream, I even took an afternoon nap after everyone left from the party. That is a very rare thing for me, and here it is 8:30 and I'm yawning again.
On Thursday I indicated I'd log a 4 or 5 mile easy run and a 14 or 15 mile long run. Well neither happened. I think my body has started to push back. Friday morning I couldn't answer the alarm, I was exhausted and sore all over. Jina was nice enough to wake up and realize my predicament, took a stick to me, yep she beat me severely to get me motivated. No, I'm just kidding, as I lay on my stomach she used the massage stick to work the knots out of my calves and hammies. They were bad enough she could actually feel the stick bouncing over a couple in my calves. Saturday, I over slept again, and since we were headed to senior day for my nieces college softball team, time was short. Headed out for what I hoped to be 14 miles. Great pace on the way out, wind assisted, then I had to run back home against the same wind. Wound up with 12 miles. I've ran in the cold, in the sleet, in freezing temps, in the rain, but by far I think this ranks as my most miserable run ever. When I got home I checked, wind was 12mph-gusting to 17 mph. At times I'd be running an 8 minute pace and then get hit by a gust and watch the pace on my GPS slow by 15 to 30 seconds. Crazy.
So I wrap up tonight, stoked on simple carbs, rested, but ready for more rest. Training schedule on the KDF Mini Website calls for 3 and 4 milers this week for Novice Marathoners, and an 8 miler on Saturday, I think I may knock out my 2nd qtr APFT tomorrow morning and then knock out a couple of easy miles. Then settle in to a routine for the week. OK, enough boring stuff and crying from me.
10 April 2008
Ready for Rest and Looking Ahead
I've logged about as many miles as I can to get ready of the KDF Marathon. An easy run tomorrow and 14 or 15 on Saturday, and the taper begins. I'm ready for it. my legs have not recovered fully from the 22 miler on Saturday, the miles and less than ideal sleep have exacted their toll.
Despite the aches, stiffness, and fatigue, I am starting to get that nervous twitch, that uneasy air and edginess. You'd think I was planning to run in the lead pack, or that I thought I could come close to qualifying for Boston. Not a chance at either. My goal is to run a sub 4 hour race. Scotty paced me and had me on track for a 4:04 at the Akron in 2006, but he handed off to his relay partner at mile 15 and I hit the wall at mile 23.
I've got more miles in this go around, but the 22 miler got tough at around mile 17 the other day. Hopefully on fresher legs I can accomplish my goal. Barring any injury or illness, I'm ready to go. As I write this, I'm actually thinking ahead to my post race meal, Wick's Pizza with (I hope) friends and family.
It seems sleep is beckoning so...yawn...have a great day...zzzzzzzzzz
Despite the aches, stiffness, and fatigue, I am starting to get that nervous twitch, that uneasy air and edginess. You'd think I was planning to run in the lead pack, or that I thought I could come close to qualifying for Boston. Not a chance at either. My goal is to run a sub 4 hour race. Scotty paced me and had me on track for a 4:04 at the Akron in 2006, but he handed off to his relay partner at mile 15 and I hit the wall at mile 23.
I've got more miles in this go around, but the 22 miler got tough at around mile 17 the other day. Hopefully on fresher legs I can accomplish my goal. Barring any injury or illness, I'm ready to go. As I write this, I'm actually thinking ahead to my post race meal, Wick's Pizza with (I hope) friends and family.
It seems sleep is beckoning so...yawn...have a great day...zzzzzzzzzz
09 April 2008
But I'm not Perfect!
I liked today's Our Daily Bread commentary so much, I decided to paste it in as a post so if you didn't get to it before it switched to the next day, you wouldn't miss it.
As Christians, we need to remember that we don't have to be perfect in our presentation of the Gospel, simply honest and trusting in God. No matter how smooth and polished, words don't save, and God doesn't look for perfect vessels to carry his love and message, just willing ones. If you need a few examples: Moses had killed a man in Anger, King David committed adultery and had her husband slain, Paul had a checkered past (persecuted Christians before his conversion), Matthew was a tax collector, Jonah initially refused to follow God's instructions.
I'm sure there are even more examples that escape me at this late hour, but just know that if you're not perfect, you're in pretty good company, and if you are willing, God can and will use you.
Now over to more talented writers:
As Posted on Our Daily Bread, www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml, 4/9/2008
In the days of John Wesley, lay preachers with limited education would sometimes conduct the church services. One man used Luke 19:21 as his text: "Lord, I feared Thee, because Thou art an austere man" (KJV). Not knowing the word austere, he thought the text spoke of "an oyster man."
He explained how a diver must grope in dark, freezing water to retrieve oysters. In his attempt, he cuts his hands on the sharp edges of the shells. After he obtains an oyster, he rises to the surface, clutching it "in his torn and bleeding hands." The preacher added, "Christ descended from the glory of heaven into . . . sinful human society, in order to retrieve humans and bring them back up with Him to the glory of heaven. His torn and bleeding hands are a sign of the value He has placed on the object of His quest."
Afterward, 12 men received Christ. Later that night someone came to Wesley to complain about unschooled preachers who were too ignorant even to know the meaning of the texts they were preaching on. The Oxford-educated Wesley simply said, "Never mind. The Lord got a dozen oysters tonight."
Our best may not always measure up to the standards of others. But God takes our inadequacies and humble efforts and uses them for His glory. — Cindy Hess Kasper
KDF Mini Marathon/Marathon Update
Looks like it's gonna be another crowd this year. Hope they've got plenty of Port-a-Pots lined up.
Reminder: They will have Powerade as their sports drink, if that is not your usual brand of choice, give it a try before race day, on one of your last long runs to make sure it doesn't screw with your stomach. This includes testing how any gels/fuels might effect you as well. It's gonna hurt your time if you spend more time "sitting down" than running.
From the KDF website:
Reminder: They will have Powerade as their sports drink, if that is not your usual brand of choice, give it a try before race day, on one of your last long runs to make sure it doesn't screw with your stomach. This includes testing how any gels/fuels might effect you as well. It's gonna hurt your time if you spend more time "sitting down" than running.
From the KDF website:
Less than 400 spots left for Festival Marathon and
miniMarathonBy: KDF Press OfficePosted: 4/6/2008 6:55:48 PM
Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon on
April 26 has currently surpassed 11,600 runners and is on pace to reach the
previously announced cap of 12,000 entrants within the next week. Those Runners
who are training for either race are STRONGLY advised to register now to ensure
a guaranteed entry. Registration is available at www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com.
Entry fees are $50 for the mini and $75.
“We’re thrilled that we have so many
runners who have registered already, but we want people to know that we’re
rapidly reaching our cap of 12,000 participants,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky
Derby Festival President and CEO. “If we reach the cap, we will not have
late registration available at the Expo. We hope people won’t delay and
will sign up now to avoid disappointment.”
Registration numbers for the
races have steadily increased over the past two years. The 2007 Derby Festival
races attracted a record 11,269 registrants, shattering the previous record of
8,651 set in 2006. For 2008, the Festival can only guarantee entry for the first
12,000 entrants to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the runners
in the manner to which they are accustomed.
The race route will once again
include a lap around the infield at Churchill Downs; Marathon runners will
complete a short loop in Southern Indiana before returning to downtown
Louisville at about Mile 24....
04 April 2008
Only You Can Decide (Sappy Husband/Wife Post)
There is an old saying that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
For a couple of years I'd pushed, prodded, pulled, and chastised my wife in hopes of getting her to commit to better eating habits and an exercise routine. Darn it, I wanted her to look hot so I could show her off as my trophy...just kidding. My family's nemesis is heart disease, her family's is diabetes, so there was real concern about carrying extra pounds and not being as fit as possible.
She made a few attempts at it. The Adkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, but didn't stick to any of it very long. That changed 12 weeks ago. At the start of the New Year, she came across an announcement in a KMart ad for their New Day Your Way contest. Primarily a weight loss contest with a writing component kicked in, she had to weigh in every two weeks, with a minimum of 2 lbs of weight loss at each weigh in and then write an essay.
She did it and I couldn't be prouder of her. Somewhere in the past 12 weeks and missing 20 lbs , she also gained. The other day she put one of the twins on her shoulders for the walk back from my parents house to ours (about 1/10 of a mile). Then there was my call home the other night when I interrupted her while she was dancing with the kids. Now she looks forward to her workouts and pushing herself to accomplish new feats. She has her sights set on a goal, one that she has decided she is ready to reach, there may just be no stopping her now.
I'll wrap this up by letting you know, and her know, I couldn't be prouder. She's a great mom to our kids, a wonderful wife, and if she keeps working hard I'll have my trophy to show off...
Sorry, just couldn't help myself with that last one.
For a couple of years I'd pushed, prodded, pulled, and chastised my wife in hopes of getting her to commit to better eating habits and an exercise routine. Darn it, I wanted her to look hot so I could show her off as my trophy...just kidding. My family's nemesis is heart disease, her family's is diabetes, so there was real concern about carrying extra pounds and not being as fit as possible.
She made a few attempts at it. The Adkins Diet, the South Beach Diet, but didn't stick to any of it very long. That changed 12 weeks ago. At the start of the New Year, she came across an announcement in a KMart ad for their New Day Your Way contest. Primarily a weight loss contest with a writing component kicked in, she had to weigh in every two weeks, with a minimum of 2 lbs of weight loss at each weigh in and then write an essay.
She did it and I couldn't be prouder of her. Somewhere in the past 12 weeks and missing 20 lbs , she also gained. The other day she put one of the twins on her shoulders for the walk back from my parents house to ours (about 1/10 of a mile). Then there was my call home the other night when I interrupted her while she was dancing with the kids. Now she looks forward to her workouts and pushing herself to accomplish new feats. She has her sights set on a goal, one that she has decided she is ready to reach, there may just be no stopping her now.
I'll wrap this up by letting you know, and her know, I couldn't be prouder. She's a great mom to our kids, a wonderful wife, and if she keeps working hard I'll have my trophy to show off...
Sorry, just couldn't help myself with that last one.
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