Upon arriving in New Orleans I discovered that the Mardi Gras Marathon, Half, and 5K were being run on Sunday morning.
Had I realized, I likely would have planned to participate. As it stands, my flight leaves out this afternoon, but when I looked at their website last night, there remained 300 spots open for the Half. Confident my base would allow me to complete an unplanned 13.1 mile long run, I consedered it.
This morning was torture. Runners everywhere while I walked and inspected our operation, and specifically a 2.5 mile walking tour route that would be used by convention goers later in the day.
Each runner caused my mind to grind away at a plan that would allow me to fly out a day later and at the same time struggled to justify missing another night and day with my family. I was torn, but as the morning wore on the walking took its toll.
Two loops around the tour route and time spent assisting some of the crew with a clean up brought out aches in my hips from last night's intervals and leg work. Gone now is the desire to run 13.1 miles just to tick off another race in a unique location, replaced by a longing for food, my own bed, and time with the wife and kids.
31 January 2009
29 January 2009
Control - a dad and the Father
I got a phone call earlier tonight that I've dreaded for some time. It went like this...
Jina: "There's no reason to worry, but I'm at Kosair (Children's Hospital) with Jaden and...(dead air)...
Ok so I know, since she wasn't hysterical, that things must be somewhat ok, and since last I heard she was at Norton's waiting on a family members first to be born, it made sense that any injury to one of the little guys would result in a walk across the pedway to Kosair.
With that being said and without going into too many story details, let's just say as a dad, your job is to fix everything, protect everyone, etc., etc. Kind of hard to do when you're sitting at a restaurant in New Orleans. My biggest fear was realized, one of my sons needed me, my wife needed me, and I wasn't there and couldn't get there.
...so an hour later she's finally in a room with a phone and is able to give me a call and an update. Looks like his head is tough like his mom's, but since he came in with a head injury, they'll run the obligatory CAT Scan to be sure.
Anyway, as I sat pondering my salad, sat pondering what my options might be to get back home as soon as possible should that be necessary, I was reminded of the fact I discovered 3 years ago sitting in a hotel in Toledo, OH, watching the Louisville weather on the internet as severe storms rolled through our area. I'm not in control. I can't stop every bad thing or fix everything. All I can do is trust. Trust in God, and pray.
Now for someone who writes a blog that occasionally spouts a theological notion or espouses a faith based recommendation, I'm ill qualified to do either. I manage to read my Bible daily, in spurts, and then go for long dry spells with it collecting dust. The verses I post here are usually the result of searching Biblegateway.com, not ones that I can pull straight from memory. In my defense, I usually know what I'm looking for, just not where to go for it. I can easily relate to the line from Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning" when he sings, "...but I know Jesus and I talk to God and I remember this from when I was young...", I'm no scholar, but I do remember the lessons I've learned from Christian parents, from Christian friends, and from teachers and preachers along the way.
So on nights like tonight I'm thankful for a God that is merciful and just, who has within his power the ability to stop or not stop the bad things that happen. I know that the heartache in this world is a result of our sin, and we all, believer and non-believer must suffer at times. On a night like tonight, I sit here writing this, waiting for another phone call, praying my son is ok, and knowing that the one to whom I pray has control over all things, and hears my prayers.
When a dad can't be there, the Father can.
Luke 8:24-25
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."-emphasis added
Jina: "There's no reason to worry, but I'm at Kosair (Children's Hospital) with Jaden and...(dead air)...
Ok so I know, since she wasn't hysterical, that things must be somewhat ok, and since last I heard she was at Norton's waiting on a family members first to be born, it made sense that any injury to one of the little guys would result in a walk across the pedway to Kosair.
With that being said and without going into too many story details, let's just say as a dad, your job is to fix everything, protect everyone, etc., etc. Kind of hard to do when you're sitting at a restaurant in New Orleans. My biggest fear was realized, one of my sons needed me, my wife needed me, and I wasn't there and couldn't get there.
...so an hour later she's finally in a room with a phone and is able to give me a call and an update. Looks like his head is tough like his mom's, but since he came in with a head injury, they'll run the obligatory CAT Scan to be sure.
Anyway, as I sat pondering my salad, sat pondering what my options might be to get back home as soon as possible should that be necessary, I was reminded of the fact I discovered 3 years ago sitting in a hotel in Toledo, OH, watching the Louisville weather on the internet as severe storms rolled through our area. I'm not in control. I can't stop every bad thing or fix everything. All I can do is trust. Trust in God, and pray.
Now for someone who writes a blog that occasionally spouts a theological notion or espouses a faith based recommendation, I'm ill qualified to do either. I manage to read my Bible daily, in spurts, and then go for long dry spells with it collecting dust. The verses I post here are usually the result of searching Biblegateway.com, not ones that I can pull straight from memory. In my defense, I usually know what I'm looking for, just not where to go for it. I can easily relate to the line from Alan Jackson's "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning" when he sings, "...but I know Jesus and I talk to God and I remember this from when I was young...", I'm no scholar, but I do remember the lessons I've learned from Christian parents, from Christian friends, and from teachers and preachers along the way.
So on nights like tonight I'm thankful for a God that is merciful and just, who has within his power the ability to stop or not stop the bad things that happen. I know that the heartache in this world is a result of our sin, and we all, believer and non-believer must suffer at times. On a night like tonight, I sit here writing this, waiting for another phone call, praying my son is ok, and knowing that the one to whom I pray has control over all things, and hears my prayers.
When a dad can't be there, the Father can.
Luke 8:24-25
24The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. 25"Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."-emphasis added
25 January 2009
New Beginnings
Ok, this is one of those resolution type deals where you say it out loud to other people to add a little pressure and incentive to keep it.
First, logged a good long run today with Tammy and Alicia. Alicia dragged us out in the cold with her suggestion to meet and run, and to be honest, I was glad. Thanks!
Second, that was to be followed by a long lifting session at the gym with my wife, but a kiddo who has been struggling coping with going into the kids care for some time now stopped that. I decided that instead of dropping him off and letting him do his usual cry for two minutes and get over it, I'd try to help him come to the conclusion that it was fun in there with the other kids. An hour and a half later of just sitting doing nothing, and he had waited me out....So much for solving that issue, next time I follow Jina's advice.
Third, my eating habits, while not terrible, have not be great lately and I suspect my calorie/fat/cholesterol counts have been creeping upward over the past couple of weeks.
Soooo....I wrote off tonight as my "last meal", ate candy and junk that I shouldn't, dug out an old pocket note pad and decided tomorrow I go strict. Logging my meals and my workouts...so there it is. I'm back in the saddle, mad at myself and motivated to make the guys from the P90X info-mercials look like a Richard Simmons video...
I'll try to keep you posted on how it's going.
First, logged a good long run today with Tammy and Alicia. Alicia dragged us out in the cold with her suggestion to meet and run, and to be honest, I was glad. Thanks!
Second, that was to be followed by a long lifting session at the gym with my wife, but a kiddo who has been struggling coping with going into the kids care for some time now stopped that. I decided that instead of dropping him off and letting him do his usual cry for two minutes and get over it, I'd try to help him come to the conclusion that it was fun in there with the other kids. An hour and a half later of just sitting doing nothing, and he had waited me out....So much for solving that issue, next time I follow Jina's advice.
Third, my eating habits, while not terrible, have not be great lately and I suspect my calorie/fat/cholesterol counts have been creeping upward over the past couple of weeks.
Soooo....I wrote off tonight as my "last meal", ate candy and junk that I shouldn't, dug out an old pocket note pad and decided tomorrow I go strict. Logging my meals and my workouts...so there it is. I'm back in the saddle, mad at myself and motivated to make the guys from the P90X info-mercials look like a Richard Simmons video...
I'll try to keep you posted on how it's going.
21 January 2009
Start Where You Want to End...
...and work backwards from there.
The keynote speaker at a dinner I was attending tonight in Duluth used the title of this post in discussing city development and revitalization.
I was instantly struck at how this applies to both our quest for fitness and our lives as Christians.
While watching "Biggest Loser" a "contestants" comment sparked a thought. Most people know where they want to go, but they want to be comfortable getting there. They see themselves working out harder and harder as they get in better shape and closer to their goals. This is a mistake.
Determine where you want to end, and work backwards. Once you know what you want to accomplish, work backwards to the point where you are now. By focusing on where you want to go, you'll constantly compare your current condition against the ideal and be less likely to become complacent with the improvements you've made over where you were yesterday. In between where you are and where you want to go are the goals and guide posts to follow along the way. Next, work hard now. I contend that most people fail to push themselves hard enough to see early results, which leads to frustration, which leads to failure. Push yourself early on to see early results upon which to build the momentum to carry you to the next goal.
As Christians, we've frequently heard that we are to grow to be like Christ in our daily lives. Too often I think this is seen as beginning at a starting point and working forward, but in doing so we are likely to overestimate our starting point and place ourselves much closer to the end goal than we are. The proper way to assess where we are is to start at the end product, and then work our way backward to where we are in our maturity and progression.
Two things come from this approach. As we move backward away from the perfection of Jesus, we can better see how imperfect we are. Secondly, our focus remains on Jesus and the goal of living a life that replicates his as closely as possible. In this approach, we focus less on ourselves and our past accomplishments and achievements and more on reaching the next milestone that puts us closer to a life that genuinely reflects Christ's love in us.
Finally, a training note. I did 4 of 7 miles on Saturday on the road when the temp was 14 and enjoyed it. Then, despite overseeing operations in Cincy for a year, I never logged a single mile there, so on Tuesday, I braved the bitter cold and logged three miles through downtown. I has now been added to the "places I've run list".
The keynote speaker at a dinner I was attending tonight in Duluth used the title of this post in discussing city development and revitalization.
I was instantly struck at how this applies to both our quest for fitness and our lives as Christians.
While watching "Biggest Loser" a "contestants" comment sparked a thought. Most people know where they want to go, but they want to be comfortable getting there. They see themselves working out harder and harder as they get in better shape and closer to their goals. This is a mistake.
Determine where you want to end, and work backwards. Once you know what you want to accomplish, work backwards to the point where you are now. By focusing on where you want to go, you'll constantly compare your current condition against the ideal and be less likely to become complacent with the improvements you've made over where you were yesterday. In between where you are and where you want to go are the goals and guide posts to follow along the way. Next, work hard now. I contend that most people fail to push themselves hard enough to see early results, which leads to frustration, which leads to failure. Push yourself early on to see early results upon which to build the momentum to carry you to the next goal.
As Christians, we've frequently heard that we are to grow to be like Christ in our daily lives. Too often I think this is seen as beginning at a starting point and working forward, but in doing so we are likely to overestimate our starting point and place ourselves much closer to the end goal than we are. The proper way to assess where we are is to start at the end product, and then work our way backward to where we are in our maturity and progression.
Two things come from this approach. As we move backward away from the perfection of Jesus, we can better see how imperfect we are. Secondly, our focus remains on Jesus and the goal of living a life that replicates his as closely as possible. In this approach, we focus less on ourselves and our past accomplishments and achievements and more on reaching the next milestone that puts us closer to a life that genuinely reflects Christ's love in us.
Finally, a training note. I did 4 of 7 miles on Saturday on the road when the temp was 14 and enjoyed it. Then, despite overseeing operations in Cincy for a year, I never logged a single mile there, so on Tuesday, I braved the bitter cold and logged three miles through downtown. I has now been added to the "places I've run list".
16 January 2009
Time Marches On
It waits for no man.
If you ever check any of the blogs I link on my blog, you may have found two posts recently related to age. One was by a young lady celebrating her 29th birthday for the second time. The second was less celebratory and related the woes of the wear and tear on an aging body.
These two posts kicked off a week of mile markers that reminded me how far down life's road I'd journeyed and reminded me that no matter how much I run and lift and fight to slow the progression of aging and its affects, that's all I can do, hopefully slow, but never stop the hands of time.
The ongoing situation with my mother-in-law's health, the worry for aging parents, the eye exam at which the doctor advised me that I was still a couple years away from some permanent vision changes, and finally, the call from my doctor advising me that I needed to go have a test run. A test that I thought was reserved for men a bit older than I. Of course his comment was, "I don't think there is anything to worry about, but you're not a 21 year old, you're 38 now."
Cap the week off with a coworkers son being shot, the death of a fellow church member, a discussion with one of my managers in which I learned he had lost his son some years back at the age of 16, and finally the crash of a jet airliner because of a flock of geese. Great news when your job has you flying almost everyweek.
A week filled with many reminders that time on this earth is fleeting, that tomorrow is not guaranteed, but that eternity can be. Even knowing that my salvation was bought and paid for by the blood of Christ, I still wouldn't mind sticking around a few more years in this rental body. Perhaps during that time I will help others find that same saving grace, raise my boys, love my wife, and have some fun along the way. With that in mind, I'll continue to hit the gym, try to watch what I eat, and will those airplanes to stay airborne when I'm parked in their seats. My body might be a rental unit, but nothing says I have to "beat it like a rented mule", rather, I need to be the best steward I can possibly be. Who knows, maybe when this week is well behind me, and the indignation of my tests are complete, I'll be able to laugh and say...."40 is the new 30"...well maybe...just maybe.
If you ever check any of the blogs I link on my blog, you may have found two posts recently related to age. One was by a young lady celebrating her 29th birthday for the second time. The second was less celebratory and related the woes of the wear and tear on an aging body.
These two posts kicked off a week of mile markers that reminded me how far down life's road I'd journeyed and reminded me that no matter how much I run and lift and fight to slow the progression of aging and its affects, that's all I can do, hopefully slow, but never stop the hands of time.
The ongoing situation with my mother-in-law's health, the worry for aging parents, the eye exam at which the doctor advised me that I was still a couple years away from some permanent vision changes, and finally, the call from my doctor advising me that I needed to go have a test run. A test that I thought was reserved for men a bit older than I. Of course his comment was, "I don't think there is anything to worry about, but you're not a 21 year old, you're 38 now."
Cap the week off with a coworkers son being shot, the death of a fellow church member, a discussion with one of my managers in which I learned he had lost his son some years back at the age of 16, and finally the crash of a jet airliner because of a flock of geese. Great news when your job has you flying almost everyweek.
A week filled with many reminders that time on this earth is fleeting, that tomorrow is not guaranteed, but that eternity can be. Even knowing that my salvation was bought and paid for by the blood of Christ, I still wouldn't mind sticking around a few more years in this rental body. Perhaps during that time I will help others find that same saving grace, raise my boys, love my wife, and have some fun along the way. With that in mind, I'll continue to hit the gym, try to watch what I eat, and will those airplanes to stay airborne when I'm parked in their seats. My body might be a rental unit, but nothing says I have to "beat it like a rented mule", rather, I need to be the best steward I can possibly be. Who knows, maybe when this week is well behind me, and the indignation of my tests are complete, I'll be able to laugh and say...."40 is the new 30"...well maybe...just maybe.
11 January 2009
Looking for Trees in the Forest.
"Can't see the forest for the trees" is one of my oft repeated lines in my years in management. A phrase to frequently describe how people can become so fixated on individual tasks, or their finite realm of situational knowledge, that they either don't or can't see the "big picture".
In my most recent copy Runner's World, there is a section on how to stay motivated during a race or training running. One of the most repeated pieces of advice is to keep your focus small. Don't think about the 10 miles left to run, concentrate on the mile you're in, pick a tree up ahead and run to it, then pick another, etc. etc.
I've used this technique and can attest to its effectiveness. Likewise, I've allowed myself to become focused on the distance and time remaining and felt my physical energy drain in direct proportion to my mental optimism. So remember to focus on small objectives and goals. Allow them to then add up to one big goal. Plant individual trees that amass into a forest.
For the first time since I started this blog, I'm going to tell you that this time running is not a good correlation to the Christian walk through life.
In the 6th Chapter of the book of Matthew, Christ gives us these two directions.
Matthew 6 (New International Version)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
As Christians we need to be mindful that our ultimate reward is our eternal salvation. We need to make sure that we remain focused on that fact. Now, I will be the first to tell you that it is easier said than done. As a husband and a father I'm frequently worrying about what is happening or not happening "today". I've ruined my fair share of days and even weeks worrying about things, not to mention what it usually does to the way I react to my family.
Worry is akin to fear, and both are capable of paralyzing us. Sure we need to plan and prepare, and it is ok for Christians to have goals for certain worldly successes, but it can not consume us. Another old cliche is "The devil is in the details." That can be much truer than you ever imagined.
Remember, when you're running, training, or perhaps dieting, set short term goals and let them build upon one another. When you're living your Christian life, keep your eye on the the end reward. Enjoy the short term victories, but don't dwell on the near term set backs, because no matter what happens, no one or nothing, short of your own denial of Christ, can ever strip you of that reward. That simple truth can make the daily struggles seem less daunting and more manageable.
In my most recent copy Runner's World, there is a section on how to stay motivated during a race or training running. One of the most repeated pieces of advice is to keep your focus small. Don't think about the 10 miles left to run, concentrate on the mile you're in, pick a tree up ahead and run to it, then pick another, etc. etc.
I've used this technique and can attest to its effectiveness. Likewise, I've allowed myself to become focused on the distance and time remaining and felt my physical energy drain in direct proportion to my mental optimism. So remember to focus on small objectives and goals. Allow them to then add up to one big goal. Plant individual trees that amass into a forest.
For the first time since I started this blog, I'm going to tell you that this time running is not a good correlation to the Christian walk through life.
In the 6th Chapter of the book of Matthew, Christ gives us these two directions.
Matthew 6 (New International Version)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also....33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
As Christians we need to be mindful that our ultimate reward is our eternal salvation. We need to make sure that we remain focused on that fact. Now, I will be the first to tell you that it is easier said than done. As a husband and a father I'm frequently worrying about what is happening or not happening "today". I've ruined my fair share of days and even weeks worrying about things, not to mention what it usually does to the way I react to my family.
Worry is akin to fear, and both are capable of paralyzing us. Sure we need to plan and prepare, and it is ok for Christians to have goals for certain worldly successes, but it can not consume us. Another old cliche is "The devil is in the details." That can be much truer than you ever imagined.
Remember, when you're running, training, or perhaps dieting, set short term goals and let them build upon one another. When you're living your Christian life, keep your eye on the the end reward. Enjoy the short term victories, but don't dwell on the near term set backs, because no matter what happens, no one or nothing, short of your own denial of Christ, can ever strip you of that reward. That simple truth can make the daily struggles seem less daunting and more manageable.
08 January 2009
If money grew...
...on hackleberry trees.
If time wasn't such a luxury.
If...
So goes the words to an Alan Jackson song. Seems like time has been tight lately and my mind racing on so many different fronts that it is hard to put together something to write.
Of course some would contend that is the case everytime I type.
Workouts are going well, I'm still walking and breathing, employed, and blessed...No complaints.
Hopefully things settle down soon.
If time wasn't such a luxury.
If...
So goes the words to an Alan Jackson song. Seems like time has been tight lately and my mind racing on so many different fronts that it is hard to put together something to write.
Of course some would contend that is the case everytime I type.
Workouts are going well, I'm still walking and breathing, employed, and blessed...No complaints.
Hopefully things settle down soon.
03 January 2009
Setting 2009 Goals
I've decided that marathon training does not mesh well with my current preferred excercise regimen, nor am I inclined to sacrifice that much time and energy from my family right now, so it will be the Mini-Marathon this spring and a time goal for motivation.
At some point I need to move back to logging some miles on the road, but currently the ability to transition from run to weights, completing both routines in about an hour, is keeping me on the treadmill. Of course life takes its toll also, I got in an 8 miler today, interspersed with changing movies in the dvd player, getting a kid dressed (the other is still running around in his PJs), etc.
I will likely do the Triple Crown series, but doubtful if I'll commit time and resources to any of the remaining two Polar Bear Grand Prix events. Right now 2009 has to be about setting and maintaining some priorities, and right now racing is pretty low on the totem pole.
Anyway, not much of a post, just some random thoughts on this Saturday afternoon...off to run errands...
At some point I need to move back to logging some miles on the road, but currently the ability to transition from run to weights, completing both routines in about an hour, is keeping me on the treadmill. Of course life takes its toll also, I got in an 8 miler today, interspersed with changing movies in the dvd player, getting a kid dressed (the other is still running around in his PJs), etc.
I will likely do the Triple Crown series, but doubtful if I'll commit time and resources to any of the remaining two Polar Bear Grand Prix events. Right now 2009 has to be about setting and maintaining some priorities, and right now racing is pretty low on the totem pole.
Anyway, not much of a post, just some random thoughts on this Saturday afternoon...off to run errands...
01 January 2009
2009 Bench Mark APFT
January '09
Push Ups = 51/77 points
Sit Ups = 77/100 points/101 points on extended scale
2mi Run = 12:56/100 points/106 points on extended scale
Total = 277 / 284 on extended (extended doesn't count for anything, just a sliding scale to judge fitness beyond max score)
I've placed a link for a score calculator in my side column in case you're interested in trying. Also has a body fat % estimator.
January '08
Push Ups = 41 Reps/67 Points
Sit Ups = 57 Reps/84 Points
2mi Run = 13:13/100 Points
Total score = 251
April '08
Push Ups = 40 Reps/66 Points
Sit Ups = 64 Reps/87 Points
2mi Run = 14:42/91 Points
Total score = 244
July '08
Push Ups = 49 Reps/75 Points
Sit Ups = 74 Reps/98 Points
2mi Run = 13:30/100 Points
Total score = 273
November '08
Push Ups = 44 Reps/70 Points
Sit Ups = 72 Reps/96 Points
2mi Run = 13:42/99 Points
Total = 265
Push Ups = 51/77 points
Sit Ups = 77/100 points/101 points on extended scale
2mi Run = 12:56/100 points/106 points on extended scale
Total = 277 / 284 on extended (extended doesn't count for anything, just a sliding scale to judge fitness beyond max score)
I've placed a link for a score calculator in my side column in case you're interested in trying. Also has a body fat % estimator.
January '08
Push Ups = 41 Reps/67 Points
Sit Ups = 57 Reps/84 Points
2mi Run = 13:13/100 Points
Total score = 251
April '08
Push Ups = 40 Reps/66 Points
Sit Ups = 64 Reps/87 Points
2mi Run = 14:42/91 Points
Total score = 244
July '08
Push Ups = 49 Reps/75 Points
Sit Ups = 74 Reps/98 Points
2mi Run = 13:30/100 Points
Total score = 273
November '08
Push Ups = 44 Reps/70 Points
Sit Ups = 72 Reps/96 Points
2mi Run = 13:42/99 Points
Total = 265
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