Purpose

If you follow any of the other Blogs linked to this site, you may have read one in the past couple of days concerning living a life that has purpose. This subject has been on my mind for quite some time.

You see, I've made a big mistake and become friends with some teachers and preachers. The mistake comes from the fact that it has caused me to question what purpose and impact my work has beyond making money for other people. Is anyone better off today because of my work?

Without dragging this out, let me say that I want to do something bolder with my life, something that has impact, and of course pays the bills. In concentrating on a career with a purpose, I've failed to recognize that there are other ways for me to add meaning and purpose to my life. For two years I've been passionate about my running and last year I was given the opportunity to start up a running group at my church. This was something I had thought and talked about doing for nearly a year. I was pumped. Unfortunately, after the initial start up, I became complacent about things, content with the small number of friends who joined me for runs once per month. While I cherish these runs and the fellowship and friendships, my original vision was for a larger group of area Christians meeting monthly to fellowship and run together.

Now I've been approached about expanding the group to include walkers. While this was part of my original intent, my passion is running, and the folks who first joined up wanted to run, so the group gravitated in that direction, and in my complacency, that is where it remains.

There will be some logistical issues with expanding. Finding someone who will help with the walking side of things. If I expand the number of runners, how do we integrate runners of different skill and conditioning levels into group runs? Questions have answers, you just have to look for them. More importantly you have to want to look for them

I've come to the conclusion that we are each provided with opportunities to make an impact and to serve a purpose, the real question is, "Will we make the best of those opportunities?" I'm going to try to make this opportunity count. I've got some ideas bouncing around in my head and I'm excited about the prospect of getting more Christians involved in fitness and fellowship. Help me out and pray that God will grant me the fortitude to see this through. If we don't expand the group any further, it will not be a failure, but if the group remains the same size, I want it to be because God's will is fulfilled, not because I failed to take advantage of an opportunity he presented me with.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (King James Version)
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Matthew 9:37 (New International Version)
37Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

CRAZY!!

Ever have anyone look at you like you like you're crazy when you talk about exercising or running? It seems the more you are committed to it, or the more you push the intensity envelope, the stranger you appear to people.

I haven't decided yet, does this say more about me, or about society in general? Here on my blog I recognize that, if you are one of my very small group of readers, you are probably also a runner or committed to exercise of some sort, so I try to be direct about my thoughts on fitness and health. But an elitest I'm not. If someone chooses not to exercise or eat right, that is their choice and I'm fine with that.

With that disclaimer out of the way, it just seems odd to me that people see me as being "odd" because I'm willing to run the amount that I do and, while I'm no saint when it comes to eating, (I just polished off some oil popped popcorn. Can you say trans fat), I try to be sensible. This isn't limited to me, I have a friend, an ex-ultramarathoner/tri-athelete who is the point of many office comments because of his continued dedication to fitness. I know of another acquiantance who's appearance was criticized by someone else because they thought the individual should look better for the amount of exercise they do. Funny, sometimes people act like we have a disease that thy might catch.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I plan on staying the course. As a virtual "unknown" in high school, and with little other reason for notoriety in this world, I like being different. It goes nicely with being healthy and in shape.

Something New

With the Utica 5K on my calendar for this weekend, I'm trying to log some endurance miles early this week, so I put in 7 miles after work today in Des Moines. The temperature was low 90's and humid, and I only took a 10 oz bottle of water. Duhhh!

Luckily there was a "Stop and Rob" just up the street from the hotel. I wrapped up my run there and purchased a Propel Water, a Gatorade, and an Accerlerade.

I downed the Accelerade as soon as I stepped out of the store....

This is the first time I had seen it in the store. My only other knowledge of it was that some well known endurance/ultra marathoners/tri-atheletes were part of the marketing efforts. Accelerade supposedly advances the sports drink by adding Whey Protein to create a drink with a 4:1 Carb to Protein ratio. This is a frequently touted mixture for consumption after a run to aid in muscle repair.

Other than the protein, the nutrition numbers are comparable to Gatorade. Those of us who have consumed Protein shakes in the past will recognize the slight after taste, but it isn't bad, just not the same sweet taste of Gatorade. As with any other gel, bean, or drink it poses the risk for gastrointestinal issues. I didn't experience any of consequence, and what little I had was just as likely to have been a result of the exertion, not the drink.

If you're considering some endurance training or a hard day of pick up basketball, it is worth consideration and trial.

....I felt instantly better, I had found the nectar of the gods. OK, I was just glad to have something cold to drink, and the shot of sugar was a welcome jolt to my depleted body. I'll give it a try on a long run and see how it does compared to my tried and true Gatorade. With the aforementioned 5K coming up, I'm shooting for a mid-week 10 or 12 miler (if I can get up early enough), I'll let you know the results.

Check out the new Poll, more interactive fun...now if I can just figure out how to download the coloring sheets and picture pages. (Any Captain Kangaroo fans remember Picture Pages??)

Corrections

1) The pictures of Duluth are from my January visit, not my April visit. It was colder in January, but less snow. For those of you who voted winter running in the poll, how does 13 degree high temps and 0 degree lows, with wind chills at minus 9 sound to you. I think 9 degrees was the coldest I ran in. I typically ran after work, so it had warmed up some.

2) I left Portland, OR off my list. I remembered today that I had gone for one outdoor run while there for a conference.

Travelin' Man

NUTRITION
How much do you think about it? Depending on your goals and purpose for running, it can have a huge impact or perhaps none at all. If you're running for weight loss, you have to make sure you watch your calorie intake, and performance is likely not a huge issue, your goal is to burn calories. If your happy with where you're at, you may be fortunate to eat just about anything you want, and as long as you don't consume a 1/2 gal. of Ice Cream each night, maintain your weight and even meet some performance goals. If your goal is performance, you've got to make sure you fuel your body properly each day, all day.

I fall somewhere within the last two categories, and occasionally in the 1st category, when I've gained a couple of unwanted pounds. Today's run reinforced the need for proper nutrition.

I left on an early flight, breakfast was a 410 calorie meal bar and 2 bananas. Lunch came approximately 7 hours later and consisted of a Salmon Caesar Salad with about 3 ozs. of Salmon, if that much. I planned on running before dinner, approximately 31/2 hours after lunch.

Recognizing that the only source of carbs I had consumed, since breakfast, was a cookie and a handful of Hot Tamales candies, I ate the other half of the pack of candies and headed out. The first 1.75 miles went well and I gobbled up the distance at a sub 8 min/mi pace. That's when my fuel supply ran dry. The hilly course along Lake Superior depleted my energy reserves quickly and forced me to take two short walk breaks during my 5 mile run.

I had a decent run overall, logging 5 miles at an average 8:26 per mile. Actually, that's a pretty good training run, but the way I felt during and after left a lot to be desired. Post run dinner was, unfortunately, Mexican. I tried to stay as healthy as possible, pushing the corn chips away after eating a few for carb replenishment, and then trying to be smart in what I placed on my fajitas. I miss being home, the watermelon in the fridge is calling me and I'd settle for an apple.

Remember be smart about what you eat and fuel yourself for good runs and workouts! Even if your goal is conditioning and weight loss/management, eating properly will help you get the most out of your runs and workouts.

Running Where?
Today finds me logging my miles along Lake Superior in Duluth, MN. This is a wonderful small city of around 87,000 people and this is my first time to be here and not be running in sub 20 degree weather. I've added a list in the left hand column of all the places I've run. There are three other cities, but I can not remember if I ran outside or only did treadmill work, so I've left them off. My camera's batteries are dead, so I couldn't get a photo of the sailboats on the lake as I ran today, but I've included pictures from my April trip, showing what it looks like where I'm running, and a couple of views that I experienced while running in Hawaii. Heaven knows I'd rather be home with my family, but when I look back on this period in my life, hopefully I'll smile when I think of the places I've had the opportunity to log my miles.

Christians and Fitness-Part 2-Exercise

1 Timothy 4:8 (New International Version)
8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

When looking for information concerning this post's topic online, I saw this verse used, in a forum discussion, to down play the need for physical fitness in a Christians life. Now I'm going to risk showing my ignorance here, I don't have the Greek manuscript laying about and I couldn't read it if I did, but in reviewing the verses which precede verse 8 (1 Timothy 4:1-7), it appears that Paul's reference to physical training is referring to teachings regarding physical acts, i.e. abstinence and observance of dietary codes among some early Christians. If that is indeed the case, his warning is against repeating the same mistakes that the Jews made, placing more emphasis on the "following the rules" than on a true relationship with God, and is not an excuse not to practice good physical fitness habits. (I am open to correction on this should one or more of my more learned readers wishes to point out my errors.)

With that being said, I don't intend on trying to take the same approach by using verses such as...

1 Corinthians 9:24 (New International Version)
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

...to say that the Bible gives "direct" commands concerning physical fitness. Consider with me instead, the following.

2 Timothy 4:7 (New International Version)
7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

As Paul makes this statement near the end of his life, I think that it is fair to read into it the sentiment that it had been a long and arduous journey, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

We must prepare ourselves for the same type of life long ministry. Paul's physical stamina was most likely a product of his era. Walking as a primary mode of transportation, labor and trades required physical strength and abilities, and a diet absent of processed foods, all contributed to his health.]

In our modern culture, we park as close to the mall entrance as possible, utilize mechanization for our trades, and consume processed foods as our primary diet. If we are to maintain a fitness level which helps us maintain our strength and stamina, we must undertake some type of physical activity to maintain our fitness levels.

Exercise has many benefits beyond the physical realm. Exercise can provide an outlet for unhealthy emotions, such as anger and depression. It requires discipline and self-restraint that is applicable to other areas of life. It provides us with a sense of accomplishment, and gives us the opportunity to set goals for ourselves as a means of motivation in the absence of external forces and drives. A healthy mindset enables us to be more effective in witnessing to others, we will tend to have a brighter outlook on life and see challenges as speed bumps instead of dead ends.

It is in the arena of ministry that I feel we see the greatest need for fitness in a Christian's life. There are many reasons to exercise; appearance, energy, health, and competitiveness, to name a few. Maintained in the proper perspective (i.e. don't let your concern for appearance turn into vanity), there is nothing wrong with any of them, but I encourage Christians to also recognize the impact that their fitness has on their ability to serve Christ effectively.

Our bodies are the one blessing we each share. We expect those gifted to sing to utilize their voices to praise God. Those gifted as orators to speak and preach. Those with a talent for music to play. As Christians we should be expected to utilize our gifts to their fullest, in the context of this discussion, we are, therefore, responsible for maintaining and utilizing the gift of our bodies in a manner which glorifies God. If you're not in shape, how can God use you to the fullest extent?

Spiritual fitness is paramount for a Christian and living within a personal relationship with God should be our daily goal, however, maintaining our physical body is important as well. Through our conditioing we develop the self discipline and the energy levels that allow us to grow in Christ and to share the Gospel through testimony and through service.

Christians and Fitness-Part 1-Diet

Many Christians spend, or have spent plenty of time speaking out against alcohol and tobacco, while at the same time pulpits and pews are filled with overweight and obese ministers and members. I contend that lack of self control, whether involving alcohol or food, is the same. Both are harmful to the health of the individual, have serious long term health consequences,and create numerous family and social issues.

Despite numerous attempts, I've yet to have anyone convince me that the wine of Biblical times wasn't fermented. We find the Bible warning not against the drinking of wine, but the abuse and over indulgence in wine. Lest you think I'm getting off topic, it offers the same warning against over indulgence in food.

Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV)

20 Do not join those who drink too much wine

or gorge themselves on meat,
21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor,

and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Further evidence for the importance of good dietary practices can be found in the story of Daniel.

Daniel 1:5,8,11-15 (NIV)

5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king's service.

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

When it comes to eating habits and diet, it is important for Christians to exercise restraint and good judgement. Before exercise enters into the equation, our diet (which is a noun, not a verb)forms the foundation for our fitness levels.

What I am wanting to convey is the idea that as Christians we should look at every aspect of our lives and see whether or not it contributes to our ability to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. I would contend that if our dietary practices are prone to cutting our time on Earth short, then we are failing.

Some may argue that when our number is up, it's up, that we can't add one more minute to our life. To those folks I would encourage them to play Russian roulette every day if they truly believe that their actions do not have any consequence in determining their longevity. To everyone else I'd encourage you to consider your choices, are you working with God to maximize your time here on Earth. Time that can be utilized serving Him and reaching others.

I've bounced all over the place with this post, hopefully it has made a fraction of sense. If it hasn't, comment on here and ask me to clarify my point(s) and accept my apology up front. If you disagree with me, let me know, I've been wrong once or twice. ;>)

God Bless,

James

Physically Fit Christian

First of all you can check my daily and weekly mileage totals in the left hand column instead of me creating a new post each day.

My evening has slipped away as I've tried to address work issues while sitting in my hotel room, so I'll just briefly touch on physical fitness in a Christians life and expand on it a bit later.

You'll notice that one person commented on the previous post and mentioned a friend doing research on this very topic. 21k is a close friend and we've discussed this topic before. I was aware of his friends research, but never had an opportunity to learn what came of it. I'm grateful he took the time to respond with that info and his opinion as well.

As a kid I remember being taught that our bodies are God's temple, and that we should take care of them. I'm not sure of the theological legitimacy behind that statement, and not sure it is important anyway. What is important is that this formed a belief in me that has not always kept me away from bad foods and eating habits, but did play a large role in keeping my away from drugs and alcohol as a teenager. This carried over into my adult life and has had a role in limiting my use of alcohol and driving me to attempt to keep in good shape.

I believe there are Biblical examples which point towards God's desire for us to maintain healthy lifestyles and physical fitness and I think the discipline necessary for healthy living has a correlation to living a spiritually fit life.

I'll expand more and try to support my beliefs later, but for now, I'm going to try to get the rest that the body needs as well.

Thanks to everyone who has voted on the poll, and ask your friends to vote their opinion.

Wanting Your Input-Christians and Fitness

I spent a little time doing a web search for articles and information about the relevancy of physical fitness in a Christian's life and/or Biblical precedents for the same.

Two search engines produced little relevant material. Before I share my opinion, I'd like to know what other's think. So I'd like to ask you to add your comments to this blog and tell me what you believe/think/feel about the importance of physical fitness in a Christian's life. I've also included a simple poll as well to track general opinion.

Please point your friends towards this post, as I would like to get as much feedback on this topic as possible. For my friends in ministry, if you don't mind, ask your peers to comment as well.

I promise to share my opinion this week, but I first want to satisfy my curiosity about what others think.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I'm Content

Well I wrapped up the week in good shape. I showed up to use my new "Y" membership at 7:25 this morning and discovered they didn't open on Saturday until 8. I decided to hit the road for a few miles and wound up finding a nice new route full of hills and logged 5 miles out and back to the "Y". After a little Ab work I did 2 more on the treadmill, bringing my week total to 30 miles.

"Old Lion Syndrome" reared it's ugly head at the gym today. My injury is still sticking around, yes I know you're tired of hearing about it, and it limits the intensity of my Ab workouts. I had the "crunch" machine set on 50 lbs of resistance and felt every one. I was then followed by a lady who upped my weight stack by 20 lbs and handled it easily. Now nothing against you ladies, but this lady did not appear to fit into the bodybuilder/aerobics instructor/athlete category. She was followed by a gentleman who appeared to be 1/2 my size and 20+ years my senior...you guessed it, he doubled my stack for his workout.

The treadmill was my next run in with "Old Lion Syndrome" today. The lady on the treadmill beside me was running much faster than the 10 minute pace I set for myself. I wanted to tell her, "hey, I'm just polishing off my work out. Already did 5 miles out on the road. So how many you gonna do?" Instead, I bumped my pace up to 9 minute miles and was grateful when she slowed down.

My last experience with the "OLS" actually led to my title for this blog. As I was climbing into my SUV, an attractive young lady exited a Mazda Miata just down from where I parked. In this situation "OLS" makes one wish to be noticed positively by the opposite sex. Now don't misunderstand my honesty here. I love my lioness, but to be noticed by another just makes an Old Lion feel like he still has some fight left in him.

Some of you already know that if I say I was in my SUV, I was referring to our boat towing vehicle. This would be a 1988 Ford Bronco, with a black primer hood, rusted door panels, over sized off road tires, and a fair number of dents and faded paint spots. While it has gotten us through snow covered roads, where its bumper was pushing snow, it is not a babe magnet. Why couldn't I have been in my Chevy Cobalt? Well, I don't guess a base model compact is going to impress her either. My wife's car? Nope the Mini Van won't cut it. Uggghhh...I have nothing red, fast, and sexy in my driveway.

I laughed out loud as the thought crossed my mind. I didn't care. Really, and to be honest it shocked me that I didn't care. I was on my way home, and while my fleet of vehicles screams cheap, economical, and family, I was content knowing that in more ways than one I was unmistakably labeled as a family man. This Old Lion is content to have a faithful lioness and 3 rambunctious cubs.

There is a current Country song that has become my theme song of late.(As is usually the case I like the song but don't know who sings it). The following words ring true every time I hear them. "I'm a lucky man, God's given me a pretty fair hand, I've got a house and a piece of land, a few dollars in a coffee can. My old truck's still running good, my tickers ticking like they say it should. I've got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving, and one more day to be my little kids dad. Yeah, I'm a lucky man."

May God grant me the wisdom to always be content with what he has blessed me with.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

Thursday and 2 for 1 Friday

Thursday - 4 miles on the hills in my neighbor hood...man I've gotten slow...16 miles total

Friday - 4 miles and circuit training in the morning...3 miles and circuit training checking out the equipment at the YMCA with Jina after work...I think she just thinks I need double workouts to get into shape. 23 miles total for the week.

Just the Numbers

A lot on my mind, mainly a lot of bits and pieces, so no great piece of wisdom today. Sorry, I'm not sure world leaders will make decisions today without my input.

One piece of news I need to share. A member of SICR, who I will leave nameless, because I don't have permission to share it, completed a Triathlon last Saturday. She down played the whole thing, but my hats off to her. So if you know who I'm talking about, tell her GREAT JOB!

Another 4 miles this morning in HOT HOT Nashville, TN, 12 for the week. See you tomorrow.

K.I.S.S.

I logged another 4 miles this morning, 8 for the week, but if you notice that I'm not listing weather, times, etc., it is because I'm trying to K.I.S.S.

K.I.S.S. or Keep It Simple Stupid, is the approach I'm currently taking. Rather than worry about "Speed Work" or my times, I'm just running. I wore my watch today, but no GPS. I'll get back to that point, but for now, I'm happy to be running, so running is what I'm going to do.

The K.I.S.S. program is currently being utilize at my home also, however, it might best be described as Keep It Simple Sinner in that setting. We have been pretty diligent about our nightly Bible story and prayer with my oldest boy, and in simplifying the stories for him, I've been forced to concentrate on the simple truths that the stories convey. Amazingly, but I guess not surprisingly, "Trusting God" is at the root of nearly every one.

Another aspect of the K.I.S.S. approach is our prayers. Jina and I follow behind him with our own prayers. I keep mine simple in verbage, so he can understand what I am thanking God for and what I'm asking God to help me with. They may not impress anybody on Sunday morning, but somehow they seem more genuine. I'm finding my private prayers are starting to take on a simpler tone as well.

Mark 10:13-16
13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

On the Road

I resumed training this morning with a 4 mile easy run. By the time I was done, my legs felt like jelly. It was warm out, despite a 6 a.m. start. But it felt good.

Once I progressed from the 14-16 minute mile pace, covering exactly one mile, and collapsing on the hood of my car, my running has frequently been an opportunity to reflect, reevaluate, and at times vegetate. This morning was no different.

As the first mile rolled by, the previous night's argument with my wife seemed to make little sense (don't tell her I told you we had an argument...oh well, forgot she is one of my limited number of readers). As mile 3 was in the books, I found it even harder to stick to my entrenched opinion. By the end of my run everything was better, well not quite. I'm a stubborn cuss, but 30 minutes of free weights added further insight into the silliness of it all and I relented.

Yes, I called to apologize. I found out that she had been trying to reach me on my cell phone to do the same...dang, if I had just held out a bit longer, I could have won this round.

I'm glad to be back running. My recent cholesterol numbers indicated no need to return to Vytorin, and of course when I'm not being stubborn, I know it's good for my heart in other ways.

Colossians 3:13 (New International Version)
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.