The original title for this blog was Running Saved, and as the name implied, had a lot to do with my running experiences, or lack thereof, as well as sharing things from my life in Christ. The start of this blog seems an eternity ago, and while its existence does span a couple of years, at times it seems that those early days were a lifetime ago.
Earlier this year, I changed the blog's name to Fit For the King. I had, because of injury, begun to run less and lift more. My focus had shifted a bit to overall fitness and I also found that I wanted to write about some other topics, or so I thought. Not to long after I changed the name I ceased to post, having lost any motivation to do so, and finding Face Book a more welcoming environment for the quick thoughts that continued to ramble through my head, but which I never had the time to fully develop into anything of substance. Now I am stretching it a bit here, implying that anything I've ever wrote had any substance, but alas, my blog, my opinion.
Now I find myself at yet another crossroads. This year has seen growth at my job, and while grateful that as many struggle, I've been blessed, the growth has also meant an increase in responsibility and more demands on my time. This has left less time for my fitness goals, and in fact, as I write this I'm pondering how to balance travel and training for the 2010 KDF Mini-Marathon, much less my original goal of running the full again.
As for the post title, Evolution, that is something I'm trying to do. Life changes, and we must change as well. It is painful at times to give up the things we love to do, as I'm reminded each time I step into my garage and see the gadgets and gear of hobbies past. It can be exciting to find ourselves engaged in new ventures and adventures. It can be stressful trying to determine where and how to spend our time and energies. Our only chance is to evolve. So today I'm doing my best to evolve, to determine how much time I can devote to running and fitness given the demands of work and family. Trying to figure out "WHO and WHAT" matters and warrants my energies and attention.
For now, I plod along, running three or four days per week, hoping at some point I will reengage with what is currently the only hobby I still hold on to, but I'm want to let it slip away. Each missed race opportunity, each morning that I wake with the notion that trying to get ahead or catch up with work is the best use of the early hours, each time I find my self ill tempered and short of patience with my family or holding little interest to interact with people in general, I ask myself "What does it matter?" Isn't it just another demand on my time. Only time will tell if I evolve and adapt or whether the current me goes the way of the dinosaur.
Either way, whether my demise as a runner, or my return, I am returning to my blogging so that if it is my end as a runner, I document it as I did my beginning.
14 December 2009
26 June 2009
Time marches on...
While mostly unfazed by the passing of Jackson and Fawcett. I'm not one prone to attaching a lot of emotion to persons I don't know well. I did watch a scrolling picture tribute today that was accompanied by many of his songs. Songs from my preteen and teen years. As with the news yesterday of both deaths, those songs made me reflect for a moment on my aging and the passing of time.
Perhaps my age bracket is the last to remember when things changed slowly. Microwaves, VCRs, Pulse dial phones, Cell Phones, Cassette Decks...all these things came about, became afforadable, slowly for those in the lower middle class. Now, your new I-Phone is obsolete or at least "so last year" before you can pick it up off the shelf at your electronics retailer.
We waited anxiously to see the one or two shows per week that we just had to see. No chance to catch it later on your preprogramed DVR recorder.
Anyways, this isn't a good ol' days blog. I enjoy today, and yes I miss my yesterdays and that pace of life, but as I said, the events of the past 48 have led me not to morn lost icons of my childhood, or the loss of years, but rather just reminded me that our time is brief, we are responsible for how we spend it, and we best enjoy every moment, because....(sorry for the country song reference Scotty, Todd, and any other's with minimalistic musical taste...just kidding)
Perhaps my age bracket is the last to remember when things changed slowly. Microwaves, VCRs, Pulse dial phones, Cell Phones, Cassette Decks...all these things came about, became afforadable, slowly for those in the lower middle class. Now, your new I-Phone is obsolete or at least "so last year" before you can pick it up off the shelf at your electronics retailer.
We waited anxiously to see the one or two shows per week that we just had to see. No chance to catch it later on your preprogramed DVR recorder.
Anyways, this isn't a good ol' days blog. I enjoy today, and yes I miss my yesterdays and that pace of life, but as I said, the events of the past 48 have led me not to morn lost icons of my childhood, or the loss of years, but rather just reminded me that our time is brief, we are responsible for how we spend it, and we best enjoy every moment, because....(sorry for the country song reference Scotty, Todd, and any other's with minimalistic musical taste...just kidding)
Verse 1 Sister cries out, from her baby bed.Brother runs in
with feathers on his head.Mama's in her room learnin how to sew.Daddy's drinkin
beer listenen to the radio.Hank Williams sings Kaw-Liga and Dear John. Time
marches on, time marches on.Verse 2 Sister's using rouge and clear complexion
soap.Brother's wearin beads and he smokes alot of dope.Mama is depressed barely
makes a sound.Daddy's got a girlfriend in another town.Bob Dylan sings like a
Rolling Stone.Time marches on, time marches on.Bridge South moves north, North
moves south A star is born, a star burns out.the only thing that stays the same
is everything changes, everything changes.Verse 3 Sister calls herself a sexygrandma.Brother's on a diet for high cholesterol.Mama's out of touch with
reality.Daddy's in the ground beneath the maple tree.As the Angles sing an old
Hank Williams song.Time marches on, time marches on. Time marches on,
timemarches on. Time marches on. Time marches on.Ecclesiastes:
For everything there is a season,And a time for every matter under heaven:A time to be born, and a time to die;A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal;A time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh;A time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;A time to seek, and a time to lose;A time to keep, and a time to throw away;A time to tear, and a time to sew;A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate,A time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
17 June 2009
Third attempt at a post today & Holiday World Rocks!
Blogger issues kept losing my posts, so
I'll post a pic of my new workout program.
Eat all the pizza, burgers, and ice cream you want, just be sure to lug 70 lbs worth of kids around for 4 of 5 days on the uphills at Holiday World...
Results, no weight gain, and increased endurance...LOL... and don't forget to practice you flexibility by squeezing into a 60+ year old miniature train car with your kids...
I'll post a pic of my new workout program.
Eat all the pizza, burgers, and ice cream you want, just be sure to lug 70 lbs worth of kids around for 4 of 5 days on the uphills at Holiday World...
Results, no weight gain, and increased endurance...LOL... and don't forget to practice you flexibility by squeezing into a 60+ year old miniature train car with your kids...
03 June 2009
Why Would Anyone Want the Job?
You know, maybe I'm just griping and whining? Maybe other guys don't have a problem with it? Maybe I'm just not a good dad? Either way, I know of at least one guy who agrees with me.
OK, so What's my beef? Why would anyone want to be a dad? Why does it seem guys father children and then run the other way?
Well beyond the usual reasons and lack of sense of responsibility, have you ever read the current job description? But let me back up for a second.
The other day I saw a Larry King interview with Lionel and Nichole Richie. Not my usual fare, but it was on somewhere I was at.
I was intrigued by a question that was posed. Larry King asked Lionel Richie about interview comments in which he said he didn't think he was a good dad to Nichole when she was younger. Lionel responded that it depended on how you viewed being a dad. By the standards of his father's generation, when dad was seen as a provider, then yes he felt he was a good dad, but by today's standards, when a dad is supposed to put in quality hours with their kids everyday, then no. He's right about today's standards. Heck, I even heard an ad to that affect on the radio this morning, brought to you by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Now back to my rant. My dad was a good dad. No a great dad. He gave up his dreams of farming to follow two job transfers that provided for his family. Leaving behind everything he had ever known. He juggled credit and bills to give us a good standard of living, and he coached me in Little League and supported me in every sport I played. However, he wasn't my best buddy and he didn't spend countless hours with me each week. He worked, he worked the family garden, and some of my fondest childhood memories involve me at an early age helping cut wood to fuel the family fireplace to no doubt keep down the energy bills. He was a traditional dad in every sense of the word. One that sustained and built and supported families and this country from its colonial days until the 1990's.
Now I and my counterparts are expected to shoulder those burdens, plus spend hours coloring, reinforcing how much we care, nurturing, etc., etc. You know to be honest, I've cracked a few times under the load. I love my children more than anything in this world. I would give my last breath to see them saved if it came to that, but trying to live up to the modern standards of fatherhood, while fulfilling the traditional role of a dad is fatiguing. I can't even take a night to play sports anymore without wondering if I'm taking too much of my very limited free time away from my kids.
So maybe this is just a personal rant. Perhaps it is TMI, and too honest and raw for publishing to the whole world, but its the truth. At least as it applies to me. Maybe I'm just weak, or maladjusted, or whacko. Maybe others feel the same way. I don't know, but I'm convinced that given the current expectations of fatherhood, it is no wonder that many men fail to follow up on their obligations, or even give up and run away.
For those of us who were kids in the '80s and before, our dad's were the product of a long line of dad's who provided for their families, and those provisions were an indication of their love for their families. Yes their was laughter and fun and all the other stuff mixed in, but job one was that of provider. From that model came generations that forged a new life on America's ever westward moving frontiers, that shouldered the burdens on both sides of the ideology that divided a nation, that fought two world wars and slogged through the Great Depression. From that model emerged a prosperous post war America, that fought for Civil Rights, that took a stand against a war they thought was wrong, that put a man on the moon, that stood its ground until the cold war ended and the Berlin Wall fell, and then that model was deemed a failure. That model was then replaced by the new and improved dad. A model that has gotten us to where we're at today.
It's late, I'm not spell checking or proofing, hopefully you can follow my line of thought, perhaps you agree, perhaps you disagree, but either way I've "vented my spleen" and so in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got ta say 'bout that."
Good night
OK, so What's my beef? Why would anyone want to be a dad? Why does it seem guys father children and then run the other way?
Well beyond the usual reasons and lack of sense of responsibility, have you ever read the current job description? But let me back up for a second.
The other day I saw a Larry King interview with Lionel and Nichole Richie. Not my usual fare, but it was on somewhere I was at.
I was intrigued by a question that was posed. Larry King asked Lionel Richie about interview comments in which he said he didn't think he was a good dad to Nichole when she was younger. Lionel responded that it depended on how you viewed being a dad. By the standards of his father's generation, when dad was seen as a provider, then yes he felt he was a good dad, but by today's standards, when a dad is supposed to put in quality hours with their kids everyday, then no. He's right about today's standards. Heck, I even heard an ad to that affect on the radio this morning, brought to you by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Now back to my rant. My dad was a good dad. No a great dad. He gave up his dreams of farming to follow two job transfers that provided for his family. Leaving behind everything he had ever known. He juggled credit and bills to give us a good standard of living, and he coached me in Little League and supported me in every sport I played. However, he wasn't my best buddy and he didn't spend countless hours with me each week. He worked, he worked the family garden, and some of my fondest childhood memories involve me at an early age helping cut wood to fuel the family fireplace to no doubt keep down the energy bills. He was a traditional dad in every sense of the word. One that sustained and built and supported families and this country from its colonial days until the 1990's.
Now I and my counterparts are expected to shoulder those burdens, plus spend hours coloring, reinforcing how much we care, nurturing, etc., etc. You know to be honest, I've cracked a few times under the load. I love my children more than anything in this world. I would give my last breath to see them saved if it came to that, but trying to live up to the modern standards of fatherhood, while fulfilling the traditional role of a dad is fatiguing. I can't even take a night to play sports anymore without wondering if I'm taking too much of my very limited free time away from my kids.
So maybe this is just a personal rant. Perhaps it is TMI, and too honest and raw for publishing to the whole world, but its the truth. At least as it applies to me. Maybe I'm just weak, or maladjusted, or whacko. Maybe others feel the same way. I don't know, but I'm convinced that given the current expectations of fatherhood, it is no wonder that many men fail to follow up on their obligations, or even give up and run away.
For those of us who were kids in the '80s and before, our dad's were the product of a long line of dad's who provided for their families, and those provisions were an indication of their love for their families. Yes their was laughter and fun and all the other stuff mixed in, but job one was that of provider. From that model came generations that forged a new life on America's ever westward moving frontiers, that shouldered the burdens on both sides of the ideology that divided a nation, that fought two world wars and slogged through the Great Depression. From that model emerged a prosperous post war America, that fought for Civil Rights, that took a stand against a war they thought was wrong, that put a man on the moon, that stood its ground until the cold war ended and the Berlin Wall fell, and then that model was deemed a failure. That model was then replaced by the new and improved dad. A model that has gotten us to where we're at today.
It's late, I'm not spell checking or proofing, hopefully you can follow my line of thought, perhaps you agree, perhaps you disagree, but either way I've "vented my spleen" and so in the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I've got ta say 'bout that."
Good night
29 May 2009
I'm alive and kickin'
Work, family (fun stuff - like camping), and other priorities have kept me away from the computer (except for work stuff) for a while now.
Looks like will be that way for another couple of months...new managers to hire, old ones to transfer, huge account coming on line in Minneapolis...hectic.
Since last weekend...no respiratory issues. 3 workouts and a 35 minute run outdoors here in Columbia, SC without feeling like I was a fish out of water...perhaps I'm back..
Still lifting and running, but staying very loose in structure, kinda doing what my body tells me it wants to do. Oh and the hammy hasn't been acting up...maybe I'm healed..
Anyway bye for now, hope this finds all well.
Oh and I've made it through the first two books of the New Testament in my effort to read all the way through the Bible. Amazing little tidbits of stories you don't remember or aren't always in the general messages of sermons and Sunday School lessons. Nothing that affects the theology, just little facts. Also, amazing how reading a chapter can set the tone for your whole day.
To that end, finally a use for my "crackberry", www.biblegateway.com mobile friendly site allows me to read the Bible on my "crackberry" at breakfast, or dinner, or airport, or waiting to take off....perhaps these things aren't entirely evil....but, the verdict is still out.
Looks like will be that way for another couple of months...new managers to hire, old ones to transfer, huge account coming on line in Minneapolis...hectic.
Since last weekend...no respiratory issues. 3 workouts and a 35 minute run outdoors here in Columbia, SC without feeling like I was a fish out of water...perhaps I'm back..
Still lifting and running, but staying very loose in structure, kinda doing what my body tells me it wants to do. Oh and the hammy hasn't been acting up...maybe I'm healed..
Anyway bye for now, hope this finds all well.
Oh and I've made it through the first two books of the New Testament in my effort to read all the way through the Bible. Amazing little tidbits of stories you don't remember or aren't always in the general messages of sermons and Sunday School lessons. Nothing that affects the theology, just little facts. Also, amazing how reading a chapter can set the tone for your whole day.
To that end, finally a use for my "crackberry", www.biblegateway.com mobile friendly site allows me to read the Bible on my "crackberry" at breakfast, or dinner, or airport, or waiting to take off....perhaps these things aren't entirely evil....but, the verdict is still out.
12 May 2009
My wife got "Fortied Up" on Mother's Day
OK,
She'll probably kill me for the post title, but it's kinda true.
After most everyone had left our house, the boys, Jina, my parents and brother, and I were out front. My oldest went in the house and came out with a "Happy Meal" stop watch and wanted me to time how fast he could run from our drive way to the street sign and back (about 90 yards).
After a couple of times, he wanted me to do it. I then badgered Jina about doing it. She finally caved (she can be very competitive at times) and went in to change. While she was doing this, I measured the sidewalk sections and figured out how many it took to equal 40 yards.
After she ran the timed out and back, we started running timed 4o's. All three boys got in on it, my dad (75 y.o.) ran with the twins, and Jina and I kept running them, with me arguing that the stop watch or the operator had to be off, as there was no way she could stay that close to me in a 40 yard sprint. She returned the smack talk...and so the afternoon wore on.
Mom and Dad left and I decided that the curving path of the cul de sac's sidewalk was prohibitive to good times, so we marked off a start and finish line in the street, retrieved my stop watch for more accurate measures and ran even more, with my son throwing in a 200 yard run +/- to my parents house and back. I tried, but respiratory issues made anything longer than the 100 yards to their house an impossibility.
I'm sure the neighbors had a good laugh, some might be mad I painted two small orange lines on the street, but who cares, everyone slept well that night.
It is great to see my wife set a positive example for our kids. Jared was even doing pushups in between sprints. She didn't take Mother's Day off, she continued the fine job she does everyday. Despite her need for a Forty.
She'll probably kill me for the post title, but it's kinda true.
After most everyone had left our house, the boys, Jina, my parents and brother, and I were out front. My oldest went in the house and came out with a "Happy Meal" stop watch and wanted me to time how fast he could run from our drive way to the street sign and back (about 90 yards).
After a couple of times, he wanted me to do it. I then badgered Jina about doing it. She finally caved (she can be very competitive at times) and went in to change. While she was doing this, I measured the sidewalk sections and figured out how many it took to equal 40 yards.
After she ran the timed out and back, we started running timed 4o's. All three boys got in on it, my dad (75 y.o.) ran with the twins, and Jina and I kept running them, with me arguing that the stop watch or the operator had to be off, as there was no way she could stay that close to me in a 40 yard sprint. She returned the smack talk...and so the afternoon wore on.
Mom and Dad left and I decided that the curving path of the cul de sac's sidewalk was prohibitive to good times, so we marked off a start and finish line in the street, retrieved my stop watch for more accurate measures and ran even more, with my son throwing in a 200 yard run +/- to my parents house and back. I tried, but respiratory issues made anything longer than the 100 yards to their house an impossibility.
I'm sure the neighbors had a good laugh, some might be mad I painted two small orange lines on the street, but who cares, everyone slept well that night.
It is great to see my wife set a positive example for our kids. Jared was even doing pushups in between sprints. She didn't take Mother's Day off, she continued the fine job she does everyday. Despite her need for a Forty.
05 May 2009
Whew!
Been awhile since I blogged last.
Since then, I've ticked off another year of longevity and logged a run in a new city...Minneapolis, MN. (I've got to get my list back up of places I've run)
It has been a stressful 7 to 10 days, I didn't even get out of work on time on my Birthday....waahhhh!
As I said, I've been loggin a few miles and still hitting the weights. Not much else to share.
Hope this finds everyone well!
Since then, I've ticked off another year of longevity and logged a run in a new city...Minneapolis, MN. (I've got to get my list back up of places I've run)
It has been a stressful 7 to 10 days, I didn't even get out of work on time on my Birthday....waahhhh!
As I said, I've been loggin a few miles and still hitting the weights. Not much else to share.
Hope this finds everyone well!
29 April 2009
How Healthy are You?
Being Fit for the King, isn't just about physical fitness. We need to strive to be fit in every aspect of our life.
Found this test on CNNMoney and found it interesting and potentially useful for a quick check up.
http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/financialhealth/index.html
See my poll at the right and if you don't mind answering it, anonymous of course, let's see how we all are doing.
Found this test on CNNMoney and found it interesting and potentially useful for a quick check up.
http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/financialhealth/index.html
See my poll at the right and if you don't mind answering it, anonymous of course, let's see how we all are doing.
28 April 2009
Trip South Confirms Discrimination
I sit here tonight distraught, perplexed, angered, disappointed, and saddened. This country has come a long way, but now I'm convinced that discrimination is alive and well even today.
I first went to Home Depot and witnessed it there, then a trip to Target and I find the same thing. I'm walking the store to burn up some time and to have something to do and then as I'm looking at bathroom accessories to put in the RV, I'm confronted with the blatent discrimination. A discrimination that first surfaced, although I had tried to not believe it, when we were looking at accomodations for Disney.
My wife and I are discriminated against because we have 3 kids. Seriously, if you have more than 2 kids you are not allowed the same benefits that a couple with four kids receives. Disney's great vacation packages...designed for four people...add a fifth and they will not allow you stay in the lowest priced resorts and don't forget you've got to tack on an additional full price ticket package. Worse yet, try to find a toothbrush holder that is designed for more than four toothbrushes.
Don't hate us because we've got more than two kids, try it for yourself...
I first went to Home Depot and witnessed it there, then a trip to Target and I find the same thing. I'm walking the store to burn up some time and to have something to do and then as I'm looking at bathroom accessories to put in the RV, I'm confronted with the blatent discrimination. A discrimination that first surfaced, although I had tried to not believe it, when we were looking at accomodations for Disney.
My wife and I are discriminated against because we have 3 kids. Seriously, if you have more than 2 kids you are not allowed the same benefits that a couple with four kids receives. Disney's great vacation packages...designed for four people...add a fifth and they will not allow you stay in the lowest priced resorts and don't forget you've got to tack on an additional full price ticket package. Worse yet, try to find a toothbrush holder that is designed for more than four toothbrushes.
Don't hate us because we've got more than two kids, try it for yourself...
22 April 2009
FIT ain't HEALTHY!
Huh?
Yep, being fit doesn't equate to being healthy. I've had to learn that the hard way. For three years I've run and exercised through pains, strains, and illness with constant fear that not doing so would cause me to lose my fitness level.
I am now currently convinced that the nagging hammy and upper respiratory issues that I'm still trying to shake all come down to assuming I could "FIT" my way through anything and come out OK on the other side. Bottom line, just because I was FIT, didn't mean I was HEALTHY and my drive to be FIT, actually has caused me now to be UNHEALTHY.
Anyway, I've resumed cardio on the elliptical machine and I find that thing monotonous. I've altered my lifting routine to be a modified circuit training, hitting all muscle groups in the same workout, three days per week, with cardio planned for the other three.
As it currently stands, I've increased the weight in my final and heaviest set on the bench press by 30 lbs since the first of the year, my weight is staying in the same range as when I was running every day, I've added definition to my arms and shoulders, and best of all, I don't spend all day Saturday dreading that my kids will ask me to play something that requires the energy I burned up on the morning's long run.
At this time, I doubt I will ever return to the level of mileage I was logging before. I will do more marathons, but I will do them to complete them with little thought give to doing them fast. One of my friends who is running the KDF mini this weekend has the annoying habit of bounding up hills with a smile and energy that irritates her two running partners. I'm one of them, and though her weekly mileage has never come close to mine, she handles the hills better. I'm convinced it's the extra 8 years of experience my body has on it...crud...almost 9 years, forgot I've got a birthday coming up. OK, she doesn't log the miles, but she does log tons of time teaching and taking Jazzercise. The result, I believe, is that she maintains her cardio level, but never beats her body up with repetitive running, and running, and more running. She works different muscle groups throughout the week so that overall she stays fresh. Me, when I was running every day, I was always dragging.
Now before any hard core runners jump on me about this, let me say, some individual's physique, genetics, lifestyle, and life obligations allow them to train with high mileage. Personally, I've found that 60-65 hr work weeks, 5 to 6 hours of sleep per night, 9 meals of forced eating out each week, and other demands on my time and energy just are not conducive to me logging the miles that I was and not breaking down. No, 25 miles a week, is not very many, but given everything else, it was too much.
Well, another lesson learned the hard way. I should have paid attention. I had a co-worker who was a former tri-athlete and ultra-marathoner who still logged 20 milers for fitness and recreation every weekend. He was a fine example of the shape I hope to be in when I turn 60. Well, that is except for the throat and prostate cancer he was diagnosed with. Both, slow growing and doctors told him old age would get him before the cancer would, but still, he wasn't entirely healthy. Fit, yes. Healthy, no.
Postscript: I apologize if my writings are not always grammatically correct. I used to read and reread to try to organize my thoughts. Currently, I'm just typing my thoughts as they roll out of my head..yep, like a BB in a box car...anyway, I'm trying to cram in posting along with everything else. Speaking of which, time to go pack to go home tomorrow.
Yep, being fit doesn't equate to being healthy. I've had to learn that the hard way. For three years I've run and exercised through pains, strains, and illness with constant fear that not doing so would cause me to lose my fitness level.
I am now currently convinced that the nagging hammy and upper respiratory issues that I'm still trying to shake all come down to assuming I could "FIT" my way through anything and come out OK on the other side. Bottom line, just because I was FIT, didn't mean I was HEALTHY and my drive to be FIT, actually has caused me now to be UNHEALTHY.
Anyway, I've resumed cardio on the elliptical machine and I find that thing monotonous. I've altered my lifting routine to be a modified circuit training, hitting all muscle groups in the same workout, three days per week, with cardio planned for the other three.
As it currently stands, I've increased the weight in my final and heaviest set on the bench press by 30 lbs since the first of the year, my weight is staying in the same range as when I was running every day, I've added definition to my arms and shoulders, and best of all, I don't spend all day Saturday dreading that my kids will ask me to play something that requires the energy I burned up on the morning's long run.
At this time, I doubt I will ever return to the level of mileage I was logging before. I will do more marathons, but I will do them to complete them with little thought give to doing them fast. One of my friends who is running the KDF mini this weekend has the annoying habit of bounding up hills with a smile and energy that irritates her two running partners. I'm one of them, and though her weekly mileage has never come close to mine, she handles the hills better. I'm convinced it's the extra 8 years of experience my body has on it...crud...almost 9 years, forgot I've got a birthday coming up. OK, she doesn't log the miles, but she does log tons of time teaching and taking Jazzercise. The result, I believe, is that she maintains her cardio level, but never beats her body up with repetitive running, and running, and more running. She works different muscle groups throughout the week so that overall she stays fresh. Me, when I was running every day, I was always dragging.
Now before any hard core runners jump on me about this, let me say, some individual's physique, genetics, lifestyle, and life obligations allow them to train with high mileage. Personally, I've found that 60-65 hr work weeks, 5 to 6 hours of sleep per night, 9 meals of forced eating out each week, and other demands on my time and energy just are not conducive to me logging the miles that I was and not breaking down. No, 25 miles a week, is not very many, but given everything else, it was too much.
Well, another lesson learned the hard way. I should have paid attention. I had a co-worker who was a former tri-athlete and ultra-marathoner who still logged 20 milers for fitness and recreation every weekend. He was a fine example of the shape I hope to be in when I turn 60. Well, that is except for the throat and prostate cancer he was diagnosed with. Both, slow growing and doctors told him old age would get him before the cancer would, but still, he wasn't entirely healthy. Fit, yes. Healthy, no.
Postscript: I apologize if my writings are not always grammatically correct. I used to read and reread to try to organize my thoughts. Currently, I'm just typing my thoughts as they roll out of my head..yep, like a BB in a box car...anyway, I'm trying to cram in posting along with everything else. Speaking of which, time to go pack to go home tomorrow.
With Gilligan, the Skipper too...
I don't remember whether it was the original show or a made for TV movie, "Return to Gilligan's Island"????, but I remember the start of a boat trip, once they are well underway, that the Skipper inquires as to whether every thing was prepared and made ready before they left. Gilligan proudly talks about how well he cleaned and prepared everything, even cleaning and fixing the compass and getting a little black rock (the magnet) out of it. Well, if you know the premise of the show, and subsequent made for TV events, you know what happens.
Why did I remember this? Seems in releasing the documents concerning CIA interrogation techniques our President referenced that the country had lost its "moral bearings" in allowing such things to go on. Man I'm glad it only happened in the last 8 years and now things have been set straight again.
You see, I had feared... that in a country where we kill an unborn child, for reasons of convenience, a "choice" and the killing of unwanted dogs a crime, where government can spend billions on an airplane or a community hundreds of thousands on fireworks, yet we can't figure out a way to provide even basic affordable health care for our children, or where some will rally to show support for a "wayward" youth turned to piracy on the high seas, while condemning our soldiers for actions they take under the pressures of combat deployment (poor decisions and choices are made in every war, yes even WWII, which the News Reels sanitized and left us all to believe each one of our grandfathers and fathers were Angelic Heroes. Heroes yes, Angels, No. It was WAR and WAR is Hell no matter what they show back home)...well I had feared we were already a bit lost.
Mr. President, I had high hopes when you were elected, that just maybe, it wouldn't be politics as usual, that a new wind might sweep across this country. Well it did....it was hot air....seems that all politicians are full of it.
May God Bless the USA. Because we sure need it.
Why did I remember this? Seems in releasing the documents concerning CIA interrogation techniques our President referenced that the country had lost its "moral bearings" in allowing such things to go on. Man I'm glad it only happened in the last 8 years and now things have been set straight again.
You see, I had feared... that in a country where we kill an unborn child, for reasons of convenience, a "choice" and the killing of unwanted dogs a crime, where government can spend billions on an airplane or a community hundreds of thousands on fireworks, yet we can't figure out a way to provide even basic affordable health care for our children, or where some will rally to show support for a "wayward" youth turned to piracy on the high seas, while condemning our soldiers for actions they take under the pressures of combat deployment (poor decisions and choices are made in every war, yes even WWII, which the News Reels sanitized and left us all to believe each one of our grandfathers and fathers were Angelic Heroes. Heroes yes, Angels, No. It was WAR and WAR is Hell no matter what they show back home)...well I had feared we were already a bit lost.
Mr. President, I had high hopes when you were elected, that just maybe, it wouldn't be politics as usual, that a new wind might sweep across this country. Well it did....it was hot air....seems that all politicians are full of it.
May God Bless the USA. Because we sure need it.
19 April 2009
Renovations...help please!
Same useless info, new blog name!
As I struggle to determine what path my fitness future will take, I'm confident that I still want to be fit, I'm just struggling with whether I will continue to have a heavy emphasis on running or any single fitness activity in near exclusion of others.
Here is a tidbit of my struggle, in case you're curious. Saturday morning: Do I run? or, Do I rise early, fix breakfast for the family and then commit my day to tasks such as working on our old RV (a necessity when your RV is almost as old as you are.)?
I chose the latter option. That would have been a stressful decision just 3 months ago.
Anyway, I thought I'd change things up a bit, but in doing so, I lost some information importing a template I thought I wanted. That info included the links to many blogs that I previously had listed....Sooooo...
If your blog was listed on my site before, please shoot me the link. I was able to google up some, others I linked from the comments box on older posts, but alas, some of you don't have your blog link on your profile....please help me.
Thanks, and I promise to try to post things of relevance, interest, or hopefully humor as I move ahead.
James
As I struggle to determine what path my fitness future will take, I'm confident that I still want to be fit, I'm just struggling with whether I will continue to have a heavy emphasis on running or any single fitness activity in near exclusion of others.
Here is a tidbit of my struggle, in case you're curious. Saturday morning: Do I run? or, Do I rise early, fix breakfast for the family and then commit my day to tasks such as working on our old RV (a necessity when your RV is almost as old as you are.)?
I chose the latter option. That would have been a stressful decision just 3 months ago.
Anyway, I thought I'd change things up a bit, but in doing so, I lost some information importing a template I thought I wanted. That info included the links to many blogs that I previously had listed....Sooooo...
If your blog was listed on my site before, please shoot me the link. I was able to google up some, others I linked from the comments box on older posts, but alas, some of you don't have your blog link on your profile....please help me.
Thanks, and I promise to try to post things of relevance, interest, or hopefully humor as I move ahead.
James
16 April 2009
T-Ball, Baseball, Christianity
T-ball isn't baseball. Yes, the premise is the same, but batting through the line up, not counting outs or runs, non-existent fielding for most kids, and coaches roaming the fields providing instruction at every turn is not a game, it is instruction or practice.
Now, don't get me wrong, I loved coaching T-ball, and it serves a genuine need to help kids learn the game of baseball, but in reality, at the end of the day most parents just want to see their kids playing something and the general consensus is that everyone should get a participation medal or trophy.
My oldest has moved up to machine pitch. A league in which a pitching machine is used to deliver consistent pitches that allow the game to flow and the kids to continue to develop hitting skills without the inconsistency of 6, 7, and 8 year olds trying to throw strikes.
Beyond the machine part of it, and a few rules to ensure the games flow efficiently without punishing the kids for having undeveloped skills, the game is baseball. Outs count, runs count, their is a winner and a loser, there is elation and disappointment. The building blocks of character.
Here's where my problem lies. I never possessed the physical stature or athletic prowess to be successful in baseball during my teen years. I did, however, learn the skills, and as I moved into adult softball leagues, I played, I think, fairly well. I'm not a flashy fielder, with the arm needed to make plays from deep in the hole at short, but hit 'em as hard as you like, I'll stay in front and make the play.
Where my adherence to the skills of baseball becomes a problem is when I work with Jared. I push for the same perfection and adherence to skills. Skills that he hasn't developed yet, and skills that are not always fun to learn, particularly when you're 7 and you can't see where endless ground balls and corrective batting practice is leading. Before I go on, know that I'm trying to change, and at games, I'm supportive, not bashing mine or any other kid for mistakes or miscues...that's for the ride home...just kidding.
Anyway, I got to thinking this week, and hence the blog, that unfortunately the parent's approach to T-ball and my approach to my son's baseball skills are perfect examples of the way too many approach Christianity.
On one end of the spectrum are those who fall into the participation crowd. They believe that we can't tell anyone their beliefs are inconsistent with God's word and that "good" people go to heaven as long as they "love" one another. They like to point out that Christ's message was about love and that Old Testament laws pointing out what God finds distasteful were replaced by Christ's message of "love". Seems they miss the whole passage when Christ says he came to fulfill the law, not abolish it.
Matthew 5:17-20
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
On the other end of the spectrum are those who approach Christianity in the same manner I approach my sons baseball play. Anything short of their vision of perfection is unacceptable. They insist on arguing every aspect of doctrine, debating to "no end" what is right or wrong and insisting that others are less faithful, dare I say, maybe even less Christian, if they choose to worship differently or view doctrinal issues differently.
Christ covers this end of the spectrum as well.
Matthew 23:13-15 (read the entire chapter for more references)
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[c]
15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
Neither is right! Just as T-ball taught my son little about the game of baseball and created no love for the genuine article, just as my insistence on my son learning and performing skills at a level far beyond his years strips him of any budding love for the game, so also these two approaches to our Christian faith provide little reason for people to want to experience what we know to be true.
Now, don't get me wrong, I loved coaching T-ball, and it serves a genuine need to help kids learn the game of baseball, but in reality, at the end of the day most parents just want to see their kids playing something and the general consensus is that everyone should get a participation medal or trophy.
My oldest has moved up to machine pitch. A league in which a pitching machine is used to deliver consistent pitches that allow the game to flow and the kids to continue to develop hitting skills without the inconsistency of 6, 7, and 8 year olds trying to throw strikes.
Beyond the machine part of it, and a few rules to ensure the games flow efficiently without punishing the kids for having undeveloped skills, the game is baseball. Outs count, runs count, their is a winner and a loser, there is elation and disappointment. The building blocks of character.
Here's where my problem lies. I never possessed the physical stature or athletic prowess to be successful in baseball during my teen years. I did, however, learn the skills, and as I moved into adult softball leagues, I played, I think, fairly well. I'm not a flashy fielder, with the arm needed to make plays from deep in the hole at short, but hit 'em as hard as you like, I'll stay in front and make the play.
Where my adherence to the skills of baseball becomes a problem is when I work with Jared. I push for the same perfection and adherence to skills. Skills that he hasn't developed yet, and skills that are not always fun to learn, particularly when you're 7 and you can't see where endless ground balls and corrective batting practice is leading. Before I go on, know that I'm trying to change, and at games, I'm supportive, not bashing mine or any other kid for mistakes or miscues...that's for the ride home...just kidding.
Anyway, I got to thinking this week, and hence the blog, that unfortunately the parent's approach to T-ball and my approach to my son's baseball skills are perfect examples of the way too many approach Christianity.
On one end of the spectrum are those who fall into the participation crowd. They believe that we can't tell anyone their beliefs are inconsistent with God's word and that "good" people go to heaven as long as they "love" one another. They like to point out that Christ's message was about love and that Old Testament laws pointing out what God finds distasteful were replaced by Christ's message of "love". Seems they miss the whole passage when Christ says he came to fulfill the law, not abolish it.
Matthew 5:17-20
The Fulfillment of the Law
17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
On the other end of the spectrum are those who approach Christianity in the same manner I approach my sons baseball play. Anything short of their vision of perfection is unacceptable. They insist on arguing every aspect of doctrine, debating to "no end" what is right or wrong and insisting that others are less faithful, dare I say, maybe even less Christian, if they choose to worship differently or view doctrinal issues differently.
Christ covers this end of the spectrum as well.
Matthew 23:13-15 (read the entire chapter for more references)
13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.[c]
15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
Neither is right! Just as T-ball taught my son little about the game of baseball and created no love for the genuine article, just as my insistence on my son learning and performing skills at a level far beyond his years strips him of any budding love for the game, so also these two approaches to our Christian faith provide little reason for people to want to experience what we know to be true.
12 April 2009
Road To Recovery
As I sit here and enjoy a cup of coffee and scan the news stories, I took a moment to check the Papa Johns 10 miler results to check on some friends and aquaintances. The times weren't up yet.
Great job by Daniel, Alicia, and Tammy who ran the 10 miler. I got to see them all at the Easter Egg hunt yesterday, and it was a bit strange not to be part of the group. Sitting out and not running will prove to be a wise decision, but it has also begun to spark my desire to run again.
Perhaps, as I draw a few days closer to my final year in my thirties, running is my identity, at least the one I can control. My wife makes me a husband, my kids make me a dad, my job an employee, but gone are the days when I considered myself a hunter, a fisherman, or a ball player. All these were identities I held because of what I chose to do.
Well anyway, I wax philosophically this morning, and I'm not a philosopher, so I'll put on my shirt and tie to join the family for church. Actually, being a runner is great, but I think being a husband and dad is most important, and I control that as well. Being "married" doesn't make me a husband, and fathering kids doesn't make me a dad. Both I have to choose to be.
Happy Easter!
Matthew 28:5-7
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Great job by Daniel, Alicia, and Tammy who ran the 10 miler. I got to see them all at the Easter Egg hunt yesterday, and it was a bit strange not to be part of the group. Sitting out and not running will prove to be a wise decision, but it has also begun to spark my desire to run again.
Perhaps, as I draw a few days closer to my final year in my thirties, running is my identity, at least the one I can control. My wife makes me a husband, my kids make me a dad, my job an employee, but gone are the days when I considered myself a hunter, a fisherman, or a ball player. All these were identities I held because of what I chose to do.
Well anyway, I wax philosophically this morning, and I'm not a philosopher, so I'll put on my shirt and tie to join the family for church. Actually, being a runner is great, but I think being a husband and dad is most important, and I control that as well. Being "married" doesn't make me a husband, and fathering kids doesn't make me a dad. Both I have to choose to be.
Happy Easter!
Matthew 28:5-7
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
06 April 2009
KDF MINI
As I sit here trying to suck in a full breath through chest congestion that has plagued me since Thanksgiving, I had originally planned to blog tonight on whether or not I was going to follow through with another KDF Mini.
This morning was a struggle to breath well enough to run 2.5 miles and walk another half. In the past couple of months, I've pushed through days and weeks like today, an I'm starting to wonder at what cost. Currently I'm battling daily fatigue, a nagging hamstring, and I'm so worn down, I don't even suffer OLS anymore...I don't think I could be excited or competitive about much of anything right now.
With that in mind, I got my Mini question answered for me tonight. As I lay watching the Channel 9, news at 9 broadcast, waiting for the NCAA Championship, the news flashed...KDF Mini and Marathon registration closed, two weeks earlier than anticipated. Guess what? I wasn't registered.
Part of me is sad, because I have friends who will be running and because I've been involved with the race for the past three years. Part of me elated, I don't have to feel like I wimped out. Part of me, a big part, just wants to be rested and well.
Anyway, I want to do a fall marathon...I think...for now, that's a long way off. I think I'm gonna let my lungs rest, and put in hour long lifting sessions for a few weeks instead of my usual 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
Well enough for now, I'm gonna go watch the game.
This morning was a struggle to breath well enough to run 2.5 miles and walk another half. In the past couple of months, I've pushed through days and weeks like today, an I'm starting to wonder at what cost. Currently I'm battling daily fatigue, a nagging hamstring, and I'm so worn down, I don't even suffer OLS anymore...I don't think I could be excited or competitive about much of anything right now.
With that in mind, I got my Mini question answered for me tonight. As I lay watching the Channel 9, news at 9 broadcast, waiting for the NCAA Championship, the news flashed...KDF Mini and Marathon registration closed, two weeks earlier than anticipated. Guess what? I wasn't registered.
Part of me is sad, because I have friends who will be running and because I've been involved with the race for the past three years. Part of me elated, I don't have to feel like I wimped out. Part of me, a big part, just wants to be rested and well.
Anyway, I want to do a fall marathon...I think...for now, that's a long way off. I think I'm gonna let my lungs rest, and put in hour long lifting sessions for a few weeks instead of my usual 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights.
Well enough for now, I'm gonna go watch the game.
02 April 2009
Jackson Mississippi
Well, our operations are up and going. Always hectic when we start a new one, but hey, we're still growing. Nothing to sneeze at these days.
No early morning run, early morning was spent on my regular duties, dashed off to the office at 7 and worked until 5. Ok, we finally had lunch at 4 and used the time to review some schedule changes, so maybe I actually only worked until 4????
Back to the hotel, changed clothes, back downtown, and log another city in the places I've run category. 4 miles. Great news was that there is a YMCA just down the interstate from my hotel. Man did they have some old equipment. Still managed to get in an upper body circuit. Back to hotel, shower, hit Wal-mart for supplies, then dinner at 8:30 back to hotel by 9:30, emails 'til 10:45, blog 'til 11...good night....(for what it's worth, all times are central..my body hates central time!)
No early morning run, early morning was spent on my regular duties, dashed off to the office at 7 and worked until 5. Ok, we finally had lunch at 4 and used the time to review some schedule changes, so maybe I actually only worked until 4????
Back to the hotel, changed clothes, back downtown, and log another city in the places I've run category. 4 miles. Great news was that there is a YMCA just down the interstate from my hotel. Man did they have some old equipment. Still managed to get in an upper body circuit. Back to hotel, shower, hit Wal-mart for supplies, then dinner at 8:30 back to hotel by 9:30, emails 'til 10:45, blog 'til 11...good night....(for what it's worth, all times are central..my body hates central time!)
31 March 2009
Catching up...or...Running behind?
Man, I don't know whether I'm coming or going lately. No not because life is a hectic rat race. Just the opposite and I'm doing my best to put the time to good use. Could still use a little more, but I'll work with what I've got. What's been going on? Gee, thanks for asking....ok, so you don't have much choice when I'm the one typing what you say.
We begin Little League this week, if the rain holds off. Jared is learning the necessary skills, and seems to be enjoying it when Dad isn't preaching and teaching and pushing and... I'm getting better, but I do have relapses. I've played baseball or softball nearly non-stop for 30 summers, and Jina played four years of varsity in High School, so baseball is near and dear to our hearts...we're hoping the boys take to it as well, but if not, we decided long ago to support them in whatever they choose to do.
Summer means camping, which means breaking out our classic RV. Now when you're a thirty three year old RV, you're bound to need something each year. She cranked up fine after sitting all winter (the RV, not Jina) and finding no immediate must fix issues, I've started sprucing up the bathroom to make it less dreary and a little more appealing to be utilized as a true bathroom space and not just a port-a-pot/shower station. We've got two planned trips already and were excited to learn Jared's ball season will end before we begin camping season in ernest.
All this leads me to the excercise/running portion of my life. Last week's diet was pretty bad. Healthy was not on the menu for our meetings. Also, about 85 percent of us picked up a nasty virus that hit us, with one exception, after we returned home. That put a damper on any long run last weekend, but I did manage to keep my overall weekly miles up with a 4 mile run on the treadmill Sunday morning.
This morning I warmed up for one mile on the treadmill and then did another 2.25 through the neighborhood with my hammy yelling at me to stop the entire time. I did not enjoy the run and I actually found myself dreading the upcoming KDF Mini. Should I run a race I'm not totally commited to this year. On that Saturday, Jared has a ball game at 10 am, Jina has a wedding shower to set up...which means no matter how drained...I've got the kiddos all afternoon. Is it worth it? This year I just don't know? I'm going to keep logging the long run with my partners in crime, but I've got to get off the fence soon and get my head around this race!
Anyway, the past couple weeks training seems to continue to pay dividends and this weekend will be time for another APFT test, so will see if I can get the push up score up and improve overall.
That's about it, time to shut down, board a flight and log a run in a new place..Jackson, MS.
We begin Little League this week, if the rain holds off. Jared is learning the necessary skills, and seems to be enjoying it when Dad isn't preaching and teaching and pushing and... I'm getting better, but I do have relapses. I've played baseball or softball nearly non-stop for 30 summers, and Jina played four years of varsity in High School, so baseball is near and dear to our hearts...we're hoping the boys take to it as well, but if not, we decided long ago to support them in whatever they choose to do.
Summer means camping, which means breaking out our classic RV. Now when you're a thirty three year old RV, you're bound to need something each year. She cranked up fine after sitting all winter (the RV, not Jina) and finding no immediate must fix issues, I've started sprucing up the bathroom to make it less dreary and a little more appealing to be utilized as a true bathroom space and not just a port-a-pot/shower station. We've got two planned trips already and were excited to learn Jared's ball season will end before we begin camping season in ernest.
All this leads me to the excercise/running portion of my life. Last week's diet was pretty bad. Healthy was not on the menu for our meetings. Also, about 85 percent of us picked up a nasty virus that hit us, with one exception, after we returned home. That put a damper on any long run last weekend, but I did manage to keep my overall weekly miles up with a 4 mile run on the treadmill Sunday morning.
This morning I warmed up for one mile on the treadmill and then did another 2.25 through the neighborhood with my hammy yelling at me to stop the entire time. I did not enjoy the run and I actually found myself dreading the upcoming KDF Mini. Should I run a race I'm not totally commited to this year. On that Saturday, Jared has a ball game at 10 am, Jina has a wedding shower to set up...which means no matter how drained...I've got the kiddos all afternoon. Is it worth it? This year I just don't know? I'm going to keep logging the long run with my partners in crime, but I've got to get off the fence soon and get my head around this race!
Anyway, the past couple weeks training seems to continue to pay dividends and this weekend will be time for another APFT test, so will see if I can get the push up score up and improve overall.
That's about it, time to shut down, board a flight and log a run in a new place..Jackson, MS.
21 March 2009
Saturday
Got up, couldn't make up my mind whether to run or wait for the Y to open.
Boys woke up before I got out the door, all hungry, fixed them breakfast and woke Jina up.
Now I'm not motivated at all to go. Decide to give her the chance to run on the road this morning. (Yeeaaaa! Good job girl...she set a PR for a training mile time).
I opted for the treadmill. Decided to do my run to mimic the Mini course as best as I could remember and guestimate. Did 8 miles. Hammy was nagging at me. Iced it as soon as I got of the treadmill. Really helped. Wish I had that option everyday.
Only disappointment, my weight gain in week one was all water weight. After my run this morning I weighed before rehydrating. Yep it was all gone. Oh well, I'm still happy!
Have a good week. Probably be late in the week before I get back on here to post.
Boys woke up before I got out the door, all hungry, fixed them breakfast and woke Jina up.
Now I'm not motivated at all to go. Decide to give her the chance to run on the road this morning. (Yeeaaaa! Good job girl...she set a PR for a training mile time).
I opted for the treadmill. Decided to do my run to mimic the Mini course as best as I could remember and guestimate. Did 8 miles. Hammy was nagging at me. Iced it as soon as I got of the treadmill. Really helped. Wish I had that option everyday.
Only disappointment, my weight gain in week one was all water weight. After my run this morning I weighed before rehydrating. Yep it was all gone. Oh well, I'm still happy!
Have a good week. Probably be late in the week before I get back on here to post.
20 March 2009
J17W Update
5 days under my belt.
I backed off of running after Tuesday morning to allow a hammy to mend. Been Biking instead.
Never have reached my daily calorie intake goals. Find myself consuming some "not bad", but not "ideal" calories each evening. Little League and school spring festivals made dinner a "How much can you swallow in 5 to 10 minutes?" ritual for the first four nights of the week.
No running has meant I'm not partially dehydrated everyday. This, and hopefully some muscle gain has meant a 3 to 4 pound weight gain this week. Stepping on the scales has been rough. After 3 years of losing or maintaining weight, convincing your mind that it is OK for the scale to tick up a bit is hard. Currently I'm telling my brain..."If the jeans still fit, we're OK,...it listens sometimes.
My workouts were pretty traditional in nature. Monday was chest and arms (Bench, Incline Bench, Flys, Curls, Dips). Tuesday was back and shoulders (Shrugs, Military Press, Seated row, Pull ups, Dumbbell rows). Wednesday was chest and arms again. Thursday repeat of Tuesday. This morning was chest and arms and some squats thrown. 3 to 6 miles of riding the bike for cardio Wed. Thur. and Fri.
I was pleased with the weights that I was working out with this morning. At the start of the year, I was doing my heaviest sets at about 5 to 10 lbs below my body weight. Now my heaviest sets are at around 10 to 20 lbs over my body weight.
I'm still debating what to do tomorrow. A calisthenics style circuit routine or a long run.
Anyhow, that is week one. On Sunday I travel for a meeting, OK, actually Sunday is the golf outing, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are meetings. The room accommodations have full kitchens and I'm familiar with YMCA there, so hopefully, although it will be on short sleep, I'll be able to keep up with my routine through next week.
I backed off of running after Tuesday morning to allow a hammy to mend. Been Biking instead.
Never have reached my daily calorie intake goals. Find myself consuming some "not bad", but not "ideal" calories each evening. Little League and school spring festivals made dinner a "How much can you swallow in 5 to 10 minutes?" ritual for the first four nights of the week.
No running has meant I'm not partially dehydrated everyday. This, and hopefully some muscle gain has meant a 3 to 4 pound weight gain this week. Stepping on the scales has been rough. After 3 years of losing or maintaining weight, convincing your mind that it is OK for the scale to tick up a bit is hard. Currently I'm telling my brain..."If the jeans still fit, we're OK,...it listens sometimes.
My workouts were pretty traditional in nature. Monday was chest and arms (Bench, Incline Bench, Flys, Curls, Dips). Tuesday was back and shoulders (Shrugs, Military Press, Seated row, Pull ups, Dumbbell rows). Wednesday was chest and arms again. Thursday repeat of Tuesday. This morning was chest and arms and some squats thrown. 3 to 6 miles of riding the bike for cardio Wed. Thur. and Fri.
I was pleased with the weights that I was working out with this morning. At the start of the year, I was doing my heaviest sets at about 5 to 10 lbs below my body weight. Now my heaviest sets are at around 10 to 20 lbs over my body weight.
I'm still debating what to do tomorrow. A calisthenics style circuit routine or a long run.
Anyhow, that is week one. On Sunday I travel for a meeting, OK, actually Sunday is the golf outing, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are meetings. The room accommodations have full kitchens and I'm familiar with YMCA there, so hopefully, although it will be on short sleep, I'll be able to keep up with my routine through next week.
17 March 2009
American Idol
OK,
Have to vent. As a country music fan, I was mortified by some of the performances, but I came away with one burning question.
Why did I hear the Ozzy Osbourne/Boy George impersonator sing a classic accompanied by Indian Scitars, while the guy who appears to be Indian turned in as very strong performance in flawless English?
Actually, none of this is relevant or important, but I had to ask. It is disappointing that they allowed some iconic, classic songs be butchered without comments like....
"Yo, Dawg, you know if you're going to do a Whitney song, well, Dawg, look, you know, I mean can't nobody sing it like Whitney, so you know, you just shouldn't go there, I mean, you know Dawg it just ain't a safe bet..."
Same can be said in country music for Dolly, Patsy, Willie, and Johnny.
Next week, perhaps we'll get to hear pop music versions of Back in Black, You Shook Me, Pink Houses, Jump, and Walk this Way.
I probably should travel again, staying at home and watching this stuff is turning my mind to mush. As evidenced by this blog post.
G'night!
Have to vent. As a country music fan, I was mortified by some of the performances, but I came away with one burning question.
Why did I hear the Ozzy Osbourne/Boy George impersonator sing a classic accompanied by Indian Scitars, while the guy who appears to be Indian turned in as very strong performance in flawless English?
Actually, none of this is relevant or important, but I had to ask. It is disappointing that they allowed some iconic, classic songs be butchered without comments like....
"Yo, Dawg, you know if you're going to do a Whitney song, well, Dawg, look, you know, I mean can't nobody sing it like Whitney, so you know, you just shouldn't go there, I mean, you know Dawg it just ain't a safe bet..."
Same can be said in country music for Dolly, Patsy, Willie, and Johnny.
Next week, perhaps we'll get to hear pop music versions of Back in Black, You Shook Me, Pink Houses, Jump, and Walk this Way.
I probably should travel again, staying at home and watching this stuff is turning my mind to mush. As evidenced by this blog post.
G'night!
16 March 2009
J17W
OK,
You've probably seen the commercials for the P90X program. I've heard good things about it, but for now, I've got 17 days of either no travel or travel that should allow me to focus on a)eating enough good calories to support muscle gain and b)access to enough equipment to lift in quantity and in quality.
So, I'm starting the J17W plan as of this morning. After 2 years of watching what I eat, it is actually kind of tough to switch to eating an increased calorie load to hopefully fuel some muscle gain.
Today's diet so far = Oatmeal w/ dried fruit and bannana before heading to the gym. A protein bar (30g of protein) after, Ham and Cheese sandwhich, fresh broccoli (uncooked) and 2 celery w/ peanut butter, afternoon was a Power Bar (smoothie flavor-nasty, but cheap on clearance) and an apple. My notes give me an estimated 1320 calories before dinner. I'm guessing I need to get up to around 3000 per day minimum, especially with burning between 400 and 600 doing cardio each morning. Yes I know I should probably drop the cardio to two days a week, but I'm more concerned about keeping my heart healthy than gaining mass, so either I'll figure out a way to do both, or I just want gain.
I'll keep you posted.
You've probably seen the commercials for the P90X program. I've heard good things about it, but for now, I've got 17 days of either no travel or travel that should allow me to focus on a)eating enough good calories to support muscle gain and b)access to enough equipment to lift in quantity and in quality.
So, I'm starting the J17W plan as of this morning. After 2 years of watching what I eat, it is actually kind of tough to switch to eating an increased calorie load to hopefully fuel some muscle gain.
Today's diet so far = Oatmeal w/ dried fruit and bannana before heading to the gym. A protein bar (30g of protein) after, Ham and Cheese sandwhich, fresh broccoli (uncooked) and 2 celery w/ peanut butter, afternoon was a Power Bar (smoothie flavor-nasty, but cheap on clearance) and an apple. My notes give me an estimated 1320 calories before dinner. I'm guessing I need to get up to around 3000 per day minimum, especially with burning between 400 and 600 doing cardio each morning. Yes I know I should probably drop the cardio to two days a week, but I'm more concerned about keeping my heart healthy than gaining mass, so either I'll figure out a way to do both, or I just want gain.
I'll keep you posted.
14 March 2009
"Houston We Have a Problem"..or.."The Easy Button"
A long time ago in galaxy far far away a proud race built for itself a mighty star ship, the likes of which had never been seen, and staffed it with their best officers.
Captain N. E. Way was beloved by all who served with him. Captain Way was a "the ends justifies the means" type of guy who didn't care what those below him did, confident that they were all on the same mission, with the same goal, and if they each followed a different action plan, so much the better, they'd still get there and morale would be high when they did.
A gifted woman was assigned as the mighty ship's first mate. Bygude Werkz had, since her first day at Star Fleet Academy, demonstrated an ability to always be in the right place at the right time to lend a helping hand. Even more impressive, she never seemed to tire. Everyone marvelled and envied her for her confidence that hard work, especially when it helped others, would always win the day.
The ship's engineer was a brilliant man. Dr. I. B. Smart had graduated at the top of every class he had ever taken. He had dedicated years to the study of such things as rocket design, jet propulsion, spacecraft systems, physics and mathematics, not to mention any number of obscure sciences which he had learned and applied to the solve the most perplexing of problems and questions.
While the reputation and exploits of the crew were well documented, the ship and and one of its systems was another story all together. You see what made this ship radically different from those that proceeded it, was its life support system, or more accurately, its life saving system.
The system was intriguing in its simplicity and amazing in its ability to save a ship. The system didn't guarantee that the ship wouldn't be damaged, but it did guarantee the ship's survival, sparing it from complete and total destruction. All of this at the touch of the "button".
The crew was told about the life saving system, shown the "button", supplies were loaded, engines were lit, and the great ship rocketed into space on its maiden voyage.
As is likely to happen on such an epic journey, trouble befell the ship. Not too far into the mission, the crew found itself faced by its first challenge, a meteor shower. The meteors proved to be not very large, and the damage to the craft was light, repairs were made, and proud and confident in their own abilities and skills, the crew pressed on. Now what you may, or may not know about space is that the deeper you go, the more serious the dangers and daunting the challenges. The crew's orders called for them to travel to the furthest reaches of the universe.
Deep into the mission, far away from the space dock where the mighty vessel was first dreamed up and built, she found herself battered and damaged by the ravages of space travel, but Captain Way and his officers remained confident and proud of their skills and abilities. Time and again the captain had applied his approach to command. Happy with this freedom to deal with things however they saw fit, First Mate Werkz had, through hard work, been able to make any repairs necessary to save the ship, and everyone marvelled at Dr. Smart's ability to think and reason through any problem and provide the right answers. Well even if they weren't right, at least they seemed to work and no one dared to question them.
In this manner the mission continued until that fateful day or night, who can tell in space, when the ship and her crew found themselves locked in the ultimate battle for survival. Systems were failing, despair gripped the crew and all appeared lost. That's when the ship's leaders remembered the "button".
Captain N. E. Way considered giving the order to push the "button", but wavered, "How could he? If he gave the order to push the button, wouldn't he be admitting that it was the only way to save the ship, and might that upset his officers?" First Mate Werkz efforts had save them up until now, "Could he now say that her hard work wasn't sufficient?" Likewise, Dr. Smart had reasoned and researched and eventually solved tough issues in the past, "Who was he to say he wouldn't this time, or that they didn't have enough time for the Doctor to think things through?"
Now one thing you have to give First Mate Bygude Werkz credit for, she was a worker. She remembered the "button", but didn't have time to stop and press it. She had work to do. "Let someone else push the "button", I'll save the ship through sheer will power.", she thought to herself. Besides, pushing the button would have been much too easy and would not have impressed anyone, given her a sense of accomplishments, and earned her another "at-a-boy" on her service record.
Dr. I. B. Smart didn't forget anything. He could still remember and recite the first ten words he had ever been required to spell, on his very first spelling test, in his very first year in school. There is no doubt that he remembered the "button". Dr. Smart remembered the "button" alright, but the thought of its very existence angered him. The concept was much too simple. "Push the "button", save the ship. Where was the enlightenment in that?" No that wouldn't do. Not for I. B Smart, PhD. Given time he knew he could reason out the processes and procedures by which the ship could and would be saved.
As the Captain waited, as the First Mate worked, and as the Doctor pondered, the mighty ship met her fate. All the while the "button" sat in front of them, waiting to be pushed, in its own mechanized way, wanting to be pushed. As the once proud ship was destroyed it disintegrated, vaporized, and all record of its existence disappeared. All except for one. The Captain would not have believed that only one of the ships systems was capable of surviving. First Mate Werkz would never have allowed herself to consider that her handiwork wouldn't hold up and Dr. Smart would have never rationalized that all evidence of the systems he had studied and understood so well would disappear. You see, the solution he deemed "simple and unenlightened", the system that Werkz considered "too easy" and the Captain refused to define as their "only chance" would survive unscathed waiting to be found. That's right, when the mighty ship and her magnificent crew were gone. The "button" remained.
John 14:6 (NIV)
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
Captain N. E. Way was beloved by all who served with him. Captain Way was a "the ends justifies the means" type of guy who didn't care what those below him did, confident that they were all on the same mission, with the same goal, and if they each followed a different action plan, so much the better, they'd still get there and morale would be high when they did.
A gifted woman was assigned as the mighty ship's first mate. Bygude Werkz had, since her first day at Star Fleet Academy, demonstrated an ability to always be in the right place at the right time to lend a helping hand. Even more impressive, she never seemed to tire. Everyone marvelled and envied her for her confidence that hard work, especially when it helped others, would always win the day.
The ship's engineer was a brilliant man. Dr. I. B. Smart had graduated at the top of every class he had ever taken. He had dedicated years to the study of such things as rocket design, jet propulsion, spacecraft systems, physics and mathematics, not to mention any number of obscure sciences which he had learned and applied to the solve the most perplexing of problems and questions.
While the reputation and exploits of the crew were well documented, the ship and and one of its systems was another story all together. You see what made this ship radically different from those that proceeded it, was its life support system, or more accurately, its life saving system.
The system was intriguing in its simplicity and amazing in its ability to save a ship. The system didn't guarantee that the ship wouldn't be damaged, but it did guarantee the ship's survival, sparing it from complete and total destruction. All of this at the touch of the "button".
The crew was told about the life saving system, shown the "button", supplies were loaded, engines were lit, and the great ship rocketed into space on its maiden voyage.
As is likely to happen on such an epic journey, trouble befell the ship. Not too far into the mission, the crew found itself faced by its first challenge, a meteor shower. The meteors proved to be not very large, and the damage to the craft was light, repairs were made, and proud and confident in their own abilities and skills, the crew pressed on. Now what you may, or may not know about space is that the deeper you go, the more serious the dangers and daunting the challenges. The crew's orders called for them to travel to the furthest reaches of the universe.
Deep into the mission, far away from the space dock where the mighty vessel was first dreamed up and built, she found herself battered and damaged by the ravages of space travel, but Captain Way and his officers remained confident and proud of their skills and abilities. Time and again the captain had applied his approach to command. Happy with this freedom to deal with things however they saw fit, First Mate Werkz had, through hard work, been able to make any repairs necessary to save the ship, and everyone marvelled at Dr. Smart's ability to think and reason through any problem and provide the right answers. Well even if they weren't right, at least they seemed to work and no one dared to question them.
In this manner the mission continued until that fateful day or night, who can tell in space, when the ship and her crew found themselves locked in the ultimate battle for survival. Systems were failing, despair gripped the crew and all appeared lost. That's when the ship's leaders remembered the "button".
Captain N. E. Way considered giving the order to push the "button", but wavered, "How could he? If he gave the order to push the button, wouldn't he be admitting that it was the only way to save the ship, and might that upset his officers?" First Mate Werkz efforts had save them up until now, "Could he now say that her hard work wasn't sufficient?" Likewise, Dr. Smart had reasoned and researched and eventually solved tough issues in the past, "Who was he to say he wouldn't this time, or that they didn't have enough time for the Doctor to think things through?"
Now one thing you have to give First Mate Bygude Werkz credit for, she was a worker. She remembered the "button", but didn't have time to stop and press it. She had work to do. "Let someone else push the "button", I'll save the ship through sheer will power.", she thought to herself. Besides, pushing the button would have been much too easy and would not have impressed anyone, given her a sense of accomplishments, and earned her another "at-a-boy" on her service record.
Dr. I. B. Smart didn't forget anything. He could still remember and recite the first ten words he had ever been required to spell, on his very first spelling test, in his very first year in school. There is no doubt that he remembered the "button". Dr. Smart remembered the "button" alright, but the thought of its very existence angered him. The concept was much too simple. "Push the "button", save the ship. Where was the enlightenment in that?" No that wouldn't do. Not for I. B Smart, PhD. Given time he knew he could reason out the processes and procedures by which the ship could and would be saved.
As the Captain waited, as the First Mate worked, and as the Doctor pondered, the mighty ship met her fate. All the while the "button" sat in front of them, waiting to be pushed, in its own mechanized way, wanting to be pushed. As the once proud ship was destroyed it disintegrated, vaporized, and all record of its existence disappeared. All except for one. The Captain would not have believed that only one of the ships systems was capable of surviving. First Mate Werkz would never have allowed herself to consider that her handiwork wouldn't hold up and Dr. Smart would have never rationalized that all evidence of the systems he had studied and understood so well would disappear. You see, the solution he deemed "simple and unenlightened", the system that Werkz considered "too easy" and the Captain refused to define as their "only chance" would survive unscathed waiting to be found. That's right, when the mighty ship and her magnificent crew were gone. The "button" remained.
John 14:6 (NIV)
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.
11 March 2009
The Destruction of a Temple
A congregation was looking for a place to hold their services. A wealthy benefactor decided to help out and presented them with a brand new building, free and clear.
The congregation moved in and things went well for several years. Then things began to change. As the congregation grew, the building aged. A well meaning trustee was able to purchase a bulk quantity of light bulbs at a great price. Unfortunately they were those wonderful yellow outdoor patio bulbs, and as more and more of the original bulbs burned out and were replaced with the "patio" bulbs, which were readily available and easy to grab a hold of in a hurry, the sanctuary began to take on a dim and dingy appearance.
At some point in time, the decision was made that the beautiful stained glass windows filtered too much of the "natural" light and so the stained glass was removed to let in as much "light" as possible. No one stopped to consider that the stained glass windows were not just ornamental, but actually filtered harmful UV rays and the new and improved natural lighting began to age and deteriorate the once brilliant carpet and natural woodwork.
Now, as previously mentioned, the congregation had been growing, and additional seating was needed in the sanctuary. On a whim, someone brought in a used couch one Sunday morning to provide additional seating. Some thought this a great idea. Wow! They thought. The new seating added a fun atmosphere,was really progressive, and so more and more people brought in their discarded furnishings. Pretty soon, the sanctuary became cramped and looked like a frat house or perhaps a furniture graveyard.
Sometime, no one is absolutely sure because it passed gradually and unnoticed, fewer and fewer people attended services. At first the decline was written off as the natural life cycle of an aging congregation. When that explanation was no longer satisfactory, a few improvements were attempted.
Some of the lights were replaced, but when no immediate results were realized, it was decided that the investment was too great and the return not sufficient. Some of the old couches were tossed, but were quickly replaced with other accumulated items within months. As for the windows, there was a half hearted effort to do something about them, but the thought of losing all the "natural lighting" wasn't entirely appealing, and besides, it added some brightness to the dull glow produced by the "patio" bulbs.
Eventually, the church's doors shut for the last time. Its once wonderful sanctuary chocked full of "junk", its enlightening windows pouring natural light into a barren room and deteriorating its once glorious and ornate interior, and its once brilliant lighting, now almost entirely replaced by the "patio glow", was dark and dismal.
It is said that shortly afterward, the wealthy benefactor returned, looked upon the once proud building, now in full decay and death, and simply wept at what was lost.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
The congregation moved in and things went well for several years. Then things began to change. As the congregation grew, the building aged. A well meaning trustee was able to purchase a bulk quantity of light bulbs at a great price. Unfortunately they were those wonderful yellow outdoor patio bulbs, and as more and more of the original bulbs burned out and were replaced with the "patio" bulbs, which were readily available and easy to grab a hold of in a hurry, the sanctuary began to take on a dim and dingy appearance.
At some point in time, the decision was made that the beautiful stained glass windows filtered too much of the "natural" light and so the stained glass was removed to let in as much "light" as possible. No one stopped to consider that the stained glass windows were not just ornamental, but actually filtered harmful UV rays and the new and improved natural lighting began to age and deteriorate the once brilliant carpet and natural woodwork.
Now, as previously mentioned, the congregation had been growing, and additional seating was needed in the sanctuary. On a whim, someone brought in a used couch one Sunday morning to provide additional seating. Some thought this a great idea. Wow! They thought. The new seating added a fun atmosphere,was really progressive, and so more and more people brought in their discarded furnishings. Pretty soon, the sanctuary became cramped and looked like a frat house or perhaps a furniture graveyard.
Sometime, no one is absolutely sure because it passed gradually and unnoticed, fewer and fewer people attended services. At first the decline was written off as the natural life cycle of an aging congregation. When that explanation was no longer satisfactory, a few improvements were attempted.
Some of the lights were replaced, but when no immediate results were realized, it was decided that the investment was too great and the return not sufficient. Some of the old couches were tossed, but were quickly replaced with other accumulated items within months. As for the windows, there was a half hearted effort to do something about them, but the thought of losing all the "natural lighting" wasn't entirely appealing, and besides, it added some brightness to the dull glow produced by the "patio" bulbs.
Eventually, the church's doors shut for the last time. Its once wonderful sanctuary chocked full of "junk", its enlightening windows pouring natural light into a barren room and deteriorating its once glorious and ornate interior, and its once brilliant lighting, now almost entirely replaced by the "patio glow", was dark and dismal.
It is said that shortly afterward, the wealthy benefactor returned, looked upon the once proud building, now in full decay and death, and simply wept at what was lost.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
02 March 2009
Running Scared
I changed the look of my blog as well as the description under the title when I decided that I needed or perhaps wanted to write about some topics I didn't think fit well with my original blog's content and intent. My weekend rant concerning Dr. Mohler is one example. I wrote it to get something off my chest, and while I'm not inclined to retract my comments, since they represent my honest feelings and opinion, I am conflicted by the notion that my rant was little more than the same "puffery" and grandstanding that I intended to criticize.
In the last week we've learned of a 34 year old acquaintance with inoperable cancer and an estimated 6 months to live. A visit to a friend's blog tonight revealed a request for prayer for her little brother who has been diagnosed with cancer, and since she is, I believe, 29 for the second time, he's still in his twenties. Throw in the plane crash in Amsterdam and my six separate flights this week and I start getting antsy.
At dinner Sunday night, after we said a blessing and started to eat, my 7 year old starting asking us if we had any prayer requests. After we answered, he said, "OK dad, you pray." As I prayed I asked God to protect my family while I travelled, acknowledging that even when I'm home I must rely on his grace and mercy, because there is, despite my wishes otherwise, very little that I can protect my family from.
Now while this might sound great and wonderful, woohoo, "James is a great Christian who trusts God in all things", truth is, I don't like it. I want to be "bullet proof" like I thought I was when I was 20. I don't want the thoughts of "What if..." and "What would my family do..." rattling around in my head. I don't want to acknowledge that God is sovereign and that I'm not in control, because doing so scares me at times.
Truth is tomorrow holds no guarantee. My running doesn't guarantee me anything, my lifting doesn't mean I want grow weak, which reminds me that I saw one of the fittest guys I ever played softball against at the gym on Saturday, his boys were playing against mine. A degenerative back condition has stripped him of his once muscular physique and from what I've heard, came close to putting him in a wheel chair. "Could that be me?"
It's funny, I thought I had a point to make when I started typing this, but now I'm sitting here growing drowsy. Perhaps by putting my thoughts on paper I've exorcised the "demon" for the time being. I know it will be back. Perhaps Wednesday or Friday as the plane rolls down the runway. Perhaps next Tuesday as I kiss my sleeping boys goodbye before heading to the airport. Maybe it will stay away until I have tests run in April to check that some previous lab work doesn't point to anything serious. Who knows? It will be back, and when it returns, I'll tell myself and God, "His will be done." and then pray that my faith is sufficient that I really mean it.
Anyway, to the point of today's blog. Under my blog's title, I added, "Because it Beats Running Scared". For some reason, running scared has crept into my consciousness recently. I've become more aware of my own mortality, and honestly, it is scary at times.Luke 6:42 (New International Version)
42How can you say to your brother,
'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see
the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye,
and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
In the last week we've learned of a 34 year old acquaintance with inoperable cancer and an estimated 6 months to live. A visit to a friend's blog tonight revealed a request for prayer for her little brother who has been diagnosed with cancer, and since she is, I believe, 29 for the second time, he's still in his twenties. Throw in the plane crash in Amsterdam and my six separate flights this week and I start getting antsy.
At dinner Sunday night, after we said a blessing and started to eat, my 7 year old starting asking us if we had any prayer requests. After we answered, he said, "OK dad, you pray." As I prayed I asked God to protect my family while I travelled, acknowledging that even when I'm home I must rely on his grace and mercy, because there is, despite my wishes otherwise, very little that I can protect my family from.
Now while this might sound great and wonderful, woohoo, "James is a great Christian who trusts God in all things", truth is, I don't like it. I want to be "bullet proof" like I thought I was when I was 20. I don't want the thoughts of "What if..." and "What would my family do..." rattling around in my head. I don't want to acknowledge that God is sovereign and that I'm not in control, because doing so scares me at times.
Truth is tomorrow holds no guarantee. My running doesn't guarantee me anything, my lifting doesn't mean I want grow weak, which reminds me that I saw one of the fittest guys I ever played softball against at the gym on Saturday, his boys were playing against mine. A degenerative back condition has stripped him of his once muscular physique and from what I've heard, came close to putting him in a wheel chair. "Could that be me?"
It's funny, I thought I had a point to make when I started typing this, but now I'm sitting here growing drowsy. Perhaps by putting my thoughts on paper I've exorcised the "demon" for the time being. I know it will be back. Perhaps Wednesday or Friday as the plane rolls down the runway. Perhaps next Tuesday as I kiss my sleeping boys goodbye before heading to the airport. Maybe it will stay away until I have tests run in April to check that some previous lab work doesn't point to anything serious. Who knows? It will be back, and when it returns, I'll tell myself and God, "His will be done." and then pray that my faith is sufficient that I really mean it.
01 March 2009
Training Partners and When Anger is Good
PARTNERS
Today's post is a shout out to my running partners over the last few years. They've changed a few times, and we don't maintain an every Saturday meet at such and such time to run such and such distance at such and such pace routine, but they always seem to be there when I want them the least, but need them the most. I encourage everyone to find a running partner or workout partner, just be sure to pick someone who's motivation and commitment matches yours.
I was reminded of how important running partners are this past Saturday. I was to meet with two of them for a long run, but as my week came to an end, I wasn't looking forward to it. Then one had to back out due to illness and there was a glimmer of hope that I wouldn't have to run. An email to the other dashed any hope of getting out of it. She still wanted to run.
Where once I looked forward to long runs, I've not been so fond of them lately. As I headed out to meet up I was not at all motivated, but I had a commitment to keep. Someone was waiting.
The run started and the conversations started and the miles began to pass. I was shocked at how quickly the first few miles passed, but the strong head wind was taking a toll, and for the first time I wasn't sure I could hang with my friend. We pressed on, grateful for the tail wind helping us on the return route, and when it was over I was happy we hadn't cancelled.
That's the best thing about training partners. They hold you accountable, even though they don't always know it. They push you to do the best you can. They motivate you when you don't want to be. They become your workout conscience.
So, to all those who have, whether knowingly or unknowingly, pushed, prodded, pulled, or otherwise gotten me out of bed, out of the house, and on the road, THANKS! (I'm still not sure that applies to that one guy who got me into this silliness a few years ago...well, OK, him too.)
ANGER
Now you may not agree with me, but I'm convinced that my best weight lifting workouts come when I'm angry. Sometimes that anger is genuine, such as being upset, frustrated, or mad about something. In these instances, the weights become the recipient of my aggression and I typically finish with my energy spent and my anger exhausted. A well timed workout can do wonders for a marriage...;>)
At times I manufacture the "anger" I need to lift heavy. This is usually accomplished through my music selection. Songs like John Cougar Mellencamp's "Authority Song", Toby Keith's "Angry American" or "Whiskey for My Men, Beer for My Horses", or M.C. Hammer's "You Can't Touch This" are successful in creating within my mind a adversarial mindset against either "institution", "injustice", or "perceived lack of respect".
Likewise, I can often get "worked up" and "hard charging" by listening to songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama", "Back in Black", "We're Not Gonna Take It" or by listening to Country songs such as Alan Jackson's "Where I Come From" or Alabama's " High Cotton" which help to fuel a frustration with my current place and pace in life in comparison to what I aspire too return to some day.
Either way, whether real (rare) or manufactured (almost always), I utilize anger to get the most out of my lifting routines. Give it a try, just leave it in the gym when you're done with it.
Today's post is a shout out to my running partners over the last few years. They've changed a few times, and we don't maintain an every Saturday meet at such and such time to run such and such distance at such and such pace routine, but they always seem to be there when I want them the least, but need them the most. I encourage everyone to find a running partner or workout partner, just be sure to pick someone who's motivation and commitment matches yours.
I was reminded of how important running partners are this past Saturday. I was to meet with two of them for a long run, but as my week came to an end, I wasn't looking forward to it. Then one had to back out due to illness and there was a glimmer of hope that I wouldn't have to run. An email to the other dashed any hope of getting out of it. She still wanted to run.
Where once I looked forward to long runs, I've not been so fond of them lately. As I headed out to meet up I was not at all motivated, but I had a commitment to keep. Someone was waiting.
The run started and the conversations started and the miles began to pass. I was shocked at how quickly the first few miles passed, but the strong head wind was taking a toll, and for the first time I wasn't sure I could hang with my friend. We pressed on, grateful for the tail wind helping us on the return route, and when it was over I was happy we hadn't cancelled.
That's the best thing about training partners. They hold you accountable, even though they don't always know it. They push you to do the best you can. They motivate you when you don't want to be. They become your workout conscience.
So, to all those who have, whether knowingly or unknowingly, pushed, prodded, pulled, or otherwise gotten me out of bed, out of the house, and on the road, THANKS! (I'm still not sure that applies to that one guy who got me into this silliness a few years ago...well, OK, him too.)
ANGER
Now you may not agree with me, but I'm convinced that my best weight lifting workouts come when I'm angry. Sometimes that anger is genuine, such as being upset, frustrated, or mad about something. In these instances, the weights become the recipient of my aggression and I typically finish with my energy spent and my anger exhausted. A well timed workout can do wonders for a marriage...;>)
At times I manufacture the "anger" I need to lift heavy. This is usually accomplished through my music selection. Songs like John Cougar Mellencamp's "Authority Song", Toby Keith's "Angry American" or "Whiskey for My Men, Beer for My Horses", or M.C. Hammer's "You Can't Touch This" are successful in creating within my mind a adversarial mindset against either "institution", "injustice", or "perceived lack of respect".
Likewise, I can often get "worked up" and "hard charging" by listening to songs such as "Sweet Home Alabama", "Back in Black", "We're Not Gonna Take It" or by listening to Country songs such as Alan Jackson's "Where I Come From" or Alabama's " High Cotton" which help to fuel a frustration with my current place and pace in life in comparison to what I aspire too return to some day.
Either way, whether real (rare) or manufactured (almost always), I utilize anger to get the most out of my lifting routines. Give it a try, just leave it in the gym when you're done with it.
27 February 2009
Rants for the Weekend
Ok, I got irritated by two things on Thursday. Perhaps you agree, perhaps not, but here's my take...
If I see or hear one more story on the national news about poor college kids and how the economy is causing them so much angst and distress, I'm going to swear off the national news outlets for at least a day.
In the story that sent me over the edge, a young lady being high lighted in the piece made the following comment (I'm paraphrasing);
"Why should I have to transfer to a different school? The kids who's families have the money to pay aren't having to transfer."
Ummm, ok, didn't you just answer your own question? You need to transfer because you can not afford to attend that school. Tough. Get over it.
My parents, then my wife(first time around) and I paid for my education and for her's out of our pockets. At the time, financial aid was limited, and despite my dad's lower middle class salary, the feds said his, along with my part time job's, income made us too "rich" to get aid. So I attended an extension campus of IU where we could afford the tuition and made the most of the education opportunities available to me.
Why should she or anyone else be any different? Oh and then there was her closing comment (again, I'm paraphrasing);
"At my age, I should be worried about other things, not worrying about how I'm going to pay for college."
Gee, whiz, at my age, I should be financially set and without a care, not travelling 3+ days per week to put food on the table, watching what we spend, worrying about medical exams I thought were reserved for "old" guys, ad nauseum, ad nauseum...
Later in the day, I'd be fired up by the head of one of my denomination's seminary presidents who has a local radio show on the Christian station my wife and I listen to at times.
Dr. Albert Mohler was up on his soap box ranting about pornography in this country. Ok, I have no problem with that, except the fact that when individuals like Mohler, who are viewed by Christians and non-Christians alike as being representative of believers as a whole (a scary thought as far as I'm concerned) spend such a large amount of their time placing themselves in the public eye to promote or denounce social and political issues and agendas, it injures the testimony of Christians as a whole.
Would Mohler, or any other theologian help this simple lay person, who considers himself fairly conservative in his interpretation and understanding of scripture, to locate in scripture where we are called to concentrate such a vast amount of energy and resources on government policies and agendas. Did Christ? Did Paul?
If we want to change the culture of America, to stop what Mohler refers to in his blog as the "Pornification of a Culture", we can not and should not do it through the political system, but rather through the spreading of the gospel and the subsequent "changing of America's heart" through the love of Christ.
The efforts of Mohler and his peers helps solidify for many the notion that the message Christianity is one of exclusion, hate, and "do's and dont's". Their actions do little if anything to share the Love of Christ to a dying world. I would venture that the issues that pervade our societies today are little different than those evident in Christ's time. Perhaps the vehicles for their spread were different, and perhaps they were less pervasive, but who knows. I wasn't there, but I'd bet Dr. Mohler had a contemporary in that century who was just as confident that the world was falling further and further into the mires of sin. Well, yeah, but our calling is to save the world one soul at a time, not to initiate social change.
In closing let me offer this observation from my recent work trip to New Orleans.
While in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, I ventured to Bourbon Street to take in the revelry of Mardi Gras. Amidst the drunkeness, obscenity, nudity, and vulgarity there were Christians attempting to witness. Two distinct efforts were underway.
Effort number one involved the holding of signs cataloging various sinful activity and the preaching of condemnation with a bull horn. The response I saw to these efforts ranged from vulgar insults, pulling and tugging of the signs as people passed, to a bull horn toting antagonist that drowned out any attempt to communicate to the crowd with a repetitive, "Stop the Hate, Stop the Hate!..." or literally, "Blah, Blah, Blah!...Blah! Blah!..."
Effort number two was undertaken by a group that formed a single file line that didn't block the flow of pedestrian traffic, held up signs proclaiming Christ's love, and quietly passing out pamphlets. I saw no one harass these folks and I saw people politely take the pamphlets that were offered, some of which were not immediately discarded on the ground.
My hat's off to both groups for undertaking witnessing in such a harsh environment, but "Which do you think was the most effective?" Which do you think best demonstrated a message of Love? I have my opinion.
Anyway, that's my two cents, and thankfully it's worth as much as anybody else's.
If I see or hear one more story on the national news about poor college kids and how the economy is causing them so much angst and distress, I'm going to swear off the national news outlets for at least a day.
In the story that sent me over the edge, a young lady being high lighted in the piece made the following comment (I'm paraphrasing);
"Why should I have to transfer to a different school? The kids who's families have the money to pay aren't having to transfer."
Ummm, ok, didn't you just answer your own question? You need to transfer because you can not afford to attend that school. Tough. Get over it.
My parents, then my wife(first time around) and I paid for my education and for her's out of our pockets. At the time, financial aid was limited, and despite my dad's lower middle class salary, the feds said his, along with my part time job's, income made us too "rich" to get aid. So I attended an extension campus of IU where we could afford the tuition and made the most of the education opportunities available to me.
Why should she or anyone else be any different? Oh and then there was her closing comment (again, I'm paraphrasing);
"At my age, I should be worried about other things, not worrying about how I'm going to pay for college."
Gee, whiz, at my age, I should be financially set and without a care, not travelling 3+ days per week to put food on the table, watching what we spend, worrying about medical exams I thought were reserved for "old" guys, ad nauseum, ad nauseum...
Later in the day, I'd be fired up by the head of one of my denomination's seminary presidents who has a local radio show on the Christian station my wife and I listen to at times.
Dr. Albert Mohler was up on his soap box ranting about pornography in this country. Ok, I have no problem with that, except the fact that when individuals like Mohler, who are viewed by Christians and non-Christians alike as being representative of believers as a whole (a scary thought as far as I'm concerned) spend such a large amount of their time placing themselves in the public eye to promote or denounce social and political issues and agendas, it injures the testimony of Christians as a whole.
Would Mohler, or any other theologian help this simple lay person, who considers himself fairly conservative in his interpretation and understanding of scripture, to locate in scripture where we are called to concentrate such a vast amount of energy and resources on government policies and agendas. Did Christ? Did Paul?
If we want to change the culture of America, to stop what Mohler refers to in his blog as the "Pornification of a Culture", we can not and should not do it through the political system, but rather through the spreading of the gospel and the subsequent "changing of America's heart" through the love of Christ.
The efforts of Mohler and his peers helps solidify for many the notion that the message Christianity is one of exclusion, hate, and "do's and dont's". Their actions do little if anything to share the Love of Christ to a dying world. I would venture that the issues that pervade our societies today are little different than those evident in Christ's time. Perhaps the vehicles for their spread were different, and perhaps they were less pervasive, but who knows. I wasn't there, but I'd bet Dr. Mohler had a contemporary in that century who was just as confident that the world was falling further and further into the mires of sin. Well, yeah, but our calling is to save the world one soul at a time, not to initiate social change.
In closing let me offer this observation from my recent work trip to New Orleans.
While in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, I ventured to Bourbon Street to take in the revelry of Mardi Gras. Amidst the drunkeness, obscenity, nudity, and vulgarity there were Christians attempting to witness. Two distinct efforts were underway.
Effort number one involved the holding of signs cataloging various sinful activity and the preaching of condemnation with a bull horn. The response I saw to these efforts ranged from vulgar insults, pulling and tugging of the signs as people passed, to a bull horn toting antagonist that drowned out any attempt to communicate to the crowd with a repetitive, "Stop the Hate, Stop the Hate!..." or literally, "Blah, Blah, Blah!...Blah! Blah!..."
Effort number two was undertaken by a group that formed a single file line that didn't block the flow of pedestrian traffic, held up signs proclaiming Christ's love, and quietly passing out pamphlets. I saw no one harass these folks and I saw people politely take the pamphlets that were offered, some of which were not immediately discarded on the ground.
My hat's off to both groups for undertaking witnessing in such a harsh environment, but "Which do you think was the most effective?" Which do you think best demonstrated a message of Love? I have my opinion.
Anyway, that's my two cents, and thankfully it's worth as much as anybody else's.
24 February 2009
Dirty Pictures from Mardi Gras!
Here's the side of Mardi Gras most folks don't see! 
Here's what it looks like when our crew and the other crews are done each night! Ready for another day or night of parades...
And then...start all over again...
But then....
Here's what it looks like when our crew and the other crews are done each night! Ready for another day or night of parades...
And then...start all over again...
And if you want to see something really raunchy!
But then....21 February 2009
Yawwwwnnnnnn!
Ok,
As mentioned before, I'm in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Doesn't look like I'll be doing much on the blog this weekend either.
I've gotten a total of about 13 hours of sleep in the last 3 days, and tonight is the biggest of all the parades, as well as the longest route through our zone of responsibility. Oh yeah, and tomorrow, I still have to outstanding items for work to wrap up.
Hangin' on to good eating habits is a challenge, mainly just getting enough of the "right" calories, and not getting caught up in shoving anything down my throat. So far, I'm making it, well except for the king cake last night.
Sooo...I've managed to log two treadmill runs and two lifting sessions since getting here. I started lifting heavier about 2 weeks ago and have begun to see more results. The running has moved away from race inspired and become more my cardio routine.
Looks like a long run on the road is setting up for next Saturday. I'm planning to run the Papa John's Ten Miler and then the KDF Mini. So I've got to get some road time in at some point.
Well got to go, I'm going to hit a couple sets on the bench press before heading in to the office to start staging for tonight.
As mentioned before, I'm in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Doesn't look like I'll be doing much on the blog this weekend either.
I've gotten a total of about 13 hours of sleep in the last 3 days, and tonight is the biggest of all the parades, as well as the longest route through our zone of responsibility. Oh yeah, and tomorrow, I still have to outstanding items for work to wrap up.
Hangin' on to good eating habits is a challenge, mainly just getting enough of the "right" calories, and not getting caught up in shoving anything down my throat. So far, I'm making it, well except for the king cake last night.
Sooo...I've managed to log two treadmill runs and two lifting sessions since getting here. I started lifting heavier about 2 weeks ago and have begun to see more results. The running has moved away from race inspired and become more my cardio routine.
Looks like a long run on the road is setting up for next Saturday. I'm planning to run the Papa John's Ten Miler and then the KDF Mini. So I've got to get some road time in at some point.
Well got to go, I'm going to hit a couple sets on the bench press before heading in to the office to start staging for tonight.
20 February 2009
Still Hangin' Out...Mardi Gras Style.
I thought I would be posting by now, but things haven't quite fallen into place. Still hectic pace at work and currently in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. No, I'm not partying, I'm cleaning up afterward each day in our assigned areas of the downtown. By day, I mean each night, well...then into the next day.
Maybe this weekend I want have my normal work load on top of duties here and will take a moment to update my blog look, my running #'s (currently on a piece of paper in my pocket), and share a relevant or irrelevant thought.
In closing...A-Rod is taking a beating for his steroid use, and yes I'm disappointed, but for anyone who wants to criticize him for failing to be a positive role model....
"Do you measure up each and everytime you're in a spot to leave a lasting impression on a child, on a stranger, on a lost person?"
Honestly, I make A-Rod look pretty good!
Now, back to the grind.
Maybe this weekend I want have my normal work load on top of duties here and will take a moment to update my blog look, my running #'s (currently on a piece of paper in my pocket), and share a relevant or irrelevant thought.
In closing...A-Rod is taking a beating for his steroid use, and yes I'm disappointed, but for anyone who wants to criticize him for failing to be a positive role model....
"Do you measure up each and everytime you're in a spot to leave a lasting impression on a child, on a stranger, on a lost person?"
Honestly, I make A-Rod look pretty good!
Now, back to the grind.
10 February 2009
A Follow Up to My "Last" Post
As I mulled my decision to stop blogging on the flight out this morning, I began to consider what writing this blog meant and what it had become.
In some ways it became a chance to share my thoughts and ideas, to carry on a conversation, albeit one sided (I guess that would make it a monologue) and often times replaced the conversations that my travel prevents me from having with friends and family.
The more I think about writing, not that I consider myself a writer, I realize that everyone who writes, does so for themselves. Some to share thoughts and ideas, some to gain fame and fortune, but ultimately they draw something from it.
At this point in time my life seems to have grown rather hectic. Personal and professional pressure, responsibilities, and demands on my time have impacted how I spend my time, how I workout, and what my fitness goals are. So also have my thoughts and ideas have changed to reflect where I'm at today. While the topics I originally wrote and tried to continue to write about are still important to me, there are also thoughts, opinions, ideas, questions, and rants that I want to share, but, this blog, with its original intent and purpose does not present the proper venue for those topics. (No I'm not talking graphic OLS stories).
Going back a paragraph to my comment about writing for yourself, I need to do that. I need to write about the things that capture my attention and mindset on any given day. So I will return to blogging in the days ahead, but will do so with a different format. On Running Saved I've tried to avoid discussing some issues, feeling they were not appropriate given the intent of the blog, yet those issues would dominate my thought process looking for an outlet. So I'm going to either create a new look and format for this blog, or create another and start fresh. Either way, I will return, ultimately because I need the outlet. I hope you'll continue to stop by to read my ramblings, feeling free to challenge me when you disagree, or chiming in when you agree.
Thanks
James
In some ways it became a chance to share my thoughts and ideas, to carry on a conversation, albeit one sided (I guess that would make it a monologue) and often times replaced the conversations that my travel prevents me from having with friends and family.
The more I think about writing, not that I consider myself a writer, I realize that everyone who writes, does so for themselves. Some to share thoughts and ideas, some to gain fame and fortune, but ultimately they draw something from it.
At this point in time my life seems to have grown rather hectic. Personal and professional pressure, responsibilities, and demands on my time have impacted how I spend my time, how I workout, and what my fitness goals are. So also have my thoughts and ideas have changed to reflect where I'm at today. While the topics I originally wrote and tried to continue to write about are still important to me, there are also thoughts, opinions, ideas, questions, and rants that I want to share, but, this blog, with its original intent and purpose does not present the proper venue for those topics. (No I'm not talking graphic OLS stories).
Going back a paragraph to my comment about writing for yourself, I need to do that. I need to write about the things that capture my attention and mindset on any given day. So I will return to blogging in the days ahead, but will do so with a different format. On Running Saved I've tried to avoid discussing some issues, feeling they were not appropriate given the intent of the blog, yet those issues would dominate my thought process looking for an outlet. So I'm going to either create a new look and format for this blog, or create another and start fresh. Either way, I will return, ultimately because I need the outlet. I hope you'll continue to stop by to read my ramblings, feeling free to challenge me when you disagree, or chiming in when you agree.
Thanks
James
09 February 2009
Shutting Down!
For some time now I have found it difficult to make the time to post on this blog.
Rare is the time I spend on a computer anymore that isn't work related. Even posting my workouts to my online log can seem a daunting task and one I'm considering eliminating.
So I'm signing off for now. I'm going to leave the site active for now, and should things change, perhaps return to posting, but for now, it has become a victim of changing work responsibilities and priorities overall.
I will still continue to visit the blogs that belong to my friends, whether they be from the real world or the web world.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to read. I hope at times I've drawn a laugh, whether intentional or not. I hope I've motivated some to think, to live, to work out, and perhaps to draw closer to God.
If I've failed that, at least I had a good time. Take Care, keep running, cycling, lifting, living, and praying.
James
Rare is the time I spend on a computer anymore that isn't work related. Even posting my workouts to my online log can seem a daunting task and one I'm considering eliminating.
So I'm signing off for now. I'm going to leave the site active for now, and should things change, perhaps return to posting, but for now, it has become a victim of changing work responsibilities and priorities overall.
I will still continue to visit the blogs that belong to my friends, whether they be from the real world or the web world.
Thanks to all who have taken the time to read. I hope at times I've drawn a laugh, whether intentional or not. I hope I've motivated some to think, to live, to work out, and perhaps to draw closer to God.
If I've failed that, at least I had a good time. Take Care, keep running, cycling, lifting, living, and praying.
James
01 February 2009
I want(ed) to run...Part 2
Ok,
My reward for coming home:
Jordan awoke at about 12:30 A.M., wide awake, ready to watch the end of Speed Racer when he realized I was watching it. So a blanket, the couch and him on my chest is how I ended watching the movie..perfect.
Then after putting him down, and before I could get in bed, Jaden wakes up. His pull-up had leaked and his bed was soaked. He wanted me to change put on his new pull up and then, since I was too lazy to do a middle of the night bed linen swap, he got into bed with Jordan and with a smile, drifted off to sleep...excellent.
Sometime in the night Jared crawled in bed with us. While I often get annoyed with the loss of space, after being on the road, I tend not to be quite as agitated and couldn't help but smile seeing him there when I awoke this morning.
Sooooo. The race would have been nice, the medal added to the shadow box on the den wall, but what I've got to show for not staying, will last me a lifetime. Memories.
Parenting is so great...hold on a second.....
"Jared, put that down!" "Jordan, quit hitting him!" "Jaden do you want to get sent to your room too?!"
....now where was I....
31 January 2009
I want to run...
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.
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.
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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