Running the Hills

This past week my running routine was altered by the terrain. Instead of the usual flat ground I typically run on, I was challenged by the gentle sloping hills of north Florida. Now, these were not real hills, just inclines I was not use to, therefore making my running more difficult. And believe me, if you're not use to it, hills can suck it out of you. But something interesting happened when I ran this morning back here in flat, southwest Florida...my time was much faster! The hills stretched my leg muscles and made them stronger.

Our faith is like this. If you think of your faith as a muscle, it too has to be stretched to grow. The struggle of going up a hill in life can be just what we need to become more dependent on God and less on us. It is in the storms (hills) of life we grow the most. So next time you face a hill, don't automatically think avoidance is your best option. Ask God how He is about to grow you and how your faith can be deepened as you run the hill. Remember, running the hills can stretch and strengthen your muscles and your faith.

The Run Within

Macy and I arrived back in Fort Myers this afternoon from a wonderful time in Jackson, MS. But as nice as our time was away, it sure is good to be back home. And while we got rain in Jackson this morning from TS Fay, we had no weather related problems on either flight. We had the proverbial "smooth sailing" all the way home.

I've been off my normal running schedule this week. So, I did something a little while ago I've never done before, I ran on a Sunday. I'm not sure what came over me. I was compelled to run. I needed to run. There was a run within me that just had to get out. So, I waited til the sun went down, got dressed, and headed out. It felt great!

Tomorrow we head out as a staff for a few days of intense planning and preparation. I'm going to do my best to get at least one run in while away.

Gotta go now and watch the closing ceremony of the Olympics. I sure am going to miss the nightly ritual of Olympic watching.

A Couple of First

As most of you know, I've been on the 6 week hundred push ups plan. Well, I finished week 6, and it was time to see if I could do 100. I had predicted that I would not be able to do 100 push ups at the end of the 6 weeks. I was right. Sunday evening I did 70 push ups in a row. I was pretty pleased (that's a whole bunch more than I could do 6 weeks ago!). I'll just keep repeating week 6 until I'm able to do 100.

Monday mornings are my "long run" day. Lately I've been doing a 4 mile run on Monday's, but today I decided to bump it up a little and ran 4.5 miles. It felt good. I've never run that far before. I think I'll go for 5 miles next week on Monday.

BTW - I hope you're watching the Olympics - good stuff. The highlight so far came last night with the men's 4x100 free relay. Unbelievable finish!

Olympic Motivation

I got rained out this morning for my run (actually it was the lightning that kept me in). So I decided to run later in the day (meaning it would most likely be very hot). When I finally got around to running, about 5pm, it wasn't too hot, but incredibly humid. But here's the good part...I ran my fastest two mile time today, post foot injury. Normally I run 3 or 4 miles, but used today's run as a chance to work on speed. I think my motivation for the extra speed came from watching the Olympic men's 150 mile cycling road race. Very motivating.

And speaking of the Olympics, did you catch the opening ceremony last night?! Unbelievable! Typically, the opening ceremonies have either been very weird or just boring, in my opinion. Last night was different. Amazingly different. It's hard to describe if you did not see it, but I know I have never seen anything on that scale and magnitude integrated so beautifully. I could have done without all the Chinese propaganda that spilled out from Costa and Lauer throughout the night. but other than that, a truly spectacular event that won't soon be forgotten.

Crying at Wedding and 50 Push Ups

After not being able to run my normal routine this week, I had a really great run this morning. Maybe the rest was good for me. I have fought acute sinus allergies most of the week. Had the "big yucks." It's nice to be feeling better today.

Went to the wedding of Derek Allen and Rebekah Bischoff this afternoon with Macy. Macy cried. I didn't. It reminded me how different men and women are. At no time during the wedding did I ever even feel the urge to cry or even think that might be a possibility. Even though I didn't come close to shedding a tear, it was a very nice service and I am very glad for Derek and Rebekah as they start their new lives together.

I did 50 push ups a little while ago. I'm only halfway to my goal of 100 push ups and I only have 2 weeks left in the program. I'm thinking I won't make the 100 in 2 more weeks. But then again, I could not have come close to doing 50 push ups 4 weeks ago. That's progress.

Week 3 of Push Ups

I'm into the third week of my "hundredpushups.com" program. Week three turned up the heat a little on me and I had a hard time completing all the reps on day 1. It's hard to believe that supposedly in less than 4 weeks I will be able to do 100 push ups in one shot. Even if I can only do 80 after 6 weeks, that would be a pretty good thing. After completing week 2 I was able to do 31. I got a long way to go!

Had a good run this morning. My times are getting a little better, but still not where they use to be pre-foot injury. I am up to 4 miles on my long day each week and running 3 miles the other 3 days. The humidity and heat however take their toil on my body. I can't wait for a little cooler weather.

Speaking of things I'm looking forward to, next week is Children's Camp. For the last 3 years I've had the awesome privilege of being the camp pastor for our church's Children's Camp. I love being around the kids in this kind of environment. This year, instead of just speaking each night, I am also speaking during the morning sessions. Much more prep this year, but I can't wait! I'll keep you updated through the blog on how the week's going.

Getting Stronger...Getting Ready

Getting Stronger
It's been a slow comeback as it relates to running. Last week's 5K race I finally started feeling a little stronger. But this morning I feel like I'm back. Still not the same speed pre-injury, but the run felt really good. I ran 3 miles in 24:12, getting me very close to an 8 minute mile average. By the way, what a beautiful morning for running.

Getting Ready
In my quiet time this week I have been reading in Mark and focusing on the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. This morning, as I was meditating on what my Savior was enduring on this Friday morning, I was caught by what Jesus said the night before while praying with His disciples in Gethsemane. The disciples could see He was "distressed" and even "horrified" about something. And then Jesus says "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow."

Wow! What an incredible word picture. To have one's soul swallowed up in sorrow! We think we have it bad. But just try to imagine what Jesus was going through as He literally faced taking on the entire sin of the world! That phrase helped me this morning appreciate even greater the greatest sacrifice of all time.

Take some time today to prepare your heart for celebrating on Sunday.

I Made It

Since I started back running a couple of weeks ago, one of my goals was to get back as quickly as possible to running a complete 3 miles. Well, Thursday of this week I made it. 3 miles in 26:11. More than 2 minutes slower than what a training run would have been for me 2 months ago. But I'm not complaining - I'm just glad to be back running again.

Next goal - running in the Komen Race for the Cure 5K on March 15. Let me know if you are planning on running in this race.

4 Weeks = 4 Months

I'm not sure this is entirely true, but it sure feels like it when it comes to running. I took off exactly 4 weeks to let my foot heal from an injury. Today I completed my first full week running again. Wow. It almost feels like I'm starting over.

My mile time is anywhere between 45 seconds to 1:15 slower than before the injury. Also, building back my stamina is a slower process than I thought it would be. I ran 2 3/4 miles today, almost making my 3 mile run. Before the injury I was running 3 to 4 miles a day 4 times a week.

Quick observation: We never stay the same. We are either growing and going forward or we are declining and moving backward. And I would say that's true for all of life, especially our walk/run with God. Are you moving forward or backwards today?

New Best Time With the New Shoes

Could it be the new shoes are faster?

This morning I ran my best ever 3 mile time: 23:31. The shoes did feel good, but I don't think they could have caused this. Maybe I was more motivated with new shoes? Maybe I was motivated because I was missing another 5K race and I wanted to prove something? Who knows. Maybe the new shoes are just faster.

Gotta go to the Preschool Ministry Fellowship in the Park now. Later.

New Shoes...No Race

I went this afternoon to Snyderman Shoes to pick out my new running shoes. It was time. They say 300 to 500 miles is what a new pair of shoes can get you. I'm in the middle of that, right around 400 miles and felt it was time. Now, a good pair of running shoe ain't cheap. But, I can also tell you it is worth every penny you spend, if you get a good pair for your feet. I'm partial to New Balance and I got a pair of their new 1223's. That's the new shoe part.

The "no race" part is, I'm backing out of the 5K race tomorrow morning. No excuse, just a very busy day. I will run tomorrow and try out my new shoes on my regular running course.

One thing I like about buying my New Balance from Snyderman Shoes is they give runners a 30 day period in which they can bring the shoe back if they have problems with it. They also are well trained in fitting shoes and know the product line very well. Always a pleasant experience at Snyderman Shoes.

On the agenda tomorrow, in addition to my normal morning 3 mile run, is a Preschool Ministry Fellowship giving volunteers and parents of preschoolers a chance to meet Cynthia Turner, our brand new Preschool Ministry Director. Also, later that afternoon my SS Class is having a party over at Stacy and Erik's house. Wow, lots of parties and fun on the docket for tomorrow!

I'm Back On

This morning I ran my three miles in under 24 minutes. It's been a while since I have run a sub-24 minute, so it felt real good. The cooler weather I think brought a little motivation along with the fact that I have been back running more consistent the last couple of weeks.

I am planning on running in a 5K next Saturday - the Veteran's Day Midpoint Madness 5K. It will be my first 5K in about 5 months. I'm getting anxious for running in another race.

I also spent several hours today helping my brother-in-law and his family move into their new house. Pretty cool, they will now live 1.5 miles away from us. Hey, I could run to their house and back for my 3 mile run! Just a thought.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow at church. We will be introducing two new staff pastors in our AM services. Cynthia Turner and Arthur Keeley. Arthur is our new Single Adult Pastor. It was so cool to see how God open this door for us to bring on someone who was already at McGregor. He is going to do an awesome job! I am also very excited about Cynthia starting in her role as our Preschool Ministry Director. I have been praying for this position for over a year and a half. Praise God, He brought us someone incredible to fill this critical role at McGregor. God is so good.

Best Run Yet...

I've had a good week running and was ready to push it a little today with my morning run. Well, as some of you know, I've been trying to break the 24 minute mark for 3 miles and get my average mile time under 8 minutes. Well, I finally did it. I ran 3 miles in 23:42! Yeah!

Next 5K race is August 11. Steven - are you ready????

Busy Saturday

I spent several hours today getting my talks ready for Camp X-isle, our Children's camp that starts Monday up in Groveland, Florida. I have the awesome opportunity to be able to speak each night during the worship services and I can't wait! Dawn O'Neal and her team do an awesome job putting the entire camp together for the children, from the crazy activities to the small group Bible studies, they do it all. It's gonna be a blast and I looking forward to God doing some awesome things.

In addition to preparing for camp, I also attended a wedding today. Why is it guys don't generally get too excited about going to weddings? Well, this was a really nice wedding (Russell kept it brief) and congrats to Steven and Merri Beth on their new life together. The strange thing, Macy and I actually went in two cars. Why? Because she loves the whole wedding experience, including staying until almost the last person has left the reception. I left right after the ceremony. She got home 2 hours later and had a blast. Know your differences.

I also had an awesome run this morning. I did my 3 mile run in 24:37 giving me an average of 8:12 per mile. Getting closer to the 8:00 mile average.

Watched some of the Wimbledon ladies final, finished my SS Lesson for tomorrow morning, and watched the Yankees play. Wow, it's been a busy Saturday! And I can't wait for tomorrow!