Thursday, October 20, 2011

proper fitting shoes


I continue to love running. This piece of paper was not only designed to be my race mantra, but it indicates a few goals during the Utah Valley Marathon (6/10/11). I had a few more notes to share on the race, even now, four months later.
39:10 for 10K 6:18pace. Good running, but then a bathroom break.
1:24:44 6:27 pace. Pace really slowed from mile 6 to mile 13. This was not a strong part of the race. I let things slip too much and it cost me 2:49.
Mile 15 – 6:15
16 – 634
17 – 616
18 – 609
19 – 630
20 – 620
21 – 635
22 – 627
23 – 646
24 – 717
25 – 700
26 – 644
I ran 1:24.43 for the first half. I ran 1:26.16 for the second half. I finished in 16th place overall, 3rd in my age group.
Where I slipped up...for the 6.9 miles from the 10K to Half Marathon it took me 45:34. That's a 6:36 pace. That was too slow for those early/middle miles. Granted, I stopped to use the restroom during those miles and that cost me. I should have hydrated a little less, but that happens with a point to point course, waking up at 2am and starting the race at 6am.
Some of my pre-race comments:
"Reading notes from friends and starting to fuel. 3.5 hrs to race time. Great day for a 26.2 mile fun run at utahvalleymarathon.com
Never knew how many folks resonate with Eric Liddell and Chariots of Fire. Don't forget the drive of Harold Abrams. And the coaching of Sam Massubini. The hymn Jerusalem, a blessing upon the land on which you reside. Here's to you Durham."
I ran 2:50 @ Utah Valley Marathon. 
Even now with a great deal left on the table from back in June, I love running.  I am pointing long term towards, 4/16/12 and the Boston Marathon.  I would like to take a shot at 2:40.  I believe I can run closer to a six minute pace for 26.2 miles.
This week I will hopefully complete 80 miles of training with two workouts, one on the track and one hill work out.  I'm sore and achy, but everything is manageable.  There are those who doubt my training methods, but I had good success with high mileage in the Spring and I can feel my body growing stronger just as it did before.  I rested well in June and July before this slow build.  A lot of work has to be endured for small bits of improvement.  I am still achieving my fastest times, but the preparation takes careful calculation and some risk.
I am thankful for proper fitting shoes.  I feel like the one being spoken about in Ephesians and I do feel peaceful and ready--I have the right equipment.  Running helps show me the way in the rest of my life.  My job as a pastor is to help equip others for ministry.  This happens in many different ways--unique to each individual's gifts.  We often make blunders before finding the right relationships and plots to serve.  I am practicing greater and greater patience.  Wait for God to show the clear way.  It happens that way with running as well.  Long seasons of preparation before small improvements.  They are not the prettiest feet, but they work.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

10/10/03


In 48 my boy will be 8
how can that be
2003 and he was born
while I was on holiday
from Stanley's Christian Ethics

We studied war no more
contraception
marriage and fidelity
worship habits
practices of prayer

But mid-way through holiday,
by this evening, the 8th, a Wednesday,
Kristen was breathing heavy and sleepless
I rested and turns out I'd need it
We'd take it where we could get it

48 hours later he came to the world healthy
affirming much of what I was purposed for
fatherhood
and a few other chores
and calls

He was long like Usain @ 9 lbs 2 ounces
A special boy with a keen eye for the world
soaking it all in always taking in all the stimuli

At seven almost eight, the world is his oyster
He can do it all
Musician, runner, mathematician,
and why not
why not seek them all
Capture this season and ride it out until the next one
comes to you in a flurry

Friday, October 7, 2011

lament to sunshine


When the truth is
I miss you
a hillside for hunting
off to the left
Come on in
I’ve gotta tell you what a state I’m in

Today, I run the road from Drogheda
wet from a hard rain, but not anymore
now sun is over the horizon at my left
and I sink to 6:30s
why not, for I’m tired but Coldplay works
plays
sings
through the fatigue
I’d do well to do just the same
I envision them playing at Slane Castle
It is nearby, but I am not going
touristy things are not on my list
I have been to Open Farm and down to Duleek Quarry
stopped at the bridge
over the railroad tracks
watched the tractors
churn the earth
while birds seek the afterbirth
of the newly delivered
soil turned over
I’ve seen the way these people live—mostly farmers
it is what I came for.

Check out: http://www.rossnaree.ie/ 
I wrote from the second story of this building looking out over the River Boyne and her lush green pastures.

County Meath

County Meath is filled with gems
The Castle at Slane, the fight for 
Old Bridge, there are fisherman
@ Drogheda
of course there's Brú na Bóinne 
where graves are marked and short days counted

Still
Boyne flows on and on
not a care
for all the fuss
out to sea she ripples
never naming yet carving the countryside

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Turning on Time

She used to turn in July
seemingly not knowing
the time
and the season

Now she turns on time
just now the grassy hues turn to
chestnut
crimson
canary

Is it the four years of maturity
watching out over the land on this welcome path
this Forest Brook, she sits on high ground

When she first took root
why did she fall early

It is October in the Piedmont
and the time is on time for dipping temps
and falling leaves

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Reading When Receiving New Members

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.