Refuel With Style

What's the worst kept secret in Winston-Salem? I reward Saturday Salem Lake runs with a Krispy Kreme doughnut and a chocolate milk.  What's the best kept secret in Winston-Salem? Following a particularly challenging tempo run, or any workout that has left the tank on empty, I have found a great new way to refuel; the Bella Banana at Bobs Big Gas Subs and Pub, (yes, that's quite a mouthful, but so is the sandwich!).   

The perfect combination of guilt free, post-run nutrition with just a slight touch of guilty pleasure. Start with a wheat sub, add bananas, peanut butter and Nutella, then toast to gooey, crispy goodness.  Add the sweet potato fries and black bean side dish, and it's really a pretty good recovery lunch.  Of course, the Bella Banana is an easy one to whip up at home.  And even a pretty good breakfast before the long run. To go hard core, hold off on the Nutella spread.  Wait, scratch that, never hold off on the Nutella, just run an extra mile!

Word Searching the "Word"

I was on the Bible Gateway reference site the other day, when I decided to look up the word "run." I typed it in and clicked the search button. The results showed there are 105 occurrences of "run / running" in scripture (NIV).  I read each one of them and made a few interesting observations.

First, although the majority of references do actually pertain to the physical act of running, a great many refer to actions that don’t necessarily make for as interesting, or at least as inspiring, a blog site.  For example; the "running" through of a sword, as the water “runs", or of oil "running" down the beard. Although all scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, etc., etc., etc., for now I’ll narrow it down to those verses that describe our movement at any pace quicker than a walk.

Next, I couldn't help but notice the urgency that came through in people’s actions and responses. I realize that we are not necessarily talking about sprinters speed here, but time after time we are told that the crowds, the individuals, the disciples, the armies, all "ran" to their appointed destination.  I found this especially interesting for those that heard of Jesus and were "running” after / to him.  It made me think about our responses today in matters of importance.  Do we often take our own sweet time, or even more likely, just put it off until we have time?  How often do we desire to "run" in order to study scripture, to serve, to fellowship with others, or to hear the message. 

On the home page I have two of my favorite passages on the subject.  They have long been favorites; Jeremiah 12:5 and Ahimaaz’s run in 2 Samuel. Below I have provided a few more verses that I found in this quick search that really stood out for one reason or another. If you have the chance, you might even want to RUN look them up and put them in context!

Psalm 119:32   I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
Proverbs 4:12  When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run you will not stumble.
Proverbs 18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
John 20:2 & 4  In verse 2, Mary Magdalene comes running to tell of the empty tomb, then in 4, John and Peter run back to see it for themselves. Read it and sense the passion for which they ran. 

Running With ...... Skunks?

If you’ve been a regular to RWH, then you know that I routinely cross paths with wildlife along early morning runs. I have come to expect, and appreciate, these encounters. Over time, a sense of connection and mutual respect has developed. In fact, I have been known to give the runners nod and whisper ‘good morning’ as we pass, (don’t worry C, I have yet to hear them respond back).

So, while running the pre-dawn hours along Meadowlark Rd earlier today, the sight of a large deer crossing from field to woods up ahead in the headlamp light, was not unexpected.  It was just a few miles in and I had my first interaction.  The big buck had glanced for just a moment.  Long enough to catch the glare off the light, and then he bounded off. I kept running.

Over the course of the next mile, I started thinking through a mental checklist of forest animals that I have ‘run’ into (pun intended) out here.  Deer, fox, snake, raccoon, possum, hawk, rab.........., Whoa, what was that? As I ran the edge of the road, facing traffic, I saw two little red eyes glance up and start running a parallel path just 15 feet away.  It looked like the one critter that I have never come up on, but I wanted to be certain.   I shone my light directly at it as I ran by and, sure enough, the white stripe told me it was no stray cat out in the cornfield.  It was most definitely Pepe Le Pew!

Now, here’s the funny part.  The skunk continued to run stride for stride with me.  It never zigged, it never zagged.  It never turned back.  I was heading around a bend and I wouldn’t be able to cross over the road without creating a blind spot for traffic coming up on me.  So I decided to do what came naturally; I stayed calm and I ran FASTER!  Staying on pace did not seem as important when it risked getting sprayed by Pepe.  But the crazy thing kicked it up a gear as well.  It was amazing.  For over 50 yards, it looked like one of those ‘Man vs. Horse’ made for television races.  We stayed in our lanes and just tried to run faster than one another.

Fortunately, the road straightened and I decided to cross over.  There are very cars at this time of the morning, so the risk was low.  He must have thought I gave up when he couldn’t see, because a few yards ahead I looked over and he was gone.  I didn’t slow for a while.  I just kept taking in the morning air and praying that it remained aroma-free.  It did.

And yes, I’ll be back out there soon to see what kind of new fun can be had. Until then, may your runs have this kind of adventure and may your adventures keep their tails down.

Running Ahead of God

My wife was sharing some thoughts the other night relating to Abraham's initial impatience with God's promises. How Abram's desire to "hurry up" and force God's hand led to significant consequences.  As she read through the commentary, she kept referring to the term 'Running Ahead of God.'  Naturally, this led me to consider applications for both our spiritual and physical journeys. 

Most importantly, the idea of staying alert, self-controlled and focused, while waiting on God's timing, is a primary point. It is a core element of our faith that we trust in God's goodness, even if it is not revealed as we might have planned. As to our running, and in particular the upcoming Run For God program, it is a very similar lesson on trusting a plan and prioritizing pace. In fact, the reason that we have a 12 week plan is not because we WANT to take that long to prepare, but because we MUST.  The moment we 'run ahead' of our plan is the moment we begin to introduce injury, fatigue, misery and poor performance.  We can't fulfill the purpose of the plan by attempting to shortcut it (at least not without consequence).

There is a common saying, "Good things come to those that wait." On the surface, that actually sounds contradictory to the thought of making it happen today, not waiting until tomorrow.  The difference, I believe, is that our call to make the most of today, (giving, serving, growing, grabbing life by the horns), is in obedience to avoiding idleness and a realization of the brevity and urgency of life. It does not guarantee that results are immediate or that the fruit of that labor will ever be known.

On the other hand, the call to waiting patiently is a heart issue relative to our petitions, our callings, our understanding. The willingness to trust in God's timing, when answers aren't clear, is a reflection of our relationship with Him. When we begin to get out ahead of that timing, or our 5k training plan, we should expect to experience something significantly less than full potential.

One Doughnut, Yes. Two Doughnuts, No!

It’s such a trap.  The weekly mileage begins to add up, the scale dips immediately after those long run Sunday mornings and intuitively, your rational is solid.  You start to believe that it is metabolically impossible to gain weight throughout training cycles.  Yet despite the fact that you can actually gain a few pounds if you’re not careful, the worst part is that you just flatline.  Rather than picking up precious time and taking additional weight off your feet and knees, you are satisfied to eat everything in sight because you are netting out to zero.  Tsk, tsk, tsk.....

Trust me, I am preaching to myself on this one.  And if the reward of better fitness and nutritional health isn’t enough, consider the time chart above.  Over and over, this chart, at least directionally, proves out.  I have experienced it personally, and I have seen study after study communicate the same results.  In fact, if you want to read more from the current RW article on the subject, go here:  Ideal Weight  Now, if I can only remind myself daily, between now and March 18th, I practically have my new PR! Harder said than done, huh? 

TODAY is the Day!

As released in a recent post, (Drum roll, please .....), the motivational battle cry for 2012 comes from Psalm 118:24, and will encourage me to make the most of everyday.  Both spiritually and physically, the idea is that we not take the present day for granted.  No promises of tomorrow.  Say 'yes' more often and better consider the cost of regretful actions and attitudes in all relationships. Today is the day that the Lord has made, I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!

If the written mantra is found in the above, then the audible version is taken from the attached video below.  The song is most often performed by Lincoln Brewster, however, Paul Baloche co-wrote the song and sings a calmer version. Both are awesome.  Enjoy!

Better Than Black-Eyed Peas and Turnip Greens!

Okay, I admit, we'll still get our fill of black-eyed peas, cornbread and greens tomorrow, but our favorite New Year's Day tradition by far is the Running of the Lights.  Just as the ball drops in Times Square, a starter's gun will sound in Clemmons, NC,  and over 1,000 runners will take off for 3.4 miles through Tanglewood Park's Christmas lights display.  For the fourth consecutive year, our family and friends will ring in the new year with a race bib.  I can't think of any better place, or way, to welcome 2012!

And if tonight's race brings in the new year, then this morning's run was the perfect send-off to 2011.  With bright sunshine and 50 degrees, the Salem Lake loop provided for an excellent time of reflection on the many blessings of the past 364 days.  From stronger small group relationships and deeper spiritual growth, (thanks to the wonderful teaching pastors at ROCC), to awesome family adventures and milestones, (celebrating the first twenty years with my best friend was a highlight), to the personally gratifying running related accomplishments, (most thankful for a consistent, injury-free year).  A blessed year indeed.

So, whether you have the opportunity to lace up the shoes at midnight, or you are celebrating in some other manner, here's wishing everyone a wonderful start to this new year.  May there be joy in our journeys and may our passions continue to find purpose.  God bless.

'Today is the day (year) that the Lord has made.  

Let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it.'

- Psalm 118:24