The Presidental Address

Today was one of those days that wasn't exactly a good day and with no particular reason. It was just a day that loomed a bit darkly. As I sit here in my home, alone with my thoughts, I watch the Presidential address to congress on television and all I can think about is this: Whether you agree with our newly elected President or not, I find myself not really being concerned with the serious crisis that our country is in. I find that I have a certain peace about my personal situation. A peace that has been afforded me by my Lord and Savior. I feel that my God is bigger than any depression or national deficit. He's also personal enough to look out for my individual well-being and one that knows the future that He holds for me in His hands.

Yes, I've been through some major struggles and yes, I still have a way to go. However, I have hope. Hope in my future and hope for tomorrow. Have I suffered? YES! But God has allowed these trials to sharpen me and to make me a better man, father, and spiritual leader to my children. I've learned that every human will experience a certain amount of suffering in their lifetime, and I've certainly experienced my fair share to this point. For that, I'm thankful because this has obviously been in the Lord's plan for me and I accept that. I've realized that it's not IF suffering will happen, but how we navigate waters of suffering victoriously. It's inevitable.

God knows the greater outcome, which is why He allows the painful present.

What does all of this have to do with triathlon and training? Here's the bottom line for me. There's a certain connection between the physical suffering that goes along with training and the suffering that is inevitable that goes along with life. I've learned to embrace both and praise the Lord for it.

Now practically, this morning was a nice 4.5 mile run for about 38 minutes this morning before work in the cold weather. I'm truly ready for the chill in the air to be overtaken by the warmer spring weather. I'm ready to really push myself with my new coach to see how far I can take myself, better myself physically and mentally, and continue down the road to redemption.

Season's First Ride

First outdoor ride of the new year, and even though it was a bit on the chilly side, it was great to be back in the saddle! I needed to have a few more layers on and that was evident within the first 5 minutes I was out on the road. Though having to tough it out, it was a great beginning ride and I had a great time alone conversing with the Lord. We had a nice "chat" about some personal concerns that have been weighing heavy on my mind. The ride and the prayer time proved to be a big stress relief for some reason. It's just like I remembered the last time I rode outside. What a great time it was and it's proved to be an essential growth tool for me. It keeps me centered, grounded, and spiritually focused. Something I've needed to be for years.

This weekend is supposed to be a nice one weather-wise and I'm hoping to be able to get some more quality training in tomorrow (Sunday) after church of course.

Painting in the Cold

Today, the temperature at 10:00 AM was 11 degrees. Certainly not conducive to training outside. Plus, I had to be at the office literally all day painting the new studio that I'm relocating my equipment to. I'm tremendously thankful but greatly tired.

I haven't had a chance to train in 2 days due to schedule and the extreme cold. I'm so ready for the weather to be good and warm. I hate this crap! We're in the middle of a cold front and the weather is supposed to be in the single digits again tomorrow so it looks as though I'm going to have to do some indoor spinning on the bike. Oh well. Man, am I ready to get out and do some more running! Spring, please hurry!

Fun Fridays!

I'm freakin' sick of this cold weather crap! I'm so ready to get out and run and bike! I feel like a caged animal trying to break away. It's so arduous to sit on the incumbent bike for a whole hour and not go anywhere. Granted, I can watch tv while I'm spinning, but it's not the same thing to be able to be outside riding the back roads and see the scenery change. Same goes for the running. I never thought I'd miss it, but I guess I've reached that point.

It has been snowing, extremely cold, and certainly not conducive to training out doors. I'm sick of it! I'm ready to live in an all-season area of the country but that's not realistic. So with that in mind, I have to make the best of my situation and keep myself in some assemblence of good shape or I'll be suffering come late March for the Natchez Tri.

I have no idea if Troy is still going to be a part of the reigndeer games, so I continue to trudge along on my own and try to stay self motivated - which is the toughest part. Tomorrow is a new day and hopefully, I'll be able to get in a nice long run. We shall see.