Me & The Colonel

Of course with this being the weekend and having time to do some serious training, the weather of course doesn't want to cooperate. It's about 45 degrees outside and it's raining and it seems like it's been raining for the last 2 months. It's ridiculous and I'm more than fed up with the middle Tennessee conditions. I'm so ready to train in some good weather. It makes things miserable. However being cooped up in the house, made things much worse. Today I had had enough. I decided to go for a run at the track in the rain. I did much the same routine as I did the other day at the track. It consisted of:

- 1.5 mile warm-up
- 5 minute stretching
- 10 100 yard sprints
- 1.0 mile easy run warm-down
- 8 hill sprints
- stretching
50 minutes total

Overall, was a good workout. No real spiritual revelations today. I guess I was too concerned with battling the elements. They were tough to get through on their own, much less having to run and train in them. A very tough day overall. Tomorrow is another day.

Thursday AM Swim

Today and yesterday were good training days but I found myself being quite tired for some reason. I think it has a lot to with the fact that I'm having to wake up very early but not being able to fall asleep at night. It's catching up to me for sure. However, I had a really good workout this morning that included 45 minutes of swimming and 30 minutes of weights and core work. I'm falling back into the groove for sure.

Tonight I'm actually going to my first bicycle maintenance class and I'm moderately excited about it. Since getting into this cycling thing, I've been quite fascinated with how the bike works and wanting to be able to work on and fix it. Tonight will be the first phase in getting to learn about how to do basic maintenance on the bike which will be quite good for me. We'll see how it goes.

My thoughts today during my workout consisted (oddly enough) of this. I'm not sure why. Maybe the Lord quietly speaking to me in different ways again. Whatever the case, here's what was impressed upon my heart.

"Sometimes our lives have to be dismantled to be built back up."

Many weeks back, my pastor (Steve Berger) said this in one of his messages and it hit home with me back then and really made an impression on me this morning for some unknown reason. Again, and hopefully, it's a spiritual thing where the Lord is working in my life.

Speakin' In the Rain

As usual, it's raining again. It seems lately that that's all it's been doing. It's so miserable and I hate it when it's cold - much less when it's raining AND cold!

This morning was the return of the early morning wake up routine. The twins and I have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get going to the swim complex for their high school swim practice. It is so hard going to bed early and waking up that early to get started. It makes for a time in the afternoon where I hit the wall and get really tired. I can't imagine what it does to them! However, it makes me proud that the girls are so dedicated to waking up on their own and getting themselves ready that early in the morning. Never once have I had to wake them up. They always are responsible in waking up on their own in order to get to practice. And I told them, "As long as you are dedicated to wanting to do something like this - I'll make sure that you get there and on time." They've never swayed in their dedication and in turn it's kept me accountable to my word. I'm so proud of them for that.

This morning was a good swim workout. I actually felt better than I thought I would considering it's been at least a couple of weeks since I've been in the water. However, I found that my endurance capacity was better than I had expected. Evidently, the distance running IS actually paying off in more ways than one. BUT, . . . swimming is my strength of the three disciplines and it comes rather naturally when I'm back in the water. I don't really worry about the swimming aspect of training. I just do it to stay sharp and on form and because I enjoy it.

After my 45 minute swim session, I went to the weight room and got some body weight bearing sets in along with some core work. Overall, it was a good training day and a good start to the "early morning" routine again.

Also, I weighed for the first time in a long while this morning. I can tell I've put on some winter weight and the scale proved that theory. I weighed in at 192 lbs. My optimum mid season training weight should be 185 lbs. Not too far off and I feel I'm right where I need to be. This time last year I was closer to 200 lbs, so I'm satisfied with how I managed during the holiday and down time.

Philipians 4:13 was running through my head again this morning. Happens many times during my swims. Is the Lord trying to tell me something? I'm ready to know.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Philipians 4:13

A Boring Sunday Spin

Nothing much to report training-wise outside of just getting in a pretty good 60 minute stationary spin indoors. It was very uneventful and super boring! Thank God for music! I would've wanted to die if I'd had nothing.

Still trying to be diligent about my training and I'm still very connected to the spiritual aspect of the mental escape. I, once again, found myself in a different mental state once I was well into the indoor spin. It simply amazes me what happens mentally, spiritually, emotionally, etc. Maybe there's something chemical that happens within the body. I DO know that major amounts of endorphins are released and that may have something to do with it. I don't really know, but it IS fascinating and I look forward to my "spiritual" time alone.

I think Troy is getting back to a place where he's wanting to jump back in, but I'm not sure. He's expressed interest and I'm hoping that he is wanting to again get going - for none other than his personal health. He'll be back. I know it and I can feel it. It just has to be on his timing and willingness.

Stadium Steps

Not a very action packed day but did have a very intense workout running the stadium steps for almost an hour. I'm definitely feeling the effects of the cross training but it's a good feeling for sure. I'm slowly but surely getting the hardening of the legs back for running. I haven't biked on the road nor swam for a while but that's not a bother for me. I'm content in concentrating on my running and its form. It's coming along and will continue to improve. I'm already encouraged at the progress that I've been making in this area. I'm going for it!

January 1 - Track Day

Wow! 2009! It seems like just the other day when we were bringing in the new millennium. Now it's almost a decade past. Amazing how much water has passed under the bridge in so seemingly little time. Before I know it, I'll be 50 years old! That used to seem so old to me and now it's very much in my sights. I'm 41 years old and I don't feel at all over 25! God has blessed me with good health and I want to be a good steward of that by (hopefully) being able to help others in their health quests. I believe the Lord has put this inside of me and it's something that I haven't always had. It has definitely come from my transformation process and is part of this new attitude of trying to be a blessing to others as I've been blessed in the past.

With today being the first of the year, I wanted to start the year off properly with a good intense workout. A track workout. As you'll hear in the video, it was nice but it was tough. I pushed it just enough to feel it, but not too much that it will hinder me later. I'm learning what my body needs and how far to go while at the current fitness level that I may be. My workout consisted of:

- 1.5 mile easy warm-up run
- 5 minute concentrated stretching (concentrate on deep breathing)
- 10 100 yard sprints building to top speed (run the straights and walk the curves)
- 1 mile walk or easy run warm down
- 5 minute stretch

During my workout, I was listening to a sermon podcast and was struck by a saying that is also in the video. It went like this:

The size of your problems in an indication of the size of your potential.

I thought that was a great quote and one that really resonated with me being in the situation that I've been in. I'm hanging on to this one because I believe that God has some very big things in store for both me and my brother. '09 is just the beginning!

For that, I'm Grateful

As I write this, I'm currently lying on my couch with it very quiet in my house and reflecting on this past year. And oh what a year it's been! The year started out with the finalization of my divorce and possibly the toughest/darkest thing I've ever had to endure. In fact, I'm still feeling the effects of that whole situation and very well could for a long time. I'm not going to lie; 2008 was quite a tough year for me. It was a year of struggle, humility, change, and fortitude. I look back and see that there were many times that I didn't want to go on, but God gave me the strength to somehow continue. It was a year of realizing that God is truly real and He didn't allow me anything more than I could bear - therefore, I'm grateful. I have to say as tough as things have been this past year, I'm still a very blessed man. I'm thankful for many things past and I'm certainly thankful for my future, my potential, and who I will be through the Lord's merciful refinement of my character. God has been graceful and gentle in His approach to me and my life circumstances. He's revealed Himself through many things and people. For that, I'm also humbled and grateful. Some of the few things that I'm grateful for are:

- My wonderful children - My kids have been THE source of strength, encouragement, and drive to help me get through my "darkness" period. They've been so amazing in how God has used them to speak to me in so many different ways. I've experienced the grace of forgiveness from above through my wonderful girls. Throughout this whole situation and the past year, they still seem to think I'm wonderful and cool. That, in and of itself, is holy forgiveness and a gift that will keep me going for a long time to come.

- My brother Troy - What more could I say about him. This guy is the one guy that refuses to let me go and is there no matter what! No matter the circumstances, he is the guy that has stood by me through everything unconditionally. And throughout everything he has told me that he will love me. THAT is godliness and a reflection of the love of Christ. I don't know that I could or would be that way, but he (over almost everyone else) has shown me the loving realness of our Lord. For that, I'm eternally grateful.

- My parents - I'm so grateful that I have parents that have shown me and raised me in a Christ-centered environment. The older I get, the more I realize how valuable that is. They have planted a seed in me that continues to grow within me in wanting to be closer to Him, be more selfless, and become more giving and understanding. They have instilled in me right and wrong, yet even when I make drastically wrong, unhealthy, and bad choices, they continue to forgive as Christ forgives. Again, something I'm not sure I could do on a regular basis. For that too, I'm eternally grateful.

Lastly, I'm grateful for many other things in my life. Too many to name, but I know that God has special things in store for me in the coming years. I am sure of that. He has allowed me to cross paths with my now good friend Jay Hall. The Lord has shown me that there are good godly people here and ones that are honest, have integrity, and are truly interested and concerned in people and their innate goodness. Jay is one of these men. He has decided to do life with me and I him in return. He's a wonderful Godly man and has helped me physically in so many unexplainable ways - and the funny thing is, I'm not the only one. The Lord has a special place in Heaven for this man. I'm convinced of it and I find myself being drawn to him and just wanting to be around him in order to make myself a better person. For that, I'm forever grateful.

In all, I'm looking forward to 2009 and not looking or dwelling on the past. It's time to move! It's time to change, and I mean change for the better. God is still working on me and that means I have His attention. . . for some reason. And for that. . . . I'm eternally and lovingly grateful!

Late Night, Early Morning

It's currently 9:46 a.m. as I write this. Not necessarily early by my "normal" standards, but early for me in this particular situation. It's sunny outside. Not too cold, and overall just nice. Reflecting on the events of last evening, God is good. Here's why:

Last night, I was watching a movie at home and decided to hit the sack afterward. Just as I was getting settled in, I get a text from a long time friend that I used to work with and write with extensively in the studio. His name is Michael Ripoll (click to see his website) and he now lives in Los Angeles and is the musical director for Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds - yes, THE Babyface. Michael is an extremely uber talented guitarist and artist that has moved out west and become quite successful in his work both on the road as a musician and in the studio as a song writer. He's currently in town to take care of some business and do some writing and after flying in, decided to call me first to see what I was doing.

He texted me at 11:00 seeming like he needed to talk, so I told him to come over to the house. By the time he arrived, it was midnight. We stayed up talking till 3:30 a.m! Come to find out, Mike (as he allows me to call him) is going through some personal struggles and needed some outside guidance and insight. So he comes to me??? I figured that I'd be the last person anyone would come to to try and get some wisdom and get things straight. However, he did and we had a wonderful time talking through some things that we've both struggled with in the past. The wonderful thing in all of this however, is the fact that the Lord allowed me to share some things about His grace and mercy that I've experienced that I believe really spoke to Michael. Without really being able to describe it, it was one of those God moments where He was actually there with us. It was us being real. Us being vulnerable. And us sharing our hearts and God was in the place with us. We could feel it. In fact, we talked about it. It was a special time for me and the funny thing is; I feel the Lord spoke more to me than He did to Michael through me!

I just want to be used for Him, give of myself, and be available. That's been my prayer and last night was a time that God answered a prayer and showed me a glimpse of better days ahead. God is good - all the time!

Now if I could just get some sleep. Training comes later!

Easy Like Monday Morning

I'm on day three with no television because honestly I haven't paid my cable bill and it's not high on my survival priority list. Being without it has actually been a bit liberating as well. I'm doing a lot more contemplating, reading, praying, watching movies, and working out. I've found that the TV only takes up time that could be better spent doing more productive things. I'll say this; it makes for a much more quiet place around here, that's for sure.

I found out that the girls won't get home until after the new year so that means I'll be alone bringing in '09 - unless I find something to do (which is entirely possible). I'm sad about that because we had planned to do what we did last year in bringing in the new year at the movie theater. However, that obviously won't be happening so I have to make the best of my time. Oh well, there's always next year.

Today was a beautiful day outside but a little on the cold side at 55 degrees. Definitely too cold to go for a ride (at least for me). So I decided to punch out a 4 mile run in the sunshine. I felt good. No calf pain. And I took it easy and didn't push too much. I'm determined to get this running as strong as my swim and bike so I can win my age groups. That, to me, is an achievable goal - especially with my athletic background and fitness level. It'll happen. Maybe not this year yet, but it'll happen. Trust me.

Now for Troy. I just received a text stating that he's ready to start all over. He's said he's gained some weight back and is ready to start the fight again. That's good news to me! In my opinion, it's never too late to start so I'll be right there with him to push him. He's also ready to go on a hiking and camping trip so we're going to sit down and talk about when we can make that happen as well. That'll be fun and we'll keep you informed.

This is the verse that I heard yesterday during church that really lifted my spirits and gave me hope:

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and here's to a prosperous New Year.

Descending Into Greatness

Today is not about training, working out, physical fitness, or any of that sort. Although later today, I do plan to get a light spin in. Today is about contemplation. You see, it's very quiet around here. I've decided to give up my television for a good while since all it seems to do is take up needless time when I could be focused on other things. Therefore, the only things to do around here is to listen to music, workout, read, and think - and I say that from a positive perspective. The thing is, I feel God is continuing to strip me of myself. Again, I look at this as a positive and not a negative.

Case in point: I woke up late for church this morning for some unknown reason and because I really have had a longing to be in church and hear the word, I promptly jumped on the computer and logged in to listen to the sermon live. Anticipating our Pastor Steve Berger's sermon, I realized that there was going to be a guest speaker. I was a bit bummed to say the least because I love hearing our pastor speak. At any rate, I stayed tuned in and before I could realize, I was completely enthralled with the message because I felt it was directed at me. The message was about descending into greatness as Jesus did while he was on this earth. It was very convicting and contradictory to what our society teaches. It was exactly what I needed to hear after this past weekend. Some of the things that stuck out to me were:

- Take what you've been given and do something with it that lightens someone else's load, and brightens someone else's life.

- The only way to keep what you have is to give it away. The only way to gain wisdom is to give it away.

- Christianity is the only major religion which has as its central event the humiliation of its God.
Bruce Shelly

All of this hit a bit too close to home and really spoke to me in a major way. Thank you Lord for the healthy conviction.

This message can be heard here via audio or video.

Saturday Easy Run

Today's temperature is supposed to get as high as 70 degrees! However, tomorrow there's a cold front moving back in so I wanted to make sure that I got in a nice easy run workout while the temperature wasn't God-forsaken cold! I decided to do another 4 mile run and ran the course in the opposite direction than what I normally run just to make things interesting and mix things up a bit. I deliberately ran at a slower and easier pace than I did yesterday because I have the tendency to go a bit too hard and my mind wants to do things that my body is not ready for. Therefore I had to mentally prepare myself to go easy so I wouldn't feel the after-effects in subsequent days. I am having to continuously tell myself to ease back into getting your running legs back - even though I mentally want to go out hard every time. This, I know, is to alleviate future injuries and unnecessary tax on the body. Believe me, I'm learning. Plus, I have plenty of time to get everything back into even better shape than I was last tri season. I know my areas of weakness now and I know where I can improve and get even better. It'll happen. This is a marathon, not a sprint!

I have no idea where Troy is in all of this process. He seems content to be where he is with his fitness, training, and current situation of having a baby on the way. I'm not pressing him and he knows that I'm still out there training and trying to get it done. He'll be back I'm hoping. Especially when cycling season rolls back around. I feel like he is too into that to just let it go by the wayside.

Frustration Has Set In!

Yes, frustration has set in and I'm just in a bad place for a number of reasons. This Christmas has managed to be a truly crappy one for a number of personal reasons. Despite how much I try and make the best out of a situation, my faith and patience continue to be tested and it's really wearing on me. Must be a sign from the Lord for me to slow down and focus more on Him.

I'm going to stop right there before I go into more details. It's just not necessary.

The run today was good. A bit slow, but needed nonetheless. It was a great stress reliever and the weather was actually pretty good. The humidity was high which probably accounted for the slowness, but it was good to be out there and working on getting my running legs.

Indoor Cycling

Today I went to a movie with Troy since today was slow and and due to the fact that it's Christmas Eve, there was nothing going on. We saw the movie "Yes Man" and we certainly enjoyed the humorous escape. Afterward, I came home and ended up doing nothing which resulted in some serious boredom. Because of this, I decided to get in an indoor base workout. Not exactly what I call an exciting training session, but at least I did do something. I also got to fit in some plyometric drills and core work and called it a day. The rest of the day was spent watching movies in front of the television. Quite an exciting Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas to all.

Tis the Season

Yesterday was a regular work Monday for most of the business world. However, my Monday was spent at the office of the company that has so welcomed me as one of their own. In this day and time, I feel so blessed to be a part of something that's thriving and I get to do things that I know I'm good at and have done over the many years past. Maxx Tech is the company that I work for and I've been brought in to be an A&R type guy of sorts. For those that don't know what an A&R guy is, it's basically a relationships person that keeps good relations between the company and creative types. That's my job - to foster good working relationships with people outside that we work with along with gathering and creating content. I love what I do and I especially love who I work with. Do I make enough money yet? No. But that's coming in due time and I'm honestly trusting the Lord in that department - truly. I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be both physically and spiritually and I'm happy about that.

It just so happens that Troy is looking like he will be landing here as well after being laid off from his job situation. That would be amazing for me and for the company. Jay, our boss, has so lovingly taken us in and accepted us as family and he's setting up his company in a very powerful way. Troy and I both are fortunate enough to see this from behind the curtain. It's exciting and I'm glad to be a part of the team and it's future. I'm even more glad that it's looking like Troy is going to be on that team as well. I guess I couldn't ask for a better scenerio.

Training has been waining of late due to the weather and hectic hustle-bustle of the season. I'm anxious to get back into a serious training routine, but not until I catch up on the rest that I'm afforded during the days off. I'm enjoying this time of "slow-down". However, I'm ready to kick it into a whole other gear starting in January.

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

- Isaiah 9:6

Very appropriate and encouraging for this time and season.

A Warm Friday

Today was a tough running day due to the wind. However, I'm grateful that I was even able to run at all. This Tennessee weather is absolutely crazy! This morning was rainy and cold and later today at lunch time, it's mid 60's! That's when I decided to hurry up, get my running gear on, and knock out a lunch time run. I'm definitely not in running shape. . . yet. But I will be, and I'm anxious to get back to the regular training routine with good weather.

My run time was a 34:39 over 4 miles. Definitely room for improvement!

This past week has been a refining process for me. I've been learning to TRULY have faith in the Lord and cast my cares to Him and know that He will provide for my every need. In my gross and selfish humanity, that's a hard concept to grasp. However, I'm getting there and the Lord is showing me new things daily.

This was a verse I came across this week in my daily devotion. Another small confirmation that the Lord has me in His loving hands.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalms 55:22