Run the Race

Living in the Past

2007-06-02T11:39:00.000-04:00

I ran again today. Just 3k, but what a lesson. I have not run for over two months now. In my mind the goal of an easy 3k in 21 minutes or so should have been quite realistic... but I have been "living in the past". Thinking that running today, would be the same as the last time I ran.

I gassed out early, and did lots of "run-walk". Results were thouroughly unspectacular (time 25.03 minutes).

I wonder if I am "living in the past" is some of the spiritual issues of my life. Or is my training and stretching going forward. It would be dangerous to think I was in one place and find that I'm really not there any more.

More to follow. I think I'm back on the track to get running again.

The Big Day

2006-12-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

Freezing rain and high winds the previous day put the race at risk, but we finally set off about 20 minutes behind schedule. My goal was to run 5k in under 35 minutes, and to raise $500 for The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal.

Time on the race: 32.34. Fortunately I had a young friend (Richard) running with me. He pushed, prodded, encouraged, and coached all the way to the finish line.

Thanks to sponsors and cheering squad. I raised $610 for our Christmas Funds. I'm going to take a week off, and then think about training toward my next goal... an under 31 minute 5k in Burlington, ON around St. Patrick's Day. And I'm dreaming about next year's Santa Shuffle where Winds of Hope Church hopes to mount a team of at least 4 runners.

Building Capacity

2006-11-25T12:39:00.000-05:00

The training program is moving right along... and this far, I have managed to maintain the discipline set out by my coach. Today was another 10k run. 10k is a daunting distance, but I know that I am building capacity, and will find my 5k run on December 2nd that much easier. I really pushed hard and finished 10k in 68.28.80, admittedly on FLAT terrain.

One week from now the race will be over. I'll need some new goals later.

Thanks for the encouragement and support thus far.

Increasing the Pace

2006-11-14T17:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, November 14: Target 5k in under 35 minutes.

Bad weather outside put me on the treadmill again. I increased my base speed to about 5.5 mph, and realized near the end of my run that I would not make my target time. I increased the pace 400 metres before the finish to 6 mph and then to 7 mph for the final 200 metre sprint. Finishing time: 35.20. Not bad.

My goal is far enough off that I still have to work at it. The novelty of training is fading quickly and so my mind has turned to new preoccupations. Raising funds for The Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. If you want to sponsor my run, you can actually pay on-line by credit card and get an "instant" tax receipt.

www.santashuffle.com

Wednesday, November 15: Target 5k - Intervals.

Running intervals involves running at a base speed and incorporating 1 minute sprints at a higher speed. If I am to reach my race target of running 5k in under 35 minutes, I really need to increase both my stamina and my base speed. Hopefully the intervals will help.

I initially set my base speed at 5.5 mph but on the second series had to lower (5.2 mph) it for fear of not being able to finish. Sprint speed for most of the intervals was 6.3 mph. I managed the final spint at 7 mph. Knowing it was the LAST one helped.

Thursday, November 16: An easy-paced 3k run.

The weather is still not very cooperative and I had to run on the treadmill. I ran the entire 3k @ 5 mph. That used to be my top speed, and now comes easier.

Friday, November 17: A day of rest and recuperation for the muscles.

Saturday, November 18 is scheduled for another stamina day (10k run / walk).

10k and Recovery

2006-11-11T15:18:00.000-05:00

10k on a treadmill.

My training schedule called for a 10k easy run / walk. I really wanted to run outside but the weather was not cooperative. I prepared my water bottle, my MP3 player, and my stop watch, and set out with a plan: SuRvIve!! I did. Running 3 minutes @ 5 mph and walking for 1.5 minutes @ 3.8 mph carried me through the first 63 minutes. Then I had to change stategy, running 3 and walking 2. 10k - 6.25 miles, in 82 minutes 20 seconds.

That's a long time to run... but I managed to find the mental toughness to stick to it. There were huge temptation moments when my mind screamed to abandon this folly. Having survived, I am committed to the 5k run in December. I'll finish, no matter what, and maybe make my target time.

More Training Results

2006-11-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, November 8th
Scheduled training - 5k (sprinting 6 x 1 minute intervals)
It took me 36.30. I think I need to work on increasing my "base speed". Weather was terrible so I ran on the treadmill again.

Thursday, November 9th
Scheduled training - 3k (easy run).
Weather was OK so I ran outside. It was fun to run the shorter distance, and although my training schedule indicated an "easy" run, I made exceptionally good time: 19.57.55

Friday, November 10th.
No scheduled run. This is time for the body to recuperate.
Saturday will be a huge challenge. As a stamina builder I am supposed to run/walk 10k. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Training Results

2006-11-08T08:15:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, November 7th
Scheduled training - 5k in target of less than 36 minutes.
Got home a little tired, and had to fight to get myself ready to run. I opted for the treadmill instead of running outside. I did NOT make my target time. It took me 36.20. When I started running a year ago, I found it so much easier to run on the treadmill than to run outside. These days, I always seem to be better outside.
Yesterday I discovered that the path we run on December 2nd on the top of Mount Royal starts with a descent from the Lookout. Guess how it ends? With a climb!.... Hmmm. I may need to revise my goal upward.... but then there is reason to keep training, right! I'm not there yet, and still have time to get this aging body ready.
I'm still looking for other runners to compete on December 2nd, or to join me for my training runs in Brossard.

Getting ready for the Shuffle

2006-11-04T14:05:00.000-05:00

I will be running a 5k race (http://www.santashuffle.com/) on December 2nd. My buddy and coach has set me up with a serious training schedule. I’m posting it for a number of reasons: to help myself commit to the discipline of training; to encourage others to train; and to allow you to function as my cheering section. Follow my progress, join me for a run, cheer me on, whatever. Earlier today I did my first 8k training (easy run + walk), and survived.

Mon., Nov.6 x x - Rest & Recovery Time
Tues., Nov. 7 - 5k <35 min
Wed., Nov. 8 - 5k Intervals - (6 x 1 min)
Thurs., Nov. 9 - 3k - Easy run
Fri., Nov. 10 - Rest & Recovery Time
Sat., Nov. 11 - 10k - Slow run / walk

Following another runner.

2006-11-04T13:50:00.000-05:00

We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:18-20 The Message)

It seems easier to run and keep up the pace when we can set our eyes on the one running ahead of us. Jesus has run ahead. Keep your eyes on Him.

The truth about running!

2006-11-02T13:05:00.000-05:00

"There have been times when I couldn't wait to run and times when I couldn't believe I had to run (as well as times when I simply refused to run). ..."

"And there have been runs I wished would never end and runs that seemed would never end. During the latter, I'd often toy with the idea of collapsing just so that I could get a ride back home."

"But even the longest runs end. Even the worst races are over eventually. The days and the miles and the races keep adding up. And before you know it... you are someone you never expected to be. You are a runner." (www.johnbingham.com)

True of physical and spiritual running.

Horror Hill - Ugh!!!!

2006-10-28T13:43:00.000-04:00

The race: It is Saturday, October 28th - 9:00 am. A few snow flakes floated aimlessly on the breeze. The starter gave the command and we were off on the Horror Hill 5k run. The run consisted of two laps around a 2.5k trail. Although we had been promised that Horror Hill was not a part of our course, there was a sense of horror as after 800 metres, the track rose steeply about 75 feet - footing was tenuous in the mud, and the climb was a real cardio test.

Expectations: I had hoped to run the race in about 35 minutes, but quickly decided that given the hills, and muddy trail conditions I would have to revise my expectations somewhat radically. The bad news: There were only 5 persons running in my catagory, including my two friends Glenn and Ron. Glenn finish 3 of 5, Ron 4 of 5, and I finished 5th. The good news: I actually did finish.

Race Results: 37 out of 48. In catagory 5/5. Official time 38:54. Rate per km 7:47

Hopes for next year: I was the oldest runner in the race, and next year I go up into the 60 year old catagory. This year there was no one in that bracket. I could run next year and come first, not last.

Next race: I plan a couple of days of recovery, and then start training for my last race of the year: The Santa Shuffle (5k run in benefit of The Salvation Army) on Saturday, December 2nd. I'm looking for sponsors... and runners if anyone else is available to run. Let me know.

For another view, check my buddy Glenn's blog: http://ggibson.blogspot.com/

My Next Race

2006-10-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

How could I say it any better... Check this link.

http://ggibson.blogspot.com/2006/10/one-last-race-of-season-october-28.html

OK Coach, will this do?

2006-05-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

It was no surprise when my coach followed up my last posting with a chat about defining specific goals. As a coach, I know how to help those I coach by using the same sort of questions. Eventually it got down to actually calendaring the details… and making a commitment to follow through.
His closing comment was that before long people would notice the difference.

12 May / Plan: 3k outside / Result: 3k Treadmill – rain 23m 19s
13 May / Plan: 40 min on Treadmill / Rough but finished... the 10% grade was a killer
14 May / Plan: 3k outside / Result: Started fast, 2 x 1min walking. Finished 20m 48s
15 May No training
16 May / Plan: 3k outside / heavy rain - ran on treadmill - 22 min.
17 May / Plan: 5k / problems at work - got home late - NO run.
18 May / Plan: 40 min on Treadmill / arrived at hotel in Maine - played badminton and then ran about 2k outside with Richard (No time)
19 May / Plan: No training
20 May / Plan: ??
21 May / Plan: 30 min on Treadmill

Some learning. I was easier to run when there were those watching. As I pursue the spiritual race, I need to remember the cloud of witnesses, and those who undoubtedly watch my progress.

A Fresh Start

2006-05-10T13:30:00.000-04:00

I finally decided that lethargy had ruled long enough. It's true, I knew my friend and coach was going to ask me what my plan was, BUT I finally got moving again.
Monday I decided that I needed a new goal and a new approach. Something in my personality is always looking for something new. So I measured out a new track - 3k, and headed out with no goal except to finish. I did.
Monday - 3k - 21 min 13 sec

Tuesday, I arrived home late and did not have 20 before supper so decided to re-run my 2k track. Again a new goal. I started off at a faster pace than I had been used to running, and sure enough regretted it about half way... but somewhere I found the mental stubborness to continue and ran what may be my best time yet.
Tuesday - 2k - 12 min 50 sec.

What does all of this tell me about my spiritual life?

I need to know someone is at my back, asking the hard questions. Pushing, but with a measure of grace (a large measure).
I need to change what is becoming routine. I need new learning, new application, new challenges... stretching.

What happened?

2006-04-22T12:58:00.000-04:00

I last ran on St. Patrick's Day, and hadn't run since, until yesterday. What happened?? I think I see some patterns.

I stopped running because I no longer had a visible goal. When I was training for the 5k run, the goal before me was clear.
I stopped running because no one was holding my feet to the fire. I work better when clearly held accountable.
I stopped running because (even though I'm an introvert) I run better when there is someone along with me.
I stopped running because other things (mostly work) stole the best of my time and energy.

Learning:
What happens in the 'Spiritual Race'?
A Visible Goal: Do most of us have clear and visible goals for our Christian race? or do we just hope to move along, and wherever we end up is OK? What doesn't work for physical running should be any more workable for Spiritual running? What goals do I need to set?
Clear Accountability: Do I have clear accountability in place for my spiritual life? Who do I know is going to check up on my progress? Why do I leave this to chance instead of seeking someone who will clearly hold me accountable?
Who runs with me: Who else is running the race that I should invite to run with me?
Priorities: Priorities are always a challenge to me. Work and the immediate steal too much time. Ministry becomes more important than my personal preparation for the race. How can I better lock this priority in?

Have you got any helpful thoughts or insights? Why not leave a comment?

The Set of the Sail / Soul

2006-03-23T19:23:00.000-05:00

One ship drives east and another drives west
With the self same winds that blow.
‘Tis the set of the sails,
And not the gales,
That tells us the way to go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate
As we voyage along through life.
‘Tis the set of the soul
That determines its goal,
And not the calm, or the strife.

Keeping the right focus

2006-03-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

One of the keys to running successfully is to control the "hormones", and the emotions that come along.
The same is true of life. Check out this quote from Stephen Covey from his book: "The 8th Habit".
"… anytime your emotional life is a function of someone else’s weaknesses, you disempower yourself and empower those weaknesses to continue to mess your life up."

My First 5k Race

2006-03-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

Here are the friends I ran with, or more truthfully ran behind. From left to right (me, Jared Seibert, Glenn Gibson, Paul Gibson, Max Hamel). My buddy Glenn raced with the number 666 emblazoned on his chest.

My First Race

2006-03-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

I just completed my first 5k run in Burlington, Ontario. My goal was simple: reach the finish line without being carried by the paramedics. My best times during training on a treadmill were just below 39 minutes, and most practice session ended before the completion of a full 5k.
I finished in 34.42, and am looking forward to the next event with great anticipation. I finished 170 / 192 finishers, and 8 / 9 in my class.
An interesting observation: During the times when the running was hardest, praying helped. In fact, there were a number of prayer subjects that seemed to get better treatment while I ran, than during my usual prayer time.