A Different Perspective

I had the recent opportunity to watch the Country Music Marathon & Half Marathon.  Generally I watch the race while running the streets of Nashville with  35,000 of my closest friends.  However, on this day I was watching from the sidelines.  With my mind squarely on the disappointment of not being able to take part in the race, I was surprised by the rewards I took away from the day.  

Members of our running group met at our church around 5am in the morning.  There was a mixed bag of emotions on their faces.  Some of our members came listening to music while others were double and triple checking Gu packs, water bottles, socks, shoes, bibs, and whatever else they could think to check.  I wondered what their reaction would have been if I took their timing chip and they found it missing between the 7th an d 8th time they checked for it.  Hey, if I can't run I might as well have a little fun with those who are!  In the end I did not have the heart to do it.  I decided they obviously had a lot on their mind and did not need me messing with them.  I also believe what goes around comes around and I don't need that bad mojo.  

We set out for Nashville to catch the bus and take us all to the start line.  It crossed my mind whether or not I would be able to get on the bus and make it there or if the bus driver was going toss me for not being a race participant.  You see, I had a lot on my mind this morning also!  Forget running a race, I had city workers to get past.  Walking onto the bus I thought I would be really slick and turn away from the driver and strike up a conversation with my crew.  You know, like I am one of them and I belong.  Along this same time my sister(bless her heart) decides to reconfirm I am meeting with her husband at mile 3 to give him her bag and wedding rings after the race starts.  I could just feel the bus driver looking at me and I wondered how I could explain to my wife that your husband got tossed out like a sack of potatoes from public transportation.  After what seemed like an eternity I caught a glimpse of our driver and his mind was somewhere between Demonbreum Street and the Waffle House.  

I safely make it to the race start and this is where I truly miss not being able to take part in the race.  Teh excitement and anticipation is hard to match.  I thank Clarence(our bus driver) for the free ride and exit going towards the Parthenon.  Yes, Nashville really does have a Parthenon complete with Athena, pillars, and everything else.  It is a very nice setting and especially in the evening.  My sister actually had her rehearsal dinner there.  I always wondered how Athena felt about us praying to God at her feet and vice versa how God felt about us praying to him at her feet.  I'm sure he is pretty secure in his identity, but funny to think about.  

We made our way to one corner of the building to wait for the start of the race.  We met quite a few other people from our group there.  There was a little small talk going on and then the race within the race started.  You see, porta potties and more importantly toilet paper is better than gold on race morning.  There are 35,000 race participants at the CMM.  I am going to guess there are about 100 porta potties with two rolls of toilet paper in each one.  Let's just say only 30% of the runner use the porta potties.  That means at minimum 105 people use each porta potty on race morning.  More women run races than men.  You do the math and figure if there is enough tp to go around.............nope.  Lot's of wet bottoms running around.  Pretty nasty when you think about it.  I get a kick out of the guy who sticks his head out of the porta potty asking if anybody has some tp.  Poor guy is out of luck.  Bet he remembers to bring some next year.  

We were inching closer to race time and our group gathered round to say a quick prayer.  I made sure we got away from Athena over there.  I did not want any interference between us and heaven.  We prayed for safety, to do our(their) best, and to glorify Christ in all things we do.  We all went our separate ways and to each of the assigned corrals.  Along the way we ran into two more friends Wes and Emily.  We had a prayer time with them also.  There are some people in this world who just make you feel better about the day after you spend a little time with them.  Wes and Emily are two people just like that.  

Little did we know the race was going to start 15 minutes early.  My sister was actually down tying her shoe when her corral was told to start.  I was inside the fence on the runners side carrying her bag, a jacket, and a phone.  Don't think I would be able to make it 13 miles carrying that.  I knew I was going to have to hurry to make it to the 3 mile mark to see some in our group.  I was meeting family members up there to watch the runners come by.  I started to run through the streets of Nashville and had some comments thrown my way about how I made a wrong turn and the race was the other way.  One guy asked me if I was winning, and ofcourse being the Caucasian man, I am always a target for Forrest Gump.  

Through all the ridicule I made my way to the meeting point.  Huffing, puffing, and sweating I got there feeling pretty good about how fast I had arrived.  I figured I went about 1.5 miles in pretty quick order.  My little world got popped when I saw the elites had gone over 3.1 miles in the same amount of time.  I mean, I know I am no elite, but to double me up....really?  Forrest would be disapointed in me.  

I found a lot of enjoyment watching all the runners come by.  The energy you feel at events like this is second to none.  You can not go to any other event where all those involved have the same goal and you are all pulling for each other.  Heck, even the elites help each other and they are truly competing.  There is also no feeling like watching you sister go by when you know how hard she has trained.  Watching your buddy go by you have run with countless times.  And watching the people you don' t know be so excited to be a part of this event.  You can't help but get caught up in it.  From the road and being in the event it is so easy to get in your own world.  When you watch from the sidewalk you get to experience the entire fields accomplishment.  Everybody in the field woke up that morning with the determination to finish a half or full marathon.  Not one person walked onto the road saying they did not want to finish and I got to be a small part and one voice to encourage them on.  

Truly, the most rewarding part of my day was being a part of the race with my sister Stefanie and buddy Jeff.  Poor Jeff cramped up right when he got to where I was standing.  I did not know whether he was sweating or if somebody had dumped a five gallon bucket of water on his head.  I had planned on running with them the last 4 miles.  Jeff just could not shake the cramp so Stefanie and I headed on.  We got to about mile 11 and the humidity was really taking its toll on everybody.  We even passed a few participants laying in the street taking in fluid.  My heart literally jumped as Stefanie just kept right on trudging along.  This had been a goal of hers for over  year and she was about to accomplish it.  I really did not have to say much, just a word here and there.  We would break for just a second to take in some fluid and keep going.  After we made our way up the last big hill the last 1/2 mile or so is all downhill.  Something got ahold of her legs and she took off.  She always was the fastest in our family.  I stepped onto the sidewalk before the last couple of turns to the finish line as Stef. finished her race.  I felt a sense of pride that she is my sister and just accomplished something like this and more importantly in the manner she did it.  

After the race we all got together and swapped a couple of stories before we hurried away from the rain.  I completely enjoyed myself as a spectator.  I enjoyed the perspective and being a part of it.  However, the next time I get on public transportation at 5:30am in April I will have number on my chest.  

Sticking With It

Winston Churchill once stated "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."  I like the quote.  I believe it speaks to human nature and the inherent drive for improvement.  In the broader scope I believe God is constantly molding and shaping us to be the person he has called us to be.  That involves being willing to change things about ourselves.  We are in a fallen and imperfect world.  Because of that we will never be all that God had originally intended for us, but we can constantly strive to be that person and rest in the grace given to us  by our Savior.  On a more narrow scope, if we never change or try new things we will have a hard time creating new experiences, opportunities, and growing as individuals.   

The greatest respect needs to be given for anybody who decides to start running.  The act of lacing up your shoes and taking the first step speaks volumes to who you are.  Whatever it was that got you out there in the first place, whether it is personal fitness, running goals, quiet time to yourself, or any other number of things, those are unique to you.  As with anything this new endeavor will challenge you.  There will be times when you wonder why in the world you decided to ever start doing this.  You will wonder if it is all worth it and want to throw your hand in the air.  I can promise you, whatever your goal or reason for running, if you persist through these hard times you will find the answers and results you were seeking.  It may not come in the fashion or form you thought it would, but you will be blessed.  

I truly believe we do all things to the best of our ability and for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 9:24 states "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize."  The passage motivates me.  As long as we are out there doing the best we can and honoring God with what he has blessed us with I believe he smiles.  Whether or not you are running 100 yards or a marathon it does not matter.  Just take that first step.  The great American track star Jesse Owens stated "We all have dreams.  In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort."  Now go find your dreams and make them a reality.  

Heading Down The Stretch

The last two weeks leading up to a big race can be long and nerve wracking. Often our minds can drift into the questions of "What if I cramp?", " What if I don't do as well as I wanted?", "Did I train enough or did I train right?". All runners at one point or another has had these and other issues creep through their minds. How we handle these thoughts is what can make the last weeks and days leading up to our event either pleasant, or not so pleasant.

The mind is a funny thing. It can be your biggest supporter or your greatest obstacle. As runners we train our bodies to  handle the elements and conditions of being in a race. When we are in a race we have already "been there and done that" and our body is prepared. Your mind should be no different. Take control of your mind like you have taken control of body. Run the race route in your mind and envision yourself running strong. If you can see yourself running strong then it is more likely to happen come race day.

You deserve this moment! The last couple of weeks before a race enjoy the tapered runs. You can look back and see your improvement and how hard you have trained. Enjoy these moments. You have earned them. There is nothing you can do training wise that will make a big difference come race day at this point. While you are resting your body also rest in the thoughts that you are going to do fantastic. If you are running a half or full marathon know that you are accomplishing something less than 1% of Americans will ever do. You are a unique person being able to accomplish this extraordinary event. Regardless of how you finish, the fact you are starting and willing to do this is an accomplishment to be proud of.

So.....kick back and prop your feet up. Enjoy the weeks leading up to your race, enjoy the tapered runs, and enjoy the freedom of eating amounts of food you have not dared do since you were a teenager. Most of all, soak it all in. Once you cross the start line the race is already won.

Todd's Comeback Story

Here is the story of Todd's first big comeback run:

The air was cool last night and the weather was perfect. I decided it was time to give it a shot. As I stepped out he door it seemed strange to have this nervous excitement for a run I had done hundreds of times before. Countless times I had walked down my driveway and propped my leg on my car to stretch. However, this time was a little different.

Last fall I trained and completed my first marathon. During that time I experimented with different training runs and programs. I wanted to feel what it was like to push my body to the limit. I was squarely focused on my goals and benchmarks I had set. You see, I am a person driven by results and reaching for that next perceived level.

As I started down my street for the first time those nerves and butterflies stuck with me. I could feel my heel insert as a reminder of the injury that has sidelined me for over 5 months and the consistent thought of "When will this all come to a crashing stop again." As I took the right onto the main road leading out of our neighborhood I began feel the steady running rythm and breathing that only runners know.

Leading up to the marathon my goals were not overly ambitious, but I knew they would be challenging. With my heart and mind focused on those goals I set an ambitious training plan. Running became more about diligently sticking to the plan and accomplishing goals than the pure enjoyment of running. Shortly before the marathon the injury bug reared its ugly head.

I made my way onto the main roadway outside our neighborhood. This is a long and mainly flat section of road that eventually leads to the downtown portion of the small community I live. The cool night air felt good and I was starting to feel the sweat on my forehead. It was such a clear night with a light cool breeze. The night was one of those evenings you get in late spring and early fall where the breeze was cooler than the temperature. I felt great and I decided to just let my legs and breathing take me as far and as fast as they want to. I did not have a pace, time, set distance, or any kind of plan to follow. I simply was going to run for the pure enjoyment.

Two weeks before the marathon my foot gave out which led to my IT Band becoming inflamed. After a few doctors visits and therapy it was under control enough I made it through the marathon. I took a lengthy voluntary rest afterward and then 4 more months involuntarily to heal the injury. I realized in this down time I had lost most the joy of purely running. Training had become more of job and keeping the schedule. I enjoyed the races, but 90% of what I did was train.

I made the turn back home and started to feel the burn in my chest and legs. A few months ago I would have just been getting good and warm by this point. A few minutes later I stopped and took a breather for a minute. I wiped a little sweat away, dried my hands a little bit, and smiled. This was fun and it felt good. No time requirements, no running logs to fill out, no anticipation of what the training run is tomorrow, and no self implemented pressure. To top it off, the injury finally felt like it was coming around. It was a little sore, but that was secondary.

I made it back home and walked around for a while. I actually did better than I thought I would. It was nice to have a sense of satisfaction in just running to run. Looking ahead I know I will train for more races and one day hopefully run another marathon.

I still love reaching goals and accomplishing dreams. I also love watching others accomplish things they never thought they would. That will never change. One thing that has changed is I will never again lose site and let the pure enjoyment of running be overtaken by the task. Some days you will just have to gut out that tough run when all you want to do is stop. However, wrapped inside all that, is that part of you that still loves it, because you are a runner.

Training Progress

It has been a while since the last post here on the blog. We have been doing most of our coordination through the Facebook group.  Since the last post, we have had a pretty solid, albeit reduced because of injury, group that is training for the Country Music Half Marathon on April 24.  We have also started a Couch-to-5K program for the beginning and returning runners that are part of the group.  That training program is targeting a late May or early June 5K race.

Our group has also identified a couple of people, ministries, and organizations to pray for and partner with.  A friend from college and her husband are battling an unexpected and sudden enemy in the form of cancer.  For more information and how you can support and pray for them, see www.teamemmett.com.  Many of us also have a church based connection to the Living Hope Clinic in South Africa, find out more at www.livinghope.co.za.  Finally, we have also partnered with Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee, www.midtnwishes.org, and have a donation page for our Half Marathon and other running activities.

We will likely be running on the Half Marathon course in downtown Nashville on April 10.  I will try to get the details up here on the Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.