Don't Go Out Too Fast!

Ask any experienced marathon runner for first-timer advice and nine out of ten will say, "don't go out too fast." Great advice. I heard it. I understood it.

Guess who went out way too fast on his first marathon?

I chose the Instant Classic Trail Race as my inaugural 26.2. That may have been a little bit crazy in itself. The course is single track and rolling hills with roots and loose gravel. The only pavement in site is the opening quarter mile through the parking lot. (Uphill, by the way.)

Despite being under-trained and over-tapered, I was pretty psyched when I arrived at Pocahontas State Park on the morning of the 16th. And so when we surged past the starting line, adrenaline and a complete lack of judgment took over.

The weather conspired wonderfully with my unwise zeal; it was chilly and a sudden downpour at the starting line instantly contracted every muscle in my body.

The  mustard on my bib is from the post-race Brats!

I ran this race (or started this race, anyway) with my buddy Rob - a veteran of torture tests like the Blue Ridge Marathon. So the fact that we even started out together should tell that I wasn't thinking. He pulled way ahead when I had to, um, pit stop in the woods. (Rain does that to me). Fortunately, he was not there to witness my dramatic decline.

Around mile eight, I was feeling fantastic. My feet were turning over fast I was and passing people who had a lot more respect for this trail than I did. (They would all cruise by later).

At mile ten, I experienced the first omen of impending doom. It felt like someone suddenly shoved a knife into the back of my right hammy. For some ridiculous reason, I tried to hold on to my pace even after that. But the slow, inexorable deceleration had begun.

In shorter races, I always hunt for bunnies on the second half of the course. Great motivation! Choose your bunny. Pass. Repeat.

By the time I reached mile thirteen, I was the bunny. Everybody's bunny. Seriously, I had pellets in my shorts after the race. Ouch. If you ran the Instant Classic, you are quite welcome for the inspiration and entertainment I provided.

By mile eighteen, I was out of gas. At twenty-one I completely bonked and was reduced to thinking thoughts like, "Just run twenty steps, you can do that."

My death march continued until mile twenty-five. I smiled and jogged through the aid stations, but it was misery. Realizing that I would be visible to the few remaining spectators when I came out the woods, I forced myself to run like I was enjoying myself.

As soon as I hit open trail near the finish line Camille, the ebullient race director, came over the the loud speakers. "Is that you, Bill." Of course I couldn't speak, so I just waved my arms over my head. Not easy. "Hey, is this your first marathon"? I pumped my fists in the air.

My daughter Heidi high-fived me as I hit the last straight-away. Then she ducked under the orange tape and we ran it in hand in hand.

All in all, I'd guess that my lack of strategy cost me an extra hour on the course. There will be faster finishes, but none happier.

A Change of Direction

Well, it's been a while since I've posted about our adoption, but my family and I  haven't been sitting still. This adoption journey we've been on has taken a sharp, unexpected turn. 

As you probably know by now, the Russian government has outlawed all adoptions by Americans. The news came out the morning after our home study was completed. For a while, we held on to the hope that this cruel law would be overturned. Or that exceptions would be made. Or that adoptions already in progress would be allowed to move forward. 

It soon became evident that the door to Russia was bolted shut. At least for now. If we've learned anything from our journey, it's the truth of this Psalm. 

Thy way is in the sea, 

And thy path in the great waters, 

And thy footsteps are not known. 

(Psalm 77:19)

I really don't know why the Lord allowed this to happen. And I can't be certain of exactly where He's leading us. But even as my heart aches over Tim and Ana, I know that He is in control, and that He loves them more than I ever can. I will never forget Tim and Ana, and will continue to pray. Perhaps someday, they may still join our family.

In the meantime, there are many, many children in their same situation. Children without a loving family who face a life on the street if they age out of their orphanage. 

Estelle

Estelle (not her real name) is one of those children. She's in an orphanage in Eastern Europe, and she has about a year to go before she'll be forced to leave. I don't want to see that happen, and so Val and I are working hard to bring her into our home. At the same time, we're open to adopting other children on the same trip.

As of today, we're in the process of updating our home study for the new country. Piles of paperwork still await. And, Lord willing, Estelle will join our other beautiful daughters this year. Perhaps she'll bring more brothers or sisters home with her; we just don't know. But our eyes are still on the Lord; we're trusting in Him to guide us. 

Wordless Wednesday

Tell me you wouldn't rather be here.

Idaho Potatoes Fuel RODS Racing

New partnership will fully fund two adoptions!

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is the Presenting Sponsor of RODS Racing 2013. 

RODS Racing is comprised of 40 athletes. We will collectively compete in more than 224 marathons, triathlons and other events this year, raising money to find homes in the United States for orphaned children with Down syndrome who live in other parts of the world. The IPC has donated $50,000, which will cover the adoption costs of two orphans.

2013 RODS Racing Jersey

Every day, thousands of children around the globe are born with Down syndrome. In industrialized countries like the U.S., these children are provided with support and resources that allow them to live healthy, happy and often productive lives. Unfortunately, in many countries these children are often institutionalized and don’t receive the care or love they need to flourish. RODS Racing is committed to finding homes in the U.S. for these children so they can have the fulfilling lives they deserve.

“We are thankful and thrilled that the IPC is the RODS Racing 2013 Presenting Sponsor,” said Brady Murray, Founder, RODS Racing. “My teammates and I rely on Idaho® potatoes to provide us with the energy and important vitamins and minerals we need for training and racing. Their generous donation and support have inspired each and every one of us to further challenge ourselves to not only compete at our highest level, but to do everything in our power to save as many orphaned children with Down syndrome as possible.”