Disturb Us, Lord

Disturb us, Lord, when

We are too well pleased with ourselves,

When our dreams have come true

Because we have dreamed too little,

When we arrived safely

Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life;

Having fallen in love with life,

We have ceased to dream of eternity

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

We have allowed our vision

Of the new Heaven to dim. 

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wider seas

Where storms will show your mastery;

Where losing sight of land,

We shall find the stars. 

We ask You to push back

The horizons of our hopes;

And to push into the future

In strength, courage, hope, and love. 

A Prayer of Sir Francis Drake

Responding to Boston with Strength and Grace

This is why the terrorists will never win. 

They want us to scatter like mice. They want us to turn on each other.

But it never quite works out that way. 

My old Pastor used to say that a crisis creates nothing; it simply reveals what is already there. And what this crisis has revealed - once again - is a  core of strength and grace.

Take a good look, terrorists. This is the face of America. Yes, we have soldiers, sailors, and police who will chase you to the gates of hell. And I am proud of them. But we also have young people like Tatyana, who will pick up the people you leave for dead and teach them them to walk again. 

This is why you can't win.

We Stand with Boston

Source: NetRightDaily

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son

Rudyard Kipling

North Face Endurance Challenge

There are three things that Val and I have learned about adoption:

• It's a race against time;
• We've got to push way beyond our comfort zone;
• We're not on this journey alone.

It's a race against time because our children face a very real danger of aging out. If that happens, it may mean a life on the streets. As for the comfort zone - instead of kicking back and enjoying the empty nest, we've joyfully made the decision to open our home to some very needy young people. And we're not alone. Not only have we sensed God's presence, but we've come to love an amazing community of people who are giving themselves to helping children. They - you - inspire us.

So here's the racing metaphor: Next June, I'll be running the North Face Endurance Challenge as part of the RODS Racing Team. Believe me, this race is way beyond my comfort zone.

But I'd like you to be part of it. Please consider sponsoring 1 mile of this 26.2 mile race. On the day of the event, I'll be carrying the names of each sponsor with me and praying and thanking God for you during your chosen mile. And you'll be helping Estelle and Gerard to find a home.

Please share this with your friends and consider signing up. Most of all, thank you for your prayers and continued concern.

All donations will go directly to Reece's Rainbow, a 501(c)3 Registered Public Charity. Due to the nature of international adoptions, no one can guarantee that every adoption will go through as planned. No matter what happens, though, all donations made to this race will go towards the adoption of an at risk child.

To sign up, or to learn more, just click here.

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.”

30 Minute, No Gym Workout

Great news! You've got all the time and money you need to get fit. Here's a challenging 30 minute routine that doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment.

Special thanks to the folks at Greatist for providing this infographic, and thanks to Adam Bornstein @BornFitness for sharing it on Twitter.

No gym + no equipment = no excuses.

Another Rainy Day Workout

Ok, call me a wimp, but the cold rain kept me from running tonight.

However, with some online inspiration from Noah Galloway, I finished off a fairly productive cross training workout.

Noah posted one his recent workout SEAL FIT workouts. The idea behind the routine was to complete as many rounds as possible in 20 minutes. One round included:

5 pull-ups
10 push-ups
15 squats

5,10,15 in 20. Even I could remember that.

Full disclosure - after round seven, the pull-ups dropped to three. And the timer went off on my seventh squat in round 12.

Still, it wasn't a bad use of twenty minutes. And certainly better than taking the night off. Thanks for the extra push, Noah.

Why Sports Matter

Forget Tiger, Lance, and Oscar. This is why sports matter:

Potatoes: The Perfect Carb

This article from the Runner's World archive explains why potatoes are the perfect carb. Don't overlook the mighty spud for fuel or recovery.

Potatoes are actually the most popular vegetable in America, but sadly more than 50 percent of those are fried--turning them into a nutritional disaster, which helps account for their bad rap. It doesn't have to be this way. "A large baked potato is just as effective as pasta at getting runners ready for a hard or long workout," says Gidus. "Runners can't go wrong with potatoes." Read More...

7 Reasons Why Running is Good for Your Soul

Today, I set out on a dirt road and just ran down any trail my feet pointed me to. The trails hid some inviting hills - one that sloped straight down and away from a small lake (two repeats there with a little vault over the wooden guard rail - woot!).Stairs built by the Boy Scouts. Deer. 

I felt like a kid again; just leaning in the wind and running until dark. It was good for my soul. 

So in celebration of tonight's run, I'm sharing Michael O'Loughlin's article 7 Reasons Why Running is Good for Your Soul.

Here's what Michael shares about his own running Odyssey. Can you relate?

Like many, I started running while in college to get in shape and lose a few pounds. I became a more dedicated runner after grad school, first finishing a 10-mile race, then a half-marathon, followed by a couple of full marathons. It was during this long-distance training that I realized that while the physical benefits were obvious and welcome, that the spiritual benefits of running were just as beneficial to me. Below are seven reasons why running is good for your soul.

1. Running Keeps You Humble
2. Running Makes You Happier
3. Running Causes Kindness
4. Running Makes You Proud, In a Good Way
5. Running Allows Time for Prayer and Meditation
6. Running Tests Your Limits
7. Running Keeps You Patient (Read More...)

Fartlek, Interval, and Tempo Runs: What's the Difference?

I don't know about you, but I hate math. So when I read articles about tempo runs and interval workouts that require me to calculate percentages of my half marathon pace multiplied by the inverse of my lactate threshold, I start to zone out.

That's why I love this calculus free introduction to speed workouts by Coach Jenny Hadfield. She breaks down the difference between fartlek, interval, and tempo workouts in a way that even this mathophobic runner can grasp.

So put down your slide rule, read this article, and go for a run.

What's the Difference Between Fartlek, Tempo, and Interval Runs? by Coach Jenny Hadfield

Better Pushups for Better Running

I love pushups - traditional pushups, diamond pushups, fingertip pushups, one-armed pushups - so this article in Competitor grabbed my attention. According to author Nate Helming, properly executed pushups can help with IT band pain, lower back pain and even help develop a more efficient arm swing.

So if pushups aren't part of your cross-training routine, check this article out and get to work.

Better Pushups for Better Running by Nate Helming

Getting Back In Shape: 4 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now

Getting in shape isn't rocket surgery. Here are five things that you can do right now - without spending a dime on gym memberships or video programs - that will start you on the road to healthier living.

1. Practice What You Know
Here's a radical idea: the next time you find yourself staring at a piece of food and saying, "I really shouldn't eat this," just stop. Don't stick it in your pie-hole. We all know a good deal more about nutrition than we practice. So start putting your know-how to use right now.

2. Don't Try To Lose Weight
Seriously. Don't do this. Instead, focus on getting healthy. Make sensible diet and exercise habits part of your life and your body will find its own ideal weight.

3. Embrace the Carbs
The low-carb diet. Just one act of craziness that people commit when trying to lose weight. Not good. Your body had three sources of energy: carbs, fats and proteins. Complex carbs, such as whole grain bread, are the easiest for your body to use. Deprive yourself of these and you won't have the stamina you need for sustained activity.

4. Do Something - Right Now
Stop reading this blog RIGHT NOW and go do something. Anything. Do a few push-ups, jog around the house, touch your toes. Do just enough to get your blood flowing and give you that nice, energized feeling.

There now. Don't you feel better? So tomorrow, do the same thing and you'll be on what fitness buffs call "an exercise program." But I'm warning you. Stick with your program and soon - very soon - your body will be asking for new and ever more challenging activities. You may become what couch potatoes call, "an exercise nut."

A Final Encouragement
These tips are intended to get you off the coach and on your way to a healthy lifestyle. The hardest thing about getting in shape is to just start moving from a dead stop. But if you've been sedentary for a long time, you may well have issues that require attention from a health professional. This may be the first step for you, but please don't make it your last.

More Challenges

Seems I can't get away from challenges. Just one day after posting about Running Mom's 13 13.1s in 2013 Challenge, I go to church, open the bulletin and read this sermon title: Challenges for A.D. 2013.

Fair enough. In my view, the spiritual challenges far outweigh the physical. Like St. Paul said;

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. (I Timothy 4:8)

So here are the challenges my Pastor, Len Liu, threw down:

• Read the entire Bible before next Christmas;
• Keep a prayer journal;
• Invite someone into your home every month;
• Encourage someone everyday.  

That's a tall order. But as I think of how this would bless those around me, and bring glory to God, I can't help but try. Will I miss the mark? More than likely. But God's mercies are new every morning. So when I stumble, I know I can always get back up and keep pressing on. Again, taking my lead from Paul:

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Jesus Christ, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13-14)

The more I read Paul, the more I'm convinced he was a runner too.

13 13.1s in 2013 Challenge

Yikes.

So last year I did this exactly twice: run 13.1 miles. Truth be told, that was two more times than I had planned in January. But, still...

So then Heather Winkler, aka Running Mom, sets up this 13 13.1s in 2013 Challenge. The idea is straight forward: run 13 half marathons in 2013. Now Heather did stipulate that these don't all have to be official races (very expensive) - training runs count and marathons count for two.

I'm a sucker for challenges. So I'm in.

I'm looking at two marathons this year: the Instant Classic Trail Run in March, and the Richmond Marathon in November. Hopefully I can squeeze the Ashland Half Marathon in as well because that race is just so much fun. Who doesn't love a hill that stretches from mile 11 to mile 12?

Add in the training runs and I should at least get close.

If you want to take a shot at this challenge, visit Heather's blog Diary of  a Running Mom.