Racing

The fall racing season is upon us. Every year, there is a lull in the foot racing scene after Peachtree. As summer ends, football begins. Along with football is school, other after school activities(that get little attention), Midtown Music Fest, and racing. 

For school kids, fall running is cross country. For the citizens, its road racing, obstacle course racing, occasional XC & triathlons. Most of us like "Fun Runs." 

Some of us race other people and or the clock. Some of us like to challenge ourselves over LONG distances. If either we are going fast or far, there will come a point of doubt in our minds during the race. It doesn't matter how long we have prepared. It doesn't matter how phenomenal our fitness. When "pushing" happens, doubt creeps in. 

Fear can be helpful in racing. Fear of losing/not finishing may be enough. We have often said "he was more afraid of losing than he was afraid of dying." Racing scared works as long as we are not afraid of dying. Of course, no one ever really dies. It just feels like we are doing to die. 

Running mad is another way toward racing success. Developing hate toward competition and seeking the destruction of our rivals may be the most American way to win. In the distance events, all that's required are a few doubters. As long as someone does not think we can make it, we will make it to spite them and prove them wrong.

While fear and hate are great motivators that give us the power to win/finish, there is another way. Many people believe that Love is the greatest power of all. The favorite urban legends of super human achievement include the many stories of mothers lifting a car off their children. How does a 135 pound lady lift 3,000 pounds? It's got to be Love. 

So how do we access this Power in racing? A Carpenter from 2,000 years ago said it like this:  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

In football, there are cheerleaders and a huge crowd there to raise the spirits of the competition. In foot racing, it can be a solitary effort. So where does the power come from? Someone special who completely believes in their ability, they can see the race to its finish. For the rest of us, when doubt creeps in, how is that overcome? 

Faith & hope. Someone who truly believes in a spirit of the universe, greater power, creator, or God can direct their minds toward that thing. When human power no longer suffices, turn toward a greater power. The power of prayer has been used in every endeavor ever know to humankind. Whenever we want to be relieved of pain and suffering in racing, pray. If it hadn't worked so many times for me, I wouldn't believe it.

Party

People just want to be a part of the party. Folks like to connect with other folks. When eyes meet and words are shared, something happens. It is not always good, but it is something.

College football is upon us. College football is modern religion. Some folks spend more time, energy, spirit and money supporting their favorite shade of uniform than they spend on their children. We love to talk about football. College football connects more folks these days than the common cold.

Religion and politics have always been a big draw for the masses. People love to rally behind ideology, morality and all various social issues. This year has been big for both.

Running and exercise is our favorite way to get together. We call it fitness and fellowship. What do we talk about during our workouts?... Religion, politics and College Football!

peel the onion

Everyone is an athlete at their core. Sahara, Evan & I had the opportunity to run with a gentleman that helped bring new meaning to the term "Athlete." Kevin is a student Athlete that attends school at KSU. He has a 3.4 GPA, attends student events and has found time to write a book.

Kevin is severely disabled. There is not a whole he can do for himself. He needs constant attention. BUT, strapped to 3 wheeled bike, he is free. He can steer his way through foot traffic at the river, in a road race or anywhere else and propel himself by his own power. We have seen him maintain his heart rate at 200 beats per minute for 40 minutes. I have never seen anything like it. It would be the equivalent of me running a 26 minute 10K.

So it begs the question. What can I do in a day to get closer to that as a runner? The first step is to commit a minimum of one hour a day for 5 or 6 days a week. If there is a willingness to try every day, then I have a chance.

The second step to develop a routine of "rolling out" sore muscles. Every HS & College Cross Country and Track team makes rolling a part of practice. Stretching goes with rolling. We recommend rolling then stretching. If it hurts when you use a foam roller, you need to foam roll more often until it quits hurting. The other option is to get a massage twice a week.

Step 3 is sleep. When I am working out every day and rolling every day, I am tired at night. At 9:30pm, I can choose to watch TV and/or stay on the computer or I can go to sleep. If I stay up past 9:30pm, the workout will suffer in the next two days. Most folks skip a workout in the next two days after staying up late. Being committed to fitness training includes getting sleep.

Step four is nutrition. When I am working out every day, taking care of my body by rolling out, and getting enough sleep, I usually try to show some discipline with nutrition. Let's face FACTS. Hauling my ass down Peachtree Road at 150 pounds is a hell of a lot easier than it is at 180 pounds. This idea that being thin "looks unhealthy" is a matter of perspective. To someone who is fat or obese, being thin is unhealthy. On the 4th of July when I step to the line in front of Sixty Thousand people with an Elite race number, there are no fat people with-in sight.

Kevin has been a huge inspiration to us and has helped us recommit ourselves to honoring our gifts.