Running and Living From the Core

Sarah's "Terror"

2009-08-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time...

2009-06-21T17:26:00.001-07:00

A couple years ago I thought I might not be able to run anymore, took a couple years off, then went to some physical therapy and with a lot of work, made it to the point of running a trail marathon at 3500 ft (starting line) with 2500-ish feet of climb total in 3:36 (was my first marathon) and managed to finish top 10.

Said race also seemed to destroy my calves as I still have pain almost 2 years later. Guess I need to give in and find the time for PT again. I've been icing and stretching a lot lately, but I don't know yet if it's working and yesterday I really hurt my back (plus while I sit here typing I can feel my calves/achilles spasming again).

Nonetheless...there was something special to me about being able to spend that much time on a trail and challenge myself. I keep thinking "if only I can train I can really enjoy the long distance trail thing" since that run was on about 3 months of base.

A little inspiration goes a long way, so I finally bought a photo from the race...(this photo was near the end of the race)

It begins

2009-06-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've been saying for a long time I sense this country moving toward ever increasing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.

Doesn't matter if you're Christian...if you are a believer in freedom of speech and freedom of assembly this is chilling...http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522637,00.html

Additionally, I found this speech excerpt from Churchill on Socialism. Aligns exactly with our current political movements (both right and left, though the left seems much more intent on it...)

"No Socialist government conducting the entire life and industry of the country could afford to allow free,sharp,or violently worded expressions of public discontent. They would have to fall back on some sort of Gestapo,no doubt very humanely directed in the first instance.

And this would nip opinion in the bud; it would stop criticism as it reared its head,and it would gather all the power to the supreme party and the party leaders,rising like stately pinnacles above their vast bureaucracies of Civil servants,no longer servants and no longer civil.

And where would the ordinary simple folk - the common people,as they like to call them in America - where would they be,once this mighty organism had got them in its grip?"

Actions vs Words

2009-03-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

I feel bad I keep being political, but I can't keep quiet, so you decide for yourself how this makes you feel.

Regardless of your persuasion, there is a clear pattern developing. Between this, his recent executive decision to send US taxpayer money to foreign "family planning" groups who either direct people to abortionists or even perform them, and his opposition to the "born alive" act, at least the administration is clear on its stance.

Well, except for the fact he keeps saying he's going to what he can to reduce abortions.

So much for bi-partisanship

2009-02-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

Don't want politics? Don't read on... I'll try to post some pics or something lighter next time...

Excerpt from an article about Obama's first prime-time press conference (it's stuff like this that makes me fear what this administrations impact to a free thinking, independent press will do and ultimately, if the press in in bed with a political viewpoint, what that will mean to the "democracy" my children will live in.. I don't want the press in bed with either side, but I comment on the "left" because that's where the press seems to be)...

"
Analysis: Obama Appeals to Liberal Media in First Prime Time Press Conference
President Obama reached out to non-traditional and left-wing media in his first prime time press conference at the White House.

He seated a left-wing radio host in the coveted front row. He called on a liberal blogger from the Huffington Post. He even brought far-left columnist Helen Thomas out of the wilderness and let her ruminate about "so-called terrorists."
Clearly, President Obama was making a point of showing deference to the Left at his first prime-time press conference, which was broadcast to millions from the stately East Room of the White House on Monday.

...

Critics pointed out that Bush never showcased right-wing bloggers or columnists at press conferences. And he certainly never allowed right-wing radio hosts to sit in the front row.
"What if Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh were up front at Bush's press conferences in the East Room?" asks media critic Michael Calderone of Politico.
During Bush's press conferences, reporters aggressively tried to ask numerous follow-up questions. But on Monday night, aside from Thomas and Major Garrett of FOX News, most reporters refrained from asking follow-ups, even when their initial questions went largely unanswered.
"

Who fits God's Image?

2009-01-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

From Genesis 1:27.."So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

I remember when I was younger I read a book talking about God loving someone like a mother. At the time, I was pretty turned off by the idea. In fact I put the book away and didn't finish it. I am by all accounts a conservative and certainly wouldn't be labeled liberal in my theology. Within that context (of my being generally conservative) I must say, it's come to sadden me that we often don't regard the wonderful qualities of women as a reflection of who God is.

Over time in my marriage and as I've matured, I've learned so much about how God has created men and women as two complimentary parts making a whole together. I've learned to see my wife's differences from me not as weaknesses, but as complimentary strengths to my weaknesses.

I began to think, if the two together make a whole, perfect union, might that be because each of us has characteristics of the God who made us and who so wonderfully designed us to support and compliment one another. "Duh", you say, but try comparing God a female role (mother for example) and see what reaction you get.

Over time I've come to readily accept that the best qualities of women are really glimpses of the image of God. James 1:17 (NASB) says "Every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights".

When I think of the Godly women in my life, I think of graceful love, a nurturing spirit, a quickness to forgive, the undaunting patience and gentle doting of mothers I know, and the capacity to sense the emotional needs of others and respond with an open heart. Those and so many other characteristics of women (speaking in generalized terms) are of course good things and perfect gifts of God.

As God is the Father of light, I believe apart from Him is only darkness, and that anything good in our lives is of Him and from Him and cannot exist without His having authored it. Thus it stands to reason womanly love and kindness could not exist apart from God and are in fact a reflection of God's very self.

I do not mean to say God lacks the strong, manly characteristics we have come to cultulrally accept. I am thankful for a strong God who is not wimpy and for whom truth is constant, not shifting with popular opinion. I only mean to say, God is bigger than the boxes we sometimes put Him in.

I am quite certain the beauty I see in the women of my life is the beauty of a mirror reflecting images of their creator.

Yum!

2009-01-02T20:46:00.001-08:00

The Thompsons like their hot drink!

Do Words Matter?

2008-12-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Think words aren't important? Think about how God "spoke" and it was. Think about the gospel of John..."In the beginning was the 'WORD' and the 'WORD' was God..." James says the tongue can be like a spark that sets a whole forest on fire.

Think people don't want to influence future generations by controlling the words in their lexicon?

Now ask yourself why the words "sin", "saint" and "disciple" among others (list below) are not included in the newest Oxford dictionary for children (note these words were in previous versions)...

Here's the list of Christianity related words removed this year:
Carol, cracker, holly, ivy, mistletoe, abbey, altar, bishop, chapel, christen, disciple, monk, nun, pew, saint, sin

Another I found interesting: "Interdependent" was added while "self-sufficient" was removed. Could the independant, stand-on-your-feet American ideal be over and a communal age already begun? Bbefore you scoff go back and look at Obama's main tenets...most of them are right out of the socialist/communal approach (no political commentary intended, merely observation).

The times they are a changin'

Give Me Everything You've Got!

2008-11-23T20:13:00.000-08:00

When I saw the Movie "Facing The Giants" a couple years ago I was touched by a powerful scene which produced a "goosebump" moment for me.

The whole scene is a metaphor for me about how God is by our side pushing us on, believing we can achieve what we don't even believe about ourselves. I can see Him by me in the tough moments in life, saying, "You can do it! I believe in you! Now give me everything you've got!"

Like all the best coaches, He won't accept my excuses and preconceptions about my own weaknesses. "You can do it!" He won't let me live by fear. "You can do it!" He won't let me settle to hide behind the wall of my comfort zone. "You can do it!"

He won't buy my lies about it being too hard. "Give me everything you've got!" He promises to support me when I grow weary. "Give me everything you've got!" He is my sustaining strength when I am overcome. "Give me everything you've got!" He leads me to places I didn't think were possible to reach. "Give me everything you've got!"

This is 6 minutes long, but if you're looking for inspiration...

Stop Calling Me Squirt

2008-10-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

In the same vein as Jen's humorous conversations with Carson (though maybe not as funny)...

From two nights ago:

Ethan (while playing with toys): Stop calling me squirt!
Me: What?
E: Stop calling me squirt.
Me: What's that from?
E: My tummy.
Me: 'Stop calling me squirt' comes from your tummy?
E: No that's just a noise.
Me: Oh your tummy made a noise?
E: Yeah.
Me: What is 'stop calling me squirt' from?
E: Noses* (*what he calls Moses)
Me: (Realizing he means the Veggietales rendition of the story of Moses)...Ohhhhh

My Shelter

2008-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Today the pressure is pretty high on a couple things (work in particular). I just happened to listen to (or was guided?) to two great worship songs this morning that remind me not to let that pressure change my outlook. (I've put both songs below to share)

The first song is one Becky sang a while back..."He has made me glad". It's a perfect reminder that I am not in control, that I don't need to be in control, and that my Lord is my help!

That then reminded me of this:

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The second song is a powerful song about the cry from our depths ("From the inside out"). We were made to love and be loved by our creator. May my soul embrace its creator, and author!

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Get 'em! Get 'em!

2008-09-29T20:31:00.001-07:00

2 posts, so scroll down
=====================

Oma and I took Ethan to his 2nd ever Beavers game on Thursday. All the better that it turned out to be the 2nd time in 41 years the Beavers beat a #1 ranked team! What a great time we had!

The best part was how Ethan reacted. He was pretty unsure at first, but really had a blast. I think he fed of the buzz of the crowd and was going pretty nutty at the end. So many fun / cute moments to share, but I think my favorite was "get 'em!"

Several times when the Beav's were close to sacking the opposing quarterback or tackling the opposing running back I would yell "get 'em!, get 'em!". Later, during a t.v. timeout when the crowd of 43k people was pretty quiet, Ethan broke out with "get 'em!, get 'em!" thrusting his arms forward. The whole group around us thought this was great stuff.

Getting psyched at home with a new Beav's jersey.
Dada and I are tough in our Beavs gear! Maybe I'll play for them some day!
I just like this shot (1st quarter). All the orange across the way are people, not seats.
Oma and I love the Beavs!
No time for pics! Just football.

Get 'Em! Get 'Em part 2

2008-09-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with the crowd at the end (this is like bed time + 3 hrs and still going strong)
Yeah right!
Totally by accident but this photo gives the sense of the rush. Stare at it, you'll see it's moving!
Go Beavs!

Again!

2008-09-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

Two posts so scroll down for more...

Scenes from the Sunriver North Pool this past week. Lots of laughing and lots of "Again!".

Sarah, "Oma" and I took the kids to the pool on a nice sunny day without cameras. Ethan had so much fun we knew we had to come back for pictures. So the next day, despite cooler temps we braved the outdoor pool and, well, see for yourself!

I like the next one...kind of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" or "Matrix"

Again!

2008-09-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

2nd Post: the slide (the main reason we came back!)

The Great Romance

2008-09-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a trilogy by Ted Dekker called The Circle. I highly recommend it...there are 3 books: Black, Red, and White.

I suppose at times it reads a bit like a teenage thriller/fantasy, but due to its deeply compelling sub-plot (which I would argue is more important than the main story line) I came away moved by God's passionate, irrational and almost irresponsible love for us. There are wonderful metaphors in this story (especially in the final book White) helping remind the reader about our Maker's complete abandonment to love ("The Great Romance") and ultimate sacrifice to claim His "bride". Suffice it to say I had many goosebump moments.

Even if you're not into that, the main story is fun and action packed...A man literally living in separate realities trying to stop the end of the world in one reality, while interacting with Good and Evil (quite literally) and God Himself in another. I'll have to check out Dekker's other books in the series (apparently he went on to write several more).

I have also read a book by him called Obsession with some of the same themes which was a quick, high pulse read. It's got a very different theme (much more based in reality) and I enjoyed it too.

Happy reading!

Remind me Lord

2008-09-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

I get so busy and focused at work. It's good to be reminded of God's presence. Today I'm beginning a review of over 300 pages of internal documents for the big project I've been hired on.

It's a kind of "buck stops here" effort since I am the business lead for this content. Since other folks put together the 300+ pages I am now reviewing to ensure the content is correct and up to the right level of quality.

Since I'm bunkered down reading, I put on the ipod and wanted mellow music so I put on my worship mix. I rarely listen to music at work and as the songs are playing I find myself remembering whose hands hold me even when I forget and focus my energies somewhere else.

May I remember more often! Here's a sampling of the last couple songs that reminded me...

SeeqPod - Playable Search

Life's score

2008-09-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

(before you see lots of words and click away, note the end of the post. You can skip to after the equal signs below if you don't want to read)

Music is something that speaks to us all. It's wonderful how God created music to touch us, speak for us, speak to us, and move us. We can celebrate with it, cry with it, laugh with it, praise God with it, contemplate and share.

I've always believed music has power which is exactly why Satan, the father of counterfeit, so often imbues it with a negative message, and why I am strict about what I'll listen to. By no means does that mean I only listen to "Christian music" because, as mentioned, God created music and gave us creativity. However I take the Bible seriously when it says to judge something by its fruit. If the fruit of a song or artist is anger, rage, depression, jealousy, or a tearing down of fellow children of God then it's not getting in my ears. Music ministers to our inner spirit, thus I view music as ministry and refuse to let my money go to support a negative ministry. Instead I look for music that lifts me up or inspires me.

===============================================

Anyway, I've tried to get away from preaching in this space, so I'll stop there.

The point of this post is that I've found something fun to share with friends and family who frequent this space. It's something called "seeqpod". You can host music on your blog with it. (By the way...I wholly disapprove of stealing intellectual property and as far as I can tell this site is completely legal. If I find a song on it I like, I will purchase it.)

These days a song that I have been enjoying is called "Beautiful World" by Colin Hay. There are some lyrics in it I don't agree with but the spirit or fruit of this song for me is one of thankfulness for the simple things in life. I often turn it on in the car after a hard day of work (most days for me lately) and think about how work is not very important. I think about a hug from my son, a kiss from my wife, a giggle from my daughter. It's a beautiful world and I'm thankful for the many graces of God.

Enjoy! (and here's hoping I did this right)

Family

2008-08-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

More from our beach trip a couple weeks ago...

My beautiful family...

A safe, relaxing place...
Abby and Jack...BFF

I'm gonna get you!

2008-08-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

I love my little buddy...these are from a recent hike (more pics to come)

A few more pics from our family beach trip (to add to Mike's post). Sarah and I took 300 pics over the week, so I'm sure she'll have more to add!

The Shack

2008-07-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

I feel silly passing this along, since it says to "get all your friends to read this" right on the back of the book, and I don't like following things like that. Nonetheless, I can truly say this book impacted my heart and mind in ways I couldn't predict.
I won't spoil the story since part of its power is in the way it will surprise you. I also won't try to say it is theologically perfect, but that is part of its beauty. It is a story meant to remind us about Love (caps...as in God is Love). It reminded me about the God who seeks relationship (not hierarchy) with me. It made me search myself deeper than I usually dare.

Since I only just finished it this afternoon, the responses and emotions are too raw and undigested for me to have words to share here. What's more, the experience (for all of those who read this book) is probably intensely personal, so I don't even know what to share.

I am in awe of the God who loves me and who wants to be one with me. He doesn't seek to judge me, but to redeem me. I am still unwrapping that one. wow

"Post" post

2008-05-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

Posting these pics after the fact (happened about 4-5 weeks ago I think?)

The day after I got back from Europe, we went up to play in the snow. Family fun for the Thompsons, even little Abby who was like 8 wks old.

Can I eat it all?
Let's do that again! If only we could all be this cozy A boy's paradise

Never one to miss an opportunity for a memory...Our Sarah
Ethan's first Snow Angel

Baby Blues or Browns?

2008-03-28T16:02:00.001-07:00

Since many children get their eye pigment later, and since Abby's eyes are pretty dark Sarah and I think they might turn brown.

However, as you can see (if you're able to blow these up...sometimes I don't do this right), they sure look blue right now, so we're not too sure. Either way they are awfully cute!

Back to normal

2008-03-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ethan has a cold and woke up crying last night. I went in to calm him down, which took a little while. I came back to bed pretty tired (this was after midnight) and said to Sarah "well, we have two kids". Meaning I knew Abby would be getting up crying soon too. The thing is, I didn't care much.

That was because, when he calmed down he snuggled in and fell asleep on me. Ethan is so sweet. I look forward to bed time each night when we sing together and pray together. Even though I was tired, I loved having a chance to hold him again.

What a wonderful boy!

Charity

2008-03-27T10:32:00.001-07:00

(Caution...this is a more intelectual post, straying from my normal style)

I stumbled on this interesting book review article about a book called "Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism".

(Personal note: Liberal does not equal Democrat and Conservative does not equal Republican. For example, I am a registered Independent and consider myself conservative.)

The compelling facts shared in the article (no doubt there are many more in the book) highlight what I have long felt was the hypocrisy and fallacious myth that somehow liberals are more charitable than their conservative counterparts.

You know the myth I speak of. The conservative is the cigar smoking, balding, old white male with a little bit of racist undertones in his behaviors. He's the oil tycoon who wants to kill all the whales. In the meantime, the liberal is the gentleman/woman who loves all people and just wants to solve social injustices.

For me it comes down to two ideological underpinnings:

1.) I believe my response to Christ's love is to love the world and to share any blessings I am given. 1.a.) Any monetary blessings I have are not mine, but are God's.
2.) I believe government by definition is innefficient. That is, the private sector (not-for-profits and for-profits) can serve the poor and needy much MUCH more effectively. Translation: If given the choice, I would willingly give my money and time to charity, rather than funneling it to the government and abdicating my personal responsibilty.

Many liberals on the other hand feel the government should collect money into a vast centralized pool, and distribute it from there. (Note to John Edwards: That might help the cultural "elites" sleep at night but it feeds a lot fewer mouths.)

Check out some of the facts in the article (and perhaps the book) and you may come away feeling (as I do) that many liberals talk-the-talk, but (speaking in a generalization) more conservatives walk-the-walk when it comes to helping the poor and needy through personal sacrifice. It's easy to give someone else's money away, but we should all remember God's personal calling for us.

"Having a baby changes everything"

2008-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

That's the tag line from some Johnson and Johnson commercials. It's so true.

This blog went from being focused on running with a few spiritual and personal thoughts from time to time and is now focused on all things baby with a few running recaps here and there.

To that end, last night, there was wild celebration in the Thompson house because (drum roll)...

Ethan peed in the potty! I'm sure this is "TMI" but every once in a while I show Ethan how Dada goes potty (I show him sitting down, because imagine the mess a 2 year old would make standing up!!) See I told you, "TMI".

Anyway, I didn't expect Ethan to do anything as he sat on his Elmo potty, so I said, "are you all done? Do you want a diaper?" He said no, so I waited a moment more, and then...I heard "tinkle, tinkle, tinkle". I was so excited!

We had a lot of celebration, and then the humorous realization that I am indeed a parent and what may have seemed ignoble before, was now a reason for major celebration.

Ethan and Dada Shoot Hoops

2008-02-23T11:19:00.001-08:00

Sarah and I gave Ethan his first basketball hoop and ball for his 2nd birthday. He's been to a couple games to watch the team I'm helping Jim coach, so he knows what basketball is.

Ethan was very excited and kept saying "ball!" "boys!". That's because we had talked to him about the boys who play basketball when he saw me coaching.

Needless to say, Dada was probably the one with the biggest smile in the room.

What "Abigail" means to me

2008-02-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

Sarah and I had such a hard time choosing names this time. We thought about Emma, Ava, Olivia, Nicole, Hannah and many others, but ultimately settled on "Abigail" / Abby in large part because it means "a father's joy".

Even before I met her, that was exactly how I felt about her; joyful. When I found out we were having a girl I had this overwhelming sense of completeness. I'm deeply in love with my wife, I have the most wonderful, sweet, fun son whose personality I love, and I have a beautiful daughter who I know will steal my heart.

I feel like the main character at the end of Facing the Giants when, in prayer, out of thankfullness for all God did for him, he says "God, I'm overwhelmed". My cup runneth over!!

More Abby Grace pics

2008-02-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

Sarah's cousin Ana

Jenna and Sarah BOTH in the hospital at the same time. Mike joked about the future Mr/Mrs Isaac Sady and while I love the Sadys I cringed. No boy will be good enough!
Sweet cousins and BFF!
Already snuggling with Oma

Ethan got gifts from Abby each time he came to visit. He loves Thomas the train.
You had me at "waahh". I'm in love!

Abigail Grace Thompson

2008-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

We welcomed little Abby Grace on Monday 2/11 at 1:13PM (you can call her Abigail or Abby). She was 9lbs 30z, 21.5 inches and her head was 15 inches. The doctors were happy Sarah chose a planned c-section (the head size would have made things interesting).

We're not sleeping much but she's so sweet and beautiful, she's well worth it!

I think she'll look like her mama!
Snuggling with Mamanina

Papi and Nina are thrilled!
Ohhhhh....
OK this is mainly of Henry, but I think he's adorable! Look at that sweet face.

Don't be fooled, she only does this during the day time. Nights are "interesting"

Baby Bunch Becomes Baby Jack!

2007-12-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

We got to meet John (Jack) Hayes Bunch tonight! He continues the Jagger girls' tradition of having large babies, coming in at 10 lbs 5 oz! Other statistics... 20.5 inches, 15 inch head!, born at 1:34PM 12-20-07.

Here are some pictures of Baby Jack, who we already love! In fact right now, I'm tempted to drive back to the hospital just to hold him a bit more (but I'd better let Becky rest!)

Our First Glimpse from the waiting room

MUCH MUCH cuter than a button!

Sweet Girl

2007-12-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

I miss my original "baby girl" who was just starting to be my "old girl".

Unfortunately we didn't have a digital camera for the first 5 or so years of our time with her, but here are a few pics that make me remember her personality fondly.

You probably all know, but just in case, Sunny got terminal (and painful) cancer so we had to say goodbye to her. We got her about 3 weeks after we were married and she was 7 weeks old, so she's been part of our lives, our family, our marriage, for 8 and a half years.

For two sentimentally inclined people like Sarah and I this was a difficult parting, but we are so SO happy we have so many memories of the sweetest, most gentle dog I've ever known. It's also given Sarah and I a chance to share many wonderful memories with each other as we talk through our emotions. We've had a lot of great times together!

Love you Sunny girl...

Ethan's 1st Beavers Game

2007-10-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

My mom and I recently took Ethan to his first Beavers game. We had a lot of fun (though the Beavs started the 2nd half with like 3 straight turnovers...ouch).

Ethan enjoyed the sights and sounds as we walked up the ramp...

Everyone loved his Beavers outfit. When they'd comment, I told them "I have to start him early, since I married a Duck fan!" When they'd ask me why on earth I did that, I'd tell them "She was pretty and I was weak!" It got a few laughs. You can see by his face, he wasn't very sure about the 20-30k yelling people. I like the sea of Orange and Black below us.
He got a little more confident as time went by I guess. "What up peeps"

Baby Girl

2007-10-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since we found out last Friday that Thompson baby #2 is a girl I can't stop thinking about her and all the things I'm looking forward to.

Ethan's going to have a little sister and be a big brother. She's going to be so cute! Sarah showed me a little dress yesterday and (sap that I am) I teared up a little as I pictured my little wobbly future-toddler girl in the dress and little bloomers.

I'm probably most excited to watch her learn from her mama and become like her.

I can't wait to be wrapped around her little fingers. I'm already in love!

"Leave Nothing"

2007-09-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

I've seen this ten times. My entire body still goosebumps every time I see it. I'm not kidding.

This applies on so many levels (physically, spiritually, etc...). Look at how Shawn Merriman (the defender) is exhausted, but keeps getting up. I want to run a 50 mile run as hard as I can right now (my version of "leave nothing") . And when Steven Jackson (a former OSU Beaver!) lays out at the end, well, that's how I want to live my life.

"MEME" finally

2007-09-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

OK I've been awfully busy for a long time, so haven't been blogging much. I'll take a shot at this "MEME" thing though I'm not sure I have 8 unknown things (too many camp-outs with the guys to have much unknown at this point). Also, I'm not sure I'm following the rules on how this goes, and I'm not tagging anyone, but here's a shot at 8 things about me that you may not know...

I tied in a primary vote for Oregon's "Boy's State" Governor twice. In the third vote ONE person moved from me to the other guy so I lost. If I'd won, I'd have gone to "Boy's Nation" and would have met the president. Though I wasn't exactly what you could call a Clinton fan (understatement there) but still, meeting the Pres would have been cool. Also, I realize none of you probably know what Boy's State is...next campout I guess.
I once dressed as a nerdy superhero with several other guys who did the same and while "disguised" we took apart the bathroom in the girls dorm, leaving a hall of girls with one sink, one shower, and one toilet. Note: They'd brought it on themselves by pranking us first.
Every finals week in college I participated in a relay race around Midnight one night somewhere in the week. Not too weird I guess, except I left out that we ran the relay race with only shoes on. Can't say where or who that was with (there are some secrets still aren't there?)
Ugh, can't believe I have to share all this stuff. OK, more (kind of) streaking. After my high school teammates and I won the state championship we wore tighty whitey's with tucked in white t-shirts and ran down various parts of Corvallis at night. Imagine seeing 9 guys, single file, running down the street at night with those tight white outfits. Now imagine you're a van full of cheerleaders from the same school, returning from a football game. Doh! We got some razzing on Monday for that one!!
I've jumped off the bridge in SunRiver at night- the one with signs saying it's against the rules to jump- sans clothes (these sound kind of bad back-to-back-to-back like this, but that's it in 30 years, so respect me still please!)
I've participated in multiple "Math Olympics" and "Speech Meets". Since I was good at sports too does that at least keep me from the "nerd" designation?
I was in the Cub scouts, Wolf scouts, Bear scouts, Webelos then Boy scouts. I had my share of patches, badges, etc... but mainly just enjoyed the outdoor stuff and being with friends.
I have jumped off many, many high rocks into rivers and lakes. The first one I ever did was when I was seven. I jumped off a 15 to 20 foot rock into a swimming hole after standing at the edge for at least an hour.

Praise God it finally happened!

2007-08-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

I can trace this back to May of 2005 when I read Dean Karnazes' book, Ultramarathon Man. I was inspired to take up distance running again after a long hiatus post-college.

It goes back farther than that, of course, to all the hours I've spent running, hiking, backpacking, and generally soaking up the air and sights of the woods.

Fast forward and the past 2 years were tough, fighting one injury after another and even wondering if I'd ever really run again. Sarah would pray with me almost every night that my body would be healed and that I'd be able to run.

So yesterday when I completed the "Haulin' Aspen" trail marathon at Shevlin Park in Bend it was particularly sweet. Add to that, the tasty icing of running faster than anticipated, and it was a great day. Here's how it went (I'll work on posting pics at a future date)...

I woke up at 5 to get ready, and couldn't get the microwave to work (for my oatmeal). After a lot of beeping buttons in the dark, Sarah got out of bed, took over and had the magic touch (good thing too, because my back-up for breakfast was a bad tasting energy bar they'd given out at the race registration).

We got Ethan up early and drove out to the park. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't convince my nauseous, pregnant wife to rest at the hotel. Instead she chose to get up with me at 5, drive to the park, and chase our 18 month old toddler around in the chilly mountain air. Since there was no parking allowed for those connected to the race and shuttles were limited, this also meant she was committed to being there for 6 hrs. I tried to spell all this out and convince her to relax at the hotel pool, but she'd have none of that. As guilty as I felt for what I knew she'd be going through, it also felt great to have so much support (she wasn't going to miss my first marathon after praying with me all those nights).

After milling about for an hour, the race was finally going to start. It was pretty cold, and I noticed more than a few runners shivering (me included) as we stood in our tank-tops and shorts. We finally started and off we went. I remember thinking "here we go, no turning back now" as I turned on my Ipod. I have the "Nike+" addition for the Ipod which tracks your pace and mileage, so it was giong to be my running partner as well as my motivator with the music.

Unfortunately, at about mile 1 it shut off. It was so cold the Ipod battery got drained even though I'd completely charged it up. I tried to stay positive and avoid overreacting, but I sure wasn't looking forward to carrying the Ipod and headphones if they weren't going to do me any good. Fortunately at about mile 1.5 Sarah was there before we headed off into the woods. I tossed the Ipod to her, saying "battery's dead" as she yelled "we love you!" with Ethan and her watching me go by. That made me feel great and I focused on staying relaxed.

Staying relaxed proved to be a bit of an issue since I'd done so well at hydrating that I realized I had to pee about 1 mile in. Yikes! I was getting pretty uncomfortable somewhere around mile 3, so when I came to a fork in the trail I pulled off on the wrong trail intentionally and took care of things out of sight. I ran back to the right trail, and did a little mental inventory. At this point my wife hadn't been able to park so she was stuck, my Ipod didn't work so no music, my Nike+ wasn't with me (Ipod) so I had no idea of my pace, there were very few mileage markers so I wouldn't know my progress, and I'd had to stop and pee slowing me down.

I reminded myself to stay relaxed and be positive. I was here for the experience, and just 6 months ago I'd wondered if I'd ever be able to do this at all. I soon caught up to a guy named Rob and we chatted a bit. We seemed to be a good fit for pace and we ran together for almost and hour and a half. It was nice having some company out there, so that was good.

The course climbed slowly for the first 7 or 8 miles with 2 aid stations. I'd finished my gatorade bottle, and realized I'd be carrying an empty bottle most of the way and should have just used the aid stations. That was fine though, and I filled up with a little something at each stop. The aid stations were the only place with mile-markers, but for some reason I always forgot to look at them, so I never knew how I was doing. Around mile 6 my left knee started to scare me as it began to hurt, but I prayed about it and decided to trust to God's will and try not to focus on it. Fortunately that went away after a half mile or so.

I got to an aid station at 11.something miles (saw the marker at that one) and drank some "Heed" electrolyte drink before turning to the last steep section. The course had 2500 feet of total climb and it seemed most of it was packed from mile 8 to 12.5 or so. The road after mile 11 was really steep and I had to battle a lot of negative thoughts. I just kept shuffling up the hill, hoping it would end.

After finally cresting and catching back up to Rob (who'd left me on the steepest section) I downed a "Hammer gel" and some more Heed and took off down the hill in front of Rob. This was the first downhill and the first time we were on single track trail for a long stretch (most of the course was old dirt roads to this point).

I felt strong and went after the downhill section somewhat aggressively. About 5 minutes into it, though my left calf threatened to cramp up and my right knee began stinging. Again, I said more prayers and took an attitude of trust, as I pushed ahead.

It must have been around mile 15 when I started getting light-headed from a lack of calories. I started daydreaming about burgers much like the time I soloed a 33 miler in Bull of the Woods. I kept telling myself to keep pushing, knowing I'd make it to the next aid station soon. I finally saw it coming up, but as I got to it there was no one there and there were no supplies.

I got a little worried there. I was probably around 17 miles in (though I had no clue at the time) and I was getting really low on energy. The combination of not knowing my mileage and being lightheaded and tired was tough to fight through and I started slowing up, but tried to keep pushing.

In hindsight, I must have been doing ok, as I passed 2 guys before the next aid station. When I got there (forgetting to check mileage again!) I gobbled up several packets of Hammer Gel, several cups of Heed and a friendly aid-station volunteer filled my bottle with more Heed (so now I wasn't carrying the bottle in vain.)

I took a bit of time at that aid station so the 2 guys passed me again, but I left there in a much better state of mind and body. The half-marathoners joined us at that spot in the trail as well, and I began passing many of them one-by-one. It really helped to have so many people to key on as I kept telling myself to pick them off one at a time which kept me focused on the run and not on my fatigue.

I caught the 2 marathoners again, and went by them for good, but was getting pretty anxious to know how far we'd gone, so I asked one of them who told me he had us at mile 21 by his calculation. When I asked, I had expected him to say mile 17 or so, and I realized I was well ahead of my anticipated finishing pace.

That put plenty of wind in my sails and I motored on, passing more half-marathoners as I went. Around mile 24 there was a photographer who yelled "just a couple miles to go!" and I knew somehow I could finish. I was starting to get really tired, but I knew I could find a way.

At mile 24.3 there was one last aid station (yes I saw the marker at that one!) and I started getting pretty excited. I was really hurting, but I knew I could do it, so I tried to keep from slowing down, and since I was still passing people I felt positive.

With what had to be only about a quarter to a third of a mile to go I was coming up on someone I recognized from high school, who was running the half marathon. I figured I'd say hi as I passed and just as I came up behind her my foot hit something (rock? root? bump?) and I went sprawling on the ground, opening my knee. She turned around to ask if I was ok, and I was already up to push to the finish as I said "hi" and she recognized me saying "hi" back. I remember thinking how silly it was that I could get through almost 26 miles without incident only to fall at the last minute next to someone I knew.

I really didn't care though, and mustered the energy for the final push to the finish with a 3:36 finishing time, good enough for 11th male and 12th overall. Hearing Sarah cheering for me and looking up to see my time (faster than expected) made for the perfect ending to the run.

Not sure what's next, but it's too early to think about that anyway as I hobble around with stiffness everywhere today (even my shoulders and back are sore!)

Praise God I was able to do it, and here's to many more!

P.S. - I got a Western Bacon burger from Carl's Jr after we got back in town, which was a fitting end to my 2nd major trail run for those who recall my other one.

optimism?

2007-08-10T08:56:00.001-07:00

my back has been hurting which causes my hip to hurt when I run. The fun part is, it's the other hip now (not the one that stopped me from running for close to two years).

With a (trail) marathon in two days this is making me a little nervous. Nonetheless, I'm going to Bend tomorrow, will wake up bright and early Sunday and give it a go!

Blogger block

2007-08-09T11:14:00.000-07:00

don't know why I never seem to be motivated to blog anymore, so I'm forcing myself to put something in here.

My first ever marathon is in 3 days and I've been in a bit of a negative place about the race lately (especially since my other hip has been hurting).

Anyway, Jim just called so I'm off to lunch and my latest excuse for not blogging!

Progress

2007-06-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Added on 6/14...trying to see if I can get this to work from "Nike+"

I was thinking during my run today, just how thankful I am that I've been able to run consistently for 6 weeks now and how far I've come in that time.

Today I ran a "tempo run". For my friends who don't know what that is, it just means that for either a set distance or a set time you run a pre-determined pace that is faster than your normal training pace.

I warmed up for 2 miles, then ran a 2 mile tempo at 6-flat pace, then ran a 2 mile cooldown. A few years back and that would have been nothing I'd have been excited about. After the last 2 years of injuries though, this was a real nice step for me.

What's even better is, regardless of my times, I'm just so thankful to be running at all. Praise and thanks to God for His blessings!

Why do I do it?

2007-06-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

I'd never be able to clearly articulate what it is that motivates my passion for running (particularly trail running). Had some thoughts on that a while ago, but they only represent a small part of my love for running.

Just a few of the drawbacks...

Chafing (nipples, stomach- have my earphones cord to thank for that one- , legs)
Ridiculous amounts of sweat. My guy-friends can sort of attest (especially former teammates who've seen me on long runs). I'm a faucet.
Getting up early or staying up late to get in a run
Tenderness and stiffness of varying sorts (for me it's usually...Achilles, calves, hamstrings, hips, back, and IT band)
Burning lungs while running
Feeling like puking while running
Fatigue

There are many more. Yet, they just don't matter. It doesn't take anything more than just the thought of running in the woods to make my insides calm down (heart slows, breathing gets deeper, etc...)

When I was a kid I dreamed of playing basketball. I was the kid on the street who played for hours in the rain, because I couldn't get enough. Now I don't even miss basketball (mostly anyway). I just want to realize some fun goals I have for running.

First it's the Cape Mountain Trail Race coming up 6/23.

I'm not sharing my other goals yet, because I've had too many past setbacks, but so far I'm very encouraged with my training this time around. I've had to let go of my competitive fire (for now) as I'm not training to run fast. Just training to run 'period'.

Still not sure why I love running so much, but for now I'll go drink more water and enjoy my "runner's high" from today's 7 miler.

Running update

2007-05-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Things are going well in my training (for the first time in 2 years!). It's a lot of work, but well worth it. I have to stretch my back in the morning, do a 10-15 minute stretching routine after running in the afternoon, do a 10-15 minute stretching routine at night, and use the torture implements on my legs (something called a "foam roller" and something else called "the stick").

I can't say how happy it makes me feel to be able to do this again though! Right now it's about 6 miles on Sunday, cross train Monday, 5 each Tuesday-Thursday, cross train Friday, then 10 miles on Saturday.

I'm still daydreaming about continually building mileage (though very cautiously this time) and then running trail-ultras someday, but even if I never get to go over my current mileage I'm just happy to finally get to run at all.

P.S. - I'm really enjoying the Nike+ thing. Fun toy!

Running in the rain

2007-04-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

For those who have quit looking at my blog because it hasn't been updated for so long, well, you're not reading this, so that's that. For those of you patient enough to wait while I had writer's block, brain-cramp, or was just generally apathetic...Thanks! (and special thanks to Mike for reminding me that writing can just be random and fun with his Starbucks musings)

I went out for my first run in several months the other day. I can't believe it's been nearly two years of frustration to fight my way to being able to run consistently. I continue to stubbornly try to work myself into running shape even though I keep failing.

I guess that's the definition of faith though, right? I keep trying to be able to run and have to accept God's timing for when that will happen. In the meantime I do believe it will happen in spite of all the negative results of my efforts. Sometimes I find myself hoping this is all just a tool God has used in my life to cement in my head and heart that I'm passionate about running (I had lost that passion a couple years ago). If there are other lessons I'm supposed to learn, I sure wish I had figured them out sooner so the lesson would be over.
=============================================================

My first run last week was a gift. That's what running is to me now; a gift to be thankful for.

As I laced up my shoes I noticed all the little things I miss. The shape of my calf transitioning to the ankle high socks with the flecks of mud writing stories of past trail runs on them. The smell of shoes that only have another dozen or so runs to go, as my toes nestle into the ruts they've shaped over time.

I slid on my jacket and felt its smooth nylon sliding on my arms, followed by the 'whoosh...whoosh' it sounded with each stride toward the locker room door. After clipping my ipod to my hip and threading my earphone cord under my shirt, I hit 'play' and selected mellow music to start warming up my mind and body.

I stepped outside to a slight breeze and mixed greys across the sky like a canvas of a charcoal relief ready for color to be added. Feeling the pavement under my feet, I headed toward the trail of the day. The chill of an unseasonably cool spring day bit at my hands and face, waking me up like a dip in an alpine lake.

My first step on the trail was met with the distinct feeling of soggy bark and mud mixed and forced into a ridge by the last few people who'd run along that way. The ridge collapsed as my foot pushed it down and made a new print. Pieces of bark and mud made new patterns on the sides of my shoes.

I started walking to warm up my legs shortly before the skies opened up and big, plump raindrops began rolling down my head and chest. In a moment of childlike joy , I began running and smiling. Within a half-minute my head was drenched while droplets formed and rolled off my water resistant shell, still 'whoosh, whooshing'.

I switched the music to something powerful and driving and switched gears, running much faster. I felt my own inner power increase with the inspiration of the moment. "Thanks for coming out to play with me, God", I thought to myself. "This is fun, let's enjoy this together!"

Before the end of the song, I started feeling my lack of fitness. I slowed to a rhythmic footstrike feeling my feet squish the bark-mud under my feet, hearing my jacket and my breathing in syncopation.

A worship song came next, and I grew contemplative. I disappeared from this earth. The rhythm of my feet, breath, and jacket continued unconsciously while my mind wandered into the deep, finding sustenaince for the daily grind.

I neared the run's end, slowing to a walk and returning to reality. The rain had stopped. I felt slightly chilled on my skin with goosebumps on my legs, but warm in my body from the run. I laid down to stretch and begin the process of getting clean to return to work.

I felt washed, refreshed, and warmly relaxed.

That's what I've been missing...

Snowy fun for the Thompsons

2007-03-09T17:03:00.000-08:00

Sarah went skiing for her first time ever! Many thanks to Uncle Mike for watching Ethan and letting us go.

We had a great time together and really enjoyed the 1-on-1 time. Sarah was amazing and picked it up really quickly! She cuts a mean "pie-wedge" (what she likes to call the snowplow).

My favorite writer!

2007-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Tada!

Snow

2007-01-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

From our snowshoe hike to Trillium lake a few weeks ago. Ironically enough, the day before it snowed in Beaverton. P.S.- These pics are of us on top of Trillium lake. That is, we're standing/sitting on the ice where we've all been rafting/canoeing before.

One more Ethan Update

2007-01-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

See previous post and now add to the list...

We walked into Ethan's room this morning to get him out of his crib because we heard him chatting. He always wakes up chatting.

Anyway, Sarah stopped cold and gave him a big grin. I peeked around the corner to see him standing up holding himself against the crib and looking at us like, "how do I get out of this thing?"

So apparently in the space of 2 weeks he decided to figure out how to climb stairs, sign "more" and pull himself up. I just love watching him explore the world!

Ethan Update

2007-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

Realized I haven't been updating this spot with Ethan info lately... (no pics since I'm at work...on a break people, so go easy!) =)

In the last couple weeks he has...

Started signing "more" and is quite proud of himself when he does it too.
Figured out how to climb stairs with no help (time to put up the gate!)
Started waving consistently (mostly with fingers, so it's pretty cute to see his little fingers wave with no arm movement)
Tried to pull himself up on the couch
Started crawl/rolling off the couch
Started "walking" when we hold his hands. It's still pretty cute/funny as his legs flop out in front of him, but it's definitely a walking motion.

They sure pick up things quickly don't they?

On another note, we took him up for a snowshoe hike last Monday. It was gorgeous! We even sat on frozen Trillium lake for a quick snack and a photo-op. I'll try to post pics later. The funny thing was the snow followed us down the next day, but I'm still glad we went to the mountain with him.

-ET

The enemy within

2007-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Two nights ago was one of those odd nights when I woke up in the middle of the night with my mind running.

The thoughts I had have stuck with me these past two days and on the chance they mean something to those of my family and friends who frequent this site, here are a few of those thoughts. These were personal thoughts and I hope they won't come across as preachy or pretentious. They probably apply more toward guys in my circle, and finally, they may be a bit scattered (that's what comes of 3AM thoughts)...

I was thinking of my responsibility as a father and as a husband to raise God's standard over my home, to be a shield for my family, and to do the work of building God's kingdom. A tangible picture would be that of a military unit constructing a wall or fence for a perimeter and setting up camp within the perimiter. Within that perimeter there is the safety to rest and build strength.

Here's the point I and my brothers must consider as the "man of the house"- Have we invited elements into our homes which directly seek to tear down the kingdom of Christ, and to rob our wives and children of innocence and steal their peace?

On the surface it's only too obvious that we've failed as gatekeepers of our perimiters (the "we" being Christian men in our society, me included). Think about the music, movies, shows and books we have brought into our doors. These are now literally in our homes. The perimiter is breached and what's worse, we welcomed the enemy with open arms. Besides those, I haven't even mentioned the more subversive tools of the enemy in our thought-life and attitudes.

"Come on in, and take what you'd like! Make yourself comfortable!" Would we ever say that to someone who threatened our wife or children physically? Now we have to ask ourselves, have we done so with elements that would threaten them spiritually?

As I had these thoughts, I remembered the story of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18). The Israelites had welcomed the enemy and had set up "tents" for them. That is, they set up places of idol worship which were high up and were called the "high places". Hezekiah realized the nation needed to turn to the Lord and...(quoting from NIV ...2 Kings 18 3-5)

"3 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. 4 He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)
5 Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him."

Hezekiah literally tore down the elements inside his perimiter which were contrary to the kingdom of God. He went on the offense.

I am convicted of just the same need for action. It's a choice, and we can't fool ourselves. A choice not to act is a choice against God's kingdom as it is a choice to allow evil to gain a festering foothold in our homes. I simply can't bear the thought of choosing to expose my innocent son and pure wife to evil within my perimiter. So as Joshua so definitively said (Joshua 24:15)

"15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

So I'm now asking myself. Where are the high places I must go to and tear down the enemy's standard in order to raise that of Christ? At all costs I must protect the innocence and purity of my children and wife and offer them a safe perimeter to grow in and be nurtured. A place they can go out into the world from to minister to others' needs and always come back to for rest and safety.

So what must be done then? Remove anything that opposes Christ as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:4-6.

"4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete."

Amen?

Mad Scientist

2007-01-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

Mommy blow-dried my hair...can you tell?

Fill in the blank

2007-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Probably a little simplistic and egocentric to apply this to my inability to run the last 14 months, but it spoke to me about my frustrations with running and about life...

From My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)

"There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means, or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means. Never run before God's guidance. If ther is the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt- don't"

2006 - 2007

2006-12-31T21:48:00.000-08:00

T-minus 2 plus hours and counting, and in cliche fashion I'm sitting at the monitor, considering this past year and the next. These arbitrary sand-lines always seem odd to me. Will I really feel different at 12:00, when it's suddenly "2007"?

Still, being one who is given to linear-rational methods of thinking, these clean breaks help me gather myself and gauge my direction (or lack thereof).

Some free-form thoughts about 2006 and 2007 to come...

2006

Gap between 2 front teeth, cheeks puffed, eyes squinted and I can't get enough. Rising and falling on my chest to the slowing, mellowing breaths and droning hum. Baby baby boy, boy boy baby! My knees are tired, but I dare not stop...I don't want to stop.

You made me remember who I wanted to be, but it’s still in fleeting, misty fog. Through sun-breaks now and again I’m hit in the face with self loathing and remorse. I know who I’m not almost as well as who I am, but why is it so hard to reverse the two? When did I let myself get chained and when will I let myself be free? The vision of the other man haunts me. Does he lift me up or is he just taunting me? I have to know who he is. I have to know who he is! One day you’ll be him or me, but he’s so far away and I feel I’m on borrowed time. He’s waiting for me to meet him.

But I’m a dichotomy and I’m dragged through the details. Self-reliant, just wanting to fall into trust. Guarded, looking to connect. Selfish, driven by generosity. Lazy, energized by activity. Carefree, obsessed. Relaxed, on-edge.

Ahh, but that’s just too deep and we won’t go there. We know how the game works and it would be too dangerous to change the rules. Stick to the norms and enjoy the ride. The dirty little secret? We all want a little more, and it’s the same “more” we’re after. We just can’t let each other know for fear of …

But there are more mountains than valleys and it’s time to remember those.

So I’ll close my eyes, because you’re there. Your eyes bend the corner of my cheek. I know you don’t realize your complexion is identical to the color of grace. It’s purity and grace that clothe you and I still don’t know how it is that I belong next to beauty like yours. What bravery! Push! Pride swelling, heart melting, bumps tingling. The everyday knot in my throat feels so emotional, and I can’t figure out how to show it. It rests there but I know you see it sometimes. The words fail me and sometimes I fail the actions, but the knot never goes away. I only hope you know what I mean. I just wish I were better.

You remind me again who it is that I’m supposed to be. Love is a constant reminder. I have a family to love, 2007 is nearing. I now resolve this for 2007…to meet a man.

Crossing my fingers (and toes, and legs, and eyes, and...)

2006-11-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

Ran 4.2 miles yesterday without pain. My leg still aches frequently but it may not be directly related to running. Running itself doesn't hurt.

Of course I'm also getting up early every morning to do a half hour of stretching and icing, doing another half hour of stretching and icing at night, icing before I run, and going to physical therapy once or twice a week.

I told Sarah...if it gets me running, it's worth it!

I tend to jump ahead of myself in running too. I've run a grand total of 11 miles since I've started my therapy and already I'm thinking about whether I can start really training enough to be ready for a half-marathon next May.

It's nothing compared to the ultra-marathons I hope to do someday, but it's light years ahead of wondering whether I'd ever run again.

Keep praying for me!

My brain is running already

2006-11-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

I always know when I'm obsessing about running when the dreams start. They always involve me being back in a race or hard work-out and being nervous since I haven't been running in a while (see previous posts about my injuries).

Then in the dream I find out Im actually in pretty good shape and do really well. These dreams also usually include my high-school and college teammates running with me. The last two nights were no different. First I was running a trail ultra-marathon (anything 30 miles and up) with high-school teammates and I dominated, winning the race. Then last night I dreamt I was in a really tough hill workout with h.s. teammates again.

I still have daily pain in the leg, but the physical therapist has me trying running a little. It doesn't seem to be the act of running that hurts, so that might be a good sign. I've been surprised to find how excited I am just to get to run 2 or 3 milers (when I've done more than 33).

It's true what they say..."you don't know what you've got until it's gone". I want to run so passionately I'm not even sure I could describe it...

That's a sa-picy Cookie!

2006-10-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

***editor's note. Several folks have commented that I need to explain one piece of this story. (for those who have read the story, the chocolate chips were in the same cupboard as the paprika, thus they were themselves "paprika chocolate chips").

Now that we are so richly blessed with Ethan in our lives, Sarah and I try a little harder to connect from time to time.

Tonight we decided to make some home-made cookies. Sarah found a recipe on-line and we gave it a go. Ooey gooey chocolate chip goodness or something like that...

We realized we didn't have quite enough chocolate chips, and didn't have any desire to miss out on the ooey or the gooey. Really, can you get enough of either?

Sarah remembered we had some old chips in the cupboard. I call this the baking cupboard (I'm not claiming to be clever, so just go with it). We have sugar, corn-starch, flour, baking powder (not to be confused with baking soda I've learned!).

(I realize Jim and Mike are already chuckling at my classic overtelling of this story, so let's move it forward). To give the full effect of our experience I should also share that the baking cupboard contains our collection of spices in addition to the ingredients mentioned before.

After Sarah stirred in the chocolate chips I helped myself to a finger of dough (with a chip or two of course!) This was followed by me tasting my own after-bite breath, another of Sarah's favorite habits of mine, though another word might be "quirk". I ascertain the ingredient list to a recently chewed item, by "tasting" my breath. You can make fun of me later. "Uh-oh, baby" I said. "I think the chips taste like chili powder!"

We decided I might just be a little crazy and we cooked the cookies. (Who ever made up that name anyway? Couldn't they have been more clever than to say..."we cook them, let's call them cookies"?)

After I pulled the warm cookies from the oven Sarah and I took a big whiff and let out a big sigh. There was a definite pungency to the kitchen. I dug around the spices and we discovered the culprit...Paprika in a baggy. All the other spices are in hard containers (let this be a lesson to you!)

Now you'd think we would throw the cookies away. You'd be wrong! We were set on having some cookies, paprika be darned!

So we got milk and a few cookies , brought them upstairs and popped in a DVD. We giggled with each ooey, gooey, chocolaty, paprika-y, bite. We were tempted to be bummed when we realized we'd have to throw out a bowl of dough from the fridge, but then we realized we got exactly what we wanted out of the experience...

We laughed. We spent time together. We enjoyed each-other's company. We made a memory.

I'd like to say we discovered the secret recipe that will take the world by storm. Let's just settle on "We made a memory" and call it good.

Great Pics Uncle Mike!

2006-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mike for some great pics...

A boy and his dog

2006-10-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

See bottom for the pic related to the title. In the meantime, here are a few fun pics Sarah took Monday in the back-yard

What, we're lounging...just pass the chips will ya?

I will run run run, I will run run

2006-09-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Update in the ongoing effort to become a runner again...

So far I've tried stretching, icing, and anti-inflammatories. I've worked with the chiropractor, a masseuse, an orthopedic specialist (who had me get an MRI and try orthotics), and now have begun working with a physical therapist (sorry, Trent, should have probably gone this route earlier).

The PT thinks my problems might be more related to my back than my hip, so I need to work on posture for the next week as well as do some back arching exercises. Then we'll work on the hip and buttocks (which both ache all the time.)

15 months of pain in my leg and counting...

What is it that keeps me going?

Maybe it's insanity? I picture myself in agony as I try to complete the Western States 100 (a 100 mile race). I can see myself exhausted from the heat and the miles, desperate to quit, but determined to finish. That's my motivation.

Maybe it's a love for the woods? I see myself solo-ing the Wonderland trail (90 miles) with a support crew (Mike, Jim, Trent...I'll be asking for help). I can feel the loneliness of the trail at 2AM and smell the misty, moonlit forest air. I see myself tripping on a root, scraping off my bloodied knee, then continuing on, only to finish a grueling run that maybe 8 or 9 people might ever know I did. That's my motivation.

Maybe it's the dream of sharing a deep connection? I envision Ethan and I getting up at 6AM for a Sunday morning run. We let the morning rain cleanse us while we drift along the trails, content in our thoughts and occasionally sharing thoughts. That's my motivation.

Whatever it takes!

Santa Barbara

2006-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Had a great time in SB visiting family. Ethan got to spend a week with Grandpa Thompson, Great Grandma, great aunts, cousins (first cousins once removed?) etc...

LOVED that the ocean is warm enough to get in!

A year in blogs

2006-08-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

I really liked Jim's blog today. I realized what a great year it's been. Though a few things haven't gone how I'd like them too (still not running) a lot of things have been wonderful this year.

Copying Jim's format, here is the year in blogs. Interesting to see what themes I was thinking about. Jim's is more event driven (I like that he captured memories). Mine seems to be more about whatever I was focused on at the time...

Remembering Coaches
Toronto trip
Hip pain
"Running from the core"
Meeting strangers
Time with my buddies Mike and Jim (REI gear sale)
Trail running in Portland
Waiting for Ethan (when he was an 'it')
Finding out Ethan would be a boy
Running at the beach with Sarah's support
Planning for a long run (which never happened)
Running in the wilderness (favorite run ever)
Craziness with Mike and Jim late at night (soccer in the rain at 10PM)
Roy gets philosophical
Becky's a great sister-in-law
Christmas is coming!
Thinking about who I am (I'm serious and I'm silly)
Hip pain and preparing for Ethan's arrival
Hip pain and feeling Ethan move
Waiting for Ethan and hip pain
Ethan arrives (in my dream)
Ethan arrives (for real)
Pictures of Ethan
Ethan growing
Hiking with Jim
Frustration with my leg pain
Groping for answers about my leg
Enjoying watermelon lemonade with Sarah
Trying anything for my leg (fish oil, glucosamine, vitamin e, etc...)
Jim/Trent run a marathon
Ethan's first beach trip
Vacation in Sun River
Busy times at work and at home

Busy

2006-08-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just noticed I haven't blogged in a month (to the day). I've thought about it many times, but I've been too busy most times and not motivated to write when I do have free time.

Since my last entry, Ethan has had a couple giggle-fits. I love those and act pretty silly trying to find what I can do to get him to giggle. He gives me a look now that says "what are you going to do to get me to laugh this time Daddy?" It's so fun getting to interact with him now.

Next week we're going on a road trip to Santa Barbara to introduce him to my dad's side of the family, so that will be a lot of fun.

I'm getting an MRI this week to see if they can find out why my leg keeps hurting and whether I can get back to running (what this blog was initially going to be about until I couldn't do it for a while)

Other things going on (lame blog I guess, but I had to find a way to keep from going over a month with nothing here...)

House got resided and will be painted this/next week
Duplex getting painted
Myrna's apartments getting all kinds of work
Ethan getting bigger by the day and learning something new each day
Ethan in the swimming pool a few times (splashing and exploring new experiences)
Carson and Ethan playing in the Sunday nursery
Henry born!
Camping with Jim
Some golf (to the point where about 65% of my 9-hole rounds I'm under 50, the other 35% seems to be off-days where I'm all the way up around 53-56)
Doing a stretch assignment at work which means I'm doing a different job for a while (busy times, but halfway through the 6 month stretch)
7th anniversary and excited for more!

Sun, Mountains, and Rivers, Oh My!

2006-07-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

I love vacation. In about 2 hrs I'm heading to Sun River (Central Oregon) for 9 days of hiking, rafting, golfing, resting, reading, gathering, etc...

Ahhhh, Calgon, take me away.......

A few new pics

2006-06-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

I've been chastised for not posting some new Ethan pics in a while. Here's a few fun ones!

Carson and Ethan (aka Larry and Mo) looking for trouble...
Tidepools and Bjorn drool
I love it at Oma's house! Seriously, sandals and hat. How cool am I?

Does this mean it's working?

2006-05-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

The continuing (mini)saga of my bum left leg.

I had a great hike/run on Sunday with Jim. We went up Table Mtn on the Washington side of the Gorge. We ran about half and hiked (though at a good clip) about half. Needless to say, I am sore today.

Not sure if it was being hopped up on Naproxen (generic Aleve) or if it was the method of alternating walking and running, but my leg did pretty well. I don't mind the dull ache of soreness, it's the accute pain I have to watch out for when I run.

In the meantime, I read in the latest edition of Trail Runner magazine about the benefits of several supplements. You've likely heard of anti-oxidants which fight anything from arthritis to cancer (no sarcasm here.) They "eat" free radicals, which as I recall from my Organic Chem days are cells with an unpaired electron. The cell then keeps grabbing electrons and making a lot of other cells unstable. Bottom line: Tissue damage.

I read about a couple other supplements as well which help with tissue regeneration and joint lubrication. All this to say, Sarah good-naturedly helped me find several supplements yesterday so I could try one more thing in the battle to get my leg to heal.

One of those supplements is fish oil. Can I just say burping up the taste of fish bait all morning has not been fun! I don't like "fishy" taste to begin with, so this has been doubly disturbing for me. I just hope my fish-burps mean the supplements are working!

Watermelon Crawl

2006-05-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I love my wife.

The other day Sarah decided to make Watermelon Lemonade. I figured "yum" so I was all for it.

She cut up the watermelon and blended it with sugar and a few strawberries. It was at this point she realized she needed to strain the pulp out of the watermelon juice and we didn't have anything thin enough to strain it with.

Brilliantly - but not before some experimentation with the cheese grater - we decided she could use paper towels. She draped one over the pitcher and poured pureed watermelon over the towel. Then she watched and waited. Waited, waited. I stretched for a run, and she waited. Finally came the acknowledgement this was going to take a while.

I suggested a watermelon/lemon smoothie, but Sarah would have none of it. She decided she'd wring the juice through the paper towel. So one at a time, she'd place the paper towl, pour some puree on it, wring it, and go to the next towel.

After about 10 minutes I gave up trying to convince her to just make a smoothie since I could see she was determined. At about 15 minutes, with Sarah still wringing watermelon pith, with drops of juice all over the counter, and with watermelon rinds and microwaved lemons all over the kitchen, the camel's back broke, and suddenly my mind grasped the humor of the moment.

I started giggling as I stretched on the kitchen floor. Sarah started giggling and suddenly a frustrating experience was a memory. I love my little "Martita".

Oh, and the lemonade was great! Should be a fun summer treat if I buy her a citrus juicer and a small strainer!

My left stilt

2006-05-04T09:23:00.000-07:00

For a long time now I've had a recurring dream once every few months. I am either running or walking and every time I step with my left leg it is about a foot longer than my right leg. In the dream this causes me to walk with an exaggerated, strange limp. I lift up high on my left leg as though I were stepping up on a stilt, and nearly pause at the top. Then I crash down on my right leg and keep going. It's a bit like a square tire might make a car look. Lift, thump, lift, thump, lift, thump...

I finally decided to get myself checked out by an orthopedic specialist since I've had so many problems in my left leg (which I thought were caused by my hamstrings and/or IT band). Turns out my left leg might be about 1/4 inch longer than my right. Now it's on to more specialists.

The orthopedic sent me to the orthotics guy, he'll send me to a PT, and back to the orthopedic to reasess. We'll try orthotics and PT, and if that doesn't help it's on to MRI's and injections of isotopes to see what's going on in there.

As annoying as it is to play the bureaucratic insurance/referral game, I'm still relieved that I haven't heard anyone utter the words "you should stop running" and I feel like I may have finally begun my journey to recovery.

Anything has to be better to the 24 hour a day pain I have had in my leg for most of the last 6 months.

IT = Stupid

2006-04-28T09:43:00.000-07:00

IT bands (or whatever it is that feels like rotting acid in my leg) are really stupid.

Jeremy Riddle is really cool.

Someday I pray my leg will heal (8 months and still counting) and I will be running in the wilderness early in the morning, topping out on a ridge with the sun coming up. Jeremy Riddle's "At the cross" will come up on my Mp3 player and I will stop to enjoy the moment.

I'm having serious doubts this will happen though...

The opposite of Funless

2006-03-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday Jim and I took what was one of the least funless hikes I've ever had. (Jen/Mike, before you get all booky on me, Jim and I decided it's a word and I opted for the double negative intentionally.)

We drove down to the Bull of the Woods wilderness around the Sawmill Falls area where I like to go fairly often.

We drove to the Henline Mtn trailhead where it had just snowed the night before. The trees were dusting us with their dropping snow as we grabbed a few things out of the car. We laughed a little as bits of snow fell down the other guy's neck.

About a half hour into the hike we got to a viewpoint and decided to stash our snowshoes. We'd carried them to that point, and with the snow only a few inches deep we decided to leave them. Should have known that would be a foreshadowing. Sure enough, 10 minutes later and we were taking turns leading the way. Fortunately there wasn't much of a crust layer of snow. It was mostly powder so the "assumption flex" never came too much into play.

We followed the trail pretty well for quite a while, chatting and enjoying the beautiful scenery. There aren't many things as wonderful as a fir/pine forest freshly painted white with snow. Apparently we enjoyed the scenery too much, as we eventually couldn't decide if we were still on the trail or not. That'll happen when there are 3 feet of snow covering the ground.

We started picking our own route up the mtn. Something happened along the way, and the day became less about getting to the top of Henline mtn and more about two boys playing in the woods. We definitely became just that...a couple 28 year old boys.

We came out of the trees, spotted a ridgeline and decided we should attempt to "purchase" it.
Problem: when you attempt to climb straight up an exposed face of a steep ridge with 5 ft deep snow, and no snowshoes, it can be quite difficult.
Solution: Laugh yourself silly by watching your hiking buddy look foolish trying to gain a couple inches up the hill with each step.

The only effective method we found was to lift your foot as high as possible, so it was lined up in front of your chest. Follow that motion by beginning to place your weight on the uphill foot, and it will sink and slide in the snow until it is 3 to 8 inches higher than the downhill foot. At that point you will likely have enough packed snow to step up and repeat with the other foot.

For about an hour or so we comically pieced our way up various pieces of the ridge. Each time we'd reach a sheer rock wall, the foot lift method would fail (since the face was vertical so the snow couldn't pack down on it), opt for the next runout over, try it again, and get stopped. At one point, I think I mentioned to Jim this was the most futile hike I'd ever been involved in.

Funny thing is at that same moment I realized it was also one of the least funless (as mentioned before). It was in the middle of getting nowehere that we realized we didn't care. We were having too much fun. So we decided to slide back down the ridge, and stop for a quick lunch.

After lunch the fun began again. First we still had plenty of work to do to get off the ridge face we were on. Jim didn't make it any easier when he pushed me backwards and I had to catch myself. Again, since we were in little boy mode, I found the whole thing hilarious and vowed to get him back (his day will come).

We hiked off the ridge face, but not before sinking in to my chest once or twice. When we got back to the trail, we decided it was too soon and too fun to go back, so we went on to the other side of the ridge hoping to find the way up Henline mtn.

Once again we got to a dead end. This time it was a steep rock wall (not vertical) with a couple saplings and again, plenty of snow. We decided to attempt to climb it. We had a little more success, grabbing the saplings and picking our way up. We got to the top of a pile of rock, saw that we were not close to the top of Henline mtn, enjoyed the view, and headed back down.

By the time we reached the car the snow at the trailhead had melted. All in all, the hike was perfectly timed. We didn't reach any of our intended goals and it was perfect.

Already growing.

2006-03-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

So our little giant is already getting bigger. At his 2 week checkup he'd already gained almost a pound, and had gained .75 inches (I doubt that, I'm thinking the hospital shortchanged his height measurement). As of last Thurs he was 10 lbs 8 oz, and 22.5 inches long. Both are in the 97th percentile! Ridiculous!!

Sleeping soundly...

Too Cool for school

Best nap ever...

Deep love

2006-02-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

He's too cute...I'm hooked!

Ethan David #2

2006-02-21T16:06:00.000-08:00

see previous post for more...

Just relaxing
Happy boy
Mama relaxes me
I'm going home!

Ethan David Thompson has joined the family!

2006-02-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

A few notes, and then some pictures!

Ethan David Thompson joined us after Sarah went through a pretty successful labor. The problem came when she pushed for 3 hours and he wasn't budging.

It turned out that he was facing the sky (the nose is supposed to point the other way). This meant his 15 inch head wasn't going to make it the "normal" way (you read that right...14 inches is considered large already).

So Ethan David joined us via c-section, and it turned out he was 10 lbs 1 oz!! Whoah! Very surprising! The doctor had guessed he'd be 8 lbs.

Here are some pictures...

Showing him to Sarah for the first time...

getting measured and weighed (21.75 inches, 15 inch head, 10 lbs 1 oz). What a chub!

Kissing Mama for the first time

meeting Oma.

who's your daddy?

Still no baby in real life, but he almost came in my dreams

2006-02-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

Well, little baby-T still hasn't joined us. We are now officially at DD+1 (due date +1).

Last night I rolled over and looked at the clock and it said 4:02AM. I must have only half fallen asleep right after that, and had one of those half-dream, half-awake incrediby vivid dreams. The ones where you don't realize you're even dreaming until a few moments after you wake up.

In the dream I had fallen asleep just after 4AM with my hand on Sarah's stomach. All of a sudden her stomach poked out really far because she was having a huge contraction. Her stomach itself was contorting, which now that I'm awake seems obviously exaggerated.

Still in the dream, Sarah was saying "ow, ow, ow" through her teeth. My brain kicked into gear, and without thinking, I reminded her to focus on her breathing, and we started counting the breaths as I helped her unclinch her fists and relax her shoulders. I noticed that I was so tired that I couldn't open my eyes. I just kept counting her through her breaths with my eyes closed, and that's when I realized, I couldn't open my eyes because I was asleep and dreaming.

Back in reality, I rolled over and thought "nuts, he's not coming yet." I had been so excited to finally meet my little friend, my son. Just have to wait a little bit longer, but I know it will be more than worth the wait!

No baby / No running

2006-02-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

No baby yet. He's making all the "alien in the belly" movements, but apparently our little guy isn't quite ready to see the outside world. Soon, very soon!

Also no running to speak of. My left leg just isn't cooperating, between my hamstring and my IT band, it's a no go, so this week it's more swimming, biking, lifting, and icing for me.

miscellaneous

2006-02-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well our little man is coming any day now. Last night I was pushing on Sarah's belly and could feel his little feet (I think). It's so fun that I can talk to him and push at him and he'll start moving around. Can't wait until I get to interact with him on the "outside"!

Ran yesterday and it's now been 4 or 5 runs in a row with no pain in my knee. Still going very short mileage, but I'm slowly getting encouraged. I still hope to get out on the trails again to do some 20-40 milers by late summer/early fall. I like running at night with the reflective vest and the little arm light I have. There's something mysterious to it and it's a nice feeling knowing there aren't many others willing to do what you're doing.

We're mostly moved into the new house. Haven't put up any picture frames yet, so things are a little stark, but I'm loving the place. It fits us well and feels like our home already. No buyers' remorse here!

For those of you wondering what our son's name will be, here's a hint: It's Samuel, Tyler or Ethan. Thought I'd give it away didn't you!

Chores vs Trail Running

2006-01-17T10:06:00.000-08:00

I was just reading an old post of mine about one of my most memorable runs. Right now I can only run a few days a week (and only 4 miles at a time), but I'm slowly on the comeback. At least I'm running at all!

I just keep thinking about being able to have the freedom to drive to the woods and spend a day running on the trails, letting them wash away any tension and stress.

My mind is drifting there since I've got a laundry list of chores right now. We've got a baby coming in less than 4 weeks (whoah!). That has given me a large list of to-do's on it's own, but then we're moving to a new house next week, we're trying to get new tenants to backfill when we move out of the duplex, and on it goes.

When the thoughts start getting overwhelming I close my eyes, and picture myself running on the trails. Just have to keep praying that my injuries stay away!

In the meantime, I better stop writing and call some pediatricians to see if we can add our coming son to their patient list...

Who I Am

2005-12-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm finally blogging again. Don't know why I haven't found the motivation to write for a while.

I've been stuck in a struggle to figure out whether I want to write more like Theodemos, and share my deep and genuine thoughts, or whether to take Mike's approach and keep it fun and personal.

One of the things I enjoy most in life is having long conversations about the Spiritual, Philosophical, and Scientific interpretations of the universe we live in. It stimulates my mind and is something I'm passionate about. Some of my favorite memories come from these moments of sharing ideas and ideals.

My dad and I would lay awake for hours in the woods, staring at the stars and discussing the vastness of the universe. We have different viewpoints about many things. We've never seen eye to eye on matters of politics, but in those chilly nights under a curtain of twinkling lights we both knew that agreeing who should be president didn't matter so much as the wonder we shared about who we are and why we're here. In those moments I found the joy of open dialogue rather than passionate debate. I also grew to own my faith and learned to share it openly with others who did not share it.

My mom and I would talk about God until the late hours of the night, and sometimes even the early hours of the morning. I wanted to hear all about my maker and savior, and even at a young age would discuss the meaning of various scriptures. I see now that those engaging dialogues were teaching moments the Lord was using to mold my mind and heart. He was working through them and helping my mom to raise me in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

I'm not just a serious guy though. I'm downright silly if you catch me at the right moment. I usually let my shyness hide that, but ask my wife what home is like and more likely than not, she'll mention we share a lot of laughter.

I'm still the little boy enjoying my adventures in the woods with my buddies. I love thinking back to all the hikes, campouts, mountain climbs, snowshoeing, rock hopping, river swimming, running, golfing, and snow caving we've shared together.

It's also true that sharing our experiences is what makes them so much more wonderful. I get a kick out of reading Mike's, and Jim's daily thoughts and what they've been up to. In fact, I'm sure Oswald Chambers would likely say it's in the sharing of the mundane and ordinary events that you find your real friends.

Anyone can enjoy the mountaintop, but I know Trent is important to me when I think it's cute that Carson has fuzz growing on his head. I know Mike is a great friend and brother when I laugh at his story about how he's "daddy" when Becky talks for Lily and "papa" when Becky talks to Lily. I see how grateful I am to have added Jim to my "inner circle" when I enjoy his memories of childhood in Maine and how everything seems so different now that he's gone back as an adult.

I guess I'm the serious and the silly guy, and will have to give myself freedom to write about both. Today I will think about whether the mainstream media in our nation is biased to the left or whether I am biased to the right (is it both?) and I will enjoy a homemade cinnamon role. I will try to keep my commitment to spend time in God's word and in prayer and I will see an old friend who is in town. I will be upset that our world is so materialistic we seem to have forgotten what Christmas means and I will play a computer game.

I am serious and silly, and I love both worlds.

25 reasons to love life!

2005-11-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season. I just read an interesting (pretty tough) article on gift giving, but that got me thinking about the joys of the season...

In no particular order (25 for the 25 days of December leading to Christmas)...
1.) Fireside cuddling, (especially while watching...)
2.) Christmas movies!
-White Christmas
-The Grinch (both Jim Carrey, and the old cartoon version)
-Muppet Christmas Carol
-A Christmas story ('you'll shoot you're eye out!')
-Family Man (with Nicholas Cage)
-While You Were Sleeping ("Ceasar Romero was tall")
3.) "Hot Drink" (Chai, Hot Chocolate, Apple Cider)
4.) Tree decorating at mom's
5.) Tree decorating at our house
6.) Cutting down the tree with family
7.) German Christmas treats (lebkuchen)
8.) Picture of our dog in reindeer antlers (with bells on)
9.) Decorating the house
10.) Yummy candles
11.) Waking my wife up before she wants to get up on Christmas morning!
12.) Christmas breakfast (mmm, French toast and hot chocolate)
13.) Christmas dinner (mmm, Smoked turkey and mashed potatos)
14.) Exchanging ornaments with my wife
15.) Christmas music!
16.) Advent calendars with chocolate in them
17.) Christmas breakfast for our beagle
18.) My mom and my wife's mom stuffing a stocking for our beagle =)
19.) Somber candle services
20.) Joyous church celebrations!
21.) Christmas carols
22.) Snow
23.) Giving gifts
24.) Christmas eve evenings (time with family, early gifts, late movies and talking)!
25.) Jesus, our savior was born!!

What do I know? I'm just a guy!!

2005-10-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I had a good laugh last night. It was one of those times when two people are both in a giggly mood and everything becomes funny. So when I shared a silly story about something I had done earlier in the day we were both laughing to the point of tears.

What is it about us guys that makes us so inable to communicate emotions anyway?

Context first. You see, I'm about to run in my first 50 mile race. This in itself is a bit silly, since I've never run a race longer than 10 miles (that's another story, and don't worry...I've done training runs much longer than 10 miles).

I'm actually pretty nervous about this race, since it will be new territory and I don't know whether my body will hold up long enough to let me finish or what pain I might experience along the way. Since I'm a little nervous I am excited to have any friends and family come to help support and cheer me on.

It was in that context that I found out my sister-in-law had asked to remove herself from a commitment she had so she could come and cheer for me. You know the thing about how "actions speak", so when she did this it made me feel really good. Well that's nice, but then comes me being a dopey guy.

I wanted to let her know how much it meant to me (and also to let her know I'd be running for most of the day and that she shouldn't stand in the cold for the whole thing). My plan was something like this...

Give her a big hug and tell her what a 'warm fuzzy' it gave me that she wanted to come support me, and tell her she's a great person.. What really happened...I pinched her on the elbow and said something like "Hey stinker, I heard you're coming to the race".

Doh! Seriously, I'm pretty sure the next generation of "Everybody Loves Raymond" will be loosely focused on my inability to tell people how I feel about them. It'll be something like "He said / He said".

Example: When he said "hey stinker", he meant, "you're so special to me" and when he said "I heard you're coming" he meant "wow, I'm so blessed that you care!" It'll be a witty, lighthearted, feel-good view of the male mind, and the women who are forced to translate what comes out of that mind.

On the flip side, after I shared this story with Sarah and we laughed about it, I realized how thankful I am that I can share things so easily with her. Now if she can help me get better at sharing with everyone else!

Things that make you go "hmmmm"

2005-10-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

I like being reminded what I should be focused on...

Today it is on the purpose and function of the church and on where my energy should be. Thanks to a good friend I have some things to think about today. Here's hoping I can keep some perspective and not let work stress me out and distract me too much today!

Soccer anyone?

2005-10-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Been having hard time coming up with blog material since I've been really busy at work lately.

Last weekend was pretty fun. Jim, Mike and I hung out at Jim's house for "stupid guy movie night". We laughed a lot and played goofy games like who can stand on their head the longest. I lost with about 3 seconds. Never have been able to do a handstand/headstand.

Trent came by with Carson, and we were like something out of a movie. 4 20-somethings and a little baby. He is the cutest little guy, and every time I see him I start daydreaming about the little boy who will be part of our family next February (he's kicking like a champ these days too!)

Jim, Mike, and I took turns dancing Carson around the room to keep him quiet, while Trent enjoyed a root beer and watching Carson hang out on guys night with his "uncles". I can't wait until we get to take him on more guy adventures (camping, hiking, more dumb movies, etc...)

After Trent left, Mike decided we were going to go play soccer in the dark and the rain. We had a pretty good time, but of course that leads me to the fact that it wasn't the best idea for me to be out late, running around, the night before a race. The next morning I got to my race 10 minutes before it started because I had misunderstood the start time. I raced horribly, but it was a good mental exercise in toughness and persistence.

This weekend we'll hang out with friends/family again for the 7th annual Thompson Harvest Party. It would be fun someday to own a little barn and make a big deal out of it. Dancing, bobbing for apples, hay rides, yadayada. It's the simple things in life that are so fun!

Western Chicken Burger....Western Chicken Burger...

2005-10-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

I went for a great run on Saturday. I've been reading a lot about other people's experiences with "ultra" running and the emotional and physical roller-coaster experiences they've gone through. What has appealed to me is the idea that running really far seems to have the effect of stripping away people's protective layers, and showing them who they really are.

That and it's just really cool to be in the woods and get a lot of views in one day.

I went to Bull of the Woods Wilderness and started my run on the south end (about a 45 minute drive from Salem, OR). It's a nice area, with old-growth Fir and several creeks just made for boulder hopping, and swimming in the summer.

It was a little chilly, and the first 8 miles were a steady uphill (not steep...about 2500 ft over 10 miles). Something about continuously climbing for that distance, the rocky footing, and my being slightly chilled started to get to me. When I got to a saddle (by Battle Ax peak and Beachie Saddle), I took a quick break to check the map and put on my jacket.

It was so strange, but that little break, putting on my jacket, and a Tiger's Milk bar completely changed things for me. It helped that I was now running downhill too (though the trail was still really rocky).

Soon I got to Elk Lake, and some flat ground! I didn't care much that I was on a gravel road, and was happy to be nearing my half-way mark (later I would realize this was not halfway, but rather something like mile 13 of 33). In my relief that I was not lost (I had a few question marks in my head on that), and was on flat ground I accidentally missed the next trailhead.

A little less than 2 miles down the road I started really wondering what was up, so I stopped to pull out the map. I had to do this many times during the day, since the trails were not well marked and were often pretty overgrown. Taking the pack off was a bit of a chore since it involved an intricate dance with my headphones, and 50% of the time they seemed to get tangled with my arm and pack. I was pretty bummed to realize I had strayed and added about 3.5 miles to my day.

When I did find the trailhead I found that I was (for the first time in about 16-ish miles) finally on nice pine-needle carpeted trail in thick woods.

Eventually I stopped at a creek to get some more water, munch on my second energy bar and stretch. I started up again and ended up on more rocky trail pretty quickly, but had some great views as I headed down toward the north side of the wilderness and came close to a place I'd camped before by Welcome Lakes.

I started up trail "573" - none of the trails have names. They're all just numbered, and they each have one small sign. Very easy to miss, so I had many earphone dance removals of my pack to access my map throughout the day.

Trail 573 should really be called "Steep Rocky Rhododendron Branch Game Trail". See, this name would tell people like me what to expect. That is people who just up and say, "I think I can run 30+ miles in the wilderness". Then we might shorten our plans by a few miles, or bring more food for the journey. It was on trail 573 where I started realizing my day was going to take a lot longer than I expected, that I didn't have enough food or drink with me, and that I needed to start walking more. The walking part came naturally since the trail was so steep.

It was also on trail 573 that I started intermittently clapping and making noises with my voice. This was because I realized I was on a trail that nobody uses and there are mountain lions around the area. I figured I didn't want to surprise them, or a bull elk. I'm sure I looked a little silly, and if you'd seen me I suppose you'd think I was getting my groove on to my mp3 player. Then again, the weary look of my face might have just made you think I was a loony tune to avoid.

Either way, I made it up to Twin Lakes, where I should have filled my water bottle, but didn't. After Twin Lakes I climbed up to Silver King mtn, and then Whetstone mtn. I followed a nice ridgeline for a while and seemed to be getting my momentum back, but the trail was still rocky, and I was getting tired.

By Whetstone mtn, I was getting really down. I was hungry to the point of being lightheaded and my arms and hands were tingling. My legs were tired and I could only run for about 5 minutes at a time. I had taken about 1.5 hrs longer than expected and still had a ways to go. I pulled out the map one more time (and grumbled at my headphones).

As I went to put on my pack again, I bent down and felt sore and tired. I think I said something like "ooey wooey" and let out a sigh. Now I hadn't seen a single person all day...about 30 miles at this point. As I put on my pack, I turned to see a young couple approaching from another trail I had just passed. I was too tired to be very embarrassed, and exchanged a polite hello before moving on. A while later I realized I should have asked for some food from them, but then I don't know if I would have done that had I thought of it.

It was at this point when I started walking even the downhills. I tried to run, because I knew Sarah would be nervous by now, having not heard from me. I was just so tired, lightheaded and hungry. The trip down from Whetstone mtn took much longer than I expected and I was feeling really low. I suddenly got this image of the Carl's Junior western chicken sandwich and it's all I could think of. Having sweated out electrolytes all day I could just taste the salty burger...mmm. I just kept seeing the sandwich and wishing so desperately to be done. I was pretty sure I didn't want to run for a long time after this.

It started raining lightly when I finally made it back to the road and knew that I only had a quarter mile to go. I got to the car and put on clean, dry cotton clothes. There's nothing so nice as clean, dry cotton after a long backpacking trip or a hard run. It's honestly part of what kept me going, knowing I had my cotton friends (undies, socks, shirt, pants) waiting for me at the car. I swilled down a carbonated juice drink, started munching on pretzels, and felt a wonderful sense of satisfaction.

Then I started wondering where my next long run would be...

Oh, and I did go get that Carl's Jr burger. Forgot my credit card and had to go back to get it too.

White fur wishes and long mile dreams

2005-10-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

I can't think of much to write, yet I feel the need to blog since my friends will probably quit checking in if there's no new content.

So...I'm wearing a dark blue fleece today which is a bit of a faux-pas in my house. This is because we have a tri-colored beagle. Translation: White dog hair and dark fleece do not mix.

Well actually, they mix rather well, and that is the point. People at work today must think my body is somehow shedding little fuzzy white hairs. That or PETA is going to be all over me for wearing a Beagle-fur jacket. If you see a sad man walking home with red paint thrown on his blue fleece with a few white hairs on it, you know it's one of two things....Me after being assaulted by PETA, or a really misguided, patriotic soul (get it, red, white, and blue. You see what I did there was....)

Decided today I'm going to run a 50 mile race on November 6th. I probably actually decided this a long time ago, but finally had the guts to admit it to myself today. If I can run it in under 9 hrs I can qualify for the Western States 100. My mom thinks I'm nuts and may die...I assured her I won't die and that I've been researching how to train for this stuff. I can't convince her I'm not nuts though.

In the meantime I can't decide if I'm more excited for the race itself or for what fun it will be to have my family and friends there to support me and try to share their energy with me to help me finish.

More to come!

My Best Friend

2005-10-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

What is your idea of a good friend?

Would it be someone who would give up a Saturday to support you in your need? Would they stand in the rain on your account and never complain? Maybe they would be the one who made sure you had a warm cup of soup waiting for you when you came out of the cold. They might sit in a car for a couple hours so you'd have a dry set of clothes waiting for you.

Now how about if your "need" was really just a whim? If you just felt like going for a 23-ish mile jaunt down the coast, would your friend sacrifice their Saturday to help you do it? If so you're lucky, and like me, you might want to marry that special friend.

Saturday I got to enjoy one of my favorite activities; running in the rain through dense forests and on cliffs overlooking the Pacific. It was outstanding, and I ran farther than I have before. In the meantime my wife, and my buddies' wives - my friends Mike and Jim ran too - were keeping each other company in the rain while they waited for us and served as our "aid stations". We had extra drinks and snacks for the trip, as well as dry shirts and jackets.

Lots of fun, very beautiful, and the scenery was nice too ;-)
Thanks Sarah!!

My Buddy

2005-09-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I got blog-scooped (blooped?) by Jim, but as can be seen on his site, Sarah and I are having a boy!

I really was excited about having a boy or a girl, and had been dreaming about the joys either would bring (our beatiful girl who would make my heart hurt from loving her so much, or our funny boy who would make me laugh). As soon as the ultrasound technician pointed "it" out to us I started beaming! Instantly I pictured my little buddy.

Right away, the thoughts poured in...I'm going to show him how to skip rocks, and why it's fun to be in the woods. I'll wipe up his scrapes, and tell him to stop bringing frogs in the house. I pictured my little man learning how to honor his mother and how to treat girls. His first kiss, the time he blew milk out his nose from laughing so hard. Oh, and who will ever forget the time when he was 3 that he went poo in front of everyone at a wedding reception...Just dropped his drawers 'cause he had to go (ok that was me...you can ask my mom, it's one of her favorite stories)

We don't have the name anywhere near figured out, so we have to keep thinking on that one, but I can see him already when I close my eyes. He's got his mom's deep, beautiful, brown eyes, my cowlicky hair, her cute feet, and my fingers.

I won't see him for 20 more weeks and already I'm sappy beyond belief...

Can't wait to see you baby!

2005-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Two nights ago I was doing my stretches and then icing my legs to make sure I can keep running. While I sat on the floor with frozen veggies icing my hips and "buns" (by the way...if you're going to ice as much as me, probably a good idea to buy ice packs rather than have to throw away veggies...seriously would you want to eat veggies after you'd iced your legs with them dozens of times?)

So as I sat defiling two bags of veggies, Sarah said...come put your hand on my tummy. I leaned over and put my palm on her stomach when- boop! - I felt a little poke like her stomach bubbled under my hand.

I was so shocked I didn't know what to say. For the first time I'd felt the little life Sarah and I are bringing to the world. Two days later and here I am thinking about it every 5 minutes. I touched my baby (sort of) for the first time!

Now today Jen will likely bring her baby to the world. Yay for baby T #1, and now I can't wait for baby T #2!!

Doh!

2005-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've never run on the Wildwood trail before. I've often lamented the fact there are so few trails to run where we live, and that I'm forced to run on the roads.

I got up early this morning and drove through the fog to find the trailhead of the Wildwood trail on Newberry road. I actually managed to run 18 miles without hip pain, and felt really strong. I was feeling so graceful at about mile 17.5, thinking something like "this has been great, and now, thanks to God helping me heal, I've had a great run". At that moment, as I took a drink from my water bottle I lurched forward, throwing my water bottle down the trail and planted my whole self directly on the trail with a thud.

I had been distracted and made the classic mistake of not paying attention to my footing on the trail, when a root I hadn't seen seized its opportunity and took me down. I muttered "crud" a couple times and started spitting the dirt out of my mouth. I tried wiping the trail off my face, but it was sticking to the sweat on my arms and I quickly ran out of clean arm real estate with which to clean my face. Of course shortly after this I happened on a family with young kids. The dad gave me a strange look, no doubt wondering just how I had gotten so much dirt on my face.

Anyway, I liked the trail quite a bit, and I look forward to many more weekend runs on it. The mist weaved in and out of the trees all day, and I ran in a canopy of fir and oak with lush greenery all around. It was great!

Gear!

2005-09-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Mike and Jim made me get up at 5:30 on a Saturday. This after Mike got me to get up at 5:50 on Friday for a fruitless effort to ride bikes together to work. Today it was for REI's gear "garage" sale. It always makes for an experience of the best and worst in people.

Best...I stood in line from a little after 6AM to 9AM while Mike and Jim made me laugh over and over. We even discussed utilitarianism, and tried to determine just how many utils we each were worth. (Note: Mike has 3 utils, but that's another story)

Worst...People shoving me out of the way, grabbing 6 backpacks and 5 sleeping bags to ensure they got the best deal. These people apparently are willing to ignore the value of their fellow-man in order to score some used gear. We took the approach that "they can have the gear, it's not worth it". Jim went so far as to walk out with nothing but an 83 cent water bottle, ethics intact! Mike got a nice roof cargo box for a good deal.

I'm sure our wives love that we keep spending money on gear. Spending time with the guys this morning though, I was realizing we're buying the gear to use it to create more memories of hikes, camping in the rain, peaking mountains, etc... (that's how we'll justify it anyway, and hope our wives believe it!)

In the meantime I have to figure out when I'll start using the little pack I bought for running, so I can convince Sarah it was a "steal"!

Shhhhhh

2005-09-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

A strange thing happened to me the other day...I logged into my blog and noticed I had a comment from a person with the user name "Shhhhhh".

It was such an odd and exhilerating feeling to know that some stranger out in the world had viewed my blog. (here is theirs... http://pagesfromtheuk.blogspot.com/)

I’m guessing from the reference Shhhhhh is from somewhere in England. Of course I bragged to Mike, saying a stranger had viewed and commented on my blog. I returned the favor and commented on Shhhhhh’s blog.

There’s something about the idea that any random person in the world might get some insight into who I am that is kind of exciting. I suppose that's just the human innate desire to be known and to know. It's probably also why I keep writing as though I were addressing a mass audience even though pretty much just my wife, my brother-in-law/friend, my mom and my other friend might read this. I figure at any moment several hundred people might discover this and think my writing is so fascinating that they must log in day after day to see what's happened to Eric today.

To blogging, and to the chance to cross paths with interesting strangers!

-ET

Why I changed the title of my blog

2005-09-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

So I realize this posting will seem windy, but I wanted to explain why I changed the name of my blog and the significance of the new name.

The other day I was running through my favorite trails in the Corvallis, Oregon area when a thought hit me so clearly and I think it will end up being one of those key moments in life that I'll look back on and see how it set me on the path I ended up on. I love those moments of epiphany running seems to bring to me.

First some context: Recently I found my passion for running after having taken several years away from it. In fact it's really been 6 years since I've had this kind love for running. (How I found it again is another story. Maybe I'll post it sometime.)

I got back into running a little too exuberantly. After taking those years off, it was only a few weeks of training before I ran 40 miles in three days and played 36 holes of golf. While doing some speed training on the third day of that stretch I “tweaked” my hamstring and started feeling pain in my hip as well. I didn’t do a good job of resting to let the injury heal after that and for the next 7 weeks + I struggled to reconcile my reclaimed passion with my body’s need for healing rest.

I prayed with fervor, continually asking God to heal me and allow me to follow this “bliss”. For me running is a spiritual experience. When I’m on my own in the woods, early in the morning, slightly chilled in the mist that shrouds the top of the evergreens on the hills, I feel so blessed. My heart responds in worship and gratitude to my creator and savior, and I have a sense of simple communion with the God who loves me.

I found it difficult to understand why God would gift me with the talent to run, fill me with a burning to run, bless me with His presence when I run, and then not allow me to run. Of course, God is not a vindictive sadist, and I realize I brought this injury on with my own lack of judgment. Nonetheless, I argued to God that it only made sense to heal me and allow me to spend those times worshipping Him.

As time continued I began to get paranoid. Maybe God, in His omniscience, knew that running would bring me down a wrong path and had allowed my hip injury in order to spare me from something. Of course, this thought scared me and seemed so tragic. “Whatever lesson you want me to learn, Lord, please teach it to me without taking running away from me”, I kept praying.

I started stretching, icing, resting, taking anti-inflammatories, going to the chiropractor, got a sports massage, and wasn’t seeing much progress. So I tried something different. I found a book detailing an approach to running based on engaging your core muscles, rather than using your leg muscles. Many of the ideas of the author were gleaned from martial arts. The premise is something close to the idea of leverage. That is, utilizing your core abdominal muscles, the rotation of your spine, and the reaction of your leg tendons you can run the same mileage- or even more –with much less wear and tear on your body.

One of the key principles is to adjust your posture. Incorrect posture causes undue stress on nearly every area of your body. The principle of engaging my core muscles, and utilizing the leverage of my spine seemed intuitive to me. The principle of adjusting my posture in general, and while running seemed like a no-brainer, but something I had sorely neglected.

As I worked on my posture, continued icing and taking anti-inflammatories, and worked on my flexibility I hoped for positive results. More importantly I had come to a place of surrender to the Lord. I had decided in my heart regardless of whether I got my way, I would praise His name and surrender myself in obedience to the will of Christ. Of course, I was still honest with God that I would be sorely disappointed if I couldn’t run. The important thing to me was that I would say “blessed be your name” (great song) regardless of my circumstances. I trusted that if I was not able to run it would be for my best whether I could see that or not. In the meantime I would try my best to run again and ask for God’s blessing in my efforts.

I did begin to see results, and now I’m cautiously optimistic. I’ve run twice in a row without pain. It had been something like 8 weeks since I had run without pain, so those two runs have me very hopeful (one of those was today…see the posting just before this).

The real story behind all this is what I realized about both my running and life. As stated earlier, the idea behind the book I’ve been reading is if your body isn’t properly aligned you will pay the price. If your posture is incorrect you will be on a path to pain. You may not experience it right away, but over the years you will put undue stress on your joints and muscles eventually wearing them down. You can keep it up for so long, but at an unexpected time you will break down. Additionally, if you use your muscles in a less than optimal way they will wear down. You can do weight training to delay this “meltdown”, but it will still come.

The only real solution is to correct your posture and run from your core. If you drive your movements from your core you will not only run farther without breaking down, you will also recover faster from your runs.

Back to the moment of epiphany on the Corvallis trail…I was focusing on my posture and on using my core to drive my movements, when I suddenly realized, this is the same problem I have had in my life. It doesn’t just apply to my running. Suddenly it was so clear to me.

In life, just as in running, if you are “running” with poor posture or by using your “leg muscles” instead of your core you are going to be causing stress points which, if not addressed, will cause you to break down. So simple, and yet we fail to notice this so often!
Think about it for a moment, and let me paint the picture a bit more. If we are leading ourselves in our careers, relationships, and life decisions, we are using our “leg muscles”. What’s more, if we’re not spending time reading God’s word and meditating in prayer, our core is so weak our life’s “posture” will surely be twisted and tilted in unhealthy ways.

No wonder so many are tired, stressed, weak, and wondering why things are not going their way. Just as I wasn’t running from my core, so many of us aren’t living from the core. And what is our core to be if not Christ Himself? I realized, without spending time in communion with Christ, allowing him to correct my spiritual posture, I am creating unnecessary stress points in my life. I’m sure there are many I don’t even know about. They’re festering, gaining intensity, and eventually will strike and leave me wondering what happened.

This is no new concept and I don’t intend to claim it as mine. Christ modeled this “postural” approach by spending countless hours in communion with the Father. He was aligning Himself to ensure His core was filled with the will of God and He would be moving with the leverage God gave him, rather than of His own will.

While it’s not a new concept, it is a new mental image for me, and something I want to spend time thinking about. I may develop the concept for myself as I think about it more, and while it’s pretty raw right now, I hope this has spurred you to think about your spiritual posture and core. Is your spiritual spine twisted? Are you getting a hunched back? Is your core strong? Do you have a spiritual “six-pack” or a “spare tire”?

So let’s focus on meditating on God’s word, spending time in communion with Him, and allow him to adjust our posture, and build up the strength of our core so we can “run the race and fight the good fight”!!

2005-09-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Went for a great run this morning, well great for the most part. There's a park system here in Toronto connecting several really large parks with creeks, woods, trails, gardens... It was nice running, and I was especially thankful to the Lord for helping my hip to keep healing (no pain today).

One problem though...I figured I'd run an out-and-back course, since I know nothing of Toronto and didn't want to get lost. Unfortunately on the way back I took a little section of trail I hadn't taken on the way out. I was starting to get concerned, but then met up with the creek I'd been following for a while, and figured "just follow this back to where you started".

Good idea, but next time it would be good for me to take an inventory of how many creeks there are before assuming every creek I see is the one that will lead me back. By the time I realized I was well off course I was trapped in a maze of overgrown trails (using the term trails loosely here...more like raccoon paths among the dead tree branches and overgrown plants trying to trip me up.) I was also absolutely drenched in sweat head to toe (normal for me, though this was beyond even my standards...more humid here than home I think). So on this oh-so-hot day, running under the noon sun, in a city I am unfamiliar with I started thinking..."hmm which way should I go, and just how long is this run going to be?" Not a fun feeling when you're already "bonking" from not eating before the run or during.

I had started with what I thought was plenty of water in a bottle I carried, but I was quickly fading now that I had already run longer than planned and still didn't know my way back to the car nor how long it would take. By the way, fun experiment...see if you can get lost in the woods in a city of over 3 million people. I was successful. I've found a good strategy is to cross various creeks whenever you get the chance, run up ridiculously steep ridges, get stuck in too much plant life, turn around, take the next creek crossing available and repeat.

I'm probably exagerating this all a bit, since it turned out I ended up running something like 12 miles, which I have done on many occasions. For some reason though, the combination of being lost, hungry, thirsty, and more tired than normal just made the run keep stretching out.

Still a great run though...very peaceful and rewarding.

-ET

Toronto

2005-09-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

I am an excellent planner. I forecast future events and wisely make decisions based on what will happen. Such as..."I'm going to get up at 4:30 AM to go on a business trip, so why not have the guys over the night before?"

OK, maybe I'm not so smart...*note to self: go to bed earlier than midnight if you're getting up at 4:30. This is not to say I didn't have a great time. Got a good bunch of guys I hang around with and there are usually a good amount of laughs when we get together.

Anyway, now I've travelled from Portland to Cincinnati and from Cincy to Toronto. Another interesting twist along the way on this one...I rented a car and got directions which were completely wrong. Yahoo!'s website had me take the wrong exit and then I was looking for a street which was nowhere to be found. Cost me an extra half hour by the end. Doh!

So I'm groggy and hungry now, but at a very nice hotel. Off to get some food!

Coaches (and my introduction)

2005-09-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

First a quick intro on who I am:

My name is Eric. I'm in my late 20's. Married, have a dog, baby on the way, grew up in Oregon, currently live in Beaverton. Was a decent runner (competed at the small college level, nothing too noteworthy). Will post pictures soon.

Likes: Backpacking, Running, Golf, Reading while drinking Chai tea, my wife making me laugh
Dislikes: Self-centeredness, personal attacks, hip pain, tomato juice

While on my run yesterday I bumped into my college coach. I hadn't seen him in a while and it brought back a few memories. I owe so much of who I am to the many teachers and coaches I've had through the years.

My college coach (Wes) taught me to focus on my effort and not on the result. I still hear him in my head saying "give your best, leave God the rest". Such a valuable physical and spiritual lesson. I still apply it to my work life and to my training.

I look back with particular fondness on memories of my high-school cross-country/track coach (Paul Mariman). He passed away a few years back, but many of his lessons are still forefront in my mind. He was always so positive and taught me to dream. He showed me how to visualize myself accomplishing things I thought were amazing, then he'd tell me I could do them until I believed him. I don't think he ever uttered an unkind word to anyone, and today I can thank him for teaching me to challenge myself and to remove self-imposed limitations.

More to come...