My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 6: The Final Chapter

It's about time to post the final installment of my adventure.  It's an adventure, which by the way, I hope to be only one of several ultrarun adventures - Deo volente ("with God willing").

During the last eight miles or so I absolutely knew I would finish, but it was frustrating knowing my time would be much slower than I had originally hoped.  The terrain was for the most part much less irregular than it had been during those damaging miles earlier, but my knee was still not ready for most of it.  On occasion I broke into a survival-shuffle.  I had a conversation with another runner who had been reduced to the same fate (i.e. a walk/shuffle) due to plantar fascia trouble.  She was a young attorney who had become attracted to the ultradistances as well.  These pursuits are often just what the doctor ordered for Type A individuals.  During the course of our conversation I touched upon the cultural divide which is so evident in this country right now.  However, I only touched upon the religious/political element, but instead identified a divide which seems to accompany it: the divide between the active and non-active.

I'm quite serious about the divide just mentioned.  There is a significant portion of the population whose default setting seems to be stuck in "sedentary" mode.  Physical exercise, particularly of the endurance variety, is to them at best means to better health and fitness. - almost in the "necessary evil" category.  With that type of view, it is very hard to enjoy movement, to do much of it voluntarily, and therefore it is difficult to possess the health, fitness, and comfort with the body that they could otherwise have.  For reasons that bear more analysis and explanation than I wish to give right now, the people in this group are often the very people who should be the first to value and use their bodies for movement.  I'm referring to Bible-believing Christians.  There is no good reason for those in the "Bible Belt" of this country to be the fattest and least health conscious people when compared to the more secular and non-Bible-believing people who tend to inhabit the East and West coasts.

As can be inferred from what I just said about one group, the group on the other side of the divide is often populated by the very same people who would not be identified as "Bible-believing Christians" or "conservative."  The modern (not "classical") liberals that predominate on both our East coast and West tend to be the ones adhering to a movement lifestyle.  These are the ones for whom the default mode is "movement" rather than "sitting" or "sedentary."  They not only move as a means to the end of preventing a heart attack or other life-shortening event, but they move for the sheer joy of it.  This is the group that I find myself in - though I do not belong to the liberal/secular group.  I often fancy calling myself a "crunchy conservative" - but my goal is not that I would stand out in that way.  Christ's followers should not follow the unbiblical notion that the physical body is somehow not "good" but should instead embrace and care for all of God's gifts - including our bodies and the environment.  Should this be regulated by the civil government?  The short answer is "No."  Again, this is something where further explanation might be sought by some - but I won't give in this particular blog post.  Let it suffice to say that I am a proponent of a lifestyle of MOVEMENT and JOY in movement - and I hope and pray to bring many of my Christian brothers and sisters into this movement.  Just as the Devil should not have all the good music, the Devil should not have all the good running, cycling, race times, healthy bodies, other exercise, et cetera!

Back to the race.  Some time after the young attorney left me, deciding the time was right for her own survival-shuffle,  I found there was only a few miles to go.  I broke into my own shuffle a couple times.  The course became almost flat.  I was getting close.  I wondered whether my dad had thought to enter my three oldest kids who were with him at the time in the "Kids Race" to be held at 4pm.  They had all been intent on running the one-kilometer Kids Race and I didn't want them to miss it - even if I would miss seeing it.  In the near distance I then saw what looked like my dad accompanied by my three kids I just mentioned.  As I approached, I raised my voice and asked if they didn't know the Kid's Race  was to start in just a few minutes.  The response I got showed that he and they knew, but that they had wanted to meet me on the course.  They had all walked about two miles from the start/finish line to meet me, and both of the girls wanted to run the final two miles with me.  What more could a dad want in terms of support?  No  race for the kids that day - but it was a joy to see them and to run the final two miles with them.  Kodak moment.  They did beautifully.  I crossed the finish line in 11 hours, 7 minutes, 52 seconds; 185th out of 361 entrants.  I was holding Brenna's light blue jacket under my arm.



How do I close up this story?  I'll try and make it short.  I stayed with my girls, retrieved my personal belongings bag, got and enjoyed my free beer (Sierra Nevada) from the beer garden, piled my hot meal plate high with meaty, cheesy pasta and vegetables from the hot meal station from which I was entitled to a hot meal.  We sat on the grass in the middle of the festive area as I enjoyed my food.  Dad and Liam (my 4-year-old son) eventually came and met us.  Liam had quite the hike that day with his two miles out and two miles back journey.  According to Dad, Liam didn't complain a bit.  Good job, Liam.  We stayed for a short while before before getting on the bus which took us to our respective vehicles.  From there we went back to my parents' house.  The kids came back with dinner from McDonalds - and I also had dinner from McDonalds.  It was my second dinner of the evening.  A double-cheesburger and two McDonalds desert pies (on top of another full dinner just-eaten) burn with no complications in the stomach of one who had just traveled fifty-miles on foot.  Even with legs that would soon become virtually useless and reduce me to the ambulatory powers of a 100-year old man, I felt absolutely wonderful.

Next year: more trail training and a much faster race-day performance!  I love this stuff.

My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 5

Will this be the final installment?  At this point I don't know.  Let's continue.

We left off with me at mile 30-something and right knee hurting.  By the say, the scenery was absolutely fantastic and beautiful during this 50-mile journey.  The aid station workers were helpful, and most of all, the runners along the way were enjoyable.  I've often had the Utopian thought that if everyone simply took up distance running the world would be a much nicer place.  Distance running has a way of loosening the inhibitions and making one inclined to regard their fellow path-traveler as a friend before they regard them as a stranger.  This is very much unlike "real life" in which we're usually wary and tight-lipped with those whom we don't know.  I've always enjoyed the camaraderie and easy friendship (even if it is fleeting) that running brings.  Even while your fellow travelers may want to beat you, they nevertheless want to help you as well.  Strange but true.

Vibram Five Fingers.  Do these words ring a bell for anyone out there?  Originally I had been training in Vibram Five Fingers footwear.  They are more aptly called "footwear" than "shoes" because they are little more than protective gloves for the feet.  It's a great concept.  The idea is to let the foot function naturally rather than the artificial and limited role the foot becomes accustomed to when enclosed in the virtual tomb we call a "shoe."  But alas, during the course of my training I ran into an issue with my Vibrams in which my foot, leg, and tendons were not adapting fast enough to the primal function desired of them and promoted by the Vibrams.  I had to switch to the Nike "Free" shoe.  It was still minimal, but very substantial compared to the Vibrams.  It turned out to be a good compromise, and my problems went away.  During the initial two hours of the race and experiencing the rocky and uneven terrain I became even more convinced that my switch to more conventional and protective footwear was the right one.  I thought that surely any modern western human foot would not be able to bear the sharp edges, rocks, and uneven surfaces of the course if only shod in Vibrams.  Well, perhaps MY foot couldn't, but during the mid parts of the race I came across several runners wearing Vibrams!  True, they were but few in number, but they were ably negotiating the terrain and seemed none worse for the wear.  Perhaps I can work on some more personal adaptation this next year and revive the recently discarded personal "Tribal Man" appellation and mantra.

Back to the hurt knee and the aid station at mile 30-something.  I stayed there for longer than five minutes.  This was decision time.  Should I DNF?  ("DNF" stands for "Did Not Finish") or should I persist somehow.  I knew at this point that if I continued with my current pace and way of running I might be in for knee damage that would result in having to take weeks or months off for recovery.  I definitely did not want that.  I didn't want to DNF either?  One reason was personal pride.  If someone would ask about my race I would have to admit I didn't finish.  I could give a good reason for the DNF, but still it would be a DNF.  I also did not want to DNF for reasons of principle.  That is, if one has started a task, and the task is a worthy one, then complete it - even if it is completed slowly and with difficulty.  Don't get me wrong.  There are indeed circumstance in which one should throw in the towel and quit.  One of these circumstances would be if any movement whatsoever brought the injury-type (not exertion-type) pain that my knee was issuing.  However, after some assessing of the situation at hand, I determined I could move without the knee pain - but I couldn't run downhill or even do anything above a virtual shuffle even on the flats.  My hope of a good finishing place and time evaporated, but I became more and more resolute to finish the race.  Over the next 10 miles or so I again contemplated a DNF a few times, but each time the urge was weaker and my decision to continue was stronger.  Three of my kids would be meeting me later at the finish and also hoped to run in the "Kids' Race."  How could I tell explain to them a DNF?  How could I set that sort of example in good conscience?  Wouldn't I want them to finish their race even if they encountered problems or were passed by many other kids - or even if they were in last place?  I had to set the right example.  The example of the Tanzanian marathon runner brought up by Pastor Steve also both chided and encouraged me.  The Tanzanian had been an Olympic contender and the pride of his country, but had suffered physical misfortune during the race and had lost all hopes of a fast finish.  Indeed, he had been reduced to a very slow pace.  When asked why he persisted in the race he said something like this: "My country did not send me here to quit, but they sent me here to FINISH the marathon."  My quotation may not be verbatim, but it contains the sentiment.  It was a sentiment I shared - though it was only myself, friends, and family who were 'sending' me to this race.

My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 4

Time to get back to 50-mile saga.  After a couple hours of running I was still feeling good.  The sun coming up made me feel much safer.  I could clearly see where I was going.  Miles (roughly) 15 - 30-something were thoroughly enjoyable, and I was doing well. The uphills didn't bother me.  I'm good at uphill running.  The downhills were a different story.  These were the type of downhill running I was not used to.  The ground was very uneven and put more stress on the lateral aspect of my knees than my city downhill running had accustomed me to.  Still, my Nikes handled the terrain and my footstrike well.  No blisters or hotspots.

In the week prior to the race I had given our church pastor some specific items for prayer.  He's a runner and had expressed interest in the race and also noted he would be praying.  In cases like these, I don't just say "thanks" - but I give a thoughtful response and request.  Here were my specific prayer items:

1.  Continued overall health so that I arrive at the starting line healthy.
2. That I don't take a wrong turn on the course - thus costing me time and also adding distance and distress.
3. That I pace myself well and give my best - running the race intelligently.
4. That I don't develop a running injury during the race and that I don't break down afterword.  
5. That I consciously run to the glory of God and not just to/for myself

At this point in the race, all five points seemed to be answered in the positive.  Number five is always a bit hard to discern.  I have to admit that I like recognition.  I like being rewarded and praised for my efforts and performances.  However, the goal is to to everything (including every footrace) to the glory of God because He is the giver of all good gifts and the moment-by-moment sustainer of not only me but the entire creation.  You know, it is very easy to feel like your giving God the glory and running in oh-so-sanctified a way when your running well!  It's harder when that's not the case.  So far, all was well, so I was feeling pretty close with God.

In a long race (or a long day for that matter) it helps to break the journey up into segments.  Aid stations are a convenient way of doing this.  You always look forward to the next aid station.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, my habit was take two pre-filled cups of "GuBrew" at each station.  I hadn't worked out an optimal amount of fluid or food to take in during the race, but I went by feel.  Since the longest run I had done before this race was a 50K (approximately 31 miles) I ran and rested conservatively, staying as much as five minutes at an aid station before starting up again.  Looking back on it, I now realize that all those five minute stops could be cut to one or fewer minutes and my overall time would be better.  I'll follow this plan of action next year.

There are some fast (and I mean this in the positive, athletic sense!) women out there.  Before the race one of my goals was to beat the top woman.  For the uninitiated, "beat" means to "run faster than" and NOT a physical beating.  I'm not that type of guy.  I knew you knew that, but just in case...  Well, beating the top woman is often a good goal for someone at my level because beating the top overall finisher (nearly always a male) is beyond the reach of the non-pro recreational runner.  Did I say "recreational?"  I'm a serious runner, but in a race of this size and at the level of my current fitness I cannot expect to win the race.  However, beating the top woman will mean that I'm still very good.  There were some true mountain goatish women that day.  True harriers.  Women have been known to  excel at the ultra distances - and this has been true of women in their 40's and 50's as well.  In any case, I ran and chatted with a few of these trail runners that day and became less certain that I had a chance of beating the top woman.  I was a newbie.  I needed to run conservatively.  Who knows what my body would do past the 30-something mile mark?  This was the uncharted territory for me.

Shortly after the 30-mile mark (wherever that was) - my right knee started to hurt.  All the lateral stress had apparently been too much.  My upper leg muscles were also very thrashed from the repeated braking action needed in the many, many downhills I had encountered.  The knee worried me more than the legs.  Decision time.

My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 3

I've been a little long-winded up until now.  Let's see if I can more succinct in Part 3.

My hopes were high.  The previous night I had decided upon 7 hr 30 minutes as a good finishing time goal.  How naive.  The first couple hours were in the dark.  It was good I wasn't wearing headphones because all attention needed to be focused on the ground before me.  The headlamp helped, as did running with small groups of other runners.  I had several small conversations with other runners in these first couple hours.  Aid Station #2 (at 8.7 miles) was the first fully-stocked station.  These types of stations offered water, several types of sport drinks, PB&J sandwich squares, pretzels, cooked potato slices with salt, and a few types of high-calorie candy.  In ultra-distance events, the foodstuffs that health-conscious people would usually avoid or limit are often necessary and good due to the high caloric demand and the electrolyte/sodium loss that comes with this type of endeavor.  Since I already had my usual hearty breakfast, I only took a couple cups of the "GU Brew" electrolyte replacement sportdrink.  It also had a moderate amount of carbohydrates, but still fairly dilute.  I would make this a pattern.  Every aid station I would have 2 cups of that drink.  There was also Vasoline!  All I had to do was ask.  I liberally applied it to nipples, inner thighs, and the upper back/back of upper arms/armpit junction which can be chafed after repeated swinging of the arms.  Good.  At least chafing would not be a problem now.

No falls, lubed up, and all bodily systems go.  It soon became light after this, and my constant feeling was: "I'm so glad to be running this 50-miler rather than working!" Beautiful views of the coast were soon available to me,  I took my headlight off and held it in my hand for the remainder of the run, and turned my running cap the right-way-round.  It had been backwards up until that point.  I also continued to slowly work my way up, passing people one-by-one and giving the customary "good job" encouragement as I went by.

Did I mention the course had 10,059 ft of elevation gain?  It also had treacherous downhills as well.  At this point I was still feeling good though.  How great to be a runner!

[Stay tuned for Part 4]  

My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 2

I had left on time, but  had entered the wrong street to my Google Maps app.  I do not have a regular driving GPS, so I was constantly looking down at my IPhone to properly arrive at my destination.  After a long while, I found myself at the bottom of a long narrow street.   This was surely not the starting location for the event.  My spirits sank as the time ticked away.  I did NOT want to miss my race, but at that point it seemed likely.  After retrieving an e-mail from my phone (after having gotten a signal again) I entered the correct address and arrived at the Marin Headlands Fort Barry location with 15 minutes to spare till start time.  I was cutting it close, but at least my bad dreams had not come true.  I had made it to the race location and would not miss the start!

Instead of waiting for the shuttle, I briskly walked the 5 or so minutes to the starting location from the designated parking area.  I had forgotten to apply my Bodyglide (a wax-based anti-chafing substance) to myself earlier.  Darn.  I would somehow manage to do that later - or to get some Vaseline at an aid station.  My first priority was getting my bag checked in.  I planned on carrying my car key with me, but my warm-up pants and extra layer, along with some other personal effects I couldn't just hand off to anybody needed to be checked in for post-race pick up.  The line was long.  I also needed to attach my bib number to my shirt and get my headlamp out.  It all seems surreal when done in the early-morning hours with such excitement in the air and anxiety in the stomach!  I also needed (badly) to visit the restroom ("porta poddy").  This last need would need to be dealt with AFTER checking in my bag.  For the uninitiated, let me explain that a certain churning of the bowels (I know, it's gross) often comes with pre-race excitement and anxiety.  Ample time must be made to deal with this unfortunate physiological concern.  I got my bag checked, bib number on, headlamp ready, and had five minutes till the race start.  Runners were lining up and congregating at the starting line.  Where were the porta poddies?  I asked the nearest person I could find as the desperation mounted.  "Up the hill" he said.  I ran up the hill, did my business, and left the make-shift restroom for the race start with only one minute to spare.  My shoes were only hastily laced and needed further tightening.  I also had not applied the Bodyglide.  It was in my bag - which had been properly checked in only minutes earlier.  Oh well.  At least I had arrived at the start.  Even with a 50-mile run before me, I felt that most of the stress had been dealt with and surmounted.  All that remained was the run, and I could do that!  Within seconds, 0500 hours came and the race started.  I was on my way.  The shoes and body lube could be dealt with later.

[Stay tuned for Part 3]

My 50-Mile Ultra Experience Part 1

The North Face Endurance Challenge (San Francisco) held on Saturday December 3rd was my first 50-mile run.  Not on that, but it was a run with tremendous elevation change and difficult terrain.  I'm glad I did it - and I look forward to doing it much better next year.  I will tell you about my experience as succinctly as is possible to do while still hopefully making it interesting.  This is the first installment.

The night before, I drove 2 hours to my parents' house so that the three kids (mine) I brought with me could  have a sleep-over at the grandparents' before coming up to the race location with Dad the next day to watch me finish.  The kids had a nice, restful, long slumber...and pancakes and crafts in the morning.  I on the other hand slept perhaps two out of four hours I occupied the bed of my old bedroom.  The two hours were occupied with bad dreams - or perhaps one drawn-out bad dream.  My dream was an ongoing bad comedy of problems encountered on the way to the race, including not being able to fine my car after having stopped at a huge and full-of-people store to purchase some necessary supply.  My only relief from the dream was waking up to my IPhone alarm at 0245 hours.

I left on time, just shortly after 0300 hours.  The race was scheduled to start at 0500 hours at Fort Barry in the Marin Headlands. I had my breakfast (two egg white and cheese sandwiches on whole wheat bread, 1 orange, 15 raw almonds, and three graham crackers) with me to eat while in transit, and I had of course also taken my Venti-sized coffee thermos filled with my favorite coffee in my customary precisely-measured strength to enjoy after the breakfast.  I had directions, race clothes, running shoes, and warmer clothing if needed.  Everything was ready and with me.  My Dad had picked up my race packet - including bib number and chip - the night before,  so I didn't need to worry about picking those things up race-day.  So far, all systems GO...except for the sleep I had wanted.  There was no way to go back in time and get back those lost hours of sleep, so I tried not to worry about it.

[Part 2 coming soon]

Countdown to Endurance Challenge

In just over twenty-four hours I'll be at the starting line for the North Face Endurance Challenge 50-mile trail run.  The weather should be nice.  "Nice" weather in this context means high 30's to 60F perhaps as the highest.  For the most part, all my bodily systems are a "Go."  A nagging minor tendon issue on the top of my left foot being the only exception.  However, any discomfort from it disappears quickly once I'm warmed up.  More extensive recovery for this tendon issue will have to wait until after this Saturday.

To many people, a long run like this one would seem almost an insurmountable task.  Not for me.  Do I say this because I'm cocky, wise-guy, or conceited?  No.  The fact is, peoples' psychological dispositions vary greatly - as do their more obviously physical dispositions and talents.  I would find it more difficult and "hard" to do a bunch of housework or yardwork than running 50 miles.  Perhaps that was admitting too much.  Oh well.  During my childhood and adolescent years I also found the act of talking to certain girls I liked a more difficult and challenging proposition that running a hard 2-mile race or a workout consisting of 20 X 400 meters with short recoveries.  Running for me was actually a drug of sorts.  A hard workout or race loosened inhibitions that had kept me from speaking or doing those things that deep-down I wanted to do.  Endorphins are powerful, I guess.  I know there's more to it though.  Knowing oneself and what makes one tick is right good knowledge to have.

It should be a fun day tomorrow.  Three of our kids will be going with me - and spending some time with the grandparents in the process.  It's good to have family.  The kids are looking forward to the Kids' Race - a 1K race that is scheduled for the mid afternoon.  What a joy it is to have kids who, though may may not "train" in the organized sense, love to run.  I look forward to watching them.

Reading Through Job

I've been reading through Job (the OT Bible book) again both individually and with the family. I'm always struck by how theologically correct Job's three friends are. They have a much more biblical view than most of today's Christians seem to have! However, they are nonetheless to be justly blamed for their mistakes in regards to their handling of Job's situation. We must handle God's truth carefully and not assume all suffering is directly the result of punishment to the sufferer. Job is good for reading and meditation.

Biblical Literalist?

I lifted the bulk of this post from a response comment I made to a facebook post.  I have changed it somewhat to reflect the fact that for the purposes of this blog post it's not being addressed to a particular person or situation.  In any case, after I typed out my long response in regards to a particular situation, I decided that my thoughts about the subject in general were worth using in a blog post.  As always, comments are welcome.  Enjoy.

"Literal" is such a slippery word when used in the context of hermeneutics. This is why I tend not to use it. A good question to ask someone when they ask if you interpret the Bible "literally" would be "what do you mean by 'literally' and 'literal interpretation?'"

For instance, am I a Biblical Literalist? Some might say in a knee-jerk fashion that I am.  However, when the Bible describes God in a way that mentions his "feathers" or "wings" do I think he is literally a bird? No. The same thing goes for Jesus referring to himself as the "door" and the "Good Shepherd." Do I think he is wooden and has a doorknob? No. Do I think that his occupation was being a shepherd? No. He was a carpenter. Passages in Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation (and other like-literature) can be problematic if one takes a literal, wooden meaning. Here is a modern example: Did the weatherman actually say the sun would "rise" at such and such a time? Doesn't he know the Earth revolves around the sun? We understand that he knows the Earth revolves around the sun and that the sun doesn't actually "rise" above the horizon of a stationary Earth - and we understand that he was using a common idiom. We don't accuse him of being "anti-science" or of being some sort of idiot. Much of the imaginative imagery in Revelation is taken directly from Daniel (not me, but the Book of Daniel). The Book of Daniel is a book that combines historical narrative with the apocalyptic - though the two genres are easily distinguished within the book. If one does not have knowledge of the Old Testament, but simply reads the New, and reads Revelation, they would be inclined to take all the dragons, bowls, beasts, etc. in a literal fashion and would miss the message that John was trying to communicate.

The big question to ask about the Old Testament (and the Bible in general) is what the author of the passage or book in question was trying to communicate. Just like today, in the ancient Near East there were several literary genres, including Narrative, History, Poetry, and Prophetic/Apocalyptic. If we're able to reasonably accurately identify which genre the passage or book in question belongs to, then we can start to discover what the author was trying to communicate. If a book or passage bears the hallmarks of belonging to the "History" genre, it would make sense to interpret it as such - and not as only metaphor or poetry. The same thing goes for the other genres. Sometimes finding the correct genre is a little difficult (e.g. Job and Jonah.) However, if we find something that is obviously written in such a way that indicates it belongs to the Historical or Narrative genre, yet we simply don't want to believe its content, then we are showing our modernistic prejudice. If something is written as History, I take it as History, even if it may be tough to swallow. Strange things happen - especially if the omnipotent God is in control of events.

So, recognizing the genre is important, but so is taking the text seriously and being consistent is important as well. Many will look to the NT Gospels for their info about Jesus and claim to believe it, but they will disregard much or the OT or the writings traditionally attributed to Moses - which includes Genesis. However, the NT Gospel of John records Jesus as saying to the scribes and pharisees: "Do not think that I will accuse you to my Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words."(?) John 5:45-47
In other words, in the narrative genre, Jesus essentially says that one should believe Moses (The first five books of the Bible) if he is to believe in Him (Jesus).  That's worth thinking about.

Petty Pet Peeves and Annoyances Part 2

I felt like adding another five.

1. Someone tailgating me when I'm already doing 70mph in the "slow" lane.
2. An overweight person with an overweight dog telling me that my perfectly-formed purebred Saluki is too skinny.  
3. Unleashed dogs of unknown temperament running and walking about, barking at and often running up to us while I'm walking (leashed) my Saluki.
4. Dog owners who go into slow-motion or total inactivity when they should be calling off their dog or grabbing their dog.
5. Long goodbyes when I'd like them too be short.   

That should do it for now.  I just felt like sharing!

Petty Pet Peeves and Annoyances

Some items from my personal list of petty pet peeves and annoyances.  These items have never before been published.  Yes, this is a rather frivolous post...

1. The word "fortnight" and any usage of it.
2. "ect." being used instead of the proper "etc."
3. "Toning."  (It's an exercise industry myth.)
4. Too-frequent check-ups by waiter or waitress at a restaurant.
5. Water glass constantly refilled by waiter or waitress without permission.  (I like to FINISH things!)
6. The ever-present smile. (What are they hiding?)
7. The ever-present dour look. (Can't you be happy about ANYTHING - or at least pleasant?)
8. Quiet talkers. (Speak up!)
9. Too-loud talkers.
10. Being told "dinner" is at 6pm but finding out that lengthy prep is just BEGINNING at that time.

More will be added to the list at an undetermined time.

Religion and the State

While on my bike ride yesterday listening to some lectures (again) on my I-pod,  at a moment the wind/headphone combination was not deafening, the speaker brought up how religion in the state (and in government by necessary inference) is inescapable.  I'll share it with you - processed through my brain and regurgitated to you using my words.  Hopefully it's somewhat intelligible.

Which human institution makes laws, recognizes laws, and enforces laws?  Easy question.  The state does it.  You can for practical purposes substitute the word "government" or more specifically "civil government" and we're still talking about the same thing.  Every law carries with it a sense of "thou shalt do this" or "thou shalt NOT do this" - it cannot be escaped.  Take any law, and consider that if you break it you are at least in theory - if not in practice - liable to some sort of punishment, even if it is very minor.  So, the state tries to influence your morality (your actions, "mores") through legislation.  Yes, every law is an imposition of morality.  Not only is it possible to "legislate morality" but it is the ONLY kind of legislation there is!  The concept of shalt and shalt not - the recognition of obligation, is the domain or religion, or at least in the domain of a place in which God or an ultimate authority is recognized.

Surely we can have a law code and laws without recognizes a god or God, can't we?  Not one that you can make sense out of.  Where is the authority behind a law or law code?  It has to reside somewhere.  If there is no authority behind a law or law code then that means it really has no backing and no legitimate power.  Consider any law and you will come to three possibilities regarding authority:

1.   The authority might reside in the individual.  If that is so, and there can be no higher appeal or authority in regards to that law, then we have a planet with billions of authorities and no one can legitimately have any say over what another person (authority) does to himself or anyone else.  This would be anarchy, and the whole idea of laws governing the society as a whole would not make any sense. 
2. The authority might reside in the people.  There is an ancient Latin saying: "Vox populi vox dei." which translates as "The voice of the people is the voice of God."  The "people" in this saying is the collective "people."  What is the problem with this?  This is a pure democracy - not a good thing.  There are no limits with this type of system.  If 51% of the people for whatever reason become persuaded that it is GOOD to kill you, to run over the old lady, or to do whatever evil (as we consider evil) deed you can think of, it would be by definition OK.  If the majority (i.e. the "people" is the ultimate authority behind legislation, then the rights of the minority are not protected - no one's rights are safe.  
3. The third option is that the authority resides in a personal, transcendent God - a being who is by definition just, good, and perfect.  Though humans are imperfect and are guilty of faulty application, if God has decreed through holy writ and divine fiat that certain things are right and certain things are wrong, then these become immovable limits to our folly.  They are safeguards that protect us from utter self-destruction - and they protect the (legitimate) rights of the minority against the tyranny of the majority.  The drafting and enacting of legislation can have a democratic element, but there are built in limits/safeguards. This is something a pure democracy does not and can not do.

Before I get ahead of myself, let me reemphasize the fact that in all three options I just listed, a "god" (i.e. an ultimate authority) is assumed and needed.  In any system where law has any meaning, an ultimate authority is needed.  You can't get away from it.  I'm sorry if I'm unnecessarily repeating myself, but I'm just trying to make things clear.  The ultimate authority of any system is the god of that system - because it is the ultimate authority.  You may not want to call it "God" but it is the "god" you (even if you're an Atheist)  appeal to nonetheless.  It is the ultimate authority you recognize.

So there is is.  You can't get away from the concept of God intertwined with the state.  You can't get away from some conception of religion - mixed with the state.  Out of the three options I listed above that last paragraph, which do you hold to?  Think about it next time you go on a long ride or run...

Training Update: December Ultra

I just thought I'd post an update on my condition and thoughts concerning my 50-mile 2011 Endurance Challenge Series Championship event in San Francisco, California .

Running has been going well.  The switch back to the Nike Frees after using the Vibrams has been a positive one.  As it turned out, my body could just not adapt quick enough to being virtually barefoot over long distances as Vibram Five Fingers causes you to be.  So, I'm not a die-hard Vibram Five Fingers Only ideologue!  As far as running goes, my principle is go as natural as practical and don't cheat.  I'm abiding by this.  I'm also enjoying my running as usual.  After taking two months off, I had to be careful with my run-length increases.  We're getting down to the wire now though, so I've got to go long.  I ran 22+ miles today.  Next week it will be a 26+ miler.  All four long run days in November will be 33-35 mile runs (God-willing!)  Please pray that I stay healthy.

Cycling days have also been enjoyable.  The long rides are a good way for me to have back-to-back long days without all the injury potential and impact which would result from two long-run days back-to-back.  It will be getting cold soon though, and I hate cold weather while riding.  I plan to increase my Wednesday ride to 80+ miles next week and through all the Wednesdays in November.

I'm not the best at any of this stuff really, but I really am convinced I'm cut out for long-distance events.  I'm patient, and I can easily put myself into a psychological state that accepts and even enjoys long-term effort.  I believe one of the keys to this is making the feeling/sensation of running and cycling normative in one's mind.  For instance, instead of the default feeling/sensation being sitting or lying down, what one considers their default sensory state should be the activity they hope to be able to do for long periods of time.  In this case it would be running.  I can truly say that when I settle into a nice long run in which the respiration is mostly aerobic (as opposed to anaerobic) sitting in an easy chair would NOT be more pleasurable.  There may be discomfort, but it's enjoyable.  It's not pain in a negative sense, and the effort feels like the most natural and desirable thing possible.

Going long is also a good time to listen to mp3 lectures and audiobooks on the IPod.  I do this all the time.

I'm looking forward to upping the long ride and run distances this next month and performing well on Dec 3rd.  I hope for a good performance, and I look forward to ultra training and competition being something I can continue engage in for decades to come.  Ultra distance athletes also often remain competitive through their 40's and until age 50 or so - unlike sprint athletes.

That's it for now, folks!

What Could Be More Important?

We are often told not to discuss Religion or Politics at the dinner table.  This general admonition seems to bleed into many of our other social engagements whether they be of a group nature or of a more personal, one-on-one nature.  What do we think of this?  What are we to make of it?  Do we follow this instruction/advice?

On a personal level I have to admit that I like things to go "smooth."  I generally don't like conflict.  As they say, I like to "get along."  However, there are times when our own immediate personal comfort should yield to what is truly important.  What do I mean by this?  Talking about running shoe models, the weather, sports, dogs, or my Star Wars action figure collection has a momentary sweetness and easiness, but spending time on these subjects does little to further those thing which, deep-down, we know we really care about.  I'm talking about (1) ultimate issues and our eternal state/destiny, and (2) this temporary life we live right now between the bookends of our conception and our death - and that of our posterity for that matter.  What could be more important?  The subject of Religion really covers both topics, but for simplicity let's just concentrate on its focus on the former.  The subject of Politics covers the latter topic.  Actually, all sorts of things have to do with the second topic, but Politics is more directly  concerned with the division and extent of civil power, law, and liberty.  It concerns the nature and basis of law, government, who governs, and how we are governed.  These things necessarily affect all the earthly pursuits and interests we could otherwise talk about. Because of this, Politics is of great importance.

This will not be a long exposition on our life on earth or our life (or the question of our life) in the hereafter.  I am simply and I think justifiably assuming that these things do matter to us.  When we meet with friends, or we meet with family, whether it be one-on-one or even at a family gathering, I propose that our discussion not be vain and fluffy.  Life is too short.  We care about ultimate issues, and let us not leave our engagements and our opportunities with that empty feeling that comes from non-engagement of those things we really find important.  Be bold, but measured.  Respect another person's right to voice their opinion.  Note that I am not advocating a respect for the substance of their opinion itself.  We believe certain things because we believe certain other things are necessarily wrong.  It is that simple.  Peel away the political correctness and be willing to call evil "evil" and good "good."  Anything else is simply dishonesty.  Many insist that we can not change their mind.  They will tell you that you can't change their mind and they can't change yours.  This is nonsense and wishful thinking.  How many times have we changed our own opinion about things?  We all have changed our minds about at least one thing - and these mind changes were not done in a vacuum.   Rarely is a mind changed (or the admission of a mind being changed) occur all at once.  One debater does not give up during a debate and tell his opponent and the audience "you're right.  I give up.  I now agree with you."  It just doesn't happen.  For one thing, our pride gets in the way.  For another thing, changes in position or philosophy  often happen incrementally.  Talking about Religion and Politics is therefore not useless, not a waste of time, and most likely will bring about changes - though they may not be immediately apparent.

I, for one, will not shy away from engagement in the topics which really matter.  What could be more important topics for discussion than those two forbidden topics, Religion and Politics?   Don't worry.  I'll be civil and no food-throwing or screaming will occur.

Thoughts on How We Critique Islam

This last Friday morning I listened to a popular morning show on the radio and listened as the host played and picked apart portions of a recorded lecture by the the recently killed Al-Qaeda operative Anwar Al-Aulaqi.  I have not provided you with either the recording of the lecture nor the full transcript of the host's dialogue and comments.  However, my message (reproduced below) to the host, an outspoken Christian, should give enough information for you to see where I'm coming from and what compelled me to send him this message.  The type of analysis he gave was not unique in any way, but giving a critique of that type of analysis/critique has been on my mind for a while - and I chose to do it this time.  I have left out the host's name and the station's call sign, but if you were listening to the same station on Friday morning you will know to whom it was addressed to and which station I was listening to.  Hopefully it provides some food for thought.  Thoughtful comments are welcome.  

My e-mail letter is reproduced below in blue:

[Host's name],

First off, let me tell you I listen to you on [station call sign] almost every morning - and agree with you on most things.  Secondly, I'm a Christian, married, homeschooling father of four.  I'm convinced that our nation and its leaders ignore the face and goals of Islam to our great peril.  I'm on your side.  However, I have to gently rebuke you as a brother for the method in which you analyzed a speech/lecture of recently-killed the Al-Qaeda operative Anwar al-Aulaqi this morning.

1. You portrayed the submission aspect of Islam as if having a strong submission aspect alone makes a religion suspect.

2. You portrayed the "if Allah commands it, it is good" type of instruction seem as if it is unworthy of a true religion.

3. In the example al-Aulaqi gave of the hypothetical command of Allah for a 20-year old to stand on one foot for the rest of his life, you made it seem as if it was totally unreasonable for an almighty God to give a command like this and definitely unreasonable for an adherent to follow it.

4. You made a joking comment (not your exact words) to the effect of "That makes me want to sign up!" - as if Truth is like ice cream, and we should simply choose what looks most tasty and pleasurable.  

The problem with your line of critique is that these same types of arguments can and are used against Christianity!  It weakens our Christian witness and does not honor the God of Truth who is Truth Himself to judge Islam by a different standard than you are willing to use for Christianity.  Christianity has a strong submission element.  We are slaves of Christ - even as we are also free.  If God commands something, it is good.  Think of the conquest of Canaan.  Was that good?  Yes it was.  Have God's people ever been asked to do some seemingly crazy things?  Yes.  Consider God's command to Abraham regarding killing his one and only son Isaac.  Consider the various strange commands/requirements that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel.  Ezekiel had to lie on one side for a great many days and then the other.  He had to bake a special bread that God originally had commanded him to bake using human dung.  He had to roam around naked at one point.  I'm sure you get the picture!  Concerning my #4, remember Jesus telling the rich young ruler to give away all he had and follow him?  Would THAT naturally make one want to "sign up"?  

If we want to confront the opposition, [host's name], we can do much better than present things in such a way that they undermine our own position.  We need to be able to use the same standard(s) with our own position, or else we're just not being completely honest. We need to honor the God of Truth by not appealing to these types are arguments that are much too easy - but in reality are harmful to our own cause in the long run.

I hope this did not come off as too hard.  Iron sharpens iron - and this will be good for the kingdom. At least that's the idea I'm after.

All The Best,

Dan Sorenson

Let's Talk About Stuff That Actually Matters!

Is it just me, or are there any others out there - especially Constitutional conservatives like myself - who find the frequent mention (always disapprovingly) of President Obama's time on the golf course or First Lady Michelle Obama's personal food choices while eating out to be childish, irrelevant, and/or just plain stupid?   Every time I hear a disapproving mention of the President's time on the golf course I wonder just WHEN it would be acceptable for him to engage golf or indeed any other sport.

 I have always thought the golf criticism against former President Bush was equally ridiculous as that leveled against the current President.  The truth is, there is ALWAYS something going on either domestically or internationally that requires presidential attention.  However, this does not mean they should not play golf, run, or engage in other activity.  I have no problem with the President playing some golf.I would hate to see the criticism leveled on me by the opposing side if I were President and dared to go on daily runs or bike rides.  Without a doubt, I would be scathing.

What about the First Lady?  C'mon!  Give me a break!  One can be an advocate of healthy eating and exercise and still have a large calorie meal!  Now, if it were discovered that her lifestyle was in constant violation of healthy eating principles it would be different.  However, complaining about her eating a high-calorie meal while at a restaurant?  Drinking a diet soda with the high-calorie meal?  Big deal!  She may (and most likely does) really enjoy the big burger meal, knows it is high calorie, and just figures that  she enjoys diet soda as much as regular soda so she might as well trim calories in the beverage department because it's not going to cut down on her enjoyment - while having soy burgers or other burger substitute WOULD assuredly cut down on her enjoyment.  I do this sort of calculation or cost-benefit analysis all the time.  No big deal.  Finally, is Michelle a large, obese woman?  No.  Apparently she can handle it.

Why do I bother to post about this?  The chief reason is that it just makes us look plain silly when we focus criticism on stuff like this as if it actually matters.  Let's focus on the real stuff.  Let's focus on the stuff that matters.  Let's stop being little children.  Political philosophy and its various applications, and the worldview issues that drive these things are what matters.  Let's focus on stuff that actually matters.

Setbacks, Identity, Purpose

What do you identify yourself as?  Most of of us claim several identities.  Some of these are also known as "labels." Human, Man, Christian, Runner, Cyclist, Reader, and Latin Language Enthusiast/Fan are some of mine.  There are more.  How long can one go without doing the activities associated with a certain identity/label.  For our purposes, I'll drop the label "label" and just say "identity" for the remainder of this post.

My setback last Tuesday was that a strange feeling (I should have acknowledged it as "pain") in my left foot developed into an undeniable pain,  telling me with unequivocal clarity that something was wrong.  My gait was altered, and the altering of gait furthermore produced pain in the lateral aspect of my left knee. No good.  This was something that I could not ignore.  Injuries require rest.  Unfortunately, the rest would necessarily involve an abstinence from running.

Abstaining from running is very hard for someone who has come to strongly self-identify with the term, "runner."  How long can one still legitimately be called a runner and not run?  If the Olympic marathon champion lost his legs, would he still be a "runner?"  To that last question I would have to say he wouldn't.  However, to someone who is taking a day off, a week off, or even a year off - albeit with plans of resuming the activity (although only God knows what Providence will bring) in the future.  They are still a runner.  The legless Olympic marathon champ is not a runner - though still holds a high honor.  However, the more severe the injury and the more uncertain the outcome of the setback, the more the runner feels the identity slipping away.  I am sure that depressions and suicides have happened as the result of this phenomenon.  The identity we cling to is important to us.

What do we do about the identity crisis?  Whether one self-identify as baker, juggler, pianist, or runner, I am convinced that though we may have a primary identity we cling to - but that our other identities are essential as well.  It is essential that we maintain our other identities in our psyche and practice them in real life so we can actually believe ourselves concerning those things we tell ourselves and affirm.  It's like diversifying your investments.  Don't put all your money into one investment.  Don't put all your self-worth and focus into one area/identity as well!  For me, I can momentarily become "cyclist" or even a non-athletic identity.  This keeps me sane and keeps me happy.  Do I have to lay off running for a while?  Big deal.  I can ride.  Can't ride?  I can row.  Can't row?  I can embrace the pianist identity again.    Can't do anything at all?  There is always something to seek excellence in.  And, above all, faith in the good Providence of God assures me that my life still DOES have meaning in HIS purpose.  When all investments of time, effort, sport, and money have failed, the identity I have in Christ remains.  Really, in the final analysis, this is where I (and we) should find our ultimate meaning and purpose.

Day by day, minute by minute, I will retain a positive attitude.  I will use my mind and body to the best of my ability - and, God-willing, I will be back running again.  God-willing, I will have a more sure-footing on the path to my planned 50-mile ultramarathon in December.

A Time For Independence.

As Independence Day approaches, I remember learning of the many Presbyterian ministers who fought alongside the other fighting men of the colonies in our War of Independence.  The British referred to these men as "The Black Regiment."  "...a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:8)  These men, as should we, knew the difference.  Tyranny is to be resisted.  Covenants are to be kept.

Enjoying Life. Enjoying Your Exercise.

Friends,

Perhaps a bland blog subject title, but I think it nonetheless fits.  I don't claim to be a world-class or expert anything, but I do think I've discovered some things along the way.  Do you have to force yourself to work out?  Do you feel anxiety about your day?  Are you unhappy?  Are you constantly chasing after who-knows-what?

Simplify.  What do you enjoy doing?  Realize that you can't be ALL things, and you can't do well at everything.  If you try, you will simply frustrate yourself and perhaps others.  Lessen the stress.  Let go of and even stop doing altogether those things which steal your time but you either have no aptitude for - or more importantly, do not enjoy as much as other valuable things.  You don't know how many days you have on this earth, so clear out the time-takers that are not as valuable as the time they take.  Learn to be OK with it too.   Make sense?  This  has been an extremely valuable discovery in my own life, and has taken away much stress.  Pick a few things that you really enjoy and find valuable.  These should be things that you feel define you - or that you want to define you.  Do them.  Let the other things fall by the wayside.

Make your chosen activities more YOU.  When it comes to exercise, make it a part of your life - like eating, breathing, and talking.  Visualize yourself as a LIVING, MOVING, creature!  Do you want to be a sitting, lying down person?  Also consider that the sitting or the lying down feels best when it is contrasted with movement, just like a cold drink tastes better on a hot day!  Learn to enjoy to movement.  Learn to enjoy moving under your own power.  Humans have tremendous endurance and other athletic potential.  Embrace the mystery of where your potential lies, and realize that the journey can be enjoyable in itself.  This is key.  The journey is what takes the most time, so embrace it.  You may not like the way your body works or looks now.  That's OK.  Be patient.  Visualization is good.  I have sometimes visualized myself as a saluki.  I have also visualized myself as a gazelle.  What works for you?  Since my focus is fleet-footed endurance, these animals work for me.  A poor choice (if you want to enjoy or do well at running) is visualizing yourself as a monkey, hippo, elephant, or anteater!  This hopefully goes without saying.  As your body changes in positive ways, you can even enjoy the feeling of being in your own skin.  This is a powerful motivator.

Develop a meditative, patient attitude/frame of mind.  I have often considered how some of the poorest nations on earth sometimes have the best endurance (typically runners) athletes.  I believe this is not only because they lack resources for sports requiring expensive equipment, but more importantly because the people are used to suffering, waiting, and not needing constant entertainment.  One of the weaknesses of the western world and western mindset is the tendency to need/expect things quickly.  It can help in many areas, but when it comes to enjoying your distance running, hiking, or similar things, it's not good! Not only is it not good for enjoyment, but it is not good for performance in these types of pursuits.  Learn to differentiate between injury pain (bad!) and the low-grade discomfort that comes from physical activity like running.  This is the "suffering" you must come to endure and even enjoy.  Practice relaxing your body even while using it.  Unwind your mind.  If something does not NEED to be tensed up, make sure it's not tensed up!

One other thing.  Destroy all thoughts of "spirit good - body/matter bad".  This tends to be a problem - for modern-day Christians.  Sorry, fellow Christians, but many of you (us) have neglected our God-given bodies as if it were any enemy.  Yes, it's corrupted by the effects of the fall, but you are not made more godly by letting yourself get grossly overweight, not exercising, etc.  Consider that the unhealthy practices (or lack of healthy practices) may in fact be violations of the 6th Commandment - toward yourself!  A slow killing of oneself.  It's one thing to give your life for another - it's another thing entirely to just give up!  Don't falsely consider yourself somehow more spiritual by doing that.  Use the body and abilities God has given you.  Be thankful, and give praise to Him as you engage in activity and as you begin to love it.  This goes for all things.  Don't neglect or kick at what you've been so graciously given.

That's all for now.  I had simply felt compelled to publish my thoughts this morning.  I hope it helps you!

The Clock Stops For No One

As I get older, I have become more aware - or at least dwell more upon - the passage of time.  Thirty-five used to be "middle-aged" to me.  Now it is my age.  Time doesn't stop for anyone.  What shall I do within the time allotted to me?  Lengthy self-examination often just leaves me feeling wasteful and selfish in the end.  The time to act is now.  Find time for reflection and navel-gazing, but not too much.  I have found some ways to combat over-reflection and the stress and waste it often produces.

Why do I enjoy long distance running and other exercise so much?  One of the reasons could be that both I and others find that the dizzying array of options are cut down to just a few while engaged in a long training session.  There are only so many things one can do while running or cycling after all.  Mental/emotional/psychological peace is gained when the time at hand and its usage is made simple.  Perhaps it a good time for the reflection and navel-gazing I mentioned earlier.  This can be done as you tick off the miles.  If not reflection (which I slip into all too easily), it is a good time for listening via i-pod to lectures, books, or music.  It is also a good time for blunting pain of other sorts.  The physical discomfort of exertion has a way of submerging emotional and mental pain.  Sometimes, the harder the better.  Finishing your planned distance is also a concrete "done" feeling.  It is a task completed - and with an endorphin high to boot.  The run (or the ride) mirrors the run/race of life.  We all have our appointed course.  We all run our course, and hope to finish well.

I get impatient with those who claim boredom in their lives.  How can there be boredom?  There is so much to do!  Open the eyes, open the ears, realize that there is a finite amount of time allotted to this mortal life, and get passionate about something...but don't stress about it.  Find what you're good at, and then do it!  What you're good at will often be the thing or things which you can find true enjoyment in.  Don't beat your head against the wall trying to do those things for which you have no aptitude for.  Don't do too many things, but do a few things - and do them well.  Accept the fact that you will not be good at everything - or even many things.  Accept that you will not have time for many things - and that if you try and find the time for them it will end in frustration, stress, and disappointment.  I have found this works for me.  At least, it helps make life more enjoyable.  Use time well.  The clock stops for no one.