Well! I’ve decided to run in the Highlands Ranch Turkey Day which occurs on Thanksgiving (of course!) I’ve got a number of others in my Sunday School class that have said they are also going to do it. What a bonus! Today, officially began my prep for the race.
Joel and I met today for a run on the High Line Canal trail. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a “nice and easy” run with Joel!! He is a running machine! We started out to do an (let’s see . . . what word should I use here?) “energetic” 5 mile run. The tough part was at about mile 2 he said we HAD to run faster on the last 2.5 than we were on the first 2.5 (I think he called it a “negative split”). That was troublesome to me. We weren’t setting any records but we certainly weren’t being slugs either! We were running!
My watch beeped at mile 2.5 and around we turned to head back. We (when I say “we” I mainly mean Joel - I just was trying to keep up!) sped up and started back. I remember thinking “Ugh!! I’ve got to try to keep up with this guy for another 2.5 miles?!” At mile 3.5 I was hurting. This is when Joel started cheering me on and talking me through it. What kind of guy can put down such fast times and still TALK!?! I was focused on not inhaling my tongue at each gasp. The last mile he said “you’ve run to hard to give it back.” Right! By sheer “chance” we HAD to stop at the Mineral light for a crossing. What a luxury. That 20+ seconds helped a ton! The final .5 mile was pretty much torture. Joel towed me in to the finish. Well, we got it done. I think it was the fastest 5 miler I’ve ever run.
There are multiple reasons Joel is our relay captain. I was reminded of a few of those reasons today.
Thanks Joel!
Email This Post
I am planning to begin running 4 to 5 times a week beginning today. Steve Kubick and I are talking about trying to do a Spring Marathon. I have not given up on my long time desire to qualify for the Boston, but there is a lot of speed work to do between now and then.
I have heard through the grapevine, that Pastor Shaun, Joel and Pastor Josh are all running in the 5 mile Highlands Ranch Backcountry this Saturday at 8:30.
http://www.hrcaonline.org/PortalContent/SubContentPageImage.aspx?SubPortalID=1&TabID=27&ParentID=1&SubSectionID=27
I would love to hear what everyone else is doing and aiming at!
Email This Post
I cannot say how many conversations I have had over the past year while running with the Lord. The miles of a long run fly right by and it has helped me to better understand what it means to run with patience the spiritual race He has set before me. My first goal in my running endeavors was a 10K. Accomplished May 26, ‘08. My second goal - a half marathon. Accomplished June 28, ‘08. My third goal - the Outbound Relay. Accomplished Sept. 13, ‘08. My goal for this next year is to train for a marathon. A challenge? Yes, but I am ready to pursue it. I am realizing I can run many earthly races, but if I do not succeed at the heavenly one I am already in - everything else is vain. I have some major spiritual race training to do as well, but the Lord is a great Coach and I want to go all the way with Him. (He tells me just like it really is even if it’s not what I may want to hear.) That’s a real Coach and I am thankful He is that way. A crowd of 10,000 can cheer when I finish an earthly race, but when I finish my heavenly race I will be listening for just One voice. Will He be standing? Will He be “cheering”? Will He be well pleased with my life? There’s nothing I could want more than that. Just wanted to share with you what the Lord is doing in my heart since the Relay.
Email This Post
Steve you are the man!! You will do a great job.
The gas was about $290. I had collected $210 from everybody. If you think about it if everyone could get me $5 or so that would be appreciated. Also I will keep the receipt for the donation to Outward Bound and use that for a tax deduction.
Please bring lawn chairs to the Baker’s house Friday.
I will be asking on Friday who is in for next year(no commitment) so we can decide whether we should look at an additional team.
Email This Post
Didn’t know if anyone has seen, but the race results have been posted.
Email This Post
Just the facts as I write this in Steve’s shadow.
Who: Highlands Trail Runners, family and volunteers
What: Post race get together and the now famous “Sweet Georgia” drawing. 
I think Steve may have already in self-determination chosen this as his destiny. Rhonda….do you know about this? Thanks from the courageous captain’s wife.
When: Friday, September 12th, 6:00 or any time after that that you can arrive. The sooner we eat, the sooner we play games.
Why: We like each other.
How:Get in your cars, ride your bikes, run, scooter…whatever form of transportation works best for you.
RSVP: Please respond with your yes or no to me by e-mail please. This will help me coordinate details, like who can bring whatever. Many hands make lite work. The Baker’s are providing hot dogs and chips…leftovers from a block party. We’ll build around that theme.
Email This Post
Compulsory
com·pul·so·ry 
[kuhm-puhl-suh-ree]
| 1. |
required; mandatory; obligatory: compulsory education. |
| 2. |
using compulsion; compelling; constraining: compulsory measures to control rioting. |
In 4 days, one of four runners will be selected for the forced march called “Sweet Georgia”. No doubt, upon receiving the news they have been selected, the runner will flee the team or flee the country. Fleeing the second will also accomplish the first. For the next 11 months, every excuse will be used to disqualify the runner from the team. From ingrown toenails to eczema to dandruff, the ridiculous excuses will be tried. With the verbal rebuff of his “supportive” team members, the overwhelming sense of dread will drive the runner into severe depression. Medications will be prescribed and consumed in large quantities. The runner, now in a zombie like state, will wonder haplessly up the mountain. Having long before abandoned all hope, the runner will never be seen alive again. Their frozen body will be discovered by elk hunters or early spring hikers. Until then, their widows will have to survive on their meager savings and government cheese until the life insurance has paid…..
self-de·ter·mi·na·tion [self-di-tur-muh-ney-shuhn, self-]
| 1. |
determination by oneself or itself, without outside influence. |
| 2. |
freedom to live as one chooses, or to act or decide without consulting another or others. |
In my opinion, it would be much better for somebody to practice self-determination and to accept this challenge. Self-determination will provide more motivation to properly train to achieve the best time possible for the team. Self-determination will allow the runner to steel himself for the mental anguish and physical punishment “Sweet Georgia” has mercilessly inflicted on our fearless and courageous team captain over the past two years.
I will not allow others to determine my destiny. ”Chance” will not enter my vocabulary. I will not allow others to rig a raffle at which I have not voluntarily decided to participate nor can attend. I will not be an inside joke to the pranksters. My sleep will not be haunted for the next 4 days.
I am the captain of my destiny. I laugh in the face of danger. I have grabbed the bull by the horns, have twisted its neck until it laid helplessly at my feet and plunged it through with my sword.
I will run “Sweet Georgia”.
My name is Steve Kubick, I am insane.
Email This Post
Just wanted to let everyone know that Van B’s relay testimonials are online. You can go to our main website at www. highlandstrailrunners.com. Then use the link on the left for “testimonials.” Then choose the “2008″ link.
Or just click here to make it easy on you!
I’ll put up Van A’s testimonials as soon as I get them (hint, hint!!) ; )
Email This Post
Great race everyone. It sure was trying those first few legs but you guys really did great. Thanks!! Now that the hard part is over it is time for the post race ice cream party. We were thinking of this Friday or Saturday. Does anyone want to volunteer to have it at their house??!!! We will make smoothies and have other desserts if we have to and then play games. We will then have the raffle to see who is lucky enough to run Georgia next year. Who’s in?? Even if you don’t show up your name will be in for the raffle and who knows maybe it will be rigged in your favor.
Email This Post
Just wanted to tell everyone again, THANKS, for a great couple of days. I’m truly blessed to have such wonderful Christian friends. What a blessing to be able to be part of this years relay team. I’m a better man and a better Christian for knowing all of you. Thank all of you.
Email This Post
Recent Comments