The Fat Man is Back
Yep, the fat man is back. I say that somewhat tongue in cheek with dual meaning. Number one – I am finally back to running, enjoying it, and feeling excited again. Number two – I am back to over 230 pounds. That is somewhere I vowed never to return to but I have. I am really not sure if there is one thing in particular that got me back to this position. Lately with working 9 hour days and teaching two nights a week across town, fast food has become to common an occurrence. However, I have given up eating burgers at any fast food joint as well as most any restaurant. For the last week I have been kicking this blog idea around in my head.
My run on Saturday pulled all the pieces into place. I need to make a change with my life and get things back in order. First and foremost, eating habits are going to change. I have already cut out burgers (except for what I make at home). It’s time to get back to salads, fruits, fish, and chicken. Oddly enough, where I teach is on spring break this week so the eating better (and at home) will get a nice kickstart. I have always seemed to excel with a routine. Once the mornings are a bit warmer, most of my runs are going to be in the morning and lunch breaks will be for the gym. Even as busy as things are at work it is time for me to take a time out, reclaim my lunch break, and spend it throwing around weights. As of now I have had any serious considerations for local races. I would love to do the Ukrops 10k but right now I need to get back in shape before committing to anything.
Probably the most drastic change I made after my run was chopping off all my hair. Not many people know I have been growing my hair long for almost a year in support of Locks of Love. With cancer touching my family last year and several in our church (luckily none of them lost their hair), I thought this would be my way of giving back. When I got back from my run I put it up in a pony tail and took the scissors to it (8.25 inches worth). I won’t lie. I miss my long hair but no one else really cared for it. I found out Pantene does a program similar to Locks and 8″ is their minimum. I have all the information printed out and will be sending it off this week. Hopefully it will be acceptable. I was getting frustrated because it was long enough to pull back except for two strings in the front and kept flopping around when I ran. Plus what better way to start some wholesale changes!
Me and Anna 5 days before I cut my hair.
Post haircut
The Results
Stayed Tuned…..
New design and content coming soon…..
Mission Trip Day 4
Another day and more changes (and that is a good thing). Today we were supposed to do some water sports with Scott and some people from his church. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. There were some strong storms in the area and it rained on and off all day. Instead of water fun, we moved up movie day. We went to New Bern catch some movies. This place had new release movies for only $5. Can’t beat that one with a stick! After the movies we spend some time the local mall to kill time until we had to be in Moorhead, NC for our performance at Sanitary Fish Market.
Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant
This was our next to last performance on this trip and they keep getting better! Weather was a slight factor. Storms pulled out around 4 but were scheduled to roll back in about the time we would be wrapping up our performance. We made it to the end of the performance before the rain and lightning started. We had lots of people going up and down the street stopping by to dance, clap, and have a great time with our songs. There were kids as young as two jumping around and dancing. There was one little girl in a stroller who kept cupping her hand around her ear and wanted us to get louder. Several of our youth went out and handed several bystanders the pom-poms.
Getting ready to sing
Today you will hear from the youth who have been on a Mission Trip before and what their experiences have been:
Courtney – This would be my third mission trip, it’s exciting but exhausting. We are doing activities during the day like singing at nursing homes, boating on the river, and the beach. At night we are holding a vacation bible school for three different churches combined. Im working with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders with Gramham, Bryant, and Kendell. Our class overall is great, we have a two rambunctious boys but when you tell them to settle down they usually do. Even though our schedule is constantly changing we are all learning how to be flexible and deal with it. I think mission trip brings us all closer, I know that I could go to any of them and they would be there to listen and talk. This is a great experience. If you have to opportunity to attend you should go for it, there’s nothing better than meeting new people and seeing the smile on their faces J
Mary – this is my second mission trip. So far it has been fun and exhausting. This year I’m working with the 2nd and 3rd graders and they are a lot of fun. Even though they are loud and energetic, they all seen to pay some attention to the story. The nursing homes were the best. They all enjoyed the songs and that a bunch of teenagers would take the time to visit them. I really can’t wait for the rest of the week. I might want to go home but I really don’t want to have this week end so fast.
One of our new fans!
Payne – this is also my second mission trip, and I can already notice some differences from this year and last year. The main reason is that last year, I had stage fright so bad that I wouldn’t really sing. Now, this year, I have noticed that I started to actually sing and start to have fun during our performances. Also, I felt kind of akward last year because I didn’t really know any one in the youth group, and this year I actually know people, have friends, and feel closer to the youth group as a whole. Even if the nights are LATE and the mornings are EARLY I’m definately having much more fun on this mission trip than last years’.
Blake – This mission trip is my second mission trip I have had. I liked singing for the Elderly in the nursing homes and they said they haven’t seen a group of people to perform so well in a long time and they said they really liked it. This year I am teaching in the 2nd and 3rd grades vacation bible school so they can have fun and learn more about god and making new friends in the process.
Say CHEESE!!!!!!!!
Katelynn –… this year has been my second mission tripJ It has been long, and fun. Even though things have changed throughout the trip they have always changed for the better. I like helping out for the 2-5 year olds…they like to run around, scream, and have fun . They are already getting to know the songs very well. But I do like all of the time we have just to hang out. I really enjoyed the nursing homes. We performed three times at just one place. It was fun, and tiring. But now I am losing my voice. I cant wait to sing for the church on Thursday .I loved going to see Eclipse and shopping for my very expensive sunglasses. I was expecting for Jake and Zach to be here this year but they were on vacationL But it is still really awesome…. I cant wait to see how the rest of the week will turn out.
On the running front, there was no running. I forgot to turn the volume up on my iPod so my alarm clock did not go off. Turned out to be a good thing with the weather we had this morning.
Mission Trip 2010 Day 3
Wow. If there were an adjective above amazing, that would describe our youth group. Today we were suppose to paint at Bayboro Baptist but we could not because they are having air conditioning issues where we were suppose to paint. Since we could not paint, Scott (pastor at Bayboro Baptist) arranged for us to perform at an assisted living/nursing home in New Bern, NC. Our guys and gals were so great at being flexible and not working on a firm schedule. When we got there this nursing home was HUGE. We ended up performing at three different locations; two abbreviated shows then our full show. The residents there were so happy we came and had great things to say about our youth and their performance. We even had a few residents who followed us from show to show. We really touched a bunch of people. A few even asked if we could leave Michaela with them. I think Catherine and Mike would have an issue with that.
After the three concerts, Mike and Tracey fixed us hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings back at Bayboro Methodist Church. They are great cooks!! The brownies were to die for.
Today was a sad day for Laura as her grandmother ended her physical journey but began her spiritual journey with Christ. The love and support that was shown by our youth was beyond words. We also celebrated with Mary Ellen and Michael on the birth of their first baby, a boy named Devin. The circle of life was very evident in the Madison Heights Baptist Church family this day was one life began, one ended her physical life and began her glorious heavenly life with Christ, and the youth were sharing the love of Christ with others in the meantime. As Ecclesiastes states to every there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Yesterday I let the mission trip first timers write about their experiences so far. Today, we are going to let the leaders of the open/closing rally and the leaders of the VBS classes share some of their thoughts.
Casey – This year’s mission trip has been a very good experience. I never thought I would be in the room with 6 other guys. But, it hasn’t been that bad. We all have bonded and became good friends. (yes, even you Jeff) (Not that we weren’t already friends) This year in VBS, I took the role of a Pizza Man. It has been an interesting part to fulfill. The kids seem to enjoy it, so I guess it’s ok. I like being one of the older youth members this year. I feel like a boss! For those of you who read this, NEVER let Kaitlyn Cooke try to unlock your phone. She will figure it out and she will change the pass code.
2nd performance at a nursing home in New Bern, NC
Kaitlyn – This is will be the third mission trip I’ve been on and so far seem like it will be the most tiring of all trips but also the most fun. This year I am a music leader and the 2nd - 3rd grade VBS leader. I love being the music leader and looking out to see all the kids dancing and singing along, having a great time. The 2nd and 3rd graders are crazy, wild, and sometimes don’t like to listen, but when it comes to the lessons they are really interested and ask a lot of questions. Some of which I don’t know the answer to, yet when they ask the questions and want to know more it makes me feel great knowing that they are listening and really want to know more about God and how he can be part of their lives. Other than the VBS we have gone to three different nursing homes and sang for them. They may not always look like they are listening but when we finish the songs and go to talk to them you can tell they were and that they enjoyed it. In the last nursing home we went to there was a lady who I talked to and she told me about her daughter and how this was the best time of her life going on mission trips and being part of her youth group and I totally agreed. Being on these mission trips and being with this youth as been great. Not only that but we have so many fun times together. From trying to find a check out line (Jordan) or rocking out to music together we’ve grown exceptionally closer. Thanks to Jeff and Brenda for all the support and love they have for us. None of it would be possible without them. They made us a family. Special thanks also to all the other adults that came on the trip as well. This trip has helped increase my faith in God as well and I look forward to the rest of the week and more fun times with the youth group.
Morgan – I’ve been on two other mission trips and seems like this one will be the best. The bus ride was long, but with great friends and karaoke the trip went by so fast. This year I’m a music leader and VBS leader for K-1st. The only thing I can hope is to make a difference in the children’s life and have them get to know God. The kids can be loud and have WAY too much energy, but you know, that’s what makes it fun! Leading the music can seem like it never ends. The ending rallies seem to go on and on. But there is nothing I rather be doing then being up there singing and dancing like a five year old. The nursing homes have been so interesting. When you sing for older people you can never be sure if they’re actually listening, but as we go around and talk to them is clear that we’ve made impact. At the last one we visited we had a woman stand up and speak to us, it was a huge reminder of why we do this. Having God’s message come through us is an amazing feeling. Our youth have become so much closer in the past three days. It feels like we truly are a family. The ones who deserve the most credit and thanks are Brenda and Jeffrey. Without them this entire trip would have been impossible. Thank you so much! Lastly, I’m so happy that I received this opportunity, my faith has grown so much stronger and the only person I have to thank for that is my savior Jesus Christ. 
Graham and his new buddy
Jordan- This would be my second mission trip I have been on, and truly both have been amazing. This year I got the chance of taking the role as Mac in the skit for VBS, and ill be the first to tell you that it’s a blast. I love getting up in front of the kids and making them laugh. Seeing those beautiful kids smile makes my world go round. I enjoy watching them participate in the rallies and seeing them have tons of fun. The kids are full of energy, which is great, except that us teenagers don’t seem to have enough energy in ourselves to keep up with them. I have never seen a group of children more willing to participate on the first few days like these kids do. They are very inspiring. I hope that everything that we are doing here makes a difference in the lives of others and helps to show god is great. Going to the nursing homes was my all time favorite thing we have done so far. Seeing the elderly enjoy what we are doing and hearing what they have to say makes me feel loved. They are so kind and very cute. This whole trip has been a bonding experience. All of us have gotten very close. I have seen sides of people that I didn’t even know existed. These guys are so amazing. The adults on this trip are so sweet and caring. I love talking to Catherine, she is very funny and inspirational. I absolutely adore everyone here and I thank them all for bring us here and letting us have such an amazing time.
Graham – This is only the second mission trip I have been on during my time in youth; it is only the third day, and already I feel that despite last year’s awesome trip, this one is going to be even better. Although we all complain about the full days of waking up early only to go to bed even later, they are as much fun as they are exhausting. Having the day full of fun and excitement along with the last minute schedule changes and constantly doing something has made this trip for me. There is never a dull moment and there is always something to be done with the help of some of the best people our church has to offer: our youth group. I have had time to become closer with and learn more about several members of our youth group; some more than I would have liked too. This trip is and has truly been an amazing bonding experience, where not only are we growing closer; we have the privilege to help others grow closer with God. I now feel that we as a youth group are not just friends, we are a family, and I don’t want to leave it for a second.
Our girls!!
Taylor – Although I’m one of the oldest in the entire youth group, this is the first mission trip I’ve ever attended. I have a huge responsibilties as I’m the leader of the 2-5 year old VBS class and I’m Water Woman in the rallies. My experience so far has been exhausting and overwhelming. Between the waking up early, dealing with kids all day, & staying up late because of the giggling in my room I haven’t exactly been the most…pleasant person every day. I think this past week (3 days) has helped everybody in the youth group. Even though we have our differences and our moments where we get annoyed by being around each other, we put things aside to make the best out of this trip. I’ve noticed that everyone has bonded, and we have become close. Everyone is always laughing and having a good time. Even though things have changed at last minute, and the weather hasn’t cooperated correctly…we have had a wonderful time and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store <3
2010 Mission Trip Day 2 (and another run with wildlife)
Casey and Caroline together again!
Monday was a great day for all of us. It was our longest day of the week (2 performances in 2 different nursing homes then VBS at night). All I can say is our kids are amazing! At the nursing home they jumped right in helped set up, talked to residents, etc… The passion and energy they put into every song was really moving. We had numerous residents come up and tell us how great they sounded and what a great group we had. We had several residents say they have not heard a group of young people sound good. Honestly, I did not think they could get any better sound wise but they keep raising that bar just a bit higher. VBS last night was just as great. With little to no instruction they jumped right in and did the opening rally, ran the classes and everything. Everyone here has made us feel so welcomed it is as if we never left from last year. It really nice back to sit back and watch the hand of God working with and through all of us. Monday night our kids met a bunch of kids that were here last year and several new kids. Yes, Casey Brooks did meet his beloved Caroline who has been waiting a whole year to see him again. It is hard to put into words how great our kids are. Morgan, Katelyn, Jordan, Casey, and Taylor are doing an amazing job of leading the opening and closing rally. More on that tomorrow…
Here is where we are staying.
I had an idea yesterday to let each of the youth who were not here last year write a little about their experiences so far. As the week goes on we will have different stories from each of the youth. So here we go….
Taylor Meeks – The only ways I can describe mission trip so far is: long, exhausting, fun, and exhilarating. The nursing home trips have been exciting and the people we have met there are sweet & make me feel like we helped them out with something. Vacation Bible School has seemed like a day full of setting up, running around, and teaching cute kids. J I like to see how different they all are, and seeing them having fun. I look forward to the rest of the week and seeing what it has in store.
Payton Meeks – So far Mission Trip has been awesome. At all the nursing homes I love seeing everyone dancing and clapping along. This trip has brought the youth closer together than before. I’ve enjoyed teaching all the little kids at VBS, I love how they all participate in the songs and dance around. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the week. J
Bryant Meeks – It’s been a lot of fun performing in the nursing homes and doing all the activities at VBS and helping out with the kids.
Tristen Martin – its been fun singing and teaching every day so far, I met a lot of new friends the kids at the church are a lot of fun to teach.
Hannah Tarkenton – I have had a lot of fun on mission trip so far; it has been exhausting, fun, long, and exciting. It has been fun teaching the kids at the church, but it also has been tiring.
Camyrn Garrett – So far I feel like I am really a youth group member, VBS Is awesome with the group of kids we have. I feel like I have made an impact so far we have been worn out but suck it up and keep on going. This has been an amazing mission trip so far I hope everyone can do this one-day.
Kendall Branham- This mission trip has brought everyone closer together in our youth group so much. We had tons of fun and it seems everyone is always laughing and smiling. I love how our songs and work is changing people and us and I think that’s what this mission trip is all about. I love being with these people and even though I miss home there’s a part of me that never wants this to end. <3
Our guys at work at VBS Monday night
On the running front:
I got in another 5 miles this morning. Today the weather was much improved. There was hardly any humidly and there was a nice breeze blowing. I had hoped to get in 6 miles but I will take 5. I was a bit slower today but I still got my miles in and felt really great about it. The wildlife here continues to amaze me. As I was walking out the road a white kitten came across a field to me meet. Missing our furball at home, I decided to give her some lovin and move on. I few yards later I saw two turtles and stopped to check them out. Well, little kitty decided she had not had enough love. I seriously thought she was going to follow me for the entire run. However, the turtles were more amusing to her than me so she stayed with them. I went back to the dock I went to yesterday and saw two blue crabs in the water. One looked like it was eating something as its claws were quickly going to its mouth. All I could think about was Sponge Bob. While on the run the little crabs I mentioned yesterday were everywhere. As I ran past most of them they would put their large claw over the face and slowly walk away. Kind of like Jack used to do. If he could not see us, he thought we could not see him. One crab, however, raised up and me and flashed me both claws. Apparently he wanted to pick a fight with me. What the crab did not see was the bird right behind me waiting for me to move so it could swoop in for a crab breakfast.
2010 Mission Trip Day 1 (and a run)
Here a list of our nicknames for the trip:
The team getting ready to leave for Bayboro, NC
Really?? You want me to give some advice?
Yes, those were words spoken by me recently. I was asked on two separate occasions my advice on exercise and weight loss. My first inclination was to answer with usual sarcastic/self deprecating joke about how I am still fat wearing size 38 pants and still weighing over 200 pounds. But, I could see these people were serious and were really interested in what I had to say. I figured it would translate into a decent blog.
Exercise:
Find something you like to do and do it often. Whether it is running, playing a sport, weightlifting, etc… Do something you find fun, get your heart rate up, and enjoy sweating. I choose running because it was a cost benefit analysis for me. Running does not require a membership and the equipment you need is relatively inexpensive. All you need is clothes that you probably already own and some shoes. I do recommend visiting a store that specializes in running to get the proper shoe for your body. I started running in shoes that were not right for me and let to horrible shin splints. Running has also been a great stress relief for me. As will any exercise program.
Nutrition:
I hate the word diet. To me the word screams short term/fad. I prefer to think of it as a lifestyle change. To be honest, the nutrition has been my biggest obstacle. With our lives being so fast paced and loaded with activities, it is very easy to fall into the pitfall of fast food and pre packaged meals. I have been guilty of this and it is hard to break the cycle. I try to do my best to buy healthy choices and eat better quality food. When we are out, I try to stay away from fried foods and desserts. Even if you have a fast paced life you there are a few steps you can take and they have worked well for me.
1. Limit sodas. I have one a day and that is my kick start for the morning. For the most part, I never touch a regular soda. I go wit diet Dr. Pepper or Lipton Diet Green Tea. Downing a 6 pack of soda, even diet, is not good for you. I know diet drinks have no calories, but take a look at all the sodium that is in a single can. Moderation is key.
2. If you have to eat fast food, skip the value meals. If the government wants to help and protect the American people, then they should go after all the fast food restaurants and super value meals – (KFC Double Down, need I say more). Sorry for the side rant. I prefer to eat salads with minimal dressing of just grabbing a sandwich (sans mayo) and a drink (diet or tea). Limit the fries. They have practically no nutritional value.
3. Don’t forget the water. Drink as much as you can. After my morning caffeine, I will drink at least two 32 oz bottles of water while I am at work and another 32 oz bottle before bed. Drinking water can starve off hunger pains and limit over easting. Two reasons to drink before bed. Having water in your belly before bed will help digest any food left in your belly and it will make me get up around 5:30 or 6 AM to go to the bathroom. That will set me up to get out the door for a morning run.
4. Don’t eat after 7pm. If you must eat after 7, make it something eerily digestible like fruits, yogurt, whey protein shake, etc… If you are stuffing your face with ice cream, cookies, junk food, etc.. your body will not have time to digest much if any of the food and your body cannot process it and it will turn into what we are trying to get rid of.
When it comes to nutrition just use some common sense when it comes to food and you will see some results.
These are tips from me. I have no medical degree nor nutritional experience. These are things that I have used to some success and have picked up from nutritional magazines and websites. I hope this helped the people that have asked and maybe some one reading this will pick up something that will help them.
Product Review – Asics 2150′s
After putting 100 plus miles on my Asics 2150′s, I feel I can give an accurate review of this shoe. My last pair of shoes were the 2140′s. They were amazing shoes and was able to put over a 180 miles on them. I have never put that many miles on a pair of shoes. Naturally, I had high hopes for the 2150′s. Lets say it was lust a first run. Things were great. I did notice Asics changed the positioning of the laces (both positive and negative). My ankles are narrow and Asics (or any shoe for that matter) would slip so I used loop lacing to solve that problem. With the new lacing, I did not need to loop lace. Positive in my book. Another positive is the snug fit over the top of the foot. Not too much and not too little. One slight draw back is the amount of miles it took for me to find a happy medium on how tight to tie my shoes so they did not cause any discomfort. The 2150 seems to bounce back better than the 2140. When I have run twice in a short amount of time the 2150 did not feel stiff or loose.
Onto the negatives. For whatever reason the laces do not like to stay tied. Regardless of double knotting or using Ian knotting. I never had this issue with the 2140′s or any other shoe for that matter. This is an easy fix. Just change the laces. The worst is the 2150′s seems to have lost there cushioning a lot faster than there predecessors. With a bit more than 100 miles, I am starting to get those aches and pains that are common when my shoes are wearing out.
Overall I have been very pleased with Asics 21xx line. I am sure when I get my weight down, I can draw more miles out of the shoes. Asics have always made great shoes and with my over pronation and orthotics my feet are very happy. I am alway hesitant to switch to an unknown like another brand of shoes. Maybe I will give Asics higher end over pronation shoes a spin next time around.
4th Annual Godparent Home 5k
This is a bit dated.
Way back on April 17th I ran the Godparent Home 5k. This was the first race I had done where I knew another person well enough to meet up with. I have known David since college and have gotten tons of running advice and encouragement from him over the years. It was kind of cool to run a race with someone you know.
This race has the fastest start of any that I have ever done and the worst finish. 1.5 miles down hill to start and 1.5 straight back uphill. I was completely happy with 32:46 I posted. More so than the time, I was very happy with the pace I was able to set coming back up the hills. This was the first race that I won a door prize, a gift card to Barnes and Noble. My kids throughly enjoyed it. Jack got him two Ironman books and and Anna got her a few more chapter books.
200+
As usual the night before a race, I can’t sleep and my mind is running a 100 mph. I figured I should use this nervous energy to catch up on some blogging. I have been away from writing but not running. On 5/22, I surpassed 200 miles for the year. Last year I had 217 miles in an injury filled year. In 2008, I logged 310 miles. Who knows how many miles I would have if I could find some sort of consistency.
Tomorrow is the Central Virginia Kidney Assoc. 10k. I ran this race back in 2008 and it was my first run of that distance at a time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. I am confident I can beat that time this year. I have not run at all since 5/22. Partly due to being busy with running errands and taking some vacation time that has been due to me. This past weekend Brenda and I went to Massenutten for a few nights for our 10 year anniversary. We had such a great time, running was in the backseat. My arch also had that small twinge I felt in the weeks before it went out in 2008 so I decided to rest it.
Off to bed. Will be back tomorrow with a race report.
Daily Mile
