I can run, but I can’t hide

Last year I met my goal of running 572 miles and my late additional goal of biking the same distance plus various other machine, free weight and core exercises that were not consistent. This year, I will up the goals to 624 each, adding one more mile per week.  I run mostly on a treadmill at before work.  This seems to be the best time for me to get up early before everyone else does.  My best 5 mile run was 39 minutes; my best 4 mile run was 29:39.  My best time going 15 miles on the bike was 39:12.  In working at different locations, I find some treadmills to be easier than others.  I plan to use this to my advantage.

Ah… College

After about 7 years, I got to relive some of my college days recently. While getting the Christmas decorations out of storage, I happened upon a few boxes of items I had saved; projects, notes, books, study guides, etc. I enjoyed looking at the goofy pictures I drew in the margins, the random things I wrote, and awkward scratchings as I apparently fell asleep a few times. Overall, I was impressed with how smart I used to be. Most of that stuff made no sense to me now, but I know that I could pick it up if needed. I reluctantly threw the stuff out (recycled) knowing that all but the personal information can be easily found online, and the personal items… well, no ever needs to see those again.

2009 Reads

Despite my daughter out reading me so far this year, here is a list of books I have read.

1. The Man In the Mirror by Patrick Morley
2. Painting the Map Red by Hugh Hewitt
3. Hard to Believe by John MacArthur
4. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferris
5. Alexander Hamilton by Steven O’Brien and Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
6. Revolution in World Missions by K. P. Yohannan
7. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards (Author), Mark Trigsted (Editor)
8. From the Shadows by Robert M. Gates
9. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
10. Inheriting Syria by Flynt Leverett
11. Jesus Freaks by dc Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs
12. The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley
13. Hard as Nails by Justin Fatica
14. Resurrecting Empire by Rashid Khalidi
15. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
16. Mapping the Risks by Rand Corporation
17. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
18. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection
19. In the Presence of God by R. C. Sproul
20. With Christ in the  School of Prayer by Andrew Murray
21. Evening by Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon
22. Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
23. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson
24. Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden
25. How Good People Make Tough Choices by Rushworth M. Kidder

Exercise Goals: 2009

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of running and biking 572 miles each (11 miles each per week) not counting all of the other weight training. I am doing well at around 520 so far for each. Since I do my workouts at the gym before work, this crunch time part of the year becomes more difficult because I am taking off so much; not to mention that I just don’t feel like doing it.  I have not doubt that I will make it.  For some encouragement for you and I both, here is a link to tips for meeting your goals.  I need to start working on what goals will be for next year.

What’s Going On: Sept ’09

Quite few things going on lately. Still trying to exercise and read regularly. I quit learning Chinese, deciding that I just don’t have the time to take it seriously.

The wifey’s Grandma celebrated her 84th birthday.

We went to the Balloon Glow as part of the Forrest Park Balloon Race. It was our first time and needed some better planning on our part, but was fun nonetheless.

Guy I used to work with got in trouble.

We went to the local Italian Fest.

Our pastor’s daughter had a baby.

Oh, I found this Old Skool gem at a local restaurant:

Are You Caught Up in the Rat Race?

An interesting quote from “The Man In the Mirror” by Patrick Morley really caught my attention this week:

“The desire for things appears to have become more important than having a meaningful life philosophy.”
I have to admit that at times I find myself falling into the trap of desiring the wrong things. As we embark on a new year and get a chance at a fresh beginning, let’s keep in mind the things that are really important. The Rat Race is unwinnable and unsustainable anyway. For me, the most important things are God, marriage, family, friends, work, fun.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. –Matthew 6:33

2009: The Year of Organization

Its time for forward thinking, relooking at priorities, and setting goals (not resolutions which are usually doomed to failure).

I am declaring 2009 the year of organization. I could stand to pay more attention to detail at home, the office, time management, fitness & nutrition, finances, education, practically every facet of life. This will really help me to be better personally and professionally. It just makes life so much easier.

I plan to create lists and schedules that reflect my priorities so that I spend more time on those things that are important. I hope to pass along tips and sources that I find useful. Look for my delicious tag: organization

Here are some tips on sticking to your resolutions.

Other goals for 2009:

• run 572 miles
• read 21 books
• finish my master’s thesis