Track & Field: 4 Lessons From The Relay Race

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

From a spectators standpoint, a track meet can seem like organized chaos. There are athletes running on the track, walking in the stands, warming up in the parking lot, jumping, throwing, and socializing with other athletes. If you attend enough meets, you begin to realize that there is a method and organization to the entire meet.

As a father, my favorite events are the one in which my kids are competing. There nothing quite like cheering on your own kids. Besides that, I especially love watching the relay races. It’s fun to watch teammates cheering each other on, running as fast as possible, and passing the baton to their teammate. A well polished relay team is so amazing to watch as the baton flows around the track from one athlete to the next to the next.

For those of you unfamiliar with relay racing at a typical track meet, the race is made of four legs each run by a different runner on the same team. At the high school level, the typical relay races are the 4 x 100 (each runner runs one-quarter of the track), the 4 x 800 (each runner runs two laps of the track), and the 4 x 400 (each runner runs one lap of the track).

As I watched the relay races from the season, it was obvious which teams at practiced together and which teams needed a lot of work. If I looked more closely at the relay race, I came up with 4 Lessons From The Relay Race that we can apply to everyday life:

It takes a team effort. It’s highly unlikely that one runner running the whole race could beat a team of four who have fresh legs. Runners have to work together. Each person on the team plays a key role in the effort and success of the whole. In life, it is somewhat similar. You play an important role in the body of Christ. The body will not operate properly without YOU! Paul talks about this in his first letter to the Corinthians: The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it,so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. I Corinthians 12:21-26
The baton pass is critical. Races are won and lost based on the pass of the baton. There is a transfer of momentum from one runner to the next. If a runner drops the baton, the race is over. Each runner must run all the way through the transfer zone in order to make the most of each exchange. In life, we will have opportunities to receive the baton from those who run before us, and we will eventually have the opportunity to pass the baton to those coming behind us. In family life, my parents and grandparents have done an incredible job passing the baton to me at appropriate times, and it’s my responsibility to do the same for my kids (and eventually grandkids). At work, it’s the same. And in our spiritual lives, it’s important to have mentors in our lives along with people who we can mentor.
Teammates cheer each other on. Especially at the 4 x 400 relay race which typically ends each meet, the track is lined with teammates cheering as loud as they can for their fellow athletes. The encouragement makes an incredible difference in the outcome of the race. In life, we need to surround ourselves with others who can cheer us on. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 We were not meant to run the race of life in isolation. We were meant for community.
We need an anchor. The 4th (and last) runner of each relay team is called the anchor. This runner is typically the strongest, fastest runner on the team. He is sometimes called upon to make up any difference left by the previous three runners. It’s his job to leave it all on the track and to find any way possible to win. We have an anchor – Jesus Christ. He would go to any lengths to see us to the finish. (In fact, He did this on the cross.) Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:1-8

What lessons could you add to the list above? How have you experienced these relay lessons in your own life? What baton are you currently carrying? How are you preparing to pass the baton?

Track & Field: 6 Lessons From Long Distance Training

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Coming off the trails for a lap around the field at The Thanksgiving Marathon

Yesterday, I ran in the first ever Servefest 5K. It was a great event and a wonderful workout for my legs and lungs. I’ve been running quite a bit these days, and the 5K was a great test to see how effective my training as been. As I was out for my morning run this morning, I was thinking about the parallels between long distance training and life. A couple of weeks ago, I posted some tips for those who are thinking about running a longer race for the first time.

As I was processing this post, I was thinking about things that inspire me in my running and in my life. For example, I’m inspired when I hear stories of people overcoming adversity to reach new heights. I think that’s why I like movies like Radio, Remember the Titans, and The Blind Side.

I’m also inspired by scripture. The scripture below is a great reminder to persevere and to keep the right focus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

It is so easy to give up and to lose perspective when we face the challenges of life. As with my tips a couple of weeks ago, here are six tips that I have found helpful in keeping my eyes on the prize.

Follow a plan. God’s Word should be the center of the plan. I have tried different methods for staying in God’s Word on my own, but I have found that existing plans are most helpful in keeping me on track. Two plans or programs that I have used recently to help me are YouVersion.com and The Daily Audio Bible.
Find some accountability. Get plugged into a small group or even a one-on-one relationship where you can be challenged with the tough questions like: ‘Have you spend time in God’s Word this week?’ and ‘Have you lived with integrity since we last met?’
Cross train and rest. There are some great resources out there to get the most out of your walk. I use several Bible-based blogs and books to give me a deeper perspective. Getting to church on a weekly basis is also important. This is a chance to be fed and to worship on a larger, corporate level. Also, take time to rest. We live very busy lives. We must take time to reflect and to rest.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Get out and live your life. Make a concerted effort to go about your daily activities in a way that would honor God.
Set goals but learn to be flexible with God’s direction. I’m a huge goal oriented person. Setting goals is a great way to keep focused. But we also need to be alert to the movement of the Spirit.
Have fun and a positive attitude. God doesn’t promise that this life will be easy, but we have a choice to make. We can have a poor attitude when it comes to life’s ups and downs, or we can choose to have a positive attitude.

It’s amazing how these things line up with the tips from my earlier post.

So what inspires you in running and in life? What other tips would you add to the list above?

Track & Field: 4 Lessons From The Hurdles

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

On Tuesday, I talked about four lessons from the starting blocks. Today, I continue a new track and field series with four lessons from the hurdles. This year, Isaac ran the hurdles. It was fun watching him learn the ropes of the hurdles, and it will be interesting to see what happens as his track career continues. At the high school level, one of Hannah’s track teammates is one of the best hurdlers in the state of Pennsylvania. It was amazing to watch him compete in the hurdles at each meet. There was a grace and elegance to the way he approached each hurdle. He relentlessly attacked each hurdles until he reached the finish line victorious in each of the races I saw.

With that in mind, I’d like to suggest four things we can learn from the hurdles.

Hurdles happen. In the 110 meter hurdles, men have to jump over 42 inch hurdles. When a runner leaves the starting block, he knows that there will be a hurdle. Life is full of hurdles. You and I will face hurdles. We are not promised a clear path to the finish line. As a matter of fact, hurdles add challenge to the race of life that could otherwise be flat and boring. A true hurdler embraces the trial that each hurdle represents. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
It’s all about rhythm. A hurdler learns to take the same number of steps between each hurdle. It’s almost as though, he could run the race blindfolded. Developing regular disciplines and routines can be helpful as we face the trials and challenges of life. Spending time in God’s Word on a regular basis, praying, and spending time with other believers can be so beneficial in helping us when the challenges come. The prophet Isaiah writes about the importance of seeking God regularly in the morning: All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. Isaiah 26:9
There will be another hurdle. In the 110 meter hurdles, there are actually ten hurdles. A runner gets over a hurdle, and there’s the promise of another hurdle. In life it’s the same, we typically face more than one hurdle in life. The cool thing is that God can use each and every hurdle we face for good. The apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Keep going. A hurdler cannot stop between hurdles. He has to keep going. When life seems too challenging, we need to rely on the strength of God. Don’t give up. Know that there is hope. It starts with the next step. One step at a time. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

What lessons could you add to the list above? What hurdles have you faced in life? What have you learned through these challenges?

Track & Field: 4 Lessons From The Starting Blocks

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Both of my kids are finishing up their spring track and field season. Hannah is running in her first year of high school where she is competing in the 800, the 1600, the 4×400 relay, and the 4×800 relay. And Isaac is running in his first year of middle school track where he is competing in the long jump, the hurdles, and the 200.

It has been such a blast to be a parent during these past couple of months. I love the opportunity to go to their meets, to cheer them on, and to observe all the different events that seem to be happening at once.

I ran one season of winter track and a season of spring track when I was in high school. In both cases I ran the longer distances. I never had the opportunity or need to use starting blocks as they are typically used for the shorter sprint races like the 100, the 200, and the 400.

It’s been interesting to observe the sprinters as they prepare for their races. They setup their starting blocks just right, so they’re ready for the race. They jump up and down and do a couple of quick trials to practice accelerating out of their blocks. They listen intently to the instructions of the starter. They get ready. They get set. And they listen for the sound of the starting gun. They are completely still. And they’re alert. All this happens before the race even starts.

I think we can learn a lot from the starting blocks. Here are 4 thoughts or lessons that come to my mind:

Prepare. A runner doesn’t typically step up to the starting line without preparing. They practice for hours to get ready for this moment. Then they put on the right clothes and tie their shoes just right. They warm up. And they make sure everything is set up just right. In life, we have the opportunity to prepare for the race that we are running by putting on the full armor of God. In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us an idea of what this looks like: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:10-20
Listen. It is essential for a runner to listen to the instructions of the starter. The starter gives the runner specific information that helps the runner start the race and run the race successfully. Failure to follow these instructions can result in disqualification from the race. Similarly, we must listen to our Instructor – God and His Word. The Bible gives us clear instructions for how we should live our lives. It’s important that we follow God’s voice – his instructions – so we are not disqualified. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
Be Still. When a sprinter finally settles into his or her starting blocks. They have to be completely still. If they are talking or moving, they will distract other runners, they won’t be ready for the starting gun, and they will be disqualified from the race. In the race of life, we need to be still. We get moving at such a high rate of speed as we move from one activity to the next and from one thought to the next. We miss out on the glory of the presence of God because we are too preoccupied with ourselves. Before we run the race of life, we need to know who is in charge. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Be Alert. A runner is alert and ready to go at any moment. They are ready to bounce like a cheetah as soon as they hear the noise of the starting gun. They don’t know exactly when the gun will sound, but they are ready. In the race of life, we are called to be alert and to be ready at all times. We are called to be prepared in season and out of season, and we are called to make the most of each and every opportunity. Jesus reminds us in Mark 13, that we need to be alert at all times: “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:33

That’s all I’ve got. Time to head out for my morning run!

What else can you add to this list? When was the last time you ran a race? How did you get ready for the race?

I Am A Runner – 6 Tips For Those Considering Their First Marathon

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Yesterday, I ventured out on the Perkiomen Trail early in the morning for five miles. And then last night, I hit the roads and trail around Collegeville for another 6.4 miles. There wasn’t anything majorly significant about either of these runs. I didn’t feel real fast; in fact, I felt kind of slow at times as I plodded along.

It’s amusing to me that people occasionally come to me seeking advice about running their first longer race. It just makes me laugh that people would look to me for advice about running. I have run half marathons four or five times, but it’s been several years since I last ran one. I’ve completed three marathons, and two or three Broad Street 10 Milers. I can’t tell you how many 5Ks that I’ve run over the years. Nonetheless, I don’t consider myself an expert. I’m slow and bigger than most long distance runners (that’s a nice way to say that I carry a little more weight than most if not all decent distance runners).

So what did I tell people?

1) Get into a training program. Whether it’s a runner’s group at the YMCA or like Team in Training or it’s simply an on-line or written plan like one from Hal Higdon, I think these programs can help keep one focused on doing the right mileage and exercise and rest to prepare for a longer race. I used a modified Hal Higdon plan when I prepared for all three of my marathons. As a numbers guy, I created spreadsheets to help track by progress through my training. I tracked distance and time, and I tracked details about each of my runs and workouts about how I felt, where I ran, and what the weather was like. It was amazing to watch my mileage build up from week to week. (I’ve been tracking my mileage this year, and I’ve run 418.74 miles in 2013 to date.)

2) Get some accountability through a runner’s group or a friend who’s at your level. I found a friend to train with for many of my shorter runs, and I asked several people to ride their bike alongside me for a few of my longer runs. They carried my water and gel packs, but they also provided conversation to distract me when the mileage was getting the best of me.

3) Cross train and rest. These are important to build your strength and cardio capacity without overdoing it. I like to ride my bike as one of my cross training activities, and I would recommend swimming and lifting as great cross training activities. I look forward to my scheduled rest days. These give me a chance to recharge. These are just as important as the exercise days.

4) Practice hydration and fueling on your longer runs. While marathon training, I ran with a belt with four water bottles. I filled one or two of the bottles with an energy drink like Accelerade. Practicing eating a gel shot or energy bar in the middle of your longer runs. Find out what works for you and your stomach. I learned that certain gel packs don’t work with my stomach. It’s best to learn this lesson while training and not during your race.

5) Set goals. A first goal would be to make it through your training and to the starting line of the race. Next, your goal should be to finish the race. Then, you can start adding time related goals – overall finish time, negative splits, etc. Finally, you might want to add a stretch goal that you can go after if you’re really feeling good.

6) Have fun. The running community is great – before, during, and after the race. Talk to other runners. Find out what works for them. Ask them about their favorite races. Cherish each moment.

For not being a running expert, I guess I have a lot to say.

Are you a runner? What tips would you add to this list?

When The Treadmill Stops Suddenly – 5 Tips For Handling Life Stopping Experiences

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

I've been logging running mileage again, and it feels great. Most of my miles these days are happening on the treadmill at the gym thanks to the cold weather and early morning darkness that blankets our area at this time of the year.

The other day, I was up early running a quick 4.5 miles at our local YMCA. I had the treadmill ramped up to 7.8 miles per hour (which for me is a pretty decent pace). While I'm on the treadmill, I listen to podcasts and glance up at the televisions to see the latest sports highlights and news updates. About a mile into my run as I was lost in my own world, the treadmill suddenly stopped.

Imagine driving your car at 65 miles an hour and it suddenly stops completely. Or imagine riding your bicycle at 15 miles an hour when someone jams a stick in your spokes.

This is how it felt when the treadmill stopped for me. I somehow managed to catch myself before a complete catastrophe occurred. The guy running next to me commented, "Wow! Nice catch." I tried to get the treadmill back up and running, but it wouldn't power up and restart. I switched treadmills and continued my workout.

Sometimes life is like this. We are coasting along when something happens in our lives that brings things to a screeching halt. It's happened in my life a few times - like the time I crashed my car two weeks before my wedding, like when my wife was rushed to the hospital shortly after our son was born, and like the moment I learned that my grandfather had passed away six years ago.

I certainly don't have all the answers, but I've learned a few things through life events like these.

Hang on. Sometimes this is all we can do. When we don't understand, when we don't know the plan, we can trust God and hang on to His hand. I remember asking during these times, "Why?" Even in the toughest moments, we must remember that He will never leave us.

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1:5
Trust God. In times like this, I've gone back to Proverbs 3:5-6 as a promise that God will make my paths straight even when life doesn't make sense.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Lean into family and friends. I can't tell you how much family and friends have meant to our family when life's train seems to have derailed. It helps to know that someone is praying for me, is willing to talk or listen as I wrestle through the challenges of life, and is willing to be there when I can't fully focus on my daily needs. If you're missing this in your own life, I'd encourage and challenge you to seek out this kind of friendship. Our church small group experience has provided many of these types of friendships.
Consider a change. Sometimes a life stopping experience can be the catalyst to positive change in our lives. This week, I switched treadmills. Maybe these experiences are a call to change direction.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19
Learn and grow. Life halting experiences can be life altering experiences if we take time to learn and grow. This is why I recommend a journal or even a blog as a way to record life's happenings. I have learned so much through the major speed bumps of life and the blog and my journal have become great places to record and process these experiences.

I returned to the gym this morning to run more on the treadmill. I'm sure I was a bit more cautious, but I'm ready to keep going. I'm thankful for the reminder that a simple treadmill experience can provide. I have no idea what the rest of the day holds, but I look ahead with confidence knowing that it will be okay no matter what transpires.

What have you learned from a life stopping experience? What other tips do you have for handling these kinds of times?

Run For The Son

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Jon Stolpe

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

I Corinthians 9:24-27

What are you training for? How do you discipline yourself to keep going?

Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community. Hop on over here to see what I’m talking about.

Running Inspiration – Let Us Run With Perseverance

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Jon Stolpe

Coming off the trails for a lap around the field at The Thanksgiving Marathon

Yesterday, I posted some tips for those who are thinking about running a longer race for the first time.

I’m also inspired by scripture. The scripture below is a great reminder to persevere and to keep the right focus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

It is so easy to give up and to lose perspective when we face the challenges of life. As with my tips yesterday, here are some tips that I have found helpful in keeping my eyes on the prize.

1) Follow a plan. God’s Word should be the center of the plan. I have tried different methods for staying in God’s Word on my own, but I have found that existing plans are most helpful in keeping me on track. Two plans or programs that I have used recently to help me are YouVersion.com and The Daily Audio Bible.

2) Find some accountability. Get plugged into a small group or even a one-on-one relationship where you can be challenged with the tough questions like: ‘Have you spend time in God’s Word this week?’ and ‘Have you lived with integrity since we last met?’

3) Cross train and rest. There are some great resources out there to get the most out of your walk. I use several Bible-based blogs and books to give me a deeper perspective. Getting to church on a weekly basis is also important. This is a chance to be fed and to worship on a larger, corporate level. Also, take time to rest. We live very busy lives. We must take time to reflect and to rest.

4) Practice. Practice. Practice. Get out and live your life. Make a concerted effort to go about your daily activities in a way that would honor God.

5) Set goals but learn to be flexible with God’s direction. I’m a huge goal oriented person. Setting goals is a great way to keep focused. But we also need to be alert to the movement of the Spirit.

6) Have fun and a positive attitude. God doesn’t promise that this life will be easy, but we have a choice to make. We can have a poor attitude when it comes to life’s ups and downs, or we can choose to have a positive attitude.

It’s amazing how these things line up with the tips from yesterday.

So what inspires you in running and in life? What other tips would you add to the list above?

I Am A Runner

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Jon Stolpe

Bringing me into the finish at last year's Thanksgiving Day Marathon in the Bronx

This morning, I ventured out on the Perkiomen Trail for a few miles. There wasn’t anything majorly significant about this early morning run. I didn’t feel real fast; in fact, I felt kind of slow as I plodded along.

It was amusing to me that someone from my company called me not long ago to seek advice about running this year’s Philadelphia Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon (it used to be called the Philadelphia Distance Run). It just makes me laugh that people would look to me for advice about running. I have run this race four or five times, but’s it’s been several years since I last ran it. I’ve completed three marathons, and two or three Broad Street 10 Milers. I can’t tell you how many 5Ks that I’ve run over the years. Nonetheless, I don’t consider myself an expert. I’m slow and bigger than most long distance runners (that’s a nice way to say that I carry a little more weight than most if not all decent distance runners).

So what did I tell him?

1) Get into a training program. Whether it’s a runner’s group at the YMCA or like Team in Training or it’s simply an on-line or written plan like one from Hal Higdon, I think these programs can help keep one focused on doing the right mileage and exercise and rest to prepare for a longer race. I used a modified Hal Higdon plan when I prepared for both of my marathons. As a numbers guy, I created spreadsheets to help track by progress through my training. I tracked distance and time, and I tracked details about each of my runs and workouts about how I felt, where I ran, and what the weather was like. It was amazing to watch my mileage build up from week to week.

3) Cross train and rest. These are important to build your strength and cardio capacity without overdoing it. I liked to ride my bike as one of my cross training activities, and I would recommend swimming and lifting as great cross training activities. I looked forward to my scheduled rest days. These gave me a chance to recharge. These are just as important as the exercise days.

4) Practice hydration and fueling on your longer runs. I ran with a belt with four water bottles. I filled one or two of the bottles with an energy drink like Accelerade. Practicing eating a gel shot or energy bar in the middle of your longer runs. Find out what works for you and your stomach. I learned that certain gel packs don’t work with my stomach. It’s best to learn this lesson while training and not during your race.

6) Have fun. The running community is great – before, during, and after the race. Talk to other runners. Find out what works for them. Ask them about their favorite races. Cherish each moment.

For not being a running expert, I guess I have a lot to say.

Are you a runner? What tips would you add to this list?

Random Stretch Thoughts

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Jon Stolpe

Life continues to provide plenty of stretching opportunities. Today’s post is simply some of the things that are stretching me these days.

1. Headaches. Since the month of February, I’ve been dealing with lots of headaches. I haven’t had a migraine for a few weeks, but I’m still wrestling a bit with the day-to-day nuisance headaches. I started seeing someone who is helping with deep tissue message. This seems to be helping, but it seems like I still have a way to go until my back, shoulders, and neck loosen up.
2. Running. Yesterday, I shared about the 2nd Annual Race to Remember. Between blogging, headaches, and the other busyness of life, it can be a challenge to find a regular routine for running. I’m hoping that a date on the calendar will inspire me to be more consistent in my running.
3. Gardening. I don’t talk about gardening a whole lot here, but it is still one of my passions. Admittedly, this hobby has taken a backseat to my family, my job, my writing, and other activities. I did manage to get my garden planted a few weeks ago. Now, I need to figure out how to keep the deer and groundhogs out of the garden. And I need to find time to weed.
4. Blogging. I love the blog, and I intend on keeping it going. My main struggle is landing on my next path forward – What is the next step for the Stretched Blog? Should I write and eBook? If so, where should I focus? I know for certain that I want to use my writing and blogging for something way bigger than myself. The Guatemala trip and the Stretched house is confirmation that anything is possible.
5. Guatemala. I really need to work on my Spanish. In nearly a month and a half, I’ll be making this life changing trip. I pray that I will be alert to the impact of this trip. We’re less than $2,700 away from paying for the house! Feel free to hop on board.
6. Family and marriage. This is a huge priority for me. Many times I feel like my attention and energy isn’t always where it should be. I don’t want to look back with any regrets. In a week, my daughter will be graduating from middle school. I know she’s ready for high school, but this milestone is a reminder that time isn’t slowing down. I need to make the most of the opportunities.
7. Faith. To put it plainly, my relationship with God has to be the most important thing in my life. I’m constantly filling my mind with good things, but I’m realizing more and more that I need to be still. This stretches me to the core.

I’m sure there are many other things that are stretching me, but this list provides a glimpse into the ones that keep coming back to me. I’m thankful that God is patient with us while we stretch. I’m thankful that he desires a relationship that is new, exciting, and stretching.

What’s stretching you see days?

(Don’t forget to get in on the giveaway that’s going on this week on the Stretched blog. Click here for more details. There’s still time to win Platform by Michael Hyatt or Love Does by Bob Goff.)