8 Miles...

In case you didn't know, my wife and I started training for a marathon about a month ago with Team in Training. Today she and I jogged the longest that we've ever done in our lives.

8 miles.

Now, I realize... for those of you who are distance runners, or have been there/done that, then this may not sound like a big deal; However, if you will allow me this indulgence... it is a big deal for me and my wife.

I couldn't be more proud of the two of us. Mel is determined and strong. Her will is an encouragement to me. Today wasn't without it's aches and pains.... and blisters. But, when she is hurting... I try to encourage her and it helps me keep focused as well. She's running this to support a worthy cause (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), and I am running this to support her. After all... we are teammates. In EVERYTHING.

On a personal note- I may have trimmed up a bit, but inside I'm still that junior high kid that got made fun of for being overweight. It's amazing how that stuff from being a kid can stick with you. I remember the first time I ran a 5k, I was greeted by my parents and sister at the finish line. I couldn't hold back the tears (not that I wanted to). It's not that it hurt that bad... I mean, I was exhausted, but it's because of the emotional triumph. I NEVER thought that I could run a mile let alone 3.1! That was in 2006 at a triathlon that was two thirds rained out. And now... I just finished jogging 8 MILES! Not only that... but I successfully biked from Houston to Austin last year in the MS150 with my Dad and Sister. Things have come so far...

Cycling started off this same way... I remember the first time I biked 10 miles or so and it was huge! Running is comparable. One step at a time as we press towards a new dawn in our athletic prowess:-)

"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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

Hidden Talents

Tonight's small group was about sharing our "hidden talents." Believe me... there were many "interesting" ones shared. I shared a few myself- origami, and stupid-human-tricks like demonstrating vocal multiphonics (among other things); however, two of the hidden talents that I think have that were not shared tonight are photography and writing. I think I'm above average at both. Maybe, not great... but at least above average.

My wonderful wife,(YAY! I'm a MARRIED MAN NOW!!!!) has been encouraging me to write, and I'm finally getting around to it. I think the notion of hidden talents has been a pretty good catalyst for this. So, here it is. Hopefully this a great way to kick off this blog and start something new. Yes, I did take the photo. If you look carefully it says "who" on the railroad spike (at least it looks that way to me). So who are you in the details of life? How has God talented you? Sometimes... a talent is far more than what you do - it may just be who you are... don't be hidden.


PS. Thank you, Mel. For always being my partner and for encouraging me in new things...