Marriage

My Thoughts On The Gay Marriage Debate.  pt2

UPDATE: Dec 2013  With the Duck Dynasty Headlines all over the internet, I thought I would offer up my post from last March.  And then I read this Blog post from a Pastor in South Carolina, and he in much better terms, much better English and grammar said what I tried to say.

PLEASE no matter what side of the opinion you're on please invest the time in reading this.

Duck Dynasty-Homosexuality-and-Political Correctness 

Do I think it is wrong to suspend the man from his TV show for his opinion, Yes I do.  Tell me A&E did not know his opinion when they first signed him.

What am I doing about this subject in my Christian walk? Mr Noble says it best:

James, the brother of Jesus, tells us in James 1:22-25 that the Bible is like a mirror with which we are to look into intently to see where we are lacking in our own lives; however, too many "Christians" have ceased to use the Bible as a mirror and began using it as a window, and instead of looking IN IT to see their issues they look THROUGH IT to judge and condemn others (despite what JESUS Himself said in John 3:17.)  

I will not look through the Bible at you.  I believe Christ directed me to tell the world about him, not judge the world.  I have been or are guilty of many of the sins listed in the bible.  I will not judge you, least I be judged.  I ask for forgiveness from GOD and will tell anyone willing to listen the good news of Jesus and how he has changed my life.  And if you have known me for more then five years...YOU have witnessed the change.

Love ya all
Brian

P.S.  I have to be honest, I really did not like the Duck Dynasty show, only part I liked was the prayer at the end.


Original Post

First, I ask that you read all my points before you change your opinion of me or worse, decide to hate me.

Second, You have to understand that I believe in the one true GOD, the GOD of creation and of the Bible.  I believe in the GOD the father, GOD the SON and GOD the holy spirit.

My thoughts:

#1  I believe GOD defined "marriage" in the Garden of Eden, when he created Man and then created Woman.

Genesis 2 :22 (NIV) ²² Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.

²³ The man said,

“This is now bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
    for she was taken out of man.”

²⁴ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

#2  I believe in the new convent of JESUS and his greatest commandment to us.

John 13:34 (NIV)  ³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

#3  I don't believe Gov't should redefine what a "marriage" is, GOD has done that.  I do believe that same sex couples should enjoy the same benefits, protections and responsibilities as traditional marriages in the eyes and laws of the Gov't.  If we can invent "OBAMACARE" we can draft and accept a new civil union, same sex creed or understanding.  And still protection the original and time tested understanding of a "marriage."

#4  I will not judge, I am far from perfect.  I do not want to be judged by my friends, family or people I work with.  I will be judged by GOD (as we all will be) and I ask for and accept his plan for salvation.  I accept everyone on how they treat me and others.  I love, respect and welcome my friends and family for who they are, I will share life with them, I will pray for them and I will share my story with them in LOVE not judgement.

Life is hard enough.  We should not make life harder on each other.  We all deserve and desire to be loved by someone and accepted by all.  I only wish the best for everyone reading this.  Salvation first and always, love and acceptance by each other second.

GOD so loved the world, that he gave his ONE and ONLY son...

Marathon Dog

Dogs have always had a special place in my life and in my heart...

Growing up our first family dog was a beagle named Bell and 40+ years later I still vivid memories of playing, chasing and loving this dog.  She had a littler of puppies and we kept one, her name was Krystal.  Oh that was "My first" doggie and my first love.  As a youngster, I thought we would be friends forever.  Life moves on, but my love and affection for these four legged bundles of love are truly gifts from GOD.

The internet is full of great pictures, stories and video clips of Man's best friends.

This story made me smile...and as a runner earned my RESPECT.

You go Dozer!

Marathon Dog.

36 Seconds

In 36 Seconds...

Jeff Gordon turns a lap and a half, 3.75 miles, at Daytona

The SR-71 Blackbird travels 17.25 miles over a straight line course

and The Earth Travels 558.3 miles around the sun

And after 26.2 miles...it all came down to 36 seconds.

On St. Pattys Day 2013, I finished my ninth Marathon since 2005, and my third running of the Shamrock Marathon.  And after 26.2 miles, I set a new Personal Best/Record (PB/PR) of 4 hrs 10m and 03s.....breaking a eight year old PB.  Who said I'm getting old?

PRE-RACE:
Going into this race I had mixed emotions on my goal.  At times I wanted to push it and try for a sub 4hr marathon, at other times I was not sure if I had it in me.  So I decided to go for an improvement over my last two marathons, (avg. 4:25) and shot for a sub 4:15 or if all went well a new PB.

My marathon PB was set eight years ago in Richmond 2005...some little voice told me I may never beat that PB, as I am getting older by the year.

My plan going into this race was to do something I have never done before, use the pacers to help set my pace.  After talking with a mentor /running pal, George, the 4:30 pacer, I decided to line up with the 4:15 pace group and ride out the early laps with them.

The weather for race day was cold (43) and windy (15 MPH).  I planned to go out in shorts and a short sleeve shirt...and for whatever reason I did not change.  On the prompting of a friend I did add a pair of gloves and a beanie hat and I'm so glad I added those extras.

The RACE:
Mile 1  09:51 / Mile 2  09:55 / Mile 3  09:29 / Mile 4  09:37 / Mile 5  09:43 / Mile 6  09:42 / Mile 7  09:35

I'm NOT dogging the pacer, he did a great job and was very uplifting keeping everyone focused on sticking to the plan.  But trying to run with the pace group kept me hemmed in and stuck in the pack, this made my pace feel very eradic, I spent alot of mental energy trying to keep from clipping someones heel or having my heels clipped. At mile 7, I pulled out from behind Mike "the pacer" and stretched out my legs some.  From here I ran a more comfortable and free 9:30 pace.

Mile 8  09:38 / Mile 9  09:25 / Mile 10  09:25 / Mile 11  09:37

Mile 12  10:29  Oh this was a killer.  Run completely on the boardwalk we ran right into a headwind and it was cold brutal.  I'm not sure what effect the ocean front had on it, but this section took alot out of me and my time suffered.  And I'll tell ya I tried every NASCAR drafting trick I know and could not find a wind break.  At one point I think I made the runner ahead of me a bit nervous, as I may have ventured into his private space.  Got to break the wind man!  I was so happy when we made the left hand turn and went back to the streets of downtown VA Beach.  The wind was still present and beat us up, but without the effects of the ocean front, it did not feel as bad.

Mile 13  09:38 / Mile 14  09:33 / Mile 15  09:30 / Mile 16  09:35 / Mile 17  09:27 / Mile 18  09:22 / Mile 19  09:17

The mid point (Mile 13-19), of the race I was feeling really good, was holding myself back.  I have a bit of a confidence problem, I always fear blowing up and not finishing a race so I hold myself back.  Looking back I believe I could have ran a little harder.

(Cruising right along)

This section is tricky...wide open but with a slight incline, my legs felt good. This section of the course always brings out alot of carnage and a few of the people I passed sounded like old steam trains.  I was surprised that my breathing was in control and very easy. 

Mile 20  09:48 / Mile 21  09:25 / Mile 22  09:40 / Mile 23  09:32

At Mile 20 we turned on to Fort Story and once again were buffered my a strong head wind.  I kept waiting for the "WALL" and the "WIND" to have their way with me.  But in the end I was able to keep the pace up and run strong.  Running on Fort Story was some what comforting, as I've run a ton of training miles on the base.  Being able to track landmarks helps me with the mental game of pushing thru the hard miles after mile 20.

Mile 24  09:08 / Mile 25  08:40 / Mile 26  08:23

Mile 24 I felt the need for speed, and my legs responded.  My only regret was that I did not wheel it out a little earlier.

Finishing on The Boardwalk:

Making that left turn off of Atlantic and running thru the LIVESTRONG section gives you a big boost of energy.  My legs felt really powerful and once my eyes caught sight of the finish line it was game on.  Glancing at my GPS watch I saw a sight I never thought I would see during a marathon, a 07:27 pace being displayed...and I was able to keep it up for the full length of the boardwalk finish.

(the Power of Orange)

I glanced at my GPS again and with quick math figured a PB was going to be close...I needed to pick it up.  I can't tell you what pace I was pushing but it would have made Don Garlits and Richard Petty proud.  I was passing would be runners left / right and up the middle.  And to the guys running five wide into the finish....sorry but I needed those few seconds.

 
POST RACE:
My GPS Time 4:10:10 / Chip Time 4:10:03
I got a slow start on my watch at the beginning of the marathon, and I tried to NOT be the guy hitting the stop button and messing up anyone's finishing line photos...SO I'M going with my chip time and a NEW PR.

J&A racing sure knows how to put on an event.  The race was managed very well, no issues with the course, the timing, or the volunteer staff.  NOW the race swag...is out of this world.  The pre-race tech T is great, the finishers medal is terrific and even the customary hat....although predictable is still welcomed.  BUT The SHAMROCK fleece blanket.....out of this world SWAGeriffic.

(Marathon #9)

So whats next?
  

Next Up

Next Up, Won't You Join Me?

Shamrock Marathon

Monument Ave 10k

VA 24hr Run for Cancer

Cleveland Marathon

Then a long hot summer....

Air Force Marathon

JFK 50 Miler

Seashore Nature Trail 50k

Planning a running calendar is much like trying to plan a marriage or a military deployment.  Timing is everything.  Not only do you have to ensure the budget and time commitments are in order, but also that races don't conflict with each other and recovery time in between.

Another major consideration is driving distance and vacation time.  An out of town race could mean another vacation day used traveling to and from.  Whereas a local race allows an easy commute, unfortunately once you have run all the local events your eye does start to wonder and "Marathon Lust" is born.  Most out of town races are run in conjunction with a family vacation or some other pre-planned event.  But this year "Marathon Lust" is taking over and I have an out of town race or two (okay maybe three) planned as stand alone events.

Then there is the race bling...  Yes I'm a sucker for the bling.  I can't say I've selected a race solely for the bling, but those shinny medals on display at a running expo sure draw my attention.

What things do you consider when selecting a race?  Lets hear about it.



 

Shamrock Week

Shamrock Week 2013 and a look back at Shamrock 2012, running with friends, over coming Breast Cancer, Running Ultras and the Marine Corp Marathon.

If I have a hometown marathon, Shamrock would have to be it.  There maybe closer marathons, but I've run Shamrock more times then another marathon+ type event.  This will be my third running of the full marathon...and as with any marathon I'm sure it will be something to remember.

Last year Shamrock Marathon was special, I ran the marathon with a good friend who was completing her first marathon.  We had trained together for little over a year, we ran her first half-marathon together, we ran a ton of long runs together, we ran in the rain, the cold and the near snow.  But running the Shamrock Marathon in 2012 was a highlight of my marathon running career.

My friend Susan, over came Breast Cancer, and Rheumatoid Arthritis to run the Shamrock Marathon  in 2012.  Since then Susan also ran an Ultra (50 miles) and completed the Marine Corp Marathon as well.  But Shamrock 2012 and all that was not enough, Susan will be back running Shamrock again this weekend.

What can we learn from this...  Don't let anyone, or anything stop you....give thanks to GOD in prayer and keep moving!

UPDATE:  I will wear bib number 2414 on Sunday, sounds like a good number to me!

Movies and Running

What if these GREAT MOVIES were more running focused?

The Dark Knight  --  “If I was a good runner, he wouldn't need the Batcar.” 

Titanic -- “When you got nothing to run for, you got everything to lose.” ‘

The Empire Strikes Back -- "If you choose the quick and easy run as Vader did - you will become an agent of evil."

Star Wars -- “The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the MARATHON.”

Fast Times at Ridgemont High -- “All I need are some cool runs by the waves…”

The Big Lebowski -- “A Ultra does not stop and start at your convenience.”

Casablanca -- "We'll always have Our Long Run."
 
Who Framed Roger Rabbit -- "I'm not bad. I'm just run that way."

Top Gun -- “I feel the need – the need for speed”

There are some great running inspired movies out there, Spirit of The marathon is one of them.  AND I can't wait for the release of Spirit of The Marathon II

  

What are some of your favorite Running Movies?

Daylight Savings Time

RETURN TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME -  MARCH 10, 2013

The modern idea of daylight saving was first proposed in 1895 by George Vernon Hudson and it was first implemented during the WWI. 

The Eastern section of the United States will return to Daylight Savings Time (DST) on 2:00 a.m. Sunday March 10, 2013.  I am not sure how this slight advance of the clocks affects the world or mankind in whole, but it does effect me as a runner.  I’ve read reports where DST, saves energy, lowers crime, and reduces the number of fatalities from traffic accidents.  But I’m not really sure if it does any of this, I’ll have to trust the Gov’t.  BUT as a runner I will take advantage of Daylight Savings Time in the following manner:

1.  I will move my clocks forward one hour at approximately 2:00 a.m. standard time or whenever I get up, you see Sunday is my sleep in day.  And even DST is not going to change this!

2.  My first DST run will be at approximately, 5:30 pm which was the former 4:30 pm and I will run without my handy flashlight or a mirage of reflective gear.  I'm sure I'm going to save at least $5.00 in batteries.

3.  As I run post DST, I will enjoy the view of the world around me, the blue sky, the green grass, the budding flowers and the children at play.  Running in the daylight = priceless!

4.  I will no longer fear being run over because a distracted driver did not see me in the veil of night, but I will continue to worry I will be run over by a driver responding to the latest TXT joke.

5.  I will use the extra daylight hour at the end of my day by logging a few extra miles…where before I cut a run short because it was too dark, to cold or I just did not have the zip in my step.

6.  And lastly I will no longer run with the fear of the Skunk!  Since the sun will still be shinning brightly during my post DST runs, Mr. Skunk and his family of stinky butts should be in hiding.

DST savings times is here, Let's just all get out an enjoy the sun!  

PSA announcement: At home, please consider taking advantage of this event by testing and/or changing your smoke detector battery.

Plates

Our society has any number of ways for you to express yourself.  Whether a perfectly crafted  tweet/status update, your style of dress or maybe a work of art placed your skin.  And something as simple as the identifying numbers and letters on your license plate have turned into a way to express your individuality.

  

In most states drivers can choose optional "vanity plates" if they want a more distinctive license plate.  When a motorist chooses a "vanity plate" over the state issued,  boring, randomly generated numbers and letters, they are allowing anyone who comes across their plate a glimpse into their world.  These  eye catching plates give all passerbys a 55 mph tour of your lifestyle and into your world.

Pulling into any running event, and you'll see the parking lot landscape is littered with personalized plates.  I arrive at most races pretty early, this affords me an opportunity to walk the lot, not only to stretch out my legs but to also to try and figure out if I understand the meaning behind all of them.  Some plates pose a question, some make a statement, some boast a favorite mileage.  One thing is for certain, they all entertain.

Here are some of the ones that have caught my eye.

  (This plate is pretty easy to understand, and yet the extra

  ovals add a nice touch)

(Yes, I do )

(About as straight fwd as you can get)

(Has this runner 100 miles or 50 miles twice?)

(Took me a little while to get this one, did you?)

(O H....I O, Lets Run)

The collection of runner themed vanity plates will be followed up by additional post.  If you have a few you would like to share comment here and we can make arrangements to add your pics.