10:10 Talk

2009 Labor Day Nolhtairt at Coquina Beach

A record crowd participated in this year's backwards triathlon.  24 folks made it onto the race course, including several first timers (Tina, Mary Nell, Susan, and Becky ) The weather was good, and definitely not as hot as some of our previous run starts.  Mike and Dimitri were the first on the scene as Josh and I rolled in with our load of picnic supplies.  Here's a pre-workout shot with the Gulf in our background.

It seemed a little odd to me that Mary Nell was trying on her swim cap.  But what do I know?

 

And here's the whole crew before the start of our workout.

 

To clarify how we conduct the Nolhtairt, we had a pre-race, pre-run talk.  Our "race" is really a timed workout.  We allot 30 minutes for the run, 80 minutes for the bike, and 15 for the swim.  The idea is that we turn around at the half-time of each discipline so that all will finish at about the same time.  That's the idea anyway.

 

Do you notice something unusual about this photo?  Who wears a swim cap, carries goggles, and arrives barefoot for a run?  Susan and Mary Nell.  They're going to be doing their first tri next weekend at Sand Key.  So they were expecting to swim first - but they never got the emails as they signed on late - and the air head race director didn't clue them in.  But they most wanted to practice their swimming so the confusion didn't cramp their style.

After an opening prayer by Kurt the run was off.

Mikey and Josh still having fun.

 

Notice the spectators (on the right) in awe of this display of running athleticism.

 

Here's my boy Mike Shane who's committed to doing Ironman New Zealand with me in 2015.  Look at Mike's calf definition!

 

Mike, Kurt, and Drew trailing.

 

Here's Drew with Michele trailing.  I named this picture "Mr. Consistent" after Drew who is now the only one who has participated in all 5 of the Nolhtairts dating back to 2004.

  

And here come's Michele, having fun fur sure!

 

Here's Denise giving the 10:10 hand sign (count 'em, 10 fingers raised!)

 

And here's Denise as she passes Alex, our videographer.  Alex taped one of our early Nolhtairts and used some of the footage in the 10:10 Wellness Opportunity video.  Alex's company, Voila Cinematic, produces wedding and special event videos.  He's amazing!

 

My friend and occasional riding companion, Reeny Holdstein, came to join us for the bike.

 

Here's the A Run team (Josh, Mike, and Dimitri) coming - and going.

 

Here's team Forsman running stride for stride.

 

Here's first timer Tina and friend Roz.  Tina's turned over a new leaf - and found exercise under it!

 

Here's our support crew, aka the hot brunette, about to roll onto the bike course as Jocelyn (Alex's wife) would get some cycling footage.  Can't wait to see that.

Here's the bike start.

 

Gabi, our most accomplished triathlete, did a century ride the day before.  That's 100 miles.  She still had enough energy and power to pull the A bike team along the course.

 

And here's Gabi pulling Scott and others on the "breakaway".

 

The breakaway crew stopped for a St. Armand's Circle photo opp.

 

Josh rode his heart out to finally catch the breakway.

 

We were blessed not to have any major mishaps or injuries.  Though Drew did find some sand after a bad turn near transition.

 

Certainly not as bad as his run-in with the pavement in 2007:

  

While most of us were finishing our bike, Mary Nell completes her run.

 

Mikey got some extra milage, over the Ringling bridge, before arriving a bit late.

 

I never did ask Roz about her shoeless return from the bike:

 

Gabi and Michele auditioned for a Yoohoo commercial as Boe and Carter make their way in from their "tandem" bike ride.

 

If I get any swim pictures sent to me I'll post them.  The last shot I have is a panoramic of our transition/hangout area. 

 

Thanks everyone for coming.  Mark your calendars for Labor Day 2010.  Same bat time, same bat place.  I'll let you know when Alex finishes the video - hopefully I can figure out how to post it here on the blog.

Abundance!

10:10 Wellness Saturday 9/5

For a holiday weekend, we sure had a great turnout.  Didn't feel the same without Pete and Cheri tho.  Welcome to our two newcombers Rose and John Flinn.  Was it just me or did it feel cooler.  If I ever watched the weather, I'd probably know why.  And we beat the bugs so I think the score is tied.  Too bad I didn't have more to preach about!

For a little change of pace we took our before picture under the massive ficus tree.

Ross, Rose, Sheila, Marilynn, Debbie, Jackie, John, Chris, George, and Jesus (not in photo but present).

While we all chose to walk, the boy dogs headed for the tower and the girls split off to ?  (I think they went just out of our sight and smoked cigarettes).

   

Ross lead the way as we did multiple "reps" of the tower climb.  Of course we were rewarded with that spectacular view of our coastal paradise.

 

 

And after just over our planned workout time of 45 minutes, we were finished and back under our bug free shade trees.  I restated our mission:  lead people into healthy lifestyles and activities they can get excited about.   Please be praying that God will lead new people to our group.

Also, I offer up my service and prayers to all of you.  If there's anything or any goal where I can help or at least pray for you, please let me know.  See you all next Saturday!

Abundance!

10:10 Wellness Saturday August 29

Today was for the die hards.  Some of the crew drove threw rain to get to the park.  But they made it!  Unless there's lightening, I'm up for a workout - running in the rain is so childlike - and fun!

Here's the before picture of the 10:10 6-pack.  Pete and I sitting.  Cheri, Sheila, Julie, and Debbie standing.  Today was 100% walkers.

 

It wasn't long before we saw some dark sky approaching.  And a little bit of thunder.  We made it to the tower where we snapped this shot:

 

From there we played it safe and headed back towards the main trail.  Debbie and Sheila weren't as bold (or stupid) as the rest of us as they decided to pack it in early because of the storm.  The rest of us (Die Hards) were treated with some horizontal rain that only soaked our front side - until we turned around.  Or was it the other way around?

 

Here's the thoroughly soaked crew's after picture:

 

Julie, what do you call this look?

It wasn't that bad - and neither was Julie.  We just captured a funny shot.  Now Julie's gonna be running from my camera!

Way to go Die Hards - you make me proud.  See you next Saturday!  Cheri and Pete, you guys have a great time in Mass.  We'll miss you.

Dream

A mundane constellation of life events, formed into a cerebral masterpiece for me today.  So I have to share it with you.  You think I'm whacked already don't you?  Read the whole thing - there's a message for all of us here.

 

I had a meeting Saturday morning with the small groups ministry pastor, Sean, from my church.  He's the guy charged with the goal of having 1 small group for every 10 members.  And he's doing well with that charge.  He wanted to meet with me to discuss 10:10 Wellness.  You're very familiar with the concept since I've been pounding your email boxes for years with it.  However, in this context 10:10 Wellness is now a small group where we meet at a park on Saturday mornings to share a workout.

 

You might say Sean stopped by to plant a seed.  He thinks the program could and should expand to include co-leaders who would be responsible for groups within the group.  No need to bog you down with the details, but it was very cool and affirming to hear Sean cast a vision for how the ministry aspect of 10:10 Wellness could progress. 

 

Then I went to 6:30 church Saturday night.  Gotta love that Saturday worship thing.  Makes Sunday completely different.  I had a bit of time before leaving for church so I flipped up the Death Star (laptop).  I don't remember exactly what I was reading except that I was just about to check out Alex Green's "Spiritual Wealth" when I realized I had to go.

 

At Bayside my pastor Randy delivered a message called "The Making of Greatness".  You can download and listen to it when it's posted in a day or two.  If we're wanting to live a life of greatness, he challenged us to replace convenience with commitment.  Convenience is coasting - or at least not getting out of 2nd gear.  It becomes comfortable.

 

Commitment is anything but convenient.  Randy used the story from Matthew where Jesus said to some guys fishing in a lake "Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men".  The men responded by leaving their nets (careers) and they followed him.  Was it convenient to change the course of their lives?  Hardly.  Did they achieve greatness?  We're still talking about them aren't we?

 

Randy went on to challenge us to live in faith, not fear and to believe you can be great.  It was a phenomenal message that spoke to my heart - the kind of sermon where I felt he was speaking directly to me.  And most importantly it was the kind of message that left me, an ordinary slacker, believing I could achieve greatness.  That's really what the Bible's all about - ordinary people doing extraordinary things - when they rely on God's power.

 

I kinda rushed home from church 'cause there was a movie I wanted to watch on TNT:  The Pursuit of Happyness.  Holy crap, was that a story of hope or what?!  I saw it when it was first released on DVD, but's it's the kind of movie that I like to revisit on occasion.  In one scene the lead character, Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith), delivers a message to his 5 year old son. 

 

"Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something.  Not even me.  If you want something, you gotta go for it".  Chris and his son Christopher endured some amazing trials that included homelessness before he settled into a successful career in finance.  The story is a dream come true.

 

If the meeting, church, and a movie of hope weren't enough, there's one more planet to add to my constellation.  Literally.  Venus I think it is.  When I fetch the paper in the morning, I'm often greeted by a star filled sky.  Like today.  Ordinarily on Sunday, I'd move right along with coffee, reading, elimination, and a 7am rendezvous with my running partner George.  But George is nursing a bum knee - so I had some time; and that sermon and movie really had me thinking.

 

So I did something I've never done before.  I sat on my front porch swing, sipped my coffee, and stared at the sky.  It's a wonder isn't it - so many stars?  The Big Dipper and Orion's Belt are the only one's I can name.  But there was another star that was brighter than all the rest that I believe is Venus - doesn't matter.  When the sun began to rise all the other stars began to disappear.  Not this one.  She was still bright and visible.

 

I had now finished my coffee and was ready to move along, but that one star begged me to stay.  When all the other stars had faded this one remained.  I wasn't going to leave until after my star did.  By 7:30 it was just a faint spot that only I could see.  If I told you where it was, and you looked into the sky, you wouldn't have found it.  At 7:34 is was gone.  It occurred to me that that star was like my dream.  Now, every morning when I gaze into the stars, I'll see my dream.

 

So where am I going with all this?  Dream.  It's ok.  I do.  Drives the hot brunette crazy sometimes.  It's ok for a 15 year old to want to become an astronaut, but when a 45 year old expresses a desire to "achieve greatness", some think it odd.  It's not important what my "achieve greatness" looks like.  It's mine.  It provides hope and fuel and helps me avoid the feeling of "quiet desperation" to which so many middle agers succumb.  I pulled that expression from the Spiritual Wealth piece I just read - the one that was waiting for me when I fired up the computer today.  

 

Do you have a dream?  Is there something you want to accomplish during your holiday on earth?  I hope you'll pursue it.  The world will truly be a better place when you do.

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.  He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio (or crackberry device).  He had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers.  But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.  He stood by the side of the road and cried, "Buy a hot dog, Mister."  People bought.

He increased his meat and roll orders. He bought a bigger stove to take of his trade.

He finally got his son home from college (FSU, I think) to help him out.  But then something happened.

His son said: "Father, haven't you been listening to the radio?  There's a big depression coming on. The European situation is terrible. The domestic situation is worse."

That made his father think: "Well, my son's been to college, he reads the papers, and he listens to the radio (and MSNBC on the internet and TV), and he ought to know."  So the father cut down on his meat and roll orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

Sales fell fast almost overnight.

"You're right son," the father said to the boy. "We certainly are in the middle of a great depression. There just isn't any business."
 
Need we point out the moral?
 
Be on the lookout for special offers from 10:10 Wellness like half price monkeys, discounted running apparel, and buy one get one free supplements.  Plus, check in on the close-outs as new stuff is thrown in there all the time.

I can't find health care in the Constitution

Admittedly, I'm not a very politically savvy cat.  Who's got time for all that when you've got a race to train for?  I do consider myself a good American.  I vote, I pay my taxes, and I pay enough attention to the political scene so as to make good decisions when voting.  What I dislike about politics is how it divides us - friend against friend, husband against wife, etc.  As Americans, though, shouldn't we be in agreement about our Constitution, the blueprint of our great country?

My son-in-law is an architect.  It's fascinating to discuss with him how to design and build things.  He has to have an understanding of engineering, building materials, environment, and the forces and capacities of each.  That way he can design a structure that's safe, usable, and hopefully aesthetically pleasing.

What if a building he designed were later modified without regard to the original blueprint and specifications.  What if someone decided to add a second floor to a building but disregarded the building's original design?  Sounds like a blueprint for failure.

I read a quote this morning that raised my eyebrow:  "You really can't do health reform without allowing the government to compete with private insurers.  Let's not say we're doing health reform without a public option."   These words were spoken by Howard Dean, the former chairman of the Democratic party.

Hmm?  "Allowing the government to compete with private insurers?"  A Constitution expert, or even novice, I am not.  So I looked into it.  Here's a great website:  US Constitution Online.  A little investigation brought back positive memories from school.  The Preamble, the Articles, and finally the Amendments.  It's an amazing document.  It's the blueprint for why America is the greatest nation the world has even known.

And there's not a word about health care.  I suppose one could argue that the Preamble's "promote the general welfare" wording provides wiggle room to insert a program that would encompass 17% of our GDP.  I disagree.

We have problems with our health care.  No denying that.  But we the people need to fix it, not we the government.  You know my solution.  It begins on my homepage.

Need washing?

Thanks to my friend Charlie who put this one in my in-box.

Need Washing?

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day.

I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.

'What?' Mom asked.

'Let's run through the rain!' She repeated.

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited a minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain.'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
'This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!''

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one left. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They got soaked.

They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

10:10 Wellness Saturday 8/15

Bugs 2, 10:10 Wellness 1.

They won.  Again.  For two of the last 3 weeks the mosquitos and no-see-ums have run us out of our meeting place under the shade trees.  Makes me long for the screened protection of the soon to be completed gazebo.

  

The skeleton crew of 6 became 2 bikers (Pete and George)

 

and 4 walkers.  The photographer was walking too with Cheri, Debbie, and Julie.  Notice too one of the new trail markers here.

 

Shortly after spotting the roseiate spoonbills (aka pink birds), we encountered the pink bird fact sign.

 

The mad bikers later caught up with the wild walkers at the Tern trailhead.  The shadow took the picture.

 

Afterwards we returned to our spot.  The one with the bugs.  While I had planned to discuss the mission of 10:10 Wellness and how we can all participate in it, the bugs had a different agenda - bite the intruders.  George and I discussed why God would send such annoying creatures.  What was he thinking?  I don't think we'll know that one 'til we graduate to the other side.

It did remind me of an appropriate scripture, James 1:2-3:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Thanks for persevering out there 10:10 crew.  Between the heat and the bugs, you hung on!

Are you striving for excellence?

I begin most days in the quiet of my study, a room in our floor plan that's a "living" room that never got lived in.  So we repositioned it you might say.  Because I'm such an early morning creature, and the rest of my family is not, I get the luxury of some uninterrupted quiet time.  Most days I start with reading a devotional, and for about the last year, that's been "The Word for You Today".

Today's piece, Are you striving for excellence? stopped me.  Normally, I'll read the message, reflect on it some (or none), and then move on to whatever book that's in the rotation (come to the study and you'll see the beginnings of a decent library).   It stopped me because it challenged me.

The message differentiates between success and excellence.  Another reason I'm engaged with today's devotional is that my pastor is 2 parts into a 3 part sermon called "How to be rich".  He's challenged us to accept the fact that as Americans we're already richer than 99% of the world's population.  But because we compare ourselves to those around us, we don't feel rich.

From "The Word" there's a quote from a psychology professor named Jon Johnston where he points out the difference between mere success and excellence:  "Success bases our worth on a comparison with others, excellence measures us against our own potential.  Success grants its rewards to the few but is the dream of the multitudes.  Excellence is available to all living beings , but is accepted only by the few".

OK, so let's say we accept this platitude, and we want to pursue excellence.  Excellence in what?  That's the million dollar question.  I bet I spend 10 times as much time as the average person thinking about this kinda stuff, so you'd think I'd have more clarity.  Actually I'll admit I do have some clarity with the issue. 

The fact that I felt lead to record my thoughts on the matter, reveals my desire to write; and in that discipline, I need to pursue excellence.  Writing classes, books on writing, writers clubs, blogging (daily practice) are some of the options for an aspiring writer.  Every field of endeavor has its biology - the requisite components that constitue a living organism.  I need to seek more of those writing components.

I don't know much but here's my two cents on pursuing excellence:

It doesn't involve money.  Admit it Americans - we've already got plenty of it.  Thanks Randy for reminding me.

It does involve God.  He made me for a purpose.  Problem is he didn't send me an email with the subject line "Your pursuit of excellence".  He did send a spirit that will lead me when I listen.

Are you anxious about your health?

From "The Word for You Today":

John writes: “I pray that…you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3Jn 2 NAS).

When You Feel Anxious