Five things friday (19mi)

Heydy hey... and a happy Friday! Why, yes, I am feeling a bit chipper today. After the winds and snow of last week, it's a balmy 72°F and beautiful in Northeast Indiana today. Not too shabby. 

1. NINETEEN MILES

My long run today was 19. And, for a change, I got out the door at a decent 9am... and it wasn't even too bad. It took me 3 hours 29 minutes, which I'd wished was closer to 4 hours, but I suppose it is what it is. Unfortunately, I ended up over a mile from home when I was done so I must have miscalculated at some point.

This was the first time this year using GU gels and water for fuel instead of the Tailwind liquid mix. I like Tailwind fine, and will still use it for training. But it's just easier to carry gels for an event than wearing a hydration vest. I took a gel and a drink every 3 miles (instead of every 4 like in years past). I think that helped, as I never really lost too much energy. Though I did walk .05 of every mile starting at 14 miles - trying to take a little more time. It worked out pretty well.

So, I think next week's long run is 13, then 20 the week after, another 13, 8... and then the event (I'm guessing, but it's something pretty close to that). If I can just survive the 20 I think I might make it...

2. BLOOD PRESSURE, ETC.

I'm probably jinxing myself... but I've felt pretty good lately. I've been sleeping good, feeling good, and even my BP has been okay. Although, I noticed something. I started checking it first thing in the morning, and then again in the afternoon. It is considerably lower in the afternoon than in the morning. I swear I've read where it is usually the opposite. For instance, in the morning it may be anywhere from 125-140 over 75-85. The afternoon is almost always below 120 over 60-70 something. The other day it was 108/65 (of course, I had just had a nap as a result of music meditation).

I know I haven't been drinking as much, and I'm sure that makes a difference. I've also lost about 5 pounds lately. I'm about 155 currently, and there seems to be a sweet spot where it really impacts my health. I'd still like to lose another 10 pounds, but that's probably just dreaming...

3. ELDER APPRECIATION

Having been in this elder role in our church for a few months has taught me at least one thing, for sure... I have gained a new appreciation for the older folks who used to put up with me when I was younger (and stupid-er). I'm still prone to being plenty stupid, but I often failed to comprehend just how much grace some people used to extend to me. I could be a real jerk (without even trying!).

I am way older than anyone else on the elder team now. I'm not sure of everyone's ages, but the pastor is mid-40s, and the youth pastor and worship pastor are both just over 40. They're all great, but I'm starting to see that my role may not be so much acting as an elder on behalf of the church, but to be more of a gentle overseer of the other elders and staff. Like, maybe I don't need to have opinions on things as much as simply trying to help us all think from a certain place. In some ways this is easier, and feels a lot more natural than I thought... but the other side is that it requires more patience and grace than I am maybe used to showing. That will most likely be good for me. ;)

4. BASKETBALL

I spent the better part of 3 1/2 hours trying to come up with a fourth point this morning... Since I didn't, I guess I will give some more March Madness thoughts.

I did print off an NCAA Tournament bracket, but it's still sitting there blank. I guess I missed another one. Still, I will follow the games a bit. I was glad Illinois escaped their first game against Penn. I think our next game is against VCU. A lot of people picked them to upset UNC, and I'm not disappointed about that (don't tell my grandson I hate UNC). Otherwise... yeah, I don't have much to say just yet. I'd like to see Michigan get upset. I don't really care about Duke one way or another. And... it always seems Izzo has Michigan State playing good in the tourney. 

5. THE QUOTE

Unexpected forms of generosity (from James Clear):

• Being early can be a form of generosity. You wait, so they don't have to.
• Leaving something unsaid can be a form of generosity. You don't always need the last word.
• Delivering your work on time can be a form of generosity. You make life easier for everyone downstream.
• Not taking things personally can be a form of generosity. You give people the space to say things imperfectly.

 

Okay... I think that does it. Woohoo. Let's go celebrate!!!

Peace