Christian Runners Forum

Top Blues Songs with a Running Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 14:13:00 +0000

1) Stormy Monday by T-Bone Walker

2) Hellhound on my Trail by Robert Johnson

3) Further on up the Road by Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland

4) I’m Ready by Muddy Waters

5) On the Road Again by Canned Heat

6) Key to the Highway by Big Bill Broonzy

Movies with a Running Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 00:48:00 +0000

Forrest Gump (1994): Run Forrest Run
Marathon Man (1976)
Run Lola Run (1998)
Gallipoli (1981)
The Loneliness of a Long Distance Runner (1962)
Without Limits (1998)
Running Brave (1983)
Chariots of Fire (1981)
The Jericho Mile (1979)
Running (1979)
Fire on the Track
Endurance
Prefontaine (1997)
Jim Ryun: America’s Greatest Miler
On the Edge
Run, Fat Boy Run (2007)
The Long Run (2001)
All Will Be Well (2007)
Marathon (2005)
Four Minutes (2005)
Children of Heaven (1997)
Personal Best (1982)
Jim Thorpe – All American (1951)
The Athlete (Atletu) (2009)
Spirit of the Marathon
Marathon Challenge
Athlete
Runners High
Fun for Your Life
The World’s Greatest Athlete
Running the Sahara
Running on the Sun
Saint Ralph
The Long Green Line
What it Takes
The Runner: Extreme Ultrarunner David Horton
Ultramarathon Man: 50 Marathons – 50 States – 50 Days
Reverse Runner (2013)
Fast Girls (2012)
Across the Tracks (1991)
On the Edge (1985)
The Jesse Owens Story (1984)

Country Songs with a Running Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 03:38:00 +0000

Run by Sugarland & Matt Nathanson
Living in Fast Forward by Kenny Chesney
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
I Can Sleep When I'm Dead by Jason Michael Carroll
Fast As You by Dwight Yoakum
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
The Road is the Sky by Jackson Brown
Ready to Run by Dixie Chicks
A Good Day to Run by Darryl Worley
King of the Road by Roger Miller
Speed by Montgomery Gentry
Why Do I Feel Like Running by Montgomery Gentry
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
More Than Miles by Brantley Gilbert
Fastest Girl in Town by Miranda Lambert

New Sports Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 00:09:00 +0000

Football Golf: Hit the ball before you get pummeled by a linebacker.
Paintball Fishing: You may not actually catch the fish, but it will look real pretty.
Bowling Ballet: It's the ultimate Nutcracker.

Running Terms Defined

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 23:54:00 +0000

Altitude Training: Training is needed when you have a bad altitude.
Hill Repeats: What happens when you miss a turn on the course.
Plantar Fascia: When you trip, you might plantar your fascia into the ground.
Side Stitch: This is what you get when you see someone plantar their fascia into the ground.
Supination: A nation that loves soup.
VO2 Max: Too much conditioner in my hair.
5k: How much it costs me to buy running shoes every year.
10k: How much it costs me to pay for the races I run every year.
The Wall: A Classic Album by Pink Floyd. For those who do not know what an album, it is a big black CD with music on it.
Ultramarathon: It means that too much running has messed with your mind.

Top Christian Songs With a Running Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 16:17:00 +0000

1) Running by Hillsong

2) What I’ve Overcome by Fireflight

3) Victory by Yolanda Adams

4) Steady On by Point of Grace

5) Lead Me On by Amy Grant

7) Move by Mercy Me

8) Don’t Give Up by Sanctus Real

9) Go Get It by Mary Mary

10) Love to Run by The Insyders

11) The Chase by Manifest

12) Fight Another Day by Addison Road

13) Stronger by Mandisa

14) We Won’t Give Up by The Afters

15) Way Beyond Myself by Newsboys

16) Run by Day of Fire

17) Running the Race by Dallas Holm

18) Race is On by Michael W. Smith
19) Go by Hillsong United
20) Dare You to Move by Switchfoot
21) Eye on It by Toby Mac
22) Run to You by Third Day

23) Easier to Run by Kutless
24) Run by Kutless

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

2013©KentRobson

Top 10 Lists #9

You May Be a Serious Runner If

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Sep 2013 03:07:00 +0000

You named your dog Mizuno
You plan your vacations around a race
You understand the miraculous benefits of Vaseline
10 toes does not necessarily mean 10 toe nails.
Through experience, you clearly understand the difference between THE GREAT run and THE runs.
Of your own choice, you take cold baths!
You recount with pride the number of times you've 'hit the wall'.
Your age doesn't necessarily mean you act it.
Instead of a shotgun in your truck, you have running clothes in your SUV. Instead of hunting game, your game for running.
You're addicted to LSD's, an endorphin trip, a natural drug.

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

2013©KentRobson

Top 10 Lists #10

Once You'r Over the Hill You Begin to Pick up Speed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 20:25:00 +0000

Jogging is very beneficial. It’s good for your legs and your feet. It’s also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed. — Charles Schulz

No problem is so big or so complicated that it can't be run away from! - Linus Van Pelt

All you really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. Lucy Van Pelt

Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed. - Peanuts

Road Passages #11

Expect to Suffer Vertigo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 20:11:00 +0000

“Anyone whose goal is 'something higher' must expect someday to suffer vertigo. What is vertigo? Fear of falling? No, Vertigo is something other than fear of falling. It is the voice of the emptiness below us which tempts and lures us, it is the desire to fall, against which, terrified, we defend ourselves.”

- Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Road Passage #10

Top Things You Might be Thinking @ the 23rd Mile of a Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 22:47:00 +0000

Did I shave my legs for this?
Did I leave the chili cooking on the stove?
Maybe I should have painted my toe nails this morning? Nah!!
Set a goal. How many cute butts will I pass before I get to the finish line?
Where in the world did I park my car?
Run a Marathon or go to Maui. What was I thinking?
I didn't even know there was a muscle there.
I'd rather pass a kidney stone than do another one of these.
I thought I signed up for a 10k
I probably shouldn't have eaten that Supreme Pizza this morning.
That woman that just passed me is someone's grandma.
My feet won't move.

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

2013©KentRobson

Top 10 Lists #5

Kettle Bells, a 12 Week Start- up Guide for Serious Runners

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 02:08:00 +0000

I am a middle aged runner who has been a runner for most of my life, but began running seriously when I turned 47. As a result of a hypertension diagnosis and the fact that I was 30 pounds overweight and stressed out at work, I decided that I was going to get in shape and run a marathon.

Ten marathons later, I was at a point of ‘been there, done that’ and had peaked and really didn’t have the motivation to run another marathon unless I could ‘kick it up’ another notch. So, I began researching some things about weights and a friend told me about kettlebells. At the age of 54, for the first time in my life, I started lifting weights.

What I like about kettlebells is the fact that it is not just about lifting a weight, but it also has an aerobic aspect to the exercise. When working kettlebells correctly, it can give you an incredible workout.

Kettlebell exercises can build both strength and endurance, especially in the legs, shoulders and lower back.

What is a kettlebell?

Wikipedia states that ‘the kettlebell or girya (Russian: ги́ря) is a cast-iron weight (resembling a cannonball with a handle) used to perform ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training.^[1] Thought they have been around since the 1700’s and were developed by the Russians for the Soviet army, kettlebells have just recently, within the last 10 years, grown in popularity in the United States.

A kettlebell is essentially a steel ball with a handle. They are made in varying weights and sizes. Talk to a trainer who uses kettlebells to determine the right beginning weight for you.

I began with a 20 pound weight and because I didn’t want to hinder my running, I began by doing 1 exercise, 1 day a week and then built from there. At the time, I was running 35-40 miles/week and, because I didn’t want to tax my legs, I started with an exercise that worked my arms. The goal was to work up to 12 exercises in a span of 12 weeks, then maintain it throughout my training by increasing the weight. I came up with 12 exercises that I thought would strengthen my upper legs, my core and my upper body. Though some may want to work up to a harder workout faster, for me the following has worked very well:

Week 1: One Exercise, 2 sets of 12 reps, 1 day – I began my kettlebell exercises on Sunday because it is the day of my long run and Monday is usually a day off for me and I have a day to recover. Though the first exercise is using your upper body, it worked well to have that day off. The first week exercise I began with is:

1) Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing

Targets: Shoulders, back, glutes, hips, legs

Level: Beginner

Exercise Detail: The Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing is one of the most popular kettlebell exercises and probably the best one for a novice like me to begin with. Essentially, it works like this, you grab the handle with both hands, go to a semi-squat, then swing the kettlebell up to where it is horizontal to your head. Let it come back down through your legs then, using your wrists, whip it back up again. (To see an example of this exercise, go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0jalJ-3e7U.)

Week 2: Two Exercises, 2 sets of 12 reps, 1 day – The second week was probably the most difficult because I added an exercise to strengthen my legs. Knowing that I have had the ability to run 40 miles a week and have run 10 marathons, I was surprised to find out that I was pretty sore for about 5 days. Again, I did my workout after my long run on Sunday and the exercises that I did is:

1) Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

Targets: Legs, glutes and back

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: Stand up straight, holding the kettlebell in front of the chest with both hands and keeping the elbows close to the body. Squat until the thighs are parallel to the ground or just below. Return to standing, and repeat for 12 reps, 2 sets.

Week 3: Three Exercises, 2 sets of 12 reps, 2 days – On the third week, I added another day. Because I usually run 5 days/week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Sunday, my second day was Thursday because, once again, I had a day off to recover. Once again, I was a little sore during this week, but I found that, during the 4^th week, my muscles were beginning to adapt. The workout that I did is:

1) Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

Targets: Wrists, arms, back and glutes

Level: Beginner

Exercise Detail: This this exercise is really fairly simple, I am learning that strengthening my upper body helps avoid fatigue during longer runs. The curl is exactly what it sounds like. Pick up the kettlebell with one hand, put your arm down to your side and lift the kettlebell, leaving your elbow close to your side. Do 2 sets of 12 reps with both arms.

Week 4: Four Exercises, 2 sets of 12 reps, 2 days – This is the week where I began to focus on my core. Since I am very week in this area, this was, to say the least, a challenge. The next exercise should be done on a mat on the floor. The workout that I did is:

1) Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

Targets: Abs, obliques

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: Laura Schwecherl, author of 22 Kick-ass Kettlebell Exercises, posted on Greatist.com, explains it like this: ‘Sit down with the legs bent and feet flat on the floor, about hip-distance apart. Hold the kettlebell with both hands at the chest, and then lean back to a 45 degree angle. Here’s the fun part: Rotate the torso from left to right by twisting at the waist and swinging the kettlebell across the body.’^[1]

Week 5: Five Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 2 days: This week, I found out that I had some muscles that I didn’t know I had. Did you know that there are muscles behind your ears? Go figure. The next exercise most likely worked muscles that had NEVER been worked before. The workout that I did is:

1) Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

Target: Shoulders, Arms, Glutes and Legs

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: The Kettlebell High Pull affects both lower and upper body muscles. With this exercise, you begin the same way that you begin the Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing by placing the kettlebell on the floor between your legs. You then squat down, pick the kettlebell up with one of your hands; then, using force from the hips, pull the kettlebell up to the armpit. (To see a picture of this exercise, go to http://greatist.com/fitness/22-kick-ass-kettlebell-exercises and look at #5.)

Week 6: Six Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: During this week, because my muscles were getting accustomed to regular exercises, I added a day. Because my Wednesday is usually a light run, I included Tuesday as my third day, which meant that I was exercising on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The workout that I did is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

Target: Arms, Abs, Back

Level: Beginner

Exercise Detail: This exercise is often done using a dumbbell, but I do it with a kettlebell. Use a bench for this exercise and place one knee on the bench, then bend your back so that it is approximately 90% from the floor. Put your knee and hand on a bench and grab the kettlebell with your other hand. Lift the kettlebell straight up without moving anything else than your arm and lower it back down after a short pause. Do this on both sides, 2 sets, 12 times.

Week 7: Seven Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: Once again, I added a leg exercise, the dreaded lunges. But once I had done this exercise, I found after about 6 weeks that my stamina for a long run was much better. The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges:

Target: Shoulders, back, arms, abs, glutes, legs

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: Stand up straight while holding the kettlebell in both hands, close to your chest. Take one step forward with one leg and bend your other leg until your knee hits the floor. (Instead of walking clear across the room, I usually do one leg at a time.) Do 2 sets of 12 reps on both legs. Kettlebell Lunges will make you sore, but they help with stamina during the long runs.

Week 8: Eight Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: By this time, your routine is about 20 minutes long. To get the best workout, I go through each exercise, one after another, without stopping. I will go through each exercise and do one set, then start over again. The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges

8) Kettlebell Figure 8’s:

Target: Arms, Back and Abs

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: The Kettle Bell 8’s are Similar to the Russian Twist, but a little more difficult. Like the Russian Twist, you begin by sitting on the floor, but this time, you raise your legs, while balancing on your butt and spread the legs a little bit wider than before. Grab the kettlebell with the left hand and swing it around the outside of the left leg and then back between the legs. Next, pass the kettlebell to the right hand and swing it around the outside of the right leg. This is one complete rotation. Do it 12 times and you have completed one set.

Week 9: Nine Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: This week, we go back to our first exercise, but this time, do it with one hand only. The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges

8) Kettlebell Figure 8’s:

9) One-handed Kettlebell Swing

Target: Shoulders, back, hips, glutes, legs

Level: Beginner - Immediate

Exercise: The One-handed Kettlebell Swing is the same as the Two-handed except, of course…you use one hand. Begin with one hand and do 12 reps, then do the other hand. Do two sets on each side.

Week 10: Ten Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: Not much to say about this except we are adding another exercise. The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges

8) Kettlebell Figure 8’s

9) One-handed Kettlebell Swing

10) Kettlebell Dead Lift

Target: Hamstrings, glutes and back

Level: Beginner

Exercise Detail: This is a pretty simple exercise, but challenges some new muscles. Hold the kettlebell loose in front of you with both hands. Pull up until the kettlebell reaches the top of your chest, just under your chin, then bring it back down.

Week 11: Eleven Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges

8) Kettlebell Figure 8’s

9) One-handed Kettlebell Swing

10) Kettlebell Dead Lift

11) Kettlebell Russian Figure 8

Target: Arms, glutes, abs, legs

Level: Intermediate

Exercise Detail: Not sure if this is the name of this exercise, but it is a combination of the Russian Twist and the Figure 8 exercises. With this exercise, we once again sit down with the legs bent and feet flat on the floor, about hip-distance apart; then hold the kettlebell with both hands at the chest and lean back to a 45 degree angle. This time, however, instead of rotating the torso from the left to right, you begin by weaving the kettlebell under and over the legs, like the figure 8. Once you have gone under and over both legs, that constitutes one rotation. Do this 2 sets, 12 reps.

Week 12: Twelve Exercises, 2 Sets of 12 reps, 3 days: The last exercise once again builds your upper body and specifically your shoulders. Strengthening your upper body also helps towards the back half of a marathon when your upper body can get a little cramped. The workout for this week is:

1) Two-handed Kettlebell Swing

2) Kettlebell Front Squat

3) Kettlebell Curls

4) Kettlebell Russian Twist

5) Kettlebell High Pull

6) Kettlebell Kneeling One Arm Row

7) Kettlebell Lunges

8) Kettlebell Figure 8’s

9) One-handed Kettlebell Swing

10) Kettlebell Dead Lift

11) Kettlebell Russian Figure 8

12) Kettlebell Shoulder Press

Target: Shoulders, Arms

Level: Beginner

Exercise Detail: This was probably one of the most difficult for me because my shoulders are so weak. Instead of using two kettlebells, I worked one side at a time. With your right arm, hold the kettlebell close to your shoulder, then lift above your head and bring it back down. Do this on both sides.

Conclusion

So there you have it; my version of a great 12 week routine. Not much more to say than this.

2013©Kent Robson
Tips for Success #1

Scripture to Memorize While Running

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 01:18:00 +0000

A good way to train your body and your mind is to memorize scripture while running. Before you run,
take a piece of medical tape and write the scripture on the tape. Then place the tape on your arm. It helps you focus on something other than your running and you carry another piece of God's word in your heart for the day.

Below are scripture that I have found that can be encouraging for runners. Some are 'creative'. Others are powerful. I will update as I find more.

#1: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)'

#2: (I am) 'like a champion, rejoicing to run his course' (Psalm 19:5b)

#3: 'A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.' (Luke 6:40)

#4: 'The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.' (Psalm 138:8)

#5: 'For a long time now-to this very day-you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.' (Joshua 22:3)

#6: 'The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.' (Genesis 11:6)'

#7: '...anyone who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him" (Heb.11:6)'

#8: 'I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.' (Psalm 119:31)

#9: 'I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.' (Psalm 119:32)

#10: 'Come what may, I want to run.' (II Samuel 18:23a)

#11: 'Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. (Psalm 119:33)

#12: 'Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales, rather train yourself to be godly.' (I Timothy 4:7)

#13: 'For physical training has some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.' (I Timothy 4:8-9)

#14: 'He sends His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.' (Psalm 147:15)

#15: 'I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.' (Proverbs 4:11)

#16: 'When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.' (Proverbs 4:12)

#17: 'Hold onto instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.' (Proverbs 4:13)

#18: 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and they are safe.' (Proverbs 18:10)

#19: 'Woe to those who rise early in the morning after their drinks, who stay up late at night until they are inflamed with wine.' (Isaiah 5:11)

#20: 'Even youths grow tired and weary, and young me stumble and fall;' (Isaiah 40:30)

#21: '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 40:31)

#22: 'Run for your lives. Become like a bush in the desert.' (Jeremiah 48:6)

#23: 'Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.' (Luke 6:38)

#24: 'Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way to get the prize.' (I Corinthians 9:24)

#25: '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.' (I Corinthians 9:25)

#26: 'Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.' (I Corinthians 9:26)

#27: 'No, I beat 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 9:27)

#28: 'You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?' (Galatians 5:7)

#29: 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us.' (Hebrews 12:1)

#30: '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.' (Hebrews 12:2)

#31: 'Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.' (Hebrews 12:3)

#32: 'Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching in Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.' (II John 1:9)

#33: 'No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)

#34: 'Then he opened the door and ran.' (II Kings 9:10b)

#35: 'For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.' (II Timothy 1:7)

#36: 'Endure hardship as discipline.' (Hebrews 12:7a)

#37: 'Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small.' (Genesis 19:20a)

#38: 'For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' (Ephesians 2:10)

#39: 'Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.' (Psalm 143:10)

#40: 'Open the door and run; (and) don’t delay!” (II Kings 9:3)

#41: As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. (II Samuel 18:24)

#42: I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. (Galatians 2:2)

#43: Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (II John 1:9)

#44: My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. (Job 9:25)

#45: The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:40)

#46: Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

#47: I have not (yet) achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize... (Philippians 3:13)

#48:

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Top 10 Lists #6

Top Songs You Don’t Want to Hear When Starting a Race

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 01:08:00 +0000

1) Scream by Michael Jackson/Janet Jackson

2) Live Like We're Dying by Kris Allen

3) This is Why I'm Hot by Mims Intervention

4) Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men

5) Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
6) Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham

7) Run Joey Run by David Geddes

8) Hanging Tough by New Kids on the Block

9) The Fast Food Song by Fast Food Rockers

10) Feelings by Morris Albert

11) Get Ready for This by 2 Unlimited

12) The Hamster Dance Song by Roger Miller

13) Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder

14) Whoomp! (There it Is) by Tag Team

15) Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks

16) From a Distance by Bette Midler

17) Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5

18) The Final Countdown by Europe
19) Bad Day by Daniel Powter
20) Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

2013©KentRobson

Top 10 Lists #7

Top Christian Songs You DON'T Want to Hear at the Beginning of a Race

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 22:08:00 +0000

1) Take Me Home by Michael Sweet

2) If Your Hair's Too Long There's Sin in Your Heart by Glory Bugles

3) I Wish We'd All Been Ready by Larry Norman

4) Heaven Bound by DC Talk

5) Knocking on Heaven's Door by Avalon
6) Breathe by Michael W. Smith

7) We Fall Down by Kutless

8) The Champion by Carman

9) Where I Belong by Building 429

10) Dancing with the Dinosaur by Stephen Curtis Chapman

11) Breakfast by Newsboys

12) The Soap Song by Carman

13) Drop Kick Me Jesus through the Goal Posts of Life by Bobby Bare

14) Power in the Blood by Selah

15) Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens

16) I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me

17) Go Forth by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

18) Distracted by Michael Sweet
19) Resuscitate Me by Remedy Drive
20) Until My Heart Caves In by Audio Adrenaline

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

2013©KentRobson

Top 10 Lists #8

Understanding Life

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:04:00 +0000

When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.

–John Lennon

Road Passages #9

Throw Off the Bowlines

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.

–Mark Twain

Road Passages #8

Champion Marathoner Talks about Running and Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:41:00 +0000

Abel Kirui is one of the world’s fastest runners. The 31-year-old Kenyan has won the marathon race in the World Championships twice, and earned silver at last summer’s London Olympics. He is also a Seventh-day Adventist, and most Sabbaths he can be found worshipping at the Namgoi Adventist Church in western Kenya.

Spectrum talked to Kirui about his goals as a runner and as a Christian.

To read the whole story, click on this link: Spectrum Magazine

Christian Runners Article #4

If You Can Fill the Unforgiving Minute

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:54:00 +0000

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same...
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Your is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

- Rudyard Kipling, "If"

Road Passages # 7

The Toughest Opponent is Inside Your Head

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:34:00 +0000

'Your toughness is made up of equal parts persistence and experience. You don't so much outrun your opponents as outlast and outsmart them, and the toughest opponent of all is the one inside your head.'

- Joe Henderson

Joe Henderson (b. June 3, 1943, Peoria, Illinois) is an American runner, running coach, writer, and former chief editor of Runner's World magazine. (Wikipedia)

Road Passages #6

Top Classic Rock Songs for Running

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:32:00 +0000

(Note: These are only partial lyrics)

1) It’s My Life by Bon Jovi

It's my life,
It's now or never,
I ain't gonna live forever,
I just wanna live while I'm alive’

2) Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

Risin' up, straight to the top

Have the guts, got the glory

Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop

Just a man and his will to survive

3) Another One Bites the Dust by Queen

Another one bites the dust

And another one gone, and another one gone

Another one bites the dust

Hey, I'm gonna get you too

Another one bites the dust

4) Takin Care of Business by BTO

And I'll be...

Taking care of business every day

Taking care of business every way

I've been taking care of business, it's all mine

Taking care of business and working overtime

Work out!

5) Marathon by Rush

It's a test of ultimate will

The heartbreak climb uphill

Got to pick up the pace

If you want to stay in the race

More than blind ambition

More than simple greed

More than a finish line

Must feed this burning need

In the long run...

6) Dust in the Wind by Kansas

Now don’t hang on

Nothin’ last forever but the earth and sky

It all slips away

And all your money won’t another minute buy

7) Hold Your Head Up (Hold Your Head High) by Argent

And if they stare

Just let them burn their eyes on you moving

And if they shout

Don’t let them change a thing that you are

8) Stayin’Alive by BeeGees (Yeah I know)

Well not I get low and I get high

And if I can’t either, I really try

Got the wings of heaven on my shoes

I’m a (runnin’) man and I just can’t lose

9) Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

I want to run

I want to feel high

I want to tear down the walls

That hold me inside

10) Runnin’ Down a Dream by Tom Petty

I rolled on as the sky grew dark

I put the pedal down to make some time

There’s something good waitin’ down this road

I’m pickin’ up whatever is mine

Yeah runnin’ down a dream

That never would come to me

Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads

I’m runnin’ down a dream

11) Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

All our times have come

Here, but now they're gone

Seasons don't fear the reaper

Nor do the wind, the sun and the rain

(We can be like they are)

12) Born to be Wild by Steppenwolf

Get your motor runnin'

Head out on the highway

Lookin' for adventure

And whatever comes our way

Yeah Darlin' go make it happen

Take the world in a love embrace

Fire all of your guns at once

And explode into space

Born to be wild

13) More Than a Feeling by Boston

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone

Turned on some music to start my day

I lost myself in a familiar song

I closed my eyes and I slipped away

14) Dream On by Aerosmith

Dream on, dream on

Dream yourself a dream come true

Dream on, dream on

Dream until your dream come true

Dream on, dream on, dream on...

15) Against the Wind by Bob Seger

Against the wind

We were runnin against the wind

We were young and strong, we were runnin

Against the wind

16) Band on the Run by Wings

17) Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

18) Trampled Underfoot by Led Zeppelin

19) I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty

Top 10 Lists #4

Directions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:25:00 +0000

GPS systems for your car that talk to you and show you where to go. Mapquest.com, an internet web site, can give you specific directions from the front door of one place to the back door of another. If you get lost, you are not really trying very hard or you are a guy who doesn’t like to use directions.

Have you ever gotten in trouble because you didn’t follow directions? Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket because you refused to follow directions? What would happen if you went to the doctor for an illness and didn’t follow his/her directions?

Or have you tried to program a DVD player; or a flat screen TV; or a remote, for that matter; without following directions? (Or do you really know what the word ‘program’ means? You have to read the directions.) Have you ever bought a cell phone that has lots of gadgets and didn’t use most of them because you didn’t want to read the directions? (“I can make a phone call and that’s what I bought it for,” is a very good excuse for not reading directions.) Whether we like them or not, directions are very important to just about anything that we do.

Some directions, however, border on the ridiculous. Consider the following actual directions:

On packaging for an iron: Do not iron clothes on body.
In a microwave oven manual: Do not use for drying pets.
On a toaster: Do not use underwater.
On a mattress: Do not attempt to swallow.

One of the reasons the Bible is written is for the purpose of providing direction in our lives. But it is much more. If we look at the Bible only as a guide, then we are missing the premise of Hebrews 4:12, which says:

“For the word of God is living and active; sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The word of God can change the hearts of man. The word of God has changed the lives of many. The word of God comforts the soul. The word of God makes people whole. What other book has the power to miraculously transform broken lives?

The Lord calls all of those who have accepted His saving grace. There are only a few who truly answer the call.

So where do you stand?

Soles of Faith #9

Mission Driven Running/Mission Driven Life

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:19:00 +0000

…to this very day—you have not deserted your brothers (and sisters) but have carried out the mission the LORD your God gave you. (Joshua 22:3)

The word mission can be defined as ‘a specific task’. It answers the question ‘what’.

A purpose is an inward reaction to God’s direction in one’s life. A mission is an outward response to that direction. As we come to understand the Lord’s purpose, we also come to understand the mission that he has invited us to. As followers of Christ, our mission is always Christ-centered.

o He Conceives it

o He Commences it

o He Completes it

When the Lord gives someone a clear purpose, He also begins to open the hearts of those who will follow. A mission is a concise explanation of the purpose that someone has been called to. (A mission statement is a brief explanation of that purpose.) The mission is used to ‘send forth the call’ so that those who are ‘tender in Spirit’ will ‘heed the call’.

"A candle loses nothing of its light by lighting another candle."

For four months Nehemiah agonized about what to do. The Lord had given him the passion and the desire, the purpose, but not the means to carry out the task. Though he was a trusted servant to the king, he was a servant nonetheless. How could he ever think about asking the king to release him to go rebuild the city when he knew that to do so could put the king’s life in jeopardy? Nehemiah had this burning desire in his heart to assist the Israelite people, but it seemed hopeless that he would ever be able to leave his current position to achieve his purpose.

Yet he was resolved. His mind was made up. Why would Nehemiah stick his neck out in fear, perhaps incurring the king’s wrath, when he knew that the king had the absolute power of life and death? It was because he was a man with a mission.

In chapter 2, we see how Nehemiah shared the mission, not only to the king with a miraculous result, but to the Israelites and to his enemies as well.

1) To the king: “…3bthe city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire…5blet (the king) send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so I can rebuild it (the city)”.

2) To the people: “17bJerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”

3) To the naysayers: “20aThe God of heaven will give us success. We will start rebuilding.”

A mission takes a purpose and makes it reality. When a mission is shared, it means that we are taking a leap of faith, believing that others will believe.

As runners, we can understand what mission is all about. When we began, our goal was to get out the door and 'just run'. As we got better and had more success, our purpose was to attain a certain goal or reach a certain time. My purpose was to be able to run a marathon, then to qualify for Boston, and so on. Running became my mission when I began to share my passion about running and got others involved. Today, both of my sons and one of my daughters share my same passion for running. Others are running the Chicago Marathon this fall because I encouraged them to do so. I am now a man on a mission.

Has your purpose become your mission? When will you share God's purpose in your life with those around you?

Scripture Memory of the Day: 'For a long time now-to this very day-you have not deserted your brothers but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.' (Joshua 22:3)

Blind High School Runner and Her Team, are a Sight to Behold

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:07:00 +0000

Simi Valley Royal High senior Alyssa Rossi, blind since birth, is able to compete thanks to the help and sacrifices of teammates.

by Bill Plaschke

from the Los Angeles Times Sports Section on February 22, 2009

At the end of another tough week for teamwork, with major leaguers lying and NBA stars feuding, they ran alone.

In Simi Valley, across a grassy field in the lengthening shadow of nearby hills, they ran together.

Two girls, side by side, stride for stride, connected by the stretched cotton of a gray belt and the giant arms of innocence.

One girl is blind.

The other girl is teaching the rest of us to see.

One girl, Alyssa Rossi, born without vision, is the newest senior runner on the Royal High track team.

The other girl, Nicole Todd, is the sophomore teammate making this possible.

Rossi runs a mile, Todd runs with her, gently guiding her with the gray belt that is connected to a thicker black belt around Rossi's waist.

When Rossi slows, Todd forsakes her own training schedule and slows.

When Rossi speeds up, Todd runs even faster to watch for bumps and curves.

When Rossi grows breathless and has to stop, Todd stops too, even if the sophomore could use more work.

"At first I wondered if this was the best thing for me," Todd said. "Then I realized, this is not about me."

For the whole story, go to the above link

Around the Web Article #1

Top 10 Things Not to Do While Running

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:14:00 +0000

Twitter (Can’t tweet while you’re using your feet)
Pee (You have to stop and use a tree-Have you ever heard of spitting in the wind?)
Text (Try to text and your running is hexed)
Use a Cell Phone (I run to be alone and get away from the phone)
Stare (Out of nowhere, trees are there)
Drink Mountain Dew (Does weird things to you-Learned from experience)
Keep your mouth open (Things fly in)
Run down the middle of the road (You might be flat like a toad)
Stop to do #2 (Though sometimes it’s important, someone might see what you do)
Wear boxer shorts instead of running shorts (Things fall out)
Wear bicycle pants (There is a reason they are called bicycle pants)

I gave you some of the best, you give me the rest.

This is just the beginning. Let your mind wander.

Top 10 Lists #3

REAP His Purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 17:08:00 +0000

The word purpose can be defined as ‘a certain path’. It answers the question ‘why’.

It is sometimes what is not so easily seen that can be the most telling. In the case of Nehemiah, it was the fact that there were a total of four months (from November {Kislev} to March {Nissan}) between the time that he had heard the news of the Israelite people and the time when he made his application to the king for leave to go to Jerusalem. What was he thinking during that time? He had prayed and fasted, expecting a timely response.

After Nehemiah prayed for God’s intervention regarding his countrymen, he did not sit still and say, “Let God do His work. I have done all I can do.”1 He was busy with his thoughts and consumed by what should be done. Why had his passion and sorrow not waned in the space of such a long period of time? It was because Nehemiah had been given a purpose.

Nehemiah, whose name means ‘comfort of Jehovah’, was miserable not only because of his concern for his people, but also because he had found his purpose in life. He was like a runner, ready to run the race but not being able to cross the starting line. Once he had received the news, his purpose was certain. To not respond would have been to ignore God’s call in his life.

A purpose is a call to leadership. This purpose has been borne out of life’s circumstances that God has used for His ultimate plan. He plants seeds and nurtures them for the harvest, then gathers us to himself so that we will choose to yield to his direction and REAP what He has sewn. Our purpose is a higher calling, a path that is fraught with challenges but where blessings abound. To REAP means to:

R espond to His call

E xpect His intercession

A ct on His promises

P assionately proclaim His victory

Scripture Memory of the Day: The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)