Zip Nadda Zilch

It's not been a very productive week so far:

Miles run: zero!

Miles ridden: zero!

Paint, projects, honey do's: zip, nadda, zilch!

I did miss a couple of days work and spent more time on the sofa than I normally would in a month. I can't remember the last time I actually slept during the day, but I did, two days in a row. Getting sick really messed with my plans, but I'm starting to feel better. I think I can make it all day today without a nap.

Now, where's my running gear?



 

Back Already?

I've been remiss in my blogging duties of late. It was a very busy week, and there end my excuses.

The newly painted kitchen cabinets look awesome and I completed my first BRICK workout of the year. No rain to dampen my spirits, but baby it was cold outside.

Following a great workout I decided to fire up the grill and celebrate with a thick steak cooked over fire the way God intended. Michelle told me to go ahead and enjoy my little one-man cookout, she wasn't about to join me outside. When I came inside with a couple of perfectly cooked steaks, she couldn't resist, "Back already?"

Did I mention, baby it was COLD outside!

A Matter of Perspective

My Saturday run was awesome! My legs were strong; my lungs were strong; even the clouds parted and I stayed dry for the entire waterfront loop. I felt like I could run forever, so why only 5.3 miles on an otherwise perfect day?

Priorities!

Saturday, in addition to running, I was committed to play drums for a group in Seattle. By the time I showered, loaded my equipment and grabbed a sandwich, I was out of time. My ever patient wife stayed with me through what must have been a terminally boring set-up and sound check before sitting through the actual performance. By the time we sat down for dinner at one of our favorite South Lake Union restaurants we were both exhausted.

I would like to run more. I would love to play music every night. It isn't a matter of first things first; it's a matter of important things first. The most important thing is my marriage. If Michelle ins't my priority it doesn't matter how many miles I get in or how many times I get out to play, my life's out of whack!

This week I'm going to run less; probably a lot less. This week my training program includes painting the kitchen. As I'm thinking about it, the question in my mind is:

1. Am I painting the kitchen so I can get it over with and go running?

2. Am I painting the kitchen because I share Michelle's pride in our home and I want to bless my wife?

It's the question I'll keep in my mind as I'm masking and painting. It's not just a matter of priority, it's a matter of perspective too. It's a matter of doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do. I'm not perfect. I never will be. That doesn't mean I can't give it an honest effort.

Bigger Than Running

Sometimes the things we pour our time and passion into have lasting, meaningful impact. Today my wife, Michelle Jennings, was notified that the Everett City Council concurred with Mayor Ray Stephanson's request that she be appointed to a six year term on the Committee for Housing and Community Development.

I am very proud of my wife.

Some things are bigger than running.

A Special Kind of Stupid

It's hard to find balance.

I'm not talking about the split between running, cycling, swimming; I'm talking about the hard stuff. How do you maintain a happy marriage when part of your passion is miles of self-imposed exile? Sometimes you don't see the problem, let alone appreciate it, until it boils over. Case in point: it's winter. It's Washington. Sunday was cool and clear and I all I could think about was getting a few miles in on the bike and then going for a run. What I did not consider; the same beautiful conditions were available for my wife. My wife would have preferred a stroll by the water, a hike in the woods or holding hands at a local cafe as opposed to waiting around for me. In hindsight, I see clearly. Isn't that always the case?

My wife loves me. My wife supports me. My wife needs me to be there for her too. Relationships are a two-way street. To loose track of that after all these years takes a special kind of stupid. That would be me!

Here's the deal: I can run in the dark. I can run in the rain. We live in Western Washington where beautiful winter days are rare; very rare! Next time morning breaks into a perfect day, I hope I'm smart enough to take my wife for a walk and out to breakfast.

I can run tomorrow.

Good Pain

This morning my knees fought back a little as I ascended the stairs to my office. As I write I feel the tightness in my quads and calf's. It's a good pain. It's not the pain of a torn muscle, ruptured ligament or broken bone; I know that pain. That's the pain of game-over. This is good pain. This is Advil & Ice pain. This is the pain that says good ride; hard run; well done now get out there and do it again.

I ran ten and a half miles yesterday and it's worth it; totally worth it!

Some will understand the concept of good pain, most will not. I've tried many times to explain good pain to my wife and she simply cannot comprehend how any pain can be good. She doesn't understand pushing your body until every fiber in your being is screaming at you to stop. There are many things about me that Michelle will never understand; endurance athletics or my need to continuously push the boundaries of my abilities.  

She will never understand. However, she accepts. Michelle supports my need to lace-up and head out into a cold rain for a long run. It makes no sense to her; none whatsoever, but she accepts that it's important to me. She even bought a high-visibility hat for me to wear while running. She may not understand the reasons I do the things I do - honestly, I can't say I totally understand it either - but that doesn't stop her from actively supporting me. Call it what you will; I call it love; unconditional, accepting love. 

I love that woman!

Right Here In Front Of Me

The book of my life, at least to this point, can be broken into a few easily defined chapters.

I was born into an idyllic childhood. I was surrounded by parents, grandparents and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and my sister. We lived in a world of church, family, friends, gatherings, Sunday dinners, love and acceptance. My father gave me a love for adventure, the outdoors and doing things rather than reading about them or waiting for the movie.

Miss-guided, self-absorbed and reckless describe my youth and into my early thirties. It was a time spent skiing, sailing, playing guitar and generally avoiding any premise of responsibility. I suppose I wasn't really that different for a lot of guys who work hard, play harder and then look back at themselves with a measure of disdain and regret.

I would describe the middle years as the lost years if it weren't for marriage to my wife, Michelle. As I focused more and more on career my weight ballooned out of control. At some point I could hardly climb a flight of stairs, let alone partake in any meaningful sport or exercise. With every pound gained my self-image eroded, to the point of being anti-social. Michelle was my safe zone and I clung to her like she was the last life-jacket on the Titanic - not healthy for me or our marriage.

June 20, 2013; a trip to Mexico; an encounter with a surgeon; an an unbelievable new chapter begins. Slowly at first, and then with a rush, life returns; not only to my body, but to my soul, my very being. Michelle would tell people, "The surgeon operated on Linn's stomach, but the changes are in his mind."

I can't undo all the pain and stupid things I've done in the past. I regret them, I'm sorry for them, but I can't change them. I can't live my life in rear view. Yesterday is gone. My life starts fresh each morning with a new opportunity to be a better person than I was the day before. I'm not perfect. I don't always meet the quota, but I'm determined to never go back.

My family; my wife; my life; they're all right here in front of me!

Never, Ever, Quit!

It's been a long time since my last post. A lot has changed in the past year and a half. For one thing, I've kept off more than 100 pounds, which is something I was never able to accomplish before. More important, my focus has shifted from the man I was to the man I've become; to living each day to its fullest. The things most important to me, are: Faith, Family, Music, Adventure, Endurance.

I'm a man of faith. I am Christian. You wont find any finger pointing or soap-boxing here. Frankly, I'm pretty busy dealing with my own junk. I'm not perfect, but I am forgiven.

I'm a family man. Between us, Michelle and I have four grown children. We have twelve grand children and another on the way. I am one of the fortunate few who can say my wife is my best friend. Just in case it's not obvious, I'm a man who loves his wife madly, truly, deeply!

I'm a musician. I started playing drums in the fifth grade. I picked up guitar in high school. Over the years I've played both in a variety of bands and musical situations. Recently, I've started playing drums with a new group. Music is a big deal in my life.

I'm an adventurer. Whether it's turning down a road just because I've never been that way before; sailing on the ocean in a small boat; open mic at a local club; I need adventure. I need to feel the blood pump in my chest. I crave the wind in my face and the chill in the air to feel alive.

I'm a slow twitch guy. The longer the run; the more difficult the ride; the better I do. For me it's all about the mind over the body. When every fiber in my body is screaming at me to stop, I find a way to calm the voices inside my head. It's all about finishing; finishing strong!

This is my journey: to stay fit; to play music; to love my wife; to keep my faith and to never, ever, quit!

2Tim4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race.