9 +

Matthew 8:34

Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

Translation-"We give a crap about you Jesus-you freaking weirdo.  We could care less about your love for others and the fact that in you is truth. Just go."

I've long loved this parable in Matthew.  The context--Christ saves a few guys, delivers them, and shows He is the son of God....still, despite the whole thing taking place right in front of them--people still ignored him. I don't get it...right?

For me It's always been easier to use this example of what  "others" do...or don't do. "How can so many refuse Christ when many examples in this life indicate God is our only hope?"  I ask myself....totally ignoring the lessons this history means to me--Everyday. 

What makes me think it's OK to see the blessings I have and ignore who gave them and why?  Answer-Jesus has, and because He loves me. Embracing this hope is the root system to my life. It has to be, it just has to be. Thinking about this in the pool during my morning swim, I started to recall  events in my life that He has done and I responded-- "Just Go....Not now....Come back when I need you, really...I'm fine".  When I want God to show up in a cape, fix my problem, and hit the bricks...cool. Other than that, I got this.  

Well...I don't. We don't. You don't.  

I feel I've been "getting worked on".  Sometimes for me training for Ironman-- the physical preparation is secondary.  "Chopping wood, carrying water" is the obvious. The inside stuff-between the ears, and rib cage, is where the wrenches are turning and the wires are connecting. 

This is an excerpt from an interview with Ryan Hall.  Ryan is outspoken about his faith and desire to seek God, I admire this-

***It was easy for me to feel God's presence when it meant him taking me to new levels of physical performance but it took me years to learn to feel God's presence in my running even when I was struggling or just having an ordinary day. I don't believe God comes and goes as I once felt he did. I believe that as the Bible says, God is with those who are with him (Matt: 28:20, Deut 31:6, Isaiah 41:10), and this is my message. In a world where it is all about the guy on the top step of the podium and we are defined and define ourselves by the time on our watch, at the end of the day I am trying to spread the word that it ultimately isn't all about that. The sweetest part of life is that we can all have God. God is with those who are with him. It’s our choice and a free invitation to everyone.

Here is a Link to that article-It is a good read. http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=19104

Please...Pray for me. Pray that I trust in Him. Pray I focus on what I've been built to do and  strive to glorify God with the blessing of this greatest sport in my life.  Thank you Lord that in you there is freedom. Don't let me screw it up by thinking I did this-if that's the case....I won't even step on the line.  


My hope is you, show me your ways, guide me in truth, in all my days.  

OK....training...Things are on track--Very solid.  I've had the blessing  to be working with  a friend these past few weeks getting dialed for Kentucky.  I will share more about this later...but for the time being-(you know who you are),  I am so, so  grateful for your direction, guidance, and willingness to help.  Working with you has done wonders for me.  Thank you.

Oh!!! A few of you noticed last week I was "tweeting" about Rhonda running her first 5k.  This was so awesome!!!--Working with her and encouraging Rhonda to stick with it has taught me a few things about how difficult it is for her to keep supporting me when I loose my focus, or let doubt creep in.  (This is the work I spoke of earlier that I need to keep building "inside". It can easily get derailed if not careful. No foothold must be given.)

And Rhonda-You did it babe. You rule. I am so proud.

To wrap up here I want to mention how I am directing my focus for Kentucky....Specifically speaking about what to think when  constructing the mental game for an event.  It goes back to the guidance I am getting from my friend, and amazing athlete.

"9+ hours...That's it. Focus on that"


So simple..it's a puzzle.

I want to say a quick thank you to all the people backing me for this upcoming race.  Ron-you and Vuelta Wheels have been instrumental in assisting me to get to Kentucky.  I am forever grateful and can't thank you enough.  The wheels are amazing-I mean that. But you are incredible. Thank You.

Living Fuel-I look forward to my recovery shakes.  KC you have been so generous.

RYU of course-I love being on your team.  I desire to show others what you represent in sport. Dedication, Discipline, and Desire.  Plus-Your gear is the best.

The Athletes Lounge...I'll be coming to see you in the next few weeks. Stocking up on essentials, bike check up and whatever else I need.  I will never take for granted the fact in my backyard is the greatest Tri-Shop in the country.

I want to remind you that this race is still a tool for me to use to show the Life Changing Work Living Water International is doing. Water...it all begins with water.....

It's been cool brainstorming with Chris and MTS.  Next year is going to bring some big things and I am hopeful and excited to share them with you as soon as details are in place.


As always...Thank you.  I meant what I said. Please...pray for me.  And, let me know if you need prayer.  


Love-
c