Fear was the theme of last week’s blog. I was preparing to do a 1.2 mile ocean swim as part of a team completing the IronMan Superfrog triathlon. I reflected how the fear of sharks (and any number of other things) can stop me (and others) from even attempting things...
triathlon
Anticipating Sharks
On Sunday, I will attempt a 1.2 mile swim in the Pacific Ocean as part of a Half Ironman Triathlon race. What makes me nervous, as I’ve been training, are the waves that will shove me like a rag doll away from the buoys located only 200-300 yards in front of me. I’ve...
Comfort and Continuity: Stunting Church Growth?
This blog is written for my occasional series, “Things Yoga Has Taught Me About Church.” You make friends fast when you line up at dawn in your spandex triathlon gear on a gorgeous, but chilly, Sunday summer morning. Having the unfortunate luck of being last in the...
Birthday Month of Joy
August is my birthday month. Take note. Seriously, I love birthdays (not just my own) and I have tried in recent years to take time to celebrate, reflect upon and renew myself for another year. This birthday on Aug. 11 will mark my 44th trip around the sun, for which...
Triathlon: A Glimpse of the Kin-dom of God
Tears welled up in my eyes. No, dirt had not jammed into my eye while biking so fast in last weekend’s Chicago Triathlon. Awe-struck humility had instead descended on me like a dove. Who am I to have the opportunity and ability to swim, bike and run 5150 meters (about...
No Regrets: Heatwaves, Jellyfish Stings and Knee Injuries
I’m not sure what makes someone at the ripe, old age of 17 think these kinds of things. I was just that kind of teenager, I guess. I have a really distinct memory of resolving when I was about 17, to live my life without regret. For me, that meant always taking...