Running Thoughts: Two Days Away

So here we are, at the last stretch- just a couple of days away from the big event.
Are we ready? I suppose as the saying goes, hope for the best, expect the worst.
Hopefully the weeks of training will pay off or at least minimize the pain of recovery.

And by the end of the Run- you should "walk it out"...


But our purpose has shifted as most of us on our team if not all, have decided to focus the event on a greater cause...as we want to support our medical missions team as they head to Mongolia later this month.
If you by chance come upon this site, and you've enjoyed our journey thus far- we like to ask if you'd like to partner with us as we do this- together.



:: HPM Short Term Mission Team to Mongolia ::
The Trip: October 27 - November 4

:: Quick info about Mongolia ::
-The proportion of the population below the poverty line is estimated to be 36.1% in 2004, and both the unemployment rate and inflation rate are high at 3.3% and 9.5%
-50% of Mongolia's population is Buddhist-Lamaist, which is related to Tibetan Buddhism. 40% is listed as having no religion, 6% is Shaminist or Christian, and 4% is Muslim.

:: The Purpose ::
Young Nak Church's HPM (Healthcare Professional Ministry) short term mission team will be working with long-term missionaries in serving at the Yonsei Friendship Hospital: treating poor, underserved patients with little or no ready access to medical care, teaching nursing/medical students at a school founded by missionaries, and setting up mobile clinics in partnership with New Life Church. The team will be donating many boxes of medicines + supplies, and specific medical equipments that are in deep need. They plan to teach + educate the local doctors about the proper use, maintenance, and cleaning of such equipment.

:: Projected Team Goal ::
$10,000 - $15,000 to cover the cost of medical supplies/equipment

Donating is simple as following this link:
http://www.ynem.org/paypal/2007smtfall.htm

Trainer's Corner: Final Week

Afternoon, Ladies & Gents:

Our race is this Sunday. I wish all of you the best of luck. For many of you, this is your first race. And for others, you can consider yourself vets. As in any sport, it's 90% mental, 10% physical.

I want you to begin mentally preparing for the race this weekend. During the quiet time of the day/evening, I want you to close your eyes and think about these things:
Friday:
- what is it going to feel like after work?
- what are you going to eat? what's for dinner?
- what are you going to wear for saturday's expo? for sunday's race?
- the weather's going to be perfect... perfect running weather...
- you are hydrated and still drinking plenty of water...

Saturday:
- you wake up to a perfect morning...
- breakfast is good... water tastes good...
- get changed into your perfect clothes set out the day before...
- you are stretched... you are relaxed... you feel strong... YOU ARE STRONG...!!
- your drive to the expo is perfect... no traffic... parking is not a problem...
- the weather's perfect...
- the check-in goes smoothly... everything's in your goody bag... you know where to put your bib number... you know the run route... you know where all the aid stations are...
- you greet other friendly competitors...
- how is the conversation? how does the sun feel? how does the wind feel? how do others make you feel? good, don't they?
- lunch is good... digestion is good... water tastes good... the butterflies in your stomach gives you energy...
- carb dinner is delicious... company is pleasant...
- what time do you sleep? although you toos and turn, you sleep well...

Sunday:
- you wake up on time...
- breakfast is good... it digests well...
- parking is perfect...
- your running shoes feel good on your feet...
- you are greeted with smiles when you meet your friends... it's a bit nipply...
- the sun hasn't risen yet as you wait in line for the bathroom... pleasant conversation...
- the use of the bathroom is smooth... yes, there is toilet paper!
- you stand in the crowd with your friends...
- the run starts and the crowd slowly begins to shuffle into a run...
- you pass the first person, then the second, then the third... you filter out the crowd until you find the pack you can pace with...
- mile 1... mile 2... aid station goes without a hitch... mile 3... mile 4... aid station is perfect... mile 5... mile 6... you feel strong... you turn around... how high is the sun by now? what's the lighting like? what's the size of the crowd around you? how do your feet sound pitter pattering on the ground? what color is the ground? what's the air smell like? who's with you by now?
- mile 7... mile 8... aid station is perfect... mile 9... mile 10... perfect aid station... the volunteers hand you the cups perfectly... mile 11... mile 12... you hear a crowd and you hear music... mile 13... you're in the final chute... you are not exhausted and you feel strong!!!
- how does it feel to cross the arch of "finish"? what are the volunteers telling you as you hand them the timing chip and the bottom on your bib number? who is there to greet you? what's the name of the song the band is playing?

I WANT YOU TO IMAGINE A PERFECT WEEKEND... A PERFECT RACE... A PERFECT CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GIFT TO US ALL... OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH... AND A MENTAL FOCUS AND WILL TO FINISH THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US...

Running Thoughts: Week 16

We're comin to the home stretch...we're only a weekend away from the big event.
Last week's 12 miler at Long Beach was pretty rough. The big pay-off of course was the nice scenic backdrop- of the Queen Mary and Pacific Ocean.
My running rhythm was totally thrown off with my sudden urge to use the public restroom...hopefully I'll prepare myself to not have to go through that on the day of the event. In time, I was able to get back into the rhythm.
Overall, it was definitely an accomplishment, and a good mental exercise- for things to come.
I also made the mistake of not putting my knee support, as I totally felt my knee giving way at the final mile...thus I had to walk the last mile. So the past few days, and even now, I felt the residual effects of the 12 miler- the soreness-- recovery sure sucks doesn't it? haha...also been watching my right knee, hopefully it'll be all good to go for the big event.

So am I ready? I think I am. Are you?

For a little inspiration...
Chariots of Fire - Liddell's final race 400m


And a catchy rockin tune to get you all amped...

Linkin park faint
Uploaded by the_black_sun

And nothin' ain't complete with a bit of gospel groovin'...

Kirk Franklin- "Revolution"