Sorry about my last post. It had been a frustrating day which was sort of the capper of an even more frustrating summer. How can I purport to be this Christian man when I'm puking my guts out about my job? I vow to try harder. You, my wonderful readers, all 4 of you, deserve better.
Today was a much better day at Happy School for the Gifted and Criminally Lazy. As my fellow blogger and art teacher can attest, the first week is always the toughest. Rules must be set and we have to learn a whole new batch of names.
I had a really good run, but it was on the fake road, or treadmill as you might call it. There is nothing like hitting the road, or the belt, to work off the stress of a long day. Running is my medicine.
Fall is approaching and I can't wait for the terrific runs that are waiting to happen. I'm so anticipating the coolness that will soon be here.
Once again, I apologize for my rant last night. Let's get on with more pressing things like the pennant race and kickoff of the college football season this weekend.
Who's your favorite college football team? Mine are the Longhorns, of course. I have a great idea I'd like to pitch to UT and its fans. Instead of coming to the Red River Shootout wearing burnt orange, I suggest all Texas fans wear Boise State t-shirts in honor of their victory over OU last bowl season. Now wouldn't that be something? Just imagine, half of the Cotton Bowl awash in a sea of Broncho blue. Problem is OU would most likely get so angry they would kill Texas 60-0. It's still a funny idea, you have to admit.
Write and tell me who you'll be rooting for this season. I love your comments.
God bless and Ever Forward!!!
TFR
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Long Time, No See
My computer went all chicken fried the other day, so I've been offline for a while. Well, I've got a new PC and I'm back in business.
What's new? Let's see, school has started in earnest. We are off and running. Here's how my first day went. It's 8:15 am and I'm addressing my first period sixth grade babies and in walks my next door neighbor, also an art teacher. One of her special ed students was having an episode and kicking his assistant that works with him. So, I went in and removed him from class. After 15 minutes of restraining this kid and having him grab my tie, which is a big no-no, I was sweaty and in a bad mood. The year will be pretty much downhill from there.
Since this is called Confessions of a Fat Runner, I have a confession for you: I can't stand my job! Don't get me wrong. I have some wonderful kids and that I really do care about, but overall, I don't want to be a teacher anymore. I have never felt a true "calling" into the profession. I've kind of painted myself into a corner by getting a Master's degree in Education. That and $1 will get you a cup of coffee. I don't see a lot of options for me, or future in the teaching business, for that matter.
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a lawyer. I can recall being a teenager and being captivated by law programs on television. I wanted to know everything I could about law. You'd think I would've gone into something like that since it was my dream to be an attorney, but my life took some very strange turns that kept me from pursuing that desire.
Without revealing too much about myself (you never know who is reading this), I was a lousy stinking bum coming out of high school. I was lucky to graduate and it took some creative grade juggling on the part of my counselor to get me through. I was smart--too smart-- and terribly lazy.
I've always struggled with self-esteem issues, which is probably why I've always been fat. At one time in my life I ballooned over 315 lbs. I didn't want to work and I squandered my financial aid in college. My first years in a university were an absolute waste. My high school counselor bought me a second chance and I wasted it.
I met my wife in college and I still didn't straighten out. It was like I was in this stupor that rendered me incapable of wanting anything for my life. I cared about very little, including God. This all left me pretty apathetic to life and very down about my future.
Fast forward almost 15 years later. I walked across the stage at age 37, finally receiving my Bachelor's degree in Business. Business? What the heck did I know about business? It was a means to an end and it got me out of school. From there, and since I had been working for our school district anyway, I decided to get a teaching certificate. While working on that certificate I stayed in and completed the coursework for a Master's. 3 years and $30,000 in student loans later I received my second degree.
I've come to the realization my Master's has been an utter waste of time. If you don't move into administration you get very little compensation for an advanced degree in my profession. It's a shame. In a business that works to shape the minds of our future leaders, we get nothing for working our tails off to further our own education.
I interviewed 7 times this summer for an administration position, striking out every time. I walked back into my classroom defeated, with little self-esteem or motivation to teach. Right now, I don't even know what my next move will be. I'm pretty lost.
That brings me to what I mentioned earlier--being a lawyer. How can a 43-year old man, with a mortgage, and two car payments, find a way to go to law school? If you have any ideas, please let me know. I desperately want to do this, but I don't know how to make it work. I want my wife, who has taught for 19 years and is growing more discouraged with her job each day, to be able to quit and stay home.
Now you see my dilemma. I want to live and believe Paul's words that everything is "rubbish" but it's so hard to do when your heart desires something more, something greater. It's not about the money. It's about being happy with what I do and I'll never be happy teaching.
I guess I'll run and think and maybe run some more. Now if I could find a way to earn a living from running, I'd do that in a heartbeat. But when you're a fat runner, you're lucky all you get to do is teach, I guess.
That's my confession--what's yours?
Send me your ideas. I've love to hear them.
God bless and ever forward!
TFR
What's new? Let's see, school has started in earnest. We are off and running. Here's how my first day went. It's 8:15 am and I'm addressing my first period sixth grade babies and in walks my next door neighbor, also an art teacher. One of her special ed students was having an episode and kicking his assistant that works with him. So, I went in and removed him from class. After 15 minutes of restraining this kid and having him grab my tie, which is a big no-no, I was sweaty and in a bad mood. The year will be pretty much downhill from there.
Since this is called Confessions of a Fat Runner, I have a confession for you: I can't stand my job! Don't get me wrong. I have some wonderful kids and that I really do care about, but overall, I don't want to be a teacher anymore. I have never felt a true "calling" into the profession. I've kind of painted myself into a corner by getting a Master's degree in Education. That and $1 will get you a cup of coffee. I don't see a lot of options for me, or future in the teaching business, for that matter.
For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be a lawyer. I can recall being a teenager and being captivated by law programs on television. I wanted to know everything I could about law. You'd think I would've gone into something like that since it was my dream to be an attorney, but my life took some very strange turns that kept me from pursuing that desire.
Without revealing too much about myself (you never know who is reading this), I was a lousy stinking bum coming out of high school. I was lucky to graduate and it took some creative grade juggling on the part of my counselor to get me through. I was smart--too smart-- and terribly lazy.
I've always struggled with self-esteem issues, which is probably why I've always been fat. At one time in my life I ballooned over 315 lbs. I didn't want to work and I squandered my financial aid in college. My first years in a university were an absolute waste. My high school counselor bought me a second chance and I wasted it.
I met my wife in college and I still didn't straighten out. It was like I was in this stupor that rendered me incapable of wanting anything for my life. I cared about very little, including God. This all left me pretty apathetic to life and very down about my future.
Fast forward almost 15 years later. I walked across the stage at age 37, finally receiving my Bachelor's degree in Business. Business? What the heck did I know about business? It was a means to an end and it got me out of school. From there, and since I had been working for our school district anyway, I decided to get a teaching certificate. While working on that certificate I stayed in and completed the coursework for a Master's. 3 years and $30,000 in student loans later I received my second degree.
I've come to the realization my Master's has been an utter waste of time. If you don't move into administration you get very little compensation for an advanced degree in my profession. It's a shame. In a business that works to shape the minds of our future leaders, we get nothing for working our tails off to further our own education.
I interviewed 7 times this summer for an administration position, striking out every time. I walked back into my classroom defeated, with little self-esteem or motivation to teach. Right now, I don't even know what my next move will be. I'm pretty lost.
That brings me to what I mentioned earlier--being a lawyer. How can a 43-year old man, with a mortgage, and two car payments, find a way to go to law school? If you have any ideas, please let me know. I desperately want to do this, but I don't know how to make it work. I want my wife, who has taught for 19 years and is growing more discouraged with her job each day, to be able to quit and stay home.
Now you see my dilemma. I want to live and believe Paul's words that everything is "rubbish" but it's so hard to do when your heart desires something more, something greater. It's not about the money. It's about being happy with what I do and I'll never be happy teaching.
I guess I'll run and think and maybe run some more. Now if I could find a way to earn a living from running, I'd do that in a heartbeat. But when you're a fat runner, you're lucky all you get to do is teach, I guess.
That's my confession--what's yours?
Send me your ideas. I've love to hear them.
God bless and ever forward!
TFR
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Oops, Here They Come!
I just got off the phone with the phone company and they are in the process of tracing the prank phone call. It's only a matter of time before they find you.
It's too bad someone would read my blog site and decide to pull a stupid stunt like that. I'm saddened that I even have to use my blog to communicate to you, the person that did this. I know you read my blog because you said something when you called that was in a blog I wrote.
I hope the police are nicer to you than the last kids that pranked us a few years ago. My friend, the cop, can be pretty tough and he won't cut any slack. That's why I'm going to see if he'll let me come with him this time. I want you and your parents to have to face me.
This is a blog site, meant to be used for good things, which I'm hoping this will turn into. If nothing more, someone is about to learn a serious life-lesson.
If you're reading this, then just know it's a matter of time before you'll be getting a visit from a man wearing a badge.
I'll be seeing you soon and maybe even in court since I will file charges on you.
God bless you!
TFR
It's too bad someone would read my blog site and decide to pull a stupid stunt like that. I'm saddened that I even have to use my blog to communicate to you, the person that did this. I know you read my blog because you said something when you called that was in a blog I wrote.
I hope the police are nicer to you than the last kids that pranked us a few years ago. My friend, the cop, can be pretty tough and he won't cut any slack. That's why I'm going to see if he'll let me come with him this time. I want you and your parents to have to face me.
This is a blog site, meant to be used for good things, which I'm hoping this will turn into. If nothing more, someone is about to learn a serious life-lesson.
If you're reading this, then just know it's a matter of time before you'll be getting a visit from a man wearing a badge.
I'll be seeing you soon and maybe even in court since I will file charges on you.
God bless you!
TFR
Prank Phone Calls and The Last Laugh
My phone rang at 2:50 this morning, waking me from a sound sleep. It reminds of a time a few years back when we were getting two or three calls a night for almost a week. Well, I finally got fed up with the callers.
Did you know there's this cool little thing the phone company can do to trace a call? I found that out after calling them to complain. Well, they traced the call and sent the number to our local police department. One of my friends is a cop and he went and got the number. He, along with a juvenile detective, went to the person's home, which turned out to be someone in my daughter's class. Long story short, they hauled these two kids into the police station and we filed charges on them. Guess what happened then? The families had to pay a pretty big fine when they had a meeting with a prosecutor. Oh, and the phone company took away their phone use.
Can you imagine that? Well, guess what? It's about to happen again to the person or persons who just called my house. Hey, and I know you read this blog site because of something you said. Not real smart.
So, get ready. The next knock you hear at your door just might be a police officer, who just happens to be my friend. And this time I think I'll see if I can come with him.
I am not afraid of anyone. I will press charges and I will see you in court. Try me and find out. Start watching over your shoulder because the cops are coming. You can count on that because I've already called the phone company and they are tracing your number.
What's that sound? Could it be fear? I just hope your parents aren't going to miss their phone that much.
Good luck to you and I WILL be seeing you soon!
TFR
Did you know there's this cool little thing the phone company can do to trace a call? I found that out after calling them to complain. Well, they traced the call and sent the number to our local police department. One of my friends is a cop and he went and got the number. He, along with a juvenile detective, went to the person's home, which turned out to be someone in my daughter's class. Long story short, they hauled these two kids into the police station and we filed charges on them. Guess what happened then? The families had to pay a pretty big fine when they had a meeting with a prosecutor. Oh, and the phone company took away their phone use.
Can you imagine that? Well, guess what? It's about to happen again to the person or persons who just called my house. Hey, and I know you read this blog site because of something you said. Not real smart.
So, get ready. The next knock you hear at your door just might be a police officer, who just happens to be my friend. And this time I think I'll see if I can come with him.
I am not afraid of anyone. I will press charges and I will see you in court. Try me and find out. Start watching over your shoulder because the cops are coming. You can count on that because I've already called the phone company and they are tracing your number.
What's that sound? Could it be fear? I just hope your parents aren't going to miss their phone that much.
Good luck to you and I WILL be seeing you soon!
TFR
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Michael Vick: A Few Thoughts
I played football in high school and it continues to be part of my life today. I'm a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan (stop grumbling, Steven). I'm saddened by what we're witnessing in professional sports today.
Where are our role models? I proudly sported my #12 Roger Staubach jersey in middle school back in the middle 70's. I still show off my baseball cards, many of which I began collecting at age 6. The big names in sports we worshiped as kids were Staubach, Bradshaw, Montana, and later on, Michael Jordan. Now, these guys weren't perfect. In fact, with the exception of Staubach, the aforementioned suffered through failed marriages and infidelity scandals. But what Vick did defies explanation.
We are talking about a guy that generates tons of money in merchandising for the NFL and Nike, as well as being a role model to thousands of kids in the U.S. In light of his plea agreement and subsequent impending sentencing next Monday, I'm wondering how kids will view this.
I see students at my middle school wearing the familiar red and black Falcons jersey with the big number 7 right under the name Vick. My first thought when the true story of Michael Vick's deeds emerged was of these impressionable kids. What must they be thinking and how will it affect the way they view athletes and adults, in general?
Back in my first year teaching there was another art teacher in the district that was fired for having pornography on his computer. As the news got out and shockwaves rippled throughout the district, one of my sixth graders asked me, "You ain't go no porn on your computer, do you?" I wanted to find that guy and wring his neck for the darkness he cast on me and my colleagues.
When I look at Michael Vick all I see is a waste of God-given talent. He had it all and he blew it. The only person that knows what will come of this is Vick, himself. Even though he faces prison time, a huge fine, and public scorn, he can turn this thing around and right the ship that is his life. He has that choice and I hope he makes it.
The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all deserve a do-over. I've done a lot of things in my life I'm none too proud of. And I got a second chance. But I decided I had to do my part and make the changes necessary to heal from those mistakes. Michael Vick must do the same. The ball is in his court.
When I asked where are our role models, well, we have them. The media would rather focus on the bad stuff in athletics, or politics, or schools and not talk about the good men and women out there that positively impact America's youth. There are guys like the Braves' John Smoltz, or Emmitt Smith, or females such as Sheryl Swoopes, and the thousands of great teachers, coaches, ministers, and neighbors that give kids a reason to dream.
I pray that our kids will follow celebrities for the right reasons, for the positive things they do that often times go unnoticed by society. I also pray society doesn't come down too hard on those that have fallen from the pedestals we love to hoist them on. Remember, "Let him without sin, cast the first stone."
That's my confession...what's yours?
God bless you and ever forward!!!
--TFR
Where are our role models? I proudly sported my #12 Roger Staubach jersey in middle school back in the middle 70's. I still show off my baseball cards, many of which I began collecting at age 6. The big names in sports we worshiped as kids were Staubach, Bradshaw, Montana, and later on, Michael Jordan. Now, these guys weren't perfect. In fact, with the exception of Staubach, the aforementioned suffered through failed marriages and infidelity scandals. But what Vick did defies explanation.
We are talking about a guy that generates tons of money in merchandising for the NFL and Nike, as well as being a role model to thousands of kids in the U.S. In light of his plea agreement and subsequent impending sentencing next Monday, I'm wondering how kids will view this.
I see students at my middle school wearing the familiar red and black Falcons jersey with the big number 7 right under the name Vick. My first thought when the true story of Michael Vick's deeds emerged was of these impressionable kids. What must they be thinking and how will it affect the way they view athletes and adults, in general?
Back in my first year teaching there was another art teacher in the district that was fired for having pornography on his computer. As the news got out and shockwaves rippled throughout the district, one of my sixth graders asked me, "You ain't go no porn on your computer, do you?" I wanted to find that guy and wring his neck for the darkness he cast on me and my colleagues.
When I look at Michael Vick all I see is a waste of God-given talent. He had it all and he blew it. The only person that knows what will come of this is Vick, himself. Even though he faces prison time, a huge fine, and public scorn, he can turn this thing around and right the ship that is his life. He has that choice and I hope he makes it.
The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We all deserve a do-over. I've done a lot of things in my life I'm none too proud of. And I got a second chance. But I decided I had to do my part and make the changes necessary to heal from those mistakes. Michael Vick must do the same. The ball is in his court.
When I asked where are our role models, well, we have them. The media would rather focus on the bad stuff in athletics, or politics, or schools and not talk about the good men and women out there that positively impact America's youth. There are guys like the Braves' John Smoltz, or Emmitt Smith, or females such as Sheryl Swoopes, and the thousands of great teachers, coaches, ministers, and neighbors that give kids a reason to dream.
I pray that our kids will follow celebrities for the right reasons, for the positive things they do that often times go unnoticed by society. I also pray society doesn't come down too hard on those that have fallen from the pedestals we love to hoist them on. Remember, "Let him without sin, cast the first stone."
That's my confession...what's yours?
God bless you and ever forward!!!
--TFR
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Miles Apart, but Still Friends
Since beginning my blog site earlier this month, I have been blessed to find a new friend. If you've had the opportunity to read some of my posts then you've read the comments of Steven Rigney from Chicago.
Steve is also a runner and has a terrific blog site. I look forward to his comments and learn something from each of them.
It just goes to show you how something as seemingly insignificant as a blog site can turn into something more. My mom always said a stranger is a friend you haven't met yet. Of course, my mom never met Jeffrey Dahmer. However, she raised me with the strong values of friendship and loving my neighbor. So far, I've been privileged to make a new friend, Steven. We are miles apart, but I feel a kinship with him as a fellow runner.
Steven, you have my standing invitation to call on me if you're ever passing through Amarillo, Texas. I would love to show you Texas hospitality at its finest.
This goes out to anyone reading this. Life is too short. Make a friend--make lots of them. No matter where or how, get to know people. I teach my 8th grade careers classes that networking is perhaps the most important thing they can do as they are looking for jobs. Well, network not for the monetary gain it will bring you, but for the kindness you can share with others.
May God bless you with happy running and lots of fun!
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Steve is also a runner and has a terrific blog site. I look forward to his comments and learn something from each of them.
It just goes to show you how something as seemingly insignificant as a blog site can turn into something more. My mom always said a stranger is a friend you haven't met yet. Of course, my mom never met Jeffrey Dahmer. However, she raised me with the strong values of friendship and loving my neighbor. So far, I've been privileged to make a new friend, Steven. We are miles apart, but I feel a kinship with him as a fellow runner.
Steven, you have my standing invitation to call on me if you're ever passing through Amarillo, Texas. I would love to show you Texas hospitality at its finest.
This goes out to anyone reading this. Life is too short. Make a friend--make lots of them. No matter where or how, get to know people. I teach my 8th grade careers classes that networking is perhaps the most important thing they can do as they are looking for jobs. Well, network not for the monetary gain it will bring you, but for the kindness you can share with others.
May God bless you with happy running and lots of fun!
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Monday, August 20, 2007
A Heart Like Yusef's
You know, every time I think I'm fed up with my job God sends me a little reminder. Case in point. Today, I decided to do my run on the treadmill. It's blasted hot here in the Texas Panhandle. Even last night at 9, it was still too warm to run. Anyway, I'm running on the treadmill and I look across the cardio room and there on the treadmill is Yusef.
I first met Yusef four years ago in a special education meeting held just for him, better known as an ARD meeting. Yusef was transitioning into middle school that fall so we held a spring meeting in order to best determine his needs. You see Yusef is autistic. As I sat there, I thought to myself, "Great, I'm going to get this kid and he's going to need a lot of maintenance." I couldn't have been more wrong.
That fall, it was my privilege to have Yusef in my art class. His exuberance was only matched by the volume of his voice. As his name suggests, he is from middle-eastern descent, with olive skin and always looked like he needed a shave, even in sixth grade. He is fairly tall and slender with long, skinny fingers.
All one had to do was engage Yusef in conversation to find he has an opinion on everything. He was my enforcer, keeping kids quiet in my classroom, and he was my chief helper for anything art. He was and still is my Man!
This past spring semester marked Yusef's last year at our school. He is moving on to the big high school where, no doubt, he will continue to leave an indelible mark on all he touches. At the end of the school year, it dawned on me I wouldn't see him in the halls of Bonham Middle School again, not as a student, at least. And I started to hurt. He always gave me high-fives every morning and during passing periods. He would shout my name from down the hall whenever we met. Yusef became a big part of my life as a teacher and I will miss him deeply.
Before today, the last time I saw him was a month ago and again at the gym. I was walking from my truck toward the building when he emerged from the front door. Our eyes instantly made contact and here he came, running like the wind, to greet me. He hit me like a middle linebacker and gave me the sweetest of hugs. He beamed from ear to ear as he said, "Hey my pal, my buddy!"
Well, today, as soon as he finished his little treadmill jog he hopped off and spirited my way. I was finishing my run and he was screaming, "Hey, my pal!" After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me if high school would be fun and I gave him an affirming nod and said yes. He sighed and said, "I'm so sorry I didn't get to take your careers class this year." To which I let him off the hook. I told him I'd miss him and he said the same. Then, in true Yusef fashion, he said "Bye, my buddy, my pal!" Taking a few steps, he spun and yelled, "Did I tell you how sorry I am for missing your careers class?" "Yes, Yusef, you did," I acknowledged, "and it's all right, pal." He smiled and ran off.
I want to be like him. Yusef doesn't know hatred or prejudice. He lives in the here and now, not the past or the future. He loves without judgment and everyone is his friend. I'm proud to say I'm his pal. And I want a heart like Yusef's.
--TFR
I first met Yusef four years ago in a special education meeting held just for him, better known as an ARD meeting. Yusef was transitioning into middle school that fall so we held a spring meeting in order to best determine his needs. You see Yusef is autistic. As I sat there, I thought to myself, "Great, I'm going to get this kid and he's going to need a lot of maintenance." I couldn't have been more wrong.
That fall, it was my privilege to have Yusef in my art class. His exuberance was only matched by the volume of his voice. As his name suggests, he is from middle-eastern descent, with olive skin and always looked like he needed a shave, even in sixth grade. He is fairly tall and slender with long, skinny fingers.
All one had to do was engage Yusef in conversation to find he has an opinion on everything. He was my enforcer, keeping kids quiet in my classroom, and he was my chief helper for anything art. He was and still is my Man!
This past spring semester marked Yusef's last year at our school. He is moving on to the big high school where, no doubt, he will continue to leave an indelible mark on all he touches. At the end of the school year, it dawned on me I wouldn't see him in the halls of Bonham Middle School again, not as a student, at least. And I started to hurt. He always gave me high-fives every morning and during passing periods. He would shout my name from down the hall whenever we met. Yusef became a big part of my life as a teacher and I will miss him deeply.
Before today, the last time I saw him was a month ago and again at the gym. I was walking from my truck toward the building when he emerged from the front door. Our eyes instantly made contact and here he came, running like the wind, to greet me. He hit me like a middle linebacker and gave me the sweetest of hugs. He beamed from ear to ear as he said, "Hey my pal, my buddy!"
Well, today, as soon as he finished his little treadmill jog he hopped off and spirited my way. I was finishing my run and he was screaming, "Hey, my pal!" After exchanging pleasantries, he asked me if high school would be fun and I gave him an affirming nod and said yes. He sighed and said, "I'm so sorry I didn't get to take your careers class this year." To which I let him off the hook. I told him I'd miss him and he said the same. Then, in true Yusef fashion, he said "Bye, my buddy, my pal!" Taking a few steps, he spun and yelled, "Did I tell you how sorry I am for missing your careers class?" "Yes, Yusef, you did," I acknowledged, "and it's all right, pal." He smiled and ran off.
I want to be like him. Yusef doesn't know hatred or prejudice. He lives in the here and now, not the past or the future. He loves without judgment and everyone is his friend. I'm proud to say I'm his pal. And I want a heart like Yusef's.
--TFR
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Enough Politics, let's Run!
Hey Y'all,
Let's talk running. My favorite running time is approaching--fall. I just love fall and the dramatic changes it brings in temperature and scenery.
Being the fat and studly runner I am, I really appreciate the coolness of fall. I really like riding my bike in the heat of summer, but I have to wait until late evening to run. No, I'm not a morning runner! The last thing I want to do first thing in the morning is run.
Since I broached the morning subject, what are your thoughts on caffeine, particularly coffee, and the debate on whether it enhances performance? I don't know about all that, but I am a devout coffee drinker. The coffee shop is usually where I wind up after finishing a run.
So, you now have two things to discuss: (1) What's your favorite time of year to run and (2) Are you a coffee drinker and does that affect your running?
Write me and let's talk. My blog has been off to a slow start, but I hope to get better at it and learn new ways to get my word out there.
After starting my blog site, I have been praying God will open a door for me. I want to write for my living. It is my passion, along with my family, my faith, and my friends, and of course--running.
If you have ideas as to how I can get into a writing career please let me know (hey, topic 3).
God bless you all with great running and living.
Ever forward!!!
--TFR
Let's talk running. My favorite running time is approaching--fall. I just love fall and the dramatic changes it brings in temperature and scenery.
Being the fat and studly runner I am, I really appreciate the coolness of fall. I really like riding my bike in the heat of summer, but I have to wait until late evening to run. No, I'm not a morning runner! The last thing I want to do first thing in the morning is run.
Since I broached the morning subject, what are your thoughts on caffeine, particularly coffee, and the debate on whether it enhances performance? I don't know about all that, but I am a devout coffee drinker. The coffee shop is usually where I wind up after finishing a run.
So, you now have two things to discuss: (1) What's your favorite time of year to run and (2) Are you a coffee drinker and does that affect your running?
Write me and let's talk. My blog has been off to a slow start, but I hope to get better at it and learn new ways to get my word out there.
After starting my blog site, I have been praying God will open a door for me. I want to write for my living. It is my passion, along with my family, my faith, and my friends, and of course--running.
If you have ideas as to how I can get into a writing career please let me know (hey, topic 3).
God bless you all with great running and living.
Ever forward!!!
--TFR
NCLB, AYP, NCAA, NFL, and Other Acronyms
The Federal Government. Hmmm. What comes to mind when you read those words? When it comes to education, the feds are clueless, like usual. Let me put some flesh on all these educational acronyms and buzzwords you've been hearing in the news.
Let's start with No Child Left Behind. Here's a lovely little program started by bureaucrats. Those guys live in Washington and know everything there is to know about education, right? Well, NCLB essentially calls for "Highly Qualified" personnel to be in every classroom in America. Have you ever been to the four corners area, specifcally around Arizona and New Mexico? Good luck getting highly qualified anything to teach there. Next, NCLB calls for a formalized, standarized assessment of all kids. I don't have a problem with getting the best people in the classroom or testing kids to gauge their progress. But, as I will show you later, NCLB, like all government programs, fails to acknowledge the human condition in education.
AYP (aka Adequate Yearly Progress): If you've been following the news, the AYP list for each state was just released. Schools are graded based on whether or not students passed the mandated standarized tests, which includes multiple sub groups, like lower socio-economics, race, and special education. Schools are also rated on attendance percentages and if every teacher is "highly qualified." A school can fail to meet AYP for dropping below standards in any of these categories.
Here's the truth behind AYP. If you live in rural areas like the Texas Panhandle or parts of New Mexico, for example, or perhaps in high-crime urban centers, or even cities that border Mexico, you will find it difficult to recruit teachers into those areas. Let's face it, when you can teach in a school that has little crime or social issues and live in cities that provide lots of opportunities, why would you want to live anywhere else? AYP doesn't take that into account. Nor does it factor in kids that live in horrible homes, with lousy parents, and boyfriends that abuse them. AYP just looks at cold, hard data and then makes judgments based on the results. So, you've got whole school districts in Texas and New Mexico that didn't meet AYP standards.
The punishment for failing to meet AYP comes in stages. At level 1 you get the warning. Level 2 is another warning and possible monitoring by the government, and at level 3 the school is taken by the government and staff is replaced. Good luck replacing everyone out on the reservation. Where will you find those replacements? I think Nancy Pelosi would make a fine substitute teacher.
Highly Qualified: A component of No Child Left Behind is the notion that every teacher will be highly qualified in their teaching subject. Like I said, good luck finding qualified math, science, and reading teachers out in rural areas. Some school districts in the Texas Panhandle will never meet this standard. So, are the feds going to fire them all? Highly Qualified, like everything else in NCLB is a pipe dream. Once again the authors of a federally mandated act wrote fiction, and fantasy fiction at that.
Most of the people we have running our government couldn't even measure up to what they want our schools to do. Most of these people send their kids to private schools. I guarantee you they have no clue what goes on in a public school. Yet, we in the profession are the beneficiaries of the fruits of their nightmarish dreams.
I am not anti-government. Let's get that on the table right now. I believe the government exists to provide a better quality of life for the citizens of our country. They have failed at that horribly. If we held our Congress and Senate to the same set of standards they hold our schools, they would all be fired.
There is no constitutional provision for the federal government to enact educational mandates to the states. Education should be a state-run entity, with the majority of that power being passed to local districts. States have the right to tell the government, "No thanks, we don't want your money." The problem is so many in state government have prostituted themselves to the feds and need that money to survive.
So, as a taxpaying voter, get out there and tell the government to mind its own business when it comes to our schools. We know what's best for our kids and our teachers are smart enough to handle things like assessments. We need less No Child Left Behind and more "quality" parent and community involvement. Less AYP and moreTLC. And we really need more "highly qualified" parents raising their children with the values and life skills required to survive in a troubled and broken world.
I hope that sheds a little light on the meaning of those confusing acronyms you see on TV and the real story behind them.
Read it for yourself at the U.S. DOE's web site: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/states/index.html
God bless you all.
Ever forward!!!
--TFR
Let's start with No Child Left Behind. Here's a lovely little program started by bureaucrats. Those guys live in Washington and know everything there is to know about education, right? Well, NCLB essentially calls for "Highly Qualified" personnel to be in every classroom in America. Have you ever been to the four corners area, specifcally around Arizona and New Mexico? Good luck getting highly qualified anything to teach there. Next, NCLB calls for a formalized, standarized assessment of all kids. I don't have a problem with getting the best people in the classroom or testing kids to gauge their progress. But, as I will show you later, NCLB, like all government programs, fails to acknowledge the human condition in education.
AYP (aka Adequate Yearly Progress): If you've been following the news, the AYP list for each state was just released. Schools are graded based on whether or not students passed the mandated standarized tests, which includes multiple sub groups, like lower socio-economics, race, and special education. Schools are also rated on attendance percentages and if every teacher is "highly qualified." A school can fail to meet AYP for dropping below standards in any of these categories.
Here's the truth behind AYP. If you live in rural areas like the Texas Panhandle or parts of New Mexico, for example, or perhaps in high-crime urban centers, or even cities that border Mexico, you will find it difficult to recruit teachers into those areas. Let's face it, when you can teach in a school that has little crime or social issues and live in cities that provide lots of opportunities, why would you want to live anywhere else? AYP doesn't take that into account. Nor does it factor in kids that live in horrible homes, with lousy parents, and boyfriends that abuse them. AYP just looks at cold, hard data and then makes judgments based on the results. So, you've got whole school districts in Texas and New Mexico that didn't meet AYP standards.
The punishment for failing to meet AYP comes in stages. At level 1 you get the warning. Level 2 is another warning and possible monitoring by the government, and at level 3 the school is taken by the government and staff is replaced. Good luck replacing everyone out on the reservation. Where will you find those replacements? I think Nancy Pelosi would make a fine substitute teacher.
Highly Qualified: A component of No Child Left Behind is the notion that every teacher will be highly qualified in their teaching subject. Like I said, good luck finding qualified math, science, and reading teachers out in rural areas. Some school districts in the Texas Panhandle will never meet this standard. So, are the feds going to fire them all? Highly Qualified, like everything else in NCLB is a pipe dream. Once again the authors of a federally mandated act wrote fiction, and fantasy fiction at that.
Most of the people we have running our government couldn't even measure up to what they want our schools to do. Most of these people send their kids to private schools. I guarantee you they have no clue what goes on in a public school. Yet, we in the profession are the beneficiaries of the fruits of their nightmarish dreams.
I am not anti-government. Let's get that on the table right now. I believe the government exists to provide a better quality of life for the citizens of our country. They have failed at that horribly. If we held our Congress and Senate to the same set of standards they hold our schools, they would all be fired.
There is no constitutional provision for the federal government to enact educational mandates to the states. Education should be a state-run entity, with the majority of that power being passed to local districts. States have the right to tell the government, "No thanks, we don't want your money." The problem is so many in state government have prostituted themselves to the feds and need that money to survive.
So, as a taxpaying voter, get out there and tell the government to mind its own business when it comes to our schools. We know what's best for our kids and our teachers are smart enough to handle things like assessments. We need less No Child Left Behind and more "quality" parent and community involvement. Less AYP and moreTLC. And we really need more "highly qualified" parents raising their children with the values and life skills required to survive in a troubled and broken world.
I hope that sheds a little light on the meaning of those confusing acronyms you see on TV and the real story behind them.
Read it for yourself at the U.S. DOE's web site: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/states/index.html
God bless you all.
Ever forward!!!
--TFR
School Crossing
With the end of summer comes the pennant race, last-minute vacations, and of course, the inevitable, the start of another school year.
This will be my fifteenth year going to a middle school. 6 of those 15 have been spent as a classroom teacher. This summer was supposed to be the close of my teaching career and the beginning of a new life as an administrator. Well, it didn't work out that way. Our first official work-days began last Thursday. I returned bitter and indifferent after striking out in seven interviews this summer.
I sat at the front table at registration this year, knowing full well I really didn't want to return. My disgust was compounded by the shame I felt every time one of my students would run in and hug me. Or, if they presented their sibling to me, saying "this will be your teacher and he's cool." If these kids only knew what I was thinking.
I shared with you in an earlier blog my need to get over myself and accept the fact that life is good, no matter what. But when you see the state education is in today and know your role in it isn't going to get better, all you want to do is get out. When you know as an elective teacher you aren't viewed as important to the educational process it makes you just decide to hide.
Teaching has been a rocky experience for me. I've never been all that comfortable in the role. Teaching has changed so much since I was a kid. For example, I don't have a paddle in my desk the way my teachers did. I can't spank, no matter what. Trust me, I got my rear-end busted on several occasions and then I got killed when I got home. Discipline has gotten tougher every year I have taught.
My colleagues, many of them I regard as the best in the city, are becoming increasingly cynical with our profession. Some of these guys have taught 3-4 times longer than me. I feel for them.
School is crossing a lot of people. With No Child Left Behind, Adequate Yearly Progress, lack of good parenting, and public support, it's little wonder education is witnessing a mass exodus. Listen to this warning as if it were words from a prophet: If this keeps up, no one will be left to teach our kids.
50 percent of all teachers in America are at retirement age. The average career span of a new teacher is now 3 years. At some point, where will our teachers come from? You tell me.
In less than two weeks, I'll be back in the classroom, setting rules and not smiling for six weeks. I'll be dealing with kids that should know how to behave themselves but choose to disrupt the learning of others. I'll have to take attendance, make sure all the kids on meds that need to go see the nurse each day get that done, deal with drama issues, fix my computer, and chase other mundane tasks. I do this in addition to teaching classes that will average 28 students.
I'm not looking for sympathy. But when you send your kids off to school, ask yourself these questions. Have I done everything I can to prepare my child for school? Am I my child's primary educator? Do I let the school raise my child and then get angry at the outcome? And lastly, do I help my child's teachers or slow them down?
It does indeed take a village to raise a child. It takes a village to teach and learn and grow to survive.
So, I will be back another year, hoping to survive and do my best. I just pray I can do this. Pray for our teachers because they do have a tough job. We do love your kids but they are YOUR kids. Love them first in a way that will make our village thrive.
May God bless you with a great school year.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
This will be my fifteenth year going to a middle school. 6 of those 15 have been spent as a classroom teacher. This summer was supposed to be the close of my teaching career and the beginning of a new life as an administrator. Well, it didn't work out that way. Our first official work-days began last Thursday. I returned bitter and indifferent after striking out in seven interviews this summer.
I sat at the front table at registration this year, knowing full well I really didn't want to return. My disgust was compounded by the shame I felt every time one of my students would run in and hug me. Or, if they presented their sibling to me, saying "this will be your teacher and he's cool." If these kids only knew what I was thinking.
I shared with you in an earlier blog my need to get over myself and accept the fact that life is good, no matter what. But when you see the state education is in today and know your role in it isn't going to get better, all you want to do is get out. When you know as an elective teacher you aren't viewed as important to the educational process it makes you just decide to hide.
Teaching has been a rocky experience for me. I've never been all that comfortable in the role. Teaching has changed so much since I was a kid. For example, I don't have a paddle in my desk the way my teachers did. I can't spank, no matter what. Trust me, I got my rear-end busted on several occasions and then I got killed when I got home. Discipline has gotten tougher every year I have taught.
My colleagues, many of them I regard as the best in the city, are becoming increasingly cynical with our profession. Some of these guys have taught 3-4 times longer than me. I feel for them.
School is crossing a lot of people. With No Child Left Behind, Adequate Yearly Progress, lack of good parenting, and public support, it's little wonder education is witnessing a mass exodus. Listen to this warning as if it were words from a prophet: If this keeps up, no one will be left to teach our kids.
50 percent of all teachers in America are at retirement age. The average career span of a new teacher is now 3 years. At some point, where will our teachers come from? You tell me.
In less than two weeks, I'll be back in the classroom, setting rules and not smiling for six weeks. I'll be dealing with kids that should know how to behave themselves but choose to disrupt the learning of others. I'll have to take attendance, make sure all the kids on meds that need to go see the nurse each day get that done, deal with drama issues, fix my computer, and chase other mundane tasks. I do this in addition to teaching classes that will average 28 students.
I'm not looking for sympathy. But when you send your kids off to school, ask yourself these questions. Have I done everything I can to prepare my child for school? Am I my child's primary educator? Do I let the school raise my child and then get angry at the outcome? And lastly, do I help my child's teachers or slow them down?
It does indeed take a village to raise a child. It takes a village to teach and learn and grow to survive.
So, I will be back another year, hoping to survive and do my best. I just pray I can do this. Pray for our teachers because they do have a tough job. We do love your kids but they are YOUR kids. Love them first in a way that will make our village thrive.
May God bless you with a great school year.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sometimes I think, Sometimes I run
Running is just plain weird. Some days, you feel like you're fast and light on your feet. On others, your legs feel like wet cement. And then there are those in-between days where you just aren't sure you even want to run at all.
Today, I felt really good. I did a short two-mile loop and ran quick and light. I rarely get below a 10-minute per mile pace anymore, but this evening I broke 9:30. Even my knees felt better, for some reason. Usually, my left knee feels like it has gravel in it so for me to run this fast and not hurt is great.
I don't know what kinds of runs you do--whether they are tempo, endurance, or just long and slow with no purpose. I break mine into funky little categories.
Thinking Runs: This is where I run because I have something I my mind I need to work out. Sometimes I do lesson planning while I run, or maybe it's to solve a dilemma I'm facing.
Butt-busters: I hop on the treadmill and all but kill myself. There's no way I could sustain a sub-8 minute pace on the road, so I do my real, serious cardio stuff in the gym. Hence the name.
No-brainers: I've got my iPod on, listening to some Pat Benatar or Smashmouth and off I go. Nothing on my mind, no agendas...just me and the road and my slow pace.
Prayer Runs: This, without question, is my most meaningful workout. I run and talk to God. I run after God and to God. This is where I get to spend my quality time with my Father. I get more accomplished during this type of run than any other.
I confess I'll always love the prayer runs the best. Just me and God and Mother Nature.
I told you running is weird. Runners are even more weird than that.
That's my confession. What's yours? Write me. Not many of you are. I really do want to hear from you!
God bless and Ever Forward!
--TFR
Today, I felt really good. I did a short two-mile loop and ran quick and light. I rarely get below a 10-minute per mile pace anymore, but this evening I broke 9:30. Even my knees felt better, for some reason. Usually, my left knee feels like it has gravel in it so for me to run this fast and not hurt is great.
I don't know what kinds of runs you do--whether they are tempo, endurance, or just long and slow with no purpose. I break mine into funky little categories.
Thinking Runs: This is where I run because I have something I my mind I need to work out. Sometimes I do lesson planning while I run, or maybe it's to solve a dilemma I'm facing.
Butt-busters: I hop on the treadmill and all but kill myself. There's no way I could sustain a sub-8 minute pace on the road, so I do my real, serious cardio stuff in the gym. Hence the name.
No-brainers: I've got my iPod on, listening to some Pat Benatar or Smashmouth and off I go. Nothing on my mind, no agendas...just me and the road and my slow pace.
Prayer Runs: This, without question, is my most meaningful workout. I run and talk to God. I run after God and to God. This is where I get to spend my quality time with my Father. I get more accomplished during this type of run than any other.
I confess I'll always love the prayer runs the best. Just me and God and Mother Nature.
I told you running is weird. Runners are even more weird than that.
That's my confession. What's yours? Write me. Not many of you are. I really do want to hear from you!
God bless and Ever Forward!
--TFR
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Fave Run
Down I-40 I go, weaving in and out of traffic, dodging car after car, risking life and limb for fitness. Okay, that's my hook. I don't really run down a busy freeway. I mean, I like adventure but I ain't crazy!
Runner's World magazine has a feature called "Rave Runs." That inspired me to give you my "Fave Runs."
We have this neighborhood here in Amarillo called Wolflin. This area is perhaps the oldest part of our city. Its streets are brick cobblestone that weave beneath huge, old elms that provide cover for runners, walkers, and cylists alike. No matter what the season, Wolflin is beautiful. And its homes, they are grand, with lovely, manicured lawns, and columns that welcome visitors. Some of these homes have been around for decades and have witnessed the changes of times and technology.
I like to run a 1.5 mile loop through the old streets and sometimes I'll do a three-miler around the perimeter of the neighborhood. While running, I pass one of the oldest elementary schools in our city. Its architecture makes you long for the simplicity of a bygone era. Down the hill from the school you traverse a lovely old park and the middle school it surrounds. A church on the corner chimes its bells at precisely the same time every day.
I guess the real reason I run Wolflin is it is where I began my running career over 10 years ago. I lived in an apartment complex less than a mile from it. We had always driven through Wolflin at Christmas time. Seeing those beautiful lights in blue, green, and red against the monster homes is always a tradition in my family. One day, I decided to do Wolflin on foot, running a little over three miles from my apartment to our local Hastings bookstore where I'd have coffee and browse the books. I remember the first time I hit those brick streets, hearing my footsteps and the sound of my breathing. They were in perfect harmony with the sound of the breeze rustling the trees.
Since then, I have moved to the western edge of our city, some 5 miles from my favorite running spot. We live close to most of the shopping centers in our city and the traffic makes running difficult. When the opportunity presents itself, I lace up my shoes, head to Wolflin, park on my corner, and start my loop. Even in the heat of summer, Wolflin provides a cool shelter against the elements.
But my absolute favorite time to run Wolfin is in late fall. There is nothing like the crunch of the fallen leaves under your feet as you move through an area that transports you to another place and time. It's almost like you start in Texas and finish in New England. The colors are so vibrant, the air crisp, and the running unsurpassed.
That's my fave run. What's yours? Tell me where you like to run and what it's like. I love those kinds of stories. If you run in Chicago, like my fellow runner Steve, or in some other part of the country, please write and tell me about it. I want to share my life with you and vice versa.
May God bless you with great running.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Runner's World magazine has a feature called "Rave Runs." That inspired me to give you my "Fave Runs."
We have this neighborhood here in Amarillo called Wolflin. This area is perhaps the oldest part of our city. Its streets are brick cobblestone that weave beneath huge, old elms that provide cover for runners, walkers, and cylists alike. No matter what the season, Wolflin is beautiful. And its homes, they are grand, with lovely, manicured lawns, and columns that welcome visitors. Some of these homes have been around for decades and have witnessed the changes of times and technology.
I like to run a 1.5 mile loop through the old streets and sometimes I'll do a three-miler around the perimeter of the neighborhood. While running, I pass one of the oldest elementary schools in our city. Its architecture makes you long for the simplicity of a bygone era. Down the hill from the school you traverse a lovely old park and the middle school it surrounds. A church on the corner chimes its bells at precisely the same time every day.
I guess the real reason I run Wolflin is it is where I began my running career over 10 years ago. I lived in an apartment complex less than a mile from it. We had always driven through Wolflin at Christmas time. Seeing those beautiful lights in blue, green, and red against the monster homes is always a tradition in my family. One day, I decided to do Wolflin on foot, running a little over three miles from my apartment to our local Hastings bookstore where I'd have coffee and browse the books. I remember the first time I hit those brick streets, hearing my footsteps and the sound of my breathing. They were in perfect harmony with the sound of the breeze rustling the trees.
Since then, I have moved to the western edge of our city, some 5 miles from my favorite running spot. We live close to most of the shopping centers in our city and the traffic makes running difficult. When the opportunity presents itself, I lace up my shoes, head to Wolflin, park on my corner, and start my loop. Even in the heat of summer, Wolflin provides a cool shelter against the elements.
But my absolute favorite time to run Wolfin is in late fall. There is nothing like the crunch of the fallen leaves under your feet as you move through an area that transports you to another place and time. It's almost like you start in Texas and finish in New England. The colors are so vibrant, the air crisp, and the running unsurpassed.
That's my fave run. What's yours? Tell me where you like to run and what it's like. I love those kinds of stories. If you run in Chicago, like my fellow runner Steve, or in some other part of the country, please write and tell me about it. I want to share my life with you and vice versa.
May God bless you with great running.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Monday, August 13, 2007
Life is Good
I've had a lot on my mind this summer. Who am I kidding? I've had a lot on my mind and shoulders for two years now. In 2005, my wife had a stroke and my daughter almost died. We've been left with hospital bills, which were just about paid off when my youngest had a relapse from the depression of being a diabetic and poor management of her disease. After that, she wiped out her car and two others, and then her sister decided to get into act and total hers. My oldest daughter sustained a deep hematoma that became infected. She underwent surgery to drain it and lived on IV antibiotics for three weeks.
So, we've fought a spiritual and financial battle for close to two years now. Then, out of the blue, our cruddy health insurance provider tells us they aren't going to cover my daughter's stay in the hospital because we went to an out-of-network service. When the ambulance driver tells you he HAS to take you to that ER because it's a trauma, you really don't have much choice but to bail out of a vehicle moving at 50 mph. We're now fighting the insurance company to get them to pay. It's six of one, half dozen of another.
Yet, life is still good. My daughters are both healthy, finally, and we are all still alive. I have a great family, wonderful home, terrific friends, and cars that actually work. If you had told me 20 years ago I'd be living this life I wouldn't have believed you. Back then I was barely working, had a car that worked when it chose, and didn't have a window to throw it out of. God truly has blessed me.
I've been reading a lot about Job and how he dealt with all the adversity that came his way. A lot people think he had everything dumped on him unfairly. If you know the true story of Job, even though he praised God, he was a very prideful man. So am I, but all these little disasters have served to humble me and make me realize what and who I really worship. It's been a work in progress and hasn't taken overnight for me to understand how incredibly fortunate I am to have the life I've been given.
For the majority of my life, I would call myself a believer of God and follower of Christ, but if you were to examine the last 20-25 years of my existence you would find a picture completely counter to that claim. I have been prideful, arrogant, boasting, and flat out stubborn. When I don't get my way I complain and I've done nothing but gripe about my job for 5 years now. Not exactly the image of a person of humility and faith.
Like Job, God has been molding and shaping me--holding my feet to the fire, as it were. My resistance has been great, but I am weakening. The weight of my own pride is bringing me to my knees, literally.
Life is good, though. Life has always been good. I'm just too stupid to realize it. I've always been blessed. Sometimes things don't go our way, but it's always for a reason. There are no coincidences, my friends. Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING is part of God's plan. My wife's stroke, daughter's coma, both my kids' wrecks...heck, even the battle with the dumb insurance company will work to God's glory, no matter what.
I have no place in the pecking order and regardless of what I do, I'll never be good enough. No one is, no one can be. We have received grace, so I need to quit wasting my time wishing I was something else, or if I should've zigged instead of zagged. Life is too short...and life is good.
That's my confession. What's yours?
God bless and Ever Forward.
The Fat Runner
So, we've fought a spiritual and financial battle for close to two years now. Then, out of the blue, our cruddy health insurance provider tells us they aren't going to cover my daughter's stay in the hospital because we went to an out-of-network service. When the ambulance driver tells you he HAS to take you to that ER because it's a trauma, you really don't have much choice but to bail out of a vehicle moving at 50 mph. We're now fighting the insurance company to get them to pay. It's six of one, half dozen of another.
Yet, life is still good. My daughters are both healthy, finally, and we are all still alive. I have a great family, wonderful home, terrific friends, and cars that actually work. If you had told me 20 years ago I'd be living this life I wouldn't have believed you. Back then I was barely working, had a car that worked when it chose, and didn't have a window to throw it out of. God truly has blessed me.
I've been reading a lot about Job and how he dealt with all the adversity that came his way. A lot people think he had everything dumped on him unfairly. If you know the true story of Job, even though he praised God, he was a very prideful man. So am I, but all these little disasters have served to humble me and make me realize what and who I really worship. It's been a work in progress and hasn't taken overnight for me to understand how incredibly fortunate I am to have the life I've been given.
For the majority of my life, I would call myself a believer of God and follower of Christ, but if you were to examine the last 20-25 years of my existence you would find a picture completely counter to that claim. I have been prideful, arrogant, boasting, and flat out stubborn. When I don't get my way I complain and I've done nothing but gripe about my job for 5 years now. Not exactly the image of a person of humility and faith.
Like Job, God has been molding and shaping me--holding my feet to the fire, as it were. My resistance has been great, but I am weakening. The weight of my own pride is bringing me to my knees, literally.
Life is good, though. Life has always been good. I'm just too stupid to realize it. I've always been blessed. Sometimes things don't go our way, but it's always for a reason. There are no coincidences, my friends. Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING is part of God's plan. My wife's stroke, daughter's coma, both my kids' wrecks...heck, even the battle with the dumb insurance company will work to God's glory, no matter what.
I have no place in the pecking order and regardless of what I do, I'll never be good enough. No one is, no one can be. We have received grace, so I need to quit wasting my time wishing I was something else, or if I should've zigged instead of zagged. Life is too short...and life is good.
That's my confession. What's yours?
God bless and Ever Forward.
The Fat Runner
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Diabetics, not by L. Ron Hubbard
My daughter Melissa is a type-1 diabetic and has been for almost two years now. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, she survived a diabetic coma that should have killed her. Since then, she takes 4 injections per day and must watch her carb intake closely.
Such is the life of a type-1 diabetic. If you don't know the differences between type 1 and 2, let me explain them.
Type 1: This person has little to no pancreatic function. The pancreas secretes insulin to break down food into useable sugar. Insulin regulates blood glucose (BG), better known as blood sugars. Type 1's must take insulin either delivered in an injection or by use of an insulin pump to survive. Type 1 is also juvenile onset (before age 18).
Type 2: The pancreas is able to produce some insulin but not enough to effectively regulate BG. Type 2's do not necessarily require insulin injections. With proper diet, type 2 diabetics can almost erase the disease completely. However, there are many type 2's, like my wife, that take shots each day.
Research is showing that type 1 diabetes is hereditary. The misconception about diabetics is they are all overweight and eat too many sweets. That is a myth. The disease lies within the genes of the individual and can erupt due to stress, prolonged illness, and a variety of factors. There are myriad reasons type 1 diabetes surfaces.
My daughter was a fairly healthy teenager and all of the sudden, she hit rock bottom. There are warning signs, but sometimes they are hard to detect. Insatiable thirst, increased need to urinate, sluggishness are but a few of the signs there could be a problem.
If you suspect your child may be diabetic, doctors can administer an A1C, or hemoglobin test which gives a picture of the last three-months blood sugars. Don't wait until your kid is flat on his or her back in an ER to find out.
The primary reason I wanted to share this with you is to educate you on one of the fastest, and least funded, diseases in the nation. Medical experts estimate there are 14 million diagnosed diabetics in the United States and millions more that don't know it.
In September, the National Walk for Diabetes will be held around the country. Please check with your local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation office (JDRF) to see when the walk is scheduled in your community. If you're from Amarillo, ours is September 8, at 9:00 am, out at Thompson Park.
Please give to this cause. Chances are you know someone who is affected by diabetes. A cure is just around the corner and every dollar helps.
Thanks, God bless, and Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Such is the life of a type-1 diabetic. If you don't know the differences between type 1 and 2, let me explain them.
Type 1: This person has little to no pancreatic function. The pancreas secretes insulin to break down food into useable sugar. Insulin regulates blood glucose (BG), better known as blood sugars. Type 1's must take insulin either delivered in an injection or by use of an insulin pump to survive. Type 1 is also juvenile onset (before age 18).
Type 2: The pancreas is able to produce some insulin but not enough to effectively regulate BG. Type 2's do not necessarily require insulin injections. With proper diet, type 2 diabetics can almost erase the disease completely. However, there are many type 2's, like my wife, that take shots each day.
Research is showing that type 1 diabetes is hereditary. The misconception about diabetics is they are all overweight and eat too many sweets. That is a myth. The disease lies within the genes of the individual and can erupt due to stress, prolonged illness, and a variety of factors. There are myriad reasons type 1 diabetes surfaces.
My daughter was a fairly healthy teenager and all of the sudden, she hit rock bottom. There are warning signs, but sometimes they are hard to detect. Insatiable thirst, increased need to urinate, sluggishness are but a few of the signs there could be a problem.
If you suspect your child may be diabetic, doctors can administer an A1C, or hemoglobin test which gives a picture of the last three-months blood sugars. Don't wait until your kid is flat on his or her back in an ER to find out.
The primary reason I wanted to share this with you is to educate you on one of the fastest, and least funded, diseases in the nation. Medical experts estimate there are 14 million diagnosed diabetics in the United States and millions more that don't know it.
In September, the National Walk for Diabetes will be held around the country. Please check with your local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation office (JDRF) to see when the walk is scheduled in your community. If you're from Amarillo, ours is September 8, at 9:00 am, out at Thompson Park.
Please give to this cause. Chances are you know someone who is affected by diabetes. A cure is just around the corner and every dollar helps.
Thanks, God bless, and Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Saturday, August 11, 2007
How Great Thou Art
As you may have noticed from my profile, I'm a teacher...an art teacher, to be exact. I also teach 8th grade Career Education. For some time now, I haven't been happy in my job. No Child Left Behind has really left a bad taste in my mouth. I've watched our schools go from decent to crummy under the weight of NCLB. Unfortunately, the federal government is leaving is ALL behind--kids, teachers, parents, country.
I sit here tonight, counting the last days until school starts and dreading that day. It's not hell, because I've seen hell and this ain't it, but it's just not fun anymore. The only thing I have to look forward to is the privilege of working with the best art teacher in our district. My fellow art teacher and co-worker, Adrienne, is perhaps the finest artist I know. It is my honor to work in her shadow.
Art has always been natural to me. But, unlike Adrienne, it's never been my "passion, per se. I've drawn all my life. Some of my first remembrances of childhood is drawing. I won many contests in elementary, middle, and high school and then again in college. I never wanted to teach it, but here I am.
God has a strange and funny way of placing us into situations we'd rather not be in. Just like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," I languish in sea of self-made despair, being tossed to and fro by my own manufactured misery. That's horrible talk for a Christian who should be finding joy in life and reveling in every moment of it. As Adrienne puts it, "I need to get happy, or get another job."
Unlike George Bailey I never want to find out what life would be like without me in it. I am blessed to have a "wonderful life," filled with a beautiful wife and kids and lots of great friends. Had I not gone into teaching I would have never established some of the best relationships I've ever had, with kids, parents, colleagues, etc. I am blessed to teach some amazing kids. Most of them I wouldn't trade for anything. It is truly my privilege to work with a staff of teachers, so dedicated, so proud of their profession that I wish those pointy-heads in Washington could spend just one day with them.
My neighbor, colleague, fellow art teacher, and one of my best friends in the world doesn't know how lucky I feel to be in her presence. She and I have been through a lot together. We are our sounding boards and I certainly wouldn't trade the time I've spent with her for any amount of money. Okay, maybe a few bucks or some coffee, but I digress.
I guess my point is, and I'm sounding like Kevin Nealon's character on SNL, that life is too short to get your colon in a wad over small stuff like our jobs. I've stared my daughter's death in the face so you'd think I'd have a better grip on life. Well, sometimes I have to go through my 10-minute pity-party and then I'm fine.
Oh, and back to art and my teaching of it. Well, art really is great and without it, we'd have nothing. We are all creatures of design, with a genesis. We are "God's workmanship" and handcrafted to do good things for others. I'll quit sweating the small stuff for now and face that first day of school with the confidence that comes from God, not me.
That's my confession...what's yours?
God bless you and ever forward!!!
--TFR
I sit here tonight, counting the last days until school starts and dreading that day. It's not hell, because I've seen hell and this ain't it, but it's just not fun anymore. The only thing I have to look forward to is the privilege of working with the best art teacher in our district. My fellow art teacher and co-worker, Adrienne, is perhaps the finest artist I know. It is my honor to work in her shadow.
Art has always been natural to me. But, unlike Adrienne, it's never been my "passion, per se. I've drawn all my life. Some of my first remembrances of childhood is drawing. I won many contests in elementary, middle, and high school and then again in college. I never wanted to teach it, but here I am.
God has a strange and funny way of placing us into situations we'd rather not be in. Just like George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life," I languish in sea of self-made despair, being tossed to and fro by my own manufactured misery. That's horrible talk for a Christian who should be finding joy in life and reveling in every moment of it. As Adrienne puts it, "I need to get happy, or get another job."
Unlike George Bailey I never want to find out what life would be like without me in it. I am blessed to have a "wonderful life," filled with a beautiful wife and kids and lots of great friends. Had I not gone into teaching I would have never established some of the best relationships I've ever had, with kids, parents, colleagues, etc. I am blessed to teach some amazing kids. Most of them I wouldn't trade for anything. It is truly my privilege to work with a staff of teachers, so dedicated, so proud of their profession that I wish those pointy-heads in Washington could spend just one day with them.
My neighbor, colleague, fellow art teacher, and one of my best friends in the world doesn't know how lucky I feel to be in her presence. She and I have been through a lot together. We are our sounding boards and I certainly wouldn't trade the time I've spent with her for any amount of money. Okay, maybe a few bucks or some coffee, but I digress.
I guess my point is, and I'm sounding like Kevin Nealon's character on SNL, that life is too short to get your colon in a wad over small stuff like our jobs. I've stared my daughter's death in the face so you'd think I'd have a better grip on life. Well, sometimes I have to go through my 10-minute pity-party and then I'm fine.
Oh, and back to art and my teaching of it. Well, art really is great and without it, we'd have nothing. We are all creatures of design, with a genesis. We are "God's workmanship" and handcrafted to do good things for others. I'll quit sweating the small stuff for now and face that first day of school with the confidence that comes from God, not me.
That's my confession...what's yours?
God bless you and ever forward!!!
--TFR
Friday, August 10, 2007
In (i) Pod We Trust
Well, sorta. If you like to run or ride with an mp3, please write and let me know about it, what type, music, etc. I must say, I've been running with an mp3 for about two years now and really enjoy it. I don't how I lived without one.
My girls bought me a 2 gb, iPod Nano for my birthday this year and I've thoroughly enjoyed using it. I have close to 500 songs loaded on it and it is a blast to wear. The only downside is no FM tuner, like my last mp3 player, but with all that music I've discovered I don't miss a radio at all. Some of my playlist faves include Smashmouth, Sheryl Crow, and hits from the '80's (yes, I'm old).
The cool thing about owning an iPod is all the accessories you can purchase for it. Since I've been wearing Nike Air Zoom running shoes that are iPod+ ready, I went ahead and bought the Nike Plus running sensor. If you have a Nano and presently use it for runs, you might want to give the Nike+ a try. It cost me $29 and it's a snap to use. What's really cool is the fact you can get instant feedback from either a male or female voice during your run. Once you finish, you might even hear from Lance Armstrong if you set a personal best in distance and/or time.
I really dig the website and once you download your run it's a like a little game seeing your run graphed right there on the screen. I'm not paid to endorse this, but if you need motivation, like I often do, then give this gadget a shot. I think you'll like it.
And now, a word about safety. I do wear my iPod while riding my bike but I keep the volume down and I only ride in areas with very little traffic, like away from the city. I can't caution you enough to be careful when riding and running while using an mp3 player. After all, the goal is improved physical fitness, not to be someone's new hood ornament.
To see the Nike+ in action you can go to www.nikeplus.com or check out the review on www.cnet.com for more information.
I'm not paid and I'm not a client. I'm just a fat runner that likes his gadgets. Hope anything I said today will help.
Happy running and riding to you all.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
My girls bought me a 2 gb, iPod Nano for my birthday this year and I've thoroughly enjoyed using it. I have close to 500 songs loaded on it and it is a blast to wear. The only downside is no FM tuner, like my last mp3 player, but with all that music I've discovered I don't miss a radio at all. Some of my playlist faves include Smashmouth, Sheryl Crow, and hits from the '80's (yes, I'm old).
The cool thing about owning an iPod is all the accessories you can purchase for it. Since I've been wearing Nike Air Zoom running shoes that are iPod+ ready, I went ahead and bought the Nike Plus running sensor. If you have a Nano and presently use it for runs, you might want to give the Nike+ a try. It cost me $29 and it's a snap to use. What's really cool is the fact you can get instant feedback from either a male or female voice during your run. Once you finish, you might even hear from Lance Armstrong if you set a personal best in distance and/or time.
I really dig the website and once you download your run it's a like a little game seeing your run graphed right there on the screen. I'm not paid to endorse this, but if you need motivation, like I often do, then give this gadget a shot. I think you'll like it.
And now, a word about safety. I do wear my iPod while riding my bike but I keep the volume down and I only ride in areas with very little traffic, like away from the city. I can't caution you enough to be careful when riding and running while using an mp3 player. After all, the goal is improved physical fitness, not to be someone's new hood ornament.
To see the Nike+ in action you can go to www.nikeplus.com or check out the review on www.cnet.com for more information.
I'm not paid and I'm not a client. I'm just a fat runner that likes his gadgets. Hope anything I said today will help.
Happy running and riding to you all.
Ever Forward!!!
--TFR
Four Score and 22 Years Ago
Well, 22 years ago today, at least, I married the best woman in the world. My wife has been my rock. She's my best friend who isn't afraid to use a well-placed foot when I need it, but can comfort me like no other in my darkest moments. She and I have been to hell and back, stared death in the face together, and lived to laugh about it.
My girls--Angela, Alicia, and Melissa-- are the reasons I run and try to stay in shape. I want to live a long, full life with them. It's my job to protect them and I can't effectively do that if I'm weak and sick. So, I trudge along and log miles and lift weights in hopes of living longer so I can be strong when they're weak.
One thing I have learned in life is no matter how tough or strong I may be, I'm still a human--vulnerable, weak, and prone to temptation. As much as I may try not to admit it, and all guys do this, it doesn't take much to remind me how fragile I am. One illness, a slight injury and WHAM, I'm instantly shown I'm not the tough dude I like to portray.
22 years have brought me little fame and much humility. The only pride I have is in the knowledge I get to walk next to my wonderful, loving wife who hasn't kicked me out yet. I pray I get 22 more years with her, at least. I realize she's on loan from God and I do my best to never look that in the mouth.
So, I will keep running and exercising and doing my best to be the man my family needs me to be. The first and best exercise any of us can do is deep knee bends that bring us closer to God. This morning, as I type this, I will finish with a prayer of thanks to my Father who has given me more than I ever dreamed--a great wife, two awesome kids, and friends I wouldn't trade for anything.
God bless and Ever Forward!
--TFR
My girls--Angela, Alicia, and Melissa-- are the reasons I run and try to stay in shape. I want to live a long, full life with them. It's my job to protect them and I can't effectively do that if I'm weak and sick. So, I trudge along and log miles and lift weights in hopes of living longer so I can be strong when they're weak.
One thing I have learned in life is no matter how tough or strong I may be, I'm still a human--vulnerable, weak, and prone to temptation. As much as I may try not to admit it, and all guys do this, it doesn't take much to remind me how fragile I am. One illness, a slight injury and WHAM, I'm instantly shown I'm not the tough dude I like to portray.
22 years have brought me little fame and much humility. The only pride I have is in the knowledge I get to walk next to my wonderful, loving wife who hasn't kicked me out yet. I pray I get 22 more years with her, at least. I realize she's on loan from God and I do my best to never look that in the mouth.
So, I will keep running and exercising and doing my best to be the man my family needs me to be. The first and best exercise any of us can do is deep knee bends that bring us closer to God. This morning, as I type this, I will finish with a prayer of thanks to my Father who has given me more than I ever dreamed--a great wife, two awesome kids, and friends I wouldn't trade for anything.
God bless and Ever Forward!
--TFR
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Running with God
As I mentioned in my profile, my youngest daughter is a type-1 diabetic. She survives on 4 insulin injections every day. She wasn't always a diabetic and we had to find out the hard way.
On December 27, 2005, my daughter celebrated her 16th birthday. She marked the sweet 16 milestone by promptly eating everything in sight that day. Her friends took her to breakfast at I-Hop, lunch at Sonic, and then we all ate as a family at a local Italian restaurant that evening. The next day, she wasn't feeling well, which her mother and I attributed to her eating so much.
Two days later, on December 28, Melissa was feverish and vomiting. Now, she's our little drama queen and has had many "near-death" experiences from things like pimples, or a cold. But this time, she really looked ill. Her mom took her to our "Doc-in-the-box," and was told she needed to go straight to the ER. My wife called me from the hospital and said it didn't look good. Quickly and frantically, I rushed over to find my daughter delirious. The nurse came in and said the results of her blood tests showed her blood glucose level at 860 and toxic levels of acid. We learned Melissa was in a state of DKA, or ketoacidosis, in which her blood was now acidic and near fatal.
It all seemed like a blur as we sprinted through the halls, Melissa on a gurney, to pediatric ICU. There we were met by a team of nurses and physicians all shouting orders as they moved our daughter into a room. Within 1 hour my daughter was in a coma and the doctor told us she might not make it through the night.
Each hour was pure agony. Hours turned into days, as we got no good news and the prognosis grew more and more dim. Melissa, our sweet, bubbly teenager was dying. For four days she languished in an unconscious state. By now, the resident specialist on juvenile diabetes in our region was in control. He worked day and night with my daughter, as did the attending physician. They were our angels.
On day four, December 31, I couldn't take it anymore. The hospital is just across from a huge park surrounding a small lake. At the request of my wife, I strapped on my running shoes and took off. As I ran all I could think of was all the things I wanted to say to my daughter and how desperately I wanted a second chance. It was cold, but I didn't notice it. People must have thought me crazy as I was crying the whole run.
I found myself running after God and wanting answers. Why my kid? Why now? I want to see her graduate. I want to give her hand in marriage to the man she'll spend the rest of her life with. My grandchildren, I want to hold them. God gave me some peace in my 3-mile run that day. Something I hadn't had in four days.
That night, as the rest of the world was celebrating the coming a new year, and as we watched the ball drop in Times Square, we sat and waited for some signs of improvement. Melissa had just had another cat scan at 5 am. I couldn't take it anymore. As our youth minister led us in prayer I literally fell into his lap and cried my soul out. At that moment, I did something that was almost impossible for me. I gave my daughter back to God. I told him no matter the outcome, I would praise him for he is my God.
At 6:00 am, January 1st, with the first new day beginning in a new year, my daughter opened her eyes. I was sitting in the hall with my head down and I heard my wife and everyone in her room scream. I instantly thought the worse, but when I ran in I saw my kid looking at me. She had a breathing tube in her throat so she couldn't talk. I asked her if she knew how much I loved her and she nodded yes. It was the greatest day of my life.
It took about 8 more days for her to leave the hospital and there was no permanent brain damage, although that is suspect from her behavior sometimes (HA), but she had made it. God brought us through the worst time of our lives.
As I look back I remember that 3-mile run and my conversation with God and all I can do is say "Wow!" He does listen and he weeps with us and he celebrates our victories, just as we do.
So, next time you're out running, try running with God. Strike up a conversation with him. You might be surprised at the answers you'll get.
2 years later and my daughter will graduate from high school early. She wants to go to cooking school and open a restaurant for diabetics. She and I took a 50-mile journey to raise money for diabetes last year, but the real journey is just beginning for her. It's a journey I just thank God she's around to take.
God bless you all and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
On December 27, 2005, my daughter celebrated her 16th birthday. She marked the sweet 16 milestone by promptly eating everything in sight that day. Her friends took her to breakfast at I-Hop, lunch at Sonic, and then we all ate as a family at a local Italian restaurant that evening. The next day, she wasn't feeling well, which her mother and I attributed to her eating so much.
Two days later, on December 28, Melissa was feverish and vomiting. Now, she's our little drama queen and has had many "near-death" experiences from things like pimples, or a cold. But this time, she really looked ill. Her mom took her to our "Doc-in-the-box," and was told she needed to go straight to the ER. My wife called me from the hospital and said it didn't look good. Quickly and frantically, I rushed over to find my daughter delirious. The nurse came in and said the results of her blood tests showed her blood glucose level at 860 and toxic levels of acid. We learned Melissa was in a state of DKA, or ketoacidosis, in which her blood was now acidic and near fatal.
It all seemed like a blur as we sprinted through the halls, Melissa on a gurney, to pediatric ICU. There we were met by a team of nurses and physicians all shouting orders as they moved our daughter into a room. Within 1 hour my daughter was in a coma and the doctor told us she might not make it through the night.
Each hour was pure agony. Hours turned into days, as we got no good news and the prognosis grew more and more dim. Melissa, our sweet, bubbly teenager was dying. For four days she languished in an unconscious state. By now, the resident specialist on juvenile diabetes in our region was in control. He worked day and night with my daughter, as did the attending physician. They were our angels.
On day four, December 31, I couldn't take it anymore. The hospital is just across from a huge park surrounding a small lake. At the request of my wife, I strapped on my running shoes and took off. As I ran all I could think of was all the things I wanted to say to my daughter and how desperately I wanted a second chance. It was cold, but I didn't notice it. People must have thought me crazy as I was crying the whole run.
I found myself running after God and wanting answers. Why my kid? Why now? I want to see her graduate. I want to give her hand in marriage to the man she'll spend the rest of her life with. My grandchildren, I want to hold them. God gave me some peace in my 3-mile run that day. Something I hadn't had in four days.
That night, as the rest of the world was celebrating the coming a new year, and as we watched the ball drop in Times Square, we sat and waited for some signs of improvement. Melissa had just had another cat scan at 5 am. I couldn't take it anymore. As our youth minister led us in prayer I literally fell into his lap and cried my soul out. At that moment, I did something that was almost impossible for me. I gave my daughter back to God. I told him no matter the outcome, I would praise him for he is my God.
At 6:00 am, January 1st, with the first new day beginning in a new year, my daughter opened her eyes. I was sitting in the hall with my head down and I heard my wife and everyone in her room scream. I instantly thought the worse, but when I ran in I saw my kid looking at me. She had a breathing tube in her throat so she couldn't talk. I asked her if she knew how much I loved her and she nodded yes. It was the greatest day of my life.
It took about 8 more days for her to leave the hospital and there was no permanent brain damage, although that is suspect from her behavior sometimes (HA), but she had made it. God brought us through the worst time of our lives.
As I look back I remember that 3-mile run and my conversation with God and all I can do is say "Wow!" He does listen and he weeps with us and he celebrates our victories, just as we do.
So, next time you're out running, try running with God. Strike up a conversation with him. You might be surprised at the answers you'll get.
2 years later and my daughter will graduate from high school early. She wants to go to cooking school and open a restaurant for diabetics. She and I took a 50-mile journey to raise money for diabetes last year, but the real journey is just beginning for her. It's a journey I just thank God she's around to take.
God bless you all and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
Phat Gear for Fat Runners
Okay, you don't have to be fat to have a shoe obsession, or to use the gear I'm going to discuss. I've been seriously running and riding for over 11 years now and have tried almost every shoe you can imagine. Based on those experiences, I want to pass along what I've learned.
When it comes to shoes, you can't beat Asics. For heavier runners, Asics makes perhaps the best shoe on the market. If you are over 200 lbs. you might want to consider the Kayano or Gel Nimbus-9 (new this summer). Presently, I'm running in the Nimbus-9 and Nike Pegasus and Air Zoom.
Let's start with the Zoom and work our way back. The Zoom is iPod+ ready and is a very light shoe. It's almost too light for a guy like me, but I am more of a front-foot striker than heel. Still, it has some good cushioning, even though Runner's World says the shoe is more for people of average weight. I've worn mine for 7 months with no significant problems. It also works great with my iPod and I love the little sensor that goes in the insole. That's another story for another time.
I also bought a pair of the new Nike Pegasus+ and loved them. I mostly wear them on the treadmill and they have a lot cushioning. If you have wide feet then they aren't for you, but the styling, price, and feel have sold me.
The Gel-Nimbus-9 is probably the best of the group for larger runners. The are stable, but have tons of cushioning and support. They look great and feel even better. I don't get paid to give these reviews. I'm doing this to help save you some bucks and let you benefit from my shoe obsession.
The Asics Gel Kayano is another great shoe for heavier runners, but it is a stable running shoe for just about anyone that likes comfort and style. They run a little over $100 but are worth it.
Even if all you do is walk for fitness, try some of these shoes I've mentioned, especially the Asics models. Remember, with running shoes you do get what you paid for. If you buy a discount store shoe, even a low-end Nike, you will notice a huge difference in how your feet and joints feel down the road, so to speak. My advice: spend a little more and get a better shoe. Your feet will thank you and you will be a happier runner.
Lastly--bikes. I'm only going to comment on one brand. I own a Trek 820 and love it. It is perhaps the most reasonably priced of the name-brands out there. I paid $189 on sale. It is a solid, steel framed mountain bike with front suspension and 21 speed, rapid-fire shifters. For a big guy like me (6'1", 240), I need a bike that won't send the seatpost through my rear-end. Talk about a bad first date. This is my second 820 in 8 years. I sold the other one after putting over 2000 miles on it. Take a look at it next time you're at your local bike shop.
I hope these reviews will help you as you take to the road for improved fitness and a better way of life. Let me know what you think. Oh, since this is called Confessions of a Fat Runner, well...okay, I confess. I own WAY too many shoes. My friends call me Imelda Marcos. My obsession is your gain.
That's my confession, what yours?
God bless and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
When it comes to shoes, you can't beat Asics. For heavier runners, Asics makes perhaps the best shoe on the market. If you are over 200 lbs. you might want to consider the Kayano or Gel Nimbus-9 (new this summer). Presently, I'm running in the Nimbus-9 and Nike Pegasus and Air Zoom.
Let's start with the Zoom and work our way back. The Zoom is iPod+ ready and is a very light shoe. It's almost too light for a guy like me, but I am more of a front-foot striker than heel. Still, it has some good cushioning, even though Runner's World says the shoe is more for people of average weight. I've worn mine for 7 months with no significant problems. It also works great with my iPod and I love the little sensor that goes in the insole. That's another story for another time.
I also bought a pair of the new Nike Pegasus+ and loved them. I mostly wear them on the treadmill and they have a lot cushioning. If you have wide feet then they aren't for you, but the styling, price, and feel have sold me.
The Gel-Nimbus-9 is probably the best of the group for larger runners. The are stable, but have tons of cushioning and support. They look great and feel even better. I don't get paid to give these reviews. I'm doing this to help save you some bucks and let you benefit from my shoe obsession.
The Asics Gel Kayano is another great shoe for heavier runners, but it is a stable running shoe for just about anyone that likes comfort and style. They run a little over $100 but are worth it.
Even if all you do is walk for fitness, try some of these shoes I've mentioned, especially the Asics models. Remember, with running shoes you do get what you paid for. If you buy a discount store shoe, even a low-end Nike, you will notice a huge difference in how your feet and joints feel down the road, so to speak. My advice: spend a little more and get a better shoe. Your feet will thank you and you will be a happier runner.
Lastly--bikes. I'm only going to comment on one brand. I own a Trek 820 and love it. It is perhaps the most reasonably priced of the name-brands out there. I paid $189 on sale. It is a solid, steel framed mountain bike with front suspension and 21 speed, rapid-fire shifters. For a big guy like me (6'1", 240), I need a bike that won't send the seatpost through my rear-end. Talk about a bad first date. This is my second 820 in 8 years. I sold the other one after putting over 2000 miles on it. Take a look at it next time you're at your local bike shop.
I hope these reviews will help you as you take to the road for improved fitness and a better way of life. Let me know what you think. Oh, since this is called Confessions of a Fat Runner, well...okay, I confess. I own WAY too many shoes. My friends call me Imelda Marcos. My obsession is your gain.
That's my confession, what yours?
God bless and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Tomorrow's Topic--Running and Riding Gear!
My buddy Jason just sent me a great comment. He's a big guy and I've proudly watched him faithfully hitting the machines at the gym. He works out hard and is trying to lose weight. Please look at his comment if you have time.
His response prompted me to do some thinking. I've ran and ridden for many years now, so I should be able to comment on running gear, bikes, etc. So, tomorrow, I'll review some of the shoes I've tried and been successful wearing as a larger runner and we'll discuss some bikes I like for people over 200 lbs.
Every day I'll try to share some nuggets that will hopefully help you as you strive to be a better person in God, as well as a runner and rider.
If I can save you some money and time shopping for stuff, then that's the plan. If something is said on this site that brings you closer to Christ, then that's REALLY the plan!
I hope you will browse my site and make it a regular place to visit each day. I'll do my best to keep fresh posts coming every morning.
This isn't the place for politics, just for sharing our lives together.
Be safe, God bless, and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
His response prompted me to do some thinking. I've ran and ridden for many years now, so I should be able to comment on running gear, bikes, etc. So, tomorrow, I'll review some of the shoes I've tried and been successful wearing as a larger runner and we'll discuss some bikes I like for people over 200 lbs.
Every day I'll try to share some nuggets that will hopefully help you as you strive to be a better person in God, as well as a runner and rider.
If I can save you some money and time shopping for stuff, then that's the plan. If something is said on this site that brings you closer to Christ, then that's REALLY the plan!
I hope you will browse my site and make it a regular place to visit each day. I'll do my best to keep fresh posts coming every morning.
This isn't the place for politics, just for sharing our lives together.
Be safe, God bless, and ever forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
Welcome to Confessions of a Fat Runner
Welcome, fellow runners! I started this site as a way to connect with others who like to run, but also may be struggling with areas of their lives, like I do. As a Christian, I wrestle daily with life issues and stress. Running has a been an outlet for me to relieve stress and stay in shape. First, let me introduce myself so we can get better acquainted.
By the end of Spring 1997, I weighed 305 lbs. We all bought bikes for our family and set out to ride one day. I couldn't keep up with my kids, who were pretty small then. I huffed and puffed for a long, two-mile stretch and was absolutely disgusted with myself. I always fancied myself a better than average athlete, playing football and baseball in high school, but now I was a heart attack looking for a place to happen. That spring day changed my life.
I became determined to ride my bike more confidently and lose weight. So, every day I rode. 2 miles, 5, 6, 10. Before the summer was over I was riding over 25 miles in one shot and had lost nearly 40 lbs. When I returned to work that fall, no one could believe it. I weighed 260. Still, that was not enough, so I kept churning those pedals, and deprived myself of the foods I craved. By February 1998, I had lost 100 lbs. My friends were concerned I had lost too much, too quickly, which, in retrospect, I probably did. Yet, I went from a size 50 pant to a 38. None of my clothes fit.
What does this have to do with running? Well, one day, my best friend, a runner, took me out to a local park for a run one day. I didn't think I could run. Riding was natural and something I had done since I was knee-high, but running? No way! We started slow and made a lap around the park, taking in its beauty and talking as we ran. One mile became two and before I knew it, I ran 5 miles! I was so excited I went straight out and bought a brand new pair of running shoes and started mixing running with my bike rides.
Running became a way of life for me and now, here I am. I'm 43 years old, have completed a marathon and last year I did the impossible. As you may have noticed in my profile, my youngest daughter is a type-1 diabetic. I came up with the crazy notion I could do something to raise awareness if it was really radical. So, last November, I ran/walked 50 miles in one day down the I-40 access road and into town. It was quite a spectacle. It was definitely something I'll never forget.
The lesson is this: First, run with God and run after him. Second, if you're not perfect, so what? You can still run, or ride and get into shape. I weigh 240 right now and will do a 4-miler this evening before heading to my favorite coffee hangout.
I hope you'll frequent my blog site and confess a few of your struggles, or your favorite runs. I want to share my life with you and I hope you'll do the same.
That's my confession--what's yours?
God bless and Ever Forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
By the end of Spring 1997, I weighed 305 lbs. We all bought bikes for our family and set out to ride one day. I couldn't keep up with my kids, who were pretty small then. I huffed and puffed for a long, two-mile stretch and was absolutely disgusted with myself. I always fancied myself a better than average athlete, playing football and baseball in high school, but now I was a heart attack looking for a place to happen. That spring day changed my life.
I became determined to ride my bike more confidently and lose weight. So, every day I rode. 2 miles, 5, 6, 10. Before the summer was over I was riding over 25 miles in one shot and had lost nearly 40 lbs. When I returned to work that fall, no one could believe it. I weighed 260. Still, that was not enough, so I kept churning those pedals, and deprived myself of the foods I craved. By February 1998, I had lost 100 lbs. My friends were concerned I had lost too much, too quickly, which, in retrospect, I probably did. Yet, I went from a size 50 pant to a 38. None of my clothes fit.
What does this have to do with running? Well, one day, my best friend, a runner, took me out to a local park for a run one day. I didn't think I could run. Riding was natural and something I had done since I was knee-high, but running? No way! We started slow and made a lap around the park, taking in its beauty and talking as we ran. One mile became two and before I knew it, I ran 5 miles! I was so excited I went straight out and bought a brand new pair of running shoes and started mixing running with my bike rides.
Running became a way of life for me and now, here I am. I'm 43 years old, have completed a marathon and last year I did the impossible. As you may have noticed in my profile, my youngest daughter is a type-1 diabetic. I came up with the crazy notion I could do something to raise awareness if it was really radical. So, last November, I ran/walked 50 miles in one day down the I-40 access road and into town. It was quite a spectacle. It was definitely something I'll never forget.
The lesson is this: First, run with God and run after him. Second, if you're not perfect, so what? You can still run, or ride and get into shape. I weigh 240 right now and will do a 4-miler this evening before heading to my favorite coffee hangout.
I hope you'll frequent my blog site and confess a few of your struggles, or your favorite runs. I want to share my life with you and I hope you'll do the same.
That's my confession--what's yours?
God bless and Ever Forward!!!
--The Fat Runner
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