All the "Year in Review" stories have led me to think about the "Year in PREview", 2012. Jennifer reminded me a couple days ago that I had designated 2012 the Year of the Car. In essence, we had budgeted to replace Jennifer's 12 year old Lexus this year. However, late this year we began discussions about possibly relocating closer to Nashville. So, 2012 will likely be the year of 'something' - whether it is a newer car, or a new home.
Spiritual/Intellectual Goals
One thing I'm particularly excited about in 2012 is Jennifer and I have found a new church home. We begin Confirmation Class in January to become members of St. George's Episcopal Church in Nashville. St. George's is a church Jennifer & I found in the 4th quarter of 2010 when we were doing our Tour of Churches. When we first visited St. George's I was a bit intimidated. My research about the Episcopalian liturgy led me to know there would be quite a bit of work involved in Worship (sit, stand, kneel, sit, kneel, stand, sit, etc). But when I left our first service there I really felt like I had worshipped (both personal and fellowship). There was no doubt that we had given all Glory to Him. Each Sunday I leave with the same feeling - that I couldn't optimize the time any better than the Worship at St. George's.
Recreational/Physical Goals
Another exciting activity Jennifer and I will be sharing is Marathon training! That's right; I finally have my running partner back! We're easing back into the marathon realms by running the Nashville Half Marathon in April. One of Jennifer's newfound loves of 2011 was trail running. I'm sure we'll continue trail running in 2012, and will probably work on adding some endurance to those runs as well. The "marathon" trail run is a 50k (30 mi), so it will definitely take an unparalleled commitment if we choose to go that route (pun intended). Another recreational activity Jennifer and I plan for 2012 are vacations. We were a bit frugal this year when it came to getting out of town. I hope to have a couple of GREAT getaways in 2012. It's fun for me, and a requirement for Jennifer's mental health (she's a Sagittarius).
Social/Professional Goals
2011 ended with a few great ideas that led me to think about possible projects I could get involved with in Nashville in 2012. I definitely want to get more involved in community activities, and possibly align myself with a charitable organization in an area I am especially passionate. These activities lead to furthering relationships with people I don't interact routinely. I'm also excited about the new relationships Jennifer & I will establish at St. George's next year. Church is a great source to find people with shared values that you can support, and vice versa!
Psychological
Well, the last dimension to speak to are my psychological goals. I could leave this dimension blank and allow any number of my family/friends complete this. Most would have very comical (and constructive) contributions to this area. The one goal I have established for my emotional development is routine journaling. Not so much blogging, but taking time to regulate my thought and document ruminations and activities that occur throughout the year. Jennifer and I have been together for almost 5 years now, and every Christmas morning I think to myself "Why are we not on a plane to somewhere?" If someone with some semblance of a memory could do a bit better planning, WE WOULD BE! So, I put structure around me to offset my ability to remember things (notes, lists, and now - journals)!
There has been a lot of ME in this blog. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how excited I am for what's to come in 2012 for my friends & family. The Lord has been so gracious with Blessings in 2011, and I don't take any one person in my support network for granted. I'm here for you for great purpose, and you're here for me for a reason as well.
I'll re-state my intent to blog more frequently. After all, Al Gore assured us that commitment is a renewable resource (shortly after he invented the Internet). We'll see if it comes to fruition this time.
Wishing everyone a Safe & Blessed 2012,
Jason
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Marathon Training Commences
January is finally here, and that means training begins for the Country Music Marathon. I wanted to take some time to catalog my thoughts in preparation for the 4 month training process.
Running Prep - As with any sport, you can spend as little or as much as you would like on equipment to complement your training. I would say a great pair of running shoes are a MUST. Plan to spend between $100-$125 for a good pair of running shoes. Going to a reputable shoe store (i.e., Fleet Feet, Athlete's House) is very important. They will analyze your foot and running gait to put you in the most comfortable shoes for distance running. Again, this is a MUST. If you need socks or shirts, I would recommend non-cotton materials. A wicking material that allows moisture to escape is very important when running for an extended amount of time. Be sure to wear attire appropriate for the weather. My favorite website to check for attire is Runner's World's What to Wear - http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/
Training Program - find a training program & STICK TO IT. Discipline is the only requirement to accomplish any goal involving distance running; and this discipline is 80% mental (20% physical). I would advise finding a running partner that will hold you accountable, especially if you have trouble holding yourself accountable. I'm a little concerned this year because I don't have my accountable partner (my wife) running with me. This leaves me to resort to the peer pressure of my running group to assure I am doing more than what I feel is possible within myself. Training for an extended period of time requires you to modify your lifestyle to accomodate this change in routine.
Before your long run - find a routine and stick to it, especially for your long run each week. My long run each week is on Saturday morning at 7am with the training team at Fleet Feet in Brentwood. My routine begins at 5pm the day before. On Friday night I have a very bland, safe dinner. This prevents stomach volatility on Saturday morning. NO ALCOHOL on Friday night. The worst feeling is to be dehydrated on a long run. It starts bad, and ends worse. Get to bed at a reasonable time on Friday night. Wake up Saturday morning at the same time you would for marathon race day. For me, 5:30a. Eat the same thing every Saturday morning. For me, English Muffin with peanut butter and granola. If possible, give yourself enough time for a bowel movement before your long run. This talk is not taboo for runners. Distance running brings alot of volatility to runner's stomachs. If you don't believe me, run at the back of the pack for a while. Follow the same routine every Saturday until race day, and don't veer. Find an energy snack that works with your stomach during your run. I've been through quite a few, and settled on Orange flavored Sport Beans. Routine, routine, routine. It only takes breaking the routine once to appreciate the value.
During your long run (training) - Try to find a training group to join. There are several in Nashville. You'll meet great people, and people that share your interest (health). Training groups usually have water stops setup, along with a pre-determined route. These are INVALUABLE. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself on mapmyrun.com trying to create daisy chains around a single water stop that add up to 16 miles. It is not fun to plan, and less fun to run. If you do run with a group, be respective of social dynamics. Some like to run with an iPod and not converse. Some are willing to talk the entire run. Find your comfortable medium, and pair up with them. As much as you are coerced, never talk about: politics, religion, or controversial social topics. Everyone in your running group listens to your conversation, even if they are not a part of it. You will be running with this group for up to 3 hours at times. I think you get my point. If you are training in a group, you are likely to run across one person that just will NOT SHUT UP. You will hate this person for a period of time during your run. Over the long haul, you will appreciate the distraction. If nothing else, you'll look for things that keep your focus off your shin splints, feet throbbing, and ITBS band screaming at you. Even if it's a talker.
After your long run (training) - never do any extraneous activity the day after your long run. Let your body heal. When you start getting up in the mileage (16 - 20 miles), you might consider ice baths immediately after your long run. This is a miserable thought, I know. But ice baths will have you muttering words your mother never knew existed going in, but you'll feel like a Sunday morning coming out (I hope there isn't a blasphemist undertone there). Once you've taken them a couple times, you come to depend on them. Ask Jennifer. I was a believer, she was not. She eventually felt so much pain after the long runs that she'd try anything. Eventually, SHE would ask ME to stop for ice on the way home. She even had a cute ritual where she would put on a toboggan, gloves, and a sweater before taking her 10 minute turn in the icy tub.
Race Day - FOLLOW YOUR ROUTINE. Don't veer. Even if the marathon has some cool sports drink it offers for you to drink at each station. If you are used to drinking water, drink water. Speaking of drinking, drink at every station. You don't have to drink the entire cup, but drink. If you find yourself getting thirsty, it's too late. Getting dehydrated by the end of your run just adds insult to the injury you are asking your body to edure for 26 miles. Be extra cautious in your raceday plans. Jennifer & I ran the San Diego marathon last year. We thought we had planned well until we came downstairs 30 minutes before start time to find the taxi line lined through the hotel lobby. Saving you the drama, we ran 2 miles to the start line before the marathon even started.
Jennifer has a list of lessons learned from last year's training. I'll be sure to get it, and add it in a future blog. She added to her list every week after our training, so it's a bit more 'to the point'. It involves the various types of road kill you are likely to encounter while running country roads, along with the ongoing contention between runners & bicyclists.
My only intent in this blog was to lend you my experience. I've read several others' blogs about their marathon training, and attempted to integrate their lessons into my routine.
The only objective in distance running is to define a goal you think may be unachievable, then put all the resources you have at your disposable to exceed it.
Sorry for the long blog.
God is Love!
Jason
Running Prep - As with any sport, you can spend as little or as much as you would like on equipment to complement your training. I would say a great pair of running shoes are a MUST. Plan to spend between $100-$125 for a good pair of running shoes. Going to a reputable shoe store (i.e., Fleet Feet, Athlete's House) is very important. They will analyze your foot and running gait to put you in the most comfortable shoes for distance running. Again, this is a MUST. If you need socks or shirts, I would recommend non-cotton materials. A wicking material that allows moisture to escape is very important when running for an extended amount of time. Be sure to wear attire appropriate for the weather. My favorite website to check for attire is Runner's World's What to Wear - http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/
Training Program - find a training program & STICK TO IT. Discipline is the only requirement to accomplish any goal involving distance running; and this discipline is 80% mental (20% physical). I would advise finding a running partner that will hold you accountable, especially if you have trouble holding yourself accountable. I'm a little concerned this year because I don't have my accountable partner (my wife) running with me. This leaves me to resort to the peer pressure of my running group to assure I am doing more than what I feel is possible within myself. Training for an extended period of time requires you to modify your lifestyle to accomodate this change in routine.
Before your long run - find a routine and stick to it, especially for your long run each week. My long run each week is on Saturday morning at 7am with the training team at Fleet Feet in Brentwood. My routine begins at 5pm the day before. On Friday night I have a very bland, safe dinner. This prevents stomach volatility on Saturday morning. NO ALCOHOL on Friday night. The worst feeling is to be dehydrated on a long run. It starts bad, and ends worse. Get to bed at a reasonable time on Friday night. Wake up Saturday morning at the same time you would for marathon race day. For me, 5:30a. Eat the same thing every Saturday morning. For me, English Muffin with peanut butter and granola. If possible, give yourself enough time for a bowel movement before your long run. This talk is not taboo for runners. Distance running brings alot of volatility to runner's stomachs. If you don't believe me, run at the back of the pack for a while. Follow the same routine every Saturday until race day, and don't veer. Find an energy snack that works with your stomach during your run. I've been through quite a few, and settled on Orange flavored Sport Beans. Routine, routine, routine. It only takes breaking the routine once to appreciate the value.
During your long run (training) - Try to find a training group to join. There are several in Nashville. You'll meet great people, and people that share your interest (health). Training groups usually have water stops setup, along with a pre-determined route. These are INVALUABLE. I can't tell you how many times I've found myself on mapmyrun.com trying to create daisy chains around a single water stop that add up to 16 miles. It is not fun to plan, and less fun to run. If you do run with a group, be respective of social dynamics. Some like to run with an iPod and not converse. Some are willing to talk the entire run. Find your comfortable medium, and pair up with them. As much as you are coerced, never talk about: politics, religion, or controversial social topics. Everyone in your running group listens to your conversation, even if they are not a part of it. You will be running with this group for up to 3 hours at times. I think you get my point. If you are training in a group, you are likely to run across one person that just will NOT SHUT UP. You will hate this person for a period of time during your run. Over the long haul, you will appreciate the distraction. If nothing else, you'll look for things that keep your focus off your shin splints, feet throbbing, and ITBS band screaming at you. Even if it's a talker.
After your long run (training) - never do any extraneous activity the day after your long run. Let your body heal. When you start getting up in the mileage (16 - 20 miles), you might consider ice baths immediately after your long run. This is a miserable thought, I know. But ice baths will have you muttering words your mother never knew existed going in, but you'll feel like a Sunday morning coming out (I hope there isn't a blasphemist undertone there). Once you've taken them a couple times, you come to depend on them. Ask Jennifer. I was a believer, she was not. She eventually felt so much pain after the long runs that she'd try anything. Eventually, SHE would ask ME to stop for ice on the way home. She even had a cute ritual where she would put on a toboggan, gloves, and a sweater before taking her 10 minute turn in the icy tub.
Race Day - FOLLOW YOUR ROUTINE. Don't veer. Even if the marathon has some cool sports drink it offers for you to drink at each station. If you are used to drinking water, drink water. Speaking of drinking, drink at every station. You don't have to drink the entire cup, but drink. If you find yourself getting thirsty, it's too late. Getting dehydrated by the end of your run just adds insult to the injury you are asking your body to edure for 26 miles. Be extra cautious in your raceday plans. Jennifer & I ran the San Diego marathon last year. We thought we had planned well until we came downstairs 30 minutes before start time to find the taxi line lined through the hotel lobby. Saving you the drama, we ran 2 miles to the start line before the marathon even started.
Jennifer has a list of lessons learned from last year's training. I'll be sure to get it, and add it in a future blog. She added to her list every week after our training, so it's a bit more 'to the point'. It involves the various types of road kill you are likely to encounter while running country roads, along with the ongoing contention between runners & bicyclists.
My only intent in this blog was to lend you my experience. I've read several others' blogs about their marathon training, and attempted to integrate their lessons into my routine.
The only objective in distance running is to define a goal you think may be unachievable, then put all the resources you have at your disposable to exceed it.
Sorry for the long blog.
God is Love!
Jason
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Where to from here?
Well, 2010 is coming to an end. It's been a remarkable year. Our family has made great strides over the past 12 months, and have also made significant steps in important areas of our life. Milestone dates always serve as an opportunity for reflection for me. Jennifer is not as big on reflection. But I find it's important to remember where we came from to give the context necessary to put the present in perspective.
We've had several debates on reflection. She feels my need for reflection is driven largely from a deep seeded narcissistic source that fulfills my need to always feel as though I am moving forward. That may well be true, but I know I find great joy when looking back at the path that's been traveled. There is an exception to that, and I think it roots in my disgust in losing. If the path takes a wrong turn, or my path leads to undesirable outcomes, I will spend endless time dwelling and trying to learn from my mistakes.
Sports are not a vital part of my life. I enjoy watching sports, but I take them for what they are - a game (and source for entertainment). But I can't ignore the significance how my approach to competitiveness is reflected through sports. First of all, my favorite teams are the classics. They're all over the board, and not geographically or personally connected (drives Jennifer nuts). Cowboys, Lakers, Yankees, Penn State football, Kentucky basketball, and so on. Programs that are built largely on a legacy of winning, and have a perennial goal (most times) of winning a championship. I hate to lose. I like to go into any given season with the team that has the best odds to come out on top, thus the nomadic list of teams that have very little in common with my personal or geographical upraising.
Back to losing. If one of my beloved teams are playing in an important game and end up losing, it takes me to a place of focus that I rarely achieve in other areas of my life. I will watch as much post-game coverage of the loss as possible. The coach & player comments, extra coverage on the numerous sports channels, etc. It takes me to a place that provokes great passion from me. It may sound odd, but tapping into that passion really drives me to find ways to improve myself. This may be the most intimate relationship to sports I have. I find comparable passion in winning (and THRIVE in it). But winning doesn't often tap into the depth of passion I find when experiencing loss. I also can't learn as much from a good win. And I'm always focused on continually improving myself.
Sorry, I rambled a bit. But, back to reflection. We heard a great line in "Easy A" yesterday. "I don't know what your generation's fascination is with documenting your every thought...but I can assure you, they're not all diamonds. "Roman is having an OK day, and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof." Who gives a rat's ass?"
I admit that's a bit excessive. But having a chronicle these days is very easy. I was telling Jennifer the other day that our grandkids won't have to crawl into the attic to find all of our family photos, they'll be a couple clicks away. Now, they might have to crawl into the attic to find this ancient device we called the computer, to access this ancient Western Union type communication medium called the internet.
This post was supposed to be about regulated thought. But in true Jason fashion, I got off subject and rambled enough to not even get to my point. I'll post about regulated thought next. Oh, I also have to tell you about the Celebration of Life Video. It's a solid idea.
Reflection serves as the foundation for me to know where I stand. And once I know where I stand, I can better understand where I need to go. Each day we are either getting better (making smart decisions) or getting worse. Leaning on history, and understanding your capabilities are great tools to use while building your future.
I wish everyone a great 2011! I'm blessed to be surrounded by a loving circle of people. I can only I hope to offer a link in your chain as well.
Jason
We've had several debates on reflection. She feels my need for reflection is driven largely from a deep seeded narcissistic source that fulfills my need to always feel as though I am moving forward. That may well be true, but I know I find great joy when looking back at the path that's been traveled. There is an exception to that, and I think it roots in my disgust in losing. If the path takes a wrong turn, or my path leads to undesirable outcomes, I will spend endless time dwelling and trying to learn from my mistakes.
Sports are not a vital part of my life. I enjoy watching sports, but I take them for what they are - a game (and source for entertainment). But I can't ignore the significance how my approach to competitiveness is reflected through sports. First of all, my favorite teams are the classics. They're all over the board, and not geographically or personally connected (drives Jennifer nuts). Cowboys, Lakers, Yankees, Penn State football, Kentucky basketball, and so on. Programs that are built largely on a legacy of winning, and have a perennial goal (most times) of winning a championship. I hate to lose. I like to go into any given season with the team that has the best odds to come out on top, thus the nomadic list of teams that have very little in common with my personal or geographical upraising.
Back to losing. If one of my beloved teams are playing in an important game and end up losing, it takes me to a place of focus that I rarely achieve in other areas of my life. I will watch as much post-game coverage of the loss as possible. The coach & player comments, extra coverage on the numerous sports channels, etc. It takes me to a place that provokes great passion from me. It may sound odd, but tapping into that passion really drives me to find ways to improve myself. This may be the most intimate relationship to sports I have. I find comparable passion in winning (and THRIVE in it). But winning doesn't often tap into the depth of passion I find when experiencing loss. I also can't learn as much from a good win. And I'm always focused on continually improving myself.
Sorry, I rambled a bit. But, back to reflection. We heard a great line in "Easy A" yesterday. "I don't know what your generation's fascination is with documenting your every thought...but I can assure you, they're not all diamonds. "Roman is having an OK day, and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station. Raise the roof." Who gives a rat's ass?"
I admit that's a bit excessive. But having a chronicle these days is very easy. I was telling Jennifer the other day that our grandkids won't have to crawl into the attic to find all of our family photos, they'll be a couple clicks away. Now, they might have to crawl into the attic to find this ancient device we called the computer, to access this ancient Western Union type communication medium called the internet.
This post was supposed to be about regulated thought. But in true Jason fashion, I got off subject and rambled enough to not even get to my point. I'll post about regulated thought next. Oh, I also have to tell you about the Celebration of Life Video. It's a solid idea.
Reflection serves as the foundation for me to know where I stand. And once I know where I stand, I can better understand where I need to go. Each day we are either getting better (making smart decisions) or getting worse. Leaning on history, and understanding your capabilities are great tools to use while building your future.
I wish everyone a great 2011! I'm blessed to be surrounded by a loving circle of people. I can only I hope to offer a link in your chain as well.
Jason
Monday, October 5, 2009
Format Change
I've been thinking recently of leveraging my blog to share accounts from throughout my spectrum of life, not just my personal encounters. I hope this doesn't diminish the number of subscribers to my fan club.
I am approaching this similar to how radios change their format. Does anyone remember when WKDF was a rock station? And now it's a country station. Through this evolution their subscriber demographic changed drastically. I'm hoping my format change will allow more in depth perspective on my thoughts and opinions. I think it will be a delight to throw in the occasional blog entry on healthcare or information technology. I think my fan club is enduring enough to absorb the occasional rant on various subject areas! I'll be working through various topics. Here is a list of the first few I have in mind:
• Applying Process Improvement to my personal life
• Why do I have the urge to check my blackberry while: in traffic, at dinner, walking.
• Recent Events in Healthcare Information Technology
• Healthcare Reform
• The Celebration of Life Video (kindly referred to as "The Death Video" by my wife)
• Southern Ways & Words
• Keeping a Journal/Diary
• Parenting
I should probably leave it at that, it's beginning to sound like a round of jeopardy! Looking forward to sharing!
I am approaching this similar to how radios change their format. Does anyone remember when WKDF was a rock station? And now it's a country station. Through this evolution their subscriber demographic changed drastically. I'm hoping my format change will allow more in depth perspective on my thoughts and opinions. I think it will be a delight to throw in the occasional blog entry on healthcare or information technology. I think my fan club is enduring enough to absorb the occasional rant on various subject areas! I'll be working through various topics. Here is a list of the first few I have in mind:
• Applying Process Improvement to my personal life
• Why do I have the urge to check my blackberry while: in traffic, at dinner, walking.
• Recent Events in Healthcare Information Technology
• Healthcare Reform
• The Celebration of Life Video (kindly referred to as "The Death Video" by my wife)
• Southern Ways & Words
• Keeping a Journal/Diary
• Parenting
I should probably leave it at that, it's beginning to sound like a round of jeopardy! Looking forward to sharing!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Another Holiday Run Complete!
I'm coming to find that my wife and I are becoming "Holiday Runners". I don't know if that is an actual term, but it seems to be a recurring event in our life. It makes alot of sense to me. On holidays we have time off from work to do things we enjoy. Just seems we really enjoy running together. So, we have spent the last year starting some traditions that we hope we can pass down through our family some day.
Not only are we finding time to spend together on the holidays, we are doing it for great causes. Most all of the organized running events have their proceeds go to a charity. This provides us a sense of community and fills our need to serve & help others. There is a great book I read some time ago (I think this is the part of the blog where I start rambling). It is called "Awareness" (by Anthony De Mello). The book is about understanding reality and how we influence it. The challenge is to become so in tune with reality that you can direct your behaviors and intentions to influence it in the manner you wish. I know you might be thinking this sounds like manipulation, but it really is about understanding yourself well enough to influence others.
When I was in graduate school I had a leadership mentor, Dr. Louis Miller. He was a clinical psychologist and was able to lead me on a path of self discovery to understand who I am as a person. I think all people are able to understand their identity and tendencies at some point in their life, I was fortunate enough to have a structure to expedite my journey (and mitigate alot of trial & error). "Awareness" was one of the better books I have read on self discovery. It's an easy read (<200 pages). The point of my ramble is that most all of our behaviors come from a selfish spot. We give in order to feel fulfilled and purposeful. We help others to gain the feeling of serving. I love running with my wife because it gives me a sense of connection with her. It also makes me feel good to know she enjoys it as well. I think you can see that the common theme in the previous sentences were - me, me, me! No one likes to think they are selfish, but if we weren't selfish people we wouldn't work so hard to serve & please others. I know it sounds weird to say it but, our selfish tendencies allow us to become closer to selflessness.
I have no idea how I got off on such a tangent, but as you are likely aware it is a characteristic of mine - part of my identity. Back to the story -
So, my wife and I ran the Franklin Classic this morning. Finished in 1 hour, 3 mins. I say that because our "holiday running" began last Thanksgiving at the Boulevard Bolt. It was the race that helped us understand how much we love running together (although "love" might not have been the word that came to mind if you saw us after that run!). Those of you that know Jennifer know how competitive she is. So she is our time keeper and the one that is constantly keeping up with our run times. We have come a LONG way since the Boulevard Bolt last year. In fact, she pushes me on the long runs and is constantly trying to improve our run times. Our next "holiday run" will be at the Jenny Wiley Festival on October 10th. What holiday is that, you ask? It's the day after Jason Chaffin Day (bday)! ;)
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day! We started ours out on the right foot. In fact, one of the unique things about being a "Holiday Runner" is that you get up at the crack of dawn! I feel very productive to get up so early and knock out a good run before most people's day will begin. It feeds my need to feel like I am increasing my productivity!
God is Love!
Jason
Not only are we finding time to spend together on the holidays, we are doing it for great causes. Most all of the organized running events have their proceeds go to a charity. This provides us a sense of community and fills our need to serve & help others. There is a great book I read some time ago (I think this is the part of the blog where I start rambling). It is called "Awareness" (by Anthony De Mello). The book is about understanding reality and how we influence it. The challenge is to become so in tune with reality that you can direct your behaviors and intentions to influence it in the manner you wish. I know you might be thinking this sounds like manipulation, but it really is about understanding yourself well enough to influence others.
When I was in graduate school I had a leadership mentor, Dr. Louis Miller. He was a clinical psychologist and was able to lead me on a path of self discovery to understand who I am as a person. I think all people are able to understand their identity and tendencies at some point in their life, I was fortunate enough to have a structure to expedite my journey (and mitigate alot of trial & error). "Awareness" was one of the better books I have read on self discovery. It's an easy read (<200 pages). The point of my ramble is that most all of our behaviors come from a selfish spot. We give in order to feel fulfilled and purposeful. We help others to gain the feeling of serving. I love running with my wife because it gives me a sense of connection with her. It also makes me feel good to know she enjoys it as well. I think you can see that the common theme in the previous sentences were - me, me, me! No one likes to think they are selfish, but if we weren't selfish people we wouldn't work so hard to serve & please others. I know it sounds weird to say it but, our selfish tendencies allow us to become closer to selflessness.
I have no idea how I got off on such a tangent, but as you are likely aware it is a characteristic of mine - part of my identity. Back to the story -
So, my wife and I ran the Franklin Classic this morning. Finished in 1 hour, 3 mins. I say that because our "holiday running" began last Thanksgiving at the Boulevard Bolt. It was the race that helped us understand how much we love running together (although "love" might not have been the word that came to mind if you saw us after that run!). Those of you that know Jennifer know how competitive she is. So she is our time keeper and the one that is constantly keeping up with our run times. We have come a LONG way since the Boulevard Bolt last year. In fact, she pushes me on the long runs and is constantly trying to improve our run times. Our next "holiday run" will be at the Jenny Wiley Festival on October 10th. What holiday is that, you ask? It's the day after Jason Chaffin Day (bday)! ;)
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day! We started ours out on the right foot. In fact, one of the unique things about being a "Holiday Runner" is that you get up at the crack of dawn! I feel very productive to get up so early and knock out a good run before most people's day will begin. It feeds my need to feel like I am increasing my productivity!
God is Love!
Jason
Sunday, March 29, 2009
It has happened again...
This post is going to seem very random to alot of you, but Jennifer and I were driving into the city for our weekly peek into a runner's world and experienced a phenomena that has become a normal occurrence. We passed a random, abandoned shoe in the middle of the road. This time said shoe was found on Critz Lane in Thompsons Station. One would think this would be a unique, once in a lifetime occurence. But no, I can't tell you how many times I have passed a single shoe in the road. These experiences lead me to a host of unanswered questions:
1 - Is there someone walking around with only one shoe on?
2 - Why is there not a complementing shoe located near the abandoned shoe?
3 - Why don't I see trends in other objects in the road? I have seen a ladder - once. I have seen a sofa - once. I have seen a bale of pine straw - once. With shoes - at least a dozen times in my lifetime.
4 - Did the shoe get there from someone walking? Or fall out of a car?
5 - Is selection involved in losing a shoe? All shoes I have ever seen have been very utility in nature (e.g., boots, sneakers). I have never seen a high heel shoe or a dress shoe abandoned in the middle of the road. What does this mean?
6 - What happens to these shoes after being found in the road? Does the Dept of Transportation have a "Lost & Found" bin for random objects found in the road?
7 - Has anyone ran across a random shoe in the road that they actually lost? If so, did they have the humility to stop and pick it up?
8 - Is there a pervasive variable that lends itself to losing shoes? I have seen random shoes in the middle of the road in: Franklin (KY), Bowling Green (KY), Nashville (TN) multiple times, Thompsons Station (TN), Franklin (TN), Spring Hill (TN), even in Green Hills (TN).
9 - Is losing shoes in the road a characteristic that is specific to certain people. In essence, is there someone out there that has lost a shoe in the road on a routine basis? Could it be that this is one person that is well traveled losing their shoes?
10 - Conspiracy theory: Could it be that someone is planting shoes in the road on purpose? If so, what is their intent? Is there a secret code to the type of shoe, and where it is placed on the road?
11 - Has anyone ever passed a shoe and identified it? "I think that is John's shoe!" If so, did they stop and pick it up and return it to John?
12 - Has anyone ever identified the shoe and NOT picked it up - mainly because the person in the passenger side starts ranting about how is it possible that people lose shoes (this question is for Jennifer)?
13 - Rumor has it that at times women lose a shoe when they have been drinking. This would make ALOT of sense to me in explaining my experiences, except I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WOMAN-LIKE SHOE ABANDONED IN THE ROAD! It's always a work boot, or a Reebok sneaker, or a Puma. I know you are asking yourself - "Does Jason slow down to analyze the shoes he sees in the road?" I might...
14 - Is there a support group for people that have a habit of losing shoes in the road?
I have tons of other questions, but I think the more questions I list the more concerned you are getting about my train of thought. Let me know if you have any possible answers to any of my questions. Yes, I actually think people around me will send me theories...
Jason
1 - Is there someone walking around with only one shoe on?
2 - Why is there not a complementing shoe located near the abandoned shoe?
3 - Why don't I see trends in other objects in the road? I have seen a ladder - once. I have seen a sofa - once. I have seen a bale of pine straw - once. With shoes - at least a dozen times in my lifetime.
4 - Did the shoe get there from someone walking? Or fall out of a car?
5 - Is selection involved in losing a shoe? All shoes I have ever seen have been very utility in nature (e.g., boots, sneakers). I have never seen a high heel shoe or a dress shoe abandoned in the middle of the road. What does this mean?
6 - What happens to these shoes after being found in the road? Does the Dept of Transportation have a "Lost & Found" bin for random objects found in the road?
7 - Has anyone ran across a random shoe in the road that they actually lost? If so, did they have the humility to stop and pick it up?
8 - Is there a pervasive variable that lends itself to losing shoes? I have seen random shoes in the middle of the road in: Franklin (KY), Bowling Green (KY), Nashville (TN) multiple times, Thompsons Station (TN), Franklin (TN), Spring Hill (TN), even in Green Hills (TN).
9 - Is losing shoes in the road a characteristic that is specific to certain people. In essence, is there someone out there that has lost a shoe in the road on a routine basis? Could it be that this is one person that is well traveled losing their shoes?
10 - Conspiracy theory: Could it be that someone is planting shoes in the road on purpose? If so, what is their intent? Is there a secret code to the type of shoe, and where it is placed on the road?
11 - Has anyone ever passed a shoe and identified it? "I think that is John's shoe!" If so, did they stop and pick it up and return it to John?
12 - Has anyone ever identified the shoe and NOT picked it up - mainly because the person in the passenger side starts ranting about how is it possible that people lose shoes (this question is for Jennifer)?
13 - Rumor has it that at times women lose a shoe when they have been drinking. This would make ALOT of sense to me in explaining my experiences, except I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WOMAN-LIKE SHOE ABANDONED IN THE ROAD! It's always a work boot, or a Reebok sneaker, or a Puma. I know you are asking yourself - "Does Jason slow down to analyze the shoes he sees in the road?" I might...
14 - Is there a support group for people that have a habit of losing shoes in the road?
I have tons of other questions, but I think the more questions I list the more concerned you are getting about my train of thought. Let me know if you have any possible answers to any of my questions. Yes, I actually think people around me will send me theories...
Jason
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The BLOG
Ok, so I am starting a blog. It's my official entry into the 21st century. I've been thinking of the best way to integrate a sustainable process to support an occasional blog. I've discussed the idea of a blog with Jennifer. I thought the best way to publish material that would not be controversial, sensitive, or dorky is to allow her to screen the blog before it is published. She informed me that it would be dorky even with her intervention (what can I say, it's how I roll!). Back to the process, the genesis of my idea for a blog is the wonderful start to the day I have everyday. My wife and I commute to work together and the mornings allow us a good 40 minute commute time to listen to talk radio and discuss current events. Let me tell you, we have solved most of the world's problems on this commute. Not because of any of my doing, but Jennifer has some pretty good positions on issues. So, I thought how selfish it is of me not to share some of the outcomes from our discussions with my friends. I figure I can take notes on my blackberry when I deem something to be blogworthy. After all, I have the worst memory in the history of man. Seriously, I thought I was 22 years old until 2005. You'll probably find my blogs get off point more often than not, that's because I am a rambler. No, not The Gambler - although Kenny Rogers is the man (in large part due to Don Schlitz)! And I'm serious when I say that. My best gift at my 30th birthday party was from Chris Dennison. He got me the Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits CD...got a little tear in my eye. Some of you may know that my parents house burned down when I was in the 5th grade. When that house went up in smoke, so did the strongest Kenny Rogers Cassette tape collection this side of the Ohio River. Oh, it was strong...believe that! And, two years ago at the ASCAP awards, I ate at the table right beside Kenny. I was so close I could have filed an assault charge against his bodyguard. Not because I was a psycho fan or anything, just making reference to how close our table was to his (I have more tact than that...at least in public). Remind me to tell you my Don Schlitz story too, it's pretty strong. Back to this blog thing - once I have determined some blogworthy material, I will spend time during a wonderful TV show (such as LOST) writing a blog for Jennifer to review. Once she approves it, I will publish. I hope the turn around time is fairly swift, I would hate to be posting material about Octumom after all her kids are already grown. That wouldn't be relevant. I can't promise a routine post, but again my goal is a sustainable process that might provide some insight into some of the entertaining outcomes to my daily commute. I wish everyone could ride with us, it is the best! Everyone is welcome to provide feedback, I look forward to better connecting with alot of friends from times of old. And be nice to me on the grammar. Most of you know I am a product of the public school system, and from Kentucky. So I am facing an uphill battle from the start!
Jason
Jason
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