We Have Moved...

We've Moved...

I am no longer blogging at this site.

Click here to reach my new blog site. Make the note of the new address: www.brodescperry.com

All of the content from this site can be found on the new site.

I appreciate you for reading.

Praying that you will continue to follow my thoughts about pastoring, preaching, christian education, and other stuff (now to include running).

Have a blessed day.

Brodes

JUST FINISH...

Today for some, is just another ordinary Saturday. Rest from the work week. Parties, shopping, and chores to complete. But for me, today was an important day for me. I participated in my very first 5K race. 

Some may say, "Brodes, it's just a race." But for me it was more than that. I've blogged earlier about my weight loss journey and have been pretty transparent about the challenges, both the good and the bad. I've decided to take this seriously, my health that is. And I'm grateful for all of the support, encouragement, advice, or just listening ear (and eyes) of those who have been my community of accountability partners throughout all of this. 

When I decided to participate in a 5K, I really was hoping that I didn't "bite off more than I could chew." It was a decision I made, but I also had a bit of nervousness along with it. Will I come in last place? What if people laugh at me? How will I compete with those who have been running longer, faster, and harder than I have? Then I concluded that at the end of the day all I wanted to do was just finish. It didn't matter what place I came in, what others were doing, nor how much more they trained. Just finish. 

I had been nervous all week leading up to the race, for obvious reasons, and I tried to remind myself, "just finish." I even gave myself a personal goal of 37'30" but I kept telling myself, "just finish." This morning came and as I drove to the race, all I could think about was "just finish."

Over 1300 walkers/joggers/runners there just like me, and immediately I thought, "just finish." You see, what I'm discovering about running, just like in life, what matters most is that you finish what you start. That's what makes you a winner. We each have our own race, and your race isn't mine, and mine isn't yours. Arthur Blank, Co-Founder of Home Depot says, "I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."

I never thought I'd see 220 lbs again (Seeing 200 lbs again is my ultimate goal). I never thought I'd run in a 5K race. But I did it. I had to drive myself to overcome it, but I finished. Here are my stats:

The Player's 5K With Donna - 5/5/12

TPC Sawgrass

Ponte Vedra, Florida

Bib: #748

Overall Place: 234 (Out of 1,288 finishers)

Age Division Place (25-29): 40 (Out of 54)

Gun Time: 35:51

Chip Time: 34:58

Pace: 11:15

If I could offer any advice from my experience today, JUST FINISH! Whatever it is, drive yourself to overcome, and you'll see how rewarding it is just to know you've finished!

An Open Letter About My Health...

I haven't written in quite some time on this blog. Something I'm not proud of as I told myself that I wanted to commit to become a better writer. To become a better writer, one must write! So, I will do better in that regard.

Over the past few months, I've been on a journey to improve my health. Some of you may know (and some may not know) that I have type 2 diabetes. I've had diabetes since November 2004. This disease is very prevalent on both sides of my family and even as a child, I was told, "It's not if you'll get it, but when it will catch up with you." This meant nothing to me, even when I was diagnosed since I felt I was young and this wasn't something that I should take seriously.

In addition to having diabetes, I am what my doctor calls, atypical. In short, this means I don't exhibit many of the signs that most diabetics have when they sugar levels are either too high or too low. This didn't help my attitude towards this silent, but potentially deadly disease.

To make a long story short, I've decided to take this thing head on. So I began a diet protocol that helped me lose 40+ pounds. My starting weight was 263 lbs, and I currently weigh 223 lbs. But more than that, my levels have been great, and I'm awaiting the results of my A1C test (the test that measures your sugar over a period of time). It was so encouraging from family and friend during this process. It wasn't easy, but I was motivated to make this goal a reality. I'm not where I want to be (205-210 lbs is MY goal), but I'm on my way.

While on the diet, I was restricted from any physical exercise. During that time, I begin to read and prayerfully consider what my next steps would to continue this journey of healthy living. After reading and looking at some friends who I admire, I decided that I wanted to take running up going forward. For me, one who's never played organized sports, nor considers himself athletically inclined, this would be a stretch. But one that I'm taken very seriously.

I started this week with walking/jogging and I can already see that I'm going to be addicted. Today, I visited a local runners sports shop (1st Place Sports - San Marco) with the goal of learning more about "Running 101" and a new pair of shoes to continue this journey of health/wellness. I'm grateful to Brian Doyle (San Marco's Manager) for taking the time to take an analysis of my feet, my walk, etc. and answer all of the questions I had about this lifestyle.

I also have begun to post my times on FB. Not for pride's sake, but as an added since of both accountability and encouragement. I know this isn't going to be an overnight process, but a lifestyle. I'm grateful for all of the support I've received thus far from many family and friends alike. I'm looking forward to my first 5k on June 9th, 2012 here in Jacksonville, Florida (www.neverquitnever.com). My life is important to me and I have much to live for. I'm learning that now. This is more than just about fitness, but it's about making a priority of my health.

See you on the pavement...