Discipline at the Dinner Table!
It is funny to me how people respond to my seemingly strict daily diet. I want to write an article from my heart. Not one on weight loss, running, or leadership, but rather on discipline of the diet.
For those of you who don’t know, or maybe never realized, I am a firm believer that the Bible is God’s inspired Word to mankind. Please understand that I am not writing this as attacking or antagonistic but rather out of the passion from my own heart! So here goes…
It is really funny to me how people react when they go to a restaurant with me and I order things such as salads with no dressing, no bacon, and no cheese…chicken with no sauce, or oil and butter…the response is nearly always the same, almost as if I am crazy!
Usually the discussion is highlighted by the question, “isn’t everything ok in moderation”? The answer which is in my own opinion is of course, for most that is true, but not to someone with a history of food abuse. Not to me, someone who use to weigh 321+ lbs. It is also my opinion that when I was this obese and sedentary I was killing myself and my family through my poor daily choices. I was literally passing on the baton of a lifestyle that led to obesity, poor cardiac health, diabetes, an other health related issues and obstacles. Who knows how many generations could have been impacted by the lifestyle I was modeling to my children?
The truth is as a pastor I was completely convicted of my lifestyle. It seemed that week after week I would stand before the congregation and tell the people in order to have the fullness of life, and relationship they sought with God that they had to exhibit Godly character. After all who is going to argue against the thought that the life of a true Christian should reflect and ultimately lead to the fruits of the Spirit being on display?
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I mean there it was, staring me in the face and I felt helpless…I had a extreme problem with the self-control part, that is until the conviction of the Holy Spirit grabbed my heart like never before! At that moment EVERYTHING changed.
One question I have for everyone is this, why are people who are addicted to food looked at differently then people caught in other addictions? I mean when is the last time someone taught alcohol was ok in moderation at an AA group or to someone who lost their family due to their problem? When is the last time people actually encouraged a person caught in a gambling addiction to just go to the casino and gamble in moderation? Maybe I am way off base with my thoughts…I’d really like to have some interaction with this though.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think eating junk food, or relaxing is sin. I PERSONALLY struggle with food, I have and probably always will face this battle. This is a battle that is winnable; it is one that God has helped me overcome. This is still a daily battle and God has completely transformed my life, anyone who use to know me will personally attest to this I am sure.
For me gluttony is a very real enemy. It can simply be defined as excess in eating or drinking.
I know what my life was like before this transformation took place. I would wake up feeling tired, depressed, and defeated before the day even began. Now when I arise in the morning, I am typically filled with energy, and look forward to a victorious day. If asking the waiter to hold the butter helps me this much…if it means avoiding the daunting task of carrying around an extra 131 pounds, then I can do without salad dressing!
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Please know that this is not a pointed philosophy on how Ben Emmons thinks everyone should live, or order, or eat. It is a very personal insight in my thoughts and feelings. Please feel free to respond, vent, or ask questions however you feel is appropriate.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
One Reason I Run…
As many of you may already know I am in the middle of a running streak. Today is day 786 of the current streak…
These past two years and two months I can think of many days where I did not feel like running, but I ran, and in the end I felt better because I had done so! Two instances really stick out in my mind:
First, this past summer when I was struck in the lower back by an 8 ft metal and wood table. I was in as much pain as I can remember being in anytime. Anyone who has injured their lower back knows what the pain is like…I’d say only tooth pain has rivaled this feeling for me. The pain caused me to really SLOW my pace daily, and for nearly two weeks I could barely walk, but during my daily morning runs my back would loosen up and I would feel so well. Everyday I limited myself to 3.1 miles and a 10 minute pace, btw the doctors encouraged me to do so, they also wanted me to get an MRI, but in the end I didn’t feel like I need it!
Second, in the late Spring of last year I started to feel very ill one day. It was the flu, and while I would never suggest that anyone else run or work out while experiencing flu like symptoms I did…3.1 miles at about a 9 minute pace. When I finished my body still felt slightly ill, however I felt much better then when I started, but as the evening progressed I felt stronger and stronger…almost like the run caused my body to super charge its defense system. If you didn’t know running is super beneficial for our immune system.
Now I must also tell you I believe in the power of PRAYER, and also believe God gave me the strength to endure both of these situations, even healed me…I also believe my daily running aided and stimulated in the recovery of both of these cases.
What does this mean to you?
I am not suggesting that you all become marathon runners, or even runners. You don’t have to become an Ironman Triathlete…but get active, one way or another!
Ask yourself this question…when you DID NOT feel like working out, but inside you WILLED yourself through the workout, how did you feel when it was over?
Interesting how when you spend energy running, biking, walking, lifting, gardening, hiking, or doing whatever else you enjoy, you end up with more energy then when you began!!! Have you found this to be true?
This is one of the many reasons I run…
What are some of the reasons you run?
These past two years and two months I can think of many days where I did not feel like running, but I ran, and in the end I felt better because I had done so! Two instances really stick out in my mind:
First, this past summer when I was struck in the lower back by an 8 ft metal and wood table. I was in as much pain as I can remember being in anytime. Anyone who has injured their lower back knows what the pain is like…I’d say only tooth pain has rivaled this feeling for me. The pain caused me to really SLOW my pace daily, and for nearly two weeks I could barely walk, but during my daily morning runs my back would loosen up and I would feel so well. Everyday I limited myself to 3.1 miles and a 10 minute pace, btw the doctors encouraged me to do so, they also wanted me to get an MRI, but in the end I didn’t feel like I need it!
Second, in the late Spring of last year I started to feel very ill one day. It was the flu, and while I would never suggest that anyone else run or work out while experiencing flu like symptoms I did…3.1 miles at about a 9 minute pace. When I finished my body still felt slightly ill, however I felt much better then when I started, but as the evening progressed I felt stronger and stronger…almost like the run caused my body to super charge its defense system. If you didn’t know running is super beneficial for our immune system.
Now I must also tell you I believe in the power of PRAYER, and also believe God gave me the strength to endure both of these situations, even healed me…I also believe my daily running aided and stimulated in the recovery of both of these cases.
What does this mean to you?
I am not suggesting that you all become marathon runners, or even runners. You don’t have to become an Ironman Triathlete…but get active, one way or another!
Ask yourself this question…when you DID NOT feel like working out, but inside you WILLED yourself through the workout, how did you feel when it was over?
Interesting how when you spend energy running, biking, walking, lifting, gardening, hiking, or doing whatever else you enjoy, you end up with more energy then when you began!!! Have you found this to be true?
This is one of the many reasons I run…
What are some of the reasons you run?
Friday, February 18, 2011
Three Qualities that TRANSFORM Teams Into Champions!
I believe there are MANY qualities that championship teams display. Here are three principles that will help transition a team, organization, or family into champions...
Three Qualities that Transform Teams Into Champions!
First, Champions Have One Vision: You can also say one goal! One dream…one common bond that the team is willing to believe and invest in. You can’t win without some level of sacrifice and the vision causes the desire within the heart to sacrifice. How many talented teams have lost because they lacked a real vision? Being unified by one vision is what causes a average team to work that much harder, sacrifice more, and even believe that they can win when others say they won't!
Second, Champions Embrace Their Identity: I have watched MANY talented teams struggle and actually lose games they should have easy won because they struggle to find a common identity, or they just don't believe they should be what they are. This is why the physically superior teams don't always win in sports. Many people call this, "team chemistry" when in fact it is knowing, understanding, and believing in who you are. It is sad to see as games are blown, in fact whole seasons ruined all due to the struggles of self(TEAM)-identity. We must embrace our identity, not struggle to be something we are not!
Third, Champions are Completely Dedicated: Once a team knows and is unified in their vision, and understands and embraces who they are…they must be fully dedicated to accomplishing whatever task/goal is set before them. For any kind of team this requires dedication on two levels. First, individuals must be fully dedicated to do the best at their position as possible…whatever the job is they do it with 110% effort! Second, every individual is fully dedicated to the entire team succeeding, not just shining at their particular position.
Can these team transformation qualities transfer into our families or workplace? I believe they can...How can you cause your family to be successful? How can you create an atmosphere of champions in your workplace? Please feel free to respond to these questions and add your own insight.
Three Qualities that Transform Teams Into Champions!
First, Champions Have One Vision: You can also say one goal! One dream…one common bond that the team is willing to believe and invest in. You can’t win without some level of sacrifice and the vision causes the desire within the heart to sacrifice. How many talented teams have lost because they lacked a real vision? Being unified by one vision is what causes a average team to work that much harder, sacrifice more, and even believe that they can win when others say they won't!
Second, Champions Embrace Their Identity: I have watched MANY talented teams struggle and actually lose games they should have easy won because they struggle to find a common identity, or they just don't believe they should be what they are. This is why the physically superior teams don't always win in sports. Many people call this, "team chemistry" when in fact it is knowing, understanding, and believing in who you are. It is sad to see as games are blown, in fact whole seasons ruined all due to the struggles of self(TEAM)-identity. We must embrace our identity, not struggle to be something we are not!
Third, Champions are Completely Dedicated: Once a team knows and is unified in their vision, and understands and embraces who they are…they must be fully dedicated to accomplishing whatever task/goal is set before them. For any kind of team this requires dedication on two levels. First, individuals must be fully dedicated to do the best at their position as possible…whatever the job is they do it with 110% effort! Second, every individual is fully dedicated to the entire team succeeding, not just shining at their particular position.
Can these team transformation qualities transfer into our families or workplace? I believe they can...How can you cause your family to be successful? How can you create an atmosphere of champions in your workplace? Please feel free to respond to these questions and add your own insight.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
10 Mile Progression Run
10 mile Progression Run by benemmons at Garmin Connect
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RUN DETAILS
Progression Run! 10 miles, best running day of the year as far as the weather is concerned. Nice, comfortable, pace, easy most of the way until I started pushing the pace towards the end.
Split times as follows:
Mile Mile Pace Total Time
1 – 8:00 – 8:00
2 – 8:00 – 16:00
3 – 8:00 – 24:00
4 – 7:43 - 31:43
5 – 7:57 - 39:40
6 – 7:49 - 47:29
7 – 7:36 - 55:07
8 – 7:34 - 1:02:41
9 – 7:29 - 1:10:10
10 – 7:06 - 1:17:16
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RUN DETAILS
Progression Run! 10 miles, best running day of the year as far as the weather is concerned. Nice, comfortable, pace, easy most of the way until I started pushing the pace towards the end.
Split times as follows:
Mile Mile Pace Total Time
1 – 8:00 – 8:00
2 – 8:00 – 16:00
3 – 8:00 – 24:00
4 – 7:43 - 31:43
5 – 7:57 - 39:40
6 – 7:49 - 47:29
7 – 7:36 - 55:07
8 – 7:34 - 1:02:41
9 – 7:29 - 1:10:10
10 – 7:06 - 1:17:16
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Count the Cost - My Boston Marathon Dream
We all have dreams, goals, aspirations to do something we once could not do…for the past two years I have had such a dream. I didn’t really go public with this until recently. I told a couple of people (i.e. wife, brother, and close friend) about my dreams to qualify for the Boston marathon, which at the time was like a frog telling someone they wanted to be a prince! It was a dream…it was really a fantasy!
For the past few years I have been running, getting faster, and finally had been making some benchmark workouts that pointed to the idea that instead of being a fantasy it was going to simply take a superior effort on my part…then today happened.
Today I got news. The long awaited Boston Athletic Association decided to go public with the “New” qualifying standards. I won’t bore you with all the details, I will just tell you what the ends mean.
My new qualifying time for 2012 is 3:05, which may not appear to be such a drastic deal…however that means running 7:03 miles instead of 7:15 miles! 12 seconds faster per mile for 26.2 miles. To top it off, it also allows for a window of registration…if you beat your qualifying time by 20 minutes or more your allowed to register on day one of registration. As the days roll by you will be able to register, but the faster runner will always get the advantage and be granted entry first! After a week of this registration all other athletes that run a qualifying time will be allowed submit an entry, without guarantee of getting into the race.
So this brings me to the point, not that it really matters but what is my opinion on this, what appears to be even more stringent qualifying standards?
It will make me train that much harder…rise that much earlier…it’s exactly why I dreamed of qualifying for Boston in the first place! If I make it great, if not, at least the dream caused me to become better and not bitter!
These tougher standards make Boston what it is, one of the worlds most elite endurance fields. A benchmark for all other races! There is a reason the race sold out in less then eight hours this year. For any who are upset at this “change” I propose this…put in more miles, run more hills, eat better, train harder, and in the end whether you qualify or not you will be BETTER, and isn’t that why we run?
For the past few years I have been running, getting faster, and finally had been making some benchmark workouts that pointed to the idea that instead of being a fantasy it was going to simply take a superior effort on my part…then today happened.
Today I got news. The long awaited Boston Athletic Association decided to go public with the “New” qualifying standards. I won’t bore you with all the details, I will just tell you what the ends mean.
My new qualifying time for 2012 is 3:05, which may not appear to be such a drastic deal…however that means running 7:03 miles instead of 7:15 miles! 12 seconds faster per mile for 26.2 miles. To top it off, it also allows for a window of registration…if you beat your qualifying time by 20 minutes or more your allowed to register on day one of registration. As the days roll by you will be able to register, but the faster runner will always get the advantage and be granted entry first! After a week of this registration all other athletes that run a qualifying time will be allowed submit an entry, without guarantee of getting into the race.
So this brings me to the point, not that it really matters but what is my opinion on this, what appears to be even more stringent qualifying standards?
It will make me train that much harder…rise that much earlier…it’s exactly why I dreamed of qualifying for Boston in the first place! If I make it great, if not, at least the dream caused me to become better and not bitter!
These tougher standards make Boston what it is, one of the worlds most elite endurance fields. A benchmark for all other races! There is a reason the race sold out in less then eight hours this year. For any who are upset at this “change” I propose this…put in more miles, run more hills, eat better, train harder, and in the end whether you qualify or not you will be BETTER, and isn’t that why we run?
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