Part 3 of 3:
About Me
- Zach
- I am confident in the direction of my life, and this direction ignites the passion that cannot be put out.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Waves are Breaking
We've been running well lately, frighteningly well given our training regimen and the structure of our season. When you focus on the long term, you don't usually expect to see results short term, but that is who we are right now, and no one is complaining.
So now it is time to jump aboard the ship because it is heading out to sea, and I don't want to be the one to miss it. Nationals is 2 weeks away. This week is the final prep before we head out to war, far from home and the comforts of our familiarities. War is hardest fought in unfamiliar, hostile territory, but the advantage can still be ours. We are warriors trained for the brutal conditions of our trade, and we will draw swords with the finest, plunge into the abysmal melee with the confidence of a steady hand and sure foot, and, God knows, arise victorious to fight another day.
This is the life I've chosen; I wouldn't want it any other way.
So now it is time to jump aboard the ship because it is heading out to sea, and I don't want to be the one to miss it. Nationals is 2 weeks away. This week is the final prep before we head out to war, far from home and the comforts of our familiarities. War is hardest fought in unfamiliar, hostile territory, but the advantage can still be ours. We are warriors trained for the brutal conditions of our trade, and we will draw swords with the finest, plunge into the abysmal melee with the confidence of a steady hand and sure foot, and, God knows, arise victorious to fight another day.
This is the life I've chosen; I wouldn't want it any other way.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Nothing but our best
I guess we only had one option this weekend: run sick fast. For those who are not aware, every single distance guy on our team who competed this weekend ran/walked a PR. The track team, as a whole, totaled 33 personal records, a couple freshman records, and 5 school records (2 of which were Andi's!).
For my first time in my running career, I helped set a school record as well in the Distance Medley Relay (10:11.72). By the end of the day, whenever a teammate spiked up, the only thought on my mind was how fast will this guy go?!
I am truly blessed to have been a part of a day like that and am completely elated to discover what bigger and better things are yet to be accomplished by this squad!
For my first time in my running career, I helped set a school record as well in the Distance Medley Relay (10:11.72). By the end of the day, whenever a teammate spiked up, the only thought on my mind was how fast will this guy go?!
I am truly blessed to have been a part of a day like that and am completely elated to discover what bigger and better things are yet to be accomplished by this squad!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
In Shallow Seas We Sail
The amount of cliches to describe a delicate situation sometimes blows my mind: treading on thin ice, walking a tight rope, pushing the line, playing with fire, on pins and needles, etc. I am in the process of creating one specifically for the reference to physical exertion well beyond the realm of safety but not quite at the point of destruction.
We quite literally constantly run the risk of overextending ourselves for the sake of improvement. The great fear is always that we will push too far and end up in a boot or a physical therapist's office Monday mornings at 10:15. Lately, though, I've begun to fear the opposite. Now, as my college career is coming to a close and my prospects for a post-collegiate career are uncertain at best, I have begun to fear that, instead of doing too much, what if I am doing too little? Worse yet, what if I have been doing too little for the last 3 years?
If we make time for it, more can always be done. But this generation ought to know by now that more is not always best. Instead, we might find ways to do the things that we know we have the capacity for better. Don't fix it if it ain't broken? - I say, don't wait until it's broken to see the need to fix it. Balance is not always piling weight onto both sides until it is even; sometimes it is taking weight off.
We quite literally constantly run the risk of overextending ourselves for the sake of improvement. The great fear is always that we will push too far and end up in a boot or a physical therapist's office Monday mornings at 10:15. Lately, though, I've begun to fear the opposite. Now, as my college career is coming to a close and my prospects for a post-collegiate career are uncertain at best, I have begun to fear that, instead of doing too much, what if I am doing too little? Worse yet, what if I have been doing too little for the last 3 years?
If we make time for it, more can always be done. But this generation ought to know by now that more is not always best. Instead, we might find ways to do the things that we know we have the capacity for better. Don't fix it if it ain't broken? - I say, don't wait until it's broken to see the need to fix it. Balance is not always piling weight onto both sides until it is even; sometimes it is taking weight off.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Good Days
A valuable lesson can be found in doing something in spite of convenience and pleasantries. In a sense, this is considered the existence of runners; however, looking more intently at myself, I have found that I function very explicitly on the foundation of my own desires. When my desires to not align with my situation, I am not happy.
Even still, I often am made to do things out of obligation, obedience, or some other form of requirement. If I do things in that sense, I am never really pleased in doing them, and the benefit is never as it could otherwise be.
On the flip side, when I choose to accept my situation and seek to get of it what can be got, then the greatest benefit can be found in all situations. I do not have access to the most advanced cross training equipment, I do not always have access to a track when I want one, I do not always have access to a personal trainer when I need one. The reality is, no situation is ever perfect, and very often, something goes wrong, but that won't stop me from having a good day.
*Note: some days you just feel terrible. That is unavoidable. On those days, I do not have good days, but in the sense I am communicating in this post, it is still possible to achieve benefit from those days.
Even still, I often am made to do things out of obligation, obedience, or some other form of requirement. If I do things in that sense, I am never really pleased in doing them, and the benefit is never as it could otherwise be.
On the flip side, when I choose to accept my situation and seek to get of it what can be got, then the greatest benefit can be found in all situations. I do not have access to the most advanced cross training equipment, I do not always have access to a track when I want one, I do not always have access to a personal trainer when I need one. The reality is, no situation is ever perfect, and very often, something goes wrong, but that won't stop me from having a good day.
*Note: some days you just feel terrible. That is unavoidable. On those days, I do not have good days, but in the sense I am communicating in this post, it is still possible to achieve benefit from those days.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ups and Downs
Long run was pleasant yesterday.
This weekend has been a great blessing, and as with all blessings, it is accompanied by responsibility. I am responsible for giving the credit where it is due - God's grace. I am also responsible for my own humility and fighting against becoming once again consumed with my own successes, especially to the point where I neglect that others around me are hurting.
In light of this, our thoughts and prayers go out to Q and Jane as she has surgery this morning, and also to Logan as he is sick. Now is a good time to think of others and forgo our own comforts and conveniences to help them where we can.
This weekend has been a great blessing, and as with all blessings, it is accompanied by responsibility. I am responsible for giving the credit where it is due - God's grace. I am also responsible for my own humility and fighting against becoming once again consumed with my own successes, especially to the point where I neglect that others around me are hurting.
In light of this, our thoughts and prayers go out to Q and Jane as she has surgery this morning, and also to Logan as he is sick. Now is a good time to think of others and forgo our own comforts and conveniences to help them where we can.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Good Day
Taylor University yesterday - 20 teams:
This day, Cornerstone showed up in force. We (just the men distance) totaled 7 PRs, one NAIA auto, and one individual freshman record (that's right, thanks to Jared Courtright, I no longer hold a single record of any kind).
I have struggled nearly my whole life at the 3,000 meters (or the 2-mile, whichever). It is neither a preference nor a strength of mine unless it includes barriers. Yesterday was a challenge in that we changed the general approach to the race, treating it like a mile plus some. The execution was good and the outcome a strong PR: 8:38 (previous time was 8:50).
On top of that, I had the joyous opportunity to watch Andi (my wife) uphold her reputable confidence in the 1k and blast a solid 2:58 totally alone.
A great day to both watch and be a part of. Once again, I am very proud to be a part of this team.
This day, Cornerstone showed up in force. We (just the men distance) totaled 7 PRs, one NAIA auto, and one individual freshman record (that's right, thanks to Jared Courtright, I no longer hold a single record of any kind).
I have struggled nearly my whole life at the 3,000 meters (or the 2-mile, whichever). It is neither a preference nor a strength of mine unless it includes barriers. Yesterday was a challenge in that we changed the general approach to the race, treating it like a mile plus some. The execution was good and the outcome a strong PR: 8:38 (previous time was 8:50).
On top of that, I had the joyous opportunity to watch Andi (my wife) uphold her reputable confidence in the 1k and blast a solid 2:58 totally alone.
A great day to both watch and be a part of. Once again, I am very proud to be a part of this team.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Introduction
In the interest of making myself better known to those who do not know me personally, I have observed the sage advice of Q and decided to post an introduction.
Personal:
I am joyously married to Andi Ruth (Owens), and probably a touch jealous - after all, who wouldn't want to be conference champ in the 3k Steeple, 1500m, and 5k all in one day? Our shared passion for track has been a wonderful blessing.
I will soon graduate from Cornerstone University with a degree in Secondary Ed, English major, History minor. Our future plans are uncertain, but we are content to abide in Christ and actively observe God's will unfolding in our lives.
Running History:
I have been running since my junior year of high school (Northview HS, Grand Rapids, MI). Before then, I was strictly devoted to soccer. I ran a bit in middle school (Knapp Charter Academy, Grand Rapids, MI) where I learned that I have severe over-pronation and have been confined to custom orthodics ever since.
During High School, I was a semi-average athlete, generally performing well on a district and regional level, but never achieving great success at the state level. Times: xc 5k - 16:26, 3200 - 9:52, 1600 - 4:31, 800 - 2:03.
After High School, I chose to attend a small local college, Cornerstone University (G.R., MI, NAIA division). At the time, I knew little to nothing of running competitively and what it takes to excel. Various trials and great mentorships soon began to remedy that. As a freshman, I devoted myself to learning about the sport, specifically from my senior captain, Derek Scott, and coach, Q (Nate Van Holten). Both were eager to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Over the course of my collegiate experience, I have placed 29th and 6th at Cross Country nationals, and am 2-time national runner-up in the 3,000meter Steeplechase. As my college career comes to a close, my goal is simple: after 2 second place finishes, I am sick of not winning. Some label this aim foolish. Aaron Melhorn (Malone University, Ohio) is 2-time champion as well as a long list of other top 5 finishes in both cross country and track. All his times are faster than mine, and I have never beaten him on any level in any event.
But I am sick of 2nd place (though grateful for the success I've had), and I am sick of people telling me I can't beat him. Let's let he and I decide that one in May.
If I fall terribly short, sacrificing another All American plaque for a fool's hope, let it be known that before I did, I gave everything I could.
If you never dream it, how do you expect to ever achieve it?
Personal:
I am joyously married to Andi Ruth (Owens), and probably a touch jealous - after all, who wouldn't want to be conference champ in the 3k Steeple, 1500m, and 5k all in one day? Our shared passion for track has been a wonderful blessing.
I will soon graduate from Cornerstone University with a degree in Secondary Ed, English major, History minor. Our future plans are uncertain, but we are content to abide in Christ and actively observe God's will unfolding in our lives.
Running History:
I have been running since my junior year of high school (Northview HS, Grand Rapids, MI). Before then, I was strictly devoted to soccer. I ran a bit in middle school (Knapp Charter Academy, Grand Rapids, MI) where I learned that I have severe over-pronation and have been confined to custom orthodics ever since.
During High School, I was a semi-average athlete, generally performing well on a district and regional level, but never achieving great success at the state level. Times: xc 5k - 16:26, 3200 - 9:52, 1600 - 4:31, 800 - 2:03.
After High School, I chose to attend a small local college, Cornerstone University (G.R., MI, NAIA division). At the time, I knew little to nothing of running competitively and what it takes to excel. Various trials and great mentorships soon began to remedy that. As a freshman, I devoted myself to learning about the sport, specifically from my senior captain, Derek Scott, and coach, Q (Nate Van Holten). Both were eager to share their knowledge and wisdom.
Over the course of my collegiate experience, I have placed 29th and 6th at Cross Country nationals, and am 2-time national runner-up in the 3,000meter Steeplechase. As my college career comes to a close, my goal is simple: after 2 second place finishes, I am sick of not winning. Some label this aim foolish. Aaron Melhorn (Malone University, Ohio) is 2-time champion as well as a long list of other top 5 finishes in both cross country and track. All his times are faster than mine, and I have never beaten him on any level in any event.
But I am sick of 2nd place (though grateful for the success I've had), and I am sick of people telling me I can't beat him. Let's let he and I decide that one in May.
If I fall terribly short, sacrificing another All American plaque for a fool's hope, let it be known that before I did, I gave everything I could.
If you never dream it, how do you expect to ever achieve it?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Uncharted Waters
The art of excelling is finding out what works best for you. Most of the time, this means stepping onto foreign ground, or sailing uncharted waters.
Since it is indeed an art, it must be innovative, heartfelt, dynamic. Mark Webber said that we are past the days when the hardest working are the most successful. Today, everyone works hard. When I reach the breaking point and want to give up, I remind myself that everyone else is working harder than me.
Only the freaks come out on top, and to be a freak, I must dive recklessly into the jungle, and amidst all the inflictions I will receive, I may yet, if for a short time, discover El Dorado.
Since it is indeed an art, it must be innovative, heartfelt, dynamic. Mark Webber said that we are past the days when the hardest working are the most successful. Today, everyone works hard. When I reach the breaking point and want to give up, I remind myself that everyone else is working harder than me.
Only the freaks come out on top, and to be a freak, I must dive recklessly into the jungle, and amidst all the inflictions I will receive, I may yet, if for a short time, discover El Dorado.
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