Mark Watson

I’m a little behind on this post but this is what Jared and Tate got me for Father’s Day!  This was a total surprise to me.  They usually aren’t very good at surprises but this time they pulled it off.  I don’t know if I’m just getting oblivous to what’s going on or if they really are getting better at being a sneak.

Jared is the ulitmate gift buyer.  I wish I had his ability.  He thinks obsessively on what a person would like and what fits them.  On Christmas he knows in his mind what to get everyone BEFORE he goes shopping.  I usually have no clue.

Anyway, as you know I’m an avid book reader and this thing is awesome!  Actually we all love it.  I get the New York Times delivered to it every morning and we all take turns going through the days events.

I’ve got some cool kids!

I’m closing in on a six month assignment in upstate New York.  It’s been a great experience, in spite of spending a lot of time away from home.  I will return this week and then I’m home for a couple of weeks for the holidays.  I’m looking forward to catching up with friends and family.

Neither Jared, Stacie, or myself ran the St. Jude Marathon.  Stacie has a stress fracture, I had a kidney infection, and Jared contracted a stomach virus the night before the race.  Funny thing about plans. . . no matter how much you plan and prepare, our future is ultimately in the hands of the Maker.  Stacie is out of running indefinitely.  Jared and I are thinking of trying another one in late winter or early spring.

In the coming days, I will be publishing a couple of book reviews.  Both are books that I received advance copies from the publishers to read and make comments.  The reason I’m telling you this now is that in my opinion both books are sure to make a huge impact.

The first book will be Primal – A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity by Mark Batterson.  This book is so refreshing and if implemented by churches and Christendom would change the world!  More about that later.

The second book is by Regi Campbell titled Mentor Like Jesus.  This book is about the need to establish mentoring relationship like Jesus did with his disciples.  But the cool thing about this book is that it not only describes the need but also gives a blueprint for establishing these relationships.

I will post Primal on Tuesday December 15th and Mentor Like Jesus on Monday December 21st.  Please look for both these posts and consider purchasing both of these books for yourself or someone else who likes to continually learn and grow.

As I write this, the St. Jude Marathon is just over 4 weeks away.  Stacie, Jared, and I registered over a month ago – before we were into our long mileage.  Since that time Stacie has pulled a hamstring (or something).  Jared won’t run without Stacie as his training partner.  And me, I have been in upstate New York every week for almost 4 months.   We are at crunch time.

I think I still have a shot at running, even though my mileage has been dangerously low during the week.  I promised Jared I would run 18 with him this weekend and do the 5 minute run, 1 minute walk routine.  Stace is still testing the leg day by day.

I know this will be my worst time in my marathon history.  My best time is 3:37.  But this year I am predicting 4:30 finish.  But, let’s see what the next 4 weeks have in store!

Mark

Stacie, Jared, and I completed one of our first long runs yesterday in preparation for the St. Jude Marathon.  It was a test of sorts to see if we were really still committed to attempting the 26.2 miles of torture.

I’m running from the Intermediate I schedule and they are running from the Novice I schedule.  Mine called for me to do 14 miles while they were to complete 12.

We’re really at that point of deciding if we can do this or not.  The mileage is now high enough that eating and resting are as much of our planning as the running.  This is the point where it is as much mental as physical.  The question is this:  Barring any physical injury can we mentally discipline ourselves to really do it?

We finished yesterday in a little over 2 hours of running, soaking wet and legs almost unable to move.  In addition to that, a few hot spots and just plain body fatigue.

Once everyone was home, I asked if we were still doing this or not.  Jared gave a positive yes, while Stacie was a little less enthusiastic. 

Next weekend will be an even bigger challenge.  I have to do 15 and they are scheduled for 13.  If everything is still a go after this, we’ll make the financial committment and register.

We have created a monster with Tate and his videos.  He did this one on his own trying to include his brother Jared.  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  He is amazing with his determination!