FCA Upstate NY returns from Placid!

We had a terrific time at Lake Placid during the 2010 Ironman competition.  Now that the muscles have started to recover, it's time to reflect on a truly inspirational weekend.

Tail O' The Pup BBQ.  Delicious!

We arrived at the North Pole campground on Thursday afternoon, set up camp, and discussed plans for a light workout that afternoon.  We decided we'd take a 15 mile ride into town (those were the last 15 miles of the bike course), take a look around town and then ride part of the run course on our way back home.  The roads in Placid are different than what we're used to here in Canandaigua, in that they appear slightly flat or even downhill, when they actually have an uphill component.  I kept checking my rear tire to make sure it wasn't flat!

Bike course recon

Riding the run course was absolutely beautiful!  The course runs next to a river and is fairly flat and twisty. It was some of the best riding we experienced while we were there.  We made it back to camp only moments before the skies opened up in an absolute deluge, and enjoyed turkey burgers and turkey hot dogs on the grill.

Iron Prayer IMLP

The following day we attended the Iron Prayer service at the Lake Placid Baptist Church.  Since our group is new this year not only to Ironman competitions, but also to FCA Endurance, this would be our first exposure to Iron Prayer.  The service consisted of singing many different praise and worship songs punctuated by four different speakers.  All of the speakers were a blessing, but several things really caught our attention and made an impression on the entire group.

The first speaker was a former Army Airborne Chaplain that was hit by a car during her training ride (by one of the paratroopers in her unit, no less!).  She sustained a shattered leg and used her rehabilitation program as training for her first Ironman competition.  Her speech was full of energy and enthusiasm, but it truly impressed us that her attitude during the injury was that of praising her Savior.  She didn't whine and pout about what had already happened.  She decided to use that time to focus on God and not her injuries.  What an example!

Another speaker was involved with C Different.  This is an organization that helps visually-impaired athletes compete in events such as Ironman.  Two athletes are paired together during the swim, during a tandem bike ride, and during the marathon.  It was inspirational to see that these athletes would use their Ironman experience to help someone else.  We were all inspired by how selfless the organization was.

During the C Different testimony, the speaker made a comment about praying during his Ironman competition.  He told a story of seeing a stranded athlete on the side of the road with a flat tire and praying that God would help him to find help and change the tire quickly.  He mentioned that the same scene repeated itself numerous times during the bike ride, only to be followed by the same prayer.  That's when it dawned on him that HE was the assistance that God was sending!

We finally got to meet one of our Facebook buddies who is an FCA Endurance athlete from another huddle.  We cheered for him during his swim and saw him several times during the bike.  He actually stopped to chat with us to let us know how his race was going, and said he had stopped to change a flat tire for a woman that was crying next to her bike on the side of the road.  WOW!  What a selfless thing to do!  It REALLY blew our minds when we saw him later and he said that he had stopped and helped ANOTHER athlete with a flat tire!!!  What an inspiration to everyone in the group to put into application the lesson we had learned from the previous night!

Ironman Eric

An athlete from our huddle competed in the Ironman Lake Placid this year.  This would be his first Ironman competition.  His entire family was there to cheer him on, and we all wore identical T-shirts that read "Ironman Eric - Run with endurance the race set before you.  Hebrews 12:1".  We tried to stage ourselves throughout the course to cheer Eric on, and we were amazed how calm and fresh he looked during his race.  The most inspiring part of the competition was to watch the months of training and dedication pay off for Eric in his execution of the race.  Eric had worked with a coach all year, and they developed a plan that would keep Eric on-pace and allow him to race "within himself".  His plan was executed perfectly, and he had a terrific race.  There was nary a dry eye in our group as Eric stoically entered the Olympic Arena!  Eric was welcomed by his support team, friends, family and his wonderful wife.  What a personal triumph to be proud of!

We wanted to say "Well Done!" to Eric Malone and Andy Nazworth during Ironman Lake Placid 2010.  But we also wanted to say what a great encouragement these athletes are to our group.  Not only do they train diligently, they are an example to everyone about what a Christian competitor should look like.  We also wanted to offer our spouses and families a heartfelt "Thank You" for their sacrifices.  But most of all we wanted to say "Thank You" to God for giving us bodies that are able to compete and enjoy His creation, and bring glory to Him.

Let the competition begin.  Let the glory be God's!

We're heading to Placid!

The FCA Endurance Upstate NY Huddle is heading up to Lake Placid for IMLP 2010.  We will have quite a contingent of supporters, but we have several FCA'ers that we know of that will be competing.  Let's take a moment to meet them!

Eric Malone is one of our greatest inspirations at FCA Upstate NY.  He is a Christian man of integrity that has been faithful to his training and diet for countless months, and the proof is in his performance.

He has been dubbed "Ironman Eric" by those that know him.  If you don't know Eric, he is always the first one to walk up and introduce himself and try to get to know you.  But be ye forewarned - your cheeks will ache from lactic acid buildup from all of the laughing that is sure to follow.  Eric seems to be the master of the witty retort!

Andy Nazworth is a Team FCA Endurance member that has competed in IMLP in the past, and this will be our first opportunity to meet him in person.  We have been following his Facebook updates about his travels and training, and are looking forward to supporting him with cowbells and prayers during the event.  Andy has been a great source of information for us Ironman "first timers", and we truly appreciate his input.

Let's remember to pray for Andy, Eric, and the thousands of other athletes that will be competing this weekend.  We pray for a safe and enjoyable event.

Thank you, Eric and Andy for being a Christian inspiration to those around you!  Whether you realize it or not, FCA Endurance Upstate NY admires your hard work and dedication.  In keeping with our mantra, we offer you this final encouragement:

Let the competition begin.  Let the glory be God's!

FCA Teammate Race Report Buffalo Marathon

I had the privilege of running the 2010 Buffalo Marathon with my wife this past weekend.  This race marked the completion of 16 weeks of training for her (and me) which was highlighted by a lot of improvements, some disappointments, a sprinkle of wind, snow and rain and a hefty dose of positive thinking.

I was allowed to try to keep Bon on her predetermined pace, to offer encouragement, and to carry energy gels during her marathon debut.

We started out about 30 seconds too fast for the first ten miles because she seemed very strong from a multi-week taper.  In hindsight, this might have been a bit too ambitious and may have caused too much fatigue early in the race.

A well-meaning spectator offered some encouragement at mile 16 by cheering "Only ten more miles to go"!  Although it was meant to help the runners along, it literally made Bon hit the wall and start to fight back tears.  This is what endurance athletes refer to as the "moment of truth" where some competitors simply give up and pull out of the race.  It was amazing to watch what happened next.

The night prior to the race our group met and talked about worry.  We quoted Matthew 6:34:  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  


The point of this verse is that although in our daily lives we wish to plan out our week, our year, our retirements - sometimes things don't go the way we'd hoped.  The stock market tumbles, a loved one may become ill, or God may take us down a different path.  Essentially, there's nothing to be gained by worrying about the future.  We must live today with integrity, honesty, and seek to honor God...ONE STEP at a time!


So it is in our physical endeavors.  Although we plan out a pacing strategy, a nutrition plan, and a training regimen, sometimes things don't go as we had hoped.  It's too hot.  It's raining.  I'm about to bonk with 10 miles to go.   It is at these times that we show our true colors as Christian athletes.  We must put forth our best effort and leave the results up to God.  Pray for strength and do your best. 

This picture is a funny illustration of NOT giving up.


It was inspiring to watch Bon dig deep and continue the next 10 miles to the best of her ability.  She would run as far as she was able, walk a bit, and then run again.  As any marathon runner knows, the body is pleading for you to take a rest or call it a day.  The runner must force the body to do as the mind orders.  If the mind gives up, you're sunk!


Bon finished in under 5 hours (4:59).  It was a treat to share the experience of our first marathon together!


We also need to recognize the hard work of all of the members on the FCA Team.  Although this story highlights Bonnie's race, every teammate was victorious in their training and execution.  We were also blessed to have wonderful friends, family members, and spouses support us while we ran.


Praise God for such a wonderful group of Christian athletes!

Race Report-Buffalo Marathon 2010

Everyone is back safe, sound, satisfied and sore from the Buffalo marathon.  We had a great time giving it our all, and Chuck Waterman and Eric Malone met some nice ladies from FCA Endurance North Carolina.  It was a hot day, and the entire group seemed happy with their marathon and half marathon performances.  It was also a blessing to have a meeting in the Top's Grocery Market on Saturday night to offer some encouragement and motivation to the athletes.  Well done, everyone!  Praise God for a safe and satisfying FCA Endurance Team Event!

From left to right:  Dan Jarecke (4:59), Bonnie Jarecke (4:59), Chuck Waterman (4:10), Eric Malone (4:03), Alvah Aldrich (3:31 and top 100 finisher), and Lauren Long (1:48 1/2 Marathon).

The race support crew (right of Lauren): Ed Martin, Athena Visel, Jamie Beaujon, Dale Dimick and Doug Pereira.  Not pictured are Libby Waterman and Stephanie Malone.

Team FCA couldn't have done it without our supporters!







The night before the big race!

MARATHON WEEKEND!!!

This weekend marks FCA Endurance Upstate NY's first attempt at a marathon!  Holy crow!  This weekend we'll be in Buffalo attempting to run, trot, and then crawl our way to the finish.

Some of our members have already completed this distance, but there are several newbies as well.  We look forward to the carbo-loading the night before, the intense suffering during, and the recovery after.

We have been thankful for a great training season.  Injuries have been quelled, nutrition planning has been completed, and numerous miles of road and trail has passed under our well-calloused feet.

Please keep us in your prayers this weekend.  We'll make sure to let everyone know how it went!

Spring Race Update

We just finished a full week of racing.  Saturday's event was a run-bike-run in Rochester that turned out to be a very fun event.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the course was a blast.  We had a team prayer prior to the start and enjoyed a terrific event with our friends and families.

Sunday's event was a half marathon in Rochester.  FCA Endurance had a great turnout and posted some new PR's for this distance.

Praise God for allowing us to race and enjoy this spring weather.  We look forward to more training and racing as the season progresses.  We have gotten several compliments on the FCA Gear, and hope that we can witness to some fellow athletes as the season progresses.

Ephesians 4:29 Challenge for our Huddle!

Challenge

Ephesians 4:29:  "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen".

For the next 7 days, my goal for our Huddle is to apply Ephesians 4:29 in our daily conversation and thought life.

Let's try to build others up instead of tearing them down.

Let's try to abstain from gossip and derogatory remarks.  Keep silent instead of speaking poorly of someone.

If you are admonishing someone, do it in love, and not in a critical spirit.

Reason

The purpose of the challenge is simple:  I feel that the Holy Spirit is holding me accountable in this area of my life.  It is difficult to master our speech, in fact the Bible tells us in James 3:8

"...no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison".

No MAN can tame the tongue, but the Holy Spirit can!

Let's try to support each other in prayer as we yearn to be more like Christ.

Disclaimer:  I am not issuing this challenge due to anyone else's actions or speech, but because of mine!  Again:  this is an area that I feel led to improve upon.  Please participate in the challenge only if you feel led.