Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Selfish Service

Back in the day I use to work for the Boy Scouts of America. One of the principles of scouting was the value of selfless service. The value should be self explanatory but let me explain; selfless service is actually the center piece of scouting. With out the service aspect of scouting the Boy Scouts of America would be just another activity group. The point of the BSA was to teach young boys how to be good men, responsible citizens, and yes faithful members of their respective faith. All these thing hinged on the ability of the leaders to teach these young boys the value of loving others and manifesting it by works. As with most learning at the beginning it seems like something not worth one's time. Sometimes one has to be tricked, bribed, or even forced to learn the first few lessons. That is one of the things about scouting, it is know for it's great out door adventure, structured male bonding, and the ability to teach new skills. With the promise of fun and adventure one is/can ultimately be taught the true lesson goals of the BSA. After the first initial feel of doing good for others I know of very few people who turn back from that life principle.

Well it's time to do some service, but this time I think we all (yes all six of you who read this) to focus on ourselves for a change. That is, we need to take care of ourselves. Mainly I'm focusing in on physical well being but I'm sure there are other categories as well. There are plenty of excuses we use: I don't have enough time, it seems painful, now that is not my idea of fun, etc. . . There are many ways one can improve one's health. An easy way is to make a list of things you do that ultimately are just a waste of time and replace them with exercise. Just as the young boy scout learned by servicing others by his own sacrifice he could be happier, I think by servicing our own health through sacrifice we can also be happier.

Just so there are no excuses I'm posting my run goals (just my run goals not everything else that is done). As we all know I have a hard time running here, so if I can do it there really is no excuse, well unless you are missing a leg, wait I know someone who is missing a leg and still runs. So here it is:

Day 1, 7 mile pace run. Steady pace slow to ease into it.
Day 2, 7 mile increasing pace run. Pace gradually increases throughout the run.
Day 3, 7 mile hill intervals.
Day 4, 8 mile pace run. Moderate pace with increase in speed at the last 2 miles.
Day 5, Intervals, 1 mile warm-up, 1200 meters at race pace 400 meters recovery jog repeat 4 times, 1 mile cool down.
Day 6, Whatever I feel like running. I'll probably run hills and speed intervals till I build up more endurance for a long run.

I should be logging about 35-45 miles a week in the next month or so. I'm trying to build up to a consistent 60 mile run week.

4 comments:

Dan said...

This is something I have known for a while that I need to start doing again. Yesterday I told Alisa that I was going to run the 4th of July 5k again. Now, this means that either, I can write out my will and die on the 4th, or I can start running now, and have a goal to run a better 5k this year than last year.

Now, I hate to run. I don't know if words can properly describe the level of hatred I hold for running, it just sucks rocks, but I am in a pretty good position right now for it. I live in a quiet, non-busy neighborhood with relatively flat roads.

Okay. Jimmy, I have beat around the bush enough. Here is my goal. You have it in writing, and I come here enough that I can see it. I will run 5 times a week. I say five times, because I will be playing basketball Tuesday night, so, I figure that will count.

So, starting Monday, the run is on. I will hate it, and I will curse your name with every breath for the first couple of weeks. But, when I am svelte, I will appreciate your hounding.

Anyway, its good to see you post again. Love ya Jim. On to my future heart health.

Mk said...

Alright, Mr. Jaeco. I shall be a show-off and run at least a grand total of 6 miles a week!!

Dang you for destroying my laziness with your inspirational challenges!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Hope things are going good out there and you get home safe. later, man!

Mk said...

Update: ~15 mi/wk now. "Dang you!" still applies =OÞ

RealFruitBeverage said...

I remember how you pushed me to be a better SC player. While not as important as running the early times still sucked. Congrats on the new level. See doesn't it feel better?