Race Day

On Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2009, our family went out to the Black Mountain Valentine's Day 5K. I, Ed, ran the 5K with a couple of guys from our neighborhood. Andrew, the 8 year old, ran the 1 mile fun run. Amy and Lauren went to cheer us on.

Ed Barnes gets a kiss from his daughter, Lauren, before the start of the 10th annual Black Mountain Valentine's Day 5K Saturday afternoon. (2/14/09 Erin Brethauer
from the Asheville Citizen-Times

Let me start by giving a brief description of the setting: Black Mountain is a small town about 15 miles east of Asheville. It is a nice community, and many of the residents enjoy outdoor activities. For a small town run like this, you expect somewhere between 100-200 participants. These folks will come in all shapes and sizes, all fitness levels, and with many different goals and objectives. The times ranged between 15:30 and 50:32 for the 3.1 miles. The route went through a residential area, down a green way trail, on another portion of the green way trail system by the Swannanoa River then back on the original trail back to the finish area.

People participate in events like this for all kinds of reasons. Some are in really good shape and are trying to win a prize. Some, and this includes me, want to test ourselves and see where we are fitness and time wise. Some have decided to do something about their fitness/weight and this event has been a goal for a while and they are determined to finish. I have a lot of respect for those people. They are normally still out of shape, yet they are trying hard and seeing results. My only complaint is often they either start out too fast and lose steam quickly or they position themselves too close to the front and get in the way at the start.

These races usually work the same way. One group starts fast and leaves everyone else behind. This race was no different. The rest of us just plod along trying to push ourselves. I don't race very often so pacing can be difficult. You know a race usually brings some "race day magic" as my friend and running partner Greg Hughes says. This means the race will help you run a bit faster than usual. You don't have the same boredom of day after day, running the same routes with the same people. You have new challenges. Several times yesterday I focused on someone off in the distance and kept working to reel them in. Every time it worked.

The last two people I focused on I passed in the last tenth of a mile. We turned towards the finish line and had a short distance to go. I passed these two men and held them off at the line. When I checked the race results I was so proud to see the last two guys I passed were 55 and 77 years old. This has a way of humbling you.





While I am proud of my results, my son really impressed me. When he told me he wanted to do the fun run, I made him go outside with me and run. He completed 1.2 miles that day and went very slowly doing it. However he did do it, so I signed him up. A couple of times prior to the race he either did a half mile or a full mile on the treadmill, so I knew he could do it. What I was concerned about was pacing. Adults have trouble with this issue and I figured the kids would as well.

Andrew at the start

At the start, several kids took off, sprinting off down the trail. I had coached Andrew to start off slowly, be patient and be ready to speed up at the end. I ran with him, and kept encouraging him. We ran down the half mile, passing a few kids along the way, and also being passed by a few. As we passed the turn around, I began preparing him for the big hill. The one hill on the course is tough for me, I can only imagine what it is like for an 8 year old. He shortened his stride, pumped his arms, gritted his teeth and climbed it like a champ. Then all those kids that passed him before were walking. He slowed a tad, caught his breath and continued churning away. I asked him if he thought he could catch one boy ahead of him. He answered with a small burst of speed and lengthened his stride. Once that kid was passed, Andrew set his sights on a girl that passed him at the start. She was walking as well, and down she went. At that point we could see the finish line.

Andrew finished strong. He was a bit tired, but extremely proud. His time was 10:05. My 8 year old did a 10 minute mile, and never stopped running. I am biased, but I think this is pretty awesome. He has expressed interest in continuing with running and doing some more fun runs. The medal he got may have something to do with that, yet in this time when more and more people are struggling with fitness, I don't care what his reasons are.

We may have more of these types of experiences in the future. Lauren now says she wants to do a fun run as well. So, we may have a couple of fitness hounds on our hands. Maybe they will keep up this enthusiasm and that can only help them in the future.

Let's hope they don't struggle with their weight the way I struggle with mine!

Andrew after his first mile fun run and Chet after his first 5k.

Valentine's Day.

Let me start by saying this: I do not need a special day to tell my wife, "I love you." I should be telling her that every day. Period and end of story.

That said, I recognize that not all men are as incredibly wonderful and thoughtful as I am. Please, hold your applause. And laughter. Seriously though, I do not forget birthdays, anniversaries, the flower that was in our wedding (Stargazer Lilly), our china pattern (Lennox Urban Lights) or other important items. (I asked her to marry me on July 22, 1993. That kind of stuff.)

The problem many men have with Valentine's Day is we are expected to buy something special for someone special in our life. In addition, we are expected to be creative. Chocolate and flowers is not creative. Jewelry is not practical. We just had Christmas! The economy is in the tank. Yet we are expected to spend a ton of money on either flowers that will die, chocolates that will be eaten, jewelry we cannot afford or some creative and exotic vacation get away.

Now I will say, my wife is just not that way. She is practical and understands where we are in life, and she knows that I love her. I actually believe her. Maybe it is all a trap, yet I do believe her.

Let me say, if you are going to buy chocolate, make it good. For the last few years, there have been some commercials from Russel Stover candy where the men say they have to bring home chocolate, and the red heart box is a must. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su4dkqznVTg&feature=related

I am not attacking Russel Stover. I am sure they are fine people. However if you are going to give something to say, "I love you" you may want to choose something of higher quality than a red heart box of chocolate that was produced about 18 months ago. You may as well give M&Ms. The quality is just not there. I will allow that all chocolate probably tastes decent. Some is certainly better. There could be a good reason to give the cheap stuff. You may be a teenager and just don't know better. There could be some traditional reason-like you give it every year since you first became a couple and it brings back warm and fuzzy feelings. Or perhaps her taste buds were removed in a horrible flag pole dare incident back in elementary school.

Many grocery stores have a candy section with a good selection of fine chocolates. There is this fancy thing called the internet where you can find almost anything and can certainly order some nice chocolate. There are many opti0ns.

Or you could just take her to dinner, look deeply into her eyes, let her order what she wants, listen to what she says, open the door for her and spend some quality time together. That is better than any chocolate any day. At least that is what they tell us on Oprah. Not that any self respecting man watches that stuff.

Good luck.

Unions are really great!!!!

While we fuss and fret over a "stimulus" package that our leaders in Washington are dangling to save the free world, other business is occurring. President Obama has issued an executive order requiring union labor for all large-scale federal construction projects. This order restores a rule the Clinton administration created, and was rescinded during the latest Bush administration.

According to the Associated Press, the order requires federal agencies to have all contractors negotiate with union officials, recognize union wages and abide by all collective bargaining agreements.

By most accounts, when unions are involved, construction costs increase between 10 and 20 percent. Apparently there are 84% of American construction workers who have not joined a labor union. So this means those workers are discriminated against.

Why is all of this happening? Is this the Hope and Change Obama's supporters wanted? By the way this is the 4th union friendly executive order signed since Obama took office. He has only been there since January 20!!! Why on this rapidly warming Earth is Obama so interested in union happenings that he has already helped them with 4 executive orders?

In case anyone does not know, to rise to the office of president, a person requires a whole lot of help from a whole lot of sources. I don't know when it began, but Democrats for a number of years have been tied to unions. Remember all the campaign promises about Hope and Change? We were told we would not see politics like we have seen in the past. There would be a break from the types of allegiances and alliances we have observed from Washington D.C. politicians from the past. We need not pretend that Obama is above all this. Are we surprised our current president is tied to unions? Well of course he is. He came from Chicago. For years and years to be successful in politics in Chicago you need to have ties to big labor.

The party that brought you Change and Hope will discriminate against 84% of construction workers in this country. The party that tells you they are working for you will block a large number of hard working Americans from earning a living. This party is going to take the taxes we pay, and reward it to unions. Unions, throughout the years, have used intimidation and fear to get their way. Certainly they did some good in the past, yet we only need look at the American auto industry to see how a union can destroy.

Hope and Change indeed.

Stimulus Plan. Really?

Our politicians are at it again. The same folks who helped us get into the current financial mess are going to get us out. At least that is what they say. We have no money. That is what a deficit is. Spending more than you have. Which means we are borrowing more and more, and the deficit increases. We used up all the Social Security we could borrow from when Clinton was in office, that is how we had a "balanced budget." Then Bush II spent and spent and spent, including money we did not have. Now we have Obama. Surely he will learn from the mistakes of his predecessors and put a stop to frivolous spending projects.

So we have this stimulus package presented by the House. In my opinion, one of the main reasons we have this problem is from ridiculous additions to bills. This current package has funds included for neighborhood stabilization activities, dollars targeted for the National Endowment of the Arts, money to fight Sexually Transmitted Disease, a line item for preventing cigarette smoking, and other non-essential programs will be given aid as well. What happened to fiscal responsibility? That was one of the hallmarks of the Obama campaign. Where has that gone?

The Republicans currently are against this plan. Let's not let them fool us. The only reason they are against this is because the Democrats are in power. They make the same horrible mistakes when they are in control. Why do we let these people continue to make these mistakes? Why do the American people sit by and let these "leaders" and "representatives" continue to spend us into oblivion? Why do we think they can make better decisions this year than last?

In case you do not pay attention, when a politician says he/she brought a certain amount of money into their district, they mean they placed a line item to a bill and it was decided that tax money was better spent going to his/her district. If the good people of Alaska want a statue, they should pay for it, not me. In North Carolina, we received some federal funds for a tea pot museum. So, thanks to all corners of the country. See how ridiculous that is?

We must hold the politicians accountable for their decisions. While I do not think it is the government's responsibility to create jobs, if they say they are going to do that they cannot spend the funds allotted to stop STDs or purchase art.

Just one opinion.

Hope and change......?

So the big change happened. We have a new president. The news has been all over this. I cannot ever remember an inauguration that has received such coverage. Seems like the media is forcing this all down our throats, like we did not realize this was coming.

My personal opinion is we should just give the new administration a chance. Those that supported him need to recognize he is not a supreme being. Those that did not support him need to realize he is not the personification of evil. He is a man, pure and simple. I am appalled by those that seem to take part in hero worship with this man, or any other. I have heard comments such as, "Now all my problems are over" and "I have waited a long time for this man. My life is now complete." Now if you are a minority, I can understand. If you grew up black in the 50s and 60s, I imagine this is a huge issue for you. You might have voted for him simply because he is (at least partly) black, which I do not have a real problem with. Of course that is completely different than those that voted against him because he is (at least partly) black. That my friends is sarcasm.

There will be a temptation, for those that supported his election, to support all he does. Please use logic. There will also be the temptation, by those that did not support him, to vehemently disagree with any decision he makes. I simply ask for logic and moderation. We must understand that our government is not our savior. You are responsible for your own decisions. It is my belief, that many would like the government to swoop in and rescue us in from any conundrum in which we find ourselves. (And with W as president, that seems to be what has happened) If the government can save us from ourselves, we do not have to think. Nor do we have to be held to a standard or any form of accountability. Just give everything over to the government.

We must stand up for ourselves. We are in a mess, not all caused by W, yet certainly not helped in many ways by W. Conservatives, Liberals, Centrists and everyone else need to withhold judgment, wait and see. This new president has a huge job, even in the best of times. It did not take 8 years to get in this situation, and it will take a while to get out. We cannot simply rely on others to bail us out. Be ready to work hard, and do not look to others to save you.

What will be the response from some when they see that not everything promised during campaign stops actually happens? What will happen when some see chinks in the amour and confidence?

We should all pray for wisdom for this man. He has a difficult job, he will be tested and no matter what he decides, 50% of the country will disagree with him. (If the people of the nation are paying attention)

My only hope is somehow this slope we are traveling towards socialism stops. I do not have much hope of that, yet maybe I am wrong. If it did not stop with a Republican in office, why on Earth would it stop with a Democrat in office? But what do I know?

The one thing we know for sure, President Obama is a smart man, and a shrewd politician. He will say many things that sound good to many. Let's see what happens.

Just one opinion.

Change is the catalyst....

It has been said that "if" is the biggest word in the English language. The word is filled with remorse at chances missed, opportunities not taken and painful lessons learned.

Another small word with great meaning is "change." This short word is, for many, the scariest word ever uttered. Many people seem to convulse when faced with life changes. Of course, change can be good. End a harmful relationship. Alter our diet, exercise more or decide to do something else for our health. Change jobs. When we make a decision on our own we are in control. That is why we don't mind this type of alteration to our life.

Many people seem to experience major trauma when faced with unplanned change. Even when the change will ultimately help us and provide opportunities for growth, we seem to balk. My thought is simply because fear of the unknown creeps into our mind.

So why do we fight against change we know we need? Why do we not seize the opportunity? Probably because we are comfortable where we are. Does comfortable equal contentment or apathy? That is probably a fine line, and probably depends on the person and situation.

Should we change for the sake of changing? Again, maybe it all depends. What we need is wisdom.

A brilliant lyric from a song I like states, "Change is the catalyst that puts my life in motion." So maybe it is time for a change. Stay tuned!

Christmas at Disney

We just got home from a few days at Disney. Our visit was over the Christmas holiday. There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than by participating in gross commercialism and consumerism at the "happiest place on Earth."

We did have a great time. Nothing can replace the looks of wonder and happiness on the faces of your kids while going about the various parks. It was crowded, and I really believe some of the dumbest people on the face of the planet were there at the same time we were. Either they are not intelligent or they just do not think. When you are walking along a path, you probably do not want to suddenly stop. There might be someone behind you! When the crowds are large, the chances of this are increased.

That is everywhere except at Disney. While there, it is apparently required that people move about in large groups, pushing strollers or riding in scooters (you know like the Round a Bout). They travel 5 abreast, blocking every route around them. They move slowly. Then they suddenly stop. You cannot move around them, and you are likely to bump into them. Then they look at you like you just committed some grievous offense. Plus many of those visiting are from foreign countries. I appreciate their desire to visit Disney. Kids are kids and the joy on a face is not limited simply to kids simply from the United States. Apparently in the countries these folks are from, line jumping and breaking are acceptable. That presents some fun moments for those of us that believe in decorum and order.

In addition, fashion at Disney is interesting. I was especially amazed at some footwear choices. Let's see, you are a "big boned" woman, and you choose to wear flimsy flip flops. And then you wonder why your feet hurt. I saw some that wore high heels. Why on Earth would you wear high heels to a theme park? Fashion is only so important.

After Disney I had the opportunity to visit with some guys I don't see very often. During college I worked at a boys camp and every year there is a gathering of former staffers. It is great to see these guys, tell war stories, catch up on their lives and accumulate enough guy hugs to last for a while. Friends are important, and these guys are really and truly friends.

Here we are on New Year's eve. it just feels like a typical day. There is more football on than usual, and that is a good thing for me, although the family does not feel that way. So, we sit here watching the seconds tick away on 2008. Apparently some did not like this past year and are hoping for a better 2009. I can only hope 2009 is as good as 2008. Happy New Year!