tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84281289772814362502024-03-13T08:50:00.371-07:00Praying RunnerPraying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-4421383973005871102022-05-26T01:51:00.012-07:002022-08-01T10:12:33.806-07:00Grief's Lessons<p>Grieving is likened sometimes to running a marathon. It feels like there is no end in sight. But I trust that there will be a resolution at some point and I will see nothing but goodness at the finish line. Meantime I have to learn to live with the maelstrom of emotions that I can't ignore because I may miss what it has to teach me.</p><p>Allow me to share some more of my stories of grief moments in my running blog. Thank you for following my blog. In time I will be back to my running stories.</p><p><b>The Watches</b></p><p>While doing some spring cleaning, I opened a drawer and there I saw Jinky's small collection of watches inside a turquoise-colored velvet cloth bag. Jinky liked watches. She had watches for different occasions. I remember her showing off to me how her watch and wardrobe match every time we go out. Unfortunately, when her cancer turned for the worse, she hadn't had a chance to wear them at all since we couldn't go out as much. Worse, she found out too that a lot of the watches stopped working. One day she asked me if I could bring the watches to a repair service. I said yes I would, but I put off her request for a few days, wondering why she actually needed it soon. Eventually I took the watches for repair but sadly the repairman didn't have the right specialized tools for her classic pieces. When I told her the news, her head and shoulder dropped, feeling disappointed just like a child, being unable to play outside. My heart just sunk. I couldn't bear see her sad and crestfallen.</p><p>Looking back, I pondered on this event. Why did she urgently wanted the watches repaired at that time. Perhaps Jinky longed to be healthy again for an occasion to wear a watch in good condition. Perhaps she wanted those watches ready to wear them when the time comes. But perhaps, if she doesn't live longer, she was also symbolically getting herself ready, when her time comes. </p><p><b>A Son's Tribute</b></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVbnp6iJJRKclZfmV5G-t-5Ru9whF44GWOw9m5BXl0gIBzbNZV2wbi_8DpVuip0tj-E9vJs_cJb9pha8IF4mck4EwQAurusnYqwn9quXFdNgIL4VbZqVLV_Q11PVeCG0HcwPozBsvgLg36LIJDHqrcexTq-3ckNvwQRPZnN1cFccCbYfswFFPjd5HNQ/s1024/200990_1340394326344_313523_o.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVbnp6iJJRKclZfmV5G-t-5Ru9whF44GWOw9m5BXl0gIBzbNZV2wbi_8DpVuip0tj-E9vJs_cJb9pha8IF4mck4EwQAurusnYqwn9quXFdNgIL4VbZqVLV_Q11PVeCG0HcwPozBsvgLg36LIJDHqrcexTq-3ckNvwQRPZnN1cFccCbYfswFFPjd5HNQ/w200-h133/200990_1340394326344_313523_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jinky's Celebration of Life <br />File photo from 3/25/2011</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>At Jinky's Funeral Mass, Tim (he was 14 years old then) spoke and said, "I wish I could take away your pain, Mom. If there's any way, God please take it away away from her. If you have to, give it to me. I can take it. If I could've done that, I would've done it again, and again, a hundred times. Just for my Mom. And when I said that, she was asleep when I looked at her, I could see a tear rolling down her cheek. That was the first time I saw her cry her whole sickness."<p></p><p>Tim and I celebrated Mother's Day (the first time without her) with an early morning Mass. During the blessing, I raised up a picture of Jinky when the priest asked all mothers to stand up. Jinky always proudly stood up during this time of the Mass every Mother's Day. That morning, Tim and I visited her at the cemetery. We spent some time talking and reminiscing Jinky's favorite things to do. It was a lot of fun and I thought it was a really special moment for us to share memories.</p><p>Tim also said in his tribute: "There was a point that I'd tell her that I love her and she'd just open her eyes and say I love you too. And then she'd close her eyes again. That was using all of her strength just to say that. And there came a point that she couldn't even respond. And I knew that I had to let her go. I had to tell her that it's okay. Me and Dad would be fine here. We'll take care of each other. Don't worry, we'll be okay. But it's hard to be okay. It's hard."</p><p>Tim and I had our own tearful grieving moments that particular Mother's Day. But one thing we realized as we shared joyful memories, is that our grief is also a gift. It's allowing us to honor the tie that bind us even stronger now - our common loss in the person of Jinky. Although it's hard, our grief reminds Tim and I of our own capacity to love and take care of each other.</p><p><b>God's Moments</b></p><p>One day I found myself just crying while holding in my hand the receipt from the restaurant of our last dinner date. I also saw a box of her medications which reminded of how much she fought to outlive her illness. I also read our love letters that she kept where she wrote about our plans and dreams as a family.</p><p>I was feeling so heartbroken. But as I carried on with cleaning up, I realized I was making progress. I was able to box her clothes for donation. I organized her scrapbook materials. I was able to file the important documents I still want to keep. I just kept going and before I knew it, I accomplished a lot cleaning up her closet. Awkward as it felt after crying a river when I started cleaning up, I now wanted to celebrate.</p><p>I thanked God I was able to sort Jinky's things and grieve. I realized that sometimes, grief is undefinable but you need to go through it to get through it. I call it God's moments. You can't explain but when you just let it be, it has the power to transform you to be the best that you can be.</p><p style="text-align: center;">-o0o-</p><p style="text-align: left;">How can I pray for you today? In the light of the tragic event of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, I offer my sympathy and prayers to the families of the 19 children and two teachers who died. As a teacher myself, this tragedy touches me to the core. Hug a loved one today and tell them how much you care for them.</p>Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-72875107328545069722022-05-18T17:03:00.004-07:002022-08-01T10:12:12.433-07:00The Grieving Runner<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4nwjKoTfH7cGK8uYv8L2GY99b4i31ZQ_-m79Z40hC3ibdmyFnvtfctK4loQILXqW-hjzWQYVPLtwJZ7kONO2xszGWmSgEc3u-whaDtMNBOtqaVeCVOdm5TvmbSFtw037zZzltAdxrTF1XTMATZhgQtHpGTIW6dXH2JvVKASSUlJnwCLrGW4NEMgOsw/s448/309422_1487907374078_2425060_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4nwjKoTfH7cGK8uYv8L2GY99b4i31ZQ_-m79Z40hC3ibdmyFnvtfctK4loQILXqW-hjzWQYVPLtwJZ7kONO2xszGWmSgEc3u-whaDtMNBOtqaVeCVOdm5TvmbSFtw037zZzltAdxrTF1XTMATZhgQtHpGTIW6dXH2JvVKASSUlJnwCLrGW4NEMgOsw/s320/309422_1487907374078_2425060_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />My blog is back. Last May 17th was my late wife Jinky's birthday. As you may know, she is the inspiration for the Praying Runner and this blog.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's been a few years since my last entry simply because I stopped writing. But I continued to run and do races. I'm actually now at 62 marathons. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm confident to share with you that running (and any exercise) and writing can help you heal and recover from sadness and grief.</p><p style="text-align: left;">However, some events in my life lately have just brought me back to some level of grieving over losing Jinky 11 years ago. Inevitably, that is just but the nature of grief - it ebbs and flows.</p><p style="text-align: left;">To help me cope, I decided to return to writing in my blog. This comeback entry is nothing about running but all about my reflections during the first few days after Jinky died. These are actually excerpts from my eulogy delivered on March 24, 2011. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Allow me to share my thoughts about grief with you. And allow me to share some more in my succeeding blog entries. I might be able to help one or two people out there who are grieving over a loved one. For sure, writing this entry is helping me process my current grief feelings; thus the title - The Grieving Runner.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So here are some excerpts...</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>The Kiss</b></p><p>On our wedding day, standing at the foot of the altar for our photo ops, Jinky and I were standing side by side, with her arms around me lovingly, and smiling in front of the camera and everyone in church. I could still remember Jinky soaking in the moment. While me, my mind was floating and thinking and worrying about the details of the wedding reception. When the photographer told us to kiss each other, she turned to me right away, prepared to give me her sweetest kiss. But here I was, still running in my head details I might have overlooked about the reception. So I turned to her but only halfway with my mouth twisted towards her lips while my eyes looking the opposite way towards the direction of the reception place. But then, Jinky calmly and tenderly turned my face straight facing her and she told me, "Joey, be in the moment. I love you, and I am here. Now, come on, and give me a big kiss."</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>What Are You Praying For?</b></p><p>During the last few months of her life, Jinky stayed in bed most of the time, resting and praying. And one night I asked her, "Love, what are you praying for?" And she said, "I'm praying that God gives me a longer life. I still want to see my future grand kids. I still want to go out and travel the world with you. I still want to get stronger so I can go running with you. I still want to spend more time with you and care for you." She stopped talking and gave a big sigh. "But look how sick I am. I think I'm asking for a miracle."</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>My Rock</b></p><p>One day, Jinky started talking incoherently and was responding gibberish to my questions. She was having a seizure. Though it lasted a few minutes, it felt like she wasn't coming out of it. And I said to myself, "Oh no! She's the only one who knows the PIN to our one and only ATM card." I panicked because she might lose her memory completely before she could pass the PIN to me. When she recovered from that seizure, she started turning over to me a lot of the things that she did for the household. Honestly I was very afraid to lose her because she was my pillar, my rock. I depended on her on a lot of things. I can't run a household without her. I can't raise a family without her. But most of all, I can't lose my wife and partner for life.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Crying My Goodbye</b></p><p>It was just a matter of time. A few days before she died. I laid down next to her in bed. She was very weak she could only turn her head partially towards me. She made a barely audible sound as if she wanted to say something. She tried to move her arm up as if to embrace me, but her arm just dropped back to her side. So I gently put my arm around her and turned my face to her ear. And before I could say a word, I just broke down in tears. I was crying trying to say goodbye.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Every Moment is God's</b></p><p>It's been only a few days since she died, and I miss her terribly. I have been reflecting on her death and how early and young God took her. So I prayed for wisdom to understand. Then two days ago (before her funeral), I went to the barber shop for my haircut and shave. It was one of Jinky's bedside wish to make sure I look handsome during the funeral. So there I was sitting on the barber's chair, grieving and praying for an answer. And of all places, God talked to me at the barber shop. I was in deep grief over losing Jinky, but God talked to me in prayer, "Joey,...Jinky was mine. And I loved her all this time." And immediately I remembered our wedding day. How bubbly and joyful she was, savoring the time, being in the moment, giving love and accepting love. Never letting a moment slip away to smile at everyone, and never letting worries bother her or stop her from giving the best of herself to others, especially to me. Jinky was always present in the moment.</p><p style="text-align: center;">-o0o-</p><p style="text-align: left;">What can I pray for you today? How can I be reminded every day to love every moment and make it my purpose to live life to the full?</p>Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-38896334941750308232016-06-12T23:32:00.000-07:002022-08-01T10:12:29.045-07:00Time is spelled L-O-V-E<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: www.swiss-miss.com</td></tr>
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Runners come in many shapes and sizes but the single best
way to measure a runner is in the unit of time. Ask any runner and they will tell
you what their personal best time is at a certain race distance. In a gathering of runners, your time is expectedly
going to be part of the conversation.
Recently though, I changed how I would talk about time. In the shuttle
bus that takes runners to the starting line I was asked by a fellow runner
what my time goal was for the marathon, I answered, “My goal? My goal in this
run is to have the most fun!”</div>
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While the amount of time is important, what we do with it is
what matters most.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently I was devastated by the news of the passing of my
friend’s wife from breast cancer. When
his wife was still on treatments, I called my friend and promised to pay them a
visit. I had the time but I was never able to make that visit. I felt distraught
and asked myself why did I just not do it when I had the time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the last 2 months, I attended 3 memorials for people I
know. All of them reminded me about a
very basic lesson in time. Time is spelled as L-O-V-E. Take the time to visit a friend in need. Smile at a stranger. Give someone a nice compliment. Hug your kids or your spouse if you haven’t
hugged them in a while. Say I love you to your significant other and explicitly
say how much you mean to them. And many
other ways – big or small – to use the time you have to love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If we were all runners in this race called life, standing at
the finish line, God will <i><b>not</b></i> ask us – what was your time? Instead God will ask – how much did you love?</div>
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How can I pray for you today? For a loved one who is sick? A friend or family member who just passed away? Traveling? Send me a message. Post it here or post on my Facebook Page <a href="http://www.prayingrunner.com/" target="_blank">http://www.prayingrunner.com/</a>. You can email me too at prayingrunner@gmail.com. </div>
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***Here's praying in a special way for victims of the mass shooting at Orlando, FL.***</div>
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Also please follow me on my "Road to 50" - My goal of running 50 marathons by age 50 years old. I'm on Marathon #42 and will be running #43 in the San Francisco Marathon on July 31st 2016. I expect to run #50 in 2018 at the Napa Valley Marathon. I'm looking for 50 runners who want to join me and celebrate my 50th.</div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-90867815770501968832015-12-30T21:27:00.001-08:002015-12-31T15:40:00.245-08:00Top Ten (Non-health) Reasons to Run (Again) this New YearYou don’t have to be convinced that running is good for you. But why are you not running?! You lost it, huh? And can’t seem to find the motivation?<br />
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Here are some reasons that will get you running (again). But none of the proverbial health benefits because you already know by heart that running is good for you. My top ten non-health reasons for running are:<br />
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1. Check out new running gear. Go to your favorite sports or running store and shop for a new technical shirt, windbreaker, pair of running shoes, or maybe that GPS watch.<br />
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2. Do a get away. Take a break from the couch, the kitchen, the office chair! Forget about your usual route. Get away from the old and explore a new destination run to rave about.<br />
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3. Think “no excuses”. If you think you’re super busy to run, then know that there’s someone busier than you who’s running right now. Yes, you can find time to run!<br />
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4. Choose the better option. A 65-year old man decided to take on running late in his life. Asked why, he replied, “It’s better than sitting on a rocking chair.”<br />
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5. Brag! Surely you have the right! Run so you can post something on social media. See how many likes or hits you get. For all you know, you might be able to get someone to copy you and run!<br />
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6. Just sign up. If you haven’t yet, try registering for an organized race. Running is as social as it is an individual endeavor. Or if you’ve ran a race before, do yourself a favor, sign up and read reason #5.<br />
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7. Try with music. I’ve field tested this one. Got my phone and turned on Pandora. I ran easy while enjoying my music. Before I knew it, I covered lots of miles! I don’t do it on races but it works. Yes I’m a believer. But no I don’t listen to Justin Bieber.<br />
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8. Try with friend or family. If you’ve been running lonesome, try dragging a friend along. Or a family member. Look for new people to run with you. Or consider a running group.<br />
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9. Think restart. That means feel good about going back to your default settings; going back to baseline. Forget about how fast and how far you could already run. Just feel comfortable about starting over and go from there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from www.shutterstock.com</td></tr>
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10. Run for love. So many external reasons, but in the end, the long lasting motivation comes from within. Dig deep. Run for a cause. Run for a loved one. And then let them know about it.<br />
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How can I pray for you today? A resolution for 2016? Something to be thankful for in 2015? Send me a message. Post it here or on my FB page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a>. You can email me too at prayingrunner@gmail.com<br />
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-88067360985285897592015-07-19T16:09:00.002-07:002015-07-19T22:54:42.359-07:00 5 Ways To Pray As You Run<div class="MsoNormal">
One cold early morning in the
middle of winter during World War I, an extraordinary event brought enemies together. It’s known as the Christmas Truce of 1914. It
is said that while deep in their trenches, the soldiers heard singing of
“Silent Night.” Then in a rare moment,
the soldiers put down their rifles, emerged from the lines, and mingled with each
other. The event is seen as a miracle, a testament to man’s desire for peace
and God’s prevailing presence in our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The story always tugs at my
heartstrings because it reminds me of God’s longing for us. In the midst of our
busy lives, sometimes it almost feels like going to war, we forget how
much God is wanting to fight our battles and give us his peace. The victory is that we can find that peace
by praying. We put our weapons of work down, come out of our busy schedule, and
pray. For runners and active people, you can achieve that prayerful experience
as you do your favorite activity, says Roger Joslin, author of the book
“Running the Spiritual Path.” From his
book, I compiled a few ways to be able to pray and feel God’s presence as you
run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Mother Teresa Run. Look kindly in the eyes of every person you
meet and offer a smile. Mother Teresa said that she sees Jesus in the face of every
person that she meets. She said that smiling at someone is an action of love.
It doesn’t matter who it is, smiling at each other help us learn greater love
for each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Nature Run. Feel your feet when
it strikes against the earth. Sense the breeze brushing against your face. Hear the rustling of the leaves on the trees
or the scampering of critters when you run by.
See the distinct colors of nature around you. Be attuned to the natural
elements around you and focus the direct impact on your body. Feel your connection with creation and its
Creator.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. The Prodigal Son Run. In this parable, the prodigal son came to his
senses after squandering his father’s wealth.
So the son decided to take the road back to his father’s home. <i>“While he was still a long way off, his
father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw
his arms around him and kissed him.”</i> (Luke 15:17) What a powerful and prayerful
visual! As you’re running, when a pressing thought comes to mind, think of a
loving and forgiving Father running towards you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. The Benedictine Run. The priestly
order of the Benedictines practices a life of balance. For the Benedictines,
each day must include some time spent in work, some in prayer, some in sacred
reading, and some in community building. Joslin, in his book, suggests to
divide your run into three parts: First,
write a Scripture passage onto a small piece of paper to bring with you and read over the passage
a few times before running. Second, recite or even
memorize the passage as you run and ponder on the words. And thirdly, keep your
eyes open for work or helping activities that may appear – like picking up bits
of trash, removing a stone from the path, or be ready to stop running and be of
assistance to anyone in need. <o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Mindful Running. Like a priest who puts on his vestments, gear
up for a run slowly and methodically. Pay special attention as you put on your
socks and lace your shoes carefully, prayerfully. Start out running slowly and
be aware of your breathing. Let go of thoughts that arise and be mindful of
your running. It is our tendency to
distract our mind by entertaining all kinds of thoughts that come to mind. But
Joslin suggests to be present at a single task at hand and avoid the multitasking
going in your head. Instead, focus on running mindfully, empty a space in yourself, and make room for God. Be rested in
God’s presence and you will find peace. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How can I pray for you today? A special intention, for safe travel, for a loved one, for a job? Let me pray for you and with you. Post on my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> or email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com. You can also post your prayer request on the comments page on this blog.</div>
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Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-35687976073313542882015-07-01T13:16:00.001-07:002015-07-01T13:23:57.047-07:00Pain and Courage<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9JG2Vgzt7o/VZRKOsFTk-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/ObMFj0tcVfQ/s1600/Running_pain_relief_arnica.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9JG2Vgzt7o/VZRKOsFTk-I/AAAAAAAAAmY/ObMFj0tcVfQ/s320/Running_pain_relief_arnica.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from www.wellandgood.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So the last six weeks have been difficult because I’ve been
sidelined by an injury. I am unable to
run due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is an injury to your foot
typically caused by excessive tension of the plantar fascia, a band of
connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Repeated tension of the fascia can cause
inflammation. In other words, pain! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I was at the peak of my training when the pain got
worse. Just when I started thinking of
myself as invincible, I felt very helpless. For a runner, six weeks of no running feels
like forever. However, I tried not to let
it bother me inasmuch as it was affecting my morale. I thought about other
people who have more debilitating pain or more permanent injury. I remember my late wife who lived through the
pain of breast cancer for 11 years. She didn’t get cured, but she went through a
healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I look back at my wife’s life and at other people who went
through some pain and suffering, and I reflect on what quality they have that
stands out the most. It’s courage. It’s that inner strength that we call upon
when we are faced with fear and anxiety. It’s at the heart of your soul that gets you
going in the midst of hardship and pain. Courage is having an indomitable faith
that healing will take place. We are human beings and we are all subject to
pain in our lives, but God created our spirit that transcends our mortal senses. Courage is our path to healing. My wife passed away from cancer; but in her
last years, she was able to live her
life the fullest and most loving that she can ever be. She may not have been
cured of the cancer, but she was completely healed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The other day, I decided to test run my condition. I went
slowly and didn’t go too far, but I was running. In a similar way, we all live with some pain
be it physical or emotional; but we are called to be courageous and continue
moving on. We may carry the pain as we go; but
have faith and bring it up to God in prayer. And live with confidence that He
will bring you healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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<i>"This is my command – be
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
How can I pray for you today? Perhaps an injury, pain, or illness? A emotional hurt? Or an unanswered prayer? Let me pray for you and with you. Post on my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> or email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com. You can also post your prayer request on the comments page on this blog.</div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-12656875308741975962015-05-31T17:39:00.001-07:002015-07-01T13:17:39.453-07:00Run Where The Brave Dare Not Go<div class="MsoNormal">
I still distinctly remember approaching the finish line of
my first ever full marathon 10 years ago in Big Sur in California. Just about a hundred
yards to go I was running and giving it everything I have, digging deep
physically; then hearing the crowd cheer, I got overcome by my emotions of
achieving such a feat. I was so
overwhelmed, I didn’t know whether I wanted to burst into tears or throw up in
fatigue.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To run a marathon (26.2 miles or 42 kilometers) is an uncommon goal for any individual. Only about half of 1% of the
U.S. population has run a marathon. When
I first set my goal to run one, I couldn’t tell if my friends were impressed or
thought that I was crazy.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why did I run a marathon? To me, it was a unique
opportunity to challenge my physical strength and mental toughness. It was a test of my spirit and determination
to rise above and beyond my abilities. If I could do it in running,
perhaps I could also do the same in anything if I put forth all my effort and willpower, ready for all struggles and challenges, then I will always come out victorious in my
attempts to better myself and my world around me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My last statement is almost quixotic. But don’t we have all have some kind of
idealistic dream? So why not go for
them. Don Quixote, the Man of La Mancha himself suggests a reason why. When asked by Aldonza, the simple peasant woman
rough on the edges who Don Quixote adores, why he does all the chivalrous
things to her, Don Quixote replied, “I hope to add some measure of grace to the
world.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think we are all called to contribute something to better
the world. Idealistic it may seem, you hold fast to your dreams for a better
world and don’t ever let it go. In the face of trials and defeat, don’t give
up. In the midst of pain and grief, you keep going. You run where the brave
dare not go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h-dFwJ7HUc/VWupTGiPJII/AAAAAAAAAls/6bId0cOJdYY/s1600/running-573762_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0h-dFwJ7HUc/VWupTGiPJII/AAAAAAAAAls/6bId0cOJdYY/s320/running-573762_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy from pixabay.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The title of my blog post and last line is from the song “The Impossible
Dream” in the 1965 Broadway musical “Man of La Mancha” and was also featured in a movie of the same title in 1972. Take the time to listen and be inspired, not so much to set a running goal like a marathon, as to remember to always seek to be better today than you are yesterday.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How can I pray for you today? Post on my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> or email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com. You can also post your prayer request on the comments page on this blog.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SbDDE1Y0FZY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SbDDE1Y0FZY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"The Impossible Dream" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Version by Andy Williams 1971</div>
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(my late father's favorite singer)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-84405381611393930412015-03-15T20:46:00.000-07:002015-03-16T00:07:35.533-07:00God of the Mountain is still God in the Valley<div class="MsoNormal">
In his book “Ultramarathon Man,” Dean Karnazes describes the
highest and lowest elevations of the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile
footrace through the mountains and valleys of the Sierra Nevada range in
California. Dean said that the summit
was breathtaking in every direction. At
the bottom of the canyon, it was utterly stifling.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s interesting to note here how air is used to describe
both an awesome and an unpleasant feeling.
At the summit, Dean gasped in awe of the view; and at the lowest point,
he actually gasped for air. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbJt0i6p_50/VQZRk6jP7-I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/9kibhPMMR_w/s1600/motivation%2B460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbJt0i6p_50/VQZRk6jP7-I/AAAAAAAAAjQ/9kibhPMMR_w/s1600/motivation%2B460.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo courtesy: Active.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To me, it shows how the air we breathe encompass us wherever
we are – whether at a mountain top or at the depths of a valley. That’s how God
is present in our lives – like the air we breathe – God is present at the
highest and lowest point in our lives. Like
the verse of the song, "God of the mountain is still God in the valley."<o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter how successful we are now, we all went through
some rock bottom experience. A friend of
mine recently went through a divorce, and then underwent a thyroid surgery, and
a month later learned that he will be let go of his job. How worse can it get? It can feel overwhelming for anyone, but
remember that God is with you in bad times as He was there for you in good
times. When you feel like you are at an all-time low, gasp for God. With your
faith in God intact, you can only get something good out of even the most difficult time in your life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Even though I walk in the valley of darkness, I will fear no
evil for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>How can I pray for you today? Let me know. Post here, email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com,
or post on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a></i><br />
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Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-17153268608601417862015-03-08T13:50:00.002-07:002015-03-08T18:45:12.732-07:00No whining!Under my visor, I was hiding what I truly felt. At Mile 22, I was dog-tired. I struggled to make each step because my calf muscles were as hard as brick.<br />
But I could hear the cheers of a line of spectators behind the official race photographer who was clicking away at the runners as they pass. So the trooper that I am, I picked up my pace, swung those arms, held my head up high and flashed my game face of determination. The crowd cheered and the photographer took shots saying, "There you go! That's the way to work it!"<br />
<br />
Running a marathon is not easy. I saw a poster on the course which says, "Chuck Norris never ran a marathon!" That's how hard running a marathon can be even for the toughest guy you know. So I guess it's reasonable to expect a runner to gripe in pain at some point. However, even so, you don't want to whine about it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSF5LqOw9nU/VPyt4linlJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/0rM-5NelTK8/s1600/helen_klein13-605x1024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSF5LqOw9nU/VPyt4linlJI/AAAAAAAAAiM/0rM-5NelTK8/s1600/helen_klein13-605x1024.jpeg" height="320" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Helen Klein, at age 85, <br />broke the marathon world record <br />for her age group.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the same way, the journey of life is like a marathon course. It's not easy. As you live your life, you go through ups and downs, you experience pain, you may trip and fall, and sometimes you feel like quitting. But you don't. You keep going and before you know it, you see a crowd of people cheering for you. In life, these are your friends and family and even some random stranger who believe in you. That's why they're there. Take delight in their words of encouragement even though they're not running your race.<br />
<br />
Most importantly, don't whine! Even at the hardest part of the race. Even during the most trying event in your life. You keep moving forward with a positive and hopeful outlook. I overheard a response by Helen Klein, who at age 85 ran the fastest marathon for her age group, to a question as to how she is able to endure a marathon. She said that along the course, she just keeps thinking, "I'm going to have a good rest when I finish the race." Like a marathon, you can expect some difficult turns in your life. But instead of whining when you're actually faced with a difficulty, take time to reframe the problem and think about solutions.<br />
<br />
Lastly, remember that there's that photographer on the course. While he knows what you're doing is hard, he's got his camera trained on you. Like a photographer, God has His focus on you all the time.While you give it all you've got, he's about to capture the best in you. He knows your pain and wants you to worry less; but instead, God wants you to run to him even more.<br />
<br />
<i>Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all that he's done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Is there anything I can pray for you today? Let me know. Post here, email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com, or post on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a></i><br />
<br />
Godspeed!
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-88870962119878321112015-02-26T00:12:00.000-08:002015-02-26T18:34:40.539-08:00The End of the Road (Not)<div class="MsoNormal">
You've probably seen one somewhere – a road sign that says “Dead
End.” The metaphorical expression is so
powerful; when you see one on the road, you are highly unlikely to think twice
about proceeding further. There’s a similar road sign but that’s more benign – “Not
A Through Street”. It indicates that the end of the road is
imminent but doesn't terminate as abruptly as a dead-end road. It warns you that you can’t go back to the
main road if you keep going this direction.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In our life’s journey, how many times have we thought that
our direction is going nowhere or worse, that we've reached the end of the road? I think it can be pretty disheartening or even
devastating for others. Lately I had a heartbreaking loss. I thought about the what-could-have-beens and as well as the fears and insecurities I came with. The setback was painful enough for me to call it the
end of the road. However I
realized in my prayerful reflection, this is not the end of the road. Definitely it’s not a dead end. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdBVU2VZG4/VO7VFwikDhI/AAAAAAAAAhk/cs4fVjQeckc/s1600/North-Dakota-Highway-300x225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRdBVU2VZG4/VO7VFwikDhI/AAAAAAAAAhk/cs4fVjQeckc/s1600/North-Dakota-Highway-300x225.jpg" /></a></div>
Sometimes, there are roads that we take that we want to go
endless. It’s such a beautiful and heavenly experience that it feels that it’s meant
to be forever, until we see a road sign terminating through access. Don’t feel like it’s the end of the road! Because it’s not. If you feel
discouraged like I did, take comfort in trusting that God will eventually lead us to His
path. Allow me to share a Bible devotion
from Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you;
he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged."</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a long hiatus from posting on this blog, I finally
have published this blog back up, just in time for my 38<sup>th</sup> marathon
coming up this weekend in Napa, CA on March 1st. No
more pink rose to carry, which I've stopped doing last year, for I know the
pink rose now belongs in the past. It’s time to run to celebrate an even
healthier and fuller way of living. Like
how I want to live, I will run this race in peace, joy, and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But as always, I offer my run in prayer for people who need
prayers. Let me know how I can pray for you. Email me <a href="mailto:prayingrunner@gmail.com">prayingrunner@gmail.com</a> or post on my
Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.cm/prayingrunner">http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a>
or twitter @prayingrunner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Godspeed!<o:p></o:p></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-52018232123715904712013-09-22T20:42:00.000-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.582-08:00A Bend In The Road<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend Enrique, running his first ever marathon at the
California International Marathon (CIM), was starting to get utterly exhausted
when he saw Mile Marker #26. Excited to finish and thinking that that was the
finish, he began to sprint all out to the marker. What he didn’t realize was
that the finish line was actually 285 yards more around the bend! The finish at the CIM was a
straightaway of about one and a half miles, then two hairpin left turns. With
the benefit of hind sight, he said that explained why there was hardly any fanfare at Mile 26. But he was enthralled to see the cheering crowd and the
celebration when he made the turn at the bend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOeCpHDCXRw/Uj-4B9qWS0I/AAAAAAAAAXU/YwxCqh2LI-w/s1600/A+bend+in+the+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NOeCpHDCXRw/Uj-4B9qWS0I/AAAAAAAAAXU/YwxCqh2LI-w/s320/A+bend+in+the+road.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland Road in Danville, CA. Picture taken<br />
coming down from my grief retreat at San Damiano.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How interesting to see that sometimes our journey in life
happens in a similar way. We go through life on a <o:p></o:p></div>
straight path then suddenly
there’s a bend in the road. Sometimes these turning points in our journey are
not of our own choosing, but how we deal with them can define who we are. I met
Joan at a grief weekend retreat. She was happily married for 30+ years when she
lost her husband to suicide. She agonized in grief and guilt for quite some
time, but after a few years she decided to go back to school even at her old
age to become a grief counselor.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The road of life is never easy. Just when you think that yours
is really hard, then you learn of somebody’s that’s even more tragic. In that
same weekend, I met different people whose lives have been greatly affected by
a death of a loved one. But one thing I saw common in all of them was that at
the bend in the road, they hung on to their faith in God. They trust that that
same bend in the road will actually lead them to God. I remember my son’s coach
in track and field when he was running the curve in the 200 meters telling him
to lean in. He said to counteract the force that pushes you outward when you
run the curve, you need to lean into the curve. Trust those bends on the road
are God’s, and then lean on Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This Sunday, on September 29<sup>th</sup>, I will be running
the Half Moon Bay International Marathon (HMBIM). Unlike the CIM, the Half Moon
Bay Marathon has a hilly finish. It also has a dozen of hairpin twists and
turns! But I’m actually thankful for those bends on the road up and down the
hilly course because they allow for an easier and safer running. Imagine if you
want to avoid the turns and just go straight up the hill, you would have to
negotiate an extremely steep slope! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The HMBIM will be #33 on the road to my “50 x 50” goal.
Fifty marathons by the time I turn 50 years old. I will also run this race
holding a pink rose in honor of my wife; and I will also be running this race
bringing with me your prayer requests. You can post your special intentions on
this website, send it via email <a href="mailto:prayingrunner@gmail.com">prayingrunner@gmail.com</a>,
or post in on my Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a>. You can also show your support by running with
me or liking my FB page to hopefully reach other people who need prayers. I hope to run into each one of you one day; till then
Godspeed!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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P.S. Remember my friend Enrique who ran the CIM? I’m happy
that, in spite of running on empty, he dug deep and sprinted those last two turns
to see what lies beyond the bend – a glorious finish!<o:p></o:p></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-84637997143155125392013-03-27T22:14:00.002-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.634-08:00DefeatThere are no victors where there are no losers.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 1982 Boston Marathon was headlined as “The Greatest
Boston Marathon” because of two American runners who went at each other’s heels
for the entire 26.2 miles, ending in the narrowest margin of victory in the
history of the race. It was so close but in the end there was one winner. Alberto Salazar beat Dick Beardsley by a
margin of 2 seconds. Beardsley was once asked, “For 26 miles, how can you not
run faster by 2 seconds?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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All of us have experienced defeat of some sort. Not just in running. No one can avoid them anywhere. Somehow
there is a defeat for everyone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have my own share of plethora of defeats in life; many of
them I have overcome; but a few still remind me the feeling of loss. The first
one happened 30 years ago. I was a high school senior competing for a college
scholarship via a qualifying examination and interview. Of the 5 selected in
our high school to compete, I was the only one who did not make it. The second
defeat happened only 2 years ago. I stood by my wife as she fought breast cancer,
especially the last 5 years of her 11 year battle. It was my fight as much as
it was hers. I prayed to God to defeat her illness; but we lost.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyrInQKK6f8/UVPTYX5w9kI/AAAAAAAAAWM/EzFfev8KrUY/s1600/_MG_5910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PyrInQKK6f8/UVPTYX5w9kI/AAAAAAAAAWM/EzFfev8KrUY/s320/_MG_5910.JPG" width="212" /></a>I still bear these defeats today not so much for the pain as
it is for the loss I feel. I have since resumed with my life after my losses but I know something is still lacking. I am like music that lost its melody; like sunshine that lost its
warmth. I’m like a lover that lost its heart; like a runner that lost its motion.</div>
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This year, when I started to take a new path and experienced
fear and doubt, old memories echo what I've lost in my past defeats – my faith
in God. I am unable to see my present joys and victories .<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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However, take solace.
There is something magnanimous about defeats. It is not all about loss;
for God loves losers as much as victors. So, to my dear readers, even when both
praying and running are hard to do now, I will keep moving on with hope. In due time, I will be able to fully appreciate God's special gift to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-29926325770449837992013-02-13T16:25:00.002-08:002022-07-30T16:25:46.831-07:00Revisiting a Mile MarkerThanks to technology today, you could start running at any point and your GPS gadget could mark down the mile markers for you as you run. It's really neat. I ran 20 miles with a friend recently who had a GPS running watch; he set the watch before we ran and his watch would beep faithfully every time we reach a mile. It's nice to have a device to remind you of markers in your routes; but for a bare runner like me, I usually take the familiar road and know all of the mile markers by heart.<br />
<br />
In our life's path, we all have these mile markers that easily remind us of important events in our lives. Mile markers that evoke the same old feelings or perhaps some surprising growth. Around this time of the year, I am revisiting a few sentimental mile markers in my life's journey. Allow me to share them with you in my next few entries - not much about the event itself as it is about the meaning I take away from it.<br />
<br />
Two years ago in early February, my wife and I sought a second opinion from a breast cancer specialist at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) Cancer Center and to ask about newer treatment plans and to even participate in clinical studies if need be, to find a cure for my wife's cancer. However, after interviews, evaluations and discussion with the oncologists, it was determined that my wife was too weak to tolerate the effects of any treatment plan. Not giving up hope, I wrote in her journal, <i>"It seems to be a setback,but we still have faith on the current chemo drugs she is taking...We know that God continues to heal her through all the treatments. She is aware of her weakening condition, but she is not ready to give up just yet."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhqSHb2yA4g/URwt5OoUmHI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Z1bWufBjhKw/s1600/Ash+Wednesday+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhqSHb2yA4g/URwt5OoUmHI/AAAAAAAAAV8/Z1bWufBjhKw/s320/Ash+Wednesday+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ash Wednesday 2011. Praying Runner with Jinky at<br />Kaiser Hospital a month before she passed away.<br />PR's reason for running...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Around this time of the year, too, is the anniversary of her cancer survivorship (February 7th). It was her 11th year. 11 is my favorite number and I was very hopeful for another full year. There were not many good signs though - <i>"She's still having trouble with the coughing and pain on her left side due to fluid in her lungs. Mobility also an issue." - </i>I wrote.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I realized how difficult it was to hope against hope. But to do it for someone you love, you would do whatever it takes to keep moving on. You see the real meaning of taking it one day at a time because each day counted so much and you treasure every single one of it as it passes. So I finished my entry in the journal for that day quoting from an "oldies" song <i>Today*. "A million tomorrow shall all pass away, 'ere I forget all the joy that is mine today." I thank God for every 'today' I spend with her. I love you, Jinky. You are the home of my heart."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>*</i><a href="http://youtu.be/7OBJwtKnK1I" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The song "Today" on YouTube</a> (You can skip the commercial at the beginning.) Song was also popularized by the late John Denver.Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-69248011358924055702013-01-07T23:50:00.003-08:002015-02-22T18:32:24.603-08:00The Epiphany<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you know that The Magi who followed the Star of
Bethlehem traveled an exceptionally long distance to pay homage to the baby
Jesus? Some theorists said that they journeyed about 1,000 to 1,200 miles. Talk
about endurance and long distance. That, by early Roman Empire standards and even
modern categories, is incredibly far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In training, runners can cover that mileage over a period of
time, but not without battling pain and overcoming bad days. There’s tremendous
adversity to handle to complete a certain mileage to be able to successfully
finish a race. It changes the life of a person so much so that it is said that,
“The person who starts a race is not the same person who finishes the race.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In a similar way, I think The Magi who traveled an ultra-long
distance, were transformed. Even more so, upon seeing the star and seeing the
child Jesus, they were never the same again. It was the Epiphany of the Lord to The
Magi and to the world. God shone the Star of Bethlehem and led them to their
Lord and Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EI-MdWjD-lE/UOvPVjJP20I/AAAAAAAAAVk/QjyJJeTTcL8/s1600/No+U-turn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EI-MdWjD-lE/UOvPVjJP20I/AAAAAAAAAVk/QjyJJeTTcL8/s320/No+U-turn.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>NO U-TURN. Once you see the light of<br />the Lord, it makes a difference in your<br />life that you never want to go back<br />to your old ways.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This past Christmas, after another year of journeying life
without my wife, I think I finally saw the star in the sky. With lots of
praying and prayers from you, I was enlightened to see the joy of living in the
present and leaving the past behind. My grieving may not get “done”, but my
current situation can have a good outcome. All of us had troubled days, but
those are now past and gone. God’s star “over the place where the child Jesus
was” will bring us joy and hope for a renewed life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now the Magi, “having been warned in a dream not to return
to Herod, departed for their country by another way.” (Matthew 2:12). The Magi,
though they were instructed by Herod to return upon seeing the Child, did not go
back to Herod. Once you see the light of the Lord, it makes a difference in
your life that you never want to go back to your old ways. When God shines His
light to you, you will be filled with grace so much so that there’s no u-turning anymore. Onward forward ahead!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
God speed!Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-12225612002584185082013-01-07T23:46:00.001-08:002015-02-22T18:32:24.535-08:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you know that The Magi who followed the Star of
Bethlehem travelled an exceptionally long distance to pay homage to the baby
Jesus? Some theorists said that they journeyed about 1,000 to 1,200 miles. Talk
about endurance and long distance. That, by early Roman Empire standards and even
modern categories, is incredibly far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In training, runners can cover that mileage over a period of
time, but not without battling pain and overcoming bad days. There’s tremendous
adversity to handle to complete a certain mileage to be able to successfully
finish a race. It changes the life of a person so much so that it is said that,
“The person who starts a race is not the same person who finishes the race.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a similar way, I think The Magi who travelled an ultra-long
distance, were transformed. Even more so, upon seeing the star and seeing the
child Jesus, they were never the same. It was the Epiphany of the Lord to The
Magi and to the world. God shone the Star of Bethlehem and led them to their
Lord and Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past Christmas, after another year of journeying life
without my wife, I think I finally saw the star in the sky. With lots of
praying and prayers from you, I was enlightened to see the joy of living in the
present and leaving the past behind. My grieving may not get “done”, but my
current situation can have a good outcome. All of us had troubled days, but
those are now past and gone. God’s star “over the place where the child Jesus
was” will bring us joy and hope for a renewed life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-5734750751836964552012-12-30T18:30:00.000-08:002015-02-22T18:32:24.584-08:00NOT Your Health<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKjZcCr6vK4/UOD4Y2ECuhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Wyz7pT1YWZE/s1600/Foreclosed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKjZcCr6vK4/UOD4Y2ECuhI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Wyz7pT1YWZE/s1600/Foreclosed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nobody can take your health away from you,<br />but don't take it for granted either.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unlike property, nobody can take your health away from you. You don’t owe anybody your body. But you can’t sell or get rid of it either. You own it, imperfections and all.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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That being said, you really need to take care of your body’s
health. It’s a very important aspect of your life, to say the least. A lot of
your daily activities actually revolve around your body’s health. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, our health is often taken for granted. I was talking to a friend one day who said that he is very busy all day long. He works 8 to 5, then takes the kids to soccer practice, and
gets dinner ready when they arrive home. Before he knows it, he’s so wiped out.
Sure he knows the importance of health, but who’s got the time to exercise?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, remember this – somebody right now who is busier than
my friend shall find the time to exercise during the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people who find time to exercise have ranked exercise
high on their priority list along with going to work, taking care of the kids,
and doing chores at home. The idea is that whatever activity keeps you really
occupied, exercise needs to be seen in the same light. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the New Year 2013, they say that a return in the normal
housing market is unlikely. However, it could be better when it comes to
your personal home front. This new year, make it happen – put one bright spot
in your life this year which you could act actually take charge of…<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s what PrayingRunner wants you to do for 2013 –<o:p></o:p></div>
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Put your health higher in the totem pole of your time. At least, don’t give it as an excuse that you
don’t have time to exercise because you’re busy. Your body is yours for your
lifetime. Though nobody can foreclose it on you, you do have obligations to
take care of it.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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Here’s what PrayingRunner can do for you in 2013 –<o:p></o:p></div>
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I shall continue to pray for your special intentions, inspire
you, encourage you, give you tips, run for you, and if ever possible, train or
run with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have a Blessed New Year 2013 and God speed!<o:p></o:p></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-19142859568653130932012-12-24T22:57:00.000-08:002022-07-30T16:25:41.959-07:00Muddling ThroughA verse in the Christmas song, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," struck a chord in me...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Through the years we all will be together, </i><i>If the fates allow; </i><i>Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow; </i><i>And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.</i></blockquote>
Muddling through was what I pretty much did in the marathon I ran December 2nd this year in Sacramento, CA. It was by far the stormiest running in the 30 years of the race, the California International Marathon (CIM). Gusty winds blowing in every direction and inches of rain pouring down on the course. Broken branches strewn on the soaking pavement of running water and silt. As puddled and mired the course became, I and a whole lot of runners muddled through the race somehow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DnRRewPnNQ/UNlNsAPiyTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Qo6ik2eeFOA/s1600/Christmas+2012-001x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DnRRewPnNQ/UNlNsAPiyTI/AAAAAAAAAVE/Qo6ik2eeFOA/s320/Christmas+2012-001x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
T'was just like how I managed this Christmas and the year 2012 that was - a full year without my wife. Although the storms in my life were not as epic as the CIM's storm, some of them were turbulent enough to blow my emotional state to pieces. I just miss her terribly as I learn to live my life without her. And that is all there is to it. Until that day we are reunited in God's eternal place for us, keeping her memory alive in my runs, praying for other people's intentions, and living each moment with love like she did, I will get through for sure!<br />
<br />
So next year, my prayer runs will go on and hopefully, more of my "reflections on the road" posted a lot more often. You can help me by "liking" my PrayingRunner Facebook Page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> and sharing it on yours.<br />
<br />
Thank you and God speed!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-11522654712888407012012-11-23T14:21:00.000-08:002022-07-30T16:25:38.725-07:00Passing A Milestone and Moving On<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqsexu_ECRY/ULcgnSalGKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HvyDGafsnfs/s1600/Pink+Rose+CIM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqsexu_ECRY/ULcgnSalGKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/HvyDGafsnfs/s320/Pink+Rose+CIM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Every marathon, I run with a pink rose in my<br />hand in memory of my wife, Jinky</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What do you do when half of who you are is gone,<br />
You move on.<br />
You move on with all that’s left of you.<br />
You look up, you look ahead down the road<br />
You see the parade has passed and the crowd is leaving,<br />
You just keep moving on.<br />
On this Thanksgiving Day 2012, more than a year after Jinky’s passing<br />
I bring her <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ajcumagun" target="_blank">CaringBridge</a> website to a close.<br />
A book is in the works through <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ajcumagun" target="_blank">CaringBridge</a><br />
So I can keep all memories and your thoughts and prayers.<br />
I want to thank you for being a part of her journey.<br />
Jinky has moved on<br />
And Tim and I are still passing through.<br />
So we keep moving on with faith in our God of hope<br />
Who sees nothing but the whole of me.<br />
Thank you and God bless.<br />
May you have a Happy Day of Giving Thanks!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God speed!</div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-64067757707920703062012-09-28T17:37:00.003-07:002022-07-30T16:25:35.733-07:00Running, Grieving, and Meaning<br />
It’s been a year and a half since my wife passed away after a long battle with breast cancer, but I’m only recently beginning to realize the fullness of what I’ve lost. Whoever said that the stages of grief come in an orderly progression was wrong. Grieving is not a neat and systematic process at all. It’s totally haphazard. It was much like my training for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/halfmoonbayim" target="_blank">Half Moon Bay International Marathon</a>.<br />
<br />
Some days were good. Some days were not. To run was a struggle, but I tried hard to put a run in as often as I could. My skimpy training reflected my own attempt to create a picture of me doing something to move on with my life with my loss.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0FJZRwamvM/UGZAY84EsBI/AAAAAAAAAUg/65Oq0xb9FhU/s1600/Half+Moon+Bay+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K0FJZRwamvM/UGZAY84EsBI/AAAAAAAAAUg/65Oq0xb9FhU/s320/Half+Moon+Bay+2.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With a rose in hand, approaching the <br />finish line at the Half Moon Bay<br />International Marathon on<br />Sept. 23, 2012 in California.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I came to the race very guarded; but all that changed right before the start of the race. I was greeted by two runners, Michelle and Stacie with her family, who thanked me for what I do. Then, a few good friends, husband and wife Alvin and Michelle, Myrel, and Ja, who showed up as a surprise, to show their support. During the race, I ran into Chris, who is running to raise awareness for the Prader-Willi Syndrome and in honor of their daughter Grace, and who has been following my journey since he and his wife met me last year at the inaugural race. And also, Alva, who broke to me the sad news of Pete Mingwah’s death only a week ago. Pete, the ultimate and inspirational couch to ultramarathon runner, is like a brother to Alva. Then as the race went on, a few more runners who remembered me from last year and who recognized me as the runner with the rose gave me a shout out on the course. I met a few more runners – Patrick, Rachel, mother and son team Joanna and Paul, and Cynthia, who is race director of a trail and adventure race company, <a href="http://www.desertskyadventures.com/" target="_blank">Desert Sky Adventures</a>. I also like to mention the volunteers and organizers who joyously and eagerly cheered me on throughout the race. The entire race turned out to be a blessing of an experience for me. Instead of feeling my loss, I realized what I had gained.<br />
<br />
My run was for my wife. It was also for all the people I prayed for and those who asked for it on their behalf. As much as I remembered my loss during the run, I also recognized the caring, giving, and the affirmation I received from the other runners, volunteers, and organizers I met in the race.<br />
<br />
Grieving, like running is not easy. Grieving is not fun, unlike running. But grieving and running, in the right direction, can be both nurturing. There is joy and enlightenment that eventually grow out of them. It doesn't matter if the training was a mess, or if the grieving was disorderly. What matters is that you are at the starting line (again) to face an opportunity to grow, to change, and to be a better person than you were before.<br />
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<br />
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<div>
<i>Some excerpts taken from <u>Widower: When Men Are Left Alone</u> by Scott Campbell and Phyllis R. Silverman</i></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-81327449108714382382012-09-01T16:54:00.000-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.623-08:00A Re-Post. Praying for Families<br />
At Mile 20 of the Annual California International Marathon in Sacramento, CA is an infamous water station decorated with an arch that looks like a solid brick wall. It’s scrupulously tormenting especially when you actually hit the wall when you get this far running. <br />
<br />
That’s what happened to me in a marathon seven years ago. At Mile 20, I started to fatigue. I could feel spotty tingling cramping sensations on my calf muscles. My legs were starting to feel heavy instead of the fleet footed strides I did the last 20 miles. I started to worry for I knew I was bonking. <br />
<br />
But I had to dig deep. When the body starts to fail, the mind takes over. I remembered what my wife gave to me at the starting line. She gave me two folded pieces of note inside a Ziploc Bag. She tucked it inside my fuel belt and told me to read it somewhere around Mile 20.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zt7eDznogrQ/UEKWYCL_H9I/AAAAAAAAAT0/7GlmErOxTmM/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zt7eDznogrQ/UEKWYCL_H9I/AAAAAAAAAT0/7GlmErOxTmM/s200/IMG_0959.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A note from my son to me<br />during the San Francisco<br />Marathon in 2005.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A note from my late wife<br />to me during the San Francisco<br />Marathon in 2005.</i></td></tr>
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The first note was from my son. <i>“Dad, you have 6.1 more miles. You can do it! I love you.”</i> The second note was from my wife. <i> “Dear Love, I wish someday I’ll be able to run 10k easily, then ½ marathon, and then marathon. Thanks for inspiring me. Good job, Dad! Keep running! – Loves.” </i> Tears started rolling down my cheeks. I looked up ahead of me and I started running one step after another. I will finish this marathon with all that I have left for I can't wait a minute longer to see my family.<br />
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As you know, my wife was never able to run a 10k easily, nor a half, nor a full marathon with me. She did run a 10k in 2006 but it turned out to be a very difficult one for her. One month after that 10k, her cancer came back and metastasized. My son was 8 years old when he wrote me that note; he is 15 years old now. He is “retired” from running for now and is doing other sports. Even when my wife is not with us anymore, she and my son are still my inspiration to keep me going. Especially when I “hit the wall” in my life’s journey.<br />
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On September 23rd, I will be running the Half Moon Bay International Marathon in Half Moon Bay, CA. in prayer for your special intentions, especially for families who have lost a loved one or ones. Send me your prayer requests by posting it here or on my Facebook Page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner">http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> or by sending me an email at prayingrunner@gmail.com.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5omB_YwlcM/UEKbLvEskJI/AAAAAAAAAUE/5m-zAaXPBPc/s1600/IMG_2358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5omB_YwlcM/UEKbLvEskJI/AAAAAAAAAUE/5m-zAaXPBPc/s200/IMG_2358.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Back page of the same note<br />written on the hotel pad.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaZKp3k2QMM/UEKbUYdqPsI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ETvW02bWP5U/s1600/IMG_2359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaZKp3k2QMM/UEKbUYdqPsI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/ETvW02bWP5U/s200/IMG_2359.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>From my wife during the San Jose<br />Marathon in 2006</i></td></tr>
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Sharing with you another note I found recently that my late wife wrote to me during the San Jose Marathon in 2006. That weekend, she made every effort to go with me and stay with me at the hotel the eve of the marathon, even though she was in pain from her cancer treatments.<br />
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She wrote: <i>Dear Love, I'm praying the rosary for you now and I will again tomorrow. I feel thankful for you offering this run to me. I feel very blessed having you do all the sacrifices to take care of me. Thank you so much for still seeing me as the home of your heart even if I don't look attractive and that I can't do most what I could do in the past. But I know I'll get better. I can still be "normal". I'm looking forward to that. I'm glad Tim and I are here with you. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH & SO MUCH. Loves, Jinky.</i></div>
Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-81155999598777664062012-08-25T17:33:00.003-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.620-08:00What Does It Take To See A Sign?<br />
It was a 5k/10k trail run. The race director reminded the runners to watch out for the sign to indicate the split. I was running the 10k as a recovery run. I just ran a full marathon the week before; so I will just take it easy and not worry about my time.<br />
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Indeed I didn’t care about my pace; but I also didn’t pay attention to the sign. At some point in the race, I didn’t see anybody in front of me or behind me. But up ahead I saw what seemed to be a couple of volunteers and they were cheering me on. “Great job!” “You can do it!” And a volunteer with a stopwatch said to me, “Your time - 21 minutes. 2 miles to go!” Then I went to a screeching halt! What? “Yes, sir! You are the first to reach Mile 4.” No way! I'm running a 5 minute per mile pace? Of course I could not!<br />
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And then I realized – I missed the sign. I took a wrong turn and got ahead of the leader by 2 miles.<br />
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What does it take to see a sign? Two things.<br />
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First, you have to be looking and paying attention. Then you have to recognize what it means.<br />
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Last week, a good friend of mine lost his wife, Chris after a sudden illness. This week, another family friend lost her husband, Dennis. Dennis was diagnosed of lymphoma last year. When I saw Dennis’s wife at Chris’ funeral, I told myself that I would visit Dennis. But I didn’t follow through. When I learned of his death, I felt bad for putting off visiting him. Looking back, I think Chris’s death was already a sign, but I ignored the meaning.<br />
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As a praying runner, I dedicate my runs to those who need prayers, especially to those who are sick. In addition to prayers, I also make an effort to either call them or visit them with the hope of giving them some comfort. Not only I do try to recognize signs, but I also try to <i>be a sign</i> of God’s loving presence.<br />
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I feel sorry for not being able to visit Dennis. But I’m taking this event as another sign. I offered my last run to Dennis in prayer and promised myself to try even harder to be a sign of God’s love and mercy to people I pray for, especially to the sick.<br />
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If you have any prayer requests, please email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com, post it here, or in my Facebook page, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner">http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a>. I am running a marathon in Half Moon Bay, CA on September 23 and I shall offer it in prayer for all your special intentions, especially for those who are sick.<br />
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<i>(Reflection points taken from a homily by Fr. Michael Todd, O.P.)</i><br />
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Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-82273435867779405452012-08-18T18:10:00.000-07:002022-07-30T16:25:31.513-07:00Praying Our GoodbyesAt the airport recently, I saw a young couple perhaps in their mid-twenties, standing just behind the security tape, in a tight embrace. They were both in tears, looking at each other occasionally then kissing; then back in the embrace where their arms were locked around the other. I couldn’t tell which one was leaving but I could tell you none of them wants to let go from that embrace.<br />
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The scene reminded me of another couple I saw at the starting line of the San Francisco Marathon. When it was announced one minute to start, the couple smacked on the lips, a quick hug (almost like a chest bump), then the young man walked away and disappeared in the pack.<br />
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Two scenes of goodbye said differently. Most of us have been in both kinds of goodbyes. Some goodbyes are easier to say because we know pretty soon we will be reunited with our loved ones. Just like the couple in the race. Some goodbyes are harder perhaps because of the unknown. Just like the couple at the airport.<br />
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But whatever the case may be, goodbyes remind us about a fact of life. At some point in our lives, we would all experience a separation, a loss, a disruption in our “normal” lives. Painful as some of our experience may be, they give us an opportunity to grow, to be renewed, to move forward. And in all ways, goodbyes remind us about God’s presence in our lives. That as we learn to let go, we also learn to let God.<br />
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A few days ago, I prayed my goodbye to my nephew at the airport. I prayed for his success in the kind of life he desired. Also last week, I prayed my goodbye to my old workplace. I moved to a new school with a completely different level of students to teach. Today I prayed my goodbye to a dear friend who was laid to rest this morning.<br />
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Every time I run, I pray for more faith; and I pray in thanksgiving for all that I have received. I wouldn’t be able to pray my goodbyes if I hadn’t learned how to love more and live life fuller from all the goodbyes I’ve said before. <br />
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God speed!<br />
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Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-90739771222291909392012-08-09T16:06:00.000-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.641-08:00Make Room<br />
When running, especially during a race, I usually take the outer lane to make room for faster runners. I learned this first hand in one of my first fun run many years ago. I collided with a passing runner. A few runners are courteous enough to alert you about their presence when approaching from behind. But sometimes, they seem to come from nowhere.<br />
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A trail runner friend of mine, Christopher was recently struck from behind by a speeding cyclist on a trail. The cyclist claimed that she called out. And my friend said that he actually looked over his shoulder before he crossed the path. He suffered some serious facial and back injuries due to the crash. After learning this, I now make room for both announced and unannounced passing runners and cyclists.<br />
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This is also a good practice to take on, not only in running but also in life – to make room for perils on the road. Life’s path is not always safe and predictable. And some hazards are obstructed from your view. Two years ago, when my wife was in and out of the hospital, we lost our house. But wait, there’s more! My computer with all my important documents crashed.<br />
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It reminds me about the Story of Job who endured one suffering after another. He became distraught and angry. But Job carried on because he made room. Through a life of prayer, he made room for God. He believed that in spite of the series of setbacks, God still cared about him.<br />
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My friend, Christopher also has faith like Job’s. When he was younger, as an Air Force officer, he saw action where he got lost in the vast jungles of Central America. He thought he was going to die but he navigated his way 80 miles in hostile area back to base in 5 days. Before his running accident, he just lost his Mom. He is currently recovering from his injuries and is determined to go back to running again. Christopher’s faith sustains him and his life of prayer allows him to make room to face adversities.<br />
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The past few weeks, I was requested to pray for two people who were admitted to the hospital for treatments only to pass away due to complications in the process. Kate was 26 years old and Tina turned 49 the day she died. Also, yesterday, I was on my way to visit Chris L. in a physical rehabilitation facility when I learned that she was back in the ICU again.<br />
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Make room. Be prepared at all times for God’s movement. He might just be running right next to you to keep you in pace. Then perhaps to pass you and lead the way. Make room for God.<br />
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God speed!<br />
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<br /></div>Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-2093198923038599262012-08-02T15:29:00.000-07:002022-07-30T16:25:27.293-07:0029 Runners and More<div>
I was the only one still up past the midnight hour. I just came out of the shower after another day of vigil at home. I checked on my wife and saw she was still breathing. She was heavily sedated for the last nine days; it was just a matter of time. A nurse friend had told me that her body was failing rapidly but her will to live was very strong. I bent over and whispered “I love you,” to her. </div>
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After half an hour, I went back to our room to check on her. She had stopped breathing. I just stood there looking at her peaceful state. Trying futilely to be strong, I let tears roll down my cheeks. Then one by one I woke family members up. They all gathered around her crying while I stepped out of the room to be alone.</div>
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This scene played in my mind as I was running on the highest peak by the edge of the cliff on the 10th mile of the San Francisco Marathon. I ran in solitude and deep in my own thoughts, looking far away at the overcast view of the beautiful Baker Beach. I was also on the outmost side of the road far apart from other runners who were wisely taking the inner lanes as the road bends. I knew I was separated from the crowd of runners but I got the solace I needed. But not for long.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM-LrbeipTg/UBr9_hwTj5I/AAAAAAAAATc/u1jsfOKAn9s/s1600/Run+SFM+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mM-LrbeipTg/UBr9_hwTj5I/AAAAAAAAATc/u1jsfOKAn9s/s320/Run+SFM+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A pink rose in my hand, my bib, <br />and my running shirt during the marathon.</i></td></tr>
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One runner came from behind me and tapped me on the shoulder and said, “God bless you, bro.” I gave him a smile and a high five in the air; “Thanks, man!” I said to him. Before I could get back to my solitary reflection, another runner came up to me again and said, “You’re inspirational. Good job.” Down the road, yet another one. “I love the message on your shirt. Keep it up!” And there was more to come. I actually started counting the numbers and at least there were 29 runners, including spectators, who gave me some words of affirmation. These were people I never met. But I felt we all had one thing in common – we found ourselves in running.</div>
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I actually came to the race for some solitary refuge as I continue to grieve over my wife’s death. Running seemed to complement being lonesome. But I was wrong. Running can connect me with other people even with those who I would never meet. Running also allows me to reach out to others like how the 29 runners and spectators did to me. Sometimes, like John “The Penguin” Bingham said, it isn’t the pace or mileage, but the people who become the most important part in running. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8S5csie7G0/UBr9k0pU4lI/AAAAAAAAATU/sHMr88he0eM/s1600/Marathon+Number+27+in+SFO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8S5csie7G0/UBr9k0pU4lI/AAAAAAAAATU/sHMr88he0eM/s320/Marathon+Number+27+in+SFO.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge with<br />a community of runners</i></td></tr>
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Yesterday I was looking online at my array of official running photos from the race. I usually pick the one with my solo shot; otherwise, I just crop other runners out. But this time, I chose the one with the most runners around me and left the picture as is. I’d be lucky to meet anyone of them but I know in my heart that they’ve been part of my journey.</div>
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And so have you, my dear readers. Thank you for being a part of my life – running with me, praying with me, or just even following my blog. Oh yeah, thank you too, to a fellow runner K., who I met in the bus to the Expo, who knew about me through my blog. Thank you for all your support and encouragement.<br />
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God speed!</div>
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<br /></div>Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8428128977281436250.post-40085150358323136082012-07-27T01:35:00.000-07:002015-02-22T18:32:24.569-08:00Mindful RunningDid you know that Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan was variably inspired by the last words of convicted killer Gary Gilmore before he was executed by a firing squad in 1977?<br />
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It’s a piece of trivia to ignore considering how these three words now move people to action. I haven’t learned of any catchphrase more compelling than this to propel anybody from 0 to 60 mph. You know what I mean. You want to run but are feeling lazy to get up from bed in the morning, but you <i>just do it</i>! You’re close to the finish line and your legs are burning in pain, but you <i>just do it</i>! You just don’t give yourself a darn second to analyze the situation, you <i>just do it</i>!<br />
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It’s a blitzkrieg of the mind that really works when you just want the run done and over with. You think <i>just do it</i>! But how about a more subtle approach? Instead of a mental short circuit to do a run, how about planning out a more purposeful run? Try this. Before you run, condition your mind to receive some small pleasures along the way. During the run, be attentive and purposefully find something good, even how small, on your running path. Then, after the run, as you cool down, be thankful as you are satisfied, for getting a run in for the day.<br />
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Some people call it Mindful Running. It’s an alternative to <i>just do it</i> running. There are a handful of inspirational slogans that suit mindful running. <i>Running is a journey not a destination. There’s more to life than increasing its speed. Stop and smell the roses.</i> At least you can say these slogans without thinking of a firing squad.<br />
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Last weekend, I had to do a long run. My instinct as an athlete told me to <i>just do it</i>! But instead, I deliberately prepared to be mindful as I run. I planned my long run around other things which are just as worthwhile as covering the mileage I needed to do. Throughout the run, I would smile at every runner and passerby I meet and utter a blessing prayer. (I counted 9 people.) At every turn, I would sing a favorite song aloud as if I was singing in the shower. (Not too many turns this route. Whew!) And I also planned on remembering a number of people who requested prayers. I wrote down their names on my booklet which I tucked in my fuel belt. There were 11 of them to ponder over their prayer intentions and ask for God’s mercy and blessing on their behalf. (A mile for each of them and added one of my own in my list to pray for.)<br />
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So if you ask me how my long run was, here’s what I would say. It was awesome! I smiled at 9 strangers, I sang 6 favorite songs, and I prayed for 12 people in my list.<br />
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And speaking of prayer list, I am offering my marathon in San Francisco on July 29th for your prayer intentions. You can email me at prayingrunner@gmail.com or post it on my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner">http://www.facebook.com/prayingrunner</a> or here in my blog. There is nothing more that inspires me to keep going than to remember and pray for other people.<br />
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Please pray for me, too, and God speed!<br />
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<br /></div>Praying Runnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693212854955984788noreply@blogger.com0