William Chong

To complete a 21km halfmarathon, most people need to train.

(Insert spiritual growth analogy here.)

The good thing is I’ve found a training schedule to adhere to here.

And to prove that it’s not impossible, I’ve actually been running at the first week’s schedule for the past two weeks now, just so I could test my motivation and ability to commit alongside 40-hour work week, preparing family dinners, going out to homegroups and practices, church, play, teaching and any time I have left. My motivation is still there, in part because I’ve found great ways to pass the running time. An iPod + the latest sermon podcasts + Bob Kauflin hymns, that’s gonna be a pretty exciting staple (for now at least).

Today’s 25-minute set was pretty good. I put on the pace a bit (for my standards anyways) for the first 5 minutes, and was really getting into some Peter Somervell remixes – had no issues whatsoever with the running rhythm…

… and then a 50-year-old lady in full sports-kit glory slipped past me like the breeze.

How did she do this? How trained-up was she? Did she use exercise pills? How did I get beaten by a grandmother?

I think it goes to show that it’s very much an uphill battle.

The rest of the week there’s a couple of 25-minute ones, a 60-minute for Saturday which my fashion model friend has kindly offered to be a training buddy, and two 20-minute ones. And that’s just the first week.

If you haven’t considered supporting my efforts, please think about the NZ Heart Foundation. I know it’s a while away but it’s for a good cause, plus it’ll mean I can’t pike out! Check out my HeartRacer page and show your support.

Training Record:

12.8.08 – Route – 5:30pm – 24:38:88 – Jog

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I’m entering a half-marathon this year.

Huh? Are you kidding me?

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No joke. With the encouragement of a friend, I signed up to train for and participate in the 2008 Auckland Marathon. I’ve been slowly easing myself into regular running again, and thought it’d be a good goal to complete a 21km course on the 2nd of November, 2008.

Most of you who have seen me in real life know that I’m definitely not built to be a harrier. In fact, on fun runs I’m used to being overtaken by 10 to 12-year-olds with gangly legs and Energizer-bunny endurance. But that’s not going to stop me from giving it a go this year!

I’ll try and write up as much of the interesting thoughts that float through my mind as I hit the pavement, train up and try to complete the circuit without passing out. Expect anything from pictures, to devotionals I do on the run, musical tastes, headphone mechanics and updates to my training schedule (and whether I stick to it).

In return, it’d be great if some of you could put through a donation or two at my HeartRacer page and make a difference that’s close to home – donating to the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand. If you can’t afford it, that’s OK: prayer and support are just as valuable for everyone involved.

I’ve thrown down the gauntlet – bring it on!

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Wanna get involved? Click through to my HeartRacer page here: http://www.heartracer.org.nz/williamchong/

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I took a day off work today and spent the day driving around with Cheryl. We made it as far as Tauranga for lunch and a basic trek before coming back via Waihi and Paeroa (and yes, there was the obligatory L&P bottle shot). I have to say that climbing mountains is exhilarating when you have a great view of Tauranga behind you. I also have to say that it’s a little odd driving past bars selling beer in Bethlehem. In fact this part of Tauranga is so Christian-themed that you’ve got streets named after apostles, clothing stores called “Elim”, and of course, plenty of churches purporting to be Bethlehem [qualifier] church.

I had a great time – nothing like a day with your best friend and future wife to rejuvenate oneself.

Cheryl, I’m looking forward to more moments in life together! You’re my favourite Christian Asian chick!

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I got a midwinter present from amazon.com! Well OK, I had to fork out some hard-earned cash for it… but a box full of books is a box full of books, right? Hopefully I’ll try and delve into some of the content.

I’m particularly interested in delving into Bob Kauflin’s book “Worship Matters” – he’s the Director of Worship Development at Covenant Life Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland (US), and I’ve found some of his Bible-centred thoughts on worship to be encouraging on many an occasion.

In any case, hopefully I’ll be able to read and comment in due course. Taking a day off work tomorrow to recharge and spend some time with my significant other. Needless to say it will be fun! And we have restaurant vouchers. The joys of living by the coupon never ceases to throw a bit of humility into the mix. And I’ve definitely been feeling very grateful about many things in my life in recent times.

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Further reading:

http://www.worshipmatters.com – Bob Kauflin’s blog
http://www.thorramsey.com/productsMore.htm – Info about Thor Ramsey’s book

This week has been pretty good. Some highlights:

• Employers have been very gracious and removed the “trainee” from my job title (yuss!)
• Excellent opportunities to fellowship and hang with people in my life
• Even though I still stumble, I’m closer to God than I have been for a good while
• Lots of sermons to digest and consider, which is great
• Reading people’s blogs have given lots of good encouragement
• I’m gonna have a day off this Friday! And all the storms will (hopefully) have passed by then.