A Health Check Update

A while ago, back in early December, I posted a blog at how I wanted to have "A Healthier Me" going into 2012. The four areas that I decided to focus on were mental health, spiritual health, physical health and healthy relationships. I thought it would be nice to give some updates.

Mental Health

This one was a fail, kind of...well yeah, it was a fail. I didn't do what I had originally planned with completing fun brain puzzles. Why? Simply because I felt as though there wasn't enough time in the day. When something was going to get the axe it was doing a Sudoku puzzle for 20 or 30 minutes. However, I did pick up some fun games in the past month. Games such as Nertz (don't ask unless you want a new addiction), Quelf (this is one is to hard to explain, you just have to play it), and Scramble with Friends on the iPhone. 

I'll see what I can do this month to do more puzzles. 

Spiritual Health

I previously mentioned about the couples group and doing some small break out sessions with just the guys. we started off strong, but then some scheduling conflicts broke the cycle and we really haven't bounced back yet. Life throws a lot out there at once, and so it is understandable. Hopefully we can be more intentional about this as we are heading towards the spring time. 

For myself I had various sparks ignited in my spiritual life that have started a small fire that I am trying to fan. Young Life has been great in encouraging me to get into the word and analyze my walk with God. I don't even think that the kids really know it, but they have said some pretty profound things that have stuck with me. Also, it is great when I get to lead the study every few weeks because it helps me to dive into some things that I may otherwise overlook. 

I was finishing up a personal study on Judges (that I had started back two years ago...) and was feeling compelled to continue my trek through the OT. I was finding it hard though. But in God's perfect timing I received a text message from a friend that turned into a series of texts back and forth about some Old Testament studies that he was doing. Next thing I know I had caught the fever and finished Judges and then dove right into Ruth. Now I am about to begin my journey through a lesser familiar book to me, 1 Samuel. My style is straight forward....let the Word of God speak. I sit down with a notepad and just read through a chapter and take notes on what I am reading. Sometimes I pull out a commentary or listen to a sermon from Pastor Chris Swansen from Calvary Chapel Chester Spring (he is phenomenal...check him out) to get a little "more" out of it. It's basic, but it works. There is no flashy devotional book that I am using, or so short stories that get paired up with the scripture...just me and God...and it's good!

Physical Health

I have been doing really good in this area. I decided that I was going to pursue running after the same friend that sparked an interest to get back in to my Old Testament journey got me into the mindset of running. Luckily, my good friend Andy is a runner and has been helping to keep me honest. To keep my interest and to set goals I have been running various races since Brian's Run in December. 

Here are some updated stats:

My first timed run (3 miles): paced 10:45 min/mile

Brian's Run (5 miles): 51.36 which was a 10:26 min/mile

Alive and Running (5k ~ 3.1miles): 29.31 which was a 9:31 min/mile

New Years Resolution Series (2.5 miles each weekend): best time was a  23.29 which is a 9:17 min/mile

Super Bowl 5k (3.1 miles w/ Megan): 36:30 - my sister's first race (I think she's hooked)

My current 4 mile Pace is 36.57 which is a 9:14 min/mile pace

My next race is the St. Pat's 5k looking to post something under 28 minutes if I can!

Some future goals are the Broad Street Run (10 miles) in May as well the Live Strong Challenge (10k) in August and the Philadelphia Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in November. Then I can finish out the year in December with the Brian's Run (5 miles). 

In addition to all the running, I have decided to eat healthier too and have lost about 8 pounds. It was 12 at one point, but then the winter got a little colder and the food became more bountiful.