Update from Mike: We've had a busy couple of months since our last update! I'm happy to report that we've had 60 new iJoiners since our last update, bringing our total to 257! I've been quite busy with work and preparing for Ironman Coeur d'Alene which took place on June 21. The race went fairly well, and you can check out my race report complete with pictures on my blog. I will also be competing at Ironman Louisville on August 30, and we will be making a big push to finish strong in the next couple of months. Remember that August 30 is the deadline for your funds to be raised! Go to http://www.jointherace.org/donate.php to donate!
iJoiner Updates: The deadline is approaching to have your miles completed and your money raised! Congratulations to those who have already completed all three requirements of going the distance, raising the money, and recruiting another iJoiner. Way to go! Here is a list of those that have met all three goals:
- Troy Bouma
- Tim Brands
- Micah Brands
- Maria Brands
- Sarah Brouwer
- Bryan DeGroot
- Nate DeVries
- Michael Pluimer
- David Ribbens
Several others have met all their mileage and recruiting requirements, but are still working on their fundraising. Keep it up!
We continue to recruit iJoiners from all over the U.S. and Canada. I had the great privilege of speaking at the All Ontario Youth Convention in May, where we recruited 22 iJoiners from Ontario. Thanks to the Canadians for Joining the Race! You can see some pictures from the event at my blog at http://www.crosstrainercoaching.com/blog/. Currently, we have iJoiners in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Arizona, Maryland, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Hungary! If you know of someone who may be interested in joining from another state, please recruit them! Let's see if we can get 30 states by August 30!
Mike's Race Schedule: In addition to Ironman Louisville on August 30, I will also be racing the Chisago Lakes Half Ironman on July 26 as a warm-up. I may also throw in a couple road races and shorter triathlons, but our summer has filled up rather quickly already with my work schedule, Michael Jr's Little League and fast-pitch games, and travels.
Pluimer's Ponderings: Hebrews 12:1-3 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. It says,
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
What kind of race are you running? Are you persevering and enduring, or are you growing weary and losing heart? Perhaps both. We're living in a difficult time. Unemployment in the U.S. is nearly 10%, and many self-employed people are struggling to find work. Friends and loved ones are dying of cancer or other illnesses. AIDS is orphaning millions of children in Africa. It's easy to lose heart. However, the author of Hebrews reminds us of someone who fully understands our hardships and suffering. It is comforting and encouraging to know that our Savior Jesus Christ endured far more than any of us could possibly imagine, and now is sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God. He knows your hardships. He knows your pain. And he now reigns as the ultimate example of someone who finished the race strong in spite of the hardships along the way.
When I crossed the finish line at Ironman Coeur d'Alene a couple weeks ago, the roar of the crowd was energizing and encouraging. The pain and nausea I had felt for much of the race seemed to melt away in the last half-mile stretch down the finishers' chute. Hebrews 12 talks about a similar cloud of witnesses that is watching your race and cheering you on. These witnesses are the heroes of faith (mentioned in Hebrews 11) that have preceded you. Can you hear them cheering? That loud scream you just heard was Moses! And, that guy standing up in the back - that's Abraham! They're reminding you that they endured a tough race to the end and are encouraging you to do the same.
The Ironman, like life, is a long race. During the times of difficulty or hardship, it seems that it will never end. However, Hebrews 12 encourages us to endure. The pain on the course will be eclipsed by the finisher's medal around your neck. We look forward to that finish line, but now is the time to run. Run hard, and finish strong.
Blessings!
Mike
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