Mark Wilkerson’s Blog

February 21, 2011

February 21, 2011

Haiti:

Haiti suffers the worst infant, under-five and maternal death rates in the Western Hemisphere.  Put simply, the vast majority of rural Haitians either have scant access to health care or they cannot afford it.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission’s maternity center offers not just a safe and clean place for mothers to deliver their babies, but also offers 24/7 care from a professional staff of nurses, midwives, and an OB/GYN.  NWHCM staff deliver more than 80 babies a month.  In addition to routine deliveries, NWHCM’s maternity center offers care for high-risk patients with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, as well as infant care and post-partum care for mothers and infants.  It also serves as a first-line ER, where staff primarily treat lacerations, burns, dehydration and congestive heart failure.

Spiritual Prep:

My spirit is stirred with all the help coming to make Run Mark Run a success for another year.  Last year we started with just and idea and you responded with a resounding, Go For It!  We did and you responded with your donations.  It is really our first day of the push and you have already responded.  Lord, I thank you for the hearts you have nurtured inside of these readers and supporters.  We are grateful for what you have done out of love for your creation.  Thanks for the spirit of generosity your have given us to give back in your name.  This I pray in Your Name, Amen

Training Prep:

Ran a couple of miles to work the foot a little and did weights late afternoon.  Up’d the weight on some exercises and can feel it.  I am at a meeting and they are having a polar bear run in the morning.  Expected to be brisk.  Probably will show to support and will do 3 easy miles.  Need to find a way to schedule the swim again.

February 20, 2011

February 20, 2011

Spiritual Prep:

When you swim long distances, technique is the key.  In fact, the harder you try,  the worse you do and the harder it is to swim.  Breathing is key as you might expect but there is a method which allows you to swim effeciently , effectively and breath at the same time.  Other than using the proper method will be a disaster.  You end up fighting to the point of exhaustion and that doesn’t have a good ending.  Your heart rate goes up and you suck air in all cavities and it doesn’t help because you are using more oxygen than you can take into your lungs.  Sometime fighting sin and the world can be as exhausting.  Like swimming, sometimes it is about knowledge, technique, practice and time.  And after you build your stamina your can go the distance to finish the race.   2 Timothy 4:7

Training Prep:

As you might tell I went swimming yesterday.  I have been considering doing a sprint triathlon.  I have worried most about the swim.  Had to do it if I was going to do one.   Thrashed around for a while until my coach (son in law Franklin Baker) gave me some technique.  I learned how to swim with an even stroke and breath at the same time.  It was much easier than plowing through the water.  As I tried to put together two laps, it was harder to hold the rhythm and technique necessary to make it.  Now the key is to get in the water again and practice the technique over and over until I can do 20×25 meter laps (that’s the distance for the sprint).  Seems a long way off before I can do it but I have felt what it feels like to do it right.  It feels good and it is a workout.

February 19, 2011

February 19, 2011

Spiritual Prep:

The Lord shows Himself in so many ways we sometime miss it because we are so involved in the world. To pause and ponder His work is so good for your spirit. I am relaxing here this morning with a cup of coffee, reviewing the new website and enjoying the work and appreciating some very talented people. It is the true definition of teamwork, “dividing the work and multiplying the result”. God has allowed us to be part of his work and He will multiply our result. Lord, bless our effort and let this work glorify you. In Your Name, Amen.

Training Prep:

I am resting.  When you run or exercise and finally get in shape, rest is not something you want to do because you fear you will lose ground in your training.  However, if you are consistent sometimes rest can be very healthy and pushing on will cause more injury.  It is no fun working through injury.  Cross training is helpful and a balance of:  Running (cardio) Stretching (flexibility) Weights (strength) are key.  Keeping a regiment of each will usually keep you doing something.  You would be amazed how little you need to do that would be helpful.  Hardest part is setting aside the time for yourself.  Someone said “just do it”?

February 14, 2011

February 15, 2011

Valentines Day:

You all should know that my valentine, my pal, my most trusted friend, my fellow laborer in Christ, my inspiration, my conscience, my guide and the brightest spot in my life is CJ, my wife.  She is more to me than anyone can imagine.  Her love and thirst for God is unsatisfiable and enduring.  How lucky was I that the Lord put us together.  I hope you have a valentine like me.  I love her! 

Training Prep:

Rode the bike tonight for a little over an hour.  Kept the heart rate around 130.  I have found that when I run after these rides, cardio is no problem and breathing easy.  The joints hurt before the chest.  Hoping the weights will help that.  Maybe a few more lunges.

February 13, 2011

February 13, 2011

From Haiti:

More than 1,600 people have died of cholera in Haiti since the disease first appeared in the central part of the country in October, with numerous cases and deaths in the Northwest Department. NWHCM staff and partner organizations continue working tirelessly to stem the epidemic, though the number of cases appears to be slowing for the moment in the Northwest.  Nearly 50,000 cholera cases have been reported across the nation, according to the World Health Organization. Health officials estimate as many as 270,000 people in Haiti may be sickened by the disease in coming years.

One of the areas we are focused on helping is water purification.  Mark Graham is running in the One America Mini Marathon for Water, Mark Mullelly for Food and me for Medical. 

Training Prep:

Weights this afternoon.  A little sore from running the pavement yesterday.  But it was good to get outside.  Warmer today but windy.  Rest of the week is looking warmer with rain.