James Woosley’s Blog

This week I started running again. Not that I ever really ran that much before, but since I have technically run at least once in the past and also stopped, the statement is true.

I’ve never really liked running alone. Solitude is okay for a nice stroll, but for a run, I need the extra motivation that only another person can bring (aka I don’t want to wimp out as easy).

The pastor of our church, Ed Litton, lives across the street and I’ve often seen him running at night. He’s run a few 10K’s and while not a speed demon (proper reference for a pastor…yeah, I said he’s not), he’s committed to doing it regularly. And since I’m now home every night, I decided to see if he wanted a partner for his outings.

We first ran on Tuesday night. After a half mile walking warm-up, we did another half mile then a mile walk to cool down. Not too impressive, but I’m just starting out again, remember?

Then Thursday he was feeling a cold coming on so skipped out. I didn’t have the energy to go on my own (remember that wimping out thing?), so I skipped too.

I just got back and we turned it up a bit tonight. He was running late, so I figured he had another engagement and just started on my own (say “Wow!”). Again with a half mile warm up walk and half mile run. Just as I finished, he came out of his house and we walked a half mile together. Then we turned it up with a full mile, followed by a mile cool down. (Are you following all the math here or just skimming?)

It was another beautiful night in lower Alabama. The stars were out, and the temp was perfect (mid to upper 50’s) for a run in January.

In addition to great exercise, it’s a great time of fellowship. Not that we only talk about God. We all know that our pastors are real people, but we sometimes forget it and have unrealistic expectations of them. If you have the opportunity, get to know the person who is your pastor. Not only will you gain a friend, but probably some extra insight to the sermon come Sunday morning.

And maybe, just maybe I’ll be ready for a 10K of my own this year!

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I can’t hardly believe it’s been one year since I last flew on an airplane. It isn’t a big deal for most people, but I’m not most people (do I really want to use that line?).

As a travelling management and technology consultant for the past five and a half years, I logged more than half a million miles flying the friendly skies. It started before September 11th and through the aftermath. But last year I got off my last flight in preparation for a new position.

I was still traveling, but by driving 100 miles instead of flying 1000. Still a road warrior, just a bit closer to the Mel Gibson version (wheels on the ground, that is).

Now I mark yet another end and beginning. On Monday, I officially start a job that is just over 50 miles from home. For the first time in almost six years, I’ll be sleeping in my own bed every night. I’ll be able to tuck my kids into bed every night. And I’ll be able to fight with my wife over who owns the remote control every night.

Won’t it be grand!?!

Still, after this much time on the road, it’s going to be a major transition for all of us. I have to give up a lot of late hours at the office and peaceful/quiet nights in hotels/apartments on my own. They’ll have to deal with a husband/father and my view of the world beyond weekends.

Heather will have more help around the house and with the kids. Anna can complain to her dad about doing homework. Ian can fight with dad about going to sleep.

Overall, it’s a good thing. But there will be moments. Maybe I’ll share some on the blog. But I probably won’t.

It’s selfish, I know, but there’s a part of me that’s going to miss the travel and time to myself. It wasn’t glamorous travel, as I rarely did anything but work and sleep. And the time alone was too much at once, often leaving me feeling lonely and longing for home (try walking down the baby aisle in a supermarket when you’re a thousand miles from home).

But I’m a bit of a nomad and a loner. That part of the job fit my personality well.

I’m also a bit of a family man. Can’t imagine being single again. So that’s going to fit me well too.

Gotta run now…I need to carve my name into the back of the TiVo remote before Heather gets home!