Brandon Bourgeois

What I’ve Learned From Running

admin — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:11:29 +0000

I started running nine weeks ago. Sure, I have run before in my life but I can honestly say that in my 27 years, this is the first time I have ever given a real effort and run regularly. Josh and I started a couch to 5k program (there are a plethora of iPhone apps that will guide you through the program) and running 3 times a week with the goal of running a 5k in under 30 minutes. Let me also state that I did not consider myself a “runner” in any sense of the word.

Our first run was brutal and it was only 1 minute. Yes, thats right. 60 seconds of hell with walking in between to catch our breath. After the the first week I thought to myself, “we may just not be cut out for this.” But due to pride and sheer determination, we continued. The one minute runs turned into 5 minute runs and those became 10 minute runs. They never became easy, but they were accomplishable. Some days we would have the golden run that every runner lives for – you’re not out of breath, your legs feel great, and you feel like you could run all day long! But more often were the days that I wanted to walk halfway through, I thought my lungs were going to explode and my legs felt like rubber. But we kept going. Never once did we stop running to walk (again, the pride thing) and we ran faster and longer every single run.

Last weekend was the culmination of all our training – the Fat Boy 5k. We were ready. Well-hydrated, rested, stretched (or so we thought) and ready to push and get our fastest time ever – and we did. We ran it in 28 minutes! I did not think I would ever be able to run that far, that fast. Now that the race has passed, I am training for a 10k in July! The last 9 weeks have presented me with tips I wish someone would have told me when I was starting out! So these are few unexpected things I’ve learned – merely a few tips for beginner runners, from a beginner runner:

Don’t do it alone!
Absolutely recruit someone who will commit to run with you. Push each other when it gets hard, pace each other during your runs and motivate one another after every run. I would not have been able to get this far alone. Besides that, who wants to celebrate after a good run by yourself?!

Set a goal and sign up for a race.
There is no better motivation to train then knowing you have paid to run a race! There are an abundance of 5k runs! Find one in your area here. Zig Ziglar says, “When performance is measured, performance improves.” I recommend downloading an app that will track your runs (I use Nike+ GPS) or a GPS running watch.

Get a great running playlist!
This is a controversial one, because there are plenty of runners who advocate not listening to music when you run. I would not be able to get through some of my runs without a few great pump-up songs! Pick songs with a good tempo and it will also help you to keep your pace.

Stay hydrated!
It’s simple, but some of my toughest runs have been on days that I know I had not previously had enough water and I wish someone would have stressed it’s importance to me!

Change up your routine.
For the first few weeks, we ran the same route every run. One day, on a whim, we decided to go run the LSU lakes and it made all the difference in the world! Our runs had become mundane and we needed to change it up a little bit to get us to that next level.

My biggest takeaway is that training actually works. It isn’t easy and it is 90% mental. I have to constantly remind myself, “your body can do this – can your mind?” Just keep going. I feel better and more confident than I ever have before, have more energy and I enjoy every run just a little bit more than the last. I can call myself a runner now. If you have any tips, feel free to add them, I’d love to hear some more!

God Loves Our Relationships

admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:51:30 +0000

A few years ago, during School of Ministry, I was required to memorize the entire sermon on the mount. It was a challenging and rewarding task, but sadly I can no longer recite it. I recently decided to try to become familiar with this particular text in the Gospels again. These words of Christ, the red letters, are so packed full of meaning and are so crucial to our lives, as Christians! This week, a portion of scripture leaped out to me like it never had before. Matthew 5:23-24 is after the Beatitudes and smack-dab in the middle of Jesus talking about murder and adultery, which tells me it was important and He wanted us to get this!

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Jesus clearly wanted us to pay close attention to our earthly relationships! He wanted us to take care of our relationships even before our religious duty!

My takeaway – do not forsake your friends and family for your ministry.

Live from Beantown

admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:46:27 +0000

Ok, so I hear that the locals really hate the term, “Beantown”. But, come on. It’s just fun to say. It’s been a long but productive day cleaning out the StoryHeights Church storage facility, buying supplies for service this weekend and distributing hundreds of door hangers! I have such a huge expectation that first time guests will come to service this weekend, maybe not even knowing WHY they came, and be touched by God’s presence.
The more time I spend here, the more “real” it is becoming that in just a little over four months from now, I will be moving to Massachusetts. As cliche as it may be, the only way to describe it is bittersweet. I am so excited, anxious and full of anticipation but at the same time am becoming more and more sad to leave the only place I have ever called home and, more importantly, my family and best friends in the world. I know that God has called me to this, even if for a season, and He will give me the strength to go through it.

Obligatory “First Post”

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:38:29 +0000

Well, folks, after a 5 year hiatus, it looks like I’m back in the blogging game! I have to give a huge thanks to my best friends Josh and Gabi for helping me with the site!

I am headed back to Boston tomorrow for my fourth, and hopefully final, trip before I move in May! This weekend is the launch of weekly services for StoryHeights and there is a lot planned for the week and much to get done. Outreaches, service planning, flier handouts… Please be praying for the team this week and be sure to check back for more updates!