11 April 2015

Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of less



Here's a concept I am currently looking into that I think is very important for Christians in ministry and leadership. To people pleasers, who say yes to every opportunity that comes their way, Greg says, "The biggest lie that we tell ourselves is that when we take on more there are no trade-offs". I think that is so true but so often I tell myself "I can do it – I can squeeze this in and still do everything else well". When I think about all the areas of my life where I need to maintain balance, when I give too much time to one area, other areas pay the price.

As Kevin DeYoung says in his book Crazy Busy, "God expects us to say no to a lot of good things so that we can be freed up to say yes to the most important things He has for us". Saying no is not easy but it becomes easier when we know what is essential and use that conviction to be deliberate in how we use our time, energy and resources. If we are aware of what God has called us to do in life and we desire to stay on point, then we need to stop the undisciplined pursuit of more, and embrace the disciplined pursuit of less.

08 April 2015

Fell running is not trail running

Slieve Donard mountain 850 m climb from sea level

For a while I have been asking myself what the difference is between fell running and trail running. Last weekend I found out the hard way, when I accompanied three fell runners up the highest mountain in N. Ireland, Slieve Donard in the Mountains of Mourne.

It was a humbling experience to watch the leader of the group effortlessly stride straight up like a mountain goat while I was reduced at times to going on all fours and being offered energy gells. The stamina required to go straight up a steep grassy sloop, maintaining forward momentum while a gale-force wind makes one side of your face feel numb and the mist disorientates you - cannot be overstated.

So if you asked me what's the difference, I would say that fell running involves setting a compass bearing to the summit and basically running the most direct route to the top and the same to the next checkpoint. Whereas trail running (as the name suggests) is about following the trail wherever it takes you (even if it is not the most direct route).

I now have a fresh appreciation and admiration for fell runners. I really appreciated the day out but my mind is made up – I'm staying with my Black Forest trails!


 Another post of mine on fell running

 For more on fell running in Northern Ireland visit: Northern Ireland Mountain Running Association