Eid Al-Adha Mubarak, Iqraa friends!

And may we all be as ready as Ibrahim to sacrifice what we think is precious in this world for principles that are eternally divine: Humility, Love, Service, Equality, Freedom, Truth

• The story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail is one of utmost faith and devotion to divine goodness. Don’t be discouraged by life’s frequent setbacks. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, if you believe in something pure and devote yourself to it, your faithful service will be answered.

Friends, a short note about the rain and running…since the first rain of the season often keeps people home instead of on the trail chasing their dreams.

• Remember those puddles when you were a kid?
• One of life lessons for runners is that you are the master of your fate. If you want to run, there’s gear for any kind of weather.
• Only real danger prevents us—the MCC and Iqraa—from convening to run. Typically, that’s lightning or Code Red air conditions.

One public service announcement and then the last 5 Tips for Runners.

• We’re still looking for host housing for Ahmad Abu Shammalh, a friend of Cathy:
• Hello, my name is Ahmad. I’m a recent computer science graduate (University of Southern Indiana, magna cum laude) who will be studying at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (Class of ’28) for an MA in Arab Studies. I’m looking for a place to stay starting in late June, ideally with an easy commute to campus, for at least one year. I am able to cover the costs of my own food and transportation.

Tips for Runners. Now, here are the last five Tips from the MCC seminar and yes, running is full of life lessons—about discipline, effort, steadfastness, attention to detail, commitment, and patience: Btw, this is based on an MCC training article, which can be found here.

• Breath. Rule of thumb for endurance running: don’t run faster than you can comfortably talk. This enables a steady pace and energy conservation. For fast tempo: locomotive breath!
• Let your body be your guide. Listen when your body is tired or sore, so you don’t over-extend yourself and risk injury. My orthopedist’s rule of thumb: if it hurts for more than two days, take rest.  
• Keep track and rate yourself. Monitor the measurables. Keep a log, track factors (weather, energy level, food intake), and color code performance—good and bad. Identify trends and improve yourself!
• It’s all about the effort. Like anything in life, you get out of running what you put into it. This isn’t solely about effort while training or racing, but the broader commitment to the things you care about.
• Patience, grasshopper. Running well—like most good things–takes time and effort. Enjoy the journey–it can be a joy at every step!  

This Saturday’s run is at Columbia Island Marina, our last 0800 start until the end of summer, so enjoy the sleep-in!       

What are you willing to sacrifice for what you believe in?