Team XXXchurch

Vineman 70.3 DONE!!

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:15:16 -0400

Well, for the second year in a row TeamXXXchurch has made an appearance at the Vineman 70.3. With 6 of our team members participating we had a good presence and solid fundraising effort. We lost one of our team members along the way and so we missed seeing Russ Graef, but still had 6 athletes participate who represented the team well.

Once again this year we were able to raise over $15,000 to conitnue to fight against pornography impacting our kids. It is great to know that XXXchurch cointinues to make a difference with this issue and we can represent an organization that is changing people's lives.

Even though our goal is to raise awareness and funds for XXXchurch there is a bit of competition among the team and so here are the results!

1. Ryan Russell: 5:13 (h:m)

2. Jake Larson: 5:42

3. David Pabalate: 5:53

4. Peter Graf: 6:18

5. Terry Lineberger: 6:33

6. Alistair Hutcheson: DNF (Al had to drop out with injury, but made it through the swim and bike)

Forming Ironman Team

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:28:43 -0400

We are looking for a few more athletes who would be up the challenge of a Full Ironman in 2012. We have 8 people on the team for this event and are looking for a few more. Besides the committment of 140.6 miles there are a few others:

1. Raise a minumum of $2500

2.Spread the word about XXXchurch

3. Participate in team-wide fundraising

4. Assist in identifying corporate sponsors

5. Train to finish!

If you are interested please email larson.jake@me.com. Filling team as long as we can. Probable race: IM Coeur D'Alene, June 24, 2012.

Belfast Marathon @XXXchurchUK

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 18:25:49 -0400

When the opportunity arose to lead a team for XXXchurch in the Belfast Marathon I was excited for two reasons.

I was really unfit and now had a great excuse to go running again and I wanted to raise awareness about the problem of porn and how it effects people.

It didn’t take long to get five of my closest friends to join me in the challenge. With our fundraising pages made, t shirts printed and many (far too early) Sunday morning runs around the lake we were ready to run the Marathon.

This was my first marathon and even though we were only doing a leg each, it was the furthest I had ever run. In the end we all ran more than we were meant to. (Big shout out to my friend Slim who just couldn’t stop and ended running the whole thing!)

Before the race I was a little nervous, but really excited. What if I couldn’t reach my goal? What if I threw up on my running partner? How would I react to people asking about our shirts? (Wearing a t shirt saying #1 Christian porn site is sure to get a few eyebrows risen)

In the end we got a few people asking us what the heck our t shirts were about. Some thought it was a joke, I even heard someone behind me tell their running partner they were afraid to ask. Although we didn’t get the chance to talk to anyone in great detail (running a marathon is hard enough, never mind having a conversation) I know people saw our t shirts and I hope and pray that people visited the site and for some of them got the help they may have really needed.

We raised around $900 in total which will go towards spreading Jesus love to the porn industry as we go to the London Erotica show in November. So if you’re thinking about starting a teamXXXchurch near you, I would really recommend it. It will be so worth it. Sure you will have a few sore muscles and joints for a few days but you will have played a big part in helping people be free from porn.

I just want to thank everyone who supported us with donations. You guys are great and you will be helping a lot of people.

I’m already excited for next year. Ironman anyone?

Paul Robinson @xxxchurchUK

What You Love...

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:35:04 -0400

If you have ever thought you cannot do something, Christian Isakson has proved the impossible is possible.

Last week Christian attempted what seems to many as an insane, outrageous, and even impossible journey. He joined 4 athletes in an attempt to finish 5 consecutive Ironman Triathlons in 5 consecutive days on 5 separate Hawaiian islands. This event called EPIC5 was dreamt up by endurance athlete Jason Lester in 2010. How could anyone pull off such an incredible challenge? To our amazement he finished the 5 Ironman events pushing past all his previous limits. Christian was hallucinating so bad on the final marathon that he was literally ducking from what he thought were flying baseballs.

Some or most people would ask why anyone would want to push the limits to such extremes. Why would anyone want to go through such pain for sport? I wish I knew the answer! Many say that it is the unique desire to push one's body to the ultimate extreme. For endurance athletes it seems they enjoy facing pain face to face and then beating it. Christian beat it alright. He went out day after day and put in amazing efforts finishing stronger on day 5 than day 1. So what pushed him to never give up?

He was driven by something bigger than himself, a cause, a passion beyond the personal satisfaction of joining an elite group of athletes. Christian ran for Jesus; to make Jesus heart known to the world. Throughout the journey he promoted XXXchurch and also his passion for helping Haiti. I think this is the beauty of the Kingdom of God. Everyone of us is invited to participate in the Kingdom of God through the joys of our lives. Christian loves endurance sports and so what better way to advance the K.O.G. than through something he loves?

How often do we think that to truly do something great for God means to ignore our hobbies and sacrifice all our desires? One of the beauty's of Jesus is that he uses us through our gifts, talents, and interests to accomplish his purposes. How has God wired you? Put it to work for Him. What do you love? Use your passions for his Kingdom.

What seems to be impossible with man is possible with God!

Sponsoring Christian for Epic5

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:33:16 -0500

Our team isn't very old. In fact, we are still trying to figure quite a few things out while nine months into this journey. However, a pretty cool opportunity has come our way to be involved in a sweet event called Epic5 (www.Epic5.com). Christian Isakson reached out to us to ask for our permission to race for XXXchurch.com as his main cause to highlight while participating in this event. Christian is a top flight tri-athlete who has raced for several different causes and now he is turning his attention to XXXchurch because it has been a helpful component in his spiritual life and accountability.

Throughout this adventure, racing 5 ironman events in 5 consecutive days in Hawaii, Christian aims to highlight X3watch and other aspects of the minsitry with as many people as he can while competing in a very exclusive and quite impressive endurance event. Needless to say, after doing some research and connecting further, we are honored to sponsor Christian as an athlete and support him in this amazing challenge. You can learn more about Christian through his race site: www.luke920.com Be sure to read Christian's bio and watch his follow his twitter account as he prepares for this incredible odessy.

Ironman Roho 70.3

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:00:54 -0500

Five men converging to accomplish a grueling task - Ironman Roho 70.3! We are now only 8 weeks away from another 70.3 half Ironman race. Our team is pulling together and training in preparation for April 2, 2011.

When people hear about 5 ordinary men pursuing such a challenge they often come to the conclusion that they could never do something like that. The reality is, inside of every person is the ability to fight for something beyond their perceived reach. Defeat is often connected to our lack of attempting the difficult. Reach for it and you might just find you are stronger and more capable than you ever imagined.

As we train for this race, would you consider reaching deeper and further beyond yourself than ever before? Would you consider joining those of us who have chosen to race with purpose? As we train, we remember the millions of people every day who are struggling to overcome their addictions. We are attempting to succeed to show those who have settled with failure that the seemingly impossible is possible.

Race with purpose and bring the light to the darkness. Continue to follow our journey on twitter: @teamxxxchurch.

Porn, Rock & Roll, and Las Vegas: recap

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:29:16 -0500

Have you ever wanted to do something outside of yourself? Ever had a passion that took time away from other valuable things? The solution is sometimes to give up one to make the other happen. However, sometimes there is an opportunity hidden in those things where when they are integrated, all of those valuable things are accomplished to a greater degree of success than if you'd tried them one at a time.For me, I found an incredible opportunity to turn my endurance sport obsession and twitter addiction into a healthy way to raise awareness and funds for one of my favorite ministry organizations, fireproof, father of xxxchurch.com. Many of you have followed my progress on this pursuit over the last 6 months, and many of you have been crucial donors, retweeters, and advocates for this cause. I am humbled and delighted to say that thanks to you, we have raised over $1700!!I am also delighted to say that I achieved one of my goals for this year, completing my first marathon, and doing it in 3:34:16!! I was on a team of people all sporting a race jersey that said, "race with purpose" on the front. People were cheering me on by yelling that phrase out loud as I passed them, and it encouraged me greatly to press on, even to the point of yacking right before the finish line!It was a whirlwind of a weekend, filled with the satisfaction of accomplishing goals and supporting a great cause. Thanks again to everyone who made it possible. Do you have passions that can be integrated for a greater good? Get out there and make it happen!

Jason Shafer - TeamXXXchurch member

We Ran the Strip!

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:14:48 -0500

I am inspired every time a person completes their very first endurance race. So much goes into the accomplishment of racing such a great distance. For most it starts out with a mindset that says "I can't do this". Then, with some encouragement, direction, prayer and really hard work invested into regular training, a person is able to start to see very tangible life change and transformation that leads, over time, to them completing a 13.1 mile race (or even a 26.2 miler!).What's revealing about this process is that it is so very much like the process that goes into the battle that people wage against porn when they are caught up in an addiction.A big thanks to the whole team who came together this past weekend for the Las Vegas Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. Our goal with every one of these events is to raise awareness and support for the ongoing ministries of XXXchurch.com. Krissee, Joy and John all completed their very first 1/2 Marathons while Jason completed his first full marathon. The whole team, including Dave, Jocelyn and Leslie did a fantastic job sharing the ministry with your friends, family and those out there on the course.Join the team for one of our upcoming races.

Why I Run

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:12:01 -0400

from one of our runners: Jason Shafer

I spend between 4 and 6 days a week training for the Las Vegas Rock -n- Roll Marathon. I live in Palm Desert, and it's consistently in the low 80's at 5am. I can honestly say that training for this event is the most miserable training I've ever done. Which begs the question: Why do I do what I do?Here's why:Fireproof does some of the most tangible, revolutionary ministry that I know of in the US. They not only offer something that helps the world around me, but me personally. THE WORLD AROUND ME:Fireproof runs The Strip Church, which does brothel makeovers and gives cupcakes and cigarettes to prostitutes and erotic dancers. They also give rides to people on the strip in their bus with says boldly on the side of it, "Jesus Loves Sin City." They are in a place where many Christians make a bad name in Jesus by yelling and pleading with people to leave adult entertainment industry immediately. They make girls cry. They piss off bouncers and club owners. They don't get the industry or give tangible love to the people in it.Not Fireproof. They make friends. They operate out of relationship. They are doing what Jesus did- offering unconditional love in tangible ways. They live counter-culturally to show a community often ostracized by Christians that Jesus is madly in love with them, and that nothing they do is enough to keep Jesus or His people from loving them.ME PERSONALLYFirerpoof is also parent to xxxchurch.com, which is an amazing ministry that helps people overcome porn addiction. They do this with an online community, and with a brilliant piece of software that keeps track of web browsing. Any questionable sites that are visited are reported to an accountability partner, chosen by you (and me), who, with the right relationship, pray and journey with us through a life pursuing purity. It's available on mac or PC, iPhone, and Android phones.Countless people are benefiting from the affects of this ministry. God is working as only He can in and through these people. I am proud to be a part of it, and to give of myself for this event. There isn't a cause I know of that I get more excited about giving to, or that I would train to run for in over 90 degree days! I hope you get excited to. Partner with me by giving, running, and spreading the word!

Planning to Run

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:39:45 -0400

Here are my starting point suggestions for running, making the assumptions that you are just starting out. (Most all of this is stolen & revamped from various people & places). Bottom line = If you want to run/fast walk 13 miles by Dec. 5, 2010, you can absolutely do it if you will commit to 2-3 short workouts & 1 long work out each week. Basic Pointers

Start slow - Don't get discouraged with your first few weeks... they are hard for everyone when they begin. Set reasonable goal - If this is your 1st attempt at 13 miles, aim for 10-12 minutes for each mile. Start with 30 min. of fast paced walking 3-4 days each week for 2 weeks. Initially it is ALL about getting out there Drink lots of water - Every day, especially the night before your workout, sip it gradually during your workout to avoid a bloated feeling. Then move to doing 30 min. alternating 5 min easy jog then 5 min. fast walk - 3-4 days each week for 2-3 weeks Progress to 30 min of easy jog for 30 min - 3-4 days per week. Somewhere between weeks 6-8 add in 1 longer day of walking/jogging. You want to increase this each week so that you can do 90-120 continuous minutes 2 weeks before your race date. Use a running plan calculator if you would like to get a more detailed running plans. Here are two GREAT websites and running plans. Definitely worth the reading time: Runners World / Running plan tool - check it out as it is easy to use and easy to follow. Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Plan

By the end of the 6-9 week period you will be able to do a 5k in 30ish min. Here is a link that has a similar plan This is a solid article has some basic & useful tips for getting started on running. General Pointers

Visit a running specific store and spend about $100 on a professional fitted pair of shoes. This makes a huge difference on how your knees, hips, back feel. For FREE they will analyze what type of shoe will work best for you. I highly recommend www.ROADRUNNERSPORTS.com for their VIP club which allows you to take back shoes within the first 6 weeks if they don't feel great and get a full refund towards a different pair. Plus they have great analysis, selection and prices. Find an eating plan to go with the exercise if weight loss is a goal. --- too many people think that lbs. will come of quick just by running or biking (I was one of those). Even basic modifications with diet can really make a difference when you add in 3-5x each week of exercise. I have always found having a training partner is a very motivational tool. Recruit someone who will do your target race with you and work out with them 1x each week for accountability, motivation and inspiration.

Vineman 70.3 DONE!

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:24:42 -0400

July 18, 2010 marked the beginning of Team XXXchurch as we completed the Vineman 70.3 half Ironman Triathlon. Many months ago the idea was fresh and untested - would it work for a organization battling porn to break into the endurance world to raise funding and awareness? Absolutely YES! This last week our team, made up primarily of men who had no previous connection to the ministry, raised over $12,000 and completed a 70.3 mile triathlon. Our goal was to raise awareness to the ministry and to raise funds for the ministry.

As Sunday morning neared 6AM our team arrived and prepared for the event. We were all wearing our new team jersey's and ready to fight the battle in front of us. In each wave members of our 8 man team started the journey standing tall for an organization we all believe impacts a forgotten segment of the world. There were a number of times during the race that I reflected on the battle many face each every day to stay free or to break free from the world of pornogrpahy. Having attended a number of porn shows with XXXchurch, the desperate eyes of the so many women caught in the world of porn inspired me to press ahead.

After the swim and the ride I was running the final 13.1 miles when I connected with a man out on the street. He asked me (as he ran past me) what X3 stood for and I briefly explained the mission of XXXchurch. He yelled back, "I thought that might be you guys!" I believe that as we do more events we will see an increase in participation by people we have never known or touched. In my mind, the Vineman 70.3 is just the first event of many.

We had amazing individual sponsors who jumped on board and supported the team as well as a number of companys. We are thankful to all of them, including: Safe Eyes, Internet Safety, Bridgeway Christian Church, Electrical Design, Simms Chiropractic, William Baker Law Offices, Synergy Brokerage, and HeartSupport.com.

Check out our Flickr pictures and sign up today for one of our events coming up...Thanks Team, you all did an amazing job!

Vegas Baby!

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:11:11 -0400

TeamXXXchurch.com is the new, fun, team-oriented, race-paced, awareness and fundraising side of the XXXchurch ministries.So many of you already know so much about what we do. However, we continue to seek new, high profile arenas to share the message of XXXchurch.com with people who have not yet heard. We are confident that these new athletic endeavors will open up even more opportunities to share Christ, grace and hope.On July 18th there are eight athletes competing in our first endurance race as a team. While we are pretty pumped about our first event (the Vineman 70.3 half-ironman) we want to get you looking ahead to December. December 5 will go down in the books as our grand launch of TeamXXXchurch! We are actively recruiting 50 people to join the team for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.Here's a few thing that you can do to help us with this new effort & support the ministry:

- Check out the brand new TeamXXXchurch site.

- Follow the team on twiiter @teamxxxchurch.-

-Join the Team on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas by signing up HERE.

Get yourself ready to race, have fun, raise awareness, run or walk in the Rock'n'Roll Marathon and party with the whole XXXchurch.com team! We are even planning on having our own band playing on the Las Vegas Strip during the event. If running doesn't appeal to you, you can still join and have a great time! Come be "race support". Cheer on the team. Hand out waters, smiles, love, grace and Bibles to the 36,000+ people who participant in this event each year.Need more info? Email ryan@fireproofministries.com

* Want to start your own team for your own race? Find out how @ www.teamxxxchurch.com.

Training While Being A Dad

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:46:53 -0400

If you haven’t cemented your commitment by now to training for this half ironman you may be in trouble! I think the hardest part of training besides the actual physical commitment is time. How much time do you have extra in your day to hit the road, pool, and trail? I realize that this commitment is made not only by the participant but also by the family. There is no way to get around the fact that you must take time normally allotted to other things for training. Couple suggestions to make this a smooth training experience:

1. Openly communicate your commitment with spouse or significant other

2. Be honest with yourself about time limits

3. Include your kids in your training runs when possible (My son rides his bike as I run)

4. Cook with your spouse and explore healthy eating together

5. Skip a day and rest

Check out week 14 training schedule by clicking here.

Tri Nutrition

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:45:22 -0400

I have been spending time thinking and reading about nutrition during intense training…it seems all-consuming and a bit frustration. I came across this article online that it helpful.

Components of a Peak Performance Diet: The components of a PPD center around three main things: Quantity, Mix, and Timing.

1. QUANTITY - Quantity refers to the amount of food and drink a triathlete should consume, or more simply, their total calorie needs.

Skimping on calories? This may cause your body to break down muscle protein, which can hinder performance.

A triathletes total calorie (or energy) needs vary due to changes in training load and intensity, but meeting daily calorie needs is essential to not only providing the energy needed to train and compete, but also to spare the breakdown of muscle protein.

Triathletes should work with a sports nutritionist to determine what their individual calorie needs are for a) training, b) competitions, c) rest days, and d) variations of all three.

One way for triathletes to gauge if they are meeting their daily calories needs is by keeping a weekly performance and weight log. If weight is remaining stable and performance doesn’t decline, this is a good indication that daily calories needs are being met.

2. MIX - Mix refers to the combination of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fluid that should make up the daily caloric intake of a triathlete.

When choosing foods and drinks, a triathlete should focus not only on getting the right quantity of carbohydrate, protein, fat and fluid but also the best quality. Making quality food choices includes choosing more nutrient dense (nutritionally dense) food options. For example, a potato is a carbohydrate that can be prepared in many ways. Triathletes following a peak performance diet plan should choose the baked potato over fries, since the baked potato is more nutrient dense (i.e. has more nutrients for the amount of calories it contains). Both low-fat milk and lemonade are fluids, but milk is a more nutrient dense fluid choice, because in addition to water, it provides the body with high quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrate.

EXAMPLES OF NUTRIENT DENSE FOOD CHOICES

Carbohydrate

FruitVegetablesWhole grains100% juice Skinless-chicken

Protein

Lean beefBeansEggsSoy foodsMilk

Fat

Vegetable oilsNutsSeeds

3. TIMING - Timing refers to when food and fluids are consumed.

While meeting calorie needs and choosing the best quality foods and fluids are important, timing of food and fluid intake can be the key to a peak performance diet.

Food and fluid intake should be timed appropriately to ensure that:

Carbohydrates are available for energy and glycogen replacement Fluids are available to hydrate and rehydrate Protein (amino acids) is available for muscle repair, maintenance, and growth

Timing is everything when it comes to a peak performance diet. Consuming foods and fluids at the appropriate time will ensure high energy levels, quicker recovery, and nutrition support for muscle growth, maintenance and repair. Follow the guidelines below for optimal nutrient timing.

2-4 Hours BEFORE training sessions

Drink at least 16 ounces of fluids Consume a high carbohydrate, low fat, moderate protein meal Choose familiar foods Consume about 125 - 300 grams of carbohydrate

Sample meal: 125 g carbohydrate, low fat, moderate protein - Turkey sandwich with 2 slices of bread, 1 slice cheese, 2 slices turkey, 1 tsp. mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. 1 cup pasta with vegetables and fat free Italian dressing. 1 banana.

(http://www.trifuel.com/training/health-nutrition/tridiet-triathlon-nutrition-for-peak-performan

Welcome to the Site

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:44:11 -0400

After I swam 40 laps this morning in the mist of the cold I wondered to myself for a second, “why are we doing this again?” Later I sat with a man who shared his struggle with pornography and the spiraling down of his life.

Ten of us are going to fight with everything we have to help men just like the one I spoke with this morning. I wish it was just the men or women who are viewing pornography and suffering broken relationships that I was fighting for, but it goes past them to their families. Behind many broken relationships due to pornography are children who suffer some of the greatest destruction. When I get in the pool tomorrow it will be the faces of kids who need to be saved from this destructive addiction that will spin through my mind.

The need is so great. Would you consider swimming, cycling, and running for these children?