The Banner

Patrick Green wakes up at 7 a.m. and slowly emerges from his bed. It is not necessarily that he is a morning bird; he is simply determined.

Today, Green will run four miles, which is short to him, but it will definitely not be lackadaisical. In fact, nothing he does in life is sub par. "He commits himself entirely to the things that he chooses to be involved in. His work ethic on and off of the field is tremendous," Ryan Jorden, his former soccer coach, said.

Green sets out on Diana Avenue and heads towards Monroe Street, looking like he is running from someone. But no, today it is just him and the small mammals that flee into the bushes at the daunting sound of his footsteps shuffling rapidly across the pavement. Pit-a-pat. Pit-a-pat. Pit-a- pat.

Green admits that he has a need for speed.

This is a typical morning for Patrick Green, who not only has to focus on the three "R's of education," but also is an avid runner, resident assistant and Christ-follower.

First, he steadies his pace, a fast one at that, and his breathing. Two necessary stipulations that must be taken care of in order for him to log his extensive mileage. Once his breathing and pace are coordinated, his mind moves to an introspective state and considers what he calls "the big rocks" of his day: running, school- work, resident assistant duties and the Lord.

His thoughts on these subjects scurry across his mind like his legs across the pavement.

As Green makes a left onto Monroe, the distance he still has to complete overshadows his thoughts. Never would he quit, but he does have to remind himself why he puts forth this kind of effort multiple times per week.

Green, who actually considers himself a triathlete, has completed three major races.

Last year, he ran the Surf City Marathon with a group from CBU.

"That was really cool. I was able to be a leader in that, help and inspire guys to just finish," Green said. "I like the group part of that and I wish I could do it again with a group."

He also set a personal record at the La Jolla "Half-Marathon", which is known for its amount of hills and exemplary location, with a friend who was participating in a race for the first time.

Green's most recent race was the Pasadena Marathon, which took place on his 22nd birthday. He only participated in the half of the mara- thon, which is approximately 13.1 miles. He would have completed the full marathon, but because of so many commitments, he did not have time to log the miles necessary to pre- pare properly.

Green finished 29th out of 3000 runners, ran at a pace of 6:25 splits per mile and finished in one hour, 24 minutes and two seconds. He said it was a "hilly but enjoyable race."

He ran the 5k Fun Run during homecoming weekend, receiving first place with a time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds.

His thoughts are interrupted when he looks ahead and notices the big red hand of the crosswalk signal halting him from the opposite side of the street. Still, he does not slow down. He runs in place until he can cross the street and continue on his run.

This is similar to his position in life.

Green is graduating in May with a degree in kinesiology. Only two months of schoolwork is keeping him from getting his degree and crossing over to the next phase of his life.

In the next phase, Green wants to get his teaching credentials. And to keep running, of course. He also plans to participate in triathlons by the end of the summer.

"I would like to teach health and physical education, and hopefully go into coaching," Green said. "I love coaching, but the reason I would love to go into teaching is because, obviously, I love to talk about health and fitness. At the same time, I see it as a pedestal to be able to share your faith to kids at that age whether its high school, college or even middle school."

The crosswalk signal summons pedestrians to proceed, and Green pushes forward. His tenacity increases as he approaches his favorite part of the four-mile route: the orange tree paradise located parallel to Dufferin Avenue.

Green likes this route because it is away from busy traffic and provides for the least stressful environment.

The orange trees are not the only entities that bear bountiful amounts of fruit. Green himself is busy impacting the lives of those in Cottage twelve, where he is the resident assistant.

"He has showed me how to walk deep in my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is personally discipling me and teaching me how to lead among my peers," Chase Williams, one of Green's residents, said. "He is a very personable guy who loves to invest in young men's lives."

The fragrance of citrus lingers behind as Green nears the end of his run.

While on Adams Street, Green reflects on the Lord, because pleasing Him is the ultimate "end" of his life.

"I try to make running worship," Green said.

One way he is serving God is by going on an International Service Project. He even skipped out on the Surf City Marathon this year in or- der to partake in Intensive Training Weekend.

He also leads a Bible study on Thursday nights.

Back on campus, Green has no time to waste. He has a full day ahead of him: classes, ISP training and lifting weights with some of his residents.

"I like the fast-paced life," Green said. "But I like it to be purposeful."