My Most Important Post.....

As many know by now, I decided back at the end of March that I would be running the ING NYC Marathon for the USO on November 4th.... 


Then at the end of May I opened up Facebook and was saddened to read the post of my dear friend Allie, who I had not seen since leaving Washington. Her husband Sean had been shot and killed in Afghanistan. In my almost 15 years of working for the US Navy I had never had this feeling. Never had I had someone in my Military Family lose their spouse or family member, and being this far away, there was nothing I could do.


Then I remembered that the USO had stated in their e-mails to the athletes, that we could run for fallen service men and woman. I knew then, what I wanted/had to do.

Towards the end of June I sent a message to Allie asking for hers and Sean’s Families blessing in running the marathon for Sean. 
On the 4th I will be wearing the outfit I have discussed numerous times, but more importantly, will be my shirt….

As you can see, on the front, are those folks that have supported the USO through your generous donations….

The MOST IMPORTANT part of the shirt will be the back, and who will be helping carry/push me through those 26.2 miles from above.

It is because of the sacrifices of men and women like Sean that we have the Freedoms that we do, and NEVER should take those Freedoms for granted.

I ask that you keep Allie, their daughter Addie, and Sean’s Family in your prayers.

W/ much Love,

Chris

Last Cake??? and an Update on the 35....

It's almost been a month since, I first posted about the ING NYC Marathon, and a lot has happened in that time..The Summer officially started, the family went to London, and training finally kicked into gear...The Big Running training begins next week, but the eating right and the diligent training has began.

Also in this period of time, I received some humbling and inspiring news which I will be sharing at a later time with a little help from an AMAZING friend.

Then there was the article by the USO Blog.  I am so very thankful to all of those that entrusted me with their Birthdays, Baby Showers, Farewells, etc. and donated to such a good cause...Speaking of the cakes...Below you will find what may be the last one before the race.  I am now only doing cakes for those that are willing to donate a minimum of $100 to the USO through my link.  The cake below was the hardest I have done.  Not because it was hard to decorate, rather because it was the first one that I could not lick the beaters, the bowl or the frosting....Staying strong.

Speaking of staying Strong, you will see my NYC Poster now has some X's through it.  Today was the 2nd weigh in.  I am happy with my number...Would have liked to have seen it a little lower and a few more X's, but have to remind myself that I had some pretty good fish and chips(and a few frappacinos) while in London.  For you that took the 35 pound bet, it was an official weigh in by a friend.

So it has been about 3 weeks since I have had a soda, energy drink, beer, glass of wine, or cigar...and boy do I miss it.  But as you will find out in an upcoming blog, my inspiration at this time is not something I am willing to sacrifice these things for.  Granted it would have been nice to have a Beer with my Friend in London and my Brother while here is here visiting.  It will make it even more amazing on November 4th when I have a Drink or 100 :)

Finally, I invite those that may have not donated to the link below, you still can....

Love you all...

Chris


Link to the USO Story:

http://blog.uso.org/2012/06/25/cake-decorator-raises-dough-for-uso/

Link to Donate:

www.teamuso.org/2011/christopherkasparek

6 Down, 29 to go....

Last Cake???

ING NYC Marathon or BUST!!!!

On November 4th, 2011, I will be running the ING NYC for the USO...Many of you already know this, as I have spent the last two months raising the required funds for the USO.  This was done through Baking and Decorating Cakes as well as soliciting donations.  That goal was reached, and now Goal #2 begins tomorrow.

It is no secret that since HS I have fought this battle that is called weight...Weight goes up, weight goes down.  I get into a disciplined period and rock, and then I let myself go...Right now I find myself at a crossroads...I have to make a decision and I have to stay the course..So tomorrow, June 18th, I start my training for November 4th.  The diet will change, not a diet, but the diet will change and the work-outs will intensify.  This happened back in 2009 when I trained for the Marine Corps Marathon and got in the best shape of my life.

The goal this time is simple....40 pounds...40 pounds by Race Day...40 Pounds by November 4th.  I owe it to myself, my family and our Men and Women around the globe that I will be representing when I run those 26.2 miles for the USO.  At this time, I do not have a GOAL time, instead, my goal is to stay healthy, disciplined and on TASK.

Attached is a poster that is hanging in my office door and in our house...I will see it everyday when I wall into my office and I will see it everyday when I walk down our house stairs in the morning.  Each Picture represents one pound...Pictures that I will cross off the board as I knock them out of the park.  The poster will also have a thermometer that represents the 40 pounds....

At work all of my colleagues know what is going on, and will be making sure I do not stray.  My families and friends are aware, just as they were in Washington....It never hurts to have additional help.

So as I embark on what feels like the 15,000th adventure, I re-start this BLOG with a new title and a new goal...This BLOG Will be that JOURNEY....Welcome Aboard!!!!

and REMEMBER you can still DONATE!!!!

www.teamuso.org/2011/christopherkasparek