Manwich Man to Sub 4 Hour Marathon Man.....

A Little Mental Toughness....

2010-06-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, I set out with a few goals in mind...Well actually one goal and one default goal....Goal #1 was to set a PR in the Half-Marathon(1:47) and Default Goal was to set a PR for the Rock N Roll Seattle Half Course in case I did not set a PR for the day...

The day started out rough...4:15 a.m. Wake-up, get ready for the race, load up the family with the help of Vanessa and head over to Seattle...From 4:15-6:15 it was SMOOOOOOTH, then we got to the drop-off area...actually 15 blocks from the drop-off area...It was here that I had to get out...otherwise Vanessa and the kids would be in traffic for the next hour....I already made her get up at the butt crack of down, this may be pushing it.

So I got out and started walking with Hundreds of my closest friends to the Starting Line....2 Miles later, I was there....Let me think, the last thing I was to do before a Half Marathon is walk two miles...

It was now 6:45 a.m. and the race start was in 15 minutes..."Well, I had better start my watch" Sometimes it takes a few minutes to pick up the satellites...Wanted it to be ready for the start..This is how I pace, how I motivate, how I stay on track.....HOLY SHIT!!!!! That's right, it did not turn on...NOOOOOOOOOO, this could not happen...I already hurt, I was mentally tired...I needed it...I actually tried the damn thing for the next 5 minutes, to no avail, and with every failed start the SHITS, F#$%s etc. got louder...Now what?? Well I had to pee, and I had to pee bad...Have you ever been too a race with 27,000 people? Well it seems as if all of them have to go to the bathroom at the same time...So after waiting in line for 9 minutes, It was time to get into my corral for the start...

How was I going to meet my goals...I have not run WITHOUT a watch in a race for over 2 years....First thing I did was look at my playlist...Memorized the order of the last 5 songs and told myself, when they start, I will have to be at mile 11+ or else....Then the gun went off, and we started to slowly progress to the starting line...When it was my turn, my corral was 9 minutes behind the start of the clock....and then it hit me, that will be my clock....

So for the next 13.1 miles, I would look at the time and subtract 7-9 minutes dependent on how I wanted to feel...and it worked...

It all worked, my music cues and the clocks...enough so that when I crossed the finish line at 1:54:23 I still had songs remaining and I had set a PR for the Rock n Roll Course...LAst year I ran it in 2:06...12 minutes better...I will take it....I missed a PR in the half by 6 minutes...so there is another goal.

So what did this race teach me...I have a little mental toughness....and I am going to need it as I move forward with my training for the Portland Marathon in October...My goal is to get back down under 200 by the start of the race, and to set a new PR for the Marathon...so for those of you keeping track, I will need to get a 3:58.....

Enjoy the pics...and thank you to all of you who read this and comment...I appreciate all of you....

Love

Chris

Thank you I-Pod....

2010-06-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

The last month has been pretty brutal for my training...Why? Well I never really took a break after the marathon...Instead I immediately jumped into the maintaining my miles for the next marathon on June 26th...So my feet have hurt, my achilles have hurt etc. What did I do...Nothing, just have kept running...

Then today happened...I was supposed to do a 20 miler...supposed to do...That sounds so funny...Like anything less would be a failure...NOT...This 20 was already starting off bad, I had a great late night last night catching up with an old college friend...So I was a little tired this morning...

So I started out the run with all of the usual suspects, the water, jelly beans etc. and of course my I-pod...The first 8 miles were great....then it happened...the I-pod died....actually the battery did...and I immediately felt the pain, tiredness and lack of energy kick in as I struggled through the next 2 miles...but what I did not know was that it would be the best two miles mentally that I had experienced in quite some time.

Rewind 3 years ago...the day after the Super Bowl in 2007....This was the day that I changed my life...Yes, I know that I have told this story before, but this time is different...The reason I changed my life originally was because I had a fear that I was going to die before ever seeing my children grow old, walk down the aisle, be a grandpa, celebrate my 10th, 15th, 20th etc. Wedding Anniversary with Vanessa.... Yes, I know that anything can happen, but I had control of this...I had control of my weight, so that is why I started Running, and Running and Running...

Today though I realized that in running, running and running some more I have started to now jeopardize being able to do those things again...I have stopped listing to my injuries and have for reasons yet to be determined started to compete, compete and compete again with myself...I have always thrived on competition, loved competition and still do...but I have to remember to keep it in perspective, and make sure that my priorities are right....and no I have not been neglecting my family, but I do not want to start to or cause myself to by taking unnecessary risks...

That being said, I am going to switch my entry for the Marathon at the end of the month to a Half-Marathon entry....Why? Because my body is telling me so...if I limp while running I am going to limp while playing with the kids etc. So instead of running two marathons in two months I am going to go for setting two PB's in 2 months...a Marathon PB and a Half-Marathon PB...More Realistic?? Of Course?? But will it also allow my body to heal? Yes... Allow me more time with the family?? Yes...Which was why I started this journey in the first place...

So as I look forward to the year in advance and what races I will be competing in, I am changing my goals....Goal #1: Remember why I started this in the first place..#2: Spend more time with family #3: Set a PB on June 26th in the Half Marathon...#4: Set a PB in the Marathon in October at the Portland Marathon....

So thank you I-Pod for giving me 2 miles of perspective...

Navy Seal? Olympic Marathoner? or just a few days in San Diego?

2010-05-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Well its been 2 weeks since the Marathon in Eugene and 6 weeks till my next Marathon...The Seattle Rock n Roll....and it is always nice when you get the opportunity to train in another city, a beautiful warm city no less, and that is exactly what I got to do this week. Wednesday I headed down to San Diego for 3 days for work, and I loved it.

Wednesday evening we headed out for a bite to eat at one of the local establishments...The only reason I even talk about this is because my ego got boosted a little...The place we went is a local Navy Seal establishment...and I was asked by one which unit I was in...What?? Even though I stated I wasn't, it felt pretty good to be thought of, even for a second as one...Instead of being mistaken as an eating champion, I am now being mistaken for some of the fittest specimens in the world.

So most of my time was spent on Coronado Island, which is absolutely amazing...On Thursday after our work functions were finished I headed out for a 7 mile training run...My route took me along the beach and the ocean...There are definitely things that I saw on this run that I do not see on my runs here in Seattle...Topless Sunbather and Woman with no swimsuit bottom or at least a thong top the list...Also on the run I was able to see the Navy Seal Training site which sits on the beach...I cannot help but admire as I run by...After the run I headed out for the worst 9 holes of golf in my life...No seriously, the worst...It was horrible...Granted it had been two years since I swung the clubs and we did not take any shots on the range, but OMG...This was horrible...If someone would have told me three years ago that I would be a better runner than golfer, I would have laughed in their face...After golfing we headed out for some authentic Mexican Cuisine...It was AWESOME.....as I stuffed down the amazing Enchiladas, beans and rice, I thought a head to my 6 milers in the morning...I would be fine....wouldn't I.

So 6:30 a.m. the next morning I head out on that 6 mile run....It was a great run...Same great beach, same great scenery...and thank goodness it was a 6 miler and not a 7 miler...The authentic cuisine would have done me in...TMI.....yeah maybe....

At the end of the trip we headed back to the San Diego Airport and I was wearing my race day shoes...

I love these things...I have over the last few months received many comments on them, for the most part all compliments, but it was the airport security who made me feel the proudest...He thought I was an olympic marathoner....Just like the assumption that I was a Seal, this was a resounding no as well, but it still made me feel pretty good....plus I got educate the guard to the real reason that the marathon is 26.2....instead of 26 which was the original distance ran by Pheidippides...

Which leads me to the conclusion of this posting, and something that those that are near by and those family and friends that track this blog and Facebook...I love the doors that running opens...Whether it is a door into a conversation or a door that allows you to break the ice....Running can be that Door....and I love it...Probably so much so, as it annoys some at times...Sorry, I cannot help it...I love talking about it, and anything that I can do to turn someone else onto it or inspire someone through it....I am game....I will open as many doors as I can...

Till next time, find that something for you that allows doors to open...

When you want it bad enough.....

2010-05-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well it has been over a month since I last blogged...Totally unacceptable, but Vanessa does a great job on the family one to keep everyone updated, so I digress.

Since December 28th I have been training for the Eugene Marathon...with one goal and only one goal in mind: Break the 4 hour barrier. I had missed the barrier by 6 minutes in October at the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. Training was not spectacular for the marathon. Meaning that I had some long runs that went pretty shitty to say the least..Actually of the 3-20 milers that I was supposed to do, I only completed 1 of them. The other 2 I only managed 14 miles. I also put on 15 pounds since the MCM, granted half of that or so was muscle since I increased my lifting over the last 5 months....plus I had some stuff going on at work, home, etc. all of which, any athlete tells you has a mental impact. Finally, I also have been fighting a pain in my left foot....in the plantar area, and basically every morning for the last month, when I wake up, I wake up with a limp....So going into the marathon weekend, I was really nervous.

So the big preparation started last Sunday with a commitment to making sure that I was eating all of the right things....and trying to stay off my feet as much as I could possibly could. If you all remember, in DC, I did not eat great and I was on my feet too much.

We arrived in Eugene on Friday evening...We love this town...and we picked a hotel right on the river, and right along the course....I stayed on my eating schedule and last night was pre-race dinner night...I called a good friend and asked him if he had any suggestions for me....You see....I have bad luck when it comes to food...my stomach has killed my races in the past and I wanted to make sure it did not happen again...So we headed to the Olive Garden and with the help of the friend I chose a pasta dish with steak, some breadsticks and about 6 glasses of water.

This morning, after waking up every hour on the hour, I awoke at 5 a.m. and stepped out of bed...and guess what...for the first time in weeks, no pain in the foot...So I gathered everything I needed and prepared to head out the door...but not before saying the following prayer which I found on-line a few months ago, and I am hoping at some point I can commission my little brother to do some remarkable art piece using it.....Enjoy...

The Runner's Prayer

Lord, Watch over me today as I run. This is the day and this is the time for the race.

Watch over my body. Keep it free from injury.

Watch over my mind. May I listen to the signals from within as I enjoy the scenes from without.

Watch over my spirit.

Watch over my competitors. Remind us that we all are struggling equally.

Lord, Let me win. Not by coming in ahead of my friends, but by beating myself.

Let it be an inner win. A battle won over me.

And may I say at the end, "I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

Adapted from The Ultrarunner’s Prayer by Carolyn Erdman & Jay Hodde

After saying the prayer, I headed for the shuttle...on the way, I picked up a bottle of water and a box of granola. The shuttle picked up right in the hotel parking lot and we headed to Hayward Field for the start of the race. Along the way, I was starting to think of my race...mile by mile, water spot to water spot, what would my food do, how would I feel, did I pick the right meal the night before etc. and then we were there. While there I got to hit the port-a pottie a few times...Those times plus the two at the hotel before I left had me worried....

Then it was time...at 7 a.m. the gun went off, and at that time I had a choice...there were the 4 hour pacers....Did I try to catch up with them (they started almost two minutes before me) or did I hang back and listen to what the pros said the previous night...DO NOT GO OUT TOO FAST!!!!'

I listened to the Pros....and I paid close attention for the first time ever in a race to my pace right off the bat...When I was going too fast, I slowed, if I was going slow I sped up....

At mile 3, I teared up..no joke...Why? because my foot felt great....Absolutely great...and I realized at that moment, that I may just do it...but I did not want to get cocky...

At mile 8ish I saw Vanessa, Camden, Emma, and Amber for the first time...and for the first time in my running career, I told them my time and how I was feeling...and I was feeling GREAT....

At mile 14, I saw them again, and I still was feeling GREAT....was not expecting to see them at that time, so it added a boost to my step...I also need to point out that shortly after this mile, I caught the pacers and continued to lead them for quite awhile...I also teared at this point because I realized that my goal could really happen...

Then came 19, where I saw the fans again, but they almost missed me....Gotta love it when they were not looking for me, because they did not expect me yet....

At mile 19 I also looked hard at the watch and knew that I had to be done with 20 miles at 3 hours to have any chance of breaking the 4 hour mark...this would give me a little extra time to make sure that I broke the mark..and it would mentally be my battle for the next 6.2 miles....

The 20 mile mark is considered to be the wall to many...fortunately for me it was not...Instead it was the point of the race where I realized that you CAN do this....You CAN break the mark, but how bad do you want it.....the head when back and forth between looking ahead of me and looking at my watch...back and forth, back and forth....

21 still on track, but getting more sore and it is getting harder to maintain my pace....

22, still on track and uh-oh, there they go...the pacers...they pass me, and I start to think...Can I, will I?

23, a pleasant surprise...My cheer section....they say I looked great, I think they were lying...because I know I did not feel great....and at 23, I had 32 minutes left to go....Doable for sure but I was hurting.

24, 2.2 miles left and then I hear a voice say...if you want it, get it, it will hurt, but it will hurt more if you do not....so I pushed...Thanks coach....see I do listen...

25, 1.2 to go and I stepped it up...I was waivering between 8:30 and 9:30.....but I dug in because I knew what was waiting for me..Hayward Field, more specifically the track....the track where my running hero Prefontaine ran....I would run in his footsteps...

25.75, I look ahead and see what I think is the track....it is and I look at my watch, I am getting close...real close...So I dig..I dig deeper then I ever have athletically....really....then it happens, my watch stops because the distance is a little off....so now I am at 2:57 and some change so I try to count...yeah right, that was not working, so I dig some more and I enter the track...I came upon an older woman who could not decide where she wanted to run, and she apologized and I grazed her shoulder and started to sprint...or at least what felt like sprinting at this point...because I had no clue where I was for time....Digging, Digging, Digging.....

26.2, and then I crossed.....and I must have looked spent, because two gentlemen were there to put there arms under me as I started to fall forward...They caught me, and asked if I was ok....of course I was...What was my time? What was my time? "Are you ok" Yes...so they let go and I fell forward....and they caught me again and took me into the Medical Tent...Where i got some tender loving care for 10 minutes or so....A glass of Gatorade later, and a bottle of water I leaned up and was ready to go....Then the kind young lady said to me "Whoa Buddy" not yet....Guess I did not look really good yet....another 5 minutes later, I did and I walked out(hobbled actually)....

So then I tried to find the family to no avail....Thats ok, because at this point, I still had no idea what my time was....and it was eating me...Should I be happy, sad...WHAT???? Then there it was....the scoring table...they enter your # and out comes your times....I grabbed it and was scared to death...Then I looked down....3:59:07......and for the next 5 minutes....I was a man brought to tears.....

15 minutes later I found the family and we hugged, kissed and shared stories from the day....Man I love these guys....and I was so happy to hear about everyone tracking me throughout the day...and Vanessa keeping everyone up to date as well.....LOVE YOU...

So now my list of odds and ends during the race....I do not have 26.2, plus, I think I already talked about most, so here are some new things...enjoy...and THANK YOU TO all of you...

1. I did not have one bowel movement during this entire race...Thats a first, and hopefully not a last...

2. One woman I saw did...Poor Woman, had an accident....when she passed me later, she now had a shirt tied around her waste. Little observation with that...If anyone else but a runner was walking around with shitty drawers, would it be acceptable...Nope...another reason to love running.

3. Jelly Belly Energy Beans...Love them, and could not have finished today without them.

4. 3088 Calories

5. My songlist Rocked...Rocky came at the right times, and so did music that had special memories..

Enjoy the pics....both below and on FB when they are up.......

That's more like it....

2010-03-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a really tough past few weeks...work has been intense and their have been some things close to home that combined with work have had my mind preoccupied. So when I left the house this morning on my 2nd 20 miler of this training plan,I was not that confident to how my body, but more specifically my mind was going to react. Was I going to be able to focus? Or was my mind and body going to lose, like it had 3 weeks ago during my first 20 miler, when I was only able to do 14.5 miles.

Well I am happy to report that it went very well. I spent much of my energy focusing on my hydration and nutrition, and this paid huge dividends. I also tried out a pair of the compression socks...Yep, those, the ones that go up right below the knee. Vanessa of course thinks they look dorky, but I like them and whether they really work or not, my mind thinks they did.

So a little over a month remains in this training plan....I am starting to get a little nervous as I anticipate my 2nd real attempt at a sub 4 hour marathon...This will be my 3rd overall...So what is it they say? Third time is a charm.

Hope everyone has a great week..

Crazy?? Addicted?? or Both.....

2010-03-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

Well the calendar for 2010 is pretty much secured...Other than a few small races here and there I have officially signed up for 3 Marathons between now and October, with another one in November oe December more than likely...

Sure it may seem crazy, but I look at it more as a test. A test of my physical endurance, and my mental endurance. Will my body withstand this beating? I really do not know.. Will I want to quit along the way...Hell yeah I will...The last few days, I have found myself struggling through a few miles of my daily runs...but I WILL PERSEVERE....

Today was a 7 miler...yet at times it felt like a 20 miler...but then I would find my groove and everything would feel great. The hardest thing for me right now is slowing down..Currently I am ahead of schedule for my timing...As many of you know there is one goal in mind for May 2nd...TOO BREAK the 4 hour mark...Anything more than that will be a failure for me...barring injury of course...So I need to be careful...

Some of you may or may not be aware that my little brother Tim, yes I have mentioned him throughout the last year on this blog, has his own blog...His latest post was absolutely hilarious, and I recommend clicking on my links to the left to see it...He is under the Triathlon Tim link...Enjoy.

I am very thankful that this week is a light week for the miles....only 27 miles total including gthe long run which is only 7 this week...Then we jump up again next week....

More factual then inspirational this post.....

A Piece of Humble Pie....

2010-02-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

So a few weeks ago, I was all jazzed on here as I talked about my PR in the Half Marathon in Dallas....Was boasting about my 1:49 time...which I found out later put me 6th in my age group and 101st overall...Not to shabby...The following weekend I had a 16 miler, followed by a 12, followed by an 18 last week...I will not lie the 18 hurt, but I felt alright...Was still feeling in the zone...Then came today.
I was supposed to do 20...lets just say that I barely, barely did 14.45....It may have been the worst run of the last two years and you know why?.....Because my inner athlete needed to kick my ass....and he did...

He said:
You are not hydrating enough during the week and the night before.
You are not preparing the night before for your long runs(both mentally and physically)
You are letting work stress you out to much adn it is affecting your running.
Quit eating the Peanut Butter M&M's, sure they taste good and you burn them off at the gym, but on the long runs they are going to come back and haunt you AND THEY ARE...
Stop drinking the Energy Drinks...What the hell are you thinking...You know better...If you were hydrating right you would not need the help with energy in the first place.
You are starting to take running for granted...Sure it gets easier but it is always something you, especially you need to work at.
Eat the right portions...You are eating well, just eat the right amount...
Quit snacking at night...You were doing so well....Drink water, Drink Water, Drink Water.
Keep your confidence up...You are still doing it...I just needed to kick you down so you could get up, brush yourself off and push forward...

So those were the ingrediants for my Humble Pie, I am positive that we have all had a piece of this pie a time or two, but today it burnt me like no other...

The good news is I had not weighed myself in over 2 months...part of me was afraid that I was going to gain weight back since I had not been eating the best all fo the time...Well I hadn't...sure some of it back, but 211 is pretty darn good...and with 2 months till the start of the Race in Eugene...plenty of time to get back down to my racing weight (198, Marine Corps Marathon)

Book Recommendation: Personal Record: A Love Affair with Running by Rachel Toor
It is short, sweet, to the point and I highly recommend it to all runners...

Another Personal Best....

2010-02-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

So at the end of my last post I discussed the trip I was about to take to Dallas for the Navy's Annual Child and Youth Conference. I am not one to lack in outward confidence(so says Vanessa and my brothers), but any of you that read this blog know that I struggle with it on the inside. Constantly wondering if I am looking fat, feeling fit, wondering how I look in that shirt, or this shirt etc.

When I arrived in Dallas it was the new Chris through and through...I got off of the plane boarded the shuttle to the hotel and immediately upon arriving went right to my room...Saw some folks that I knew but did not visit...Why?? Any guesses? Yep it was long run day, and I had to get my gear on and log my 12 miles before the reception that evening, which was only 3 hours away...So I headed out for a 12 miler in a city that I had never been to, and was running in a part of town that....hmmm, how do I say it...not great for running ALONE....but thank goodness it was Sunday...no one was out and about...The best part of the run was when I stumbled upon, accidently, the Grassy Knoll...Yep, that Grassy Knoll...I would like to say that I solved the mystery while there...nope not a chance...but it was amazing to run through the tunnel where the car came through and look up at the Depository window.

So after the run, I got back to the hotel and got ready for the reception...Now I will not lie, this was a big deal for me...There were going to be people here that had not seen me in 5-6 years...or as I like to say 100 pounds ago...The reception was one of the most Ego Boosting evenings of my life...It felt great to have people come up to me and say things like WOW, or we heard it from so and so, but we had to see it to believe it, or you are the talk of the night....and I do not put this in the blog for personal joy, I do it so that others can read this and if they are struggling with weight know that when you do bust your ass, and work at it...PEOPLE WILL NOTICE AND PEOPLE WILL TELL YOU HOW GOOD YOU LOOK....who doesn't want that.....

So the week continued and I had more amazing conversations with some very special people...Folks that I had inspired with my trainings in the past, and folks that have inspired me, and continue to inspire me.

The last night of the conference was spent at the banquet which concluded with a dance...Heres the funny thing...Weight loss or no weight loss...I still sweat like a pig when cutting a rug....But who gives a @#$%, it was fun as he$%...

The Friday after the conference I was fortunate enough to get a private tour with some close personal friends, of the new Cowboy Stadium....Yes, it is amazing, and yes that TV rocks...Best comment of the tour by one of my buddies as the big tv had cheerleaders on it...."I think I just saw a mole..."

The following day was race day...Yep another half-marathon...and this one was advertised as a flat, warm race, ideal for this time of year...So, I figured what a great thing to be able to do at a training...Run a race, and run in warm temps....Warm temps my rear end....It was 28 degrees with a 20 mph headwind in some places...None the less, I still set a PB, with a 1:49:56...3 minutes faster then Seattle in November....

My week away concluded with a trip to Melbourne Beach Florida to help celebrate the life of my dear friends Father. Papa Phil was an amazing man who fought a courageous battle against Cancer...HE was a true family man in every sense of the word, and I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate his life.

So now I am back home, I celebrated my 35th B-day last week, attended the Daddy/Daughter Dance with Emma and I am in the heart of Marathon Training with the race on May 2nd...I hope to do a better job of keeping this bad boy updated....

I have to share one last quick story that just happened as I was writing this...Camden came upstairs and grabbed one of the Hot Tamale Extra Hot Candies....HE must have Grandpa K in him....it did not phase him a bit....and it was hilarious to watch...

Show Me What I am Looking for....

2010-01-19T22:56:00.000-08:00

Yes it has really been since the Seattle Half-Marathon where I set a Personal Best with a 1:53 time. When was that..oh yeah back in November...I have wanted so many times to get on here and update what has been happening and what has not been happening over the last two months.

Do not worry , I have not fallen off the wagon of working out and running...it just became harder to do so...The weather this past 2 months has been down right brutal...Granted it hasn't been anything compared to the Midwest and my Iowa roots, but the rain has not been that great, and unlike the rain during my preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, this is cold rain, and trut be told, I cannot be sick right now..Too much work to do...Yep I said it...I have had a lot of work going on.

So as I was saying December came and went...I got 2nd place in our annual neighborhood house lighting contest....@##$ not that I am competitive...and then the big news of the month for me anyways....I became an Uncle to Coleton Miles Kasparek...Let me explain...Over the last two years as I have transformed my life, taken up running , and overall just becam healthier, there has been one person that has been more supportive than most(excluded of course are Vanessa, Camden and Emma)...This person is my little brother Tim...This guy is a World Class Athlete...Sure I brag, thats what big brothers do...Don't get me started bragging about my other brother and his art...but for now this is about becoming an Uncle...Tim has competed in 2 Ironmans, countles others tri's a few marathons, half marathons etc...and a year or so ago, he became a coach to me and whether it was guilt or something else he came and supported me at the Marine Corps Marathon in DC...

All of you that compete in anything, and I mean anything can relate to the feeling of the day of competition, the emotions, the gut feeling, the feeling that you want people around yet you do not want anyone to say a word, till of course you are ready...and Tim was ready...He said the right things, asked the right questions and was there to push me across the bridge in DC at mile 21 even though he about knocked me on my ass and he was there to stand with me as I sat collapsed on the floor of a DC Train Station as my exhaustion took over...(Remember that Bro, I will never forget it)...

and another day I will never forget is December 17th when I received the call while sitting in Silver City Brewery with co-workers in the middle of a coversation...I looked down and saw that it was coach...you see at this point Coaches wife was still hours away from delivering my nephew(so I thought)...Being the concerned big brother...I asked if everything was ok....on the other end "Congratulations Uncle" I about lost it...Now my coach/my brother/one of my heroes and I had another thing in common....We were DADS....and I love it....and have loved every phone conversation we have had since Coleton was born...It is funny to be on this side of things...but I love it...

Another big thing that happened was on January 11th.....Emma(my oldest), turned 5....What? Really? 5!!! It seems like just yesterday......100pounds ago, that I was holding this liitle girl and taking her home...Now she is 5, and I can say that she along with her brother and Mom have been so supportive in this journey...

So here we are 2010....What does the year hold for me...Well one of the coolest things ever will happen for me in a few weeks, when I facilitate a Running Course/Info./Tutorial/Inspirational Story during the Annual Navy Youth Conference in Dallas....Over 5 years ago I wrote some trainings for the Navy....I used humor above all, because I was uncomfortable in my own body in front of others...I could inspire, make people feel good about themselves(with work and their achievements), but I was a mess on the outside...I would turn red, sweat my ass off, and make all laugh when I was out of breath...But now here I sit getting ready to inspire people to get healthy, run, eat right, and take care of themselves...I am so PUMPED.....

and the real funny things is, I am staying an extra day in Dallas...not to party, like the old Chris would have, but to actually run a Half-Marathon...Who'd a thunk it....Goal Time...1:52....Yes another PB....

I have also updated my runs on the blog, the ones that I am planning to do...I am also planning on running in a.....wait for it....a Bare Buns Run in July....Yep...in the buff....Why? Because I can, and I feel comfortable doing it....

So I end this overdue blog post with a few things...

1: The Title of this post was "Show me what I am looking for", my new favorite song by Carolina Liar...When you look up the lyrics, for me it is perfect for the person that has struggled with food, weight and working out...
2: Loving Running books....Have read two great ones in the last few weeks and am deep into my third..."The Runner's Rule Book: Everything a runner needs to know and then some" by Mark Remy "MY Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom and the Insights of a Road Racing Icon" by Bart Yasso and "Running with the Buffaloes" by Chris Lear....

and in conclusion...we all have to make the decision as individuals to become who we want to be....but it never hurts to have a supportive and loving cast of characters around you...

Oh....and below are the new kicks that will hopefully take me to where I want to go int 2010....at least for the first 300 miles.....God Bless...

January 11th, 2005

January 11th, 2010

Is Emma really 5? Great job Vanessa...We've done alright...

How many marathons will these prepare me for? 4? 5?

What a difference 2 years makes...

2009-11-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Really? I have not posted anything in a month....Is that possible? Yep 100% possible, and I DO feel a little crappy for that...Since getting back from the Marathon it has been an extremely busy time at work(no excuses), and I was struggling to decide what to do with the Seattle Marathon...Would I do the Half? or the Whole?

As many of you that read this already know, I chose the half...Much of this had to do with my body, but it also had to do with my mind...After the marathon I spent the next couple of weeks a little burnt out, but wanting to continue to push badly...

Up until a week ago, I still thought I may still do the Whole...Then a training run of 13 reminded me that the half was the way I needed to go..So at 4 a.m. this morning, I awoke and got the family together(with Vanessa of course helping me), and we headed to Seattle with 1 goal...Break 2 hours and set a PR.

From the beginning the day started out perfectly..Arrived in Seattle..NO TRAFFIC, then again who else is driving from Silverdale to Seattle at 5 in the morning...Got a parking spot in a parking ramp, and low and behold find out that our spot is, no kidding, 2 minutes from the starting line....and the Port-a-Potties...As many of you know that have followed my weight loss and running, this(the port-a-potties, are key...and they did not fail me this morning before the gun went off:))

After my good luck kisses and hugs from my cheering section, I headed to the start line...Oh...I forgot...Today I decked myself out in a "AWESOME" outfit....Santa Shirt, Santa Socks, MY USA Shoes, Green Shorts and Green Hat....You that know me really well, can agree that I was channeling my inner Chris Kringle and Clark Griswold..

The Gun went off at 7:30 a.m. The only negative thing I have to say at all about this race is the first 3 miles...and only now 2 years into serious running can I complain about it...Back when I first started running, I figured you just ran to finish...When you came up to someone you pause and wait, wait for an opening etc. Patience, Patience, Patience....That is for the birds and for folks trying not to set a PR or a goal of any kind other than finishing...I was that person, I am not anymore...So what do I have to complain about...Those folks that pay no attention to their surroundings and stop in the middle of the road, move side to side talking to their friend...jumping out of the race to hug a loved one, but not watching for others around them...Call me insensitive.....but the first three miles of my race today were spent on sidewalks and weaving in and out more than a drunk at Beef Days(shout out to Solon, Iowa)..Weaving in and out, so I could achieve my PR...

In that first three miles I barely caught Vanessa and the kids waving as I sprinted by passing them on the sidewalk...

The next 10.1 miles? AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING...2 years ago when I did this race, I hurt, and I hurt bad at the end...the hills killed me, the downhills killed me and most of all my extra weight killed me...

Today, the roles were reversed...I killed the hills, drove down the downhills, and rejoiced that the weight is gone...and gone for good, because races like this remind me of why I have worked as hard as I have...

So some funny, motivating, and not so funny sidenotes from the race...

1) The runner at mile 12.75 who collapsed...Anyone that works that hard deserves to finish without incident..but sometimes the cards do not work out that way..Here is hoping he is OK and that he tackles his next race...

2) 2 hour pacers...there was nothing more motivating then catching up to the pacers(they started 6 minutes before me) and watching the distance grow, and grow, and grow between us...

3) The 13 year old girl whose parents wrote on the back of her shirt..."You are being beat by a 13 year old girl" Hilarious, but will not lie, as I watched all of those around me as she passed us, not one of us did not kick a little harder...I think she did beat me...

4) The Santa outfit got some cheers..."Go Santa" "You go Santa" Loved it, and appreciated it...

5) Domino's Bread Bowl Pasta...Come on, do you think I would make that mistake again...If you have no idea what that means, read the Marathon Blog below...

6) Kings of Leon...Added to the Playlist this time...Loved it...Along with the new tune by Jay-Z and Alicia Keyes...

7) Getting the call after the race from my Dad, and him informing me that I was running in the 99 age category...Guess they may have not read my reg form correctly...or last minute registrations did not all get in the computer yet...Whichever, pretty funny...

8) The feeling running the course this year, compared to 2 years ago...I can not possibly put into words the difference in my mind as I went the 13.1 Again I felt like I belonged..

9) The call to Vanessa after I crossed the finish line..."You are finished"..."Yes"..."Already" "Yes" "Shoot, we missed you"....I would have loved them to see me finish, but knowing it was because I ran faster than they thought I would, that caused this, makes me happy...

10) My family...Again, Vanessa and the kids were out there with bells and whistles...Cannot wait till the day that we can all run one together...

So what's next..Look for an updated race calendar soon...and enjoy the pics...the few that we have...because of the crowded ness and the quickness of the race...We got a picture from before and way after at home.....Oh, and by the way...PR was attained...1:52:14..Breaking my old PR by 13 minutes...

DC Marathon 26.2 List

2009-10-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day...My 2nd Marathon went so much better than the 1st one..Cutting 38 minutes off of my PB...It was amazing to see the 250,000+ spectators cheer all of us runners along..Definitely recommend putting your name on the front of your shirt like I did today...Cannot tell you how uplifting it was as I ran the streets of DC hearing my name called...Even more inspiring was when spectators called out for Team Hole in the Wall..Everytime this happened I could not help but think of the children that I helped raise money for so that they could go to camp..

A big shout out to my support team here..Tim and Pops...They were able to get to a number of different locations and cheer me on, and it was a huge boost...Also, Tim and Pops provided us with some great pictures from the day that was...

So without further ado the Top 26.2 List from DC..in no particular order..

1. Meeting the Team Hole in the Wall folks was amazing..The participants that raised money through their participation in this race, raised $50,000...Picture below of the Team...

2. Seeing places that I have dreamed of seeing: JFK Gravesite, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, just to the name a few..

3. Spending some QT with Pops and Tim..Tim has helped so much with my transformation and it was great having him here to support me in the race...Pops was a trooper as we dragged him all over DC..Thanks Guys..Love yah...

4. The Navy Lodge to Anacostia Bus Ride...Quite the experience, both during the day and late at night...

5. Seeing the Wounded Warriors competing in the marathon...These Heroes are truly that..In a time and age when we call many heroes...these young men and women showed true grit and determination..Anytime that I even considered stopping to walk or pity my own pain, I saw these folks and kept going...Thank you for serving our country..You truly are HEROES!!!

6. Port-A-Potties are my savior...Lets just say that I had some stomach issues during the race..This definately added about 3-5 minutes to my time, however it may have been avoidable...My pre-race dinner on Saturday night was Pasta...Which is good..what may have been the mistake was getting it from Dominoes...

7. The Floor of the Rosslyn Train Station..After the race we headed to the Rosslyn train station so that we could head back to the Navy Lodge..20 minutes later I am standing in line and have a horrible feeling that I am either going to pass out or hurl..Took a straight line to the wall, slid down and planted my ass right there...Good ole' Pops headed out and got me a Soda so I could get some Sugar in my sytem...20 minutes later...Good to go..

8. Marine Corps Marathon Organizers...What a great event...My only heartache..Need more port-a-potties...Long lines that could have been shortened with a few additional here and there..

9. Iwo Jima Memorial...What a great place to finish a race...

10. 4:08...My finishing time...All the way up until 3:45 into the race I thought I had the chance to reach my 4 hour goal...The last 3 miles were pretty brutal, but brutal in a good way..I could not quit..I would not allow myself to quit...

11. The tree outside the Jefferson Memorial..Damn thing almost knocked my ass out...No kidding...If I did not have my hat on, I think you would have seen some stiches in my head for the race..

12. Feeling like I actually belong...At the last marathon I still felt like a chubby guy who did not necessarily fit in with the runners...Now I feel like a runner who used to be heavy...I love it...

13. Seeing my college Buddy Matt Anderson...Had not seen him since Vanessa and I's wedding day...There was a time in college when we did some crazy things..It was great reminiscing on these and sharing our new stories...

14. The Marine Corps Marathon Medal..The thing is huge and FLASHY...My very own Bling...Cannot wait for Emma to put it on..

15. Lincoln Memorial Section of the race...People were ten deep all around the memorial...Folks were screaming and shouting the names of their runners...I saw so many signs...It was absolutely amazing...Also was amazing to see all fo the children cheering on their Moms and Dads..Could not help but think of Emma and Camden and Vanessa everytime I saw this happen.

16. The support of all of my friends either through phone calls, cards or on Face Book wishing me well wishes for the race..It truly meant alot and helped me carry on through the race....Everytime I thought about my time, or stopping etc...you all were on my minds...Felt like if I stopped I would be letting you all down...

17. Other competitors...I met so many cool people the last few days..Either at the race or the expo, or even on the train...I love hearing others stories...It is inspiring helps keep the flame lit to continue to compete and get better...

18. Meeting Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson...We all meet people in life that you hope live up to your expectations...Both not only lived up to my exectation, the actually exceeded them..They were more than willing to share stories, give advise, and sign my copies of their books..If you have not done so already, I highly recommend Kathrine's "Marathon Woman" You will love it...Whether you are a man or woman...

19. DC is an amzing City...So much history...So much to do, and I only touched on a fraction of what I actually hoped to see...Guess you can mark that on the future calendar for a Family Vacation..Though I will tell you...It is a hard city to travel with small children...Understand all of the safety and security measures...actually I encourage them...but they make them tough for families with small children..Just my two cents...Research the places you want to go before going..Can no longer do things on vacation that are spontanious...

20. One of the best conversations of the weekend...We are looking at all of the monuments, and Dad says don't they have one for Washington...Ummm...Dad, the Washington Monument..What he meant was a statue, but it was funny...at least to us it was...

21. Mitch Albom's latest book Have a Little Faith...Like his previous books Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People you Meet in Heaven, and For One More Day...This one is Amazing and like Tuesdays is a True Story...I read it on the plane out here..and highly recommend it...

22. Listening to the Iowa game last night with Pops and Tim...Sure I would have loved to watch it, but we decided it was a better idea to listen to it and hit the hay a little early the night before the Race...Would have loved to had a picture of the three of u jumping into the air when we heard the TD on the last play of the game against MSU...Side note...we are sitting here in the Navy Lodge as I type this and the new BCS rankings just came out...Tim is not a big fan of Jesse Palmer right now...Hahahahaha...

23. It is exactly 1.65 miles from the Navy Lodge to the Front Gate..Why do I know that...Well I did my training runs to the gate after our first night here...Why? Well our first night here the cabbie dropped us off at the front gate and told us he could not drive in...LIAR, LIAR, Pants on Fire....1.65 miles later with our suitcases, we are on the front step of the Navy Lodge...

24. Nip Guards and Glide...This stuff saves nipples and delicate areas...Also...who would of thunk it...Losing weight also cuts down on the chaffing..Going into the shower after the race today I was scared...Usually there are some screams etc. as the water hits the chaffed areas...Not today...TMI? Maybe...but it does work...

25. The next task..Yep, I already have some plans...and yes Vanessa knows...They are: Seattle Half-Marathon..Going for a PB(Officially)....and the Eugene Marathon the first Weekend in May...This was my first marathon...Now it will be my first marathon under 4 hours...

26.2 My wife...Vanessa has been such a huge support in my life and the last 4 months have been no different...I know how lucky that I am to have such an amazing woman in my life to call my wife and more importantly my friend, and the love of my life...The only thing that would have made this weekend better was to have Vanessa and the kids here...Love you babe..

In conclusion a big hsout out to all of you...I love you all and cannot wait to share some of these experiences in person...GO HAWKS....More pictures of the weekend can be found on Facebook..

The Celebratory Beer....Double Dead Guy Ale....

Quite a Journey....

2009-10-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

The dictionary defines a journey as "The Act of Traveling from one place to another, a trip...A process or course likened to traveling, a passage..."

Absolutely without a doubt, that is what this has been and will continue to be..

On February 6th, 2006, 3 years and 8 months ago, I started my journey from an overweight, scared that I may die an early death. yet confident person, to one that is now completely comfortable in his own skin, and God willing will live a long and prosperous life both Mentally and Physically...and On October 25th, 2009, I will hit a major milestone on this continuing journey. I will be runnning the Marine Corps Marathon, my 2nd Marathon...but my first with a goal other than finishing, in mind.."To break the 4 hour barrier.."

So why all the deepness for todays Blog..Well, today I completed my last Long run of the training process, and September was the last time I blogged...Have I really been that busy...Yes I have, but for the first time in my life, I stayed on my plans, physically...

So as I was saying today I ran my last distance run before the race next Sunday..It was only an 8 miler..Only an 8 miler, Geez, back when I was training for my 1st marathon even 8 seemed long...Not anymore, and I love that feeling...Finished the run in just under 1 hour and 10 minutes..and felt really good afterwards...My right ankle felt a little weak, however that is ok..becaue I just completed my training plan and got through it with little to no significant injuries...KNOCK ON WOOD...I still have 3 smaller runs this week...

Grand Total for all of my miles since the training began on July 13th....434 miles...Holy S#$%..

There are so many people that have been involved since Day 1.....

My Wife...Vanessa has been my rock throughout all of this...She puts up with alot of shit from me..I cannot be charming all of the time:) She is flexible when I need to run and she always knows what to say, even if it pisses me off to motivate me just a little more...

My Coach...Little Brother Tim...Man this guys is amazing...2 Ironmans down and he is still going...Him and his wife Lori are having their first kid in December, a boy, and I can hardly wait...Why? Because then we can have something else in common...Early in the training process, I gave him a call and said "Tim, I need help with my eating" From then on, he has helped me, supported me, and just listened...and I love him for that...He will be in DC with me this weekend, and I hope I make him half as proud as he has made me...

Co-Workers and Friends: Both in Japan and in Washington...I fully believe that the reason people do not succeed in changing their lifestyles is because they do not get those around them involved..Tell everyone...Ask everyone for help..Shoot...my co-workers and friends would not let me look at a doughnut, let alone eat it..and they would heep praise and compliments on me when I started to drop the pounds...We all need that...IF you say you do not, YOU ARE LYING...We all need a compliment here and there...It motivates us...Be honest, when you start dropping the pounds, and someone says to you, WOW you really look good today...Do you frown and start crying because you hate it...Hell to the no....You smile, say thank you, and in your head say Hell yes I do...

People I do not even know on the street that looked at me funny: I now realize that I was a big man..Really I did not know it when I was...Seriously I did not...and thats scary...I look back at pictures now and am embarrased...Was I athletic..yeah, could I do my job...yes? Did I look like I may have a heart attack when I did do these things...YES I DID...One of my good buddies in Japan once said to Vanessa as he was sitting on the bench during a B-Ball game and I was on the court..."Is Chris supposed to be that color?" Yikes...and yet it took another year before I started to do something about it..

My Grandpa Friedl(who passed a few years ago)-Who I often think about on my long runs, because, though I loved him so much, he used to give me the most crap about my weight..I know he can see me now and is proud of me..but it would feel really good to say.Ha look at me now...I am expecting some special look downs from Heaven Grandpa, and one of your special prayers like at Christmas next week as I get to the Starting line...

and of course my Parents: My work ethic comes from them and they always let me TRY new things..Because of that, I am still trying new things...

So here we are 1 week from the start of another point along this journey...Everyday has new challenges, new barriers to be broken and new temptations on the horizon...Do I eat that candy bar, do I drink that soda....or do I stay on task....I try to stay on task...

Below are some pictures from this continuing Journey...Thank you to all of you who have told me that I inspire you through my work and breakthroughs...You are also my inspiration...

3 Weeks and a GOAL MET....

2009-09-20T06:25:00.000-07:00

So I went on my blog this morning and realized that I had not updated it in three weeks...Many reasons for that. 1 being that I do not have access to my pictures from three weeks ago, because they are currently trying to be restored by the Geek Squad in Kentucky.....

3 Week Recap:

The last weekend in August I flew to Louisville, Kentucky and supported little brother Tim as he competed in the Ironman Louisville event. This was an amazing weekend that I got to share with close friends and family. Any of you that have never been to an Ironman event...I highly recommend it...It can be an overwhelming experience for all involved...Tim finished the race, and his family and friends could not be prouder of him...to get its ample due, check out Tim's Blog for the full story...www.triathlontim.blogspot.com

While in Louisville, my dedication to the Marine Corps Marathon became very apparent..Just because I was in another state, time zone, etc. during training, my long run did not go away. In fact this was going to be the longest run of my training thus far...20 miles. So the day before the race(Saturday) I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and headed out for a darkened run, in an unfamiliar location...

Here's a recap of that run:

1) While stretching in the Hotel Parking Lot, solicited by a prostitute for a good time.

2) Within the 2nd mile of the run I had crossed the bridge from Louisville, Kentucky into Indiana. 2 states, 1 run...impressive.

3) The next few miles were brutal...the plan was to run out 10 miles and then come back the same way...

4) Running besides a cemetary at 5:30 in the morning, is a tad scary, though it does naturally make you run faster.

5) Was almost hit by a car...at least 5 times...Felt like I was playing chicken in the dark...Granted it did not help that I only had a foots worth of shoulder to work with.

6) 3+ hours later I was back in Louisville, having completed my run and was now prepared to cheer on Tim the following day.

The next week, was a great week of running till I hit the 16 mile long run..Just a week earlier I was in Louisville running 20 with little ot no pain...Now here I was a week later and struggling, physically and mentally to get through a 16 miler...It did not help that the entire run was done in a drizzling rain...and it did not help that the night before I had spent 4 hours on my feet watching the Huskis play the LSU tigers in their opening game of the 2009 College Football Season..

I called Vanessa at mile 13 to get picked up, and fortunately she had to say no, because the kids were napping...Thats all I needed to kick my ass into gear the final 3 miles...They sucked...but that was because it was now down pouring..I was getting hit from the top and the bottom by rain...IT was tough, but the 16 were done..

The folloiwng week was easy...3-7 mile runs followed by a long run of only 7...This was a nice break all the way around...On my 7 mile long run, I was at a Leadership Weekend, so I teamed up with a Triathlete in the class to run it with...I was a tad nervous..Could I hang with him, or would I seem like a turtle...I did all right and we had a very enjoyable run..Who knew that I could actually carry on a conversation while runnning.

Now we are up to the present day...Yesterday, my commitment to training was in high gear...As my little brother told me yesterday, you are now the crazy one of the family...I arose at 4 a.m. and headed out on my 20 miler....Ugh...It rained the entire time...what the hell....Mentally it takes a little bit out of you, but then you think, If I can do it now at 4 in the morning in the rain, I will be able to do it rain or shine on race day...or at least thats what I think...The run was pretty uneventful...sure I had the typical mental fights...stop, Go, finish, run, walk etc.

The biggest heart stopper though was the Coyote that decided to pop out of the woods about 50 yars in front of me and run back in..I am really glad he did...Almost needed an extra pair of undies...

After the run, I was picked up by my loving/supportive/amazing wife and we both hustled to get me ready for the Huskies vs USC football game...I showered etc. while Vanessa packed the bag...By 0900 I was in Bremerton meeting Chris W and getting ready to walk on the ferry...Oops...the ferry is broke..so we had to wait till 1015 to head on the next ferry to Seattle...

7 hours later, Chris and I were down on the field celebrating the Huskies, historic and miraculous win over the #3 team in the country...

What a day, and when I got home Vanessa and the kids had a great card waiting for me...telling me how great my training is and how proud they are of me....for meeting my goals...I love them so much, and they have been so supportive...

What goals, or at this point GOAL....That yesteday I weighed in at 200 POUNDS.....Back in February of 2007, I weighed close to 300 pounds...Today I write this, knowing I weigh 200 pounds...lower than I have been in over 17 years....Where there is a will there is a way....

Thank you Mr. Miyagi

2009-08-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up at 4:30 a.m and hit snooze on the ole' cell phone Alarm Clock only to have it ring 5 minutes later...Internally, I told myself, you need to get up, you need to do this...Fighting the urge to go back to sleep I ventured out for my 18 mile training run...The running plan called for a 10:23 average pace...I instead averaged 10:09..I think I could have stayed below 10, however the last few miles had some pretty steep hills and my legs were killing me. Overall very happy with the run...and I have to throw some love to Mr. Miyagi...yes that Mr. Miyagi..Danielsan's teacher, coach, mentor...well actually it is not really to him, but it sounds cooler...In the Karate Kid I, when Daniel begins his quest to become the Karate Champion, there is a great song...OK a great 80's song..OK, I think it was a great 80's song..."You're the Best" by Joe "Bean" Esposito.

As Daniel is kicking A#$ and taking names this song is blaring in the background...I loved it, always have...Well I finally found it on Itunes, and for the first time, put it into my playlist for my runs...It did not play once, twice or even three times...yep four times...and everytime I could hear Danielsan yelling " We did it Mr. Miyagi, we did it." Almost choked up...ok maybe not...ok maybe...

Another really cool thing that happened on this mornings run was seeing a Bald Eagle fly up and land about 40 feet in front of me...Tried to get my cell phone out and take a pic...It just was too quick...

In conclusion I have included a few pics...turn away if you do not want to see me without my shirt on...I will understand...Just wanted folks to see the progression of my weight loss..Have also included a pic from 2+ years ago when I started this endeavor...It has been tough and there have been ups and downs...but I am happy to report today that I weighed in at 209....a pound lighter than my Senior Year of HS Football...Have a great week everyone, and for those that are fighting the battle..keep fighting on...as Mr. Esposito say's "You're the Best"

Pushing 300 Pounds...Yikes...

209 Pounds...and feeling great..

One of my 3 biggest fans..."Daddy your belly is going away"

Hell Yeah that Felt Good....

2009-08-20T20:32:00.001-07:00

October 25th seems a long way in the distance, but I know that it will be here before I know it...and after tonights run I can hardly wait. Tonight I had a 7 miler...Going into it, I felt really good..I am back into the routine this week after being at residence camp last week...Weights, Cardio, Running and Eating Right all clicking as smoothly as I could possibly want.

Then came tonights run...With a time of 1:00:02 I was amazed..I have never run that distance that fast...Sure to you speed demons out there 8:50 min miles may not seem like much...but to this guy...I am ECSTATIC...

Baby Brother was right...as the weight drops the speed will pick up, the endurance will get better, and I will feel like a NEW MAN!!!!

YES I DO!!!!

Just took a look back at my scrapbooks...Senior Year Football..Media Guide...I weighed 210...I weighed in tonight...because I wanted to...at 213.....For all of you like myself, that have doubted themselves...Find the courage to start, because when you do, you will not be able to describe the joy you feel to anybody...Believe me..I have tried...

Finally please do not forget that for the Marine Corps Marathon, I am running for Team Hole in the Wall...you can click on the following link and donate right online...Once clicking on the link, click on the Support Chris Section and the rest is pretty self explanatory...Thank you..
http://www.teamholeinthewall.org/netcommunity/manwichmantorunningman

Operation Purple Camp and Husky Picture Day

2009-08-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the link to the Family Blog...Did not want to repeat everything I already did there...

http://kasparekfamily.blogspot.com/2009/08/operation-purple-camp-and-picture-day.html

Possibly the Best Morning Ever....

2009-08-02T11:21:00.001-07:00

This morning, I woke up at 5 a.m. and prepared myself for the 14 mile run....I had set out all of my necessary items the night before, and slept on the couch...This way I do not disturb Vanessa or the kids when I am getting up at the butt crack of dawn for my run.

When the alarm went off at 5 a.m., I won't lie it was hard to get up...The temp outside was a ton cooler then it has been so your mind starts playing tricks with you..Am I going to be warm enough at the begining of the run? Do I have everything I need? Will I have enough water? to name a few...

So after going through my usual routine, I hit the road at 5:30 a.m. My route was great...no traffic, hmmm, wonder why...Oh yeah its 5:30 in the morning...The first 4.25 miles were awesome...they are a part of my usual route, so I know it like the back of my hand...The next 3 miles were the brutal ones...Straight up hill..Not a quick hill...Nope a pain in the ass long one...It felt good, but you cannot help but look up and say "am I there yet".

After the big hill it was pretty easy from there...Sure you fight the mental fatigue, but everything was flowing very nicely...At mile 9 I entered the base and started running towards one of my School-Age Programs...Why? Because I was starting to run a little low on water and did not want to short myself on the last 4 hours...After refueling at the center, I had 2 more miles to go....

I then left the base at mile 12...2 more to go...Feeling really good...but definitely getting fatigued..A couple of small hill climbs later and I was to the end of my 14 mile adventure...The time I was supposed to do was 10:21 miles...I instead averaged 10:14...A few months ago this would have discouraged me...Now...not at all..I am sticking to my training program and this is what it said to do...Plus take out the mother #$%^&* Hill and who knows..

So after my long run, I did my usual...strip down and weigh in for the week...I was very excited about this...Last week I had weighed in at 234 after 9+ days on the new "Body for Life" nutrition plan...The only problem with that was I had no idea what I started at....Which is no big deal...I guestimate that I started somewhere between 240 and 250....I did start right after a vacation...

So I stepped on the scale, held my breath(this absolutely does nothing), and looked down as the electronic scale as it calculated how much I weighed...Come on, Come on....and then it happened...224...HOLY @#$%%....I stepped on and off the scale three more times just to make sure it was right...Even had Vanessa look at it...even though it was probably hard to do, considering she was probably distracted by her naked husband(yes, I put that visual in your head)....224, I have not been this low since before we left Japan and I am only 5 pounds away from being the lowest I have been since...Wait for it....Senior Year in HS....

So how could my day possibly get any better....Well we then went to Church...Nope that did not make my day better(no offense), but rather it was the next stop on the Kasparek Morning Plan that did the deed...OLD NAVY....We walked in, only because they were having a 30% Sale and I picked out some shirts....DAMN, the one I really liked was not available in a XL....So I asked the Old Navy worker Kristen if they had another...She said they did, but not sure where I would find it....Thanks...She then stated that they run big and I may want to try a Large....Right...a Large...are you kidding me...I am not sure I even wore a Large in HS...Then I thought what the hell...we will try it out....Went to the fitting room and tried it on.....

WOW...It actually fit...and it looked really good...To make sure that I was not hallucinating I walked into the main store and asked Vanessa and her mom(Yep...Linda is out visiting...)..They said it looked really good...I then stated I know, and it is a LARGE....

So now I had to change the sizes of the other shirts I had picked out....Who knew...Sure not me...Then we went to pay...There was Kristen at the register...She asked if it fit alright and I said..yeah suprisingly...She then made my day even better...."Well I was surprised that you needed an XL, you do not look like an XL person" IF Vanessa was not there I think I would have kissed her....

So now we are home and I have a smile from ear to ear...You that have either struggled with weight or are struggling with weight know these feelings...You know how good it feels to have a morning like this...Well guess what....if you are struggling, hopefully this will serve as some sort of inspiration that WE ALL CAN DO THIS!!!!!

Have a great day....PS: Thank you COACH TIM....

Whale of a Run....

2009-07-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend...On Saturday morning, the family...which for the weekend included our good friend Melissa from Iowa headed to the Whaling Days Run...The family ran the 1 mile, while I ran the 4 miler...

Felt really good during the race and finished in 34 minutes...The winner...Shane...I won't attempt to spell his last name won the event...With a time of 20 minutes...Shane will be a senior this year at CK high and is considered one of the best distance runners ever to come out of the state of Washington....I would not be surprised to see him in the Olympics in 2012..No joke...Sunday I woke up at 6 am and headed out for my 12 miler...The run was great, the weather was beautiful, and I found a lost wallet...No kidding...Wallet w/ 60 bucks, credit cards and some keys...The cop I saw driving by a few minutes later was pretty surprised when I turned in the wallet with the money...felt right, and helped me feel good the rest of the run...

After the run it was Free day on the eating habits...So what did I have..Pizza and Pizza and then attempted to have Ice Cream...Honest to God...Could only muster a few bites...Guess thats a good thing...

So after 9 days on the eating right lifestyle...I have lost over 10 pounds...Feeling really good..and getting stoked that my 36's are within reach...

Enjoy the pics..

8 Days and Counting...

2009-07-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

8 Days ago I stated on my post that it was now time to get serious...I was kicking it into gear for both the marathon training and the nutrition side of things...

Here we are 8 days later and going strong...Granted it has been tough, but I am already seeing results and feeling great...Little Brother Tim had told me that there would be tests along the way...and ohhh was he right..The "Body for Life" lifestyle...I call it a lifestyle because it is something I want to do on a permanent basis not just for a "diet"....started last Thursday...I had sat with Tim on the internet going over my goals and immediately upon hanging up I started my plan in place...

3 meals a day + 3 supplemental meal shakes a day + marathon plan = SUCCESS...

1st Test came on Saturday night...Emma and I had spent the day in Seattle watching our first MLS game...it was awesome...We brought our lunches and my shake mix and had a wonderful time...Upon our return to Bremerton we went to our friends the Warthens house for Supper...Low and Behold the first test...Tony's Pizza...Not just any Tony's pizza, but Meat and Spice...For all that have come out and enjoyed it and those yet to do so...This stuff is the shiznit...guess what...its not in my plan...so instead i enjoyed a wheat tortilla w/ lettuce and ham...mmmmmmmm.....

2nd Test came on Sunday afternoon...we made the jaunt down to Olympia to celebrate our friend Olive's 2nd Birthday...Dip, Chips, Cake, Ice Cream, Steak Kabobs, Chicken Kabobs...the works....Not for me...I stuck to my plan...Sure I could have had the chicken or steak...but it was not at my time...

3rd Test...Went to the mall last night and watched Emma eat an entire Ice Cream Cone...Usually she has trouble with cones and ends up leting parts melt and it starts to drip..Nope, not last night...It was as if she knew that Daddy could not help her, so she finished the whole freaking thing...

4th Test...This week at work...Everywhere I turned it must have been bring a dozen donuts to work day...a fritter here, a jelly filled there, and what's that...oh just a chocolate glazed....

It is not going to be easy and I look forward to implementing a free day into my week in the next few weeks...but I have to say I feel great...

I of course could not do it with out some important people:
*My co-workers who I have enlisted to watch my eating and to make sure I do not grab a donut.
*Emma who reminded me tonight that my flabby belly is getting smaller..
*Coach Tim, who has inspired many with his Triathlons but has pushed me to strive to be smaller and better..
* and Vanessa who though may tease me with a cookie across my nose or a comment on how good the cake tasted has started to adapt our suppers to meet my plans..Thank you honey.

What's next? The next 8 days...

Now we get SERIOUS!!!

2009-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it has been two weeks since I last wrote...I guess thats what happens when you go on vacation for 2 weeks..

The family and I left on the 28th of June(Day after the Seattle Rock n Roll) and flew to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We spent a week in Swisher(My Hometown), which included running the CR 8K...This was a great race...I did it in just under 44 minutes...This is hilarious because back in 2003 I did a 5K in 45 minutes...On the 4th we had a great time as my parents held their annual 4th Bash around the pool..This year included an 80's Cover Band...The HS kids were great...

Just after the start of the 8K

The Kasparek's

On the 5th we headed over to Winterset...Vanessa's home town and the birthplace of John Wayne and the home of the Bridges of Madison County...Spent a good week with the in-laws and then headed to Spencer, Iowa and helped Joe Parker and Jessi Kenyon tie the knot. Met some great people that have become great friends...

Gotta say that I am pretty happy with the running I did on vacation...Ran almost everyday, and took in some great scenery...even if it was just corn and rolling hills...Running through my hometown brought back many childhood memories...

Then yesterday we arrived back in Washington...and now it is go time...Go time in the sense that I am now full in to the Marathon Training for the Marine Corps Marathon...Not only am I full in, I have enlisted the help of a coach...One that many of you are familiar with...My little brother Tim...The IronMan that he is has agreed to lend me his support and expertise...more for my eating...but support that I need none the less...

Today started that plan....I have till October 25..the day of the race to try and lose 40 pounds...or try to get down to 200 or less pounds..The funny thing is, I have no idea how much I weigh right now...It could be anywhere between 230 and 240...My lowest was right before we left Japan when I was at 220 for the first time since Senior year of HS...and not knowing usually would bother the living shit out of me...right now..it doesn't..which in itself is a huge victory...

My other motivation for the race and one that I will be asking all of your support shortly on is a charity that I have decided to run for...I have decided to run for "Team Hole in the Wall" This is the charity that Paul Newman started that sends children with Serious Illnesses to Camps around the world...I am required to raise $1500.00 dollars...My goal is $5000.00....You can link to my Team Hole in the Wall Web Page and donate via the following link(also listed in my favorites to the left)...or send a check directly to me which I will then deposit into the program...I have worked with children my whole life...and this gives me that much more incentive during my run....

http://www.teamholeinthewall.org/netcommunity/manwichmantorunningman
(Once on the site, click on the Support Chris Link located above the picture of hands)

So there it is...the offical let's get serious...Below are some pics from the last race as well as vacation...Enjoy and thank you ahead of time for all of the suppor that you will provide me...You always do....

Seattle Rock N Roll...So Close...

2009-06-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

At 4:00 a.m. this morning I was woke up by the Alarm Tone of my phone..."The Office Theme" Rolled over and could not believe it was time...So I popped out of bed and headed to the restroom to get ready for the race. I had set out all of my stuff the night before so that I could get ready in the restroom of our Sheraton Room and not wake Vanessa or the kids...

After 2 quick trips to the Throne(this is important) I was headed out to catch the shuttle to the starting line. The good thing about the Sheraton was that it is only 2 blocks from the Shuttle...So me and my fellow runners caught school buses for the 15 minute jaunt to the Starting Line...Wanting to get to the shuttle early because I was nervous that I may miss it, or would get to the race late ended up back firing but also being a blessing in disguise. The shuttle was earily quiet...Everyone, I am assuming, focusing on the race ahead...We would have plenty of time to focus later.

The shuttle, 1 among many, arrived at the starting line at 5:00 a.m. Yep, 2 hours of waiting for the race...Do you know all the things you can do for two hours...Well let me tell you a few..

-Eat half a bagel(Was a really good thing..Yep, I forgot to pack a breakfast...DUMB)

-Eat a Banana(See above)

-Check out all of the Ugly Ladies..Of course UGLY meaning..Not so much(Don't be pissed..I already told Vanessa....70% of this race were women.)

-Watched a guy with the ugliest stride I have ever seen...

-Stretched every muscle in my bosy at least 20 times....2 Hours to kill folks..

-Visited the Porta Potties...Wait for it....6 times...Yep...6...Holy @#$% ...literally...

At 6:45 as I was finally getting into the Throne for the last time it was time to proceed to my gate...Gate #7...This was the section for us that were going to try our asses off to finish the half in under 2 hours...There she was, the pacer...With the 2 hour mark held high in the air...All I had to do was stay in front of her...Thats all...

As I turned around and looked backwards, for the first time I saw the "Swarm"...25,000 Runners...It was amazing...and I must tell you...These guys know how to do this marathon thing..If you ever get the chance to run a Rock n Roll Marathon...Do it...They are professional and very organized...

7 o'clock hit and the gates started to creep towards the starting line...1,2,3,4,5,6 and then it was 7's turn...GO!!!!

I went out like a Catholic after the 99 cent Fish Sandwich from McDonalds during Lent...Feeling great...really great...and best of all, I was in front of the Pacer...

After 2 miles I was sitting pretty...or running pretty...Passed a few bands(there is one at each mile) and was really excited about the next 2 hours ahead...

At mile 5 I was still feeling good...Then I hit, 6....6.3...and then 6.55(the half of the half) and then it happened...I heard someone in the crowd say, "There is the 2 hour pacer for the Half" WHAT!!!!! WHERE???? It cannot be....Oh, no it can..There she was, with her sign over her head...At that time we hit a downhill and like that speedy Catholic I headed down the hill as fast as I could...I needed to build a cusion, if I could do that, she would not catch me...Right? Wrong...

My legs started to ache, the feet started to hurt and I started to feel a little naucious, or dehydrated...You choose the word...I pulled off for a second and stretched really quick, and took another trip to the throne...I may have been dehydrated...but I was still peeing like a race horse...and then it happened, she passed me by....for the next mile or so, I kept her in my sites...then I started to drift backwards...DAMMIT...For the next two miles I fought the internal mindgames that happen to all athletes..Is it worth it..Why even continue...but in the back of my mind, I kept hearing my little brother cheering me on...

You see he fought these same demons a few weeks ago(at a Half Ironman no less), and beat them...Could I beat them too...Damn skippy...

So I pushed on...At mile 11 I was at somewhere near 1:45 or so...Could I pull some crazy miracle and finish the last 2.1 in less than 15 minutes...Faster than I have ever run before..I was going to try..It was a steady downhill that teased you like an Underclassman in College(not that that ever happened to me)....It showed you Qwest Field, where the finish line was...Took you right up to it ALMOST, then WHAMMO...it took you another direction completely away from it and Up a Damn Hill....

I hit the 12 mile mark at approx 1:56 or so...So now it was just a matter of trying to break a time I would set in my head and change over the last 1.1 miles...Break 2:04, no 2:05, NO 2:07....and it was that number that I finally did break...Coming down the last 500 yards or so, I finally heard, thats right heard Vanessa yelling "GO CHRIS" There was Emma cheering loudly as well...I rounded the turn to bring it home....

At this time I would like to say that the people lined up for the last 300 yards were brutal..Unless they knew you, they just stood there twiddling their thumbs and looking at us with a look that said...Uhhhhhhhhh...I was so pissed...This is the time where runnners look for that last burst of help...at least I do...but it did not come... As I crossed the finish line and brought myself to a stop, I ached...I ached in the worse way...but I was Happy...not because I did not meat my goal...but rather because I had done it at all..I could have quit when the pacer passed me by...but I didn't...1 Reason was because of my little brother..The other...I have never quit anything in my life...and I am not about to start now. Oh and the Race Medal Kicked Ass...

Hopefully you enjoyed the recap...I enjoyed running it...even in the painful parts...

I will end on this...Back in 2003 before Vanessa and I headed to Japan, I ran the 5K in Cedar Rapids...My time 45 minutes....Yep 45 minutes...15 minute miles...HOLY CRAP....Today I hit the 5K mark in 27.38 or an average of 8:54...Next weekend I am running the same race I did back in 2003...Only now I am running the 8k...For that race 45 minutes will be acceptable...but I am shooting for lower...

"We take these risks not to escape life, but to keep life from escaping us"

Father's Day = 1 More Week till Seattle Rock n Roll

2009-06-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

So today was an all around awesome day...Was woke up by the smiles of two fabulous kids at 6 a.m., treated to Cinnamon Rolls and a few gifts and headed to church. My wardrobe was amazing..I sported a t-shirt designed by my 4 year old daughter Emma...After church we headed out for some erands and then headed home for some chill action.

Finally at around 3 I decided to head out for my last long run before the Half-Marathon next weekend. As most of you know, I am trying to set a personal best by breaking the 2 hour mark...If my feelings today are any indication of how I will do next week, I am VERY EXCITED...

I hit the 6.6 mile mark at under 60 minutes for the first time in forever. Now the funny thing is, I tried something new...No music...Instead I listened to an Audio Book...No s#$%, a book...I thought for sure it was a risk...Who knew that I would be so engulfed in the book that I did not even notice my running...Less water intake, less concentration, but more success..and the worst of it...It is the book about the Dallas Cowboys...the tell all of the Championship years...Gotta say..Pretty good stuff.

So the question is...Do I try this approach for the race? Not sure...and the truth be told, there are going to be plenty of bands on the race route...Do I change my habits one week before the race...Any ideas...suggestions....So conflicted...If anything I am going to listen to the book on my runs this week and see how I feel...Then I can make the decision on Saturday morning...I will have a playlist and a book list ready to go int he trusty I-pod...Still...suggestions would be nice..Even if it just means that people are actually reading this...

I would like to finish by wishing all of you that are Father's or Father's to be...I know a few;)
a Happy Father's Day..We belong to an amazing fraternity...one that not all are a part of, but once you are, you understand how truly special it is to be a member...

I love you Emma and Camden...

That's more like it...

2009-06-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

So after Church today, it was time for another 10 miler...The weather was a far cry from what it has been lately...60 degrees, a little bit of wind....and on top of that, I decided to take on a new route...The route took me through almost 3 miles of base before heading out the main gate. From the gate is was a pretty decent downhill followed by a slight uphill, both of which felt really good...Actually the first 5 of todays run felt really good..

The next 1.5 was a little rougher...the biggest hill I have done in awhile...I was supposed to do this hill last year during the marathon training, but had been injured during that week of training...It was pretty brutal, however I maintained a good pace...and it will definitely come in handy in Seattle.

The next 1.5 was a steady downhill...Which felt great...sometimes I struggle going down the hills, this one felt alright...My last 2 miles were part of my regular route...so these came pretty easy...

So after 10 miles, I felt good and was happy with my time...1:32....I am going to be cutting it close in Seattle for the 2 hour mark.. but I will be very much aware of my time...

Going into the finaly two weeks of training, I am very thankful that I chose to switch to the half....it could have been ugly...

I am really feeling like I am peeking at the right time with my training...and that is a really good feeling in more way than one.

Feeling Good...

2009-06-12T07:47:00.001-07:00

So I looked at the posting date of my last Blog and realized that 12 days have passed....That does not seem at all possible....1st Off, and I doubt he will read this till later, but my little brother is competing in a Half Ironman this weekend...So proud of the kid and I know he is going to kick a@#....

So my training has been going really well, I have been averaging between 20-28 miles per week for the last 3 weeks...and am currently on pace to break the 2 hour mark for the Half. The knee is feeling great, and I have started to be smarter with taking days off and resting my legs...It has helped...

So with 2 weeks to go before the Half in Seattle, overall feeling great and cannot wait...Also cannot wait for the day after when the family will be hopping on the plane for Iowa...We are looking forward to two weeks of fun with our families, while also taking in a race...

Brutal with a CAPITAL B....

2009-05-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

Well first off I have to say it has been a few weeks since my last blog...Have not really had that much to blog about....We have been extremely busy with Camping, Work, etc. Running has been going pretty well as I slowly try to get to that comfy zone where I was before...Definitely finding it harder lately to get out there as well as watch what I eat...So I am trying to kick myself back into it...Today may have been the kick in the ass I needed...

At about 3 p.m. I set out for a 10 miler...a distance that should take me less than an hour and a half...Today it took me almost two full hours...not two full hours to run but two hours to keep myself in shape to run...

When I was in Japan running, I routinely ran in 80-90 degree heat....stayed hydrated etc. In the NW we very rarely ever even get hot and hot here is different...The temp may be 80 and that feels hot, since we are almost always at 50-60, so it seems.

So today it was "hot" and at mile 4 I had already gone through my fuel belt and was dragging ass. Combine that with my crappy lunch and snacking...At the 6.25 mark I finally got to a convenience station and filled up with G2, Water and more water...Combined I drank over 64 ounces and then started up again...Lets just say I dragged ass for the last 4....Thankfully my legs felt great...it was more my hydration, and energy...plus the 64 ounces that were now sitting in my gut....

So here I am about 15 minutes after the run, still cooling down, and feeling slowly better....
Lessons learned...Stay hydrated, eat right and do not get cocky....

One month till the half and the goal of breaking my personal best....After today I have never wanted it more and know that I need to be prepared and smart to do so....

From a Parade to the Sox....

2009-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

So Saturday was an incredible day both weather wise and activity wise...We started the day with the Annual Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade. It is really amazing and awe-inspiring living in a community that has such admiration for our Armed Forces. Granted I have worked for the Armed Forces for the last 10+ years, however not all communities have the same reactions. Seeing survivors of Pearl Harbor and WWII come down our streets is humbling and rewarding...You cannot help but stand and pay your respect and say Thank you..

The weather on the other hand...ouch..literally..I again, havenot learned the simple pleasures of SUNBLOCK...Sure Vanessa asked if I wanted some...Sure I knew the sun was beating down on me...and once again I can say for the 34th straight summer.."I was building my base burn"....to which Vanessa so compassionately responded...."Ok Izzie" to which I answered "Hello Grandpa K, come on in...." You who watch Grey's will understand the sarcasm...If not...Oh well...

After the Parade, we headed home for a few hours of rest and relaxation before heading out to Seattle for a B-day party...We are looking forward to pics, so we will update the blog on that at a later time.

After the party we headed to the Red Sox v.s. Mariners game. This is our 2nd Mariner Season since arriving to the NW, and of course we always try to get in at least 1 Sox game when they come out here. Last year I was fortunate enough to get two games in, one of which I remember...This year, the Sox are only coming out once so our choices were limited. Yesterday we met up with our friends the Holloways for a Sox victory...It was Camden's 2nd MLB Game...Amazing, he has been to more games at 2 then I had been to by the time I was 21...This was Emma's 1st MLB Game.. She had been to a Japanese Professional Baseball Game, but never a MLB Game.

After the game we headed home, which can be brutal...Its about an hour and a half drive from Seattle back home...Why do I tell you this part..Because in the tradition of me attending the Red Sox games here in Washington...it has become routine that after every Sox game that I drive home from, I get PULLED OVER....yep, by the Cops...Fortunately he let me off...Says I was going fast and weaving...Asked me if I had been drinking..."Nope"..wanted to say.."Not since December"...Vanessa thinks we got off because when he flashed his light in the backseat he saw two kids fast asleep...I think so too...Enjoy the Pics...

Claire, Emma and Camden waiting for the Parade to begin..

Camden and I taking it all in...
Patriotism at a Young Age....
Not sure the Mariner Moose was happy to be surrounded by Red Sox Fans..HE was a good sport non-the less.

Daddy's little girl...
Camden taking it all in...HE had a rough start, but rallied from the 4th inning on..Including becoming good buddies with the Drunkards in front of us....hahahahah.
What a family, and what a view...

It has become tradition that anytime we are together with the Holloways that we take a picture of Vanessa and Maggie...Love this one...One of my favorites..Especially with the lights in the background..

What constitutes a night at "the office"

2009-05-16T14:08:00.001-07:00

So two years ago when I made the transformation to my healthier self, I stopped for the most part in having splurge kind of nights with food...I found my body not reacting well and spending half the night in "the office"...Well last night I made the mistake of splurging and boy did I pay...So what causes such a visit to the office:

Dinner:
2 Manwiches
Chips
Water
+
Later:
Movie Popcorn
Movie Lemonade(64+ Ounces)
+
Later, Later
Snickers Ice Cream Bar
4 Icee Thin Popsicles(Yep, those, the ones that cost like $5 for 6 million)
=
3 hours of pain....Lesson learned...and it is a good lesson...My body has changed...quit making it sick...

Being Safe....Being Smart....and Going to Do it...

2009-05-07T22:02:00.000-07:00

So I went out on a 6 miler tonight and it dawned on me that I needed to be smarter with my running...Well maybe smarter is not the word...maybe wiser...I was lucky, fortunate, that I was able to recover so quickly from my knee infection. So in saying that, I have decided that instead of taking the risk and hurting myself and running the full marathon at the end of June, I will instead run the half-marathon. I feel that this will allow my body to continue to recover and not put it through the grueling longer runs, at least for now.

So all of you that know me well, know that I can never just do something, there has to be something more. So the something more for this race will be breaking my PR for the half and finishing under 2 hours. This will be tough, but I AM GOING TO DO IT!!!!

I know this decision is going to make my Mom happy, and in reality I think I am finally starting to listen to her, my dad and my brother...

As I push forward over the next two months, I cannot wait till June 27th when I cross the finish line in under 2 hours...

It has dawned on me recently that I do many of the things I do, because I want to set and example for my children....I want them to be able to look at their dad when they get older and say WOW, look what our Dad did...and then hopefully it will inspire them to set their own goals...

Finally, I could not possibly accomplish what I do or will without the support of a loving wife...I love her more than she will ever know....Thanks Babe...

Who would have thunk it....

2009-05-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

So all of you( maybe 4 or 5) that keep up with my blog, were well aware of the trials and tribulations of my knee injury/infection. If you are reading this blog for the first time, and have no clue what I am talking about, scroll down, catch up and return here later...

So two weeks+ had passed since my last "real" run...The 16 miler that preceeded the Knee infection...2+ weeks later, and a total of 3 miles running and I was headed to Vancouver, Canada with the family for a weekend of fun, relaxation and maybe, just maybe being able to run part of the Half-Marathon I had signed up for months ago.

We headed up Friday night, and arrived in Vancouver around 9:00 p.m. The kids were spun up after a few pieces of licorice and would not go to sleep...Was this a sign of things to come...Only if your name is Camden Lee...

Saturday we awoke and if you were to ask Vanessa I was not the cheeriest Cheerio in the bowl. We headed to Stanley Park, the Aquarium and The Kids Market before heading out for dinner. Dinner to say the least was unenjoyable...Camden threw a fit beyond fits and I wolfed down my Pasta supper with the hopes that maybe, just maybe I could run in the morning. These thoughts of running are what made me un-fun...The wondering if I could or couldn't run...Would my knee hold up, my lungs, my legs...Who knew...3 miles in two weeks...It had been months since I had run that little...

So Sunday morning I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and prepared for the run...Nip Guards, Glide, Socks, Shoes, I-Pod, Running Briefs, the whole gammut...and for the first time since I have started running in races, walked to the starting line...The main reason of course for doing this was to help Vanessa. This way the kids could sleep in and they could catch up with me later at the finish...That is if I was so fortunate to indeed finish..

Our hotel was less than two miles from the hotel, so it was a really nice walk...The sunrise was beautiful and it was neat to walk beside other runners as we walked to the race. I wondered what kind of stories they had...What brought them here...Had they fought injuries...

This was my view on the way to the race...Beautiful.

This is where the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter games are taking place. On my route to the race.

People starting to line up for the race...15,000 strong...Yikes..

The starting line...

I got to the finish line a half hour before the race...I turned on the Garmin watch and made sure it was set for KM's instead of miles...The race was in Canada...Love the metric system...Did not realize how much till the race began...

As I started stretching, I could not help but wonder what was going to happen over the next two+ hours...Would I make it a mile, 2 miles...or would I just collapse...That was my biggest fear...

Oh..I must mention, the day before at the Expo, I came across the medals for the finishers...and without a doubt I thought they were the coolest I had seen thus far in my race career...

Then it happened...The race began....The beginning was slow...What do you expect when there are 15,000 runners. This was perfect..It forced me to slow down...As the KM's passed I had no concept of how many miles I was running...Really I had no clue...but it sure seemed like it was going fast...21.1 KM's....that is not so bad...

The legs felt great, the body felt great, and HOLY @#$% the knee felt great...and I should know..I was looking down at it every KM...was it swelling, was it going to explode...Hell I had no clue...

So the first 10 KM were pretty uneventful...Yep thats right the first 10KM...I could not believe it myself...Then came the 14 KM mark...After an 8 minute stop at the potty...I know how long, because I stopped my timer....At this time I text messaged Vanessa and my Lil Brother Tim...Told them I only had 7 KM to go...and at that time it dawned on me...You are going to do it you SOB....

and I did....The last 7 are a pretty big blur, but I hurt when it was all said and done...Not my knee, but the rest of me...The parts of you that hurt after running normally...Just now they felt worse because it had been 2 weeks...2 weeks...2 weeks...I could not believe it...I did it...
Coming down the home stretch...Yes I was hurting a tad bit.
A little bit of a smile...hahahaha.
Almost there...

My biggest fan....

After finishing, and getting my super bad ass medal...it dawned on me...Marathon 1 of the year on June 27th was now within reach...Hell yeah....Oh and my time was 2:22 without counting the potty break...2:31 counting it...and counting the first bathroom break, which I forgot to mention...oops...So that was an average of over 11 minute miles...Not great...but my goal was not to be Flash...my goal was to finish...Enjoy the pics...
The bad ass medal...

The Happiest 1 Mile Ever...

2009-04-28T18:22:00.001-07:00

So last night I had my doctor's appointment and he told me at that time "Let's see what happens to your knee when you run." Which translated, means to me....You can start running...So I went home a little nervous about if I really wanted to do this...The knee was still feeling a little tender and sore, so I thought, thought some more, watched the season finale of Heroes, and then chose to be smart and wait another day.

This morning I woke up and packed my bag for work. Which today, for the first time in two weeks meant my running shoes and workout clothes...I cannot possibly explain how that felt...As cheesy as that may sound...It felt good.

At lunch I decided to head to the gym..which is a 5 minute walk(if that) from my office..It was one of the most nervous times I can remember. I was mentally examining my knee with every step I took...Am I ready, should I wait...or should I just do it...

So I changed and decided to start with a 15 minute warm-up on the eliptical. Felt good..and for the first time in 2 weeks had a good sweat going...

Then it happened..I stepped on the treadmill and pushed the button...Started at 5.5 just to be safe...God for bid, the knee lock-up and I fall on my face...Within the first minute I jumped it to 6.0...Then 6.5 by the end of the 2nd Minute....At minute 5 I increased it to 7.0...What the hell are you doing....I kept thinking about the knee, was it stiffining or was I alright....At minute 8 I went up to 7.5....and then for the last minute and a half, 8....1 mile...9 minutes....The best 9 minute run in two weeks....and a huge boost to my self-esteem...

I stepped of the treadmill, because thats what I said I would do(and checked for swelling,,none)...1 mile today, 2 miles tomm., 3 miles on Thursday, 4 Miles on Friday and 5 on Saturday....Then come Sunday....who knows..maybe the Half will be attainable...and maybe it will not....Either way...I am back...and it feels good...

Cautiously Optimistic....

2009-04-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

So what a difference a week makes...Last week at this time I was sitting in the ER getting my knee drained like a zit...Today I am sitting here typing away, and the knee is feeling great...The incision hole is still healing, and I have some serious dry skin on the knee, but I do not dare put any lotion on it with the fear of introducing infection.

So where does that leave my training...Last week I was talking about changing my registration for the 28th of June to a Half-Marathon...That thinking is now waivering...and I was thinking of not running this weekends half-marathon in Vancouver, Canada. Hmmm...read on..

Here is the update and where my mind is right now.

1) 4:30 p.m tomm. I have a follow-up for my knee...going to see what the doc has to say. If he says all systems are a go, I will try and run a mile our two after my appointment.

1a) If he says systems are not a go, I will go into a major depression, eat a box of dougnuts and sit in front of the TV and watch the Season Finale of LOST...OK, I am lying, I would just wait a few more days, but I will watch the Season Finale of LOST...

2) If systems are a go, I will then proceed to add a few miles a day through Friday, making sure that I am resting, icing, heating, and continuing to take my antibiotics.

3) Friday..whether I run the half-marathon or not this weekend, we will load the Saturn for Vancouver. Vanessa, Emma, Camden and I will get to Vancouver sometime Friday night, check into the hotel and get ready for some touring on Saturday.

4) Saturday we will tour Vancouver as well as take in the Race Expo. At this time I will be monitoring the knee and praying for some luck. Will also be monitoring my meals...Do not need a repeat office trip before this race.

5) Sunday with all things going my way, I will run the half-marathon, with my only goal for this one, being to finish..If that means walking, so be it.

6) Finish the Half.

7) After finishing the race, evaluate where I am at physically...

8) Monday will again look at how I am feeling and see if two months will be enough for my marathon on the 27th of June. I had got up to my 16 miler in training...so I think I should be ok..Again it all depends on the knee.

9) I remind everyone that reads this...My knee injury was not caused by running...

10) Wish me luck and say some prayers...

Holy @#$$%^& that hurt...

2009-04-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

So at 1:00 p.m. today I went into the Ortho to get my knee looked at..Was feeling pretty positive...It was feeling better, but could not see it, since it had been under wrap since Sunday morning. So Doc took off the wrap and took out the Wick...The Wick being the piece of something that keeps the hole from closing, allowing my knee to drain...Ewwwww, I know...

So he looks at it, and says.."Yep still pretty red, we will try and get more out of it...This is what happened to Peyton Manning" This may be the only time in my life, that I am compared to a Professional Athlete...but, to the getting more out of it I think..Really...Cool...no problemo...I mean at this point I am saying to myself, this was no big deal yesterday after the guy put the pain killer into the knee before draining it...

So what happened next..Lets just say that this Doc must not have been briefed on the Pain Killer part...Tears were shed and I mastered the nurses instructions of breathing in through the nose and out my mouth...If I am not mistaken there is proably some of my saliva on the ceiling...3 times he stuck the 6 inch Q-Tip Tip into the hole and scraped it out....pushing in/out/down and around...Are you squeemish....take that times 10 and you have what I was feeling...

So after the last time of dipping he put in a new wick and wrapped it up. Wednesday I have a follow-up and at that time we may know something...If the infection is getting better, surgery may not be necessary...and if it is not going away...you get the idea...So keep sending those well wishes...I truly appreciate them...

Hole in my knee...

2009-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

So I woke up this morning in pretty severe pain, and my knee was more red than yesterdays pics...Add a little purple to the equation, a call to the Doc and a call to my folks(still call them), and I was in the ER.

Once in the ER, they sucked some fluid(blood) out....then made an incision and then they put a wick in...The wick is a object that keeps the incision from closing and allows the knee to drain...

So when I left the ER, I was bandaged pretty good and had crutches, and it was official...No half-marathon in Canada...

Currently...mentally I am fighting the frustration of this whole thing..I am scared for my knee and I am scared for my weight...This is a battle that any of you that have struggled with weight feel and know well...

My family has been a huge boost of positiveness...even my little bro, who uses reverse psychology because he knows it works...

Keep the well wishes coming and I will be working to get this thing better...

Love ya all...

Chris

FRUSTRATION is an understatement...

2009-04-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

Elite athletes get frustrated when they are injured...My frustration runs deeper...Why? After you have lost 60+ pounds your biggest fear is gaining it back. When you are forced to rest an injury that fear becomes more real...So for the last week I have not been able to do any sort of working out...I have Bursitis of the left knee and it has been killing me...Drugs, Drugs and more Drugs, as I try to get the swelling down and the pain to go away. It is a pretty safe bet right now that I will not be able to run my half-marathon in Vancouver in two weeks...We'll see, but the odds are not looking good...Wednesday I had a syringe of fluid taken off of the knee...Ouch...So I ask you all to send a prayer or two my way, and I truly appreciate all fo the well wishes that people have sent...I used to hate running, now I hate not being able to do it....Enjoy the pics....

14 Miles of Fun followed by 2 miles of pure Hell...

2009-04-11T15:04:00.000-07:00

Yep that pretty much says it all....Well let me backup a little bit. Last Wednesday afternoon(1st of April), I was helping to lay down a gym tarp for my big Kid's Camp Deployment Day. This entailed a good hour of me being on my knees, crawling across a gym floor...Really did not think anything of it. So Thursday at the actual event I was on my feet all day, so decided to take the day off from running...On Friday I put in a few miles, Saturday(6), Off on Sunday, 6 on Monday and 5 on Tuesday...Then it happened...I woke up at 2 in the morning on Wednesday...My knee was killing me, so I iced it and went back to sleep. I had not really experienced a pain in my knee like this since I had started running almost 2 years ago, so I was not really that worried. Low and behold, I woke up Wednesday at 6 and looked at my knee...

It looked like someone had put a Tennis Ball on top of my knee cap and it was mushy....Vanessa in her best supportive role, looked at it and said EWWWWWW...Very reassuring....In the past in the MANWICH days, I would have thought nothing of it...I would have put ice on it, grabbed a candy bar and plopped my ass down on the couch...Not so these days...I freaked, called my brother, called my dad, and looked on-line for knee information...I am signed up for two marathons, and international half(Canada), and have already bought my ticket to DC...I CANNOT BE HURT....SO I listened to someone who has become a true hero of mine...my Brother Tim, the Stud Ironman Athlete that he is...."Take a few days off, you'll be fine..."

So I did...Took 3 days off, iced it, took some drugs, iced it some more and took more drugs...All of this while stressing a little bit for my long run on Saturday...A 16 miler...and to reverse even further in time, it is important to know that when I was training for my first marathon, I did not finish my 14 mile run(hit a wall), or the 16 or 18 miler(injured)...

Was my body screwing with me again..or was I screwing with my body...

So I woke up this morning and ventured off for my 16 mile run with a knee brace...my brand new FUEL BELT, and my BRAND NEW Mizuno Coat...A quick sidebar...MY Mizuno coat rocks..simply for the fact that as a larger man, I can breath in it...All other running coats suck the breath out of me, and make my Moobies look huge...

As I started out, I felt pretty crappy...not hurting, just dehydrated, so I inhaled a few of my bottles and carried on...Felt really good...At mile 9, I had depleted all of my hydration(the plan), and refilled my bottles at the convenience store...I have started to do this on my long runs...Saves having to have a caravan of support and it is easier to carry a ID and Credit Card...

Miles 9-13.1 felt pretty good. but was a little disappointed in my half time...Went 4 minutes over my last competitive HAlf MArathon 2 weeks ago..I blame the terrible head wind for the first 9 miles(no joke), and the knee, which though was not hurting, I could tell I was favoring just to be careful..

Then I hit Mile 14....HOLY CRAP....It is really funny how at mile 14 it feels as if you are doing a 8 or 9 minute mile, when in fact you are doing between a 10 and 11 minute mile...The legs started to go, and I finished off my last hydration...As I made my way to the car, my body must have looked comical to cars going by...I was hurting, and I knew it.

After was all said and done, I was pretty happy with my results..16 miles at a overall 9:54 pace...DO I have some work to do...Absolutely....But no rest for the weary...Next week is a 18 miler, so stay tuned...It should be a good one...Fingers crossed...

Long Overdue...

2009-04-01T17:03:00.001-07:00

So the last two weeks have been busier than I can ever remember two weeks being...Between work, running and family....and to be honest that has been the priority stack lately, it has been hard to breathe. Fortunately I have had family members riding me about the lack of new posts, so I finally got sometime this evening to update the good ole Manwich.

So the running has been going really well. My big goals as stated before are to break 2 hours for a half marathon and to get 4 hours or less on the full marathon.

So last weekend I took another attempt at my Half Marathon goal with the Whidbey Half Marathon on Whidbey Island...Was pretty worried the day before as the temps hit 37 and it was down pouring. We had a great pasta meal and I felt pretty good going to bed...unfortunately my cravings got the best of me and I decided that it would be a good/safe idea to have a Large Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard as well.

At 0600 the Alarm Clock went off on the nightstand in the hotel and in my gut. The next hour was spent in the office as I prepared mentally for the race. My little brother has mentioned to me that I am now becoming more competitive with my races, and I saw it more than ever at this race. Like in HS and college I prepared my outfit the night before, tried it all on, made sure I looked good(or at least thought so), checked and double checked my Ipod, tied and re-tied my shoes, started to stretch and stressed that I would somehow miss the start of the race

After working with Vanessa to get the kids all ready to go we headed out. I got to the race and picked up a few more pins for my bib and some zip ties for my timing chip...and then again headed for the office. Then I headed to the office again.......!#$%^& Dairy Queen.

Then it was time to go to the starting line...Cannot lie, I was nervous....Maybe it was because I was not feeling all so well, or maybe it was because I was really shooting for the 2 hour mark...Whatever it was, the gun did not wait for me and Blamo the race began.

The race started with a nice gradual uphill, which was no big deal considering the hills on my training runs. After the initial uphill was a nice gradual downhill where I started to pick-up the pace...Unfortunately there was a pretty steady headwind blowing right into my face....Fortunately the sun was out and it was starting to warm-up, so much so that I decided to take my Gloves off and toss them to my cheering section at mile 2. That was the last time I saw them until the finish.

The next 11.2 miles were a challenge, but they felt great. The hills were massive, yet I conquered them and never felt like stopping. Even the one at mile 8 that was brutal...It was great going down the mile and a half...but back up....Not so much

So with more than 1 mile left in the race I was left with a downhill and I started to really kick, I was sitting at 1:53...I could make it, I could finish my 1++ miles in less than 7 minutes....I started to kick and kick, and kick some more...I was getting closer to the finish line and then all of a sudden my legs started to wobble and I looked at my watch...1 minute left for the two hours, I pushed, pushed and pushed some more....Ultimately I missed it by two minutes and 12 seconds. but it felt great....The average finish time for all runners was 2:30, so I beat that by 28 minutes...I was in top half of my age group, the top half of all men and in the top 1/4th of all of the runners...Also felt good, because I conquered all the hills and raced a great race in what was by far the hardest I had ever run...

After the race we took in some Quiznos, but no DQ....maybe I will take some in later:) but never the night before a race...Enjoy the pics...

My #1 Fans at the Starting Line...

The dorkiest picture I have ever been in...This is right after I threw my gloves to Vanessa...I am watching them in the air as they travel...

Digging In, I hate this picture because of my gut...but I love it because of the determination in my face...

At the finish, trying to finish hard, but also knowing that I am past my goal...

Daddy's little girl....How can you not love that face.....

Heroes....

2009-03-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

So I decided to do this post about some of my heroes...and these are not in any sort of order...I do this because I feel that it is important for all of us to look up to someone/something. It is OK to do what others have done. It is OK to be inspired by the accomplishments of others, as long as we do not just sit back and watch, rather find inspiration in what they do and try to inspire others...I can only hope that someday I make someones heroes list...Whether it is my children's or someone else, It is a goal. So enjoy my list and think of your own...and it never hurts to thank them if you can...By writing this, I am thanking as well...Thank you...

Vanessa Kasparek: Anyoe that can put up with me on a daily basis is already a hero. However what makes her my hero is her abilities as a mother, teacher, and wife, but most of all she has always loved me for who I am...Whether I was 60+ pounds, or at my current weight, she loved me for who I am...and as all of us know, we can be the biggest asses to those we love..She even loves me during those days...and her cheering during my races spurs me on.

Pops Kasparek: He pushed and pushes me harder than anyone...Through words, actions or just knowing in my mind what he may be thinking...My hardest coach was him...As most of us athletes would say...Our parents were our hardest coaches.

Babi Kasparek: Her bluntness inspires many and her determination keeps those around her going as well.

Tim Kasparek: His jump into the world of fitness and Triathlons jump started me to where I am...

Casey Kasparek: His ability as an artist inspires and his ability to make people feel without saying a word, but rather by painting, drawing, sculpting, etc. is amazing.

Steve Prefontaine: He knew nothing but to run his hardest.

Dean Karnazes: I have read both of his books...His abilities are amazing..It makes you laugh and also say what the #$%^ in the same breath.

Ryne Sandberg: He was one of my first heroes.

Hayden Fry: He brought winning to things that had never won.

The Presidents: I may not always agree with their principles/decisions, but I cannot do anything but admire those that take on the challenge of leading our great nation.

Mrs. Mary Campbell: She taught me how to communicate in a world, where even though texting and e-mailing, and blogging are inthe forefront,communicating face to face is what gets things accomplished.

Grandpa Kasparek: He taught me to drive, but he also taught me to do what I wanted as Long as I did not do it half ass...Always do your best...

Grandpa Friedl: Never left his presense without him telling me he was proud of me, and anytime that I see a movie where the father/grandfather stands and says a prayer before a meal, I think of him.

So those are a few...There are many more,and I am sure that I will add to this list in the future. We can accomplish much with our talents, however it does not hurt to have heroes and friends....

Felt Good...

2009-03-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

So today I crunched into my busy schedule a 6 miler...and it felt really good...considering I forgot my athletic fit(spandex) undershorts, and my NipGuards...So had to resort back to my old ways of band-aids and boxer briefs...The band-aids did their job....the briefs? Well lets just say I won't forget the shorts ever, ever again. So besides all of that, and the balmy windy and weather, I turned in a recent best of 8:55 per mile..and considering a few of the hills, I am very excited about my time...

In case you have no clue what NipGuards are...I have added their link to my favorites listed on the side...Enjoy and do not laugh to hard...If you are a fan of "The Office", you will love'em...

NO Excuses Now..

2009-03-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

So it is official, official...Last night I purchased my plane ticket for the Marine Corps Marathon in DC...Only cost me $5 and some frequent flier miles...So there is no turning back now...Also feeling even more inspired about DC after watching the John Adams HBO Mini-Series the last few days...If you have not seen it yet...Get it...Amazing...

Garmin 305...The Real Deal...

2009-03-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well I am starting to figure out why my goal time of 1:50 for the last Half-Marathon may have been a little off...Let's just say the Garmin 305 is a little, ok, a lot more accurate than the Nike+ for mileage, pretty much right on the mark... So today when I did my 10 miler, I just kept going, and going and going, right past my old 10 mile route....Hmmmmm....Needless to say my Half-Marathon time of 2:01 is pretty accurate, but I feel that I have a great chance to break that PB at either my Half-Marathon on the 29th of March or my first international race on the 3rd of May in Vancouver, Canada....

Either way, my 10 miler today felt pretty good...One thing I have learned over the last year is to listen to my body, consume the fluids when I need to and WALK when I need to, which is hardly at all...

So the words of wisdom or observation today for those of us that struggle with our weight...and the ensuing battles....Whenever someone that is fit either tells us we look good or not so good it makes an impact...When someone that has been overweight feels that they have finally been accepted into the "Fit" World, it has an impact on their life...If they feel resistence etc. it can have the opposite affect...So as someone that has now been on both sides of the spectrum, I am try to be aware of the feelings of all body types in the gym, and would ask all that read this to do the same...

A NEW TOY...

2009-03-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

So I was talking to my little brother Tim this past weekend, which has become a normal occurance since we are competing against each other in weight loss. Didn't I mention in my first post the competitiveness of the Kasparek Family. Anyhow, he mentioned that I should look into a GPS watch since my training programs always go by distance, more so than time. Well in light of being awarded with the Supervisor of the Year for the Base and then for the Region, I decided to reward myself with a little approval of course from Vanessa. Low and behold I invested in a Garmin 305 GPS Training Watch...I LOVE IT....

The thing tracks exactly how far, fast and how many calories I am burning...Of course, the damn thing will also tell me to speed up....funny, it never tells me to slow down....Then when I plug it into the computer it shows me my route and breaks down my time per mile, minute etc. Gives me my elevations etc. AWESOME....

To be honest I never ever thought I would be this into running...To be honest it is the one thing I have that I know for me, keeps the weight off...and it lets me breathe and relieve the stress of the day to day items that may come up at work, home...whatever it may be.

I want to start to end my posts with things that I feel are important to those that may have struggled with weight loss, that we understand that we are not alone, and we all feel this way...or similar..I first say that I am no expert...I am simply a recovering Fat Man...or as I have said in this blog, a Manwich Man.

So here goes for this one...Isn't it funny how many times you can look into a mirror, or a window with a reflection. We look to see if the person we see is the person we want to see. Maybe its the pants we are wearing or the way the color of our shirt looks...or the way our chin looks when we put our head up or how it doubles as we put it down. So my advise...Keep looking in that mirror but instead of critiquing what we see, be happy that you can walk away from the reflection and if you are NOT happy with who you see you can do something about it. Some cannot, and wish they could...Do not waste it...(Miles of Running the past 2 days 14+ Miles)

From Manwiches to the Man I am still trying to be....

2009-03-02T20:49:00.000-08:00

Upon graduating college, I was still in pretty good shape. What can I say, intramurals, 4 years of Summer Camps and walking across campus kept me in shape. Then I got out into the real world, on my own and it is safe to say that I packed on some pounds.

My career was blossoming as a Youth Director in the Navy, and so was my waist line. From a 36 to a 42 in a matter of a few years. My face went from athletic to round. My color went from red in the summer time, to red all of the time. Why did I let this happen? Who really knows. It did and in a way I am glad it did. In 2000 I met my beautiful wife, who loved me for who I was on the inside, how could she love me for what was on the outside...at least thats what I thought. We were engadged at the Vatican, yep that Vatican...and were married in the Spring of 2002. I can still remember looking into the crowd at the ceremony and seeing someone say, "He is a big guy"..

I remained active, for the next 4 years, just not in active shape...Would play softball and get routine triples, but would look like I was going to have a heart attack upon sliding safely into third. The career kept rising and yes so did the weight.

A daughter would arrive in 2005, but still the drive to be better physically always was out of my grasp. I was finding success in all that I did, just not when it came to my own health. Was put on Cholesterol medicine, dislocated a shoulder, yep I contribute that as well to being overweight. When you fall on a trail and grab a rope to keep from falling...and your body goes one way and the arm goes the other..I blame weight..

Then finally in January of 2007, I found out that I was having a son...and for some reason the biggest fear I have ever felt overwhelmed me..I did not want to die. I was sick of sitting on the airplane and sweating. Sick of not being able to carry my daughter on my shoulders because my double chin was making it hard ot breathe. Sick of making fat jokes about myself, because at that time, thats what I did.

So the day after the SuperBowl, I started my journey....and now here we are...1 marathon, and a few half-marathons later, I am still fighting the battle that will always be there to fight.

and this will be my continued journey. So why am I doing this blog...I know for a fact that I am not alone in my struggles and challenges with my weight, and my vision of who I am on the outside. This blog will hopefully serve some as a motivator and others just as the usual entertainment that my writing hopefully has given to those over the past few years...

This blog will be focused on my workouts and what gets me through it. For updates on my family, you will still need to go to the masterpiece that my wife has created.

http://www.kasparekfamily.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the Blog, and most of all Enjoy Life...