A Piece of Humble Pie....

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....

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....

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...

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

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....

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....

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....