A little more commitment

I found this today and it reminded me of when I started.  I didn't have a yoga mat, a gym membership, or a trainer.  What I had was MOTIVATION and a lot of COMMITMENT.  Michelle and I kept each other accountable by walking together at night and we did our own thing in the mornings.

These days I find myself leaning on running buddies a lot to get my butt moving in the morning.  I never regret getting out early but getting there is a minor victory in itself some days.

Statesman Article from the 2011 Boston Marathon

I was cruising my C: drive today and found this article from the Idaho Statesman the day after I ran the Boston Marathon.  They listed top local finishers and I made the top 10.  I only knew 2 people on the list that day.  I have met or ran races with a bunch of these people since then.

WSER Runner Update Email

Nothing to report here really. Other than when I saw my name on this email it suddenly felt REAL. Can't wait.  One actual bit of news they added was the fact that we will have an additional.... "river crossing at the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River (Deadwood Canyon) just below Devil's Thumb (~mile 45). The Swinging Bridge at the bottom of Deadwood suffered damage (from the 2013 American forest fire) which will require substantial work next spring/summer. For the race it is looking like we'll be crossing the river just downstream of the bridge either with the help of a cable or boats."

The OM Radio Interview with Melissa Part II

The Om Radio

Finding ourselves through conversations about Fitness, Nutrition, Spirituality, Health, Art, Crafts, Nature, Gardening, Outdoors Activities and much more. You’ll love how really living feels…

My friend Melissa does a weekly podcast at The OM Radio and she asked if I would sit down and visit with her about my weight loss, running, and juggling family life in pursuit of a healthy life.  Part II

I am glad I had the opportunity to record this to memorialize it in my own words while I still remember it! Thanks Melissa.

Listen Here

Link to Part I

Runner's World Quote

I saw this today and had to share.  Set high goals, push yourself in training, and know your limits when it's go time!

Western States 100 Lottery Update

The odds were not great but someone has to get in and the third time was a charm for me!  I was the 66th name drawn at the lottery held on Saturday.  On an unrelated note this is the first time I have seen my age written down as 40, I am getting old.  Can't wait it should be fun!

One a side note, I think anyone who has put in 5 times should automatically be in.  First, they have earned it. Second, it will remove them from the lottery and give a small boost to those with fewer names in the hat.   This year there were 19 people drawn that had 5 tickets which means 34 people will have to try again next year with 6 tickets.  With more difficult qualifying standards I imagine the number of entrants will go down next year too.

I never pay much attention to this but this is Ultrasignup's prediction of my time.  Usually they estimate a lot longer time for me.  This one seems fast but we'll have to see what comes on race day.

5th Sort of Annual Ryan Anderson Invitational Marathon

Today was a wonderful day spent with Christie, Derek and Michelle celebrating 1 more year of maintaining my weight loss and counting my blessings.

It was 19 degrees at the start with a wind chill of 6 degrees through 3 to 4 inches of fresh snow a majority of the way. It felt like running on the beach for 26.2 miles which wore us out. BUT there was zero possibility that I was not going to go the distance.  I told Michelle I would still be out doing it even if there was a foot of snow and 20 below.  That's how much this means to me.

The original plan was for Michelle and Christie to ride along on the bikes like they did last year but the snow was so crazy they opted to meet us along the way with the car which was fun too.  The cold combined with our hard breathing made for wonderful beard-sicles too.

My original plan for the run was to beat my 3:08 time from the Potato Marathon in May.  After about 5 steps Derek and I knew that would never happen so we just embraced the snow and cold and tried to have fun.

Today was also the Western States 100 lottery. I have put my name in for 3 years and I told my wife I am turning off my phone so no one can text me. I also told her that if someone sends a text to her I didn't want to know if I got in or not.  I went so far as to tell her not to even appear happy or I would know I got in!

After I finished, Michelle said I know you didn't want to know but the best way to receive good news is among friends! YOU GOT INTO WESTERN STATES! It was the perfect way to end a wonderful day with her, Christie, and Derek.

26.22 mi 4:04 09:17 pace

The OM Radio Interview with Melissa Part I

The Om Radio

Finding ourselves through conversations about Fitness, Nutrition, Spirituality, Health, Art, Crafts, Nature, Gardening, Outdoors Activities and much more. You’ll love how really living feels…

My friend Melissa does a weekly podcast at The OM Radio and she asked if I would sit down and visit with her about my weight loss, running, and juggling family life in pursuit of a healthy life.  This is part I (since we talked forever!).  This was completely unedited as far as I can tell.  I was thinking it might turn out a little scattered but it seemed to flow pretty well.  The interview starts at about 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

I am glad I had the opportunity to record this to memorialize it in my own words while I still remember it! Thanks Melissa.

Listen Here