Over the Hill

Happy birthday to me! Today is my 40th birthday and I have to admit that I feel better than when I was 20. I am thankful for my second chance. For those struggling with making changes in their life, never give up. It is worth every ounce of energy you put into it.

I had a really nice compliment from a 9 year old yesterday.  I went to my son Zach’s Idaho history field trip last Friday and volunteered to chaperone. On Monday the teacher had all the kids write a thank you note to the adult that was with them. Several we cute and simple like, ‘Thanks for being there so I wouldn’t get lost!’  The last one was nearly a page long (which for a 4th grader is an epic essay!)  He said he loved that I let them run and play and was amazed that I could run as far as I do. The kids were curious about my running because I was wearing one of my race shirts so I told them all about it.

The best part of the letter was when he said that, Zach brags about how wonderful I am at school so it was nice to finally meet me.  Being brag worthy in my son's eyes means more to me than I can put into words. When I started getting in shape my overwhelming goal was to take care of myself so I will be here a long time for my family and to be a good example to those around me.  

I am fortunate that I had brag worthy parents when I was a kid (and still to this day).  My mom would be the school volunteer, the field trip, the one who made something special for holidays.  I would brag to my friends how wonderful it was to have MY MOM come.  When I was a kid I also wanted to be an Eagle Scout just like my dad, which I did.  I wanted to be just like him and I am thankful for his guidance and example.

Every day is a gift.  Make today a great day.

Mother's Day Hike

Michelle's on request for Mother's Day was to hike Polecat at sunset.  We have been out there before at sunset and it is always beautiful.  We gave the kids the option to come and they declined.  We had fun exploring on our own without constant pleas to turn back after 2 minutes.

It was wonderful to not be in a hurry and just enjoy some quiet time together.  We saw a number of deer that were out grazing without a care in the world.  I run Polecat regularly in the morning but the deer don't stick around for some reason when we come running by.  Great day!

Robie Creek 2014

The 2014 edition of the Race to Robie Creek was a fun one!  My main goal was to improve on my time from last year. My secondary goal was to run the last mile and not boob about how hard it felt.  I accomplished both goals by beating last year's time by about 12 seconds and chasing Ryan Lund and Bob Shannon all the way to the finish.

I stayed at the finish for a few minutes and caught up with some friends then took off with Stephen Henry for the over and back.  I love the run back, even though there isn't much gas left in the tank.  Seeing everyone who is still pushing to finish puts a huge smile on my face and I get to cheer for them!  There aren't very many spots for spectators so I think the runners appreciate it.

I met Michelle at the Pulse aid station at Aldape and we came down the hill together.  I was definitely ready to be done!  Great day.

Highlands Trail in the Boise Foothills

I went out last Sunday with Cory Harelson and ran the Hulls Gulch, Scotts, Corrals, Highland, Bobs loop and he snapped this amazing picture just and the sun was in the perfect spot. Love this picture.

Struggle and Strength

My friend Jenny shared this post on Facebook from Zig Ziglar's page.

This pretty much sums up how I feel looking back.  I would not be who I am today without going through the tough times and struggles to find what was hidden deep inside.  For that I am grateful.  I feel like I am a better person today and there is nothing that can get me down because I know I am capable of overcoming whatever life throws at me.

Antelope Island Buffalo Run - Taper Week

I have been pondering what I might say in a race report after the Buffalo Run 100 miler on Friday.  Since I did the race last year the report will undoubtedly be a lot different.  Sometimes I like to write them as if I am sharing my experience so others can learn from my mistakes and successes and sometimes its more of a play by play.  I have always hated when ultra runners tell newbies 'We are all an experiment of one.'  Which by all accounts is true.  The useful information an answer like this provides however is absolutely nothing!  The reason I ask the question in the first place is because I want to know what YOUR 'experiment of one' looked like so I can start trying some things.  Anyway, I have approached training a bit differently this year and have been doing some things different hoping to see some different results.  Either way, I'll be back to report on MY experiment of one so I can continue to figure out what does and does not work for me.

The goal this year is to break 20 hours.  That isn't a big stretch from the 21:12 last year but still improvement nonetheless.  It is hard to quantify how much energy we wasted trying to stay warm in the crazy cold temperatures so that should give us a good bit of energy back.

During taper week I often find myself with lots on my mind, too much energy, and work seems to always get crazy.  Found these while trying to relax at lunch today!

The Berry - Daily Motivation - The Price of Success

I saw this today and it made me smile because I know it's true! For more motivational stuff go to TheBerry.com

The Morning Workout

Found this on TheBerry.com Daily Motivation page a while back.  No equipment...good workout.  I just printed it and put it in my room.  Adjust as needed to make it harder or easier.

Health Club or Club Sandwich?

I was following someone on the greenbelt by the river today that reminded me of a situation from way back in 2001.

This woman looked just like someone I used to work with.  One day my coworker was doing one of those goofy questionnaires in a magazine and asked me if I wanted to try it.  Sure, why not?  I only remember one question.  Health Club or Club Sandwich?  I said health club and she rolled her eyes at me as if to say 'Ya right fat boy...I'm putting you down for a club sandwich.'

I was over 300 pounds then so I understood why she acted that way but it really hurt my feelings and I was pissed about it.  Today, as I recalled this memory there was no anger.  Only a smile, and the thought of wishing I could reintroduce myself to her and say look at me now.

My 4 year anniversary of maintaining my weight loss is this week.  I have learned over this time that losing weight is the easy part.  Keeping it off for the rest of your life is a monumental challenge.  I am blessed that I have a family that supports me and fortunate to have found a love of running which has helped me maintain my weight over the past 4 years.

You are not special!

“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you,”

David McCullough Jr. (Wellesley High School - You are not special commencement speech)

I found this today on a Marius Schwager's blog and it really hits home for me.  When I started my weight loss and running I have tried to do it for just one person, me.  I often tell people I am nobody special, which I am not. As I prepare for races I am usually fairly quiet and like to let my result be a reflection of all the hard work I put in (or unfortunately did not put in).  I realized when I signed up for my first 100 miler that I could not do this for the acceptance of others or the recognition of doing something so crazy.  

I made a deal with myself before ever signing up I wouldn't do so until I could answer two questions honestly.  First, could I look myself in the mirror and genuinely say that I would still sign up even if my friends didn't.  Second, would I still have the motivation to train properly every day even if I had to run every training day alone.  I signed up for the Bear 100 in July and ran a great majority of my runs alone.  There were several friends that did that race but we didn't spend much time on the trail together chatting.  I am happy to say that I never had even the smallest thought of quitting or not finishing that day...or any day since.