Week 2 : Gotta Have More Cowbell

“When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:18-19

Thanks for reading everybody! Just remember I'm running this marathon for more than just me. Children out there need a clean source of water and you can help. :)

This week was a bit nutty. The wifey was busy getting ready for back to school and I was busy making sure the kids were out of her hair. Felt pretty good during my mid-week runs and had planned on getting up early on Saturday to get the 9 miler in. Well, whether it was just me not waking up after I turned the alarm off or just divine intervention, I didn't get up in time. I was kind of bummed, but I had a fun time with the kids on Saturday, and it allowed me to prepare for a date with my wife (haven't had enough of these lately). My training plan allows for me to switch my long run between Saturday or Sunday, so no problem. I ran long on Sunday...

My runs for the week:

Tue: 3 miles

Wed: 5 miles

Thur: 3 miles

Sunday: 9 miles (longest run so far)

20 total miles for the week.

During my 9 miler, I found myself enjoying the first half, but feeling a little tired. Then when my ipod said, "halfway point, 4.5 miles to go," I thought to myself, "If I'm going to have a hard time with 9 miles, how in the world am I going to run a full marathon?" I just kept running. Sometimes that's all you can do. Then a thought then occurred, "Hey, Will Ferrell has run a few marathons. If THAT GUY can run a marathon, I can do it! More Cowbell!" So with my new "mantra" clanging in my head, I finished the 9 miles and I have to say I could have kept going. I can feel it now. I know I will finish. I just need more cowbell...

Week 1 : In the Books

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

So week 1 was a success. I plan on doing a weekly update on my training as though not to bore my (2?) readers with running details. And maybe that way I can come up with some witty anecdotes to include so as to keep those 2 "fans." (thanks bro & sweetie!) Enjoy.

In 4 days of runing, I covered 19 miles. Quick thanks to Mother Nature for providing temps under 80 for my runs this week - hope that becomes a trend. Here's how it shook out:

Tue: 3 mile run

Wed: 5 mile run (at race pace)

Thu: 3 mile run

Sat: 8 mile run

I have to say earlier in the week, I was feeling a little bit unmotivated. Not really sure why - maybe just a little bit nervous about the reality facing me. But this morning was great. Hopped right out of bed & headed out ready to take on 8 miles. For some reason the long runs seem a little more fun than the shorter ones - crazy right? I think it's just the build-up during the week. I tend to equate it with preparing for a football game. You have your Monday through Thursday routine, then rest on Friday for the big "game" on Saturday. There's just something about finishing up that long run and (for me right now) knowing it was the furthest distance I've run at one time. The sense of accomplishment is awesome and my body and soul just feels good post-run.

See ya next week. Oh, and I hope ya like my new cheezy grin pic...

18 Weeks to the ROCK!

It is official and confirmed. I am a registered runner for the 2009 White Rock Marathon. Wait, did I just say I was going to run a marathon? Really? 26.2 miles? Yeah. Holy @#%+.

Weird, I just realized I will be running the 40th anniversary of White Rock and I ran the 40th Anniversary of the Turkey Trot for my 1st real race. Anyhow, training starts next week and I am psyched. In 18 weeks I'll be ready and in 16 weeks I'll hit my high mileage of 20 miles.

ALSO! I didn't want to make this marathon just a personal goal, and wanted to do something more than simply run it. I have signed up to raise money for World Vision. I felt like even though I am unemployed, I can do something to give back.

There are lots of charities out there, so why World Vision? I felt compelled to run for Team World Vision after following elite runners Josh Cox and Ryan Hall on Twitter and watching Ryan run the Boston Marathon. Both of these guys are avid supporters of World Vision and other awesome ventures such as Invisible Children. So I really looked into what I wanted to support and to be able to raise money for clean water for someone who needs it desperately felt right. I know I could have chosen charities closer to home, but I feel I can more easily help with local needs. I can't just skip on over to Africa through jungles, militias, and corrupt governments to give a child a clean glass of water. I hope and pray that the money I raise will be put to good use and maybe one day I actually could go to those that desperately need the help.

So if you would like to sponsor me, it would be great if you could at least do $1 per mile. That is $26.20 - a night at the movies, dinner for 2, or maybe some clean water and a few bed nets. I know times are tough. [ I am "Mr. Mom" these days ] If all you can give is one dollar, that would be great too! Click on the link below to donate online, or I can send a donation form to you if you would like. Thanks everybody!