Starting Week 4

Hello all!

 Hope the everyone's year is going great. It's started a little rocky for me and the family, but we're making it work out. I guess we'll go ahead and get the rough parts out of the way. Last week my father suffered a mild heart attack, but strangely came out of it better. He suffered a really major one about 7 years ago that forced him to retire and be declared physically disabled. After that the doctors told him that he only had one good artery and they stinted it, so he would have to take it exceptionally easy. My father's always been the blue collar, hard worker and an incredibly active man. Coached me and my team in baseball my entire life. Anyway, last Friday he was having tight chest pains so he went ahead and went to the ER where they monitored him. Certain enzymes are secreted when going a heart attack is suffered and they were present so they sent him to a larger facility that night. Long story short, the doctors were able to stint another artery and he now has 2 working arteries! I was definitely sick with worry, but I easily count it as a blessing in disguise.

Next, my job has become increasingly demanding as of late so I've had to change up my schedule to working much more at night time and weekend times. I've always considered myself more of a night owl any way so not a huge drawback, but it totally changes up marathon training. I had been lucky enough to train with my running club, Lawton/Ft Sill Running Club, but now I'm barely able to at all. I'm definitely missing the support group that they gave me and I also hate not being able to help everyone else with their training. Basically flying solo for a good while now though, so if you're out there reading I truly appreciate your support and comments! The good news though, is that it's about week 4 of 17 of marathon training and I've been able to complete it all. Even through the strep throat epidemic at our house, schedule changes, and cold weather!

Here's the break down so far:
 Week 1: 3 miles, 3 miles, 6 miles.
Week 2: 4 miles, 3 miles, 8 miles.
Week 3: 4 miles, 4 miles, 10 miles.

 This week will be 4 miles, 4 miles, 12 miles. So far everything's gone really smooth due to the fact that I've easily ran these distances before. The long runs are actually the more enjoyable ones to me, the only trick is plotting a long safe course with some scenery. I've been running from my house to our neighboring town of Fletcher because there's a gas station there that is just about the turn around point. I like to stop there for water and mostly to see them look at me like I'm insane! If anyone is thinking about distance running make sure that you always pick a very safe route (Light traffic, and a big shoulder). Also always run against traffic and don't get so tuned in to your music that you lose track of your surroundings. I know that training is only going to get increasingly more difficult and taxing, but that struggle is just a drop in the bucket compared to what Essential Tremor sufferers have to endure. My wife struggles with it everyday, but it doesn't hold her back from doing anything. That to me is amazing and true endurance!

 I've been in contact with the lovely people at The International Essential Tremor Foundation and we are going to beginning our Fundraising campaign soon! We're going to be encouraging everyone to Donate just $1 per mile, that's only a $26 donation! That donation will go a long way in increasing awareness and aiding them in finding a cure! Once again, thanks for all of the support! I appreciate all feedback. Join the movement at www.crowdrise.com/cureetf

Happy New Year!

January 3, 2011 Hello all! I hope you had a Happy Holiday season. I know I did, but let me be the first to tell you that I am incredibly happy it's all over and life can return back to normal! Right after New Year's Eve I came down with a bit of a cold but after a couple days in bed, vitamins, and medication I'm feeling quite a bit better. Makes me think of how much better it would be if Naomi could just take a pill and feel better no problem. That's what this is all about though. Today marks day one of marathon training! A nice and easy 3 mile run. Should help break in the new shoes I got for Christmas and brush off the holiday hangover! Thankfully I'll not only have the support of my amazing wife Naomi, but also my running club, the Lawton/Ft Sill Running Club, and the great beneficiary of it all, The International Essential Tremor Foundation. May this year be one in which we accept all challenges that come our way and overcome them with strength we never knew we had.