Marathon: My personal journey

This should likely be a #1 tip because it is so important. If you are months or weeks away from your training, it will be helpful to start running a bit to build your base up. It may not be easy for you at this stage, that's OK. As you progress with training, the runs will ebb and flow between easy and difficult.

Great job, you are on your way to the finish line. All by simply starting!


YAHOOOOOOOO


Image source:
https://www.skylanders.com/characters/royal-double-trouble 

You can find many plans out there, the key is to select one that fits your level. The levels can range from beginner, intermediate and expert. The beginner plans are excellent. I found that the intermediate plans are definitely challenging.

You can pay for some really good plans or use a free one. I have used plans from Nike + +Nike and Hal Higdon's plans http://halhigdon.com/. Hal is a fantastic person and he shares many tips on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/halhigdon?fref=ts).

I have other ideas to share about books to read on the half or full marathon and will post a list later.

Keep up the great work, you are well on your way to finishing! Neat idea pictured below:

For the next set of posts, I will be sharing my top 20 tips for running a distance race (10K, half marathon or full marathon). I had a few friends who are thinking about embarking on a journey to a half marathon and they asked for some quick tops.

Tip #20: sign up and tell your friends and family. Nothing will make you feel better than telling your crew that you are signed up and ready to challenge yourself. The second benefit is this: no turning back. You can't leave it once you announce. The journey will always be one step at a time:)

ENJOY it! Tell the world!

Image source:
http://www.hugewallpapers.com/preview/1264/2880x1800/minion-carl-megaphone

Ever since I can remember, I LOVED halloween. I love the Great Pumpkin, trick-or-treating, pumpkins, skeletons, etc.

As an adult, I always hoped to have a child to share this joy with. My wife and I were blessed with the most amazing miracle ever, and this year he dressed up as a giraffe! This brings me to a yearly ritual we have called trick-or-treating in the tractor. I have summarized for you my tips for successful trick or treating with pictures!

The cutest giraffe!


1. Safety first: It's all about the children and we must be careful. No beer while driving:) I was always checking to make sure my passenger in the trailer was OK and hanging on. For good measure, I had reflective gear and lights on the tractor.
2. Have a plan and execute: We trained for this. Nile and Azel were quick out of the gate, running in the gap houses!
3. Good faith payments: Remember, these little people are still tiny and need FUEL. It's good to let them eat some candy during the mission. It keeps them fueled and focused!

4. Have some fun along the way. Which guy is scarier?

5. Motivate: I kept saying to my two little people "we trained all year for this- WOO HOO!" Yes we sure did!
6. Have goals! We wanted to hit our entire subdivision and this year we accomplished it!
7. Celebrate the win! Pixie stick freebasing! Payback from all the years we used to hand out 3 foot pixie sticks!

Until next year.....

Lilly Jo and her family are amazing. Her sister Rorrie ran with us on mile 12. She adores her big sister and we love their awesome spirit. I gave Rorrie my finishers medal and told her she earned it. The smile she gave me inspires me to be better.  

Take a look at all of the joy! A special thanks to Shannon and Greg. You both are amazing people and awesome teammates. I am inspired by you. Chad and Jolene Darter, you are two special people. Thanks for what you do. Curt Ehlinger: thanks for rocking today. You inspire so many Curt. You make the orange army proud, daily. 

Teri Connely: thanks for the support (5:30 wake up calls, encouraging words and for listening to me) and for pushing me to be better. :):) I love you. My man Nile: thanks for being you! I thought of you during the race (that guy you chase ran the race). Woo hoo! Thanks to the MVRA and all of the volunteers. Your support for this race is world class: thank you!

Now enjoy the best part! Lilly Jo: we loved running with you, always keep that smile factory going. You light the world up!

We are:

I started out rocky, and could have mailed it in.

Instead, I dug deep and CRUSHED my run.

Great pace, great run. Confidence builder.

5.5 miles.

I can hear the chariot calling me. Can't wait! 

I ran this distance last week and loved it. Today rocked me big time. I made it through. My pace was off. I cramped up later. I had enough water. A difficult experience for sure. 

Good news, it happens. 

I will work forward. A chariot depends on me. 

I will be there.

I will finish.

Always do. Thankfully :)

Long runs, oh how I have missed you! Just a few weeks ago, I started cranking up a few long runs. Here is what I have noticed/missed:

• it pushes you past a limit
• it can be uncomfortable, until you are finished:)
• Playlists are awesome
• you find a natural rhythm 
• it requires planning (hydration, fuel, timing)
• it's so much fun!

A friend sent this to me earlier today and I just watched it tonight. I love how the Ball State team executed this, how cool. It's great for the player, great for their program and just a wonderful story.

The video is 3.5 minutes long and it worth it. At the end, his Dad says "thank your coaches for how they work with you".

How refreshing is that to hear? The best part...the player is learning how to be gracious. His mother and father reinforced it. LOVE. LOVE.

Well done Seger family. I love your work ethic, dedication and family values.

Watch this feel good story here.

https://youtu.be/e6yGs4SiT3k


ESPN coverage here:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17246125/watch-awesome-video-ball-state-walk-football-player-receiving-full-scholarship

Image source:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/17246125/watch-awesome-video-ball-state-walk-football-player-receiving-full-scholarship

July was a good month for running, which is great. I am looking forward to the month of August and what it should bring!

YAHOOOOOO!

Image source:
http://www.clipartkid.com/month-of-august-cliparts/

My wife and I have a good friend, Jeff Lenhart. He inspires me to be better. I love the fact that he is an advocate for the homeless. He is an amazing person and the world is a better place because of him:) I love his new ride, kindness 2!

For a long time, I have run for charity. It makes me feel good, while investing in my own health. During training, I always use the charity miles app. For June and July, I am dedicating my running time to Back on My Feet. They help the homeless be empowered to get back on their feet. I first learned of this great organization through Runner's World. 

So far my miles have paid Back on My Feet $30 for June (120 miles). All I have to do is run, the sponsors pay the charities. I will post a thank you next week to them. 

For now, thanks Jeff! You rock!

On this day, let's remember our freedom and the many who sacrificed the most for us. Also, to remember our "why". 

America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.

Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/harrystrum131618.html

All this week, I rode my bike through the hills to get to my running spot. It was great "going" to the run and on the way back it was all up hill. What a great workout!

This could be a new angle for me in training. YAHOOO



Image source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondback_Bicycles

Impossible is not a declaration, it's a dare. Muhammad Ali

Rest in Peace. I loved your inspiration. May we all use it to be better.

Image Source:
https://www.pinterest.com/zer0isme/quotes/

Space is limited. I told my team that I would limit my baggage to a backpack. It just arrived tonight.

Here is a person modeling it. This is a special bag just for my shoes!
#excited

HGH.


See you tomorrow team.

Image source:
http://s921.photobucket.com/user/Graveworm_2010/media/o-WORLDS-LARGEST-BACKPACK-570_zpsbylgl26j.jpg.html

Oh yeah.

It's hard to believe, but it's race week for team HGH. I am excited to run with this team of great people. This week, I will focus on the following:

Hydrating (loading up on extra water)
Stretching (the miles are adding up)
A yoga session or two, it helps with strength, stretching and the mind
Planning for race day (more on this later)
SLEEP!
Fueling will be critical this week.
Running some miles this week*

*this week is not like most weeks for me, I will still be loading up some miles and will likely take Friday off or take a light run.

GO team HGH!

75 Miles in the market-to-market!

Image source:
http://waynesbororunning.com/2015/06/race-week-parking/

In a couple of weeks, I am running a 75 mile relay (the market to market) with the greatest relay team ever assembled. This group of people is awesome and I can't wait for the race.

The race is going to be awesome. We may not be the fastest bunch, but we will have a good time.  This weekend is shaping up to be really nice, I did a long run this morning and felt great. Have a great weekend!

Spring running can be fun and challenging. Challenges come in the form of wild, varied weather and this year I underestimated the impact of moving the clocks forward.

The good news: I am sticking with it!

The other day a friend asked me if I was going to stop running, and I said "no way!".

It's too much fun! It helps my lungs, keeps me sane and in shape!


Image source:
http://www.canadiangirlruns.com/2015/03/spring-fitness-tips/

I run because I enjoy it. It keeps me healthy. There are days when I have to push myself out the door. I have to remind myself that I am lucky to run.

So lucky!

Have a great day.

Image source:
http://run3play.com/run-1-2.html

Oh boy, this is on my mind right now. Someone asked me if I have a big race coming up this year. I answered with "yes" and "no". I have registered with a couple of relay teams. The run for troops and market-to-market. They both will be FUN races.

GULP. 

The no part. I have not signed up for a full marathon yet. I have a goal of running 10 total or more. I am up to 5 right now. I could stop at 5 and be fully content.

But then there is the wolf at the door. I love it. The training, the grind, getting in better shape, challenging myself physically and mentally. My last race was awesome. I didn't PR, I didn't care. I had my best race and effort.

Here are my options right now:

• Run a downhill race (full marathon) out west.
• Run a full marathon in a vacation location. 
• Run the quad city marathon again- it was so much fun.
• Run the Chicago Marathon, my hometown, my family, the site of my first marathon. I have run it three times. Pay for it outright. 
• Run the Chicago Marathon for a charity.
• Run a "fast" half marathon. 

On Sunday nights, I am so excited because I have the opportunity to coach hockey and play in the FOSSIL league. We have fun.

Oh yeah, this is the time of year that can be difficult. Sub 0 temperatures, snow, ice, fog and other wild things. This year, I had to get creative with running during the travel season. I worked out a little indoors and spent most of my time outdoors. I prefer the outdoors, but it can be difficult to keep it going during bad weather.

Spring will be here. I still haven't signed up for a big race yet, other than the market-to-market relay in May.

This is a picture of my new running shoes. I LOVE them!


Image source:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Footwear/Running/Mens/GEL-Kayano-21-Lite-Show/p/0010228582.0491

First, I am sorry that I haven't posted in a little while. I have been asked a few times about my running calendar this year. I have a fun relay this Spring, it's 75 miles with five of my close personal friends. I am excited about that. I will start training on February 15th, at least formally.