Marathon: My personal journey

Training for a marathon has a few up and down moments. The roads will curve and twist. Today, I had a cold training run. The wind blew the entire time. I ran well and simply focused on running one segment at at time. Before I knew it, the run was finished.

The key for me was total immersion. I immersed myself in the positive nature of the run. I can't wait to run again tomorrow.

 I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.

OK, this might seem obvious. They key to your journey will be two things related to starting. First, you have to start. Second, be patient. Every training season I have experienced some early frustration with my pace or something related to training. Getting a jump on your training runs is important. I try to run consistently before I start training. 3-5 miles a day is good, if you can swing it.

The good news, you will get better over your time in training. Your patience will be rewarded on race day (at the finish line).

Speaking of finish line, I am motivated by the people who are at the end of the race...my family.

Check this photo of my son and I at the finish line in Chicago 2012.

Love that feeling. Love the cowbell. Need more.....

Tomorrow is the first day of something new for me. Interval training. The mileage will be lower (3.3 miles), but my intensity will be HIGH. YIKES!

Look forward to my recap later in the week, GO INTERVALS!

Image source:
http://runningmagazine.ca/high-intensity-training-makes-better-runners/

Most weeks, I run a consistent route in my neighborhood. I don't see anything crazy, so it's fun to run in a new area. I was running in Chicago and ran into some cool people!

I ran into Bob Newhart on Navy Pier! We took a selfie together.

Then I ran into a local pirate, so we had to take a selfie.

My goal was to run 120 miles in June, as part of a Nike Plus challenge and my marathon training called for 124. I pushed it and ran 128!

I felt great throughout the journey and look forward to a better July! I snapped this picture during my run today and it was sooooooo beautiful!

Today, I finished a ten mile run. It was my opening week. I ran in extremely hot temperatures and it was awesome. I started off fast and started to slow in my pace. I was so proud to run so well and finish.

Week 1 is in the books and I can't wait to continue with training!


Image source:
http://daylol.com/nw/2013/11/03/collection/like-a-boss-collection

Unexpectedly, week 1 has been super interesting. I have been up and down all week. I felt great yesterday afternoon and had some realizations about pace.

Next up, my first long run. I am looking forward to it and can't wait to get a solid rhythm going.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. Go Black Hawks!


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

I can safely say that Born to Run is the BEST book I have ever read. I just loved it so much. I have so many reasons. I don't want to ruin the book for you, if you have not read it. The author is a great guy and he gave the running community a wonderful gift.

I really enjoy Matthew McConaughey. I tease my wife about him, but I do love him:) He is going to be perfect in this movie. He needs to play Caballo Blanco! Matthew is the ONLY person I could see playing that awesome character.

I saw the news that a movie was going to be made and I was so excited about it. I couldn't contain myself....YIKES!

How soon can the movie be released? EXCITED! 

In researching, I read that Matthew McConaughey runs an hour a day and has a spiritual side. This article has a different slant, enjoy it.

Check out this article:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/phillygossip/McCon.html

Image source:
http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/matthew-mcconaughey-set-to-star-in-born-to-run-adaptation-288

1. Make sure you have layers. If the temperature gets below 30 degrees, it's important you stay warm. The layers will help you a ton.

2. Protect your hands, face and head. Gloves/mittens, a hat and face mask can help protect you. You may worry that the face mask will get in the way of your oxygen intake.   It may a little, but it's worth it in the long run (no pun intended). 

3. YAKTRAX or something to get a grip. Ice can hide this time of year and it can really hurt or set you back. I highly recommend that you wear something like YAKTRAX. 

4. If it is too cold and feels dangerous, stay inside. OK- I have a tough time with this. However, you can skip a workout, hit the treadmill or get creative. I read the other day that successful people don't die in the fight, meaning they know when to exit. This applies to running in dangerous cold. You will know when it's too dangerous.

5. Stay hydrated. Layering your clothing can be deceptive in assessing your sweat level. You will lose more water than you think, stay hydrated! 

6. Have fun and stay focused. You have worked hard to keep your mileage up all year, don't let the elements or the holidays get in the way of your progress. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I have struggled with my motivation and dreamed up some "excuses". However, my partner in crime reminded me by telling me that I am becoming "Mr. Excuse". Thanks for keeping me motivated Teri:) 

It got me out the door all week. 

Image source: 

http://blog.altrazerodrop.com/tips/winter-running/

In addition to running, I have been keeping up with cross training. As the Fall wears on and the Winter settles in, I am going to remain focused. 

I can't wait to sign up for my next big race! 

This picture is from a trip I took in North Carolina, more on that later!

It's an awesome scene with a parallel to business and training for a big race. In either venture, you have to focus on fundamentals and details. This often comes in the form of practice. The work is difficult and can be fun. 

You can have fun by changing the way you view the work. Look at it as fun, a privilege and opportunity. Smile when you do it. Enjoy the work, it's your path to success.

Image source:

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/Netherlands/South/Zuid_Holland/Leiden/photo1104125.htm