Marathon: My personal journey: hawkeyes

Long run in the books, rest day coming!

I love the sound of "long run in the books, rest day coming". I really enjoyed my long run today. I was worried about it, changed my mindset and zoomed along. It was a difficult run, but I managed physically and mentally.

I am feeling more ready for the Quad City Marathon, as every day goes on. YES!

As I ran today, I kept thinking about Tyler Sash and September 11th. I said a few prayers for the families.

Thank you for reading and supporting me!

Image source:
http://www.911memorial.org/explore-memorial
http://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/football/2015/09/10/tyler-sash-death-iowa-hawkeyes-football-helmet/72025844/

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

GBNB hawkeyes rivalry week Tyler Sash

A Tribute to Tyler Sash

James Connely at 7:20 PM No comments:

The other day my wife called to tell me that Tyler Sash passed away. I was in shock. I hoped it was a hoax. I have never met Tyler Sash, but saw him play football for my beloved Hawkeyes and the New York Giants. I loved how real Tyler Sash was. As a fan, I appreciated his love for the game, intensity and passion.

He played hard and was a true Hawkeye at heart. Personally, he represents a time where I was struggling with my father's cancer. I vividly remember close games in 2009. I was able to watch many games with my Dad. He loved Adrian Claiborn, Derell Johnson-Koulianos, Tony Moeaki, Ricky Stanzi and Marvin McNutt. Above all, he loved Tyler Sash.

He loved every aspect of how he played. My Dad would say he defines a "Norm Parker" player. My Dad was right. I can see Tyler Sash playing the part of a "fireman" to put out the fire started by the opposing team's offense.

So when I got the call from my wife, I was stunned. It conjured up some feelings. I feel for Tyler's family and friends. The loss is unthinkable. The Hawkeye family is grieving too. Tyler Sash was the definition of a Hawkeye.

Over the next week, I will write about my experiences in watching Tyler Sash. Heads up for a post about how he saved the season against the Indiana Hoosiers. More on that later.

Rest in Peace Tyler Sash.

GBNB
#9
#RIPTylerSash

Image source:
http://qctimes.com/gallery/photos-tyler-sash/collection_4c1812d8-5655-11e5-8d64-b72ad45c88ff.html#0

Sunday, August 23, 2015

hawkeyes

Iowa Football Fall Camp 2015

James Connely at 4:53 PM No comments:

I love Iowa Football! This is a great video highlighting our coaching staff and team. STOKED! Enjoy the video.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

hawkeyes

We want FLOYD!

James Connely at 8:13 AM No comments:

OK. All week I have been so excited for the Iowa/Minnesota game. My son and I have been singing "We want Floyd" and it's at a fever pitch today. We are so excited! We need to keep Floyd. Good luck to all of the hawkeyes and fans. Let's have a great game today! Are you excited for the Iowa game?

Image Source: Hawkeye Heaven Facebook page

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

hawkeyes marathon training rivalry week

Rivalry week- Get Ready!

James Connely at 7:43 PM No comments:

Oh yeah, it's finally here. Rivalry week. Iowa vs. Iowa State. I am so excited that I can barely stand it. During my workout this morning, it rained a bit. I felt great getting back on track with a longer run.

During rivalry week, everything picks up. The business calls get more intense, meetings zip at a fierce pace, the workouts get intense, and even games of hide and seek have much more vigor.

All of this builds toward bringing the "A" game on Saturday.

I will leave you with a quick thought. GO HAWKS!

Image source:
www.hawkcentral.com

Monday, August 18, 2014

ALS hawkeyes ice bucket challenge

ALS Challenge!

James Connely at 7:15 PM No comments:

My good friend Dave Sendt creatively used the Big Ten conference to challenge his Hawkeye friends in the ALC ice bucket challenge.

Here is my response:

Iowa Hawkeye ALS Challenge

Go hawks!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

hawkeyes marathon training perspective runchat

Keep it all in perspective

James Connely at 10:17 AM No comments:

How about it? What a great Sunday...woo hoo! I hope you are enjoying it.

The last three weeks have been quite a roller coaster. In Dubuque, we had a tragic accident that took the lives of four high school freshman to be. Robin Williams died. The Middle East continues to display poor behavior and cruelty towards others. I accidentally saw some images from a friend's Twitter feed and I can't "unsee" them.

In life, business and running, you can get caught up in your surroundings. This is great if your surroundings are positive, but difficult if they are not. In today's world, you can get caught up in the bad stuff quickly. The internet allows us to stay informed quicker. It can spread good and bad news FAST!

Just this weekend, I saw some really cool "ice bucket" challenges, neat pictures displaying tremendous LOVE, video's of courage and compassion.

Here is my challenge to you...keep it all in perspective. If you have a difficult run coming up, embrace it. Realize that there are people who would trade you in two seconds. People that would LOVE to run any distance. You have a gift. Realize that a ton of people around you love you and care for you. They really do. They may not show it the way you like. Run the miles, have some fun...enjoy your friends, family, career, etc.

You have truly been blessed in so many ways. Give thanks and pay it forward. Call someone you haven't talked to in awhile and let them know how much they mean to you. ASK them to do the same. Maybe we will have our own version of the "ice bucket" challenge.

On that note, it has occurred to me that we haven't seen much representation in Dubuque, the running community (#runchat), or in the business community. Should we get something going? Hmmmmm....could be fun!

Check this awesome picture from Iowa's kids day. They do such a nice job with the kid's captains. I will research their story and will post:)

Image source:
https://www.facebook.com/hawkeyesports

Friday, July 4, 2014

America birthday hawkeyes losing love winning

Happy Birthday America!

James Connely at 5:28 PM No comments:

Today, my son and I sang happy birthday to America. You should have seen the glow in his eyes. The love for country is amazing! I am so grateful to anyone who served or serves in the military.

We owe you all a ton and can't thank you enough. Happy Birthday America or as we have said all day "MERICA".

Ricky Stanzi was one of my favorite Iowa Hawkeyes of all time. He was a true gamer and would just flat out compete. I loved his attitude about winning, losing, preparing, etc.

After winning the Orange Bowl, he said something I loved...in reference to America.

"love it or leave it".

Go hawks! Go USA! Go run!