Marathon: My personal journey: smile

The #200!

Oh my goodness! This is my 200th blog post on "marathon my personal journey"! I am so excited, thrilled and honored that you read my blog. I get so much energy and motivation from each of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I can't say it enough. I have been trying to decide on this year's mission/marathon. I have been soul searching a ton lately and still haven't decided yet. This morning on my blog, this group advertised. I clicked the link and found myself watching this video.

The video is funny, touching and motivating. They have my full attention on this one. I love helping other people, especially those who are disabled or are poor. We are so lucky to have everything that we do. If you do me two favors (one for each 100 blog posts)....

1. Give thanks for what you have, tell the people you love and respect "thank you". It will make you feel good and they will know how you feel about them. Two big pluses.

2. Watch this video and have fun with it.
Our Lady of the Angels

This morning I was thinking about running a smaller race closer to home. I was going to sit out a year for charity running. However, I may have to re-consider it for awhile. I have time to think about the big decision. For now, let's all smile.

Image source:
http://accrareport.com/feature/the-lux-of-a-simple-smile/

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Run smile

S.M.I.L.E.

James Connely at 7:09 PM No comments:

Aha! I love doing that...Smile at someone who is frowning or having a tough day. If they muster a reluctant smile (likely), then tell them you love their smile and it will get bigger.

You will give them your smile in the process.

Try it, it's fun.

Oh yeah, it's great to smile while you are running too. :)

Image source:
http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?id=2186379

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

America dreams marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile

Marine Corps Marathon, recap and thank you!

James Connely at 7:16 PM 1 comment:

First, I want to thank my family and friends for always being so supportive during my running endeavors. It's not easy on you sometimes and I really appreciate what you do and how you do it. For the readers of this blog, thanks for reading and I hope to keep you engaged.

Let's get to the recap. I raised just short of $1,700 for the Diabetes in Action team. Thanks to each of you who donated your hard earned money to this cause. It will really help!

Next, thanks to each of you who gave me a song to run to. I will elaborate more on what I did during the race later this week.

The race was fantastic for a number of reasons. I loved being with my family. We laughed and learned together. Washington DC is beautiful and there is so much history. The holocaust museum taught us so much about how to love and forgive. My son was moved by the "Daniel" exhibit.

My race was a bit challenging. I struggled with cramps at mile 14 and it slowed me down a bit more than I would like. However, I learned so much about how to prepare for a race, cross training and just to "stay in" a race for the duration.

If I am privileged to run it again, I will run it differently. One aspect I underestimated was the beginning "hills". WOW. They were a bit challenging. Looking back, I went too hard early. The weather had an impact and I could have hydrated a bit better.

The marines were simply amazing. The crowds were so supportive. I loved running to the Iwo Jima memorial.

All of this was great, but from miles 11-14 I was struck by something amazing. On the sides of the road, military killed in action were pictured. The "Wear Blue: Run to Remember" organization held US Flags along the road. This is a section of the run where crowds are thin. The impact this made on me was HUGE. WOW- WOW. I had tears in my eyes.

Lastly, my favorite moments involved my son running the kids race. He made me so proud showing his leadership and courage. He earned his first medal. It's amazing to see him grow. I love him so much.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile Training

Mission Ready!

James Connely at 11:03 AM No comments:

Mission ready.
Charge the district.
Beat the bridge.
Earn the finish line: Take the Iwo.

Image Source:
http://www.posix.com/running/MarineCorps2010.html

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile

T Minus 5 days and counting...

James Connely at 8:15 PM No comments:

I am so excited and I am READY! It's taken me a few days longer to get around the corner mentally, but I am finally in a great spot. Today, I completed my last big run before race day. It went well and helped me get in the zone. A flood of emotions are hitting me with race day coming so fast. It's a special race because of my Dad and late Uncle Sonny. They will both be there in spirit. My Dad was a marine and my Uncle Sonny was the most talented Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam. They are both talking to everyone in heaven about our family event.

Uncle Sonny's son (my cousin) Clarence Dunagan is running this race too. I love my cousin dearly and it's going to be fun to see him rock this race to oblivion. His Dad will be so proud. I leave you with two cool things: a picture and a video from one of my favorite bands (RUSH). The video is about "launching" the space shuttle. SO COOL! I love the real audio from NASA. ENJOY!

Countdown:

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

boom marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile

We are getting close!

James Connely at 7:53 PM No comments:

OK. How about this? #OORAH

This means we are getting about 25 days away from the Marine Corps Marathon. I have one long run of 22 miles left, and I can't wait. It's the ultimate measuring stick. After this week, it's taper time. I will be logging in 50 miles or so this week. This means sleep, fuel and running! WOO HOO or should I say OORAH!

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

Thursday, September 4, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile Training

Reflections from my latest race!

James Connely at 7:35 PM No comments:

On Monday, I ran the benefit classic here in Dubuque, IA. Holy smokes it was a difficult run. I ran hard. After the race, I started to get a bit sore. I haven't felt like that in a long time. As the week progressed, I feel great. On Saturday, I run 16 miles before the Iowa game. I am STOKED. Mentally, I am really getting ready. Physically, I am working on my strategy and approach.

I really appreciate the many words of support. Special thanks to Mia Burbach who took some cool photos of me during the race.

The Marine Corps Marathon is 51 days away, but I am not counting. Seriously, I am not counting. :) WOO HOO

Monday, September 1, 2014

finish marathon marathon training smile

Dress rehearsal!

James Connely at 6:58 PM No comments:

I was so excited for my "dress rehearsal" today. This references the benefit classic half marathon in Dubuque, IA. I have run the race before, but this course was amazingly difficult. The conditions were hot and humid. I ran a solid race. I learned a few things today, here is a summary:

1. For the marine corps marathon, I will download my spotify list for "offline". Today, I experienced some issues with connectivity.
2. I need to purchase a handheld that is larger (20 ounces). I used the tailwind nutrition today and it worked out great (@gotailwind).
3. Take aleve before running. Today, I waited until I got home and was a little sore.
4. Smiling while running really works, I need to do it all of the time.
5. I ran hard today. My core worked great in the stretch and my quads burned it up. The cross training really helped conquer the hills.
6. Appreciate the run. Today, I saw some truly "gutsy" performances. Each of the runners towards the end of the pack really battled the course. You guys define the term finish!
7. The volunteers are amazing! Thank you all for the support, water and kind words! You all ROCK!

Image Source:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mississippi-Valley-Running-Association-MVRA/205604062785603

Sunday, August 31, 2014

beast mode marathon Run smile

How you see yourself matters the most!

James Connely at 11:14 AM No comments:

How you see yourself matters the most! It directs your thoughts and actions. The other day, someone asked me if I was a runner.

I hesitated before answering. I said yes, I am a runner. I caught myself in the "not so confident moment". I have run and finished three full marathons, completed numerous races and have run for the past nine years. Why did I hesitate? I quickly reflected on the fact that so many people have said "you can't be a runner, runners are skinny" or "you are too big to be a runner".

Guess what? What they say doesn't matter. What I see, feel and say matters the most. I will never hesitate on the question ever again!

I have a small challenge for you. Take a picture of yourself with a big smile. Look at it, post it on your favorite social media piece with a tag that says something positive like "I am happy" or "thanks for being my friend" or "I love you". Whether people like it on the platform doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that you smiled big for the camera and posted something positive for the world to see. By the way, the camera loves you!

Monday, June 16, 2014

beast mode boom peanut butter PR smile

PR Scandal???

James Connely at 7:34 PM No comments:

This weekend, I ran the Grandview Gallop in Dubuque, IA. For a race of this distance, I am proud to report a PR! At the beginning of the race, I thought about my legs being tired...and quickly wiped that thought away- FAST!

I ran well and was able to record a PR- WOO HOO! Afterwards, I received a ton of questions from reporters. Here is a brief transcript:

Reporter: How did you feel throughout the race?
Jim: At the start, I didn't feel like my legs were at their best. Physically, my legs felt sluggish. However, mentally I felt solid.
Reporter: With your legs feeling sluggish, how did you manage to earn a PR?
Jim: I was able to blast through in BEAST MODE and had a great first mile. From there it was managing to the distance.
Reporter: Some of your fellow runners are circulating a scandal that you had an extra foot in the race. Is this true?
Jim: Just smiles.
Reporter: No seriously, did you have an extra foot in this race?
Jim: BOOM SHAKKA LAKKA.
Reporter: What does that mean?
Jim: No further questions:)

I really love the fact that my son is always with me. I thought about my Dad during the run too. I miss him. During the run, I would say a quick prayer of thanks for my family. My wife Teri is so supportive of my running, and I so appreciate that! I wore a Calico Bean Market shirt during the race and people would say they LOVE the peanut butter!

As for the extra foot in the race, here is proof.

The results (I was soooo close to breaking the 10 minute mile:)):

and last but not least....taking it to the shack! Thanks Mia Burbach for taking the photo and for volunteering!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

minion picture skechers smile

As seen on my run!

James Connely at 6:55 PM 2 comments:

Ever since my issue of not getting up early on Monday, I have been rocking the runs early. It feels good to get out earlier, as I can put more miles on the Skechers Go Run 2's:)

While running, I came across this awesome picture of a minion. A neighbor girl drew this and a ton of other stuff. She is a great artist...The minion is so cute, I couldn't resist taking a picture and sharing it with you. I hope you smile big like I did!

The minions ROCK!

Saturday, May 31, 2014

back flip beast mode issues jump smile whoa

Back Flip in BEAST MODE!

James Connely at 7:19 PM No comments:

Today, I took my son to the pool and we had a blast! I asked him what trick he would like for me to jump off the diving board- he said "BACK FLIP".

Last year, I was doing them pretty regularly. I am happy to report that I was able to do a ton of them off the board without any issues! You should hear the little ones say "WHOA!".

It brings a smile to my face every time. This video is from the last day at the pool in 2013. I hope it brings a smile to your face!

Back Flip in BEAST MODE!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

compliment cross train motivate reward smile

The Power of a Compliment!

James Connely at 7:25 PM No comments:

Lately, I have been working hard to eat better and cross train. I love the results! What I love the most, is the way it makes me feel. In the past week, I have heard a few really nice compliments.

To all of you, it just flat out makes my day and motivates me beyond word. It got me thinking again. Compliments really matter. In our fast paced world, it is easy to forget to give them.

Here is my challenge to you. Tomorrow, compliment two people if you can. Stop and deliberately give them the good stuff. Tell them they look handsome or pretty, have a nice smile or anything that is genuine.

Watch as they receive the news. You will get a nice reward! By the way, I want to thank each of you reading my BLOG. It makes me smile to think you enjoy it.

Next week I will feature a series that will focus on the power of one person. It will highlight how one person can truly make a difference. My list of people is going to delight you. If you have someone you want to recommend, please email me at jim.connely56@gmail.com and I will feature them.

Have a nice night!

Image Source:

http://www.mrwallpaper.com/view/smile-is-shortest-distance-1920x1200/

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

beast mode crazy smile

BEAST MODE!

James Connely at 7:15 PM No comments:

One of my recent favorite phrases is "BEAST MODE". I have a tendency to get stuck on something for awhile and I know that annoys people sometimes. However, try this out. Tell someone they are operating in BEAST MODE for their work, fitness, races or workouts.

When I do this, the person on the other end either smiles or laughs. They immediately get a pick up. One of my good friends says "BEAST MODE is always stuck in ON mode". I can only smile like crazy because it is true.