Running=Life?

I enjoy distance running because there are so many parallels with life. Life has many ups and downs as does running. Running is something you can never master. You can't run a race in zero seconds, which essentially means that you can always improve, just like life. I have found that some of my most clear thoughts have come while running. I have achieved that "runners high," a euphoric state where I felt as though I was floating across the ground because I was in such a rhythm. I love those moments, and you need those types of moments to keep you coming back for more, but those "highs" are not the reason I run. I run because of the daily grind. Running every day gives me a sense of confidence because I know that I can grind through the tough times instead of shutting down and giving up. That is the ultimate lesson that I have learned, and continue to learn, from running. There are hills in running and in life; it is not how fast you make it up the hill, but your willingness to say, "I am not going to let a hill stop me, it may slow me down, but I will eventually make it to the top, and when I do, the downhill on the other side will be that much more rewarding." The key to success in a sport like running is work ethic. I love to watch these naturally gifted athletes on tv in the NFL, MLB and NBA, but I have never gotten emotional about a professional sports game. However, every time I watch the Ironman World Championships in Kona, I end up getting teary-eyed. First of all there are wonderful stories of perseverance like Dick and Rick Hoyt, but most of all, I think about how most of these people are "average joes" who decided to put all the effort they had into training for that event. That is inspiring to watch. I have always thought of myself as a slightly above average athlete, but I continue to feel like I perform well above my abilities. For me, it all comes down to drive, desire, will to succeed and work ethic. I refuse to believe that I can't do it better the next time, and I have never let someone tell me what I can and can't do. I hope I never lose that mentality in sports or in life. Until next time.

1/2 Ironman Training

I haven't signed up yet, but I plan to do so soon. I have been training for the past two weeks and it feels good to have a major goal to keep me going. I have deviated from the training log out of necessity, but I am able to run every day and I try to swim or bike at least once or twice a week too. It is a little tough to get to the pool with Parker around, but MB has been great to let me sneak away for an hour or so on the weekends. She has been very supportive of my goal and she even bought me a pair of Newton running shoes. They are a crazy new shoe that force you to run on your forefoot. They supposedly promote a more biomechancially efficient running motion and will help prevent injuries. I have put about 25 miles on them so far and I am really enjoying them. Initially, my calves were a bit sore, but I am getting used to them. I am a total shoe geek, so it is super cool to be the only one at the gym who has these shoes. Check em out.

These were worn by the Ironman World Champion-Craig Alexander, this year in Kona, so maybe I will have the same success. :) (You know what they say-"Its gotta be the shoes.")

In other news, Parker has a little reflux, so he has had a rough couple of days, but we have gotten some medicine and it has been helping. It is so tough to know that something is making your son unhappy and he can't communicate what it is or how to fix it. I guess that is where we have to trust the pediatrician. He is as cute as ever though. Check out this pic of him flexing his muscles. (Probably going to be a body-builder)

Ode to MB

Growing up I always thought that there was someone out there who would share my passion for life, Jesus, family, sports, the outdoors, etc. As I entered high school and college I began to think that maybe I had set my sites too high. I thought I might need to compromise and begin looking for someone who didn't quite share all those passions. So, I dated a few people, never really finding much common ground with them, and we ended up going our separate ways. Then, my junior year of college, I began to focus more on my relationship with Jesus, and less on my relationship with the numerous coeds @ WJC.

It was about midway through my junior year at Jewell when someone caught my eye. She was a beautiful blonde setter on the volleyball team and she was also someone who I had seen at Worship Jam (a fellow Christian athlete-2 for 2) :). Needless to say, her name was Mary Beth. She has taught me that you don't have to compromise, you have to trust in God and He will give you what you need. Mary Beth was exactly the girl I had dreamed of growing up and there she was right in front of me. I had to make my move, but I had no idea how. I got really lucky when she asked me to go to the Alpha Gam Date Dash at the Crown Center Ice Rink. However, even though she asked me to go on the date dash, it took around 6 months to get her to sit next to me on the couch. She was a tough one. :)

In that six month period I finally approached her for our first real date-54th Street in Liberty. She ordered a bowl of soup and took about 3 bites. Afterward, we drove around talking for about 2 hours and that was the night I knew, (and later found out that she knew as well), that she was the girl I was going to marry. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful wife and Parker is just as lucky to have such a wonderful Mom. WE LOVE YOU MB. HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY. Maybe we can hit up 54th Street in Liberty tonight if you're available.

I'm Back!

Sorry everyone. I have taken a hiatus from blogging for the past month. I am sure that you all understand I have had a few other things to focus on, but..... I am back. I have vowed to resume consistent blogging. After all, the whole point of this blog was to update friends and family on what is going on in our lives. The problem is that we have so much going on that it has been hard to sit down for 15 minutes to create a new post, but I won't be deterred. I am committed to getting back in the game.


FYI...Parker is 5 weeks old today. He is beginning to show some signs of a personality (sometimes too much personality if you know what I mean). We have seen quite a few smiles lately and he is holding his head up during tummy time and turning it side to to side. I guess he is a little advanced for his age, but I can't say I'm surprised. (I will really try not to be the prototypical bragging parent, but it is hard when you have such a great little boy)! :) We spent some time with the Grandma Debbie, Grandpa Wes, & Uncle Brett this weekend at The Cafe. Parker seemed pretty content as he slept through the entire meal. We also had a 70 degree day on Saturday, so we were able to make it to the park for a walk. The Bob stroller has been great and I am sure that we will continue to enjoy it as the weather improves.


On a personal note. I ran my first 10k of the year and put up a decent time of 41:04. I was hoping to break 40 minutes, but I was happy with the effort. I also decided that I am going to sign up for the Kansas Half Ironman this summer. For those of you who don't know-a half ironman is a triathlon in which the competitors swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles & run 13.1 miles. This will be my second, however the training will be a little more difficult with Parker around, but I have to learn to incorporate him into my exercise routine and this will be a good test.

Well, I have rambled enough. Here's what you really want...a one month picture of Parker....pictured with Grandma Marilyn. Definitely going to be a little troublemaker based on the expression. :) Until next time.


Oh, I want to give a shout out to my brother Brett. Today is his 25th Birthday. Happy Birthday Bro.