Losing Myself

When I started this training program I though I would lose maybe 15 pounds. But, as it turns out I have lost 21 thus far. It is amazing how hard work and determination pay off in the end. I bet I actually end up losing at least a few more pounds too. I like the weight loss. It shows that I am not to old to be in peak physical conditioning.

This morning I ran 10 miles. I won't lie, my body is starting to feels the pains of running all these miles. My knee is starting to stiffen up after my long runs and as much as I stretch it still gets achy.

My training partner is kind of upset because while I am shredding the pounds he has no lost a single pound. This goes to show effort I believe. I have put twice as much effort into the training program and set goals that I have surpassed. Not saying that he has not put in the work because he has. He's dealt with travel, injuries and an unhealthy mindset.

The turning point through this entire process is the day I started speaking in positives and gave up the negatives. The power of positive thinking and speaking has overcome many miles. Not only that, the thought of finishing strong is something I live for. In everything I do I want to finish the race and think to myself; well Kevin, you gave it your all and you never quite giving it 100 percent. That is pretty cheesy, but if you look at it shouldn't that be the goal in life, especially our christian lives?

Daylight Donuts!

SO the new Daylight Donuts opened up in Norman, and to say the least I am pretty excited. It is on my way to work and two of the college guys came into the office sporting a couple of goodies from the new spot. They said it was "Starbucks" nice, fully outfitted with leather couches and everything. It's about tim someone opened a donut shop that you can hang out in and chat. That's the way it should be.

I am noticing a bunch of weight loss from getting off of lifting weights. I like the change, but am worried I will lose everything that I gained from weight lifting. I was never a big weight lifter in high school. I like to lift with my legs because that was what was always the strongest on my body, but now I am lifting much more upper body. It seems to be working. I am seeing more definition and strength built.

New Look

Please enjoy my new look and a few new songs. I added "Eye of the Tiger" from the Rocky soundtrack so everytime I log in to my account I can get pumped about running. Although, I don't really think it is even on my playlist for my marathon tunes. That will have to change.

Is it possible that I am addicted to running? I really actually enjoy the thought of running and don't mind running long stints. I am sure all of this will change once I cross that finish line. Because I can say that now since I am at the peak of my training.

Thoughts on 18.

So many things going on in my life right now, but the all encompassing training for the OKC Memorial Marathon has taken up the majority of time in my spare time. Last Thursday I ran a complete, non-stop 18 miles and it really wasn't all that bad. I seriously doubt the marathon will have the elevation changes that the 18 miler had. I got to mile 12 and 13 easily, but it slowly started to wear on me at that point. I ran up a solid two miles of hills at that point. Actually, it felt like mountains instead of hills.

I think I am on track to finish the marathon in under 4 hours, which would be amazing. Especially since I don't consider myself an expert runner. I think that would be some time. That may become a realistic goal that I may set my sights upon. I get to run a total of 30 miles this week and the following week is what I have deemed "Hell Week." It is a week that I will run a total of 40 miles in one single week. It seems like a bunch but I can handle it no problem.

It is funny the reactions that I get when I tell them I am running the marathon. Most questions are why?, and I tell them that it is a goal that I have personally set to complete for my uncle and grandfathers that I lost in 2009. So in a sense I am running for 09.

An Easy 12

Did I ever think I could look at 12 continuous miles and say I am going to run that? I don't think so. This is a mere drop in the bucket compared to a full marathon, but I can run these distances without becoming very winded at all. They are easy runs and anything up to 17 miles I feel very comfortable with running.

I don't think I've ever been in this kind of condition? Even when I was a spry high schooler could I even think of running anything longer than 2 miles. It is amazing what the body is capable of.

My concerns now is finishing in an acceptable time, according to my judgement of course. MY training partner has cut out running for the next few weeks to take care of a nagging runner's knee, and I continue on to build up those miles. I am very worried that he will slow the pace down to where it is difficult for me to run with him. I want to finish with him, but that seems like it really won't happen. This weekend is an 18-miler. I don't think it will be too awful.

Training Update

As both of you know I have been training for a marathon. It has been easy going. I know it is hard to believe, but I have been keeping up with the plan as expected. However, I don't feel I have had my diet in complete check. I try to eat meals that give me more energy and replaces all the good stuff I loose during my long runs, but I still think I could perform better if I ate smarter. Heck if I knew more I'd be one step closer.

Last weekend I ran 16.5 miles in one go round. This is significant because it was the point where during a marathon I get to start counting in the single digits. WOW! Mentally, I've been doing much better. I think alot of it has to do with a bunch of prayer.

My wife will be publishing her book. She received the news last week and I couldn't be more proud of her. This is a lifelong dream of hers and it is coming true. She is truly an inspiration to me and she is a shining example that if you put your mind to a dream don't give up because God never forgets a dream.

It is funny because she never thought it would happen, but I think God had some faith in her as well.