Now What?

So, I've finished up the marathon and now I am sitting here thinking about the next step. Where do I go from here? I believe I am going to set goals that will enhance my time for the marathon. I think it is doable, but it will take more time and a harder work ethic.

Okay, I've got the work ethic, but time becomes an issue. I really want to spend time with my family. I already do, but everyone knows that more time is good time.

One thing that I was disappointed in my training process was my effort during the long runs. I feel that I could have gone stronger, but it was my first marathon. So really if I think about it long enough I did great for the first time.

Marathon Finisher!

How about that. I finished the marathon in the time that I had predicted before I started training. Four hours on the nose. It was an unbelievable experience. I think it was more rewarding than I would ever imagine. The family was there to support me and that helped push me through the end.

It is hard to think that I traveled 26.2 miles and I can still wake up and workout in the morning for an hour. I really don't feel sore today. I thought that I wouldn't be able to move, but the body is an amazing machine.

I got to see a bunch of friends at the end of the race, which was thrilling. But, the most important thing was hugging my boy and my beautiful wife at the end. I love this life.

You Know!

When you know, you know. Yesterday affirmed what I've been training for. I am ready to run, literally like I've never run before. This is the week when taking it easy to prevent injury is at an all time high. It is the week when all my stress should fly out the window, but what kind of life would that be?

I am taking some clients out hunting and with any luck we will have birds on the ground tomorrow night. That would take a bunch of stress of me for sure.

My body is ready to go. It is ready to capture the end goal and seize the day. During my run yesterday I flew threw the 3 miles without falter or pains. The body is truly an amazing instrument. I am thrilled that God gave this body to me and hopefully I will do him and 2009 proud.

In no way am I to be taken off the course. Whatever the case may be I will finish the task at hand.

Playlist...Check

I've updated my marathon playlist and I am very happy with it. I really want to listen to it on my next run, but I am going to refrain to let it be knew to me.

I've got a bit of everything in there. While setting it up I decided that it would be set up in a fashion according to pace and tempo of how I plan to run. The overall goal is to make it till the very last song and not listen to that song. I put it on there as a reminder so if I am listening to that song I may lose it. It is the song they played at my Uncle's funeral. I think he added it in there as a reminder to make everyone smile. So the goal is to not listen to that song.

The Hardest Part

I have found the most difficult part of marathon training is the weeks leading up to the marathon. My motivation to run has nearly dropped off the face of the earth. I think it is because I finished up my big 20 mile run and mentally I checked out after I completed the feat. I think this is normal when tapering off before a big race.

In other news, I think life is going pretty great at this point. I've got a healthy family and we are all enjoying the times. Julie is back into her writing thing again, which is good for her. She is very talented and has the drive to complete anything she puts her mind to.

We are having issues with Jett eating right now, but he is a bit spoiled. Once he understands fully what we expect out of his eating habits it will be a whole new ball game. I won't stand for a picky eater. Honestly, I don't think there is much worse than that.

Hectic Few Weeks

The upcoming weeks are going to be swamped. I have some Smith & Wesson execs coming in for a turkey hunt. Oh, and I am going to be participating in my first Marathon. The biggest event has to be the marathon. I am prepared and ready for this event and ready to partake in the day's festivities.

This past weekend I went to Sweetwater to hunt for a few turkeys and clean up the property. I still have a few minor details to clear up on the place, but overall it is looking great. To be honest, I am looking forward to staying out there during the hunting season and maybe even taking Julie an Jett out there to enjoy a nice relaxing evening.

Cardinal Sin

When it comes to training for a long run there are certain rules I don't think you are supposed to break. Today I broke one. I ran in cotton socks. The punishment, a big blister on my left heel. I was to lazy to go through the laundry and just pulled out some everyday socks and today I am paying the price.

It was only a 4 mile run so I thought it would be quick and painless. However, a half mile into the run it popped up and agitated me the entire way.

I will never make this mistake again.

Hell Week is GONE!

So last week was literally what I nicknamed "Hell Week." It did not disappoint either. First of all halfway through the week I get a nasty cold. My week's run calendar looked like this.

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 5 Miles
Wednesday - 10 Miles
Thursday - 5 Miles
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest (Supposed to be Cross Train, but I was sick)
Sunday - 20 Miles

That's right and full 40 miles in one week.

You know honestly I didn't do to bad on the long run. It was tough, but it was 20 miles. I took a couple of breaks to grab a water and use the restroom. But, overall it was a great run.

I felt about 80 percent if I was being honest, which is frustrating because I wanted to be 100 percent. I was sick a few days before the long run and on the day of the run so I will take it for what it is.

I am fully ready and capable to run the 26.2 miles of joy that I have sneaking up on me. In a few weeks I will cross the finish line that I have worked so hard to complete. I truly can't wait to stretch my legs out on the pavement of downtown OKC.

A huge help in this entire process has been my gorgeous, supportive wife. She has watched me struggle through the miles and has not questioned why I am doing this marathon. She understands what drives me and why it means so much to me.

I just came up with a new outlook for my training. I am really running this marathon for the family member I lost in 2009. A big part of the run is my Uncle that lost his fight with adrenal cancer. Since I am running for 2009, leading up to the marathon I will eclipse 365 miles that I have chosen to represent the entire year that was lost.

Many of the thoughts race through my mind are random, but one thing is constant - FINISH.