Hello guys and gals,
I am back from Nebraska and have chalked up another marathon to add to the list. My back gave me some problems so I didn't break any records but I crossed the finish line successfully!
Each race I do I think that maybe it will get easier. Well, I am here to tell you that each race is a whole new race. There is so many things that can happen to your body when you are out there for 5 hours.
The weather was awesome. 55 degrees at the start and about 80 at the finish. Omaha is a very little hidden secret to those who have never been there. My brother and I ate at an outside cafe called Vivace' Saturday night and it was very enjoyable. The pasta was exceptional and there were many people strolling the cobblestone streets that made "people watching" extraordinaire'. I would have no problem going back for a weekend trip to Omaha. Great Nebraska football and plenty of friendly people and good food. Myle Cyrus will be there for a concert in a couple weeks. Better not let my little girl get a hold of those details! :)
I do motivational speaking right? Right! But I will tell you when I finish the race I was very discouraged. My back was hurting a lot and the heat had taken its toll on me tremendously. I thought to myself. Maybe I wont run anymore. Maybe this is my last marathon. Then as I sat there a man and woman came over and sat down by me. The women was 72 and had just finished the race. The dry heat had taken a toll on her as well. As I started complaining to my new friend, the man told me that he had a disk replaced in his back and still ran 25 more marathons! He said he also has had his hip replaced and still manages to do 10k races. His wife who is 72 had run 39 marathons and only started in her mid 50's. Okay, okay, okay....My problems were now minimized to absolutely nothing. I have to deal with some back pain. So get over it Kurt and stop being a wimp! On to Chicago in two weeks for another! No more whining for me!
Every marathon teaches me something. Usually something about myself. I like to meet new people and I enjoy hearing their stories how they got into running and what inspires them to keep running more marathons. It is the way that it makes you feel!!! As difficult it is to push your body to go 26.2 miles, when it is all over you have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and feeling of achievement. Every marathon I am humbled by the people around me. I meet some fantastic, goal-orientated people, but most of all they are very kind and willing to give a helping hand. We all share a common interest and know what each other goes through to get to, and finish a marathon. It is that kindred spirit that bonds us together almost instantaneously. I want to say thank you to the man and woman who sat down beside me at the race. They gave me more inspiration than 100 books I could have read on that very same day!
Givin' it all you got. Whether its running, swimming, dancing, being a good friend...Give it all you got! I am down to 1661 Saturdays. Yes, I threw my 1662nd marble away Saturday night. Time is going by and it is going by quicker than we think. I want to be able to climb mountains when I am 70 and run marathons when I am 70 also. Realistically, Mr. Time might have something to do with that. Go after your dreams today!!! Keep focused on what's important and don't let the doubters and disbelievers stand in your way. Here's a song I would like to share with you. Now all you who don't like country music please bare with me. It's the words of this song that are most important and not the beat or the tone...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkJA1rL_Ga8 In this song by Tracy Adkins, "All I ask for anymore" really says it all as we get older and define what's the most important things in our lives. Cherish your family, that's what counts!
I look forward to running with all the 40,000 runners in Chicago. Prepare for anything. It could be 40 degrees or it could be 80 degrees!
Smile everyday the Lord gives you to smile!
Come run with me,
KB
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Be friends to your friends!
Hello Sports fans!
Six days away from the Omaha Marathon. I am getting excited and nervous all at the same time. I have my fingers crossed that my back will perform like a champion. I am looking at this race as just a warm up to the Chicago Marathon that will follow in just 3 short weeks. I have found that I am starting to enjoy my running more and all of my training when I know I have a race right around the corner. I just found out at church Sunday by talking to some friends afterwards that two men from my church will be going to the Vegas Marathon I have scheduled in December. Additionally, another guy I know whose son is on my son, Trent’s soccer team, will be running the Chicago Marathon. Just makes me what to break out in, “It’s a small world after all.” I have met some wonderful people along the road all because of running. Running a marathon is sometimes like a journey through life. I meet some great people along the way who I may never ever see or talk to again. I am starting to realize how important it is to make the most of every moment and appreciate every person I meet along the way. I have spoken with several people who I admire who have lived in many places all over the world. I have asked them how they do it? How do they live somewhere for a short time; meet some extraordinary people, make friends, put down some roots and then get up and move to a different country, state or city? There response is….Make the most of where you are and who your with at that moment in time. Hmmmm….I guess that’s what life is all about. As long as you have your family with you who loves you, the rest of your life and your travels is one fascinating adventure!
I read something the other day about the “100% Commitment Experiment.” If you are going to do something and set a goal you must give it nothing less than 100%. Not 98% or 99%, but 100%. Take marriage for example. If you only give it 99% then there is always that window to take the path of least resistance which could cause you to stumble and fall. Don’t give yourself an out; follow your problems to a solution because there is no other choice. Give it your best, give it your all. The same goes for your goals. If you really want to achieve something, you must not give yourself an out. Did you know that people who write down their goals are 75% more likely to achieve them? What a small little step that makes such a big difference. By writing your goals down it simply says that you are committed. It’s similar to telling someone your goals but even takes it a step further.
My daughter Katie had surgery on her fractured nose on Friday. She was incredibly brave. I am very proud of her how she handled the whole ordeal and came out of surgery with flying colors. On Sunday afternoon 3 girls in her class showed up with a huge colorful banner they made and 3 plates made of cookies, brownies and cakes. 10 girls from her class gathered at one of the girl’s houses on Friday and spent the whole evening baking and constructing the most beautiful GET WELL Card you ever wanted to see. As I sat there reading this card that was about half the size of the dining room table, I almost cried. I was so very proud of my daughter and the strong friendships she has built with her classmates that cared so very much. Isn't that what life is all about!!! Friends! We have always tried to teach our kids to be kind to everyone and to be genuine. I pray my children will always have many friends and will make good choices in finding ones that they can learn and grow from and will one day help them out in times of sorrow and need. I hope they equally return the favor.
I am on an airplane as I type headed to the beautiful state of California for work. I just finished playing catch with a 2 year old with his blanket. Lot’s of smiles and lots of laughs!!! Let’s all try to act like a 2 year old every now and then when life gets a little to serious!
Remember to succeed in life we must do things we sometimes don’t want to do. It is also equally important to smile, laugh and love as much as we can along the way. Self discipline I am told is the one thing we must have to become more successful than most. If I can only utilize all these gems I pick up along the way then maybe I too will reach my goals. I Guess I need to go write those goals down now!!!
Don’t lose your smile. If you have tucked it away for awhile it is time to get it back out and put it on. The world is counting on you to make it a better and brighter place!!!
Make the right choices even when it’s hard. Learn from your mistakes and pass the gifts you receive forward.
Come run with me,
KB
Six days away from the Omaha Marathon. I am getting excited and nervous all at the same time. I have my fingers crossed that my back will perform like a champion. I am looking at this race as just a warm up to the Chicago Marathon that will follow in just 3 short weeks. I have found that I am starting to enjoy my running more and all of my training when I know I have a race right around the corner. I just found out at church Sunday by talking to some friends afterwards that two men from my church will be going to the Vegas Marathon I have scheduled in December. Additionally, another guy I know whose son is on my son, Trent’s soccer team, will be running the Chicago Marathon. Just makes me what to break out in, “It’s a small world after all.” I have met some wonderful people along the road all because of running. Running a marathon is sometimes like a journey through life. I meet some great people along the way who I may never ever see or talk to again. I am starting to realize how important it is to make the most of every moment and appreciate every person I meet along the way. I have spoken with several people who I admire who have lived in many places all over the world. I have asked them how they do it? How do they live somewhere for a short time; meet some extraordinary people, make friends, put down some roots and then get up and move to a different country, state or city? There response is….Make the most of where you are and who your with at that moment in time. Hmmmm….I guess that’s what life is all about. As long as you have your family with you who loves you, the rest of your life and your travels is one fascinating adventure!
I read something the other day about the “100% Commitment Experiment.” If you are going to do something and set a goal you must give it nothing less than 100%. Not 98% or 99%, but 100%. Take marriage for example. If you only give it 99% then there is always that window to take the path of least resistance which could cause you to stumble and fall. Don’t give yourself an out; follow your problems to a solution because there is no other choice. Give it your best, give it your all. The same goes for your goals. If you really want to achieve something, you must not give yourself an out. Did you know that people who write down their goals are 75% more likely to achieve them? What a small little step that makes such a big difference. By writing your goals down it simply says that you are committed. It’s similar to telling someone your goals but even takes it a step further.
My daughter Katie had surgery on her fractured nose on Friday. She was incredibly brave. I am very proud of her how she handled the whole ordeal and came out of surgery with flying colors. On Sunday afternoon 3 girls in her class showed up with a huge colorful banner they made and 3 plates made of cookies, brownies and cakes. 10 girls from her class gathered at one of the girl’s houses on Friday and spent the whole evening baking and constructing the most beautiful GET WELL Card you ever wanted to see. As I sat there reading this card that was about half the size of the dining room table, I almost cried. I was so very proud of my daughter and the strong friendships she has built with her classmates that cared so very much. Isn't that what life is all about!!! Friends! We have always tried to teach our kids to be kind to everyone and to be genuine. I pray my children will always have many friends and will make good choices in finding ones that they can learn and grow from and will one day help them out in times of sorrow and need. I hope they equally return the favor.
I am on an airplane as I type headed to the beautiful state of California for work. I just finished playing catch with a 2 year old with his blanket. Lot’s of smiles and lots of laughs!!! Let’s all try to act like a 2 year old every now and then when life gets a little to serious!
Remember to succeed in life we must do things we sometimes don’t want to do. It is also equally important to smile, laugh and love as much as we can along the way. Self discipline I am told is the one thing we must have to become more successful than most. If I can only utilize all these gems I pick up along the way then maybe I too will reach my goals. I Guess I need to go write those goals down now!!!
Don’t lose your smile. If you have tucked it away for awhile it is time to get it back out and put it on. The world is counting on you to make it a better and brighter place!!!
Make the right choices even when it’s hard. Learn from your mistakes and pass the gifts you receive forward.
Come run with me,
KB
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Celebrate Today!
Hello Everyone!
Today I started off my morning with a 5 mile run. I was back at the house by 6:30am. I showered and dressed for work and was greeted by my family who had made me pancakes in the shape of the numbers 4 and 3 . Yes, today I am 43! Let's celebrate! My kids had made me wonderful cards and my wife had a card for me and also wrapped up was the jar I have been meaning to buy with 1664 marbles! If I live to 75, I have 1664 Saturdays to enjoy! Each Saturday I will throw away a marble to remind me how precious life really is and how quickly it goes by. I drove my kiddos to school along with 3 of there friends and they all sang Happy Birthday to me. What a wonderful way to start my day! As I started to think about this day I thought how we should cherish everyday as if it was just as special. My kids and I had the discussion at breakfast what would you do if today was your last day here on earth. I initiated the conversation not to be morbid but for all of us to realize how special each and everyday is for us on this earth. We should treat people with care, understanding, honesty and love. Treat everyone like it is there Birthday and you will get back more gifts then you could have ever dreamed!!!
I share a Birthday today with David Copperfield, Mickey Rourke, B.B. King and Michael Smith to name a few. Time has really flown by and I remind myself today that I need to live every moment to the fullest because you never know when the good Lord will call you to be with him. Treasure each day and treasure the friends, family and loved ones you have who make your life special.
My daughter Katie and my son Trent made me some very special Birthday cards today. On Katie's card she had drawn a big oak tree on the front of it. She had written the words, "You were born too make me stand tall , so...don't ever forget that you are loved by me!" "Dear Dad, I hope you will have a happy Birthday! If not well hopefully this will make you feel gree-at! I love you forever and always! XOXOXO Happy Birthday, Love KatieXOXOXO, P.S. Have a great day!" My son Trent had made me a card which he had drawn a picture of him and I standing under a rainbow with a sun over the top. In it he wrote Happy Birthday! It is your special day! He had another picture of me inside a big heart with many little hearts all around. He also wrote, "I hope you have the best B-day! , Love Trent." Now folks you can spend all the money in the world on presents, trips and fancy cards, but these two special gifts given to me are priceless and mean more to me than anything in the world. Hallmark couldn't come anywhere close to the special words my children have shared with me on this day!!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share my day with you! I hope all your days are special and I wish you a very happy day as well...Thank you for letting me share a piece of my world with you!
Enjoy today and make every day special!
Love with all your heart!
Keep running, keep laughing and keep loving!
KB
Today I started off my morning with a 5 mile run. I was back at the house by 6:30am. I showered and dressed for work and was greeted by my family who had made me pancakes in the shape of the numbers 4 and 3 . Yes, today I am 43! Let's celebrate! My kids had made me wonderful cards and my wife had a card for me and also wrapped up was the jar I have been meaning to buy with 1664 marbles! If I live to 75, I have 1664 Saturdays to enjoy! Each Saturday I will throw away a marble to remind me how precious life really is and how quickly it goes by. I drove my kiddos to school along with 3 of there friends and they all sang Happy Birthday to me. What a wonderful way to start my day! As I started to think about this day I thought how we should cherish everyday as if it was just as special. My kids and I had the discussion at breakfast what would you do if today was your last day here on earth. I initiated the conversation not to be morbid but for all of us to realize how special each and everyday is for us on this earth. We should treat people with care, understanding, honesty and love. Treat everyone like it is there Birthday and you will get back more gifts then you could have ever dreamed!!!
I share a Birthday today with David Copperfield, Mickey Rourke, B.B. King and Michael Smith to name a few. Time has really flown by and I remind myself today that I need to live every moment to the fullest because you never know when the good Lord will call you to be with him. Treasure each day and treasure the friends, family and loved ones you have who make your life special.
My daughter Katie and my son Trent made me some very special Birthday cards today. On Katie's card she had drawn a big oak tree on the front of it. She had written the words, "You were born too make me stand tall , so...don't ever forget that you are loved by me!" "Dear Dad, I hope you will have a happy Birthday! If not well hopefully this will make you feel gree-at! I love you forever and always! XOXOXO Happy Birthday, Love KatieXOXOXO, P.S. Have a great day!" My son Trent had made me a card which he had drawn a picture of him and I standing under a rainbow with a sun over the top. In it he wrote Happy Birthday! It is your special day! He had another picture of me inside a big heart with many little hearts all around. He also wrote, "I hope you have the best B-day! , Love Trent." Now folks you can spend all the money in the world on presents, trips and fancy cards, but these two special gifts given to me are priceless and mean more to me than anything in the world. Hallmark couldn't come anywhere close to the special words my children have shared with me on this day!!!!
Thank you for allowing me to share my day with you! I hope all your days are special and I wish you a very happy day as well...Thank you for letting me share a piece of my world with you!
Enjoy today and make every day special!
Love with all your heart!
Keep running, keep laughing and keep loving!
KB
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Permanent Purpose!
Good Day Boys and Girls!
What if we all went through life realizing and understanding that everything we do, every action we make, really matters. Would we live life more purposely? After a lot of reading and careful observation I have come to realize that this can make a huge impact on our lives. No matter how small or large the task, who we interact with, how much publicity we get, what the end result is; everything we do in this world matters...We can affect peoples lives, including our own, just by realizing that all of our actions and words really matter. This is why it is so important to be honest and trustworthy in every single thing we do. We can realize this more than anything when it comes to our children. They are so impressionable at an early age. It seems that every little thing we say or do they pick up on and in some way it affects their lives. If we want to know how we are acting, it is very easy; just look at our children! Not only does our actions and words have a permanent purpose on our children, but it also has an impact on people around us. If we lie or deceive someone, it may hurt that person for the rest of their lives. We should never take people for granted. People are real, have real feelings and have real hearts. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but try to keep in mind that every action really, really does matter.
I will run 5 miles this evening after dinner. I am starting my taper for the marathon in less than 2 weeks. I am getting butterfly's in my stomach not knowing how my back will do for the long 26.2 mile stretch. The course is many rolling hills but I will not have the elevation factor as I did in my last several marathons. Every marathon I am able to gain a little more experience and hopefully this will serve me well on the streets of Omaha, NE.
My daughter will have surgery on her nose on Friday. Please pray for her. She has been incredibley brave through this whole ordeal. She is stronger than me and teaches me something knew everyday about being a better person. I think God put her here to teach me instead of the other way around. Both of my kids are a huge part of my motivation and inspiration. How lucky we all are to have these little blessings in our lives.
Sometimes we wish for things that never come true. No matter how much we want them they were not meant to be. It's hard, it's tough, but somehow we will gain character and move on. Just remember how important it is to move forward in a positive direction. Life is tough! Be tougher!!!
Embrace life for it is so very short. Spend time with the ones you love and don't forget to tell them how special they are!
Be the best you can be. It's okay to fall off the proverbial "perfect" bull. None of us are perfect. Just try hard everyday to get back on and ride it for another 8 seconds!!!
Count your blessings for they are many.
Come run with me,
KB
What if we all went through life realizing and understanding that everything we do, every action we make, really matters. Would we live life more purposely? After a lot of reading and careful observation I have come to realize that this can make a huge impact on our lives. No matter how small or large the task, who we interact with, how much publicity we get, what the end result is; everything we do in this world matters...We can affect peoples lives, including our own, just by realizing that all of our actions and words really matter. This is why it is so important to be honest and trustworthy in every single thing we do. We can realize this more than anything when it comes to our children. They are so impressionable at an early age. It seems that every little thing we say or do they pick up on and in some way it affects their lives. If we want to know how we are acting, it is very easy; just look at our children! Not only does our actions and words have a permanent purpose on our children, but it also has an impact on people around us. If we lie or deceive someone, it may hurt that person for the rest of their lives. We should never take people for granted. People are real, have real feelings and have real hearts. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but try to keep in mind that every action really, really does matter.
I will run 5 miles this evening after dinner. I am starting my taper for the marathon in less than 2 weeks. I am getting butterfly's in my stomach not knowing how my back will do for the long 26.2 mile stretch. The course is many rolling hills but I will not have the elevation factor as I did in my last several marathons. Every marathon I am able to gain a little more experience and hopefully this will serve me well on the streets of Omaha, NE.
My daughter will have surgery on her nose on Friday. Please pray for her. She has been incredibley brave through this whole ordeal. She is stronger than me and teaches me something knew everyday about being a better person. I think God put her here to teach me instead of the other way around. Both of my kids are a huge part of my motivation and inspiration. How lucky we all are to have these little blessings in our lives.
Sometimes we wish for things that never come true. No matter how much we want them they were not meant to be. It's hard, it's tough, but somehow we will gain character and move on. Just remember how important it is to move forward in a positive direction. Life is tough! Be tougher!!!
Embrace life for it is so very short. Spend time with the ones you love and don't forget to tell them how special they are!
Be the best you can be. It's okay to fall off the proverbial "perfect" bull. None of us are perfect. Just try hard everyday to get back on and ride it for another 8 seconds!!!
Count your blessings for they are many.
Come run with me,
KB
Saturday, September 12, 2009
From this moment forward...
Happy Saturday Peoples!
We all have the ability to change our life or our situation. We have to make the decision, the commitment and then put it to action. It all starts today!!!!...From this moment forward... I will choose to be accountable for all of my actions. From this moment forward... I will choose to be a kinder, more gentle, compassionate person. From this moment forward... I will choose honesty, integrity and trust as traits that will not be compromised. From this moment forward ...I will rid my soul of jealously, bitterness, anger, rage and grudges. I will forgive others and stop waisting my life trying to get even. From this moment forward...I will live my life with more passion than ever before and go after what I want. From this moment forward...I will live a better life!!!
I ran 10 miles today and felt pretty good. I am a little off my schedule but hopefully will get back in the swing of things next week. The physical therapist I have been going to is working with me on some great stretches and also helping me with my running mechanics. I think both of these will pay huge dividends if I can be diligent in putting them into practice. Today I ate a late lunch because of some work that I had to do. I did not take any insulin purposely because I knew I would be running shortly there after. Your blood sugar should be between 80-120. When I started my run it was very high; 451! Ouch! Interestingly enough I took 2 units of insulin, had a PowerBar Gel Packet at mile 5(27carbs) and when I finish my run my blood sugar was 109. Perfect. It never ceases to amaze me what a roller coaster running and maintaining a good blood sugar seems to be. I have done a lot of running and just when I think I have it figured out, something crazy occurs that blows my entire system! I just keep, keepin' on!
Tonight I will join my cousins and my uncle for a bachelor party. My younger cousin Josh is getting married and I was cordially invited to the bachelor party. Now I will be almost twice the age of most of the guys going, but it should be great time. We are playing it safe by taking a bus out to the nightclubs and then we will all stay at a hotel at the end of the night when the bus brings us back. A song Toby Keith sings reminds me of tonight, "I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was." I'm headed out with my jeans and my boaconstrictor snake skin cowboy boots. We will definitely be kicking up some dust! I think it has been about 15 years since I was on a bachelor party! Guess I need to make up for lost time!!!!
Enjoy today, cherish tomorrow and look forward to the day after.
Love with all your heart. Be true to yourself and to others.
KB
We all have the ability to change our life or our situation. We have to make the decision, the commitment and then put it to action. It all starts today!!!!...From this moment forward... I will choose to be accountable for all of my actions. From this moment forward... I will choose to be a kinder, more gentle, compassionate person. From this moment forward... I will choose honesty, integrity and trust as traits that will not be compromised. From this moment forward ...I will rid my soul of jealously, bitterness, anger, rage and grudges. I will forgive others and stop waisting my life trying to get even. From this moment forward...I will live my life with more passion than ever before and go after what I want. From this moment forward...I will live a better life!!!
I ran 10 miles today and felt pretty good. I am a little off my schedule but hopefully will get back in the swing of things next week. The physical therapist I have been going to is working with me on some great stretches and also helping me with my running mechanics. I think both of these will pay huge dividends if I can be diligent in putting them into practice. Today I ate a late lunch because of some work that I had to do. I did not take any insulin purposely because I knew I would be running shortly there after. Your blood sugar should be between 80-120. When I started my run it was very high; 451! Ouch! Interestingly enough I took 2 units of insulin, had a PowerBar Gel Packet at mile 5(27carbs) and when I finish my run my blood sugar was 109. Perfect. It never ceases to amaze me what a roller coaster running and maintaining a good blood sugar seems to be. I have done a lot of running and just when I think I have it figured out, something crazy occurs that blows my entire system! I just keep, keepin' on!
Tonight I will join my cousins and my uncle for a bachelor party. My younger cousin Josh is getting married and I was cordially invited to the bachelor party. Now I will be almost twice the age of most of the guys going, but it should be great time. We are playing it safe by taking a bus out to the nightclubs and then we will all stay at a hotel at the end of the night when the bus brings us back. A song Toby Keith sings reminds me of tonight, "I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was." I'm headed out with my jeans and my boaconstrictor snake skin cowboy boots. We will definitely be kicking up some dust! I think it has been about 15 years since I was on a bachelor party! Guess I need to make up for lost time!!!!
Enjoy today, cherish tomorrow and look forward to the day after.
Love with all your heart. Be true to yourself and to others.
KB
Friday, September 11, 2009
"God is great, beer is good and people are crazy!"
Hello Earthlings!
Some of you are too young to remember the sitcom "Mork and Mindy." This was a show that Robin Williams starred in as someone from outer space who came to earth in an egg and had special powers. He used to say, "Hello Earthlings!." Special powers? Do you have any? I think we all have unique special powers. That uniqueness is our personality. We all are different: think different, act different and react to situations different. It is our personality that makes up a lot of who we are. We all have faults and we all make mistakes. We also have the ability to do good and give more than we take. I am trying to remind myself more of this everyday. To give!!!
I ran 5 miles last night when it was getting dark. It's crazy as a diabetic sometimes having to get my blood sugar up high enough to go for a run. I feel like the energizer bunny sometimes. Once I eat the right amount of food I am all wound up and then I need to go for a run!!! On my way home from my run it was very dark. I do have a fluorescent running vest I wear to make sure cars can see me in plenty of time before they get close. When I got back to my subdivision there was no traffic and at one point no street lights. There was about a 25 yard stretch where it was pitch black and I could see nothing! I trusted that the sidewalk I was running on was straight and that there was nothing laying in my path. It was really kind of weird. I remember thinking how there is so many times in our life that we need to have faith and trust in God or in other people. So many times in our life the path is taken away from us or we are misguided on the wrong path by some choices we make or some external forces that pull us in different directions. We as a society or sometimes to proud to ask for help or assistance. Sometimes we just are to afraid to make the hard decisions to do the right thing. I have seen a lot of people with addictions in my life. Maybe at one point in my life I had a few myself. The crazy thing about addictions is that there are things that make us feel like we are on top of the world but that are very bad for us. It's the very bad for us that we have a hard time realizing and that's why we can't stop. Sometimes addictions ruin peoples lives. Not just their lives but many of the people around them. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid to pray!!!
There is a song by Matt Maher, "Jesus, my everything." I strongly recommend to listen to this song and turn the volume up loud. Even if you are not a spiritual person I am confident this song will speak to your soul. We all could use a lift from time to time and this song will LIFT you up! I believe in God and I certainly could use his hand to pull me along sometimes and also to lift me up when I am feeling down. I also could use his help to give me direction when I "can't see the path." Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZU6x9pGUo If the link doesn't work, just google the title and the artist and I am sure you can find it. I promise this is the best medicine you can take today!!!
I have a 10 mile long run this weekend and then 2 more weeks until the Omaha Marathon! Go Corn Huskers!!! My younger brother Kyle will be running with me at this race. I know he has been training although he has been sandbagging and telling me he is not in good shape. We will see if the old bull or the young bull prevails in this race! :)
We all fall off of our "horse" in life from time to time. Don't be afraid to shake the dust off and get back on. Don't be afraid to ask for help to guide you down the right path!
Run strong, run long,
KB
Some of you are too young to remember the sitcom "Mork and Mindy." This was a show that Robin Williams starred in as someone from outer space who came to earth in an egg and had special powers. He used to say, "Hello Earthlings!." Special powers? Do you have any? I think we all have unique special powers. That uniqueness is our personality. We all are different: think different, act different and react to situations different. It is our personality that makes up a lot of who we are. We all have faults and we all make mistakes. We also have the ability to do good and give more than we take. I am trying to remind myself more of this everyday. To give!!!
I ran 5 miles last night when it was getting dark. It's crazy as a diabetic sometimes having to get my blood sugar up high enough to go for a run. I feel like the energizer bunny sometimes. Once I eat the right amount of food I am all wound up and then I need to go for a run!!! On my way home from my run it was very dark. I do have a fluorescent running vest I wear to make sure cars can see me in plenty of time before they get close. When I got back to my subdivision there was no traffic and at one point no street lights. There was about a 25 yard stretch where it was pitch black and I could see nothing! I trusted that the sidewalk I was running on was straight and that there was nothing laying in my path. It was really kind of weird. I remember thinking how there is so many times in our life that we need to have faith and trust in God or in other people. So many times in our life the path is taken away from us or we are misguided on the wrong path by some choices we make or some external forces that pull us in different directions. We as a society or sometimes to proud to ask for help or assistance. Sometimes we just are to afraid to make the hard decisions to do the right thing. I have seen a lot of people with addictions in my life. Maybe at one point in my life I had a few myself. The crazy thing about addictions is that there are things that make us feel like we are on top of the world but that are very bad for us. It's the very bad for us that we have a hard time realizing and that's why we can't stop. Sometimes addictions ruin peoples lives. Not just their lives but many of the people around them. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid to pray!!!
There is a song by Matt Maher, "Jesus, my everything." I strongly recommend to listen to this song and turn the volume up loud. Even if you are not a spiritual person I am confident this song will speak to your soul. We all could use a lift from time to time and this song will LIFT you up! I believe in God and I certainly could use his hand to pull me along sometimes and also to lift me up when I am feeling down. I also could use his help to give me direction when I "can't see the path." Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZU6x9pGUo If the link doesn't work, just google the title and the artist and I am sure you can find it. I promise this is the best medicine you can take today!!!
I have a 10 mile long run this weekend and then 2 more weeks until the Omaha Marathon! Go Corn Huskers!!! My younger brother Kyle will be running with me at this race. I know he has been training although he has been sandbagging and telling me he is not in good shape. We will see if the old bull or the young bull prevails in this race! :)
We all fall off of our "horse" in life from time to time. Don't be afraid to shake the dust off and get back on. Don't be afraid to ask for help to guide you down the right path!
Run strong, run long,
KB
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Whole New World!
Happy Labor Day Everyone!
I hope everyone had an incredible long relaxing weekend! Our weekend was somewhat eventful and we certainly enjoyed the extra day off school and work. I had my 16 mile run finished by 8:00am yesterday. It's hard for me to get up so early but it is so worth it when I have the whole day a head of me and I don't have the long run hanging over my head. My back is still giving me a little trouble but I will tough it out and I am off to some physical therapy tomorrow. I am hoping with some weight lifting, proper stretching and some PT, that I will be able to continue my mission of running marathons in all 50 states. Many people and many situations have motivated me to continue my journey. This past weekend is no exception!
Yesterday my family went to the annual Kaskaskia Picnic in Kaskaskia, IL. This is where my Dad grew up and farmed for over 30 years. Every year we celebrate my Mom's Birthday after we take in a few fun-filled hours at the picnic. Many of my relatives come to the picnic for a quasi family reunion. It is interesting for me to see all my retired aunts and uncles enjoy each others company. It has just been recently that I started really thinking about growing older and that I to will some day be retired. What will my life have been like when I look back? My Dad's siblings make up a lawyer, nurse anethesist, salesman and a teacher. It is interesting looking back how they lived their lives and raised their children. In the end they are all here at the picnic enjoying each others company. It makes me think how I am living my life. Even though some of my Dads siblings lived a much more luxurious life than some of the others, they all seem to be at the same place at this moment in time. They are trying to savor every moment with the ones they love and get as much enjoyment out of the remaining years of their life. It seems that after you reach a certain age you enter into "A Whole New World."
Today is Labor Day. A day for picnics, BBQ's, shopping, visiting friends, doing fun activities with the family. On Saturday evening my son and daughter were wrestling on the couch and my daughter bumped her nose on my son's head. There was bleeding and crying. Today we realized my daughters nose may be broken. Her nose had swollen quite a bit and she was still in a lot of pain so off to the ER I took my daughter on Labor Day. After an X-ray and a doctor's consultation, she appears to have deviated her septum in her nose. Tomorrow we get a referral to an ENT Doctor. Isn't it amazing how life throws you curves...We are very worried about Katie's nose but know she will be just fine. As we sat there in the ER I read a book written about Dick and Rick Hoyt. A father who successful completed the Hawaii Ironman with his son who was born with cerebral palsy, a non-vocal quadriplegic. An unbelievable story how he tethered himself to a rubber dinghy and tow his son 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, strapped him to a seat on a custom built bicycle and pedalled 112 miles and pushed his son 26.2 miles in a running chair to complete the "Super Bowl of Triathlons." A story about love, patience, courage and determination. As I sat there I thought no matter what the obstacles in my life, we all should be able to look at this story and draw courage from it to help us with the hurdles in our life. Sometimes we have things happen in our lives that create; "A Whole New World." When we get married, have children, witness death, tragedy, divorce, success, failure, happiness and sadness. There are many worlds within our world. We all learn from them and with any luck become better people to help ourselves and help others carry on.
My daughter Katie was playing the piano tonight and it only took me a minute to interpret the song she was playing so eloquently...A Whole New World. As I conclude this blog I will leave you with a short excerpt from the song and let your heart and your mind take you away to wherever you want to be.... "A whole new world. Don't you dare close your eyes, a hundred thousand things to see. Hold your breath-it gets better. I'm like a shooting star. I've come so far. I can't go back to where I used to be. A whole new world, every turn a surprise. With new horizons to purse. Every moment red-letter. I'll chase them anywhere. There's time to spare. Let me share this whole new world with you."
Enjoy ever moment.
Live your dreams,
KB
I hope everyone had an incredible long relaxing weekend! Our weekend was somewhat eventful and we certainly enjoyed the extra day off school and work. I had my 16 mile run finished by 8:00am yesterday. It's hard for me to get up so early but it is so worth it when I have the whole day a head of me and I don't have the long run hanging over my head. My back is still giving me a little trouble but I will tough it out and I am off to some physical therapy tomorrow. I am hoping with some weight lifting, proper stretching and some PT, that I will be able to continue my mission of running marathons in all 50 states. Many people and many situations have motivated me to continue my journey. This past weekend is no exception!
Yesterday my family went to the annual Kaskaskia Picnic in Kaskaskia, IL. This is where my Dad grew up and farmed for over 30 years. Every year we celebrate my Mom's Birthday after we take in a few fun-filled hours at the picnic. Many of my relatives come to the picnic for a quasi family reunion. It is interesting for me to see all my retired aunts and uncles enjoy each others company. It has just been recently that I started really thinking about growing older and that I to will some day be retired. What will my life have been like when I look back? My Dad's siblings make up a lawyer, nurse anethesist, salesman and a teacher. It is interesting looking back how they lived their lives and raised their children. In the end they are all here at the picnic enjoying each others company. It makes me think how I am living my life. Even though some of my Dads siblings lived a much more luxurious life than some of the others, they all seem to be at the same place at this moment in time. They are trying to savor every moment with the ones they love and get as much enjoyment out of the remaining years of their life. It seems that after you reach a certain age you enter into "A Whole New World."
Today is Labor Day. A day for picnics, BBQ's, shopping, visiting friends, doing fun activities with the family. On Saturday evening my son and daughter were wrestling on the couch and my daughter bumped her nose on my son's head. There was bleeding and crying. Today we realized my daughters nose may be broken. Her nose had swollen quite a bit and she was still in a lot of pain so off to the ER I took my daughter on Labor Day. After an X-ray and a doctor's consultation, she appears to have deviated her septum in her nose. Tomorrow we get a referral to an ENT Doctor. Isn't it amazing how life throws you curves...We are very worried about Katie's nose but know she will be just fine. As we sat there in the ER I read a book written about Dick and Rick Hoyt. A father who successful completed the Hawaii Ironman with his son who was born with cerebral palsy, a non-vocal quadriplegic. An unbelievable story how he tethered himself to a rubber dinghy and tow his son 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, strapped him to a seat on a custom built bicycle and pedalled 112 miles and pushed his son 26.2 miles in a running chair to complete the "Super Bowl of Triathlons." A story about love, patience, courage and determination. As I sat there I thought no matter what the obstacles in my life, we all should be able to look at this story and draw courage from it to help us with the hurdles in our life. Sometimes we have things happen in our lives that create; "A Whole New World." When we get married, have children, witness death, tragedy, divorce, success, failure, happiness and sadness. There are many worlds within our world. We all learn from them and with any luck become better people to help ourselves and help others carry on.
My daughter Katie was playing the piano tonight and it only took me a minute to interpret the song she was playing so eloquently...A Whole New World. As I conclude this blog I will leave you with a short excerpt from the song and let your heart and your mind take you away to wherever you want to be.... "A whole new world. Don't you dare close your eyes, a hundred thousand things to see. Hold your breath-it gets better. I'm like a shooting star. I've come so far. I can't go back to where I used to be. A whole new world, every turn a surprise. With new horizons to purse. Every moment red-letter. I'll chase them anywhere. There's time to spare. Let me share this whole new world with you."
Enjoy ever moment.
Live your dreams,
KB
Saturday, September 5, 2009
I Love Saturdays!!!
Hello Folks,
Getting ready to run my 5 miles today and then gearing up for a long 16 mile run tomorrow. I have 3 weeks and then I will visit the beautiful state of Nebraska. My first cousin, Loren, lives there with his family. He teaches at the University of Nebraska. Perhaps I can persuade him and his family to come and cheer my brother Kyle and I along!
I have always loved Saturdays! Maybe because it's the only day of the week that I really don't think about work. Friday is a work day and on Sundays I am always thinking about the work that I need to do on Monday. My kids and I have even thought about getting t-shirts that say, "I love Saturdays!". I recently read a story that I would like to share and I have decided that I to will incorporate this philosophy more into my every day life. The average person lives until he or she is 75. 75 times 52 Saturdays is 3900. That's how many Saturdays we have in our life. I will turn 43 here in just 2 weeks which means I have approximately 1,664 Saturdays to live it up! 1,664 more Saturdays to enjoy my family and spend time with the ones I love. I am guilty of spending too much time traveling and working and not spending time with my family. In the book I read it presented the idea of putting 1,664 marbles in a jar. Every Saturday I will throw a marble away. This may sound somewhat morbid but watching your time run out gives a whole new perspective on prioritizing the things you want to do with your life. This makes us focus on the really important things in your life. Working to make more money is NOT one of them. Spending time working and travelling to have that vacation home, BMW, trip to Germany or to build that dream house doesn't seem all that important anymore. Spending time every chance you get with your family is what is most important to me.
So there you have it....I have 1,664 more Saturdays to enjoy! How many do you have? How would you like to spend them? Who do you want to spend them with?
It is interesting how stories can speak to our soul. I almost did not pick up this book to read and gain this valuable insight to the hourglass we all have to accept as our lives move on. I am so very glad I read it.
Enjoy your Saturday and best wishes for thousands of more Saturdays to come!!! I am off to buy 1664 marbles!!! :)
Love the way running makes me feel,
KB
Getting ready to run my 5 miles today and then gearing up for a long 16 mile run tomorrow. I have 3 weeks and then I will visit the beautiful state of Nebraska. My first cousin, Loren, lives there with his family. He teaches at the University of Nebraska. Perhaps I can persuade him and his family to come and cheer my brother Kyle and I along!
I have always loved Saturdays! Maybe because it's the only day of the week that I really don't think about work. Friday is a work day and on Sundays I am always thinking about the work that I need to do on Monday. My kids and I have even thought about getting t-shirts that say, "I love Saturdays!". I recently read a story that I would like to share and I have decided that I to will incorporate this philosophy more into my every day life. The average person lives until he or she is 75. 75 times 52 Saturdays is 3900. That's how many Saturdays we have in our life. I will turn 43 here in just 2 weeks which means I have approximately 1,664 Saturdays to live it up! 1,664 more Saturdays to enjoy my family and spend time with the ones I love. I am guilty of spending too much time traveling and working and not spending time with my family. In the book I read it presented the idea of putting 1,664 marbles in a jar. Every Saturday I will throw a marble away. This may sound somewhat morbid but watching your time run out gives a whole new perspective on prioritizing the things you want to do with your life. This makes us focus on the really important things in your life. Working to make more money is NOT one of them. Spending time working and travelling to have that vacation home, BMW, trip to Germany or to build that dream house doesn't seem all that important anymore. Spending time every chance you get with your family is what is most important to me.
So there you have it....I have 1,664 more Saturdays to enjoy! How many do you have? How would you like to spend them? Who do you want to spend them with?
It is interesting how stories can speak to our soul. I almost did not pick up this book to read and gain this valuable insight to the hourglass we all have to accept as our lives move on. I am so very glad I read it.
Enjoy your Saturday and best wishes for thousands of more Saturdays to come!!! I am off to buy 1664 marbles!!! :)
Love the way running makes me feel,
KB
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Dream! Dream Big!!!
Hello Ladies and Gents,
Ran late tonight due to a busy day at work and at the doctor but got a 5 mile run in. I have had an X-Ray, MRI and physical therapy in the last two days. Tomorrow I go to the dentist. I am getting a body overhaul but I will be ready in 3 weeks to run 26.2 in Nebraska! I don't know about you, but if I have any ailments I am all about getting to the doctor and making sure they are well taken care of. I want to make sure my back is in tip top condition for my next run and thus the reason for all the doctors visits and imaging. It would be easy to shut 'er down and not run anymore but I am not giving up!!!
I did some some speaking the other night for some underprivileged kids in the inner city of St. Louis. Funny thing is these guys taught me more than I could teach them in a life time. They were energetic, great listeners, eager to learn and had lots of good answers and ideas. I was very impressed to say the least. These guys regardless their situation are not giving up on life and continue to dream big. This is the message that they so eloquently gave me as I interacted with them. They want the dream and are hungry to go after it! I hope I gave them a few tools that will help facilitate them not giving up and going after what they really want. Dreaming is important. Dreaming big is important! It is also necessary that we set short term realistic goals and continue to accomplish them one at a time. These realistic goals that we set and continue to accomplish are the real secret to success and to making our dreams come true!!! :)
Don't let anyone take away your dreams! Dont!!! Don't let them squish you with words, comments or actions. Remember; you are ultimately in control of your destiny. No one can get you down unless you let them and I personally am not letting them!!! We have to be strong to live strong! We must not be arrogant to achieve our goals but we have to sometimes be strong hearted and strong minded. If someone tries to tear you down; I say, "bring it on!"
Run hard, run long and run fast!
Catch me if you can,
KB
Ran late tonight due to a busy day at work and at the doctor but got a 5 mile run in. I have had an X-Ray, MRI and physical therapy in the last two days. Tomorrow I go to the dentist. I am getting a body overhaul but I will be ready in 3 weeks to run 26.2 in Nebraska! I don't know about you, but if I have any ailments I am all about getting to the doctor and making sure they are well taken care of. I want to make sure my back is in tip top condition for my next run and thus the reason for all the doctors visits and imaging. It would be easy to shut 'er down and not run anymore but I am not giving up!!!
I did some some speaking the other night for some underprivileged kids in the inner city of St. Louis. Funny thing is these guys taught me more than I could teach them in a life time. They were energetic, great listeners, eager to learn and had lots of good answers and ideas. I was very impressed to say the least. These guys regardless their situation are not giving up on life and continue to dream big. This is the message that they so eloquently gave me as I interacted with them. They want the dream and are hungry to go after it! I hope I gave them a few tools that will help facilitate them not giving up and going after what they really want. Dreaming is important. Dreaming big is important! It is also necessary that we set short term realistic goals and continue to accomplish them one at a time. These realistic goals that we set and continue to accomplish are the real secret to success and to making our dreams come true!!! :)
Don't let anyone take away your dreams! Dont!!! Don't let them squish you with words, comments or actions. Remember; you are ultimately in control of your destiny. No one can get you down unless you let them and I personally am not letting them!!! We have to be strong to live strong! We must not be arrogant to achieve our goals but we have to sometimes be strong hearted and strong minded. If someone tries to tear you down; I say, "bring it on!"
Run hard, run long and run fast!
Catch me if you can,
KB
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