It was Charles Dickens who could have summed up my trip every so nicely. Idaho; how beautiful this state really is. From the Grand Tetons to the beautiful waterfalls. I have never run a marathon an experienced so much of natures beauty. I did successfully complete the Mesa Falls Marathon but had pulled my back out and could barely run about half-way through the race. I logged my slowest time ever on this marathon. I have never run with an injury before but I now can appreciate how trying it really is. I was clicking along just great until about mile 15 and then my back gave out. Wow, what a humbling experience. I walked and ran the rest of the course. My back was in some excruciating pain but I wasn't about to give up. I will schedule an appointment today with the doctor so that I can get back on track. My back has had it's share of wear and tear over the years and I need to get some recommendations from the medical profession. I have played 4 years of high school football, 2 years of college rugby, a wrestling injury with a friend and a minor case of scoliosis that was never treated. These are not excuses but activities and genetics that make my back one of the hurdles I deal with everyday.
On to the good stuff!!! The people in Idaho know how to put on a marathon. I just love the small towns. I drove into Ashton, ID Friday evening about 6:30pm from Jackson Hole, WY. I pulled up at the local grade school gym where they were handing out race packets. There were less than 500 participants running the race and ALL of us were treated with care. The race bags that were given out were not bags at all but Idaho potato sacks!!! Very nice touch. The chip that we were given was an ankle bracelet that we velcroed around our ankle. I have never had this type of chip before but it worked well aside from the fact you had something that could potentially annoy you while you run. There was a spaghetti dinner in the high school gym served with, you guessed it, an Idaho potato! When was the last time you had spaghetti with a potato? :) After chatting with some of the locals it was off to my motel. Yes; motel, not hotel. I stayed at the Guesthouse Henry Fork Inn in St. Anthony, ID. This was the only hotel in St. Anthony about 15 minutes from Ashton. The 3 hotels in Ashton were fully booked when I made my reservations. The Guesthouse was clean, good airconditioning and the hot and cold water was just great. If your a fancy girl or boy this hotel would not be for you. You entered your room from the outside and the floor was kinda squeaky. There was a hot tub that was sitting outside in the grass next to the parking lot. Like I said. It was clean, but it wasn't the Hilton. :)
Saturday morning I woke up at 4:00am. Running gear on I drove my sporty Ford Focus over to Ashton to catch the bus. They had breakfast for everyone in the gym. Coolers full of water and power drink, oatmeal, cereal, eggs, sausage and bagels. These folks don't mess around. The course was an out and back and we all loaded on buses. These were tour buses with bathrooms. Did I mention that these people don't mess around! We drove out at least 26.2 miles and went up into the mountains for some of the journey. I believe we were at about 6,ooo ft when we reached the start line. The start line was on a gravel country road and nothing more than the electronic timing strip laid across the road. There were 4 porta-potties and that was it. No fan-fare or music to send us off. You really know that you are at a small race when the race director waits for everyone to finish using the porta-potties before he starts the race. The race was delayed about 10 minutes due to the line for the restroom. :) The race director told us that they saw a lot of bear sign while they were setting up the course. He said we should be fine because of all the noise that the 4-wheelers made while setting up the course and most probably scaring off the bears! He jokingly said that you only had to run as fast as one other person if you saw a bear! I did see some bear tracks along the path as I ran. Kinda fun, kinda scary!! We were out in the wilderness for sure! We ran across 3 cattle guards and dodged many piles of cow, horse and undefined animal droppings! :)
The course was beautiful. Wild flowers, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, horses, cows and very friendly people along the way. This was one of the top rated marathons in 50 states so I met people from all over the country. The people were awesome!
After I finished I was treated to a free Huckleberry Milkshake from the local restaurant. All runners welcomed this very special treat. The volunteers were great before, during and after the race. There were plenty of food and drinks for all. The medal we were awarded for finishing was made out wood and the information was wood burnt into the wood. Very cool. On the back was a wood burning of; bet you can't guess, A BEAR! :) That night I had a great dinner of steak and pasta and had a cold one or two at the Big Star Bar! The locals were having a pig roast and had invited me to join them. They gave me free food and treated me like family.
Although my back gave me problems this trip I will be back again in a few short weeks to tackle the Omaha Marathon in Nebraska. I will do whatever I need to do to get back in the saddle for the next race. This was my 10th state and 11th marathon. I met a lady at the airport in which this marathon was her 136th. Wow!!! How humbling it is every time I go to a marathon and meet the extraordinary people who participate in these events.
On the plane ride to Jackson Hole, WY I met a family from New York. They had a 16 year old daughter who is a type 1 diabetic. I always love to meet other diabetics and share stories with them and their family. The mom is a nurse and is certainly a blessing and a God sent to the little girl. I hope the family has a terrific vacation!!!
The interesting thing as well was the woman I met who had just run her 136th marathon. She has a daughter in her 20's that is a type 1 diabetic as well and who has run several marathons with her mom. She couldn't make this trip because she was in college but I was inspired how her mom said she took the bull by the horns and learned how to manage her diabetes while running. It is amazing how many people out there are affected by diabetes. Sometimes I like it when nobody knows I am a diabetic, but the more people I talk to, we all seem to find comfort in each other and help inspire each other as we continue with this obstacle on life's journey. One thing that hits home with me as I travel around the country... It's important to me to share my journey and the experience with others. I didn't like making this trip alone and will do my best to have my family with me on the next marathon I run. Life is about all the experiences you have and it makes them so much more fulfilling when you have that special someone or some one's there to share it with!
I could keep you all day with stories from my trip but I must get back to making a living! :) Take time on your journey in life to stop and smell the wild flowers. Enjoy the people you meet because you can learn so much from so many people and get an abundance of joy out of sharing your life with them. Be true to yourself and be true to others and love with all your heart!!!
Never give up, never stop running,
KB
Showing posts with label Hal Higdon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hal Higdon. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Soar Like An Eagle!!!
Hello Everyone!
I am hopeful everyone is getting the most out of your summer! Whether it is swimming, white-water rafting, travelling, going to the zoo, visiting your relatives or just relaxing and enjoying your family; I want you to enjoy every ounce of your summer!!!!
I have a 5 mile run to put in today and I am excited about a new running group that I will join tomorrow for a 5 mile run. They meet every Saturday and run between 5 and 10 miles and then go to the local St. Louis Bread Company for some carbs and drinks. I am looking forward to this new adventure. I have usually ran alone, but joining a group can help motivate you to run, can increase your pace time and can also introduce you to people just like you who love to run!!!
I have recently read something that I found very inspirational. It is an explanation of how a mother eagle must have the courage to push her infants out of the nest to learn how to fly. This excerpt from a book I read can be interpreted many ways and motivate you to do different things. A quote from David McNally in the book called, "The Push"..."Until they learned how to soar they would fail to understand the privilege it was to have been born and eagle." Everyday day most of us are very fortunate to wake up with health, energy and God-given talent. We are privileged that we have all these glorious things the Lord has given us. It is up to us to use these talents to make our families, children, careers and our relationships flourish! Let us all try to remind ourselves everyday that we have the ability to SOAR!!! We all will face adversity in our lives. It's not a matter of if, but when. Reach down deep in to your soul and know that it will be scary, frightening and even very difficult. Know you have been born an "eagle" and you do have the ability and the right to SOAR!
David McNally writes, "Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?" Excellence comes with risk, caring, dreaming and expecting more than others think is wise. Today is your day!!! Know that you have the ability, the heart and the determination to live an extraordinary life!
I pray that all of you soar like an eagle!!!
KB
I am hopeful everyone is getting the most out of your summer! Whether it is swimming, white-water rafting, travelling, going to the zoo, visiting your relatives or just relaxing and enjoying your family; I want you to enjoy every ounce of your summer!!!!
I have a 5 mile run to put in today and I am excited about a new running group that I will join tomorrow for a 5 mile run. They meet every Saturday and run between 5 and 10 miles and then go to the local St. Louis Bread Company for some carbs and drinks. I am looking forward to this new adventure. I have usually ran alone, but joining a group can help motivate you to run, can increase your pace time and can also introduce you to people just like you who love to run!!!
I have recently read something that I found very inspirational. It is an explanation of how a mother eagle must have the courage to push her infants out of the nest to learn how to fly. This excerpt from a book I read can be interpreted many ways and motivate you to do different things. A quote from David McNally in the book called, "The Push"..."Until they learned how to soar they would fail to understand the privilege it was to have been born and eagle." Everyday day most of us are very fortunate to wake up with health, energy and God-given talent. We are privileged that we have all these glorious things the Lord has given us. It is up to us to use these talents to make our families, children, careers and our relationships flourish! Let us all try to remind ourselves everyday that we have the ability to SOAR!!! We all will face adversity in our lives. It's not a matter of if, but when. Reach down deep in to your soul and know that it will be scary, frightening and even very difficult. Know you have been born an "eagle" and you do have the ability and the right to SOAR!
David McNally writes, "Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?" Excellence comes with risk, caring, dreaming and expecting more than others think is wise. Today is your day!!! Know that you have the ability, the heart and the determination to live an extraordinary life!
I pray that all of you soar like an eagle!!!
KB
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thank God for kids!
Happy 4th of July Everyone! Three cheers for the red, white and blue! Fireworks, barbecue, boating, swimming, picnics and vacation!! Fun, fun, fun!! What if we all took a little bit of the red, white and blue and what it signifies and used it in our everyday life? White-signifies purity and innocence, Red-hardiness & valour, and Blue -signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. I don't know about anyone else...but I could certainly use a shot of red, white and blue in my life!!!
Someone reminded me the other day that we really only have about 17 years with our children and then they are off to college; out of the nest and starting down the road to their own life. Seems like a lot maybe, but then it seems like, not so much. My children or 9 and 11. That means I have 8 and 6 more years respectively. Like I was saying...not so much.
We all get caught up in our busy lives with work, travel and our own hobbies. Just remember those little snaggletooths at home and how much we mean to them and how precious the time is that we spend with them. Teach them everything we can, love them and take precious care of them and love them some more. There is an old Oak Ridge Boys Song "Thank God for Kids". If you have never heard it, listen to the words. It will make you hold your children tight and thank God for this wonderful blessing in your life. One of the lines in the song is this; "when I look down in those trusted eyes that look to me, I realize, its love that you can't buy...Thank God for kids." Remember the greatest gifts we can give to our children are time and love.
The next time you go for a run, or before or after your run; think about going for a short jog with your kids. Perhaps making a commitment to play with them each day for as much time as you spend running. They love you and support you when you run; make sure you do the same for them!!!
Get what you want out of life. You may have some tough challenges and decisions along the way, but be true to your heart and it will lead you down the right path.
Pop, bang, sizzle....Have fun with those fireworks!!!
KB
Someone reminded me the other day that we really only have about 17 years with our children and then they are off to college; out of the nest and starting down the road to their own life. Seems like a lot maybe, but then it seems like, not so much. My children or 9 and 11. That means I have 8 and 6 more years respectively. Like I was saying...not so much.
We all get caught up in our busy lives with work, travel and our own hobbies. Just remember those little snaggletooths at home and how much we mean to them and how precious the time is that we spend with them. Teach them everything we can, love them and take precious care of them and love them some more. There is an old Oak Ridge Boys Song "Thank God for Kids". If you have never heard it, listen to the words. It will make you hold your children tight and thank God for this wonderful blessing in your life. One of the lines in the song is this; "when I look down in those trusted eyes that look to me, I realize, its love that you can't buy...Thank God for kids." Remember the greatest gifts we can give to our children are time and love.
The next time you go for a run, or before or after your run; think about going for a short jog with your kids. Perhaps making a commitment to play with them each day for as much time as you spend running. They love you and support you when you run; make sure you do the same for them!!!
Get what you want out of life. You may have some tough challenges and decisions along the way, but be true to your heart and it will lead you down the right path.
Pop, bang, sizzle....Have fun with those fireworks!!!
KB
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tortoise Or Hare; Winning is in the eye of the beholder!
Hello Friends!,
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. St. Louis has been a real pressure cooker recently but we are down in the 80's this week and the weather has been beautiful. Enjoy the outdoors; it is one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon us!
I am 12 days out from the Montana Marathon and getting very excited about visiting this beautiful state. It is one of the few states in North America that I haven't yet visited. I won't be able to stay long, but will try to soak up all that it has to offer in the time I am there.
Today I did a 5 mile run. No frills, just me, my sneakers and the great outdoors. While I was running I saw a turtle just starting to cross the highway. This is a 4 lane road and gets quite a bit of traffic. Part of me wanted to pick the turtle up and point him back towards the woods, but I left him do what he was intending to do. I thought to myself that he will probably never make it across the road. A lot went through my mind as I thought about that turtle as I continued to run. The turtle was going as fast as he could because he was for whatever reason determined to get to the other side. I don't know how smart turtles are; maybe he just didn't know any better. There he was; moving as fast as he could and I was hoping he would not get squished as he crossed the 4 lane highway. About a dozen cars went by as I continued on my run. On my lap back I looked for the turtle with anxiety that he would not be smashed on the road. To my delight there was no smashed turtle. He had made it to the other side. He had made it to his finish line! I thought to myself as I finished my run how many types of runners there are; some very fast, some very slow. Some turtles, some rabbits. Those of us who do not win races, medals, ribbons or who do not get recognized as elite athletes are still winners! We run the race, give it everything we got and cross that finish line! That turtle; no matter how slow, was determined to get to the other side. With a little luck, determination and persistence; he accomplished his goal. God watched out for him and made his journey a successful one.
Never give up! Run your own race and be very proud of yourself that you are doing what ever exercise it is that you do. Self discipline is the biggest factor of what turns ordinary people into extraordinary people. Do what you need to do. Even when you don't want to do it; do it anyway. Whether the tortoise or the hare, be very proud of your accomplishments. Getting to the finish line makes you a true hero; It doesn't matter how or when you arrive, just get there!!!
Live and Love with all your heart and never look back!!
KB
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. St. Louis has been a real pressure cooker recently but we are down in the 80's this week and the weather has been beautiful. Enjoy the outdoors; it is one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon us!
I am 12 days out from the Montana Marathon and getting very excited about visiting this beautiful state. It is one of the few states in North America that I haven't yet visited. I won't be able to stay long, but will try to soak up all that it has to offer in the time I am there.
Today I did a 5 mile run. No frills, just me, my sneakers and the great outdoors. While I was running I saw a turtle just starting to cross the highway. This is a 4 lane road and gets quite a bit of traffic. Part of me wanted to pick the turtle up and point him back towards the woods, but I left him do what he was intending to do. I thought to myself that he will probably never make it across the road. A lot went through my mind as I thought about that turtle as I continued to run. The turtle was going as fast as he could because he was for whatever reason determined to get to the other side. I don't know how smart turtles are; maybe he just didn't know any better. There he was; moving as fast as he could and I was hoping he would not get squished as he crossed the 4 lane highway. About a dozen cars went by as I continued on my run. On my lap back I looked for the turtle with anxiety that he would not be smashed on the road. To my delight there was no smashed turtle. He had made it to the other side. He had made it to his finish line! I thought to myself as I finished my run how many types of runners there are; some very fast, some very slow. Some turtles, some rabbits. Those of us who do not win races, medals, ribbons or who do not get recognized as elite athletes are still winners! We run the race, give it everything we got and cross that finish line! That turtle; no matter how slow, was determined to get to the other side. With a little luck, determination and persistence; he accomplished his goal. God watched out for him and made his journey a successful one.
Never give up! Run your own race and be very proud of yourself that you are doing what ever exercise it is that you do. Self discipline is the biggest factor of what turns ordinary people into extraordinary people. Do what you need to do. Even when you don't want to do it; do it anyway. Whether the tortoise or the hare, be very proud of your accomplishments. Getting to the finish line makes you a true hero; It doesn't matter how or when you arrive, just get there!!!
Live and Love with all your heart and never look back!!
KB
Monday, June 8, 2009
God is everywhere! Let him give you strength!
Hello Sports fans!
I got up this morning at 4:00am to get in my 20 mile run. When I first went out to get the paper it looked like it was going to be a clear day. There were no stars in the sky so I was a little skeptical. After my bowl of oatmeal and my coffee, I strapped on my two friends and away we went for our 4 hour journey out into the night. How peaceful with no cars and nothing but me and all of Gods creatures of the night. As the sun started to rise I thought how beautiful it was that I could enjoy one of Gods many wonders. My run was going just fine. I had 10 miles in and I was clicking along just great. All of sudden the clouds turned black and the thunder started to roll in. Just another one of Gods many wonders. All at once it started thundering and lightening and raining extremely hard. I looked up in the sky and said to God, "Is that all you got!!! Come on, you can make it rain harder than that!!!" Just then it started to rain harder. I said out loud, "Come on, you can do better than that!!!" "I'm not given' up so let me see how hard you can really make it rain!!!" Some how it started to rain harder and the thunder and lightening continued. I couldn't get any more wet and I wasn't given up! I thought that the worst that could happen was I could get struck down by lightening. I was ready for God to take me if that should be his plan. It was him and me and all this incredible weather that he was bringing down. I was more motivated than ever to continue to run. My wife pulled up beside me in the car at some point in my run and told me to get in. I told her I had 5 miles left and I wasn't given up. She was worried but she knows my determination and knew I wasn't getting in that car. I ran by a house with a man standing in his garage watching the rain. He yelled out asking me if I needed a ride somewhere. I waved and said no thank you; I have 5 miles to go. Have a nice day I said as I continued to run by. I had 3 miles to go and the ran subsided and the thunder and lightning stopped. I thanked God for the challenge and the inspiration. God made me stronger. I successfully completed my 20 mile run and I will put this strength in my pocket to use it one day when the chips are down and I am not sure I can handle a challenge. Determination, motivation and persistence come in many flavors. Today God gave me a good dose of what I needed to help me not only on my run; but on life's difficult journey.
Sometimes when we are faced with the greatest of challenges, it is then and there that we acquire some of the best tools that will assist us for the rest of our life!!!
Embrace Gods challenges; Live Strong!!!
KB
I got up this morning at 4:00am to get in my 20 mile run. When I first went out to get the paper it looked like it was going to be a clear day. There were no stars in the sky so I was a little skeptical. After my bowl of oatmeal and my coffee, I strapped on my two friends and away we went for our 4 hour journey out into the night. How peaceful with no cars and nothing but me and all of Gods creatures of the night. As the sun started to rise I thought how beautiful it was that I could enjoy one of Gods many wonders. My run was going just fine. I had 10 miles in and I was clicking along just great. All of sudden the clouds turned black and the thunder started to roll in. Just another one of Gods many wonders. All at once it started thundering and lightening and raining extremely hard. I looked up in the sky and said to God, "Is that all you got!!! Come on, you can make it rain harder than that!!!" Just then it started to rain harder. I said out loud, "Come on, you can do better than that!!!" "I'm not given' up so let me see how hard you can really make it rain!!!" Some how it started to rain harder and the thunder and lightening continued. I couldn't get any more wet and I wasn't given up! I thought that the worst that could happen was I could get struck down by lightening. I was ready for God to take me if that should be his plan. It was him and me and all this incredible weather that he was bringing down. I was more motivated than ever to continue to run. My wife pulled up beside me in the car at some point in my run and told me to get in. I told her I had 5 miles left and I wasn't given up. She was worried but she knows my determination and knew I wasn't getting in that car. I ran by a house with a man standing in his garage watching the rain. He yelled out asking me if I needed a ride somewhere. I waved and said no thank you; I have 5 miles to go. Have a nice day I said as I continued to run by. I had 3 miles to go and the ran subsided and the thunder and lightning stopped. I thanked God for the challenge and the inspiration. God made me stronger. I successfully completed my 20 mile run and I will put this strength in my pocket to use it one day when the chips are down and I am not sure I can handle a challenge. Determination, motivation and persistence come in many flavors. Today God gave me a good dose of what I needed to help me not only on my run; but on life's difficult journey.
Sometimes when we are faced with the greatest of challenges, it is then and there that we acquire some of the best tools that will assist us for the rest of our life!!!
Embrace Gods challenges; Live Strong!!!
KB
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
California is great this time of year!
Hello everyone,
I am happy to report I successfully completed the Avia OC Marathon in New Port Beach, CA this past Sunday! The weather was absolutely beautiful. Approximate 68 degrees at the finish and not a cloud in site. How beautiful it was to run by the Ocean and have palm trees along the route. The course was mostly flat and had a lot of gorgeous scenery. I would recommend this race to anyone wanting to run a race in California. The snacks at the end were a little hurried and scarce but that is nit picking.
Every time I finish a marathon I remember how really tough it is to run 26.2 miles. It does take some training and I have NEVER over trained for a race. :) Mile 20 through 26 makes you reach down deep to places that you never thought you would go to make yourself endure the pain and never give up. How exhilarating it is when you cross that finish line!
I also wanted to mention the support I have behind the scenes. Without the words of encouragement from my friends and family I don't know how easy it would be to keep getting out there marathon after marathon. I would like to say thank you to all my family and friends for their e-mails, cards, care packages and words of encouragement that are the wind beneath my wings. This makes all the difference and continues to motivate me to keep running more marathons and setting new goals for myself. Thanks everyone!
The next marathon on the schedule is on July 12th in Montana. I hope to see some of you there.
Keep getting out there and feeling great about what your doing. For those of you who want to fit well into those swimsuits, there is no better way to lose weight!
Run til it's done!
Kurt
I am happy to report I successfully completed the Avia OC Marathon in New Port Beach, CA this past Sunday! The weather was absolutely beautiful. Approximate 68 degrees at the finish and not a cloud in site. How beautiful it was to run by the Ocean and have palm trees along the route. The course was mostly flat and had a lot of gorgeous scenery. I would recommend this race to anyone wanting to run a race in California. The snacks at the end were a little hurried and scarce but that is nit picking.
Every time I finish a marathon I remember how really tough it is to run 26.2 miles. It does take some training and I have NEVER over trained for a race. :) Mile 20 through 26 makes you reach down deep to places that you never thought you would go to make yourself endure the pain and never give up. How exhilarating it is when you cross that finish line!
I also wanted to mention the support I have behind the scenes. Without the words of encouragement from my friends and family I don't know how easy it would be to keep getting out there marathon after marathon. I would like to say thank you to all my family and friends for their e-mails, cards, care packages and words of encouragement that are the wind beneath my wings. This makes all the difference and continues to motivate me to keep running more marathons and setting new goals for myself. Thanks everyone!
The next marathon on the schedule is on July 12th in Montana. I hope to see some of you there.
Keep getting out there and feeling great about what your doing. For those of you who want to fit well into those swimsuits, there is no better way to lose weight!
Run til it's done!
Kurt
Monday, April 20, 2009
Keep your head held high!
Hello Everyone,
I hope this message finds everyone doing extraordinaire! I did a 12 mile run yesterday on a treadmill at the gym. Yes, on a treadmill! It was raining pretty heavy all day so I decided to get my run in indoors. Now for those of you who say you CAN'T run on a treadmill; here is my thoughts....If you can find a good treadmill at a gym, with a good television and people around you to help motivate you, who are also exercising; running on a treadmill is not so bad!!!
I just got off the phone with my Dad. My Uncle Otie just passed away. Uncle Otie is a great, great man!!!! He taught me many things, but the most important was the power of laughter. I never once saw Uncle Otie in a bad mood! He had many sayings that I will always remember. He used to say when we were driving and needing directions, "You can't go wrong, if you make a right." He also taught me this saying when someone asked what we were having for lunch; he would say; "we are having ham, ram, lamb, sheep, mutton, buffalo and bear meat." Uncle Otie's wife Tillie would say; "Otis why did you have so many drinks at the party?" Uncle Otie's response would be, "I only had one glass, the darn fools kept filling it up!" The power of laughter and the power of a smile. How wonderful it is!
Everyone has hurdles in their life. Take it from my Uncle Otie; keep your head held high and always keep laughing. When your time on this earth ends, not only will you have had a wonderful fulfilled life, but you will have left a smile on the many, many people who love you who are left behind!
Always keep smiling!!
Kurt
I hope this message finds everyone doing extraordinaire! I did a 12 mile run yesterday on a treadmill at the gym. Yes, on a treadmill! It was raining pretty heavy all day so I decided to get my run in indoors. Now for those of you who say you CAN'T run on a treadmill; here is my thoughts....If you can find a good treadmill at a gym, with a good television and people around you to help motivate you, who are also exercising; running on a treadmill is not so bad!!!
I just got off the phone with my Dad. My Uncle Otie just passed away. Uncle Otie is a great, great man!!!! He taught me many things, but the most important was the power of laughter. I never once saw Uncle Otie in a bad mood! He had many sayings that I will always remember. He used to say when we were driving and needing directions, "You can't go wrong, if you make a right." He also taught me this saying when someone asked what we were having for lunch; he would say; "we are having ham, ram, lamb, sheep, mutton, buffalo and bear meat." Uncle Otie's wife Tillie would say; "Otis why did you have so many drinks at the party?" Uncle Otie's response would be, "I only had one glass, the darn fools kept filling it up!" The power of laughter and the power of a smile. How wonderful it is!
Everyone has hurdles in their life. Take it from my Uncle Otie; keep your head held high and always keep laughing. When your time on this earth ends, not only will you have had a wonderful fulfilled life, but you will have left a smile on the many, many people who love you who are left behind!
Always keep smiling!!
Kurt
Monday, April 6, 2009
Attitude is Everything! I can, I can, I can!!!
Hello fantastic people!
I completed my 20 mile run yesterday. Boy, it was a tough one! When I started it was raining and then the temperature dropped and the winds were at 20 mph. There were times I had to hold my hat from blowing off my head. I kept singing the song, "Running against the wind", in my mind. These long runs are the most challenging for me. I run by myself on a course by my house. I have a 5 mile course which in this case I ran 4 times. It is down a steep hill and up a steep hill. I keep telling myself that the hill is great training for any marathon I encounter. When I was running and the rain had stopped I looked up in the sky and told God thank you. He gave me sunshine and gave me this great ability to run. I could complain about how far I had to run but why? There are so many people that would love to be able to run but can't because of a disability. Today I feel great and a lot of it has to do with the accomplishment from the day before. I am thankful for what I am able to do. Running is not a privilege, it is a gift. Embrace it and let it be the inspiration that allows you to work harder, play more, love lots and live longer!
There is a quote my brother sent me from Charles Swindoll. I will share just a part of it. "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes." So I will leave you with this until next time. Smile because you can, love because you can, get the most out of everyday...because you can!!!
Don't just dream it-Do it!
Kurt
I completed my 20 mile run yesterday. Boy, it was a tough one! When I started it was raining and then the temperature dropped and the winds were at 20 mph. There were times I had to hold my hat from blowing off my head. I kept singing the song, "Running against the wind", in my mind. These long runs are the most challenging for me. I run by myself on a course by my house. I have a 5 mile course which in this case I ran 4 times. It is down a steep hill and up a steep hill. I keep telling myself that the hill is great training for any marathon I encounter. When I was running and the rain had stopped I looked up in the sky and told God thank you. He gave me sunshine and gave me this great ability to run. I could complain about how far I had to run but why? There are so many people that would love to be able to run but can't because of a disability. Today I feel great and a lot of it has to do with the accomplishment from the day before. I am thankful for what I am able to do. Running is not a privilege, it is a gift. Embrace it and let it be the inspiration that allows you to work harder, play more, love lots and live longer!
There is a quote my brother sent me from Charles Swindoll. I will share just a part of it. "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes." So I will leave you with this until next time. Smile because you can, love because you can, get the most out of everyday...because you can!!!
Don't just dream it-Do it!
Kurt
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
It's great to be able to run!!
Hello Everyone,
I just found out that business may take me to Newport Beach, CA the first week in May. I scanned the marathons for this time frame and was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Avia OC Marathon will be taking place on May 3rd! How bout that! I can accomplish a Marathon in California and do some business at the same time. I am very excited. I understand that the weather there is absolutely beautiful. I am looking very forward to experiencing the marathon and also the gorgeous geography.
I am in the 15th week of Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 training schedule. I am proud of myself that I have been very diligent about getting in the daily runs. This weekend I get to do a big one; 20 miles!!! After this one I will start to taper my distances and rest my legs getting ready for the marathon. I love having goals to shoot for. I am very motivated when I have a purpose and I get very excited when the end result is in sight and you can see the figurative "finish line."
Happy trails runners!
Kurt
I just found out that business may take me to Newport Beach, CA the first week in May. I scanned the marathons for this time frame and was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Avia OC Marathon will be taking place on May 3rd! How bout that! I can accomplish a Marathon in California and do some business at the same time. I am very excited. I understand that the weather there is absolutely beautiful. I am looking very forward to experiencing the marathon and also the gorgeous geography.
I am in the 15th week of Hal Higdon's Intermediate 1 training schedule. I am proud of myself that I have been very diligent about getting in the daily runs. This weekend I get to do a big one; 20 miles!!! After this one I will start to taper my distances and rest my legs getting ready for the marathon. I love having goals to shoot for. I am very motivated when I have a purpose and I get very excited when the end result is in sight and you can see the figurative "finish line."
Happy trails runners!
Kurt
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Resting for the next challenge!
Hello Everyone,
Four days post marathon and my legs are getting back to normal. It's amazing when you run 26 miles vs 20 miles the tole it takes on your body. Completely different. I guess that's why people hit the wall sometimes at mile 20. The additional 6 miles is a journey in and of itself. I have been doing my part in replentishing my body with some complex carbs such as potatoes and different energy drinks and energy bars. I have also managed to slip in a little ice cream! :)
My next marathon will be in Missoula Montana on July 12, 2009. I am really looking forward to this marathon because it is in such a beautiful part of the country. Perhaps I may be able to get in a little fly fishing while I am there. Experiencing different parts of the country and the people has been one of the exciting things about this 50 states journey. I am thrilled that I have many more places and people yet to experience.
I have been using Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide to train for each marathon. When I do multiple marathones I typically take a week to two off from running and do some weight training. I then start the 18 week marathon training schedule wherever I need to be to be on target with the program to finish it by the time of the marathon. I use the Intermediate 1 program and have been successful with doing the two 20 mile long runs in this program. The weekly mileage is certainly manageable with any job and the long runs just take some time management and some getting use to.
I have changed my philosphy for running. Instead of telling everyone I "have to run" xx miles everyday; I now say I "get to run" xx miles today. Not everyone can run. Some people are physically not capable. I am priviledged I have been given this gift and this ability. Thank God for this gift!!!
If you want to run faster, you need to run faster!!!
Have a superfantastic day!!!
Kurt
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