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

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