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

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

Welcome to the Kurt Bauman Blog!

In July of 2002, I had the shock of a lifetime. At the age of 35 I learned that I had Type 1 Diabetes and would face a regimen of blood testing and insulin injections for the rest of my life. The diagnosis changed me... I wondered what my life would be like with this chronic disease and what my limitations as a diabetic truly were.

I was never an avid athlete or runner. In fact, I had run one marathon in 1997 and vowed to never do it again - the experience was simply too difficult to face a second time. In a spontaneous effort to push back at my diagnosis, I entered my name in the lottery for the New York City marathon and (surprisingly enough) received a bib number. After 18 weeks of rigorous training, I ran the marathon with an insulin pump and food reserves, checking my blood sugar every 5 miles.

The accomplishment I felt as I crossed the finish line was incredible! In that moment my mission was born. I wanted diabetics everywhere to find the strength to rise above their illness and lead happy, healthy, active lives. I wanted to motivate people facing challenges to overcome adversity and live their dreams.

So, I have committed to running 50 marathons in all 50 United States. So far, I've completed marathons in six states - New York, Minnesota, Missouri, Arizona, Colorado and Tennessee. In 2009 I'm already scheduled to run in Arkansas, Montana and Illinois.

I know that this quest won't be accomplished overnight. My plan is to run a marathon every quarter until I finish all 50 races. I'm well aware that it will take me 10 years and many tens of thousands of dollars to accomplish my goal. In the meantime, I am a professional motivational speaker and look for any opportunity to share my story with audiences nationwide. My message is threefold:

1. To increase awareness of Diabetes and reach out to the 6 million Americans who unknowingly suffer with this disease without treatment,
2. To inspire others to push past their fears and strive to accomplish their goals,
3. To prevent Type 2 Diabetes and other chronic illnesses by encouraging people to be the cure through diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

I hope that you will follow my blog and join me on my amazing journey. Whatever you face in life, I hope that you will find the strength and power and overcome obstacles and be proactive in changing the world for the better.