That's a lot of swimming

Yesterday I went to the Y after school to do my swimming workout. The workout called for 1400 yards(64 laps). I wasn't sure that I had the energy to swim .9 miles but I haven't worked out since last Monday and wtih the Tralthlon drawing near I knew I couldn't keep ducking my workouts.

So, I got in the water. Normally I swim a couple laps and the stop for a minute. Last week however, my friend Matt and I had a sort of breakthrough. We decided to swim for a specified amount of time instead of laps. So instead of swimming four laps and stopping I swam for 8 minutes, Which was 16 laps. my previous consecutive streak was 10. But, At the end of last weeks workout I reeled off 24 straight(56 total laps). I was quite happy about that.

So, yesterday I decided that I would just swim until I felt like I needed to take a break. Well I swam 80 laps consecutively. 80 laps = 1.14 miles (2000 yards). Needless to say, I am stoked about that achievement. It took 43 minutes and surprisingly I didn't feel like I was gonna die at the end. I actually felt good when I was done and I don't even feel sore today. I am definitiely liking the swimming part of the training, now if I would only feel the same way about the cycling and running.

Which reminds me. I thought I was gonna get to keep all of toenails after the marathon. Now, I'm not so sure. Not to gross anyone out but I think I'm about to lose one. I'm sad about that, I don't like losing body parts but I guess that's the price we endurance atlhletes must pay for our passion and sport. I sure am gonna miss that little guy(if it goes).

For those of you who are prayerful people, Please keep me in your thoughts, and not just because of the Triathlon.

TTFN, Scott.

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!

The Ides of March are upon us, and that can only mean one thing. It's Sadie's birthday. She turns 3 today. I can't believe it's already been 3 years, they grow up so fast. I remember they day we found her outside the Petsmart in Slidell, and we just couldn't "leave this sweet angel here". Sadie came home to the FEMA trailer and has been my lil' podna ever since.

Lily turns one today. I can't remember the date we determined was her birthday, it's either two weeks ago or two weeks from now. So, I'm rounding it to today to make it easy to remember. Lily was rescued from the mean streets of NOLA East by a friend but he couldn't keep her. We wanted a friend for Sadie and were moving into a house with a big yard so it seemed the time was right. She has made a wonderful addition to the family. She too is a sweet baby.

Happy Birthday Sadie and Lily, Daddy loves you!(Yes, I know they are dogs).

I know I said I would come back and tell the Mardi Gras stories but I've been really busy this week. Hopefully I will spin those yarns soon.

Today I have a special treat for you. It seems that spring is trying to send winter packing and I find the foliage around the house coming to life. So, the Pups and I went out to enjoy an afternoon. Here are some pics. Enjoy!



Sadie and Lily playing in the yard. We were outside for about an hour. They were chasing the toys I was throwing, chasing each other, and chasing me. Good exercise for the whole family.


Lily the one eared dog. I figure I have posted many Sadie pictures over the year so it's only fair to give Lil the occasional solo picture. Lily really has 2 ears.



Some of the prettiness in the front garden.


Colorful row of shrubbery between the house and the street.


This is what I see when I look at my bedroom window, not a bad view if I must say. Even prettier on a sunny day.

I hope you all are doing well. I'll be out of town for a couple days but will check in when I get back. Have a great weekend y'all.

Keep checking back, I should have this thing updated sometime over the weekend. I'm sure you all want to hear about my Mardi Gras experiences. I've been quite busy so I haven't had time to tell those tales. I do have time to tell them now but I am way to tired. Looks like I'll be sleeping by 8:45 tonight. I'll be getting up at 4:30 to hit the pool in the morning. Ah yes, this life of mine, 'tis the battle i love.

I will tell you this though, I went to an Indian(as in India) restaurant for dinner tonight, it seems that I do like Indian food that doesn't have much curry. Now I know.

a weekly update

Well it’s been a week or so since I updated so I thought I would give you an update as to my goings on.

Triathlon training is going well so far. The swimming is getting much better but I have this click in my left shoulder and after many clicks it starts to ache. I’m sure I take several hundred strokes per workout. That equals a lot of clicks. Thus, my left shoulder is very sore today. I’m pretty sure that I’m going to need to have someone look at it eventually. But, I have found that I can modify the stroke on my left arm and avoid the click. It just creates a stroke that is much different than the one I do with my right. I don’t know if it throws off my balance or efficiency but it doesn’t hurt and that works for me.

The cycling is going well. I invested in the padded shorts. Whoever invented those things was a genius. The only down side is that I feel like I’m walking around wearing a diaper. Not Cool!

Oddly enough, running is the hardest part. I’m not really enjoying the running right now, probably because the other stuff is new and exciting. But running is my old standby and my true love. The passion will return when the excitement of the new stuff wears off, I hope.

Last weekend was a good weekend. I was much busier than I anticipated. Dinner Friday night was awesome, pork tenderloin, green beans, and mashed potatoes. Saturday, I thought I would be hanging out around the house for most of the day but I ended up cycling in the morning for 80 minutes and went running at the LSU lake with a friend around 4. Steven and I hit Brew-bachers for lunch, my belly was quite full. It’s probably good that I had 2 workouts. Sunday was good too. A little family/parade time in Slidell. Of course someone had to bring fried chicken. Yes, it was good. But I limited myself to 2 pieces. But I did have 5 brownies.

I feel a little guilty that I was not home more. Luckily the dogs have each other to entertain themselves. Nothing beats coming home and having those 2 sweet angels jumping all around with there tails wagging happy to see me. I gotta get a camera so I can post some new pics, they are the most awesome dogs ever!

This week at school is one that I have been looking forward to for a while now. We are studying Supreme Court Cases. I find this stuff to be very exciting, almost as exciting as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Wednesday and Thursday should be good. The kids have wanted a debate for a while now, and now they get it. Among the other cases we will mention I am going to let them discuss Roe v. Wade for a few minutes. Sparks will fly, that’s why were going to do it last. Hopefully time will run out before we get there.

In other good news, I got my taxes done and don’t owe anything, Yea! I’m getting a little back. I think I’m going to spend it all on frivolous things to stimulate the economy, any suggestions? And no, personal checks to you do not count.

Another movie review

I went to see the movie "Taken" tonight. I thought it was pretty good. I wouldn't put it in the great category but it was very good. I don't know exactly what I was expecting but it didn't meet my expectations. But again, It was good, worth the price of admission but I probably wouldn't go twice. Looking back on what I just typed, I think it's safe to say I'll never work as a movie critic.

On the training front. I did my first workout in the pool yesterday. 40 laps=1000 yards. In the beginning it was a bit awkward but by the end of the workout I figured a few things out. I slowed down, got into a rhythm and controlled my breathing. It got better, I didn't drown. The good news is that I swam 1000 yards(924 meters). The race in April has an 800 meter swim, so it seems that I could make it. The problem is that yesterday I stopped after every 50 yards. Stringing the laps together is definitely gonna take some work and effort.

Today I came home and got on the bike. I rode for an hour(roughly 13 miles) and felt good at the end. The race is 18 miles so I'm very confident that the cycling part of the race wont be a problem. The trick is definitely gonna be surviving the swim. Tomorrow I'm supposed to run for 25 minutes. I'll probably double that. I feel like running is my thing, the part of the race where I can have the most success. Also, 25 minutes just doesn't feel like much to me right now. But I don't want to push to hard. I'm trying to progress slowly and steadily so I don't burn out. It seems like the right thing to do.

That's all I had for today. I hope you all are doing well, I'll holla atcha lata. Scott.

Down the Bayou, Over the River and Through the Woods

Down the Bayou
Well, I did not really go down the bayou but I did do a little Cajun dancing Friday night. Thursday night I got some waltz and two-step lessons. Friday night I went to Boutin's. It's a Cajun restaurant here in Capital City. The great thing is that Thurs-Sun night they have a live Cajun band playing and a large dance floor in the middle of the place. I put my skills to work. I'm not a great dancer but luckily no one got hurt. Luckily my legs finally felt rested from last weeks marathon, 'bout time. I also recommend the blackened alligator, DELICIOUS!

Saturday
It was a good day. I took the kids(dogs) to the Dog park for a couple of hours. It was absolutely gorgeous outside and there were tons of dogs there. Lily is getting more social, she ALMOST plays with other dogs, almost. Sadie on the other hand will play with anyone. She does not discriminate. She played with a Dachshund and 5 minutes later became best buds with a great Dane. I gotta get a camera, Sadie and the Dane were hilarious. Once we got home we kicked it around the house for a while before I headed out to the movies. "The Wrestler" is definitely a guy movie. Ladies, you may enjoy it but if there is another option I would take it. Guys, you gotta see it. You can thank me later.

Over the river and through the woods
Today I got up early and headed to "The Country" to spend some time with my Grandmother, who is completely awesome. One of my cousins is currently living with her(because she goes to college to get more knowledge) and the 3 of us went to church and then out to eat. I absolutely loved it. My Grandmother never ceases to amaze me and make me laugh. I am 34 now and today is the 1st time I ever remember hearing my Grandmother sing. She was singing the hymns at church and it dawned on me that I had never heard her sing before. It was one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard. I will never forget today or the sound of my Grandmother singing. It makes me smile just thinking of it.

Then we went to lunch. Catfish topped with Crawfish Etoufee(A-2-Fay). Quite tasty, but not as the delicious as the seafood and spinach dip, Amazing! Then we headed back to her house and sat and talked for a while. My Lil' cousin is great, I don't know how to describe her but to say she's great(sorry I couldn't think of anything better than that).

Then it was back to the house. I did my first run since the marathon today. 30 minutes worth, or about 2.75 miles. It felt good. Tomorrow I start my training for the triathlon. After work its off to the Y to do some laps in the pool. I know it's gonna kill me, but I can't wait.

It was a pretty full weekend. But not a stressful weekend.

I feel good about things right now. Not great yet, but definitely good. The Sun was definitely shining this weekend, in so many ways.


Hopefully you got the over the river and through the woods(to grandmothers house we go) joke. I'm going to get a camera soon, it's been a while since I've put up any pics of Sadie and Lily. I know how you all look forward to pictures of those 2.

The Next Big Thing

So here I am, just days after completing my first marathon. I'm still a little sore but I'm already looking ahead. I have decided to do the 16Th annual Louisiana Triathlon in New Roads, Louisiana on April 18Th. This race consists of a half mile swim(800 meters), 18 mile cycle, and a 3.1 mile run. This will be my first Try at a Tri(my attempt at humor). I am super excited. Ive got a little less than 2 1/2 months to get ready.

I joined the local YMCA today so that I can start training for the swimming portion of the race. I think that will be the most difficult part. The "Y" also has spin classes which I can use as an alternative to riding my bike around Capital City.

I'm not going to start any training until Monday. I'm giving my body time to recover from the marathon. But I am excited about training for three events at once. I think it will be good because I wont be bored because I'll be doing something different every day. We'll see.

Well, I just wanted to let you all know what I was up to. I'll be chillaxin' for a couple more days but come Monday it's back to work. Who knows, this could be the summer of the 6 pack, HA!

My First Marathon

All the training seems to have paid off. About 6 months ago I decided that I wanted to run a marathon. I had several reasons for wanting to do it but mostly I wanted to see how far I could go(as most of you know I tend to go too far). Well, I didn't go too far yesterday, I went just far enough. The months of training paid off as I finished the New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon in an official time of 4:58:35. My goal was to finish under 5 hours. Well, let me back up, my goal was to FINISH. My second goal was to finish under 5 hours. I finished with a minute and 25 seconds to spare. Yea Me!

I ran with the 5 hour pace group. Katherine our leader(the lady carrying the sign in the pictures) was great. She kept us motivated, entertained, and maintained an even pace. I don't think I would have been as successful without her, and her running skirt(inside joke).

I slept very little Saturday night. I was up at 4:45, made it downtown at 6:15. the race started at 7AM. My only warm up was some stretching. I knew my body would warm up over the first 2-3 miles, and it did. The 1st 2 miles hurt as my body woke up. As I passed mile 3(picture below) I starting feeling loose. I shed my long sleeve shirt and grabbed my 1st bottle of Gatorade from one of my support crew(newly dubbed "Team Pegasus"). Notice that I am smiling in this picture.

We made our way up St. Charles Ave to Audubon Park. I love Audubon park. It's a special place to me. As I ran around the park I couldn't help but think about the time Sadie jumped into the fountain there, makes me laugh every time. The picture below is at mile 8.5. I was feeling really good at this point, even high-fiving my peeps. Notice that I am running with a group of people. at this point there were probably 50 of us in the group(that's Katherine carrying the sign).I made it to the half way point in 2 hours 29 minutes. We were right on pace. We lost most of our group at the halfway point because most of the people were doing the half marathon. Our group shrank to about 15-20. Halfway through (13.1 miles)and I felt really good. This is where I made my one pit stop, a little to much Gatorade perhaps.

We then headed down towards City park, which again makes me think of the time Sadie jumped in the lagoon there, that makes me laugh too. I was feeling good when we reached the park. At about mile 16 I started to feel a little pain. Mile 18 I started to hurt. I carried that hurt with me the rest of the way. I stopped for a minute at mile 20 to stretch for a minute. It's OK, that was a planned stop. I got fluids and gel from Crawford and Bern and spent the next mile catching up to the ever shrinking 5 hour group. I caught them at mile 21.

The picture below is at mile 22. The group is much smaller now. Everyone was hurting here but everyone was being really positive. One of the things that I enjoyed was the camaraderie that developed. People who had never seen each other before were constantly encouraging new friends. It was great to see people supporting each other like this. It made a big difference in my day. Had I done this alone I may have finished, but there is no way I would have finished under 5 hours. At this point every part of my body was hurting but I had decided that there was no way in hell that i would stop. At mile 24 we were down to a group of 3. Our fearless leader, me, and the lady with the doo-rag(I don't remember her name). But doo-rag began to fade a bit. So, It was just the 2 of us as we reached mile 25. Katherine said she was gonna walk through the last water station to help doo-rag. She told me that if I was feeling good that I should just keep running to the finish. I said OK(that's all the words I had energy to muster). Below is me, alone, just after mile 25. Here I had one mile to go. I spent the last mile thinking about everything I have been through in the last couple months. I thought about the highs and lows. I thought about the brightness of the future and what it will bring. I thought about all of the hard work and training I put into this race. I thought about the commitment I made and how, even though every step hurt, I was glad that I was doing this.


Then, about a half mile from the finish, I didn't notice the pain anymore(but believe me, it was there). All I could think about was me and the rapidly approaching finish line. I knew I was going to finish. The thought of finishing what I started 6 months ago was almost overwhelming. From running 3 miles a few months ago, to 26.2 yesterday was an amazing thought. To know that the farthest I had ever run was 20 miles a few weeks ago to 6 more than that in the race was an awesome thought. I looked down at my watch, looked up to see how close I was to the Superdome, looked at my watch again then said to myself, "i got this". I knew I was getting close to going under 5 hours, I thought I needed to pick up my pace just a little to make sure. In my head I could feel that I was pushing harder but my body didn't seem to be moving any faster. About a quarter mile to the finish I could finally tell I was moving faster As I approached the finish The PA announcer announced my name, I wasn't expecting that, and that's when I knew I was there. I ran across the line and smiled for the first time in miles. I bowed my head and some guy put my finishers medal on me.

Then I stumbled around for a few minutes. I congratulated some of the people who I ran with, some finished ahead of me others behind, and thanked Katherine for her help.

I thought to myself how in many ways I was glad I crossed the line by myself. I thought how I was glad that my support team hadn't made it to the finish line in time to see me cross. I could not have made through the race with out them and it would have been great to have them there yelling for me at the end, but this race was a very personal quest and achievement. I did this for me and now I know what I can do. I know that I can handle the tough times. I know that i can continue on through the pain because there is joy at the end. I learned a lot yesterday.

So I finished my first marathon yesterday. 4 hours, 58minutes,35 seconds.
Maybe I'll do another one some time, we'll see .

THANK YOU
Thank you to my race day support team and to all of you who have been sending me emails and texts.

Special thanks to Crawford and Bern, Having you there was awesome. good work on the signs. my favorite was the one about Sadie chasing the Squirrel.

Uncle Brian- Thanks for coming in, I really appreciate it. You can run with me next year.

Aunt Wanda- It was a surprise to see you and it really picked up my spirits to see you.

Elizabeth- It always makes me smile to see you, I'm glad you came.

Steve- you might have been the loudest of the group, but that wouldn't surprise anyone who knows you. You are a great brother and I really appreciate you being there.

Tom- Thanks for not falling asleep during the race

Mom- Thanks for being there, as you always are. What else can I say

Special thanks to my training partners Sadie and Lily for getting me through those tough training runs.

And finally, Thanks K, for all the times you believed in me and told that I could do anything. Thank You!

Drums please!

I did it! the goal was to do it in less than 5 hours. I did it in 4 hours 58 minutes and 35 seconds. I'll write the full story tonight, after the SuperBowl, or tomorrow morning. But The good news is in, I DID IT!

Pre-Race Thoughts

So it seems that by this time tomorrow(Sunday) I will have completed my 1st marathon. Hopefully that will be true. The other option will be that I attempted my 1st marathon. As you can see, attempted and completed are not the same thing.

I'm trying to stay positive and I keep reminding myself about all of the training miles and hours I've put into this. But, I'm still hampered by the thoughts that my last 3 weeks of training were not very good and that I've been ill lately. I feel much better now but worry that the loss of energy will hurt me tomorrow.

I have put a lot of pressure on myself to complete this marathon. I have made it, in my mind, into a make or break moment in my life. I have attached extra significance to this race that I should let go of. It's not make or break, it's not do or die, it's just a marathon. It's just me testing myself to see how far I can go. Hopefully, I will go 26.2 miles. Tomorrow is a big day, and I hope to look back on it and gain confidence from the accomplishment, but this is not the defining moment in my life. I am going through that defining moment right now, but this race is not it, just a part of it.

The defining moment is how I choose to live my life everyday, not just marathon day. I choose to live my days the same way I'm going to live tomorrow, living life on my terms, being open and honest, overcoming challenges, persevering, enjoying the moment and looking forward to a bright future that has already begun.

I don't know how tomorrow is going to turn out, I wish I did. But no matter what happens I will end the day knowing that I gave it my all, and really, what more could I do than that?





Check back Sunday night to find out how it turned out. If there is no post then check back on Monday. I'm taking off that day, a present to myself. And thanks to all of you who have been emailing me and texting words of encouragement, y'all rock my socks!

A Final word and then running stuff

Just a quick final word about my previous two posts. I meant them both. I nearly deleted them both but this blog really is a chronicle of my life and I don't want to act like that part of my life doesn't exist. But, I won't have much to say about it from here on out. The End.

So, the marathon is Sunday. I gotta tell you, I'm pretty worried at this point. I've put in a lot of training but the last couple weeks haven't been that great. I've really been drained lately. I think I'm gonna try some B-12 supplements this week. I hate to start something new right now but I gotta get some pep in my step.

I'm putting a plan together for my support team. I'm trying to figure out what intervals to space them out at and how to coordinate getting them the stuff that they are going to give me during the race. I'm also a little concerned because the race starts at 7 am. I thought it started at 8. That means I'm gonna need to get up at like 4:30 or so, then drive down, park, figure out how to get my Gatorade and gels to my support peeps, loosen up, and run. If I stay in BR it'll be an hour and 15-30 minute drive, and I guess I'll drive it alone, which means I'll have to drive myself home. I'm sure I'll be able to drive but I know I'm gonna be hurting.

I could stay in Slidell Saturday night, but I don't sleep as well there. But, I could get a ride to the race from my folks. Problem is, I would have to got back to Slidell after the race. In that case I would probably drive back to BR on Monday(yes, I'm taking Monday off). Don't worry I'll get it figured out.

The fact that I feel like I have no energy is what really has me worried though. I'll just have to keep reminding myself to slow down and take it easy. As much as I would love to finish in under 5 hours I see that the biggest goal is just to finish. I can always get better. Right now I just need to finish.

So, now you know my thoughts about the upcoming marathon(this Sunday morning). I know I'll have lots more thoughts on it as it closer. I'm sure I'll have a lengthy post on Friday or Saturday as the nervous energy (or overwhelming fear) builds up.

Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted.

Another milestone day

Hooray for Lily! she ran her 1st 3 mile run today. The 3 of us headed out and I initially planned to just take them for the 1st 2 miles but as it was nice and cool out I thought she would be able to handle it. She did great. She pulls a good bit and is still scared of almost everything but the kid has stamina. When we got back she headed straight to the water bowl and drank half of a full bowl(it's a big bowl). Then, she and Sadie both found comfortable places to lay down and relax. Sadie on the couch, Lily on my bed(her favorite place in the house) .

She must know I'm talking about her because she's trying to climb up on me and lick my face as I'm typing this. What a mess, these dogs are just fuzzy angels I guess(or is it tired angels, I forget the lyrics)

Yes, the angel thing is an inside joke. That one was just for you;)

I'll probably come back later tonight or tomorrow to update you all on my training and how I am doing with things. Take care friends, and please remain prayerful.

Yours truly,
Sadie and Lily's pack leader. AKA- the Alpha Male.

Cramping my style

I talk a lot about overcoming barriers in my posts. I know I have many to overcome and I truly look forward to the challenge and am confident that I will overcome those barriers. However, I've got one that is truly owning me right now. It's bringing me down and destroying my life. The cramp that I developed in my left calf at mile 19 on Sundays long run came back today.

I was doing a tempo run(faster pace)today and at mile 4 it reared its ugly head, and man did it hurt. It is super frustrating because I was supposed to be doing 8 miles today. I got through 5 but did not want to risk doing any real harm 2 1/2 weeks before the race.

I don't know what to do about it. Should I run less, stretch more, use Icy-Hot? This is terrible timing.

Keith and Julie, please feel free to give any advice on this matter. You're sort of my marathon advisers.

My biggest worry is that if I don't get this resolved soon that it will be a lingering thought in the back of my head on race day. That could create major problems if i'm thinking about that while running for 5 hours.

This is not what I need right now. I could totally use some type of ego boost right now.

This is totally "cramping" my style

3 weeks to 26.2

I figure I should keep you all updated on my marathon training. I have just under 3 weeks left until the big day(Sunday, Feb. 1). Sunday, 2 days ago, I did my final 20 miler of the training regimen. It went very well. I finished it in 4 hours 20 minutes. But, I stopped for about 4 minutes after every five miles to stretch and let the dogs in/out of the house. So, I guess I could cut that down to actually 4 hours and 5 minutes of running.

All was not perfect though, at mile 19 I started having a lot of tightness in my left calf. The cramping was manageable and I finished running 20 but It has me a little concerned as I am not sure if I could have made it to 26 with that pain in my leg, which I am sure would have only gotten worse.

On the other hand, I am optimistic that I will be able to avoid this situation again. I think the cramp was largely due to lack of hydration. I hydrated well on the run but I know that the 2 weeks prior to this run my hydration has been not so good. I think if I get back into good hydration habits from now until the race I will be in good shape.

I am a little concerned about the distance. But, I know that I have been training hard for this and have put in a lot of miles to get me to this point. I know that those miles will get me through the 26.2 on Feb. 1st.

Some people have asked me if I think I can run the whole way or if I am going to walk some. The answer is that I plan to run the whole thing and I hope to do it in under 5 hours. This is a lofty goal for a 1st timer, but I think it is a reasonable goal and one that if I focus and work hard, that I can reach. I can not pretend to know what will happen during the race. I may be out of it by mile 10 or I may finish 20 minutes faster than expected. What I do know is that I have a singular vision to run the entire race and to finish. If it takes more than 5 hours that will be OK. What matters to me most is to overcome the obstacles and to finish what I've started.

I WILL run the entire 26.2.
It WILL hurt, but it WILL be done.

sometimes I go to far.

Sometimes I say more than I probably should. Sometimes I might push people a little too far or even over the edge. I have done this twice in the last couple weeks.
There is a time and place for everything, but there are somethings that just can't wait.
This past week I was overwhelmed with emotion and felt like I had no where to release it. I felt consumed by my thoughts and feelings and could not focus on anything else. So, when I got the opportunity I unloaded on one of my best friends and think I might have said too much.

But, as I said, I couldn't hold it in anymore. It had to come out. I feel bad for crossing the comfort line but I feel very good for speaking open and honestly about the mistakes I have made and haven't made.

It feels good to be open and honest. Most of you already know that. I have always known that but have struggled with it at times, usually to save myself from embarrassment. I am relearning the old saying that honesty is the best policy.

I have gone too far with lies and I do not like where it has lead me. Though it is hard to face the truth sometimes, and though I know that it will sometimes hurt to say it, and hurt others to hear it, I recognize that that pain passes much faster than the pain of lies and deceit.

Friends, I encourage you to be open and honest with the ones you love.

Billy Joel penned the lyric "Honesty is such a lonely word, but mostly what I need from you". I couldn't agree more. To be honest is very scary when you are admitting to wrong doing and when you know that it will hurt someone. It hurts because you know that you have caused that pain. No one else, just you. The Loneliness that comes from causing pain like that hurts like none other. But I hope we have learned that in honesty that pain and loneliness is temporary. It can also help build a foundation of trust and respect. Nothing is worth more than that. Trust me on that one.

There is no feeling like knowing you have nothing to hide. I wish I would've arrived at this point years ago. I knew it then but still feared the embarrassment that the truth would bring. I don't have that fear today. But I do fear that I pushed a friend that I dearly care about away. I hope I am wrong about that. Sometimes I go too far.

Sometimes I go too far, sometimes I am too open and too honest. I have been guilty of this lately. Though that might cause me some problems I will take it over holding things in and lying any day. No, I'm still not perfect, but I am learning.

Sometimes I go too far.

A Measure of Me

I came across a quote today that I had heard before but haven't thought about in a while. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said,

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

and it seemed to resonate with me today differently than it had in the past. In the past I lived in comfort and convenience, today I feel like I am in the eye of the storm of challenge and controversy. My life has been far from perfect and anyone and everyone who knows me can tell at least one story of a "mistake" I have made. But, I am beginning to realize that my ultimate measurement is is that of a good man. I know that I can not change the way others see and perceive me. I can not change the fact that I have hurt people or let people down in the past. I can change what i do and what I think. I used to look at myself in the mirror and think how imperfect I am, and I am, but now I look in the mirror and see a heart that is sincere about being better everyday, being more caring and compassionate every day, being in tune with the ones I love. Most importantly, I know that I can face and overcome the greatest obstacles and challenges that appear before me.
Though I have not always been, I know and view myself to be an open and honest man. I feel like I have nothing to hide and no reason to hide anything. Yes, I feel shame for things I have done and for hurting people in the past but that is in the past and I have learned that I do not want to live that way or make those mistakes again. I might, but I will try with all my heart not to by keeping myself out of situations that present the opportunities to fall short of my goal.

A little better everyday, that's all I can try to do. I may have set backs along the way, but the goal does not change and neither does my value. some may measure me as a good man. Some may not. I recognize that I have left a lot of room for improvement. I just know that I will try with all the strength I can muster to be better tomorrow than I was today.

This is definitely a time of challenge for me. Sometimes I don't feel up to it, but I will not give up. I can not give up. The prize is just too damn important to me.

you never forget the first time

Today is a big day in our house. Lily became a runner today. Today was the first time that she got to go for a run with Sadie and I. She did great. She ran 1.5 miles. I'm so proud of her.

Lily came to us in June. My mothers neighbor found her running the streets of New Orleans East, with no apparent home, and brought her to his house. But, He already has 2 full grown German Shepherds and his wife was about to give birth to a baby. The house was to crowded. K and I were staying at my moms house for an extra, unplanned, day. I'm glad we stayed, that's the first time we met Lily.

We wanted a second dog to keep Sadie company while we were gone. We figured it would be a good idea to get one during the summer so she would have plenty of time to get used to us before school started again. And, since we were moving into a bigger house with a huge yard the time just felt right.

The first night we had her we had our doubts. She wouldn't come near us and she wouldn't sleep. Of course not, she was in a strange environment with strange people. After a couple days she started sitting by us on the couch. Now, she tries to lay on me when I'm laying on the bed.

I assume she was about 4 months old when we got her. Now she would be around11 months, I guess. because it's been a little rainy I haven't let them out in the yard as much the last couple days. I could tell she was restless today. So, with a little over a mile left on my 8 mile run I went inside and put their leashes and harnesses on. I knew Sadie would run with me but wasn't sure about Lily. For the most part she did what Sadie did. It was the first time she ran with me and she did great.

She is still a nervous dog, and very shy, but she is a lot like me, getting better all the time. It has been great to watch her come out of her shell. Like her mom, K, she has a wonderful personality and it makes me happy to see it come out.

Lily is a great dog, in fact, she's an angel and I am so proud of her. I am proud of Lily and Sadie, and of their lady who brought them into my life.

Congratulations Lily, I look forward to many more of your firsts, and many more runs with you.

1-800...........

Is it possible for me to run 190 miles in the next 3 days? Hells no! But, today is special because I went over the 800 mile mark for the year. After todays 16 miler I have officially logged 810 miles for the year. Though I will not be reaching my initial goal of 1000 I am very happy with what I have accomplished. I will set next years goal at either 1000 or maybe 1200, I'm not sure yet. I have just over a month until the marathon. I am very excited and confident but it still makes me nervous. I ran 20 miles last week but was short a marathon by 6 miles. I really need to make the next month count in terms of my workouts, rest, and nutrition. Starting today everything thing needs to be focused on how it will prepare me for the race. If it won't help me, I ain't doin it. That might be my new motto in life.

On the personal level I am doing fairly well. I am working to make myself a better version of me. I can sum it up in the words of a song by The Blind Boys of Alabama, "I ain't what I ought to be, but I'm better than I used to be, and I'm gettin' better all the time".

The important thing in life isn't to be perfect, it's to see where you can improve and do something about it. That's where I am right now, doing something about it. I know I can overcome the obstacles in my life. I've now got 810 reasons behind me to prove it.

He's going the distance....

He's (not) going for speed.

I made it through 18 miles today. It took a little over 4 hours. I think I figured out the hydration/nutrition issue. that seems to have helped today. I still should have had a more energy producing dinner last night. I'm getting all the kinks worked out. However, my shoes are killing me. I went to the local running store earlier this week and they didn't have the shoes I want in my size so they ordered them for me. They New Nike Air Pegasus 25's should be in any minute now, I can't wait.

I crossed the 700 mile mark for the year. I'm now at 714 miles. Those of you who look at the stat tracker at the bottom of this page know that my goal was to get to 1000 miles, but it ain't gonna happen. But, I am happy that I will be able to break 800 miles(knock on wood). I'm averaging 25 miles a week with 4 1/2 weeks to go. that should put me around 830ish for the year.

On an unrelated note, this is the last day of my Thanksgiving break. I'm not looking forward to doing lesson plans tonight or going to school tomorrow. On the bright side, it's only 3 weeks till Christmas break. Christmas break means we're halfway to summer break( you gotta keep things in perspective). It's good to be a teacher

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Thanks to my friends and family, I appreciate your efforts this week.