These past few months have been a little rough on me. There is light at the end of the tunnel though.
Let's recap:
October 23rd, 2011 -- 3rd degree ankle Sprain
October 29th, 2011 -- My baby boy Blake was Born (YAY! such a blessing); the hard part was that I had a 3rd degree ankle sprain and my poor wife had to not only take care of Blake, but help me out too. Thank God for family, they really helped us out.
November 13th, 2011 -- go to doctor for back flank pain, crazy pain. (pain ends up going away after a day or two!)
December 23rd, 2011 -- go to doctor for same reason and blood in urine.
January 5th, 2012 -- see Urologist...says I have a large kidney stone.
January 10th, 2012 -- Kidney Stone surgery to remove stone -- surgery failed, stent placed - ouch.
January 20th, 2012 -- Kidney Stone surgery again to remove stone -- success! Stone was 1cm -- (cut the tip of your pinky finger off at the back of fingernail..that's how big). Stent placed - still ouch.
-upcoming- January 31st, 2012 -- scheduled to have stent removed! YAY!
So, yes, it's been a rough last few months.
There have been many blessings though and I'd be a fool to not mention those!
-- October 29th - My firstborn Blake arrived!
-- January 4th - had a CT scan that only found one stone and the rest of my organs look good! :)
-- January 20th - went to my first Trader Joe's and fell in love with the place.
-- Since January 4th -- completely changed my diet and trying to vegetarian type of meals - only eating meat three times a week.
-- Since starting my latest weight loss challenge, I've lost 15.8 lbs. Feel pretty good about it.
-- My ankle has been through physical therapy and I have the go ahead to workout and start introducing it to maybe a little running (once the stent is out).
-- Met my brand new niece Poppy!
So, in all the bad...there is always good!
12.14.2011
Its more than just a run...
There is a huge difference between those that are “running to get in shape”, “running because everyone else is doing it”, or even “runners who only go for medals” – they all differ from the runner who runs simply because he/she loves running.
There is a connection from the other “categories” I put down to those that simply love running, but it takes time to get to that point I think.
I think I get lost sometimes. I started out running because I was fat, out of shape, and due to an ankle break – I was itching to do some kind of activity and running was the only thing that my newly healed ankle would do. It was then that I learned of my love for running. I am re-living that ankle thing right now with a 3rd degree sprain. I am so close to be able to get to a light jog though - I can't wait!
Running may seem pointless to some. I've heard it said, "why run, you're not going anywhere!". That's not always true, but when you do go out to run and end back up at the spot you left from - all you did was run, right?!
Wrong! It's more than just a run.
I don't know how many times I have solved problems, came up with awesome ideas, and even written a blog post out in my head when I'm on a run. There's also those times where you... [this is going to sound a bit tree-hugger like]... feel one with the outdoors. There can be cars going by you or people in your way on the sidewalk [if you run on sidewalks, I don't typically], but still you can see the world with a different perspective. Maybe it's because I'm going at a slower pace than when I'm in a car.
Being outdoors opens you up to creativity, but that is still not my point.
I run because I love to do it. Of course I enjoy the occasional medal, the race swag, the commradery, but even without it - running is freeing.
It is hard work, but so are most things that I encounter on a day-to-day basis. It takes time, but so does watching t.v. or playing xbox360. It requires discipline, however, running may have taught me discipline.
Now that I'm this far in the post - I don't even know if I've made sense, let alone make any point.
So here is my point.
Running for me, and probably some of you, is more than just "going out for a run". It's a time for me to think, create and learn. By the time I get back from my run, no matter the distance, I have accomplished something for the day already. Most people feel as if they accomplish nothing day-in-day-out - not the runner. Running exercises not just the body, but the whole self. Discipline, positive self-image and thoughts, follow-through & execution, a sense of accomplishment, self-perspective, the ability to push yourself past pre-set limitations, and an ability to listen to your body -- these are all benefits of running.
It may be scary for some of you though, running in many cases - is a solo activity. It may require you to be alone with yourself. Some people are probably more scared of being alone with themself than the actually running part. In those times though, knowing and figuring out who you are can lead you to discovering who you can and were meant to be.
So, while some may say it's nothing more than a run - it's actually much more than a run. As cliche' as this may sound...
It's more than just a run, it's a way of life.
I cannot wait to get back to running. So, until I come up with some more running and fitness posts - I will provide my life posts.
Here is the cutest little boy I've ever seen...and yes, he's mine :)
There is a connection from the other “categories” I put down to those that simply love running, but it takes time to get to that point I think.
I think I get lost sometimes. I started out running because I was fat, out of shape, and due to an ankle break – I was itching to do some kind of activity and running was the only thing that my newly healed ankle would do. It was then that I learned of my love for running. I am re-living that ankle thing right now with a 3rd degree sprain. I am so close to be able to get to a light jog though - I can't wait!
Running may seem pointless to some. I've heard it said, "why run, you're not going anywhere!". That's not always true, but when you do go out to run and end back up at the spot you left from - all you did was run, right?!
Wrong! It's more than just a run.
I don't know how many times I have solved problems, came up with awesome ideas, and even written a blog post out in my head when I'm on a run. There's also those times where you... [this is going to sound a bit tree-hugger like]... feel one with the outdoors. There can be cars going by you or people in your way on the sidewalk [if you run on sidewalks, I don't typically], but still you can see the world with a different perspective. Maybe it's because I'm going at a slower pace than when I'm in a car.
Being outdoors opens you up to creativity, but that is still not my point.
I run because I love to do it. Of course I enjoy the occasional medal, the race swag, the commradery, but even without it - running is freeing.
It is hard work, but so are most things that I encounter on a day-to-day basis. It takes time, but so does watching t.v. or playing xbox360. It requires discipline, however, running may have taught me discipline.
Now that I'm this far in the post - I don't even know if I've made sense, let alone make any point.
So here is my point.
Running for me, and probably some of you, is more than just "going out for a run". It's a time for me to think, create and learn. By the time I get back from my run, no matter the distance, I have accomplished something for the day already. Most people feel as if they accomplish nothing day-in-day-out - not the runner. Running exercises not just the body, but the whole self. Discipline, positive self-image and thoughts, follow-through & execution, a sense of accomplishment, self-perspective, the ability to push yourself past pre-set limitations, and an ability to listen to your body -- these are all benefits of running.
It may be scary for some of you though, running in many cases - is a solo activity. It may require you to be alone with yourself. Some people are probably more scared of being alone with themself than the actually running part. In those times though, knowing and figuring out who you are can lead you to discovering who you can and were meant to be.
So, while some may say it's nothing more than a run - it's actually much more than a run. As cliche' as this may sound...
It's more than just a run, it's a way of life.
I cannot wait to get back to running. So, until I come up with some more running and fitness posts - I will provide my life posts.
Here is the cutest little boy I've ever seen...and yes, he's mine :)
9.08.2011
Run Art - FIDO the dog. Almost hit by car.
I don't have a lot of time to blog so let's get to the point.
Yesterday, I was super busy and didn't get to run. So busy in fact, that I forgot and missed a meeting - oops!
I was so excited to post my latest RUN ART and didn't get to yesterday - I didn't even get to run it. BUT today I did get to!
So, here goes it - This is my Run Art of "FIDO", the road dog.
FIDO covered almost 6 miles of road canvas. I went ahead and finished the .2 miles to make it an even 6 miles. I ran it in 58 minutes. Slow, but getting to my old form!
Also, some idiot almost hit me with their car when they ran a stop sign. Thank you God for quick reflexes and the ability to jump when I need to. Whew! Very close.
Yesterday, I was super busy and didn't get to run. So busy in fact, that I forgot and missed a meeting - oops!
I was so excited to post my latest RUN ART and didn't get to yesterday - I didn't even get to run it. BUT today I did get to!
So, here goes it - This is my Run Art of "FIDO", the road dog.
FIDO covered almost 6 miles of road canvas. I went ahead and finished the .2 miles to make it an even 6 miles. I ran it in 58 minutes. Slow, but getting to my old form!
Also, some idiot almost hit me with their car when they ran a stop sign. Thank you God for quick reflexes and the ability to jump when I need to. Whew! Very close.
9.05.2011
Steak Picnic. Self-Doubt. 3D imaging of Baby Boy
Today, I didn't do a whole lot. It was in fact a holiday and all - so why would I?!
It was a good day though today. I think I ate more than I should, but that's done with so no fretting about that. My wife and I thought that it would be a good opportunity, being a gorgeous day, to go to the park and cook-out. We figured that it'd be pretty busy there and that the shelters would be rented out, but when we got there -- it was just us. It was nice.
It wasn't a regular picnic either - we thought we'd grill steaks and corn on the cob. That's how we roll. I found a REALLY good dry rub recipe for the steaks and after getting the grill worked up just right (in the not-to-helpful wind), everything cooked beautifully. I think the steaks may have been the best ones that I have ever made, so flavorful!
Anyways, the food was really good and the weather was pretty awesome! That's always a positive.
After eating such an awesome meal - I hadn't fogotten that I still had my run to do today. I had to wear a long sleeve shirt for this run! It's strange that a couple days ago - it was 90 degrees in the evening and tonight, after I finished my run - it was barely 60 degrees. I did enjoy the cool air.
I decided to do more speedwork for a mental push tonight. The schedule said 3 miles, but in the back of my head - I know that I need speed work and I really am not fond of distances over 2 miles on the track. Being that it was so late and dark, I just went down to the high school track for my run.
Tonight's run was pretty good though. Even though I didn't go all that far on the track - there were times on the track when I just wanted to stop.
ONE thing that I need to work on is getting past the 'wanting to stop' mentallity and so what I did was...of course, I sped up the pace. I needed to show myself that I can maintain a faster pace than what I'm doing.
This Half Marathon is starting to play with my mind. I KNOW THAT I CAN DO IT, but I keep doubting myself. I keep thinking about a post I once wrote talking about Self-Doubt killing the Runner.
The funny thing is about the past 'Self-Doubt' post is that I was training for a half-marathon then too, just shy of a year ago (had to settle for the 10k due to move).
I was proud of that 10 mile run - it took a lot out of me to do it. I know that I don't need a ten mile run for me to believe that I can run this Half Marathon on the 24th, but mentally, as I said before - I need to be at a better place to enjoy the race and not just fear it.
That's what I'm working on...and some more RunArt. I've worked up Wednesday's run already - and it is probably the coolest run I'll have taken up to that point. I'm ready for Wednesday's run!
This has nothing to do with running - but definately with my life. I think I may have my hands full with our first child due in November.
Would you say that he wasn't too fond of getting his picture taken??
It was a good day though today. I think I ate more than I should, but that's done with so no fretting about that. My wife and I thought that it would be a good opportunity, being a gorgeous day, to go to the park and cook-out. We figured that it'd be pretty busy there and that the shelters would be rented out, but when we got there -- it was just us. It was nice.
It wasn't a regular picnic either - we thought we'd grill steaks and corn on the cob. That's how we roll. I found a REALLY good dry rub recipe for the steaks and after getting the grill worked up just right (in the not-to-helpful wind), everything cooked beautifully. I think the steaks may have been the best ones that I have ever made, so flavorful!
Anyways, the food was really good and the weather was pretty awesome! That's always a positive.
After eating such an awesome meal - I hadn't fogotten that I still had my run to do today. I had to wear a long sleeve shirt for this run! It's strange that a couple days ago - it was 90 degrees in the evening and tonight, after I finished my run - it was barely 60 degrees. I did enjoy the cool air.
I decided to do more speedwork for a mental push tonight. The schedule said 3 miles, but in the back of my head - I know that I need speed work and I really am not fond of distances over 2 miles on the track. Being that it was so late and dark, I just went down to the high school track for my run.
Tonight's run was pretty good though. Even though I didn't go all that far on the track - there were times on the track when I just wanted to stop.
ONE thing that I need to work on is getting past the 'wanting to stop' mentallity and so what I did was...of course, I sped up the pace. I needed to show myself that I can maintain a faster pace than what I'm doing.
This Half Marathon is starting to play with my mind. I KNOW THAT I CAN DO IT, but I keep doubting myself. I keep thinking about a post I once wrote talking about Self-Doubt killing the Runner.
The funny thing is about the past 'Self-Doubt' post is that I was training for a half-marathon then too, just shy of a year ago (had to settle for the 10k due to move).
I was proud of that 10 mile run - it took a lot out of me to do it. I know that I don't need a ten mile run for me to believe that I can run this Half Marathon on the 24th, but mentally, as I said before - I need to be at a better place to enjoy the race and not just fear it.
That's what I'm working on...and some more RunArt. I've worked up Wednesday's run already - and it is probably the coolest run I'll have taken up to that point. I'm ready for Wednesday's run!
This has nothing to do with running - but definately with my life. I think I may have my hands full with our first child due in November.
Would you say that he wasn't too fond of getting his picture taken??
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