Onward and Upward

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

- Bo Jackson

Fear can either defeat you, or be the greatest motivating force in your life. Two years ago, I crossed a start line knowing in my heart that I would cross the finish line. Seventeen miles into that endeavor I would twist my ankle and suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. It was a difficult pain to endure, and yet not as difficult as the pain of seeing my finish line from aboard a bus. Fast forward 2 years, and today I found myself once again facing the idea of the start line for the 2018 Disney Full Marathon.

Nerves consumed me as I filled out the application, and hesitation came when it was time to push the button that would reveal a page that said congratulations you have been registered. Now comes the part where everyone tells me how tough it is. Now comes the part where everyone says wow you are crazy. But more importantly, now comes the time when I tell you what I have faced in the last two years and what will get me ready to see the fireworks at the start line.

Many of you know that in 2011 I decided that I was going to take on the challenge of running a half marathon. I never intended to do anything but finish, just so that I can say to myself that I did it. It was one of the most important challenges I had given myself up to that point. It was me against myself in a battle of will. Fast forward to 2017 and I am getting ready to suit up for my 7^th Half Marathon.

As if running wasn’t challenge enough, I decided to motivate myself by raising funds for Give Kids the World. I wasn’t sure how much we would raise or if anyone would even respond. Today I write this having raised over $7,500 in the last 7 years. It is a cause that has become dear to me and everyone who has followed my journey through the years. The drive and desire I have seen from those kids, shows that the human spirit can triumph over the greatest of foes, as long as you are willing to fight the fight.

I have never been the model of physical fitness, I was always the chubby kid who was content to be a sports enthusiast as opposed to an athlete. As a grown man of 34, I now realize that I must set an example for my son, so that he realizes that anything can happen if you put in the work. I write this to you as a full time employee, part time student, and most importantly a full time dad. It is up to me how long I can be there for my family and that begins with making sure that I am in good health. For this reason I have dedicated myself to lose weight this year, as I train for this race, and get in possibly the best shape of my life.

I am committing to writing a blog as I go through this journey in case anyone is interested in following. I will do my best to keep you up to date with how my weight loss, training, and just about every other aspect of my life is doing. I hope that this journey will be cathartic for me, and I look forward to having you along for the ride. All of this has been a verbose way of saying that I am taking on the 2018 Disney Full Marathon, and this time, the finish line and I will meet!

If you have a dream, a passion, or anything that you have been wanting to do, don’t wait! Take the steps to make your dreams a reality, and if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.  Follow along as I become the best version of myself that I can be.

Onward and Upward,

Mike