1,000 Miles In 1 Year

100 Mile Marker

2012-02-19T14:34:00.000-08:00

This morning I officially broke through the 100 mile marker during my 7 mile training run. After my run, I finished with 101.65 miles, totalling 20 hours, 34 minutes and 19 seconds of training. As I work towards the first long race of the season, the Nutri-Run 20K (12.4 miles) on March 24, I have a packed week ahead of me. This week I am scheduled for 24 miles including an 8 miler on Saturday. Each week with the exception of the weekend of the Arnold Sports Festival's 5K, I will be adding one mile a week to my long runs. By the time the 20K rolls around I will have gotten up to the 10 mile mark on Saturdays. It is a matter of maintaining and adjusting the mileage through to the Indy Mini the first weekend in May.

During my training this morning, I was rather shocked, albeit happy, to know that as I ended my run and after, I wasn't running short on breath. In fact, I have to say that cardiovascularly, I am right where I want to be. It is only a matter of working on strengthening my legs and the continual conditioning, and I will be back to my old form. At which point, I will start working on increasing my speed. As I have said before, I am a very goal orientated and driven individual. My goal for the Indy Mini is rather simple, to beat my previous half marathon time of 02:33:10. After Indianapolis, I will have four and a half months of preparation leading up to the Fort4Fitness half marathon and the Chicago Marathon. As I prepare for these races, I will be working on my speed, and currently have a goal of 02:15:00 (5.82mph or a 10:19 mile) for the half marathon, and 04:45:00 (5.52mph or a 10:52 mile).

So, until then, the training continues...

Total Mileage: 101.65

A Goal Visited

2012-02-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

A thought occurred to me this afternoon. From the beginning of my journey, I always said that I wanted my 1,000th mile to be at the finish line of the Chicago Marathon. I wanted the last mile to be at the end of the biggest goal. After much thought, I have changed my goal a bit.

Instead of finishing at the Chicago Marathon, I am going to bump it back to the weekend before, when the Fort4Fitness half marathon here in Fort Wayne will take place. A few factors went into my decision. Granted, adding an additional 34 miles throughout the training leading up to the Fort4Fitness will be a little tight, I decided that other factors tipped the scale in the decision making process.

First of all, the finish line would be in Fort Wayne, instead of Chicago. This way I can be among friends, family, co-workers, training partners and those from Turnstone, the ones that I am working this year for. It would also take a little bit of the pressure off of Chicago and the training leading up to Chicago. I try to never think about failing or falling short, but I know I can complete a half marathon, and I dont know what to expected with a full marathon. I would hate to not make it through the marathon, and fall short of the goal.

So, the new goal: Mile 1,000 will be the finish line of the Fort4Fitness half marathon.

Let the training continue...

Total Mileage: 91.86

Fanny Freezer 5K

2012-02-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I ran in the first of my 19 scheduled races for 2012, the Fanny Freezer 5K at Shoaff Park here in Fort Wayne. It certainly lived up to its name. After a few weeks with several mild days in the 40's and 50's, the temperature plummeted and we were greeted last night with another snow. Today started out sunny, and luckily the snow wasn't as bad at the park as I had thought. This was the first time I had ever run in below freezing weather (24 degrees roughly) and the first time in snow.

Even though I had 3 layers on both below and above waist, gloves and a hat, the wind sure had a biting cut, especially the stretch of the course that went directly into the wind. I believe though that the weather had a positive effect to my race, if only because I wanted to be done as soon as possible. I met and exceeded my goal speed, which is currently 5mph or a 12:00 mile.

It was great to get back into the races. This was my first one since the Fort4Fitness half marathon last September. I didn't realize how much I missed racing, and I am glad to know my next one is only 3 weeks away, the Arnold Sports Festival's 5K in Columbus, Ohio.

Tomorrow I will have a 6 mile training session. That will bring my 2012 total to just shy of 85 miles. Next Saturday I should mark my first 100 mile mark benchmark.

Until then, the training continues...

The Road to Chicago Begins

2012-02-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

The past week has been a very successful week. First off, the weather here in Fort Wayne has been amazing, especially for it being February. A few days in the 40's and 50's earlier this week in which I took full advantage of and hit Foster Park for a few 3+ miles run. It was nice to get outside and hit the pavement. Slowly but surely the speed is getting back to where it was last year.

Monday I received a message from my sponsor, Three Rivers Running Company. They had a few items for me to pick up. When I arrived there was a box which included 2 long sleeve shirts with their logo (which are very comfortable and great to train outside in during the cooler days), and a few pairs of shoes. Each pair of running shoes should last someone 500 miles, so in essence I had 1,000 miles in shoes. I am beyond grateful and humbled by all they have done. Anyone in the area that is a runner, or wants to be a runner, should definitely go to TRRC. They are an amazing company, with an awesome staff, and are ranked in the top 50 running stores in the country.

On Wednesday, February 1, registration for the Chicago Marathon opened. Within 3 days, 30,000 participants have entered the fastest in their history. With only 45,000 spots opened, the need to register was great. Along comes Mama and Papa Johns, my partner's parents. Friday afternoon they registered me for the Chicago Marathon as their way to support me in my goal this year. "Thank You" cannot begin to express the deep appreciation and gratitude I have. To Diana and JJ, I am extremely grateful for your generosity. Thank you!

The weather in Indiana is temperamental to say the least. It has a history of having a roller coaster weather pattern. After a few beautiful days, Saturday came and piled a few inches of snow overnight. Luckily it melted relatively quickly, and even though the ground is still covered, the pavement is cleared. Today, it is another sunny and beautiful day. Not knowing what the weather will be, I took matters into my own hands, and invested in a treadmill for the house. This morning I broke it in with a good 5 mile run at my minimum benchmark speed. It is nice to have the convenience, and it will definitely get abused this year.

In 6 days, I will be in the first race of the season, the Fanny Freezer 5K up in Shoaff Park here in Fort Wayne. I miss the racing, even though I never enter a race with a prayer of winning. Even though the winners of the races may be twice as fast, I have to say I believe I am twice as happy. With the race seasons starting, I ordered the first of my racing shirts. Being that the first few races of the season, as well as the last few races of the year, will be in cooler weather, I opted for a simple ringer shirt with my logo as well as the logos of Three Rivers Running Company and Turnstone. Down the road I will reorder a shirt for the races in spring through fall.

As of today, I have completed 65.35 miles. I am bearing down on the first milestone of my journey, the 100 mile mark. In a few weeks, I will celebrate this milestone.

Until then, the training continues. And now, I can officially say, "I am training for the Chicago Marathon." It has a nice ring to it.

50 Mile Marker

2012-01-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday, I marked my 50th mile on my journey of 1,000 miles. Although it may not seem like that much, being 4 weeks into the new year, I am right on track to where I want to be. The miles will really start to pile up come early spring, and by the time Chicago rolls around I will have made my goal.

It has been a very mild winter so far. Today it was in the 50s, which is saying something being that this is Indiana in January. I took full advantage of the break in the weather and hit Foster Park for a nice run in the unconventional winter weather.

January 23: Early morning 5K at the Y. Speed is not a factor that early!

January 24: Speed intervals at Cardinal Fitness.

January 25: 5K, making better time than earlier that week.

January 27: Bumped up my speed intervals from 2 miles to 30 minutes.

January 29: 4 mile run, marking my 50th mile at the end.

January 31: 3 mile run in Foster Park, taking full advantage of a beautiful January day!

11 days until the first race of the year, the Fanny Freezer 5K up at Shoaff Park here in Fort Wayne. In preparation, I ordered my first racing shirt to adverise my 1,000 mile goal and my partnerships with Three Rivers Running Company and Turnstone. Photos will be coming! Speaking of running gear, I got a nice surprise from my sponsor, Three Rivers Running Company. 2 long sleeve shirts and 2 pairs of shoes were waiting for me when I went in yesterday. I cant thank them enough for all they have done, its an awesome company with amazing individuals. To say I am honored and humbled is an understatement.

We are officially one month into the year. 53.04 miles down!

Week in Review

2012-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

The logging of miles has been slowly but surely. With the snow storms that have come through town as well as training with my personal trainer, Tyler (which had me barely able to walk without pain for a few days), I haven't put in the miles I had hoped for. However, ever the planner, refigured my mileage adding in the few races that I have been able to register for which has altered my calendar, I am still on track for Chicago.

January 12: 5K, not the best, but still under the 40 minute mark.

January 14, 2012: 4 Mile, cutting 4 minutes off of the previous 4 mile run.

January 15, 2012: 2 Mile Speed Intervals, prior to starting on my strength training to build strength back into my legs.

January 18, 2012: Lunchtime training at the Y, same day as my training with my personal trainer. My GPS signal went out as I was on the track and had to finish on the treadmill.

January 21, 2012: 5K, after having to take a few days off of training due to the pains received after training with my trainer, I got back and cut off a minute off of my 5K time. Slowly but surely I am getting my old running form back.

Now that the pains and aches are gone, this week I am hitting it hard. Going to add in another 14.2 miles in this week with a few sprints, 5Ks and a 4 Mile on Saturday. This will put me just shy of 50 miles for the year.

I am also registered for 2 more races for the year. Next month's Fanny Freezer 5K up in Shoaff Park and the Three Rivers Running Company's Hare & Hounds 5K in June. In a few weeks registration will open for the Chicago Marathon on February 1, 2012. Even though I am 10 miles shy of where I had originally planned on being so far, I have every intention of marking my 1,000 at the finish line.

Turnstone

2012-01-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I had a meeting with a few representatives from Turnstone, a local organization that assists those with disabilities. I got to tour their facilities and got to meet one of their coaches, Kevin, an amazing individual with spina bifida. They have health, wellness and sports programs for both kids and adults with disabilities. It was a great experience to visit an organization like Turnstone.

According to the CDC, obesity in children with disabilities is 38% higher than those without disabilities. This is attributed to factors such as medications, physical limitations, pain, lack of exercise, lack of accessible environments and lack of resources. This is where Turnstone comes in. They have the resources, the facilities and the programs to help, not only children, but anyone with disabilities. They have a health center with wheelchair accessible equipment, a gym, sports and recreational teams. Most of all, they have a place where these individuals can go to where they can feel accepted and to feel "normal".

I am proud to partner with Turnstone and to use my 1,000 miles as a way to raise funds for their incredible organization.

I have added a spot on the right hand side through FirstGiving to raise funds for Turnstone. Through all of 2012 and my 1,000 miles, I will be raising funds for the kids of Turnstone.

As I have stated, I wanted to raise awareness for childhood obesity. The people at Turnstone are an important part in this fight, especially with the disabled population. However, there is another reason why I am very proud to be working with Turnstone. My late Aunt Arlene was disabled, unable to walk. She was an amazing woman, and a hero to many. She passed away a few years ago, but I am a better person because I had her in my life.

This journey is now a way that I can pay tribute to my Aunt Arlene. I will reach my goal of 1,000 miles, I will raise awareness for childhood obesity, I will raise funds for Turnstone... I will also be able to pay tribute to my Aunt Arlene.

Some things don't work out the way you had originally anticipated. However, life has a funny way of taking us down a road we didn't expect to walk, but in the end, it was always meant to be.

Hitting the Pavement

2012-01-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I took advantage of the unusually mild January weather and went out to Foster Park to train, doing a 5K through the park.

Averaging the same speed as I did last week when I did a 5K on the indoor track at the Y, tomorrow I start turning attention to the strength training aspect to my running. After work I head off to Cardinal to do 2 miles of sprint intervals and off to the weights, working on my legs for the remainder of the hour I will be there.

Week One In The Books

2012-01-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Week one is officially in the books! On Thursday I went to the Y to do a two mile sprint interval training on the track. Now, I am not sure if my gps worked very well, because after the training I checked my speed and it was marginally faster than my walk. Maybe I am wrong? Its possible. After all, when I was working on my sprinting, I didnt do a lot of speed work. After the first few runs of the year I developed a quarter-sized blister on the ball of my right foot.

My speed intervals took place during my lunch hour at work. Following work I went to Cardinal to meet with my trainer, Tyler. We spent an hour working on strength training and started to set up a plan for the year. It was the first time since September that I did any strength training, and Friday did I feel it! I ended up taking Friday off to rest up for today, where I went back to Cardinal to do a 4 mile run.

Today was my longest run since the Fort4Fitness. The blister hampered my run a bit, the last mile or so I had to do a lot of walking. Having a blister on the ball of your foot for someone like me who runs on the ball, made for a slightly painful run. I am now resting up and taking tomorrow off. After coming home I had to wrap my foot up to protect it. Lets just say that a day off is much welcome and needed!

So now week one is officially in the books. I logged a total of 14.21 miles this week. This coming week I will be working on a few different aspects of my running. First, working on my speed, doing a few sprint intervals. Secondly, I am going to be working on strengthening my legs, incorporating leg specific strength training.

We are off to a strong start!

5K x 2

2012-01-04T16:34:00.000-08:00

It’s a funny thing about goals. Or should I say, about my goals. As I started this year, I did a 5K both yesterday and today, one on a treadmill the other on an indoor track. Now, earlier this year when I was in hardcore training for the Fort4Fitness, I would actually get upset at myself when I didn’t finish within 35 minutes. Now, as I have said before, it has been a few months since I seriously trained, and I realized that my speed had diminished somewhat. So, as I was on the treadmill and it became apparent that I wasn't going to finish within 35 minutes, I caught myself and readjusted my goal. My goal for now? 40 minutes, after all it’s only 5 minutes.

Now, I do have to make a comment. As I was doing my 5K on the indoor track, I started to appreciate hamsters and how they live. The track I was on is on the smaller side, 14 laps to equal a mile. So, it was roughly 43.5 laps. I had a moment of dizziness, though I don’t know if I can attribute that to the 44 circles I ran. Regardless, I am now up to 9.25 miles.

Tomorrow and Friday I will be doing 2 mile sprint intervals. On Saturday, I tackle a 4 mile before taking the first day off. I am looking forward to my day off, as I forgot the aches that come with starting up running.

Building Speed

2012-01-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

2 more miles under the belt. Headed to the gym this afternoon to do speed intervals before meeting with my personal trainer (which has been rescheduled for Thursday). If the weather would have cooperated, I would have loved to have hit the road again today. However, the high winds and the snow played against me.

Higher average mph than yesterday, which is to be expected with the speed intervals. Got up to 10.0 speed, hoping to work up to 12.0. Though, I wont push myself past my capabilities at the moment. This is a long journey, a marathon not a sprint. I want to do this smart, and not risk injury so early. Slow and steady as I build up mileage and speed.

1 Down, 999 To Go

2012-01-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I ran my inaugural mile to mark the start of my journey of 1,000 miles. It was nice to get out into the neighborhood and go for a run, even though it was chilly and rather windy. Though it was only one mile, I realized afterwards that I definitely need to work on my speed and endurance.

Averaging 4.87 mph to start the year off. Granted, I haven't done much running since the Fort4Fitness in September, but I didn't realize how much speed and endurance I would lose. I would like to get up to 6 mph, a 10 minute mile. That is my benchmark for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. 5 months until the first big race of the year. I was able to train for the F4F in 4 months, so I have no worries.

As for now, the year and the journey has started. I cant wait to see where this year will lead.

First Registrations Completed

2011-12-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

I am officially registered for the Arnold Sports Festival's 5K in Columbus, Ohio as well as the OneAmerica 500 Indianapolis Half Marathon. The Fort4Fitness Half Marathon opens registration on January 1 and the big one, the Chicago Marathon, will open registration on February 1. These four races, added to the 15 races sponsored by the Fort Wayne Track Club (which will include another half marathon), will make up about 10% of my 1,000 miles in 2012.

This afternoon I will hit the track at a local YMCA to continue my speed interval training in preparation for the new year. In a short 2 days the first inagural mile will mark the first step in a long journey. I am excited and nervous, but mostly anxious to start this journey.

Yesterday, I had a physical to make sure I was clear to do the training and the full marathon. Easily passed and was cleared to train. Now, the only thing left to do is to find the organization to donate to. This is proving to be more difficult than I had originally anticipated. I am talking with the YMCA and Parkview regarding a few of their programs that they offer, and will hope to know more the first week of 2012. I am hoping to finish this step so that I can start collecting donations, and solely concentrate on the running (which, ironically, will be the easy part of this endeavor.)

T-Minus 2 Days!

4 Days To Go...

2011-12-28T10:53:00.000-08:00

With four days to go, a new article was published in the News Sentinel this afternoon. I have to take a moment to thank you to all those that have shown their support:

Three Rivers Running Company
FortWayne YMCA
Parkview Heart
Fort4Fitness
Journal Gazette
News Sentinel

Thank you for helping me get the word out, your support and the partnerships!!!

Only a few short days to go until the start of the 1,000 miles. This coming weekend I will be sending in my first race registrations of the year, including the Indianapolis Mini Marathon, Arnold Sports Festival's 5K and the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon.

Stay tuned... The first mile starts in 4 days!

T-Minus Two Weeks

2011-12-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

In two weeks, on New Year's Day, I will be running my inaugural mile. Yes, only one mile. The first step in a very long, yet very exciting journey. I wanted to make the first mile on the first day as a symbol of the year to come.

Tomorrow, I will be meeting with representatives from Parkview Heart, Fort4Fitness and the Fort Wayne YMCA. I am very excited to see what will come out of this meeting. I hope to forge partnerships in the endeavor and to have an idea on the charity I will be working for. I want to have my charity in line and my Trust Agreement to the bank before the first of the year so that I can start taking donations at the first of the year.

The training for the 1,000 miles continues this week as I work on getting back into my running form. Next week I will start to ramp it up as I get ready for 2012.

Stay tuned!

Journal Gazette Article

2011-12-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

This morning in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, there was a great article regarding my journey of 1,000 miles. A big "Thank You" goes out to Frank Gray!!!

Less Than A Month To Go...

2011-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

With less than a month to go, the preparation has started for the 1,000 mile journey. I went back this past week and started running for the first time since I completed the Fort4Fitness half marathon in September. Though my speed has dropped 12.5% since I havent trained in 2 months, I am optimistic about the upcoming year.

This morning, as I started writing my letters for sponsorship and donations, I created my letterhead/logo for my journey...

I will be adding another race to my schedule for next year. In May, I plan on doing the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini Marathon making this the first of the three big races I am planning on running. Also on the schedule is the Fort4Fitness Half Marathon in September to be followed by the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October. Next year is going to be one busy, yet very gratifying, year.

28 Days to go!

2012 Race Schedule & Goals

2011-11-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

2012 Race Schedule:

February: Fanny Freezer 5K
March 4: Arnold Sport's Festival 5K
April: IPFW Mastodon Stomp 5K
May 19: Frontier Fun 'N Run 10K
May 26: Three Rivers Running Company Hare & Hounds 5K Cross Country
July: Three Rivers Festival Fort Wayne Track Club Runners On Parade 5K
July: Dr. Philip O'Shaughnessy Walk/Run For Health 10K
August: Huntertown Heritage Days 5K
August: Rotary 5K
September 29: Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon
October 7: Chicago Marathon
October: Run For Riley 5 Mile
November: Fort Wayne Track Club Turkey Trot 5K

13 Races in 2012, totaling 81.5 miles. A few may be added down the road as more races are made available. That only leaves a mere 918.5 miles of treadmill and park training.

2012 Goals:

Besides the big goal of clocking 1,000 miles next year, I have a few specific goals along the way that I would like to acheive. Anyone who has ever known me knows I am a very goal oriented individual. Listed below are a few of the goals I would like to accomplish on my road of 1,000 miles...

Beat Half Marathon Time: This last year, my first half marathon, I finished in a time of 02:33:10. This coming year, I simply want to improve on my time.

Average 10:00 Mile, 6 MPH: My goal has always been tostay over 5 MPH, or a 12:00 Mile. This year I plan on working on my speed and endurance and improve my average speed.

Marathon Time: 5:00:00 marathon, thats an average of 5.24 MPH. I figure with the distance, my average will definitely decrease. Though a 04:22:00 would be very nice indeed, I am shooting for a lower goal being my first marathon.

1,000th Mile: So, as I trained for my half marathon this year, I averaged between 20-25 miles a week. With the training for the half marathon and full marathon, the numbers in the summer will increase. I have it figured if I average approximately 25 miles a week of training starting with the first week in January, I can finish my 1,000th mile at the finish line of the Chicago Marathon. This is my biggest goal of all. I will get to 1,000 miles, but to have it at the finish line of my first marathon would be an amazing feeling indeed.

Paying It Forward...

2011-11-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

My story begins Tuesday, September 30, 2008. This is a date I will never forget, for it changed my life. It was that morning that I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I was 28 years old. After 6 months of treatment I went into remission in April of 2009, and I have been in remission since.

One of the most important lessons I learned from going through cancer was that if I expected my body to take care of me, I had to start taking care of my body. I had always battled weight issues dating back to elementary school. In August of 2009 I walked into a gym for the first time in many years. During treatment I gained about 35 pounds, on top of being overweight to begin with, I had a lot of work ahead of me. In less than a year I dropped 80 pounds. I found my strength and I found myself along the way.

As an exclamation point to the whole process, I trained for a half marathon. On September 24, 2011, almost 3 years to the date of being diagnosed, I ran in the Fort Wayne's Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon. It was the biggest physical accomplishment I have every acheived, not counting beating cancer.

Now, its time to pay it forward. Not only will I be helping and training a few friends and coworkers for the 2012 Fort 4 Fitness, I am going to use my running to help others in a different way...

In 2012, I will be running 1,000 miles. Along the way I will be running in many local races, the Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon, and will also be training to run the Chicago Marathon. I will be using my running to help raise funds to help fight childhood obesity. Being an overweight child, I know the difficulties and the mental scars that battling weight issues at such a young age can do.