We've Come a Long Way Baby!

Just about a year ago I was sitting on the couch watching the Dallas Whiterock Marathon. It had been 6 years since I had run the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Over that 6 years, I had put on 30 lbs., my asthma was borderline out of control, my lung capacity was about 58% and frankly I was irritable and discontented. (Read more about my asthma here at My Cross to Bear ) Things were going well at work and with the family, but I was badly out of shape.

That Sunday afternoon a year ago, I take off for my first run in about 6 years. It was around a 2.5 mile concrete path that meanders around a 168 acre park literally 5 houses down from our Plano Texas Home. That was a brutal run. It took me nearly 30 minutes to run that 2.5 miles.

Yesterday I did a 20 mile road run. I wrapped up the last 5 miles with 2 laps around that 2.5 mile path. My last 2.5 miles took 24 minutes. After nearly 1500 miles, my asthma symptoms are non existent, my lung capacity is about 92% and I have dropped 30 lbs. We've come a long way baby!

This posting should in no way be construed as braggadocio. Whenever I line up at a race I realize how humbling it is to run and race with people that actually have some God given ability. I am not one of them. I also realize there are a whole lot of really good runners that are always willing to help someone like me.

I will be out of pocket much of this week. I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Here's to all of our blessings, friends, health and family.

Gotta RUN!