Day at the Office

Day at the Office
All Terrain Vehicle
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Phillppians 3:14

Sunday, November 23, 2008

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!

7 comments:

Rick Gaston said...

Happy Thanksgiving Dave and way to drop 30 pounds and control that asthma. I dropped 22 pounds myself when I started running and started eating healthier. Seems like that IT band problem has subsided for good. Keep up the stretching, I have to remind myself to do the same. Let's keep each other accountable on that.

Some people think I'm fast but in the next two races I too will be looking up at some folks who have more of the God given talent to really go. It will be a pleasure to be in the same race with them. I'm sure their performances will be inspirational but we are all going to share the same God given privilege and blessing to run.

Unknown said...

WIth post like this, you may get me out there yet! Way to go!

Donald said...

Lots of stuff for you to be thankful for. Congrats on how far you've come, and keep looking ahead to where you're going.

Brenda / Russ / Lance said...

Dave your story is an inspiration to just get out there and do it!

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The countdown to White Rock begins next week!

Cheers!

Dave said...

Rick: I have to stay on top of the ITB issue as I can still feel it occasionally. You are one of the good people in the Ultra World.

John: You know me...tough love...get out there and do...no excuses.

Donald: We do have much to be thankful for...I really enjoyed you post on Play Doh Running...

RBL: It has been a blessing to get to know you guys Russ and BrendaC...

The Gleasons said...

Dave,

Let me know if you want to get a run in this weekend. Shoot me an email.

pattongleason@lukeslocker.com

Cheers to you brotha!!

Patton

Marcy said...

DUUUUUDEE!! Totally inspirational! I didn't even realize that you had lost 30 lbs! That's some serious poundage to lose. Sweet!

Lovin the pic too LMAO!

RUN ON -SEMPER FIDELIS

RUN ON -SEMPER FIDELIS