Let's get this party started!

Welcome to the first Ken Bansemer "39.3 and Counting" blog post!
Why am I blogging? I have never done this before, but those that know me well, know that I enjoy playing with prose to look at the lighter side of life, and have some fun in the process. So for the next 5+ months, I am committing to blogging regularly to share my perspective on my journey from age 39.3 to age 40. But it is more than that. 39.3 and Counting - the blog title - is the total mileage I am planning on running during January 12 - 13, 2008 in Orlando, Florida during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. 13.1 miles on Saturday and 26.2 miles on Sunday. The unofficial "Goofy Challenge" since I didn't register in time to make the official Goofy list. Let's remember, it's the effort that counts, and this is going to be one heck of an effort.

I am running as part of Team-In-Training (TNT) through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I will train with a group of people from Charlotte, and on behalf of Mark Bachman (our TNT Honored Hero - more on that in a future post). This is where you come in. I need your support, both financially and in words of encouragement as I train over the next 5 months. I have set a goal to raise $5,000 for TNT. Please help support my effort by make a tax-deductible contribution to my effort by clicking here, or on the Help Support My Fundraising Efforts link above. And, I welcome your words on encouragement and support during this time through my blog. You can add comments (see link below) and keep me honest during my training. I will commit to share my training activities, so you will know I am on track to deliver in January.

The official 40 date is February 23, 2008. I am determined to go in with style (not to mention in shape!). To run a marathon at age 40 was conceived after I did my only other marathon on December 10, 2000 in Tampa, Florida. Training for that was a huge time commitment which I knew I couldn't do regularly, but I have managed a 1/2 marathon each and every year, the other commitment I made in 2000.

So, let this be the first of what I hope will be many interesting and unique postings about my "39.3 and counting" journey. Bookmark this entry as a favorite, and come back and visit often. Let's get this party started!!!