Wrapping Up Loose Ends...And Looking Ahead!

Time for honesty (I sense some of you don't believe everything I have blogged about to this point!) Approximately 5 months ago, the thought of running 39.3 miles over two days seemed pretty daunting. Yet, the body can achieve, what the mind believes! And I believed that completing the Goofy Challenge was possible. I had a training plan - and I stuck to it! Along the way, I learned a lot about myself, blood related cancers, and the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie.

Just over 7 years ago, I finished my only other marathon in Tampa. Each weekend, I did a long distance training run, which I simply dreaded. I counted down the days to the marathon, and willed it to happen ASAP. I did not have the right frame of mind, and subsequently, while I was able to say I completed a marathon (and in the process check the box on a life experience), I did not enjoy the journey. Back then I was only concerned about the final destination.

I can truly say that I ran with renewed energy and enthusiasm over the 532 miles I put in since September 15, 2007. I looked forward to every step of the journey, and chose to share it with others. In the process it was FUN! This wasn't just about turning 40. It was about helping the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the process and doing something special with the effort. I had done training runs with Team-In-Training people in 2000 for Tampa, but did not have the benefit of their "experience". However, I can now serve as an advocate. From the staff in the Western NC - Charlotte Office (Stacey - at left & Abby), to our coaches (Bryan, Garrett, Darren & Angela), our mentor (Sheila), to my weekend running pals who were training for runs in Disney and Phoenix, TNT knows how to make the most of the participants willingness to be extraordinary. I may have been a runner before - but I became a runner with purpose.

If I have a hope for those of you who have followed me from the beginning, joined in somewhere along the way, or shared my story with others, it is that my effort may serve as an inspiration to you or someone you know to try something that seems impossible. It is easy to say "I can't run" or "I don't have the time". Whether you choose to do something with TNT, or simply participate on your own, all running events accept runners and walkers. All that is needed is your commitment and a positive attitude.

I was on a tremendous high last Sunday morning - a top 5 life experience! This week has felt like something is missing. As someone who is driven by setting and achieving personal goals, I had just accomplished a major one, and didn't know what the future would bring. During those last 3 miles of the marathon, I was saying to myself "never again - stick to the half-marathon where you can excel." Well, the competitor in me has decided that I have unfinished business in the marathon - a sub 4 hour finish!

So, here's the deal. I am participating with Team-In-Training again for their spring season, and will be a marathoner in the Country Music Marathon on April 26, 2008 in Nashville, TN!

Each of you has supported me this far - so I ask for your support only if you feel a burning need to sponsor me again. You have provided so much encouragement and financial support already, I cannot thank you enough. If you decide you need that 2008 tax deduction, you can donate by clicking here. After that, who knows what my next great personal goal with be.

If you have been reading my blog from the beginning, you know that I have some loose ends to tie up:

• I didn't lose enough weight to fit into size 31 pants. Or 32s. I believe the size 32 3/4 are fitting perfectly now (but I am keeping the stretchy pants just in case)
• Mom and Dad both called on the afternoon of the marathon under the guise of congratulating me. Secretly, I think they wanted to make sure I was still alive. Nonetheless, I did them proud!
• I promised I would "go the extra mile" (or .7 to be exact) during the weekend to round up my total distance to 40 miles (one for each year). I did just that on Saturday running through the EPCOT parking lot to find Brenda at mile 12, and then ran back to see her finish. It may have been more than .7, but let's just call it an even 40 and not get picky!
• I needed a running theme song - and received 1000's (ahem) of suggestions from my loyal readers (ahem). So, like the suggestions received (ok - I'll say it...none), I decided I didn't need a theme song on my MP3 player. I may have carried it with me on the Goofy runs, but I am proud to say I completed 39.3 miles without any music aid! And no matter what anyone tells you, it is not a small world after all!
• As we remember what is important in life, the little things make a big difference. Sue's trip to Disney with her family made a big difference to me and won't soon be forgotten. As did all the stories about people impacted by a blood related cancer that I learned about during my training.
• My ankle presented no issues throughout the Disney Marathon Weekend. Thankfully! I was quite worried two months earlier and wrapping/taping it for most training runs. It is full speed ahead for Nashville!
• Qualified for Boston!!!! Uh...no.
• Staying true to myself, I inhaled (ate slowly) 3 chocolate donuts after the marathon for proper nutritional replenishment. And then had 3 more for breakfast the next day just to make sure. They didn't have any jelly filled ones at the store. I filled out a store recommendation card so the next person could benefit from my awareness.
• This wouldn't have been anywhere close to being possible without the support of my three biggest cheerleaders. Two of them think I won both legs of the Goofy Challenge. The third one knows better and since she "won" her own medal as well, I had to let her in on my little secret...
• And finally, along the way, you learned the 'true history' of the Goofy Challenge. Goofy may have avoided me all weekend long, but I was determined to provide photo documentation of the results...

I DID IT !!!

Thank you for your incredible support and for sharing the Team-In-Training/Goofy Challenge/39.3 and Counting journey with me! I hope you will join me in a few years when I attempt an ULTRA MARATHON. I can see the theme forming already....50 @ 50!

Your Goofy Guy,

Ken (39.3 and Counting)

A complete photo album of the weekend can be found at: http://393andcounting.shutterfly.com/action/?a=1AauGjVk1YsXlQ&notag=1