About Being Blessed Beyond Belief

Originally, I wrote this post with the intentions of auto-posting it on Sunday at 7:06am.  That was the time when the swim wave I was in was scheduled to start at the Ironman 70.3 New Orleans.  However, something went array and that did not happen; it did not publish.


So, as you read this, imagine the day being Sunday and the time being 7:06am...

As this post finds it way to cyberspace, I will be commencing my journey through 70.3 miles in New Orleans.  It is Sunday, April 17th and the time is 7:06am.  Thanks to future posting options, I am able to do this.

I find myself doing something that I have discovered a passion for late in life, pushing to limits I never knew I had, going places and taking my body on journeys never thought of possible.  And I know that this is all made possible by the tremendous support I find all around me.

First of all and above all is the support I have from my wife Monica.  Day in day out, she's there for me.  Sometimes knocking me outside the head just to drive some sense into me.  Her support is never wavering.  As we speak, she's out here, cheering me on.  She hasn't missed a race.  Not one.  Not ever.  I wouldn't be half the person I am today if not for her.  Yeah, I'm proud to be Monica's husband.

Next is the support I have from my team; HEAT (Hendersonville Endurance Athletic Team).  The daily encouragement and advise I get from these folks is priceless.  Today, team mate and friend Skip Alcorn is racing NOLA as well.  Not by coincidence, you see Skip is one of my partners in (Ironman Louisville) crime.  We started this journey together some eight months ago.  Thanks Skip.  You're a great friend.

I cannot forget Skip's wife Charlene.  She too, is here cheering us on.  I cannot tell you how many times she has pushed me beyond push because she has seen in me, at times, things that I have not seen myself.  Charlene... Thanks!

And then there's my coach Barry Baird.  He has put together an amazing training plan that brought me here to New Orleans as the first phase of this year's journey to Iromnam.  I owe you bunches, Barry!

And the list could go on and on. All you have to do is navigate your way to my facebook or DailyMile pages to see what I mean. Friends from every corner of my life.  I never take your words for granted; always welcome them with open heart.  Ya'll rock.

And I know today, more than ever before, that I am Blessed Beyond Belief.

See you at the finish line!

I Have A New Hero!

I have been blogging my experiences for the past couple of years. Documenting my progress most of the way. Besides the obvious reasons for doing what I do, I have set a goal to attempt to inspire those around me through example, to get fit and to adapt a healthy life style.

I will not attempt to take any credit for what others have done on their own for I know how hard and difficult each step of the way is, therefore the credit belongs solely to each and everyone of them.

Last week, on Thanksgiving Day, my entire immediate family - wife and daughters along with my future son-in-law and grandson, took part in our local Thanksgiving Day run. We have always been a close family but this marked the first time that we participated in an event such as this one, together. I was proud!

Yesterday, my wife Monica took it to the next level. She ran the St Jude Memphis Half Marathon and finished in 2hrs, 51min, 22secs.

What makes this event extra special is the fact that she has been suffering from issues on her feet for the past few months. She developed plantar fascitis and the pain has almost sidelined her more than a couple of times. Add to that the fact that she suffers from hallux valgus (aka bunions) to a point where surgery has been seriously contemplated.

Many would have thrown in the towel at this point and none would have blamed them. After all, who in their right mind would put themselves through this kind of agony?

She seeked the advise of doctors and therapists and followed their recommendations to a tee; she has been very diligent in ensuring that she does what she has been asked and to do it proper and timely. She set her goals and stuck to them adapting as needed.

With the tremendous support of our friends and family she made it to the race and to the finish line. As she tells us, it was not easy but it was one of the greatest things she has ever done.

She has inspired me to continue doing what I've set out to do. To look at my aches and pains as opportunities and not obstacles. She is the epitome of dedication and perseverance.

The trip to Memphis was made extra special because of the friends we went with. Charlene, Skip, Sheila, Marilyn and Michele. Your support throughout the two days was tremendous and special. I thank you for being there, we're blessed to have you in our lives.