Learning to Juggle

 Let me know if anyone can relate to this one. . .
 I have to wake up early today to get to work, then when I get home I have a few chores to get done. I need to see the family tonight. Oh, and on my day off some friends needed my help. Maybe its a beautiful Sunday and there's a "honey-do" list waiting for me when I get back from church. Plus the kids want to go to the park. And when am I going to read that book? What about that second job to bring in just a little extra cash? If only there was a few more hours in the day! Then I could fit in some time for exercise, and a healthier meal. 
Sound familiar? I know it frames my life pretty straight up. The eternal chase for a few more hours. It really poses a problem when I am trying to figure out how to squeeze in an hour, or maybe two to run without neglecting my wife and family. The other one is conquering the fast food nation. Anyone who knows me knows that I am no cook. And I don't mind swinging through the drive through to save some time in the kitchen. But no matter what they tell you, nothing off that menu is going to do you any good.
 So how do you do it? How do I decide what has to go? It was a big decision on Sunday morning when my training called for 4 miles. That day I decided getting MY stuff done around the house was needed instead of church, then take  a run in the afternoon. Not the usual choice, to cut church, but its what I needed. Then it struck me. I'll double up- I grabbed the dog and the wife, and we had a family afternoon at the bay. Perfect. Now we are getting somewhere. Family time and exercise. And everyone is happy! What a great result getting everyone in on the exercise too. It was fun to be there as well and see lots of families doing the same thing. One family was in a circle hitting a volleyball around. That's great exercise! And everyone is outside having fun together too.
 Now what about the food though. Need to eat better as well. How about putting something in the slow cooker before you go? I've really taken to lot of snacking. Amazing how far a handful of almonds gets me. I remember hearing that a lot before, and never thought it would be enough, but its just right.
 Ultimately for me, I think it has been an adventure of priorities. I know I have to train. I also know, from personal experience, that I don't want to continue eating wrong because its easier and find myself forced to eat better because my body had enough. And truthfully, its a process. And Lord knows I'm not perfect. But man it feels great to be getting better. And by starting with juggling just a few things, and week by week, adding in a little something extra, I'm getting better and better at this life thing.
 I ask you now, if you can relate, let me know. Tell me what you do to find time. Solutions for "quick and easy" meals? I'd love to hear them. A favorite exercise that can involve family and friends ? Maybe you are strong willed, and tell yourself these things have to happen. Tell me about.  

Going curbside!

Let me start by saying Dang, what a successful day!

Thank you to everyone who came by to see me and support the cause, and an even bigger thanks to everyone who made a donation today, no matter how big or small! Today was an amazing day, making some progress towards my financial goal, and getting the word out to tons of people, getting the awareness out there.

I starting out this morning bright and early at 7 am with very little clue what to expect. If I'm completely honest, I had butterflies in my stomach. I've never done anything like this before. But it sure was a gorgeous day and I had plenty of positive energy.
It started a little slow. I had a few people stop, but mainly a lot of strained looks. Then I realized my problem. . . I had written a novel for a sign. Moments after I realized in fact, a gentleman was kind enough to pull over and tell me just that. So, a quick jaunt to the store for supplies, and voila! I had a new sign in no time. . . and a much better response.

It was a very invigorating feeling after that. Seeing people happy to give the only dollar they had on them, or the smile on their face as they heard what I was doing was truly rewarding. It really did feel especially great knowing that I was reaching so many people too. That may sound corny, but its the truth. The real idea behind this is to try and bring more awareness to people about this disease that takes hold of so many of us.

By time I wrapped up I had about 40 people make a contribution.

I had a few recommends for some good books too, and a much better idea of what the next sign should say.

So, all in all, a very successful day, finished off by a beautiful sunset run on Mission Bay.

If you are reading this, and are someone whom I met today, please, become a follower. and be sure to check out my facebook page.

Join in on the fun.

Come do a run/walk with me some time.
Thanks again for all the support everyone!

Incentive vs Inspiration. . . And the winner is?

Today is a momentous day! 

It marks the end of the procrastinating!
Bring on the training. Bring on the healthy diet. Bring on the fundraising!

Goodness, if only it were that easy.

It sure did happen though! And I am proud of that. It happened in a hurry even.
 Thanks to football. So whats the problem then? Well, the plan with this blog was to write tons of inspirational stuff after my runs. To log my progress, and my thoughts. To inspire and make people laugh.

As most of you know however, it is the tail end of bowl week. And tonight, Michigan State plays. Man what a time to consider procrastinating just one more day. "No!" I told myself. "I'll just have to get back in time for kickoff." So thats what I did. I ran like the dickens with one thought in mind the whole time. . . no stopping boy! Football is starting without you. Your mother in law is watching the game the Pete's sake. Your wife is watching the game! How the heck are you not going to be there?! Run!
It worked. I made it back just after kickoff. I felt great. I made great time. 10 min mile, no walking. Wonderful. A success. But wait. . . where did all my inspiring thoughts go? What happened to my enlightment that usually comes with my nightly run? What am I going to write about? I got nothing.
So the winner here in the battle of inspiration vs incentive?
Incentive, hands down.

So my request is then, can someone please arrange for a football game the afternoon of the marathon? I may need a push!