Last Post of the Year!!!

Well all I have to say is that in December I ran 125 miles and finished my first full year of running with 1218 miles. Not Bad, if I do say so myself. My running shorts still remain free of poop, and I have no major injuries to report. Success!!! I am down to six weeks until my first attempt at a full marathon and from that performance all my future running goals will be based. I can hardly wait to see what the new year brings.

This weekend I tried my luck at driving a race car (Nascar) at Daytona International Speedway. Ah Yeah, Let's just say I won't be replacing any of the drivers on the Nascar circuit next year. I enjoyed the experience, but was happy to get out of the race car after my seven or eight laps. I think I got passed at least four frickin times. The first time I got passed it was by a group of five cars that were all in a draft together traveling approximately 160 miles per hour. Needless to say compared to the 80 or 90 that I was going, it didn't do a lot for my confidence as a race car driver. I think I'll stick to running, at least when I shit my pants it won't be as squishy if I'm in the vertical position.

I want to wish anybody who accidentally reads this blog, (and apologize) a Happy New Year. I wish everyone the best in what looks like will be an interesting 2009!!! Peace Out!!!

Running--- Much like life--- Means never quitting on yourself!!!

Today was one of those days. You know when you get up and don't particularly care to do the things you know you have to do. Mine happened to be running a measly 4 miles. But, in the end I put on my running attire and headed out into the cold morning air. Just like every other time that I have had these occasional feelings of not getting out there and running, in the end I'm always glad I did.

This morning my mind wandered back to a conversation that my wife, uncle and I had a few weeks back. We were talking about my grandfather and how he was a great business man. The uncle we were speaking with is one of the two sons that now run the family business that my grandfather started. I started to tell my uncle how I went to visit my grandfather with my business plan 9 years ago. My uncle kind of interrupted me, not in a bad way, and said he remembered me doing that. After that I let the conversation change to another topic. I felt there was no reason to let my uncle know what I was actually going to say.

The real intention I had for visiting my grandfather that day was not only to look at my business plan, but to help me financially get my business up and running. Well, what actually happened that day was my grandfather looked at my business plan and..... wait for it ...... LAUGHED!!!

Thinking back at that moment while running this morning, it was probably the best gift that my grandfather ever gave me. I wasn't going to be handed anything from anyone and was going to have to make it happen myself. By laughing at my plan I never shared with him that my intentions were serious, and decided that my limited resources were all I could count on. Without a second thought my wife and I cashed in our mutual funds, a huge $4000 and started the business. During the past 9 years there have been bumps in the road, but (and I guess my point) I have always managed to get out of bed and go to work.

So, whether it's running, business or any other thing that you may want in your life, having the courage to get out the door is the first step. The second is to keep on going out that door no matter what your pea brain tells you. There is no one out there that is going to help you, plus they are all going to "Laugh At You". At least you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you have no one to thank for all of the success, but yourself. Peace Out!!!

Tue: 4 miles

Open Letter To: 2008

Dear 2008,


Well you are all but gone my friend and I wish I could say I was going to miss you, but I would be lying. Along with your departure the worst president in our History will also be leaving soon. I'll miss him almost as much as the opossum I nearly tripped over a few weeks back. 2008 you did provide me with a few memorable things this year though.

Like getting to watch my boy go to school for the first time and watch my little girl go from three years old to teenager (in her mind) in a blink of an eye. I swear that girl is trouble. On the running front, I participated in three half marathons, a 13K, and one 5K. I got faster with each half this year and actually broke the two hour barrier on my final one in November. In October I started using a running coach, which has made me an even better runner (if that's even possible). In July I started this blog. What a mistake!!! Since I now have so many people reading this thing I feel compelled to keep on writing. Seriously, I thought after a couple of entries I would be banned from using the service. I guess they don't ban people for poor spelling and grammar. Last and least since no replacement (trophy wife) has been found I still remain married to my starter wife. Congratulations on another wonderful year to you "The mother of my children".

In closing, I guess you weren't to bad 2008. Shit from what I can see so far for the start of 2009 I'll probably really be missing you soon. However, forward we must go 2008, so good riddance. Bring on 2009!!! I love a challenge!!!

P.S.--- Let 2009 know that I will soon be setting my goals for her year. Peace Out!!!

This week running: 19.6 miles

The Great Tooth Caper!!!

My 5 year old son lost his first tooth yesterday at school. AH Yeah, Not Really!!! He told his teacher, his friends mom and even his own mom that the tooth came out during school. Funny that the tooth in question was obvisouly of the front type. Even funnier that not one of the above mentioned elders realized that Jake still had all of his front teeth. I mean it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out that the boy should have had a gap somewhere visible in the front of his pie hole. Maybe they all thought the boy is part shark.

Upon examining Jake when I got home from work and questioning him why he has a tooth, but no missing teeth, he finally broke down and admitted that he found the chiclet on the floor in his classroom. Imagine our surprise!!! Today mommy will be taking Jake to school with tooth in tow and letting him explain why he has obcsonded with one of his clasmates tooth. Hopefully, he will also apologize to the victim. I'm sure the knowledge that a found tooth would leed to money from the tooth fairy made Jake's decision to become a criminal easier. Unfortuntely, for him, he couldn't live with his own lies. I guess money is the root of all evil. Sorry buddy you're just going have to wait for one of your own teeth to fall out. Or, you could rummage through your teacher purse when she's not looking. Peace Out!!!

Tue: 6.15 miles easy 1 hour (horrible run, legs felt like they were full of lead)

Blog 39!!! In Poem Form!!!

This year has brought on lots of depression.
People are scared and are in constant fear.
Now we learn we're in a recession. (NO SHIT, Really???)
Much to my surprise Contractor's still like to drink beer. (Not Really, Surprised that is, What a bunch of drunks!!!)

Will the auto industry get their relief?
While the common American is dismissed from their job.
CEO's continue to steal like everyday thief's.
Unfortunately, it's you and I that they continuously rob.

The government should let the chips fall where they may.
There will be no bail outs for my small company to help it thrive.
So if the big corporations fail, that will be O.K.
In my opinion only the hard working are meant to survive.

I should just shut up and run, because that is what I find fun.
So, forget whatever I happened to say above.
This stupid poem is thankfully close to being done.
I leave this post with the all of my love.

Peace Out!!!

5 miles 10: 1/4miles @ 1:45/quarter mile 43 minutes

My Flaw of Atrraction!!!

I was having a hard time sleeping last night due to a sudden coughing attack. Frickin Flu!!! Anywho, since I couldn't sleep I cracked open a book my (very spiritual) wife is re-reading "The Law Of Attraction" and started to read it. I only read a few pages, but this morning during my quiet time I decided to shut the lights in my office and try to meditate for a few minutes, just like good ole Esther does in the book.

Lights are off and I am starting to feel a calm come over my body. I am starting to feel somehow taller and thinner than I actually am. As I type these words it's almost as someone has entered my body and took complete control of my bodily functions. I am typing at break neck speed and know for a fact that another person has taken over my functions. I am now just a vessel.

Spirit: Well hello Jason, do not be afraid, I am Abraham the spirit you have channeled from another dimension, or where ever you think spirits come from.
Me: Abraham? Your the same dude that comes to Esther in the book I was reading last night.
Abraham: Oh silly Jason!!! Abraham happens to be a popular name among spirits, but I assure you we are not same guy.
Me: Can I ask you questions like Esther does to her Abraham?
Abraham: Shoot!!!
Me: Will I ever actually get a trophy wife?
Abraham: Lose a few pounds, dress a little better, become more popular, shave your back and win the lottery and I believe you will achieve. This is the path for anything you want in life, so please don't bore me with a million questions.
Me: Gosh, that doesn't sound like the advice that Esther's advisor gave her.
Abraham: I told you we are not the same dude.
Me: Any life lessons you can give me during these rough economic times?
Abraham: Remember there is always somebody worse off than you. I remember in my days we had slavery, which I was very much against, the way one man could treat another was "In Sane in the Membrane", if you know what I'm sayin. Well, I was willing to divide this country in half to stop this problem. Oh Yeah, if you want to save on paper you can use the back of used envelopes to jot down notes and stuff. Believe me it's a real life saver. Lastly, if you take your wife to the theater remember to wear clean underwear's. You never know who's going to end up seeing those things.
Me: Thanks Abraham. Sounds like you lived in some trying times. I hope you will advise me again in the near future.
Abraham: Don't worry kid I'm always around you, in spirit of course. I got to get going. I love to watch the sun come up over that Phallic symbol of Washington and reflect in the concrete pond in front of my place in the morning hours. What a warped sense of humour we Americans have.
One last thought for you Jason.
Me: What's that?
Abraham: Peace Out!!!

Tue: 5 miles 46 minutes 887 calories