I'm Going To Stick With The Plan And See What Happens
So when I originally created this site, I planned on writing a blog so everybody could kind of follow along with me as I go through the process of running 61 marathons for charity this year. In a way, I don't really do that. I have a format (weekend recap on Monday, 10 random things on Tuesday, etc.) and I don't really blog about what I'm going through. So today, I'm going to stray from the format and stick with the purpose.
I'm kind of conducting this as an experiment. I'm not going to plug it or promote it. I'm just going to post it and see what kind of feedback and traffic I get. NOTE: I changed my mind on that and promoted it in the afternoon.
Anyways, just in case you've never been here, I'm a father of three and a marathon runner. My middle child, 6 1/2-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. To try to make a difference in the autism world, and to try to help him have an impact on the world, I'm trying to run 61 marathons this year to raise money and awareness for a charity called Train 4 Autism. So far, I'm through 34 of the 61, I'm raising money and I'm bringing people in. So I think it's working.
Right now, I'm kind of going through one of my infamous funks. I'm a little bit heavy, weighing 205 when I'm typically 200 and could be 195. It's not that big of a deal, and physically I'm in good shape, but it weighs on me mentally because I know it's slowing me down. Nobody really cares about my times but me, but when I don't run to my potential, I feel like I'm not holding up my end of the bargain.
A lot of people tell me I must be glad I can eat whatever I want to this year, but in all reality, I can't. My miles are way down (I think I'm averaging less than 50 per week, but I typically run 80+ when I'm in training), so I have to keep a careful eye on what I eat. I say that and I'm notorious for eating a lot of ice cream and cheeseburgers, but in reality, I keep my diet fairly healthy. That being said, I'm going to In-N-Out today, although I haven't been in two weeks.
I've been a little slow lately, and I blame that partly on the heat and partly on the fact that I haven't done speedwork in a little while. I struggled with inflammation in the IT band in my right leg, so I toned things down. That went away, but so did my speed. I was excited about hitting a track workout yesterday, but I went to both high schools within reasonable distance of my home and they were both locked. I was so bummed that I didn't run. Then I couldn't go to the gym after work because I had to pick my oldest son up from tae kwon do, so I planned on getting up early this morning and having a nice, hard workout.
But a funny thing happened ... I got upset this morning because in reflecting back to last night, I was multi-tasking while playing with the kids. I was searching for travel arrangements for Alaska the weekend of August 14, because I'm running out of time, and some of the costs were pretty startling. I'm looking like I might not run that race, which really has me bummed, because I was really looking forward to seeing Alaska. So like I said, I spent some time searching last night while playing with the kids and I felt terrible about that this morning. I didn't have the heart to run. So that's three times since yesterday morning I had a workout I wanted to hit, but I didn't. I'll try again tonight after work.
One quick thing about Jack, while I'm talking about last night and the kids. He's learned how to play Sesame Street games on the computer and he has a lot of fun. Even if he's not talking, those games bring out learning and he has a good time. For all he goes through, I'm glad there's something he can enjoy for a good 30 minutes or so at a time. If he finds something that makes him happy, it normally only lasts for a few minutes before he gets frustrated and wants to move on. I installed a new game for him last night and he had a good time playing it for a while. Later, he was hanging out on the couch and was more happy and calm that I can remember seeing him in a long time. It was nice to see him like that. He deserves it.
OK, that's it for today. I'll probably return to my regular format tomorrow with a weekend preview.
Comments
Posted by Roy Naim, 7.21.10, 2:03 p.m.
Sam,
You rock.
Sincerely,
Roy
And love this type of posts. Get to see inside of what it means to take on this challenge. I also love the random tidbits as well. Adds flavor and personality. I would like to see both. More of the inside of things and the randomness type of posts. They are all a part of you.
As for food, we run to eat is true but even then we need to be careful. I've been trying to get under 200lbs myself for a while but never took it too seriously and allowed myself some freedom. I always laugh when you post pictures of food your co-workers place on your desk..because though you may eat ice cream and stuff, you are still conscious of the calories count.
So cheers to under 200!!!
Posted by Brandon Wood, 7.21.10, 10:48 a.m.
Still really hoping you'll be able to make it up here to Alaska! Let me know if you need any more info on travel/hotels.
Posted by Sarah Emerson, 7.21.10, 9:01 a.m.
I'm here every day reading with or without a plug...well except friday...cause there is nothing new:-) I enjoy following OJ so don't stop blogging!
happy wednesday!
Posted by Adair Renning, 7.21.10, 9:01 a.m.
So, to what do you attribute Jack's new calmness, and ability to stay on task at the computer games? Perhaps some of the biomedical interventions you are trying are having a positive effect? He's more comfortable in his body, therefore more willing/able to attend, learn, and relax?
Don't be so hard on yourself. You weren't born twins.......you're being a great father, holding down a job, traveling hundreds of miles every week to run multi-marathons........You won't know what to do with all the extra time you have next year :>)
