Normally, I have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to write about when I write up a blog. I have a few different things I’m going to cover or maybe a topic I’m going to attack. But today, I’m in a funk again, so I think I’m just going to ramble.
If you’ve never been here before, I’m a father of three and a marathon runner. My middle child, 7-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. I wanted to do something to make a difference in the world, especially in the autism community, so I came up with this idea to run 61 full marathons this year to raise awareness and money for a charity I’m a part of called Train 4 Autism. I named the endeavor Operation Jack, after my son.
So far, I’m through 54 of the 61. Only seven of these things to go. The last one will be on December 26 and I just … can’t … wait. If you’ve been following along, you know I go through swings every here and there, and today is one of those days where I’m on a major downswing.
I had a terrible day yesterday and it’s all because of stupid stuff. I’m not naming names or placing blame here. But I have my own, real, personal life and sometimes things go poorly. I think that’s the case for everybody. It was Operation Jack-related and it started over my inaction on something.
I think a lot of you know that I drop the ball on a lot of stuff. It drives me crazy, because I feel like such a failure. I found out yesterday morning that I never sent shirts to somebody who donated about six months ago. I found out the day before that I hadn’t responded to an important request I’d received about two weeks ago. I have a bunch of people who made pledges for a a race I ran in September that I never followed up on. My issue that exploded yesterday was something different than all of those, but it’s something that’s a big problem now.
I’m the right person to run the marathons and maybe write the blogs, but I’m pretty bad at everything else. At this point, it’s like I’m seven races done from escaping from all of this and I’m pretty miserable. I’m overloaded, overstressed, and I’m not getting stuff done. I’m a one-man gang and I let people down left and right. It’s killing me, it’s upsetting me, and I’m totally over it. I feel like I’ve tried hard, but at the same time, I kind of feel like I just want to lay down on my couch and cry myself to sleep.
I look at where I’m at and I know things would be different right now if not for Operation Jack. It’s kind of tough in that regard. In the long run, I know I’ll be glad I did this. Today, I’m just not having a very good day.
Three quick things:
1. My wife had surgery yesterday — an outpatient procedure on her leg. She’s totally fine. I was in there with her until they started the procedure. The doctor came in and asked me if I had any questions. Yeah, I did.
“Are you a real doctor?”
“No, I just play one on TV,” he told me. I told him that was good enough for me and I trusted him.
When he was done, he came out and got me and told me everything went fine and she was doing well. He told me didn’t have a lot of time to talk, though. He said he had to get back to the studio to finish the commercial shoot.
“That’s cool,” I told him. “That’s where the money’s at.”
I guess even when I’m grumpy, I still have my bad jokes.
2. Registration is open for the satellite run option we have.
I’d write something funny and enthusiastic to get you to register, but it’s just not in me today. Sorry.
3. I’m trying to raise money for the Hearts & Smiles Foundation for the Philadelphia Marathon this year. I had a blog about it on Tuesday. I’m kind of bummed because I didn’t come close to hitting my goal. The race isn’t until Sunday, though. I’m kind of running out of things to do to raise money, so I’ll offer up this: If I reach my goal on my fundraising page, I’ll do one of two things: I’ll run the marathon on Sunday wearing pink arm warmers, or on Monday morning, which is the day after the marathon and four days before my next marathon and also my 36th birthday, I’ll run 36 miles. My wife is going to kill me for offering that up, but I want to raise this money. If we hit my goal, I’ll let the person with the highest donation there pick which one they want me to do.
And, that’s all for today. Have a great Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday, y’all. I’ll have a race report posted on Sunday at some point.
Ally Phillips says
Anything I can do to help out in the whole so many different things going on, etc department? Let me know.
PS. I’ve been showing everyone at my office the RW feature–you’re quite popular around here 🙂
Lauren / merrymishaps says
We met at the MCM expo tweet-up. I think what you’re doing is amazing and wanted to help!
I just donated to Hearts & Smiles, and created a fundraising page for the Operation Jack satellite run.
Since I just finished marathon fundraising (and hate to ask the same folks again!), I may just end up paying to register anyway, but I figured I might as well try to make a little extra for you!
Erin Fortin says
I’m glad your wife is ok! If there’s anything I can do to help throughout the chaos that is the end of this year, let me know!
I’m all registered up for the O.J. Satellite 6.1 Mile Run! I can’t wait! Ohio, represent!
Tina Seina says
Wow last one is on my Bday! Ill be 35, where is at?? Let me know where to donate. I have a cousin who has severe autism as well and I think it is awesome that you are doing this!
Tina Seina says
Wow last one is on my Bday! Ill be 35, where is at?? Let me know where to donate. I have a cousin who has severe autism as well and I think it is awesome that you are doing this!
Jenn Fellrath says
You have achieved you Hearts & Smiles Goal!
You have inspired many people.. Jamie & i are starting the Central Ohio Train4Autism Chapter.