Ten Random Things For Tuesday

It’s Tuesday, time for 10 random things. I could spend some time trying to write a catchy intro to get you read the rest of this, but let’s be real. It’s 10 random things. Either you want to read it or you don’t. If you don’t want to read it, I suggest you change your mind. And hey, Justin Bieber made my blog today!

Just in case this is your first time here, I’m a father of three and a marathon runner. My middle child, 6 1/2-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. I want to try to have Jack have an impact on others in this world, and I wanted to put my legs to good use, so 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 on track, bringing in money and people.

I’m through 34 of the 61 marathons for the year. Now, it’s time to get through 10 of 10 random things for today.

1. I’ve reached the point where I’m going to get serious about my weight. For the most part, I haven’t really cared, because I know I’m fit and I know I’m in good health. But my weight has been hovering for most of this year at around 203 to 205, and I know I can get down to 195. There’s no reason I can’t get the pounds off, plus it will help with the running. And on days like Sunday, when I went to the pool with the family, I don’t want to look flabby with my shirt off! So I’m going to drop weight, period. 195, I’m coming for you.

2. Almost contradictory to write this after that first item, but it’s National Ice Cream Month. I feel responsible to inform you of this. Even though I eat ice cream rather frequently, I consume fairly small portions and I eat low fat/low calorie offerings.

3. If you’re going to be in San Francisco for the marathon this weekend and you have no plans for dinner Saturday, check this out and let me know if you want to go. I’d love to see you there!

4. I got at least 20 mosquito bites at the start line of the University of Okoboji Marathon in Okoboji, Iowa last Saturday. I thought you should know.

5. Two weeks from today and my grandparents are moving! I see them maybe 8-10 times a year right now. They’ll be close enough for me to visit them at least once or twice a week. I can’t wait!

6. I liked hearing Michael Jordan say he wouldn’t have called up Magic and Bird back in the day. I’m no LeBron James fan, in case you couldn’t guess.

7. Water with lemon and Splenda makes lemonade. Keep that in mind the next time you’re at a restaurant and you don’t feel like paying $3 for a soft drink. Then send Operation Jack a dollar.

8. I was struggling coming up with ideas for random items, so I asked for help on Twitter. Somebody suggested running in the rain … I LOVE running in the rain. You know how it’s totally refreshing to take a swim after a run? To me, running in the rain feels like taking a swim while I’m running. While I love running in the rain, I can safely say from my experiences this year that I do NOT love running in sub-20 temperatures, hail, 30 mph wind, heat higher than 85 degrees or high humidity.

9. I’m a numbers geek, so I’m all excited about hitting mile 21 on Sunday. I have 27 marathons to go right with Operation Jack as of right now, so when I get to mile 21, I’ll have 26.2 x 26.2 left to go. I’m a geek and that’s how I see the world.

10. I don’t get Justin Bieber. I didn’t like Backstreet Boys or N’Sync back in the day, but I could understand why teenage girls liked them. Same with New Kids On The Block. But Justin Bieber? I just don’t get it.

Bonus item: I posted this news article on my Facebook wall. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

That’s all for today, everybody. Have a great Tuesday!