Action 500 - Get Ready To Run The Marathon.

After one hundred days, it all comes down to this moment.

Action 500 - Get Ready To Run The Marathon.

As I type this, I'm sitting in my car at the Pasadena City College (in VIP Parking!). In just over one hour, I'll step across the start line and begin the marathon. I'm excited, nervous, and a little bit anxious.



This has been an amazing journey already. I'll blog about it more after the race, because I really want to capture this experience. All of these actions have had a big impact on me, and I want to use all of this as I go forward to my next challenge.

For now, though, my eyes are on 26.2 miles of the beautiful city of Pasadena.

It's run time!

Action 499 - Meet The Press.

I've never really been a shy person. But Friday tested even my own "look at me, look at me!" tendencies.

Action 499 - Meet The Press. Earlier this week, an article came out in the Pasadena Weekly. Yesterday, the author published it on the Huffington Post website. Here's a link. How cool is that? Before and After photos of me, too.

At the Marathon Expo, I was interviewed for The Marathon Show. I had a chance to talk about each mile I am dedicating to a Fallen Marine, and I also had a chance to promote the Semper Fi Fund. The audio show will be available on iTunes early next week, I think.

After that, I met with a lovely young lady from Crown City News. It was a fun interview, and I had a chance to talk about SparkPeople and how it really made a difference in my life. We also talked about my other races, my excitement about running Pasadena, and even a bit about the Ragnar Relay races. The video interview should be up on their site soon, though it seems to be down as I write this. (Guess my popularity just overwhelmed their servers.)

It was all a little surreal, to be honest. I've never been to a race where people knew my name, wanted to interview me, take my photo, etc. I'm used to showing up, milling about for a while, and then taking off to run. It's weird to think that even one person along the course might have heard anything about me, this project, the Marines I'm running for, etc. It just adds a little more pressure to me to perform well, I think.

I'm ready. Bring on the media, the fans, the critics... bring them all. I'm ready.

Action 498 - Get The VIP Treatment.

Friday was an unbelievably amazing day. I have never felt like more of a runner in my life.



Action 498 - Get The VIP Treatment.

My day started with the drive from San Diego to the Santa Anita Race Track. It was overcast but still warm enough, so I took the top off of the borrowed convertible. (And the lesson I learned? It is entirely possible to get sunburned while driving around under an overcast sky. Sunscreen is your friend, people.)

The drive was a great chance to calm my mind. I even had the radio turned off most of the way, so I could drive without distractions. I spent the time thinking about the marathon, the miles to run, and all the things that had brought me to this moment.



I managed to get up through Los Angeles traffic quickly and made it to the Expo just after noon. There were already a lot of runners in line, though there were far fewer waiting to check in for the full marathon. I got in line and found out that, since I was a VIP, my bib and runner packet were elsewhere. They were very apologetic, but it was going to be a little while before my stuff was ready for pickup.

Wait. What? Me, a VIP? Yup. I credit my Marine Corps connection with the Race Director, but it was still pretty cool. While I waited for the VIP folks to get all the stuff together, I wandered over and helped some of the volunteers sorting out bibs. (Hey, it's true. ALL volunteers are VIPs!)



And then, just like that, there it was. My bib for the marathon. And it was every bit as amazing as I thought it would be.

I can't really explain my response to finally  holding it in my hand. I'm running with the number 1775. It's a tangible reminder of the reasons I am running - the Fallen Marine heroes that will carry me through each mile and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund that is now more than $2,000 stronger.

I'm proud of my Marine Corps service and I am honored to wear this number and represent those who came before me, those who served with me, those who will serve after me, and most importantly, those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice to this great nation.

On Friday, I enjoyed what it felt like to a VIP at a large running event. And I also was reminded what true VIPs are.

 

 

Action 495 - Stand At The Edge.

Today has been quite a day. The newspaper article came out in the Pasadena Weekly, and I'm a little disappointed. I feel like what I said and what was printed are very different, and the article makes me sound like a shell-shocked combat vet using running to numb my pain. I never said anything like that, and I understand that the writer was trying to convey a lot of my story in a few sentences, but still...

On top of that, since I am heading to Pasadena for the Expo tomorrow, I needed to get myself packed and ready to go tonight. I wasn't quite ready for that, the process of preparing everything for a race. And this is a big race, so my nerves are already a bit raw.



Action 495 - Stand At The Edge. I am a day away from finishing this project and two days away from running the marathon. Right now, my heart knows I am ready but my head continues to analyze.

Soon enough, that edge will be a start line, and I'll be on my way.

 

Action 480 - Wait By The Phone.

On Sunday, I will be running 26.2 miles in the Pasadena Marathon. And I am absolutely confident that I will be motivated the entire way. But I am also only human, and I am open to the idea that I may have a mile or two where I really struggle. That's where all of my friends come in. I need you folks to each make a call. Meanwhile, I'll be right here.

Action 480 - Wait By The Phone.

I am asking everyone to call my Google Voice number (619.630.4328) between now and Thursday and leave me a brief message cheering me on. On Thursday evening, I will download all the messages and add them to my iPod Shuffle so they will play randomly between my running songs during the race. One minute I'll be rocking out to Pink or Disturbed, the next minute I'll hear your voice encouraging me to get after it!

You aren't sure what to do? No problem. I'll give you a scenario. Imagine that you are standing near mile 20 on the course and you see me about to run by you. You have just a moment as I approach and then pass you, so you have to make it count. What do you yell to me as I come by?

Run, John! Run!

You trained for this. You can do this. Go, John!

Semper Fi, Brother. Almost there!

Whatever you feel like saying, go for it. You can say whatever you want, as long as it isn't a ten minute message extolling the virtues of sleeping in, walking, or lounging around. *laughing*

I did this once before, and I can't possibly explain how much it means to me to hear from my friends and family while I'm out there running. Your words inspire and motivate me, and I feel like you're right there with me.



So, pick up that phone and call now. I'm standing by waiting for your call! (Well, the call is going immediately to my Google Voice mail, but you get the idea.)

Thanks, everyone. You'll all be with me as I complete this milestone.

Action 477 - Make Them All Count.

I'm down to the last few days before I run the marathon, and that raises the stakes on each of the last actions. I'm confident that the past 90+ days have been good for me, and I want to finish strong.

Action 477 -  Make Them All Count.

This week, I won't be introducing anything new. I'll stick to foods I know and eat regularly, so I won't have any worries about nutrition. Physically, I'm planning a short run on Tuesday and Thursday, and I may run again on Friday if I feel like it. I want to feel loose and ready to run on Sunday.

I have been hyper-focused on this marathon for more than three months. Mentally, I think the next few days will seem a bit of a blur. But emotionally, I think I will be a bit overwhelmed by the time Sunday gets here. It's a lot to process, all that has led me to this point.

Spiritually, I feel like I am in a good place. With the help of very generous friends, I have managed to turn this all-about-me marathon project into a chance to make a real difference for other people. That feels pretty great.

All that said, I will not coast this week. I will work just as hard as I have all the weeks before. I will be ready.

Action 465 - Spend Time With Family.

One thing I've noticed as I've gotten older. There's a comfort in being with people that have known you all your life.

Action 465 - Spend Time With Family.

I'm here in Texas for my Grandfather's 90th birthday, and family has come in from across the country to help him celebrate. In addition to my aunt, uncle and cousins that live here in Austin, my uncle and aunt are here from Washington and another uncle is down from Dallas. Add other cousins and my Mom, and it's a houseful of family.

It's funny, but when I was younger, traveling meant being on the go the whole time and checking in with as many friends as I could. These days, I'm perfectly content hanging out with family.

This is good stuff.

Action 441 - Be In Love.

Fifteen years ago today, I was recovering from a painful, toxic relationship. My only intention on May 7, 1997, was to enjoy a planning breakfast with friends and then search out a new apartment in which I was going to rebuild my life. That was my plan, anyway.

What I got, instead, was an unexpected breakfast companion, a wonderful day of fun, and an adventure that has lasted for fifteen years and just  keeps getting better.

Action 441 - Be In Love. And I am. Truly, madly and deeply in love.

How does this connect to this project? Simple. Being in love, and being loved, gives me the confidence to try new things, to step outside my comfort zone, and to reach for goals that may once have seemed beyond me.

"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage." Lao-Tzu

I know that my husband will support me no matter what crazy idea I decide to pursue. Run a marathon? Go for it. Run another? Sure. Fly across the country to run a relay race? You should do it!

Thank you, Ric Sanchez, for changing everything about my life just by loving me. You believe in me, sometimes even more than I do, and I never want to know what life without you would be like.

Here's to the last fifteen years.



And now, on to the next adventures!

Action 439 - Celebrate The PR.

If you've followed along with this blog for very long, you'll know that I am all about the celebrations. I love having a good time, and I can find always find a reason to have a drink or two and share a few laughs with friends. But there are other ways to recognize a personal accomplishment.



Action 439 - Celebrate The PR.

It's a big deal to me that I managed to run a two hour half marathon. It means that a sub-two hour run is completely within my reach. And when I think about how only eighteen months ago I worried about maintaining a sixteen-minute pace, well, it's clear that I have come a long way in my training and my ability to run the long distances.

As I drove home from Orange County, I kicked around a few different ideas for how to celebrate the PR. I thought about going with my usual pattern and heading over to Gossip Grill. And I debated walking up the neighborhood tavern, The Ould Sod, for a pint of Magner's. Either choice would mean a chance to show off my new medal, enjoy a drink or two, and socialize with other people.

In the end, though, I went with the one choice that just seemed right. I drove home and spent the afternoon with my husband. We had an early dinner together, I took a nap, and we just hung out here at the house.

Since my husband has been my biggest fan since I began running, celebrating today's PR with him was absolutely the right choice. There will be plenty of time for going out with friends. Today, it was all about the homefront.

Thanks, Husband!

Action 432 - Find It Or Make It.

Tomorrow is the OC Half Marathon, and afterwards, I'll be joining the newly forming Team Jesters and cheering in all the runners that come in after I finish. There's a marathon and a half marathon, so there will be plenty of runners still making their way across.

Of course, I have to be dressed appropriately. And I would hardly be Team Jester without a Jester's hat, right?

Action 432 - Find It Or Make It.

Unfortunately, there was no finding it today. I checked the obvious places, but even Party City boxed all their jester hats away with their Mardi Gras supplies. The good news is, I have a crafty husband. And he decided he could make a better looking hat, anyway.

Here's the start of it:



I can't wait!

Action 431 - Tell My Story.

After more than four hundred blog entries into this project, it should be apparent that I don't consider myself a shy person. I don't really hide much of myself anymore. I am who I am and I'm proud of that. So when a chance comes to talk about myself, yep, I'm all over it!

Action 431 - Tell My Story.

I've already mentioned that I am taking part in a documentary called, From Fat to Finish Line. I needed to write up "my story" for the film's Facebook Page, but I've been putting it off. Turns out, I also need to get it written if I want to be featured on a teammate's super-popular blog, RunsForCookies, where she is introducing the runners to her readers.

That's two great reasons to get my act together, and this morning I did. I wrote My Story and got it published on my new blog, Runner12.com.

Action 420 - Save My Own Life.

It's a sad day here in San Diego. Junior Seau, NFL superstar and local boy-turned-hero, died today in an apparent self-inflicted shooting. He was only 43 years old.



By all accounts, he was a positive, upbeat, happy man living a great life here in San Diego. But it seems there was a dark shadow over Seau, a sadness and sorrow that turned out to be greater than his passion for life.

The news today is a tragic footnote to the series of blogs I wrote about depression and suicide. When I posted them, I couldn't have foreseen that a man like Junior Seau would be one of those souls who found themselves unable to continue living. And the news, like that of any other suicide victim, always gives me pause. I think, there but for circumstance, goes I.

Action 420 - Save My Own Life. I have wrapped myself around the life I have and I'm not letting go. I am clinging to my loved ones and trusting that they will be enough to help me through the darkest of hours. I am being good to my body in hopes that it will serve me for many, many years to come.

I am sorry for Junior Seau, sorrier for his family that must now go on without him. But I'll use the tragic event of today to dig my own heels in even further. I will let today's shock harden my own resolve to never, ever give in to the temporary sadness.

I have learned to value this life and believe it is worth saving. I won't let anything change that belief.

Action 415 - Go Where The Night Takes Me.

By the time I got home from work and running errands yesterday afternoon, I was in a terrible mood. I sorted it out fairly quickly, mostly by realizing that what was bothering me didn't really merit all that attention or drama.

I said yes to a friend's invite and went to our local Irish Pub for a sip of my favorite adult beverage, Magners Cider. The plan was to stop in for a pint or two, unwind, and head back home at a decent hour. Turns out, it didn't quite play out like that.

Action 415 - Go Where The Night Takes Me.

We walked to the pub, so we had time to talk out the "grumpies" that we were both feeling. And by unspoken agreement, we decided to leave all that mess out on the street and not bring it in with us.



I knew the night was going to be great when we heard live Irish music playing as we walked into the pub. I was instantly in a better mood.

Next good bit of luck? Finding seating at the very end of the bar where we could hear ourselves talk while still enjoying the music.

And the last bit of good fortune? Being joined at the bar by two fun and interesting people. The conversation was easy, the mood light, and the evening out and out fantastic.

Early on, I decided to just enjoy the evening. And I really, really did. I had a delicious dinner with my husband, a great visit with my friend, and a fun evening with some new folks. Sometimes, nights without plans turn out to be the best evenings.

What is the lesson here? Not everything has to be controlled and regimented, RSVP'd and coordinated. Sometimes, the night will take me where I need to go. And that's a good thing.

Action 412 - Decide It's Worth It.

I have no one to blame but myself, I know, but I have really backed up the running events. I'm doing back to back half marathons, then a full marathon, and then another half... all before the end of the month. And since they are "away games," they require extra logistics. I need to sort out when I'm leaving, where I'm staying, find out exactly what I need to do for parking and shuttles, etc.

It's just a lot of planning, long before I even get around to planning out my race strategy. It feels like work, and it's nothing I ever thought about before I started running like this.

Action 412 - Decide It's Worth It.

The planning. The early mornings. The long drives. The crowds of people trying to get into and out of events. All of it. It's all part of the experience. And it all leads up to a long run through crowded streets with cheering supporters, and it ends with a medal around my neck and a great feeling of accomplishment.

I grumble about it, yes. But it's worth it.



 

Action 406 - Run This Town.

I'm a guy who moved around a lot as a kid and then joined the Marine Corps out of high school, so I've never really felt all that connected to any one place. But I've been here in San Diego since December 2000, and I'm building more and more links to this place. And yesterday, more than one them popped up on my radar.

Action 406 - Run This Town.

As I headed north on the freeway, I could see the ocean as I looked across the coast highway and saw where my third leg of Ragnar SoCal ended last year. As soon as I got to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, I saw the Arena where I ran the Del Mar Mud Run.



At the top of the highest hill I ran yesterday, I noticed a trail where I hiked around a while back. Looking down towards the ocean, I saw La Jolla Shores where I learned to scuba dive.



And finally, running towards the finish line, I ran the Cove where I went snorkeling with friends.

Yesterday, it really clicked with me. This amazing town is my home. And every adventure I have here builds one more link between me and San Diego. It's a great feeling to finally feel settled and connected to a place.

These days, I really do run this town.

Action 404 - Experience A Different Race.

As promised, after I finished my running the La Jolla Half Marathon today, I stayed behind to cheer on everyone who finished behind me. Mr. Run Jester Run, Ed Ettinghausen, gave me a heads-up about what to expect.

You want to know a little secret? The satisfaction that comes from being there at the finish and cheering each runner in is rewarding beyond what words can describe. Every time someone thanks me for being there for them, I think to myself, “No, I should be thanking you!” You’ll see. I’m warning you, it’s addicting.

Action 404 - Experience A Different Race. And I really did. As I wrote on a status update today, if you want excitement, watch the winners of a half marathon. If you want to see pure emotion, watch the last finishers across the line.



I did that today and it was amazing. I saw experienced runners that, I imagine, were recovering from injuries and were way behind their usual pace. I saw first time runners, many at the beginning of their physical fitness journey, struggling to keep moving. And I saw more than one runner being carried, literally, arms wrapped around the shoulders of two other runners and all moving together towards the finish line.

I cheered for every single one of these runners. And the reactions were often very similar. First, denial. They didn't think the cheers of "Good job, runner! You can do it!" were for them. When they realized the cheers and clapping was for them, they tried to see who was cheering without being obvious. Then we made eye contact and my cheering continued. "You're doing great, keep going!" And then, the best reaction imaginable. A big, wide smile crossed their face and they waved and said, "thank you!"

I understand what Ed was saying about this experience being addicting. I got to see the faces, one after another, of people truly giving everything they had to run down a goal. And for a moment, they knew what it felt like to have the crowd cheer along as they made their way to their finish.

And one other thing I noticed. At first, I was one of many cheering fans. People were waiting for their own runners, so they were happy to clap and yell and support those coming in. But once their person ran by, they left the course and headed over to meet up with them. And soon, it was a very different situation, with very few people standing and cheering. But, as groups of people walked by on their way back to their vehicles, they responded to my cheering a lonely runner by adding their voices. My yelling called their attention to a late finisher, and they cheered, too, as they went by.

Again, Ed, I get it. I was one voice, but that one voice gave other people permission and encouragement to add their own. Positive reinforcement and public support really is contagious.

I share this experience not to make myself the hero, but to thank Ed for inspiring me to do this. I walked away from today's event feeling like I had experienced a whole new type of race. For a few of them, at least, I know I made a difference.

And there are certainly worse ways to spend a couple of hours.

Edited to Add:
Know this, folks. I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed more than a few tears last Sunday. Partly because the emotions on display were so raw and authentic, partly because I recognized the fear and anxiety on the faces as my own expression from just two years ago... when the thought of running a mile was overwhelming and scary.

("Look at the fat guy running. Sheesh!"
~ The voices I imagined I would hear if I dared to run.)

So, if you see me next time cheering on the last finishers, and I'm wiping my face, it's just drops of "I am so proud of these runners" in my eyes.

Action 403 - Gimme Ten.

This morning, I ran the La Jolla Half Marathon. I finished a difficult course with a respectable time, and I'm proud of my performance today.



Today was special for another reason, though.

Action 403 - Gimme Ten.

Yep, today was my 10th half marathon. I've now been running for about sixteen months, and it's still a bit surreal to think about where I am today compared to where I was when I started.

My first half marathon was in March 2011. I ran the Safari Park Half and I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to maintain the pace required. I just knew I would be swept. I was being paranoid. I ran a solid 2:09 and had an amazing first run.

Since then, I have run the San Diego Rock and Roll Half, the New Year's Double Half Marathons, Los Angeles 13.1, Carlsbad Half, Palm Springs Half, San Diego Half, Hollywood Half, and now, La Jolla Half. Ten half marathons in all, and I am proud of each and every one of them.

Thank you to the amazing friends who joined me along the way. Because of you, I had the nerve to step up, sign up, show up, and not give up. It's been 134 miles of sweat and, if I'm being honest, complete and total awesomeness!

And this ride continues next Sunday when I take on the OC Half Marathon. Time to start running down the next ten!

Action 391 - Wake Up Grinning.

Sure, it sounds weird. But yesterday was just that sort of day. Everything went my way. Work was great, the movie project updates were exciting, and on and on. Really, all the interactions I had were fantastic. And when does that ever happen?

Action 391 - Wake Up Grinning. And I did. I woke up, popped out of bed, and thought, "I can't wait to get this day started."

It's amazing what a little good news and a better attitude can do for a guy, eh?

Action 388 - Show 'Em My Good Side.

This is the home page of the website for Crown City News.

Welcome to Crown City News. CCN provides in-depth local TV & Online News for Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley.

I share this today because of an email I received from a reporter with CCN. I'm not sure how, but she found out that I am raising money for Semper Fi Fund as part of my training for the Pasadena Marathon, and she asked if would be available for an on-air interview the morning of the event.

Action 388 - Show 'Em My Good Side. Yep, you better believe I said yes. One, I love attention. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Two, and this is much more important, this will be my chance to spread the word about the Semper Fi Fund and all the amazing things they do injured Marines. It's a way for me to take the kindness and generosity of all my friends and multiply it by all the people who will see the newscast and view the website.

Thank you in advance, CCN, for considering the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund important enough to share with your viewers. I am honored to speak with you and share their story.

Action 383 - Cry At The Office.

It's a beautiful day here in Del Mar. The sun is shining outside, I'm rocking out to some great tunes, and I'm quickly making my way through a project. What could go wrong? The answer is... absolutely nothing. It's more a question of what has just gone amazingly right.

Action 383 - Cry At The Office. Why? Because I just received an email informing me that I have now met my fund-raising goal of $1,775 for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. More amazing is the fact that I reached it when a single person donated $650. And he donated that in the name of his father, former Active Duty Marine Norman Husk.



This Marine left us in December, and his son has chosen my run and this charity as a way to honor his Father's service to his beloved Corps and this nation. And I am so grateful, not only for the donation which enabled me to meet my goal, but also for the opportunity to be part of a tribute to another Marine.

Thus, the tears at the office. Thinking about everyone who donated to this amazing cause... thinking about the difference every single dollar makes to the Marines in need... and thinking about each of those people, givers and receivers, running the marathon with me in spirit. And thinking about the long, long line of proud Marines and my honor at being one link in that chain.

It's a lot to take in all at once. But I am clear on one thing. I will run the Pasadena Marathon proudly sporting my Semper Fi Fund tech shirt, honoring Marines past and thinking of Marines still with me today. I consider each of you my Brothers and Sisters and am humbled by your service and sacrifices.

Semper Fi, indeed.