And So It Begins...

Have you ever seen the movie, Run Fat Boy Run? It's the story of a guy who is bound and determined to run in the London Marathon to win back the woman that he loves. If you enjoy "British comedies," as well as someone who is a glutton for punishment... then this film is for you.

Along those same lines, this blog may be for you, too.

For those that know me, 2007 was the year of running. You see, on New Year's Eve I declared to those in ear-shot that I would run a marathon before the year was up. Of course, I was aided with a few pints of my favorite beer.

But alas, I was not about to give up my goal. And throughout that goal (and year), I chronicled each and every run - describing each and every glorious and gruesome detail! I encountered numerous injuries, a few illnesses, and ran through THREE iPods. But I kept on running...

And did I accomplish my goal? Hmm... well... sort of and "not exactly." In April of that year I ran in the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, TN. It was a great experience. For those that want to travel to a marathon, this one was very well organized.

But the big one... the Chicago Marathon... that's where I fell short. The race was run in early October under extreme conditions: Over 80 degree temperatures and very high humidity. I ran the first 8 miles without water (they ran out), and they canceled the race after I hit mile 16. I ran the rest of the way in to the finish - finishing with 19 total miles. I was bummed...

So here we are... on the cusp of 2009, and I want to run again this year. A lot of people ask me why I do it - set these crazy running goals. Hmm... good question.

First, I actually enjoy running. It's tough, but it allows the athlete in me to go out and achieve measureable accomplishments. I look forward to reaching "milestones" like 3 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, etc. You can actually look back and see the improvement through your training.

The results are also important. As much as I want to lose weight this year, I know that running/working out is only half of that equation. I really want to focus on my diet as well. For health reasons, I need to make better choices in all areas of my life.

Running also allows me to burn stress in a productive manner. Going outside and running a few miles after work, or hitting the gym, enables me to unwind and actually think about other things besides the daily grind. And the longer the runs are, the more I can decompress!

But most of all I enjoy the accountability and relationships I build with my friends who partner with me. You see, it's hard to do this by yourself. But when you have people who will run with you each week, or those that simply read this blog and offer encouraging words, it truly inspires me to go out and be the best I can be. I know, it sounds corny, but that's a big part of all of this.

So thank you for taking the time to read this. I promise to give you some daily updates and reports.

As for this "Fat Boy," I have a lot to accomplish this year. I have a goal to drop 50 pounds. Yes... that's exactly what I'm saying... by New Year's Eve 2009, I want to be that much lighter. I also hope that throughout the year my cholesterol will drop an extra 50 points. Again, diet and exercise!

I'm bound and determined, just like Dennis Doyle (Simon's character from the movie). While I'm not chasing after a girl, I am chasing a goal. And throughout this, hopefully you'll be inspired to chase your own goals as well.