The Newport Marathon Coming Soon

After much debate and struggle within, I've decided to commit to run the Newport Marathon on May 30, 2009. I was debating between the Newport Marathon and the Honolulu Marathon. The attractive thing about the Honolulu Marathon is that it's here, where I currently live in Honolulu. I could run at least parts of the course pretty much daily if I wanted to and there would be a couple of good solid packs of runners to race with. The only downside-it's on Sunday, hence the inner struggle. I have long since committed to not race on Sundays. I tried to talk myself into racing Honolulu because it's "so early in the morning and I'll finish before the sun is even up." But, I've decided I cannot accept this rationale, and therefore must resort to a different day at a different venue. I've been very interested in running the Newport Marathon for a long time, since 2006 really. The course is flat, fast and the weather is usually quite reasonable. There are only two downsides to Newport. The first is the level of competition. If you want to run a 2:35-3:00 hour marathon, the competition is great. But if you are looking to run sub 2:20, the Newport Marathon does not grant that. But, the winner of last year's race ran 2:22:47, which shows it is fast and that it can be done. I hope he runs again this year. The other downside to Newport is that it is so soon! Honolulu would've given me a year to get ready, whereas Newport only allots me 5 months or so. So, this may mean that I will have to race it this year, not being completely fit, and then race it again in 2010 when I'm more fit and go for a sub 2:19. I guess a third downside to Newport is the $$$!. If I were to race Honolulu, I could possibly take a top 5 finish, and earn some prize money, which would pay for a trip to the Boston Marathon. Newport does not offer a large prize purse and I have to pay to fly to the race. After thinking about it these factors, I realized that Honolulu just wouldn't work for me because I'd be second guessing myself the whole time, which wouldn't help me to a good finish anyway. This means Newport it must be. I am excited about Newport though. For one thing, my wife was born and raised in Corvallis, just 1 hour away and we can visit with lots of family. I worked in Newport for about 10 months just after graduating from my BSW so it will be neat to go there again. My training will have to be condensed but, I still hope to have a decent showing. Another great thing is that I graduate on May 16, which gives me plenty of time to vacation in Oregon and do some tune up workouts on the course. So, Newport Marathon, here I come!

Finally Converted to Blogging

Since Courtney has been such a faithful blogger for the last little while, I have finally committed to become a full-fledged blogger. I never thought I would say those words. We'll see if it lasts... By no stretch of the imagination am I a computer savvy person, which has made me apprehensive in the past to become a blogger. However, I find deep peace and satisfaction in writing my story. I've been watching my wife, and others, do some great and wonderful things with blogs, which inspires me to give it a shot. She also helped me realize that you don't have to be a computer genius to maintain a blog, you just have to write what's on your mind and keep people close, even if they are so far. So, here I am, a member of the blogging community. I've decided to become a blogger for a few reasons. First, I have been neglecting my journal a little bit-okay alot! My wife and children are the joy of my life, without whom life would lead to nowhere but selfishness and empty ambition. The least I can do is write my story for them- especially for my children, so they have an idea of what there Daddy was like when they were too little to remember. I hope when (if) they read this blog someday, they feel how much I love them. I pray they can look back with fond memories despite my personal hopes and dreams, and that they would take from my life's experiences and apply them to their own hopes and dreams. Second, there's something about writing things down that strengthens one's desire to follow through with resolutions and commitments, which will eventually result in progressive improvements. Speaking of resolutions and commitments, I recently decided to get back into hard training again. I know, this is like the third time in the last two years that I've done this! I would train for 4 or 6 months, and then life gets tough, and busy, and I let it go. I lie to myself and say that I don't miss racing, and that it takes too much time away from my family. But that's just an excuse. Courtney is a phenomenal support when I'm training. Half the time, she's practically kicking me out the door! The truth is that I haven't gone after my dreams, perhaps because I'd rather settle for the "unknown" instead of facing the chance of failure. So, this blog will also be a running journal that describes my running journey-hopefully to the Olympic Trials. To be quite honest, my confidence level is pretty low right now-but my hope is strong. The Olympic Trials seems so far away-only the best go. So, if anyone reading this sees me start to slip on my training, don't be afraid to send a one liner, or two, of chastisement! I hope that reporting on my blog will strengthen my commitment to train hard and to be the best Dad I can. So, there you have it. Enjoy!