Harnessing Emotions

This is me. About 3 minutes after finishing the WDW 2009 Half-Marathon in 3:27:51. Under 3:30! I had my medal. I had my picture taken. And I wanted to find Amber. And when I did - I collapsed into a mess of tears. I was unaware of what was around me, except for Amber whispering to me "you did it baby." Thank goodness, my friend Trace had the foresight to snap some pictures of this incredibly intense moment. 

I have no idea how long I held on. But I know I had a few more crying jags throughout the day. Not from pain or sadness. Just from being overwhelmed. In fact, the tears started BEFORE hitting the finish line. Oh who am I kidding - the tears were there throughout the course. And I'll tell you about the course moment by moment in a future post. 

Today I want to focus on what's next. Harnessing this emotion and using it to propel myself to the next level.

Let's start with some basic propositions.

1. I did not lose as much weight as I wanted to in training. (and put some Disney weight back on)

2. I was unable to run much of the race, and finished mostly walking it.

3. Raising money for charity feels AWESOME.

4. Despite difficulties and pain - finishing felt AWESOME. Indescribable. 

5. The only way to change #s 1 and 2 and to continue with #s 3 and 4 is to KEEP GOING.

So then moving forward is my only option. So here are some plans I've made.

Let's start with racing:

These are at a minimum - time and money permitting, I will do other races (Anaheim, Orlando 2010, etc.). But I have now committed myself to the following THREE races:

June 2009 - The Seattle Rock n' Roll Half Marathon

November 2009 - The Seattle Half Marathon

JANUARY 2011 - THE WDW FULL MARATHON

Now - diet and exercise:

My legs are still a little sore from the parks and the half. I think I may have sprained my foot during the race, but it's feeling better. But I'm going to take a few weeks off from running. I'm going to do a 6 day workout schedule. Three days of weights and three days of cardio (non running - maybe swimming or elliptical) - minimum of 30 minutes each workout. 

This will go on for about 3-5 weeks while I consult my doctor and my running store and get myself geared up for more outdoor training - then I'll go back to my running training - with a one song walk/run interval. Short during the week and minimum of 6 miles on the weekends.

Diet will go back to normal food - healthy whole foods - low calorie - low fat - smaller portions. I'll be posting weight updates.

Charity:

Raising nearly $4000 (and counting) for the DWT Dream Team felt SO amazing. And with kids like Riley (listen to this weeks AATM) how can I possibly stop? So - the fundraising will continue - with all proceeds going to the DWT Dream Team and Make-a-Wish. But instead of sponsoring weight loss - I'm going to be asking for mileage sponsorships. In about two weeks I'll be wiping the current slate clean, and making the first donation to Lou, formally. After that, every one of you sponsors will be getting a card from me, asking for your continued support. You guys helped make this happen.

Please continue to give.

TEAM VOICE - we are currently looking for a website designer - do you know one who will donate some time? ARE you one? How about a graphic designer? E-mail jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com - let me know if you're willing to help with another project! 

And speaking of the team - I am SO proud of all of you. Rae, Kate, Heath, Mike, Chris, Craig, Deb, Lisa, Trace, Lou, Bryan, Amber, and tons of folks I'm forgetting! But I want to give a special shout out to my friend Byron today.

Byron and I journeyed together outside the Polynesian for about a half mile. And Byron was giving that race every ounce he had in him to give. And despite being swept, he made it 8 miles further than anyone else who never started. I'm PROUD to call Byron a teammate. And I'm SUPER PROUD to hear he's already registered for the 2010 Half Marathon. Good for you my friend! If I can help - let me know!

Let's face it friends - this was AWESOME. And the Awesomeness keeps on coming!

Trip report starts tomorrow!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!