4 Days - You Stay Focus.

Daniel San! Daniel San! Is okay give in to opponent, is never okay give in to fear!

Well I'm afraid! I'm afraid of him!

You best karate still inside. Now time LET OUT.

We are four days away from my flight to Anaheim, and the one thing I'm refusing to do is get bogged down in fear of this race. Fear of failing, fear of pain, fear of blisters (which is healing nicely again - I have a few new tricks to try while in Anaheim).

If I try the hardest I can on Sunday - if I go out there and give it my all - and cannot do it. I will not be upset with my performance. I'll be disappointed, sure. But not upset. All I can do is my best. And the best I have is the best I have.

That being said - I plan on giving it my all - and if I do that - I can't fail.

I know this.

I just have to let my heart take over when my feet get tired.

That coast-to-coast medal is MINE.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

5 Days - Runny Bunny Returns Again

Greetings my friends! Tis I, Runny Bunny here again with a 5 day update!

Jonathan is showering off after a very nice training wog. 6.8 miles. He had planned a route he thought was 8 miles, but the GPS showed only 6.8 when he was done. He developed a small side stitch (which went away) and a teeny tiny blister on his right foot where his moleskin wasn't wide enough. Other than that - he says he wasn't tired, and if not for the beginnings of that blister, could have gone on for another hour and a half easily. His pace wasn't great (about 17.4 minutes) but Disneyland will give him a boost. He'll do fine.

After his shower, he'll be putting on a blister bandage and keeping off his right foot for the day if he can. He's planning on walking slowly, but a lot, on Friday and Saturday to get his feet used to Anaheim's terrain.

He's really excited about this trip - although he told me he's worried about the race. I told him not to be. He's done two half marathons before, and he'll do just fine on this, his third. I have faith in him and know he'll do well.

He's already laying out his stuff to pack up. I wish I was able to go, but he wants me to stay and take care of Amber and Elizabeth while he's gone. I guess such is the duty of a runny bunny.

Anyhow - have a great week team!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Why I'm Still Here - 7 days and counting

30 months ago, I hovered around 370 pounds. I decided to make a change.

Eight months ago, I was ramping up for a flight to the WDW Resort. I was hovering around 298 pounds. I felt great. I was motivated. And I went and ran my first half marathon. And finished. 3:27:51.

Two months ago, I was ramping up for the Seattle Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. I was hovering around 320 pounds. But I felt okay. I was less excited and motivated. And I finished my second half marathon. 3:48:00.

And today, I am ramping up for Anaheim. I am feeling okay. I am far more excited and motivated than I was for Seattle. I'm hovering around 329 pounds. And I'm going to finish my third half-marathon. I have shoes that fit well and are comfy. My wife is pregnant and things are well. I'm thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to my family (can't wait in fact). And in my life - things are....more happy now than they have been in months.

Let's face it - between celebrating successes (WDW, Elizabeth, etc) - and coping with disasters (my father got sick in April, preparing them to move cross country to assisted living, losing my job while gone, opening a firm) - it's been a full eight months.

But the last 4 months have been much harder than anyone could have predicted.

And yes. I faltered. I stumbled. I slid. I ask for your forgiveness. I am HUMAN.

But more importantly - I have changed.

Three years ago if this had happened, I would have abandoned all goals, and slid into depression and regained EVERY POUND I'D LOST. I'd have GIVEN UP.

But I haven't.

I AM STILL HERE, MY FRIENDS. AND I WILL NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER.

And I will take where I am and push further than I have been. I will do it with willpower, determination, and struggle. I will not look for easy ways. I will celebrate my successes, and I will share my disappointments. As I have always done.

This was never about becoming a runner, folks. This was about becoming a healthier me. A better me. A more driven me. From top to bottom. It was about helping others. Motivating. Granting wishes. And it was about wishing upon stars.

And that is why I'm still here. Because those wishes are still out there. Because even if I slid into old habits when things got tough, I didn't slide as far as I would have. I see progress for me. I see hope. I see more to strive for.

And Chris - you're right. Short term goals are VERY important. And set them I shall. Succeed in them I shall.

First goal.

COMPLETE THE DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON 2009 - AND PROUDLY WEAR MY COAST-TO-COAST MEDAL.

After that, we'll evaluate where we go next for short term. We know my long term goals. And I'll reach those too. By remembering not only where I've failed in the past, but how I've succeeded. I will climb to the top of Pride Rock again and roar with all my might that I have become the man I want to be for my wife and daughter.

I will stay motivated. Stay driven. Stay excited.

I will succeed. And so will you.

No matter how many times we stumble.

Comment today. Roar. Shout your fears. Your goals. Your successes. Be the team we all need each other to be. Motivate each other! DREAM! WISH!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

It's a Small World - Must Travel it Faster

First of all - congrats to Fee for doing her own meet! She says she's fully prepared for nobody to show - but I'll be there! With my medals on, too!

Speaking of medals. I'm very happy to know that they've announced the sweep points for the race. I'm confident I won't get swept. However, I'd still like to improve my pacing a bit beforehand. This morning I did 3.55 miles in 1:00:52. About a 16.9 minute pace. Although knowing that as long as I'm not the last guy crossed the start line they're allowing for 1:35 to get to 4 miles and 3:10 to get to 10 miles makes me feel a little more secure. Once I pass the 10 mile mark, I'm home free.

But I'm not going to shoot for the "home free mark."

I may not be thinner than I was in January, nor fitter. But I'm still going to try to be faster, if I can.

On an aside - there's a big part of me that's really quite excited about what's AFTER the Disneyland Half Marathon.

No not Blue Bayou. Although that helps.

No - starting my quest for my first full marathon - the WDW Full Marathon 2011.

I've already decided I'm going to take a few months and focus on core and stamina training - weights, swimming, and lots of great cardio. I'm going to get back into the gym and literally work my tush off. The more I lose, the easier training will be. And I figure I'll do about 6 months of dedicated run training after losing a bunch of weight.

And did I mention raising charity money?

Speaking of which - how about a shout out to Maroo today? And you guys, too! She asked you guys to raise $200 by December to convince Bryan to get a haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop with the full deal.

That was five days ago.

You've raised $670 already. And counting.

You guys are going to hit her $2000 mark aren't you?

DO IT!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Disneyland Approacheth!

Yes folks - there's ANOTHER meet now. Lorilovestigger over at wewantstheredhead.blogspot.com (great blog, by the way) is hosting her own meet and greet. Here's how awesome it is - it's RIGHT after my blue bayou meet. PERFECT timing Lori!

Princess Fee wants to host a small world meet too...perhaps we do that before Blue Bayou? Or after Pirates? Not sure - Fee - your thoughts?
Speaking of Disneyland - let's not forget the real reason we're all going to be there.

DOLE WHIPS!

Um....no wait....that's not right.

Oh yes - the Disneyland Half Marathon.

The race waivers are out and printed. The race guide is downloadable. I've been training and feel about 80% ready. If I can do a nice longer loop this weekend (8miles or more) I'll feel really ready. No matter what I'm still nervous. I want that coast-to-coast medal SO BAD I can taste it. My plan is to get as close to the start as I can before 6am so that I have that buffer of time before the sweep trucks in case I need them.

It's nice that in the guide they posted the sweep points. 4 and 10 miles, and although they're requiring a 16 minute pace, the times for the sweep points seem to be around 25 minutes, which is also a nice buffer.

I just know I want to finish in under 3:27:51 if I can.

And see my cheering smiling friends.

And enjoy a trip to Disneyland.

I'll be announcing my whole schedule here soon so that you all can come hang out with me whenever and whereever!

See you guys soon!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

DISNEYLAND MEETS!

First of all - if you haven't read yesterday's post (#650) please go read it. Comment. Say hi.

Secondly - can I tell you HOW EXCITED I am about Disneyland? But before that - stay tuned for a MAJOR announcement next week. :)

Now - let's talk Disneyland. I'm organizing as many meets as I can while I'm there. And the first one, so far, is a dinner on Friday night. Yes folks - a PRINCESS DINNER. These meets are open to ANY AATMers as well as Team Voicers!

There are 10 seats (one for me) so that's 9 open slots. I need to fill them. Who's with me? (Note - dinner is on your own, AATM is not hosting these meets.) RSVP to jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

Okay - so princesses aren't your style. And Saturday morning is more your time. Perfect. Meet us at Indiana Jones at 9:30am for "THE VOICE OF DOOM" meet! No RSVP required - just SHOW UP! We'll be right out front - and we'll ride around 9:45.Right afterwards, head over to Minnie's breakfast at the Plaza Inn with us! This time only 7 seats are available (2 are already taken - thanks Chuck and Leigh!). RSVP to jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

Sunday - WATCH THE RACE!!! And when it's done, we have a table for 10 at 1:20pm at the BLUE BAYOU!!!! Only 5 seats remain for this meet! RSVP quick folks! jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com

And of course, Justin is hosting the Monday Morning Goofy's Kitchen meet, and you can find more info from him at his blog.

There will be MORE attraction specific meets (what do you guys want to do? Small World? Cali Screaming? Monsters Inc? Billy Hill?) announced next week - but for now - HOW EXCITED ARE WE?!?!?

VERY!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS (TWO WEEKS AWAY)!

Celebrating Six Hundred and Fifty Posts!

What will YOU celebrate?

Today marks the six hundred and fiftieth time I've updated this blog.

For 650 posts you, my friends, supporters, listeners, bloggers, sponsors, teammates, colleagues, and more have been here with me - watching me succeed, stumble, move forward, fall back, and generally live my life to the fullest.

And now it's time for the next chapter.

I've gotten a lot of e-mails lately from folks I met at the PNW mouse meet, as well as AATMers who are "inspired" by me to run their first half marathon. I was given a discount on my shoes (which I might add are AWESOME - I already did a training wog this morning - a longer one tomorrow - and even longer on Saturday is in order) because I raised money for charity. And now Bryan is getting into the charity kick (listen to AATM for details on how you can help).

That being said. I haven't felt inspirational lately. I haven't felt worthy of praise.

I've been down, depressed, overeating, underexercising, and underperforming.

That all stops.

Now.

Let's face it folks - I've done this before - and I've succeeded. And I can and will succeed again.

I am announcing right here and right now that my short-term, immediate goal, is to train for and get to Anaheim, enjoy the heck out of it, finish the DLR half marathon, and then begin a new round of weight loss and fundraising.

We're going to save lives, inspire miracles, and grant wishes together.

What am I celebrating today?

A renewed sense of purpose.

I figured out WHY I succeeded along the way. It was partially for me. But it was a lot for YOU.

Yes YOU.

Team Voice. Folks who say I inspire them. Folks who choose to give money to a worthy cause. The little girl who wants to meet Cinderelly on her Wish trip. The cast member who hugs the boy with the IV. ALL OF YOU.

I do this for me.

But I do it FOR YOU.

And now - we'll do it together.

Stick around folks - you are NOT going to want to miss what's coming next. Let's make some magic!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

PNW MouseMeet and Dr. Zeh

What an amazing weekend I had. The Pacific Northwest MouseMeet is here and gone, and I'm already excited about next year's event! This is the crowd that had gathered waiting for the rope drop at 11am. Now I'd been there since 7am helping Don Morin and the folks get set up. But was I tired? NO WAY. I was JAZZED!

Speaking of Don Morin - here he is with me at the AATM table! Yes - we had our VERY own table!
Where we gave away LOTS of prizes - you'll be able to hear a lot of that audio on AATM this week!
You might even hear my speech about "Magical Moments!" (Alright - no might about it - you WILL hear it.)
I got to hang out with Lou Mongello, Beci from Mousefan Travel, and of course MARGARET KERRY! Holy cats!

There's far too much to do a full review - you'll just have to listen to this week's AATM to hear about it!!!

Now - quick training update - my new shoes are on their way! They'll be here on Wednesday/Thursday - which leaves me two good solid weeks to break them in and train HARDER than ever before in my life. Until then, I'm using an older pair of shoes (the ones I did actually use for the WDW Half Marathon) for some mild training - and we are going to kick it up a notch as soon as we have the new shoes!

What I did was finally something smart. Since no other shoes have really worked for me - I just ordered a NEW pair of the shoes I did the WDW Half Marathon in! :) Brooks Dyads. 4E. 13 Size. BIG shoes. :)

Now - let's talk about Dr. Zeh real quick.

First of all - HIPPA. No worries about confidentiality here as a) I have full power of attorney for medical issues with my dad. So no worries.

Secondly - surgery. I thank all of you for your comments and thoughts - I didn't know there would be a backlash against my doctor. LOL But in reality, I have to say I don't share the concern about her. Here's why:

Dr. Zeh did not say "I think you should have this surgery, and I want to talk to you about it." What Dr. Zeh did say was "if you continue to struggle with taking weight off and putting it back on over time, you have enough going against you genetically that you may want to think about it as an option."

As I've thought about it over the weekend - I'm less freaked out and upset about it. I realize that Dr. Zeh is trying to give me the opportunity to do this myself, and yet wanting to monitor me closely so that I do everything I can to overcome my genetic predispositions. And knowing that - I'll work as hard as I can - and see what the future holds.

First things first - time to get rid of the weight I've put on since January - and yes, Justin, food is really the key. But if food is the key, then exercise is the keychain. It helps you keep your keys together, and makes them prettier. :)

And exercise means being able to finish the race successfully! LOL

And I still have a 26 mile race in January 2011 to look forward too. So maybe we'll do another serious round of weight loss and fundraising.

Regardless - I need to work hard the next three weeks - get to Anaheim, get through Anaheim, get home and really push hard! And I can't wait to see all of you there!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Tetanus and other fun stuff

Okay - so yesterday was my doctor's appointment.

Talk about harrowing.

First of all - I got a clean bill of health. BP is good. My good cholesterol needs to come up a bit, but that's exercise related. And the only real medical concern is the fact that since January I've gained just shy of 30 pounds. While I am working on it - it's our chief concern.

The doctor told me something that freaked me out. And she's a VERY conservative doctor, and very nice - and we love her. (So Dr. Zeh if you're reading this - sorry for freaking out). She told me that now that she's ALSO treating my father, she sees just how bad the risks are for me in the future. She said that he is one of (if not THE) worst general cardio-vascularly healthy persons she's ever seen. He just has SO much wrong. Diabetes, CHF, Strokes, Triple Bypass, Asthma, Weight, etc. She knew all of this before, but seeing it really struck home for her how carefully she wants to watch ME.

So - she says "right now you're not in any danger. In fact, you're good. You've done two half marathons this year, and are doing a third. But you need to focus on doing as much as you can to not becoming him, and although it's something I hardly every suggest, depending on how your weight loss and diet plans go over the next 6 months or so, we might want to consider bariatric surgery."

I'm sorry.....SURGERY?! Weight loss surgery? Even though I did so much on my own? Sure I've hit a stumble, but....

And she reassured me. It's not about the stumble. It's about making sure I can do all I can do for myself, and then using every resource we have to do even better.

"I want you to be here to see Elizabeth graduate college. To see your grandchildren graduate college."

So - I'm completely freaked out. It's like - no no no - you're doing everything you can - you're trying really hard - but we want to try to help you do better, because your best isn't good enough.

I told her I was really freaked out. She said "Hey look - I'm not even suggesting it at this point. I'm just bringing it up to see how you feel about it. I have my concerns too. Let's see you back in six months, after the business settles down, Elizabeth is here, your parents are more settled, and things are quieter. Let's see how well you do, and then we'll talk."

That calmed me. A bit.

But I'm still MAJORLY freaked out.

So I came home and immediately started figuring out how to get better shoes, cuz I have a LOT of exercise to do.

But yet again, the universe throws me a roadblock. This time, it came in the form of a tetanus booster I got at the doctors office (haven't had one in 15 years).

Side effects: Soreness. No problem.

Some other side effects can be: digestive issues (check), chills (yup, since about 2am), headache (ditto), and fever (99.9-100.5 since 2am).

I feel like CRUD this morning. I barely slept, I have a fever. And I can't even stay home! I have TWO potential clients today. And I am DARN sure not missing the PNW mousemeet.

So I fight through it - like I always do.

But seriously - what a day.

How's your day going?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Bear Necessities

The simplest one is often the hardest to get. And the one we need for a race - a good fitting pair of shoes.

Yes, I'm still having shoe woes. However, I think now I have the solution.

I did another short wog this morning to test out the new shoes with their standard laces.

Still uncomfy and tight.

But as I recall from my fitting, they said I was right on the line between getting away with a 4E width and needing a 6E. They didn't have a 6E so I got a 4E. I'm going to call and see if they can order me a 6E and maybe that'll solve a lot of problems.

I remember my FIRST pair of running shoes. They felt WONDERFUL. Why can't I find a pair like that again? *sigh*

I'm also this morning off to the doctor for my pre-race checkup and yearly physical. I'll give you guys a full report tomorrow.

Talk to you soon! And hey - have you all seen my new office's website?

www.dichterlawoffice.com - check it out!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Easy my foot.

Okay - I'm here folks. :)

Blister is healed, and I went to the gym this morning to hit the treadmill because we're FINALLY getting some much needed rain. It's pouring here.

And I had intended to do 3-5 miles (time permitting - have to go see my grandmother in the hospital before work).

And did about 1.5.

Why? I wasn't tired - no. But my left foot started to hurt, and my right foot started to have that hotspot where the blister was. I stopped and focused on figuring out why. And I think it's not the new shoes (which I like) - I think it's the new LACES.

The guy at the store suggested these Easy Laces - which are elastic and basically turn your shoe into a slip-on. Great in concept and comfy when you FIRST slip them on. But they don't GIVE with your foot - they keep you cinched in there. Which means awkward pressure in wider areas of my feet.

So I'm going to replace them with the ORIGINAL laces and see if that makes a difference tomorrow. If it does - problem solved. If not - then we try a different pair of shoes.

Regardless - yes, I'm nervous about this race. But I know one thing. Right now I am focused and I will do everything I can to prepare. If I really give it my all between now and then, no matter what the outcome, I'll be proud of my effort. And so will you all.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Showers and Blisters

This weekend was our BABY SHOWER! How awesome is that?!!

There was one problem for me - and I'm still nursing it.

After my 3 miles the other day in the new shoes. No problems. No pain. No nothing. Not even a hot spot.

Then I put on an old pair of sneakers to go into the office.

By 6pm, I had a WHOPPING blister on my right foot.

So for two days I've had my foot up and being treated with antibiotic ointment as much as possible. It was VERY painful. But this morning it's feeling a bit better - and tomorrow I ought to be back out there - planning a 5 miler. And planning on figuring out if it's the new shoes or not.

I'll admit that I'm worried. I know I haven't trained as hard for this as I have for others, and understandably so. And as such, I'm scared of letting my friends, family, and team down. But as Amber reminded me last night - "If you still have the courage to start, you're still a winner in my book."

And come heck or high water, I'll be there. :)

Now - onto fun pictures of baby showering!

Amber was SO happy to see all her friends (and mine - it was a co-ed babyshower!) We played lots of games, and had great food brought by our friends!
Someone made a MICKEY shaped cheeseball! :)
What a beautiful cake! When the time came to cut it - I couldn't bear to cut through Elizabeth's name, nor through Pooh....so Amber made the first cut. LOL
Presents galore! Everything from diapers to detergent to books and outfits....
AND OUR CARSEAT/STROLLER set! WOW!

Basically, we did awesome. We had a blast playing games, seeing our friends, and we're just so grateful to them for throwing such a party filled with love and excitement over our little girl, who is now thumping away inside mommy.

Okay - that's all for today - tomorrow we'll have a blister and exercise update! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Pride

It means so many things to so many people.

To me - it means a bunch today.

It means I like my new shoes, as I did 3 miles in under 48 minutes this morning. It means being happy with that accomplishment, despite having gained weight while setting up my office. It means knowing that I'll keep pushing, lose the weight, and conquer Anaheim.

It also means that Elizabeth is growing, and that I actually FELT her kick through her mommy's tummy yesterday. It means that I'm going to be the Mufasa of my own pride, and that I can't wait to celebrate tomorrow at the baby shower, and in November when she arrives.

It means that my office is something I strived to create, and now that it's semi-operational, I'm quite happy. And looking for ways to improve. And to finalize. And to work hard to help my clients. And Amber is a wonderful office manager who's learning new programs, new computers, a new business, and smiling and enjoying it!

And it means that I'm thrilled that YOU are here - still reading - still supporting me - still searching for your own goals and accomplishments.

It means I'm proud. Of you, of me, of us, and of just being here.

Are you proud?

You ought to be!

Tell us what you're proud of today!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Accomplishments

Hey guys! It's been several days, I know. I want to first thank EVERYONE for checking in on me via e-mail, text, everything the last few days. I'm FINE. Just tired. Let's give you a quick update.

Wednesday we purchased all the office equipment, furniture, computer stuff, etc. We had a client meeting scheduled for yesterday, so we had to be up and running. We've spent about 14-18 hours each day since then in the office getting things together, getting computers up and running, getting servers configured, etc.

No phone or internet in the office yet - likely by the end of this week or the middle of next Verizon will come in and do their thing. So I've been incommunicado.

And of course, focusing there, we'd been bringing in food, and eating out food, and so there went the healthy eating options - and the heat took care of exercise.

Which brings us to yesterday. I realized that I have FOUR WEEKENDS until Anaheim. And I will NOT let what happened to me at my job or the stress of my family take away what I've worked for. I've already slipped. But it's time to focus, and push forward. I have Elizabeth to think about. So we went grocery shopping. We're stocking the office with healthy lunch food, and a few healthy snacks.

And this morning - I went OUTSIDE and did 2 miles. It took about 34 minutes. Not a bad pace. But it did remind me that I need new shoes. So that's on the list for tomorrow. And I know that in order to be really ready and feel good about Anaheim, I'm going to have to train HARDER, LONGER, and more CONSISTENTLY this month than I ever have before.

But knowing that makes it easier to commit to it - and easier to say "I can and will do this."

So why the giraffe picture?

Because it's cute. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!