Stumbling to the Starting Line...

I read online that one of the key pieces of equipment that every runner should have is a feature-rich expensive GPS sports watch. Now, I'm not exactly an expert runner, but isn't it called "RUNNING"!? Isn't a pair of shoes, and desire all I really need to be a runner? I think I heard somewhere that there are even marathon runners that don't wear shoes? Their desire is obviously far greater than mine... but I digress.

So what is it about us that makes us go crazy and think we need to spend spend spend on the best possible equipment? Why do we obsess more over "looking" like a runner, than we do over putting in the work? At the end of the race, isn't the winner simply the best dispite what gear they are wearing?

Today I did a little research on this topic at my local sporting goods store. After talking to a sales associate for about 15 minutes about the different features of three different sports watches, I asked him..."So Jim, which of these watches will make me run the fastest?" Jim was stumped...

Ok, enough of that rant... My point is, there is no substitute for desire! Technology is great, and information is a very powerful tool, but the only way to reach your goals is to put forth the effort to adequately prepare for the race.

By the way... I bought the Garmin - Forerunner 60.

Yours in Fitness!
Tommy

Running Log:
Today ran 3 miles on the treadmill and 2 miles on the eliptical

Week ending 12/17:
9.0 actual of 14.0 goal

Week ending 12/10:
12.5 actual of 12.0 goal

Week ending 12/3:
8.5 actual of 12.0 goal

The Journey Begins

A few months ago my son informed me that he wishes to join the Marines when he graduates from high school this coming June. He lives with his mother, and this news came as a bit of surprise to me. I'm not saying that I don't think this would be a good choice for the boy, but I'm not saying I'm rejoicing this decision either. I simply want my son to make the best and most informed decision he can make for his future.

One thing I decided I could do to help him on his journey, regardless of what his decision might be, is to encourage him to work on his physical fitness. To that end, I have challenged him to run a half-marathon with me in March 2011. So, on the day after Christmas I will begin a 10 week training schedule that will work me up to nearly 30 miles per week as I prepare for this run. Mind you, I've never even tried to run a 5K, so this will be quite a challenge.

As an OA sufferer, this journey will be particularly difficult. Most of my conditioning work will be done on the eliptical trainer at my local gym. This will cut down on the wear to my hips, and allow me to strengthen for the race with minimal damage. My biggest fear is that my hips won't allow me to finish this race...

I will be posting regular updates here in the form of a training log, along with other semi-related tangents my mind may venture down on this journey. I hope you will follow along with me, and share your thoughts and feedback. Afterall, it's not about the destination... it's about the journey!!

Yours in Health,
Tommy