Hi Everyone,

Well, things have been going well for me since completing my first marathon. I have started training again for a short 4 mile marathon to be held on Thanksgiving Day. I joined this race mainly to see if I could run the whole 4 miles. My training so far has got me to 2 miles of non-stop running but that's been on a tread mill. I really need to try and run on a road course soon. Maybe next weekend.

I've also made two other decisions since completing the Columbus Race. I have signed up for the ING Marathon in Miami, Florida on January 31, 2011. This race is also a half marathon (for me) and one I hope to run/walk in. My only goal is to run a significant portion of it. I would be thrilled if I could run 1/2 of it but my only desire is to run some and to better my time from the Columbus race. I shouldn't have any problem with that.

And I've also decided to re-engage Team in Training and I have entered the Cap City Marathon in May 2011 here in Columbus. I will once again be raising funds for that event but this time, I will try my hand at a different kind of fund raising. I plan to raise money through garage sales, dinner events, bake sales, etc. This is a great way (I think) to get my wife Cindy involved in this important civic activity.

So wish me luck. Prayers welcomed. Hope to hear your encouragements. And as always, thanks!!

Hey Everyone,

Well I officially finished my first marathon. 13.1 miles! In 3 hours, 3 minutes and 8 seconds. My very first and definitely NOT my last. It was a beautiful day to compete. I was surrounded by 15,000 others, everyone smiling and laughing. It truly was a great day.

And an even better ending to the story, I was able to raise money to help fight Leukemia and Lymphoma while doing it. I've learned that Team in Training is an awesome organization with awesome people and volunteers. I can't tell you how many times I was cheered on by random people on the sidelines, encouraging me to keep going. What a cool feeling.

And the really good news is I blew my fund raising goal out of the water. I was targeted to raise $1,400 dollars and as of this writing, I have raised just over $2,000. And there is potential for even more as a few folks have indicated they still plan to contribute. Thank you all for your generosity.

And the honor beyond honors that I had was I was invited to share a little about my “hero” at the spaghetti dinner the night before the race. Team in Training asked me to share my personal reason for joining Team in Training. My hero is my baby girl (who reminded me recently she isn't a baby anymore, yeah like that is possible for a proud dad to accept). I shared a few minutes about the scary moments in those early days of her diagnosis and how wonderful she is doing today. And I know that has a lot to do with a wonderful God but also due to the many great men and women who work tirelessly to research, comfort and raise money to help cure this disease.

So what's next, definitely another marathon. After all, I have a personal record now to surpass!! Thanks all..

Well, I'm less than 10 days away from my first official half-marathon. And I am more than ready!!

This week has been great. I attended our kick-off party this week and got my Team in Training jersey. I've got all the info I need to race on the 17th. And I attended my 2nd to last week of training tonight.

I've made some really cool new friends and got to hear a bunch of great and heart-breaking stories from other team members. Like tonight, I learned of an 18 year old young lady who unfortunately succombed to leukemia this weekend. And of one's mom who endures with a blood cancer.

I really am blessed to not have had to endure this diseae personally and I am equally blessed to know my daughter is a survivor. I thank God everyday for sparing her and for giving her to me.

A quick funraising update. First, thanks again for everyone's support to my fund raising effort. The great news is I exceeded my goal. The even greater news is I am receiving checks in the mail and will have more deposits to make very soon. I hav some awesome friends!!

Well, not sure if I will get to post again before race day so if I don't get to, THANK YOU to my friends, co-workers, family, fellow trainees and trainers and to the awesome men and women who tirelessly work to find a cure!

See you all in 13.1 miles!!

I did it!! I achieved my fund raising goal today. I passed the $1,400 level with a check given to me for $100 dollars. I couldn't be more excited. Thank you everyone for helping.

But don't stop, please!! If you have a burden or a desire to help, your gift is still more than welcomed. If you are visiting this site for the first time after receiving a letter or email from me, please consider going ahead with your gift. Your gifts go a long way to help treat and look for a cure for blood cancers.

I have met a great group of people while doing Team in Training. I love their passion and desire to help others. Their generousity of time, talents and treasures. You are all an inspiration to me. Thank you!!

And I can't forget my "heroes." Love ya Jen, Danny, Dan and Phil.

About one month to go till race day!!

The title of my post just doesn't seem like enough for me to say or do as an expression of my gartitude to those of you who have donated to my leukemia campaign. But it is the only thing I can think of to say. But there is something else I can think of to do and that is continue to train and work toward completing the goal before me. To participate in my first ever half-marathon.

I am still blessed by the many who have shared their personal stories of leukemia and thankful for those who continue to encourae me with training help and general comments of "you can do it."

Training continues although I got a bit off track this past weekend due to the demands of work. But I'm looking to get back on schedule tomorrow and rejoin my training calendar. This week, I'm supposed to do 9 miles. I' already mapping my trail.

A little over a month remains till the half-marathon and I'm more and more excited about it. Thanks again to all who donate and encourage. God bless!!