Twin Cities Runner
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Twin Cities Marathon Race Report
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Team World Vision Training Update
Training continues for the Twin Cities Marathon as does fundraising for Team World Vision. These past couple weeks I've clocked some decent mileage and raised more money for Team World Vision.
This training cycle I haven't ran near the mileage I've run in the past for a marathon. I'm tempering my expectations and doing a couple of workouts that will give me an idea of what my goal should be for the marathon.
One workout I've done is a marathon-pace finish long run where I ran the last five miles at about what I think I could run the marathon. I didn't feel comfortable running at a 3:30 marathon pace, so I'm guessing my goal will be under 3:45.
Fundraising has gone well as I've raised $2,050 to bring clean water to communities in need. Fifty dollars brings that water to one person, so thanks to all my generous donors, forty-one people will have clean water.
Please consider a donation to Team World Vision. Your generosity will make a life-saving difference to a community in need of clean water. And, Team World Vision is a Christian organization, but it serves communities regardless of their religion.
Thank you to all of you who have already donated. And if you are unable to donate at this time, your thoughts and prayers for Team World Vision are appreciated. A link to donate is below:
Sunday, August 18, 2024
Team World Vision Training Update
Monday, May 27, 2024
Team World Vision Fundraising
As I look forward to the Twin Cities Marathon in October, I am once again raising money for Team World Vision. Team World Vision brings clean water to communities in need. Every day more than 800 children die from contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene.
While World Vision is a Christian organization, it serves communities and individuals whether they are Christian or not.
You can make a difference. A donation of $50 will bring clean water to one person. Any amount you're comfortable donating will help, whether it's five dollars or $100.
For any donation $20 or more, I will dedicate a mile of the Twin Cities Marathon to you.
For a donation of $50 or more, I will write you a semi-customized training plan for a race distance of your choice.
If donating isn't feasible for you right now, I ask that you keep me and communities in need in your prayers.
Thank you for all your support. You can find more information on my Team World Vision fundraising page Team World Vision fundraising page.Sunday, May 5, 2024
Goals Update
It's been six months since I set some goals for the 42nd year of my life. Here are how they're going:
1. Run a marathon.
I'm signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon this coming October
2. Do strength and mobility work at least 45 minutes a week.
I'm on track for this one.
3. Break 19:15 in the 5K
This is going to be a tough one. I'm planning on starting to take a crack at this goal in August and September.
4. Run 1,000 miles for the year.
This one's going great. I've already logged 545,
5. Hit race weight by May and maintain for the year.
I missed the goal of getting to race weight by May. I'm hoping to be down to race weight by the end of August.
6. Write 12 blog posts.
Well... not doing so hot on this one.
Though all my goals are not going great, I'm feeling pretty good about the progress I've made. I'm optimistic about the second half of the year.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Hospital Anniversary: Don't Feel Bad for Me
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Mental Illness and Character
Can people give themselves a mental illness? Some think so. Some think that mental illness can be caused by a lack of motivation or poor character. Some think that one can overcome a mental illness by trying harder or thinking differently.
People with mental illnesses can even fall into this category. They think that if only they try harder, their depression, anxiety, or other mental illness will get better.
It is true that there are things people can do to improve their mental illnesses. Taking their medications as prescribed, keeping healthy sleep habits, eating a healthy diet, and spending time connecting with friends are a few ways to manage a mental illness.
But in answer to the question of giving themselves a mental illness, the answer is, "no." While there are things one can do to mitigate mental illness and even get past certain mental illnesses, people aren't out there "giving themselves" mental illnesses.
When people say that others have given themselves mental illnesses, they should consider what would happen to them if they had a mental illness. From the outside, many with mental illnesses look like they are not doing well. They may not have stable relationships, or they may have a hard time staying employed. But it's easy for those without mental illness to look down on them.
What, however, would it look like for those who don't struggle with mental illness to have a mental illness? They might not be as successful in life. They might not have the relationships they enjoy.
People with mental illness deserve compassion and understanding, not judgment and blame. When thinking about those with mental illness, people should take a pause and consider the struggles mental illness brings, not pass judgment or blame.
Be well.