A marathon to Remember-

I am alive and not injured!!! That is the big news here! I am sure that you have all heard the news about the Chicago Marathon and all the sick and injured runners. It was a surreal experience. I first have to thank Megan for coming out and being my go-to gal for the run. Without her I would not have been able to survive and make it home safely. The marathon officials keep claiming that they had water and Gatorade-- LIES -- BIG FAT LIES!!!! My experience was that water was available at the first hydration station- the next two stops were out- in fact the volunteers had folded up the tables and were very sorry and scrambling to make sense of it all. What I saw in the next two hours I will never forget. I saw marathon runners going in to a 7-11 to buy anything liquid, I saw runners accept half consumed beverages that a stranger offered to one in need, I saw desperate runners drink any water they could find-- even drinking out of a decorative fountain in front of an apartment building, I saw men and women simply collapse from heat exhaustion while running, I saw people rushing to help complete strangers, I saw spectators going into stores to buy anything they could to help runners, I saw homeowners turn their garden hoses into a cooling device, and most importantly I saw that I am not a quitter. I ran and then walked until the police told me I couldn't go anymore at mile 16.5. It was hard to give up and admit that the weather conditions had gotten the best of me. Training for months and months was not enought for the soaring temperatures and lack of hydration. In my opinion I could have finished it if I would have had water and gatorade as needed. I personally become dehydrated in the first 8 miles and then was never able to fully recover. My medal is lying on my dresser and I indecisve on what to do with it. Originally I planned on having it framed with my finish line photo so that I could display it on my wall. One side of me wants to simply put in a drawer with other forgotten memorabilia-- another thinks I should still frame it as a testament to the human spirit that endured during the race. I will run a marathon-- not sure when or where--- but I will.

I want to share this email I received from one of my Team in Training coaches-- it really brings to a head part of the experience.... one which will go down in history.

From Val on the West team. I thought this was awesome. Q. When is a marathon, not a marathon? A. When they make you stop running at mile 16! Well, if last year's Chicago Marathon wasaffectionately referred to by me as the "ass-freezer," thenthis one was definitely the "ass-melter." Yes it was hot, andI foolishly ran too fast for the first 3 miles. So I wasreally forced to take it easier thereafter. I was trying sohard to concentrate on running and staying hydrated, that Ididn't really get to enjoy the sights and sounds out on thecourse like I had hoped. There was no water to be had in Lincoln Park, so Iheaded off the course to the Conservatory and got some from afountain. After rejoining the race, I saw runners buying theirown drinks at a gas station! I mean, who brings money to amarathon? A low point for me was picking a dirty cup off theground and getting some gatorade poured into it at a waterstation.

Unfortunately, I saw full medical tents, runners collapsed on curbs, in gutters and leaning up against trees,and heard emergency sirens everywhere. Garbage everywhere. Chicago looked like a war zone. How could this be my city? But the happiness always has to outweigh the sadness. Highlights of my morning included a fellow runner, some guy I didn't know, cracking open a bottle of water and offering me the first drink. I splashed in a fountain at a condo near Addison and Lake Shore Drive. My biggest supporters, my family stood proudly by cheering...a sight for my sore eyes! My TNT triathalon coach John handing me a bottle of water at mile 8 and running with me. I refilled that bottle whenever I got the chance. It really saved me. Aahh, then running thru the very exclusive hoods of Lincoln Park with a guy dressed as part of the male anatomy..."Mr. Testicles." He was anatomically correct and being near him encouraged me to move a little faster as I did not want to be part of a photo opp with this guy. And I was touched by the kindness of my fellow runners and the spectators doing everything from sharing, stopping to help, buying us drinks, squirting us, handing out ice, lending a hand at the overwhelmed water stations, and of course cheering. Yes...THIS IS MY CITY!

The journey ended abruptly on Jackson when officials told us the race was cancelled. Warm bottled water was handed out and we walked to Grant Park all the while in sadness and>silence being sprayed with firehoses. A disappointment, yes. I missed my favorite neighborhoods, my family awaiting me in Pilsen and the glory of crossing the finish line. But to keep things in perspective, especially coming from Team in Training);

Things don't always turn out like you plan.People get cancer. People battle bravely and still die. Some go into remission and then lose remission. Some go into remission and suffer secondary cancers and other ills from chemo and radiation. And sometimes marathons get cancelled. I could think of a million things worse than that, and so could you. Happiness is a choice. I choose happiness.

There isalways next year. Even though I said this was my lastmarathon, it wasn't really a marathon. So, on a technicality,I may have to run one more marathon with TNT, to fundraise andhonor the people that did not chose their marathon...cancer. Thanks for supporting me through this abbreviatedjourney. As the diehard Chicagoan that I am....I tell you,"We'll get 'em next year!" Thanks for all of your support in the fight againstblood and bone marrow cancers. I deeply appreciate it. Love, Val


I really like what Val had to say-- I think of some loved ones the have lost their battles with cancer- and I realize that I need to choose Happiness too- and that I am very lucky to have had this experience.

Ready to Run--

No I am a bad blogger as of recent months- my apologies. It has been a very very busy time preparing for the Chicago Marathon. Running has seemingly taken over my life in every possible way. Every little detail is important: what I drink, what I eat, how much I sleep- and so forth. The feeling of a child waiting for Christmas has kind of overtaken me this past week! I can not wait to finish the race and share my photos to brag!!!

Other than that no other big news- I continue to settle into my condo and continue to love life in Chicago. September's weather was beautiful and I have been able to enjoy walks to the beach and time with Trevor in the yard. This past weekend I did clean up my patio plants and winterized the outdoor living spaces.

Here are some pictures that were taken last weekend at my last Team in Training group run. I was really lucky to have a wonderful running group and am so excited to run with them in the marathon!!!!

On the road again-

Where is that Simple Life that Paris and Nicole were looking for? Where is the joys of coming home and making dinner? I have been on the road too much lately & I guess that it is wearing thin. But - alas the end is near. I heard from my boss last night that next week I will only be covering Northern IL & primarily focusing on Chicago. Since I live in Chicago, this means that I can pretty much be home every night! This is such welcome news--- now I can reserve travel for pleasure and fun with family and friends.

I am getting into the final stages of training for the marathon- this Saturday is my 18 mile run- wow. Yesterday I was doing a basic 45 minute run in Des Moines with 95 degree heat and humidity out the wazoo-- it was crazy. I think I sweat off like 10 pounds. It felt good that I could do it- that my body is conditioned enought ot take it.

I am sad to see the summer ending- the nights are noticably shorter now. The darkness of fall is coming upon us. I do love the splendor of fall and the changing of colors. I am reminded of good things that fall brings- like Apple picking (FUN!) I did recently find out that I have a conference this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah... now I can mark one more state off of my list of places to go.

My friends are my top priority for fall- spending time with Dawn and Missy and Megan- and apple picking with Laura.

Las Vegas-

What a rough life I endure- it was such a rough week having to travel to Las Vegas to cover a conference. It was really nice because my duties at the conference were relatively light and I had quite a bit of free time to roam and explore. I would not advise going to Las Vegas in August- too hot! Yikes.... I spent the afternoons by the pool under misters sipping vodka lemonades---- it was delightful. I did see a great show "LaReve" which is at the Wynn- very good - it combined dance, music, acrobatics, and diving. I did not realize the human body could do all those things. It was impressive to say the least. I did hit the strip some and took in the sights-- but I felt it was too hot to really do much- so I pretty much stayed around the Wynn and enjoyed the 5 star luxury that I had bee afforded. I only spent $25 gambling- and played a ton of nickel slots- it was fun-- at one point I was up to $100-- but I should have cashed out- but of course I kept going and lost it all--- at least I am only out $25 dollars. Not a bad tab for 3 days in Vegas. I would really like to come back to Vegas when it isn't so hot and I had some friends to gamble and sight see with.

I have a busy week ahead- going to Central IL- and then the follow week is Iowa- so it is time to put some more miles on the car!

Here are some Vegas shots-

Wynn Hotel-

Check out these pictures- I never want to leave.

14 Miles-

Over half way there- I ran the longest distance of my life on Saturday- and I still feel pretty good. It was a really hot and humid day- so I am hoping that the cooler temperatures of the October will make the 26 miles a bit easier. I am amazed at how doing a long run such as the 12 or 14 miles can literally take over the weekend. It seems that Saturday gets consumed with running and then the recovery from a long run.

Other than that it was a quiet weeekend -- I enjoyed going to the beach today at getting into te cool waters of lake Michigan.

Off to Las Vegas this week... please let me know any lucky numbers you want me to play

Have I really grown up???

OK- It is hard to believe but I think any hopes that I had of remaining young forever are over--I think it is official I have grown up. I am up at Lakeside, Ohio with my family which has been a summer tradition for my entire life. Summers at Lakeside meant ice cream, swimming, playing in the park, and late night walks along the lake. I remember how cool it felt being in high school and being able to drive at Lakeside-- and being able to stay up late and watch the stars at the end of the pier. Now- I am playing with my nephews and babysitting. Looking at the lifegaurds and teenagers waiting tables and thinking of "when I was younger"-- and it hit me- when did I become grown up?? It kinda shocked me- but it is true-- I am a responsible adult and no longer a kid!! Yikes..

Oh well- I will post some vacation pictures soon.

Road Trippin-

Hello friends- sorry it has been a while since my last official entry on the old blog here. I have been busy with work and all the joys of summer! I am presently on vacation and visiting the family in Ohio. Over the weekend I had the most delightful time visitn gmany old and new friends down in Tennessee. For the first time in a long time I really feel truly relaxed. I had such a wonderful time. I also loved driving throught the mountains and seeing some difference scenery (i see way too much of cornfields). Tomorrow we leave for Lake Erie and then I head back to Chicago on Sunday- to get back to some sort of normalcy!!!

Survived the 4th-

I made the trek home to Ohio on the 4th of July- it was a nice family visit. Tuesday nice some friends and I went to Montrose Harbor to watch the Chicago fireworks- it was very nice to see the fireworks with the entire city skyline as a big backdrop.

On the 4th- Mother made the traditional July 4th Hamloaf-- don't ask why Hamloaf??? It was a unique family gathering to say the least--- I was very happy that good friend Laura was able to come and share in the family adventure--- I think that she was very very amused by the entire group.

Friday my sister and I took the nephews to the zoo- it was very fun. I had forgotten how spending the day with a 3 year old can wear you out totally.. Devan and Dillon both loved the aquarium-- they both enjoyed watching the fish- it was so fun- of course the big highlight of the day was merry-go-round- how fun!

On the way back to Chicago- I stopped of in Bluffton- where I went to College for some coffee talk with Laura-- it is so comforting to know that somethings never change- like good friends and a place to go home--

A refreshing break

I didn't travel outside of Chicagoland this week & it felt great! It was so nice to not be away from home. My own bed and my own surroundings was such a pleasant experience every night. My new home is shaping up nicely-- and I am really enjoying it. I have a few more pictures to hang up and then I think I will feel settled-- oh I still need to be brave and try to wire up the DVD play-- all of those cords scare me--- it really is too much technology.
Tomorrow morning is an 8 mile run- which shouldn't be too bad since we ran 10 last weekend-- Megan and Matt are having a housewarming party tomorrow night- and then Sunday is the annual Pride parade-- which is always quite the spectacle to see.

Well- I should ge ready for dinner with a friend here in the neighborhood-- have a great weekend all.

Technology can be cool---

I purchased a Nike+ system for my Ipod NANO-- it hooks up to my Ipod and then I put a sensor in my shoe and it tells me how long I have run-- how far I have run- and my avg. pace. It was really cool. When you come home from the run- you can link back up to your computer and the computer program will track my progress--

I guess this is an example of when technology works for me-

It has felt so good to be at home in Chicago again this week- the condo is on tract to be ready for the housewarming party next weekend.

Settling Down-

I ran 10 freaking miles yesterday---- I am so impressed with myself. When I signed up to do the marathon-- which is 26.2 I kind of figured I would have to run 10 to make this a reality- but when I actually did it for the first time it really sinks in. The last two miles were hard-- it was very hot and muggy outside-- and I really did not want to keep going- but one thing Team in Training did is talk about the patients that suffer and have no choice-- I thought about Megan and the pain and hardships she endured with the chemo and radiation- so I sucked it up, put on some Madonna on th Ipod and finished strong-- GO TEAM!!!

This morning- Sunday I have been in the nesting mode- I cleaned- put up some more pictures- reorganized some kitchen cupboards. More and more the place is feeling like home.
I am still struggling with the "New Balance" coments I posted the other day-- Thanks Dawn and Megan for the encouragement- I needed that.

I was listening to country music the other day on the satellite radio and a sad song came on-- and there is a line that goes, "Life's about change and nothing ever stays the same"-- and that really hit home-- it is about change- and we need to learn to adjust our attitudes and make lemonade out of the lemons.

Don't forget -- Housewarming party June 30th- Be There!!!
or just donate to Team in Training for me.

Achieving New Balance-

What a difference a year has made- I have now been in Chicago and in my new role as an external wholesaler for a year. It has been a fun year of adjustments and life changes. I have moved two times in 12 months (not fun) and basically taken my life and turned it upside down. I used to live a very 9-5 life filled with routine. Each day was literally the same and my life pretty much ticked on a rigid schedule. Today I am constantly in flux- no two days are the same ever. My poor company car has taken me over 40,000 miles in the past year. Don't get me wrong - I am having the absolute time of my life and living out the American Dream. My career is going well- and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to do what I am doing. I guess the question is - at what price am I sacrificing all of this for?? Do I have a chance at achieving the all American dream of a family and a normal home life??? Or will I wake up and be a tacky 55 year old traveling insurance salesman?

I feel really bad that I have such wonderful friends in Chicago- and yet I struggle to find time to really hang out with them as I would like. I want to form friendships with new acquaintances and I also want to sustain the friendships I already have. Yet I am feel like I am in a constant battle with the clock-- always strapped for time-- waking up feeling like I am already 5 minutes behind... I guess I just need to find a new balance--- a way of juggling all the areas of my life and finding some time to relax and claim some me time.

Any thoughts??

Busy Busy Busy-

Life comes at you fast!!! Trust me- I am really tired from a 10k hike up to the top of Crazy Horse Mtn. today near Hill City, SD-- it was really incredible. I will write more later -- but here are some recent photo highlights- including Dillon's 1st birthday in Ohio.

Fargolicious

No pets in the picnic area?? Trevor must have been there!

Spring flowers alonger Michigan Ave.

Scenese from Fargo, ND

The welcome rest stop as you enter South Dakota!

It's Fargolicious- yeah that's right FARGOLICIOUS--- I have decided that the only way to keep sane while doing all of this traveling is to keep a sense of humor. Luckily enough, I do have a good sense of humor. I left Chicago Sunday and drove to Sioux Falls, SD- I had to leave early enough so that I could watch the season finale of Amazing Race all stars- I was cheering for Charla and Mirna- but alas- they
did not win! I am very proud of them for coming in third place! Way to go girls.
Monday was a good business day - but the weather was so dreary in Sioux Falls- I had hoped to get down to the river and finally photograph the waterfalls that make Sioux Falls famous-- but all I would have taken pictures of was me getting wet.
Yesterday and today have been so beautiful- the weather is perfect-- too bad I am in North Dakota right? Last night I had a wonderful run in a beautiful neighborhood here in Fargo. All the spring trees are in full bloom- and you could really sense that finally it is spring!!!! The Red River here (of the north) is flooded as they had substantial amounts of rain over the weekend. I hope to get another good run in tonite. Currently I am over in Bismark for the day. I get a sense of how the pioneers must have felt traveling across the great plains- of course I am sure that my trusty Ford is much more comfortable than a covered wagon. The open prairie seems to go on forever- occasionally broken by a tree or small river. It is a simple beauty - and when you stop and get out of the car you are greeted by clean fresh country air and the pleasant sounds of bird chirping. While I have not motivation to move to the Dakota’s- it is a nice change of pace from the city life.
I do have to comment on my girl Paris Hilton-- While I am a general big supporter of Paris -- she crossed the line this time! She deserves the jail time- and trust me she will capitolize on the whole venture with a book and possible TV movie-- I can see it now- and actually can’t wait-- I wonder if they can make it into a Simple Life show- Paris in Jail-- perhaps Nicole could bake a cake and try to help her get out of jail by baking a cell phone or other escape device into it!!! Paris- if you are reading my BLOG next time- hire a driver--- I have seen you drive on TV - you are not a good driver sober-- so please hire a limo-- you can afford it!
Another interested fun North Dakota fact-- the Starbucks in Fargo has city mugs!! Go figure???? I thought they were only for major cities such as Chicago, LA, San Francisco, and such. In fact I was in Phoenix that fall and told that they do not have them. I had to buy one just for novelty of it all.
OK- random rambling again- the garage sale Megan and I had for Team in Training went really well- the dismal weather did not help our sales- but we got rid of the stuff and made some cash for help fund cancer research!!!
Have a great day--- from you FARGOLICIOUS friend.

What a week-

This past week was perhaps one of the most grueling weeks that I have had in a long time. Last weekend was the move in weekend- which was hard enought by itself. I had a series of 6 group meeting for 2 different banking firms in 3 different cities (St. Louis, Peoria, and Chicago). I leave tomorrow for Sioux Falls, SD- and I am actually looking forward to the trip- because I have only 1-1 advisor appointments and no big group meetings--- I am looking forward to also staying in an organized environment of a hotel where everything is all clean and orderly. Today Megan and I had a garage sale to benefit the Leukemia/ Lymphoma society- it was a very slow start- we pretty much sold everything in sight. We made a good profit- but it was a long day-- I was very happy that I got to spend some quality time with Megan and have a few laughs.

What does Des Moines look like?

I have finally moved into the the new pad- and I have almost found everything. Since I had been gradually moving over piece by piece the last couple of weeks- It was not really that big of a deal to move in. My movers were not the brightest bulbs in the box. The did not speak English very well and did not understand orders very well. As a mover--- it would seem logical a couch would go into the living room and not the bedroom-- but who knew? There were some growing pains on getting the furniture into the correct position -- but it is settling nicely now.

The only problem that I am having is my cable- which is not working well-this is particularly upsetting with Desperate Housewives on tonite- and I can not get it to come in alone.

Needless to say the majority of my weekend was spent unpacking and getting settled into the new digs.

I have attatched some snapshots of the greater Des Moines, IA area. As you can see the skyline is not the impressive- but the countryside can have some nice gradually rolling hills. I also took a snapshot of my trusty car Nicole-- I thought she was looking especially sassy at the Iowa road side rest.

Another busy week ahead- tomorrow night I will be in St. Louis-- and then Peoria!!! Way fun -- right????

Reflections on moving on........

Tomorrow is moving day--- after almost a year in my apartment home- I have purchased a condo and moved on. I think for me moving is always emotional because it is so symbolic that a chapter in our lives has passed. Reflecting back on the past year- this has been such an AWESOME first Chicago home. I think back on so many good memories that I made here and those will stick with me for the rest of my life. It is exciting to think of the new home and the memories that I will make there.

It has been a very long week on the road in Iowa- the rain was relentless. They had over 3 inches of rain in most places surrounding Des Moines. Every time that I got out of the car- I seemingly got drenched... I continually had that not so fresh feeling from the 1st appointment until the last appointment of the day. When I got back to the hotel- I changed to my running clothes and worked out and then slipped into comfortable sweats to watch American Idol.

I must comment that this week's idol showwas awesome- it featured the ever wonderful Ryan Seacrest- who wouldn't love him- CELINE and ELVIS_-- I slept a happy man last night!!

Ready to Roll-

What an incredible weekend of wonderful weather here in Chicago-- it was beautiful-- sunny with clear skies- and warm temperatures of around 80 degrees. As I type I am on the rear deck with a pleasant breeze blowing- so life is feeling pretty good- I just need to take Trevor for a nice long walk before a hot shower and settling into to watch The Amazing Race and Desperate Housewives.

Yesterday I went to The Chicago Botanical Gardens to help a friend, Ted, celebrate his 55th birthday.. we had a lovely time and I met some great new friends tooo-- always a plus.

I also put the final finishing touches on the move-- I am leaving in the AM for Iowa all week and then Friday is the big move... grrr-- so ready or not here it comes!

I feel sad for leaving this apartment- my first Chicago home- it has been a great place to live. When I reflect back on my first year in IL I will have such fond memories of the Foster Ave. pad. I am ready for the rewards of owning my own place- and having a tax write off once again... In the end it will be all good.

Have a great week.

A moving man

Hello everyone-- I have been a moving man in every possible way that you can interpet that. I have been slowly migrating my belongings the block and a half to my new home. It is so nice to see things being put away and see the home take shape. I really enjoy the feeling of the new condo and can't wait to get my hands into the back yard and do some lanscaping and create my own urban oasis!

I have also been crazy crazy busy with work as of lately-- which would account for my lack of posts on my blog site. My boss flew in from California and spent two days with me last week- of course the one day we had snow (IN APRIL???) and traffic was snarled majorily.... it is just not fun to spend that much time with one's boss in a car!!!

Truly do hate to cut this short- but work calls again-- I will write more later.

New pad-

Hello all- the construction is all over & now the fun part- moving! Thank God for corporate paid movers!!!! Today we hired a nice young man to paint the kitchen and bath-- I was fed up with painting and all that trim would have killed me. The color I choose is pumpkin pie- it is DELICOUS-- I love it! Tonite Dad & I hung the drapes-- now I have a dilema here- I purchased two different styles of panels for the living room windows- normal stripes and then wavy stripes. My original idea was to do the two windows on the end of the room with the basic stripe and then the wavy stripes on the middle window- but now I am having second thoughts and I wonder if I should just do the basic stripe on all 3 windows. Please let me know your thoughts. Mom and Dad leave for Ohio tomorrow and then I get a few days rest before I head back to work.

Have a great weekend all.

Putting on a fresh coat- -

Painting can be exhausting- but rewarding all at once-- it is really really hard work- but when you stand back and look at a freshly painted room- it seems worth all the while. The blue I choose for the bedroom is lovely- I can not wait until I put my bed with the blue and chocolate colored comforter set in the room. The primary color for the living room and hallway is Sand Dollar- which a nice khaki color- it is much brighter than the original color that was there when I purchased the place-- I plan on adding some accents of chocolate brown color- called bonbon and a lovely orange color called pumpkin pie (and how I love the taste of warm pumpkin pie).

I was very fortunate to have my friend Jon help me with the painting today- it was fun to have someone talk to & it went much much faster than by myself.

The parents arrived tonite for a few days- tomorrow we are going to paint the closets and finish touch ups in the bedroom and such. Thursday I am having new berber carpet installed in the master bedroom- it will look very very nice and I got a great deal on the carpet with installation. I also hope to clean out the refrigerator and wash all the inside of the cupboards this week- so that I can slowly begin to migrate my belongings over to the new place.


At the end of the week when I get some of the mess cleaned up from the paint- I will post some pictures of the new colors!

Overwhelmed

I am a homeowner once again- the closing went smoothly - so good that I promised to invite the current homeowners to the housewarming party. It did take 3 hours- which I found to be a bit lengthly to say the least! On the plus side- I brought $3,000 too much money which will be nice to have that little bit of money extra.

Last night I went over to the new place and kind of surveyed the place-- there is alot of work on the painting and moving - what a chore- I just have to remind myself that i have all this next week off of work to get it done.

Overdue update.

On the road again, and again, and again. Last week was the big trip downstate to Peoria and then St. Louis--- I have included pictures of the world famous St. Louis Arch and a lovely Illinois interstate route-- and the Cardinal's Baseball stadium in St. Louis.

I had kind of a crazy weekend- I helped Megan paint her new pad on Saturday and then on Sunday ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8K run - which I am proud to have run in 51 minutes and 9 seconds- I am happy with that pace and will continue training hard for the marathon.]I was so happy waking up on Sunday and finally seeing the sun and I was ready for the run-- then on the way to the race- the bus I was riding BROKE DOWN--- can you believe it -- I ended up being so late that I was literally running to the starting line. I didn't even have time to stop and check my backpack- needless to say I felt pretty dumb running the whole race with my backpack on.

Presently I am retiring for the night in Des Moines, IA-- how fabulous is that. I had a great day of sales calls and then got a very nice run in with the 75 degree temps outside. Spring has sprung in the midwest and it is a very welcome thing.

I close on my condo this Friday and then I am taking a week off of work to paint and move (and likely sneek in a Sir Spa massage in there somewhere!)