Seek Adventure Marathon Guide

All right, to all you out there who are interested in seeking the adventure of running and are interested in running a marathon one day- I have prepared a guide of some of our nations best races you can run. Picking a race is not an easy thing to do since there are so many out there to choose from. Some are more challenging than others, some are more prestigious, and some have more energy. Some of you may have a preference when it comes to choosing a race and some of you may just want to run regardless of the location. With all that being said, here are some tips of how to choose a race along with a list of our nations best and local races.

First, when it comes to choosing a race, you have to make it special. If you can afford it, I highly recommend you travel to run your race. Marathons are just like any other major sporting event. They are special to the community that host them and have special themes.  Remember when you played youth sports like AAU and got to travel to cool destinations for big tournaments like Florida, or when high school basketball teams get to go somewhere special like the Bahamas or Hawaii for Tournaments, and not to even mention College Football Bowl Games are always held at special destinations and really involve the community that host the game? Well, marathon running is the same way. Pick a race that is in a special location because chances are the atmosphere will be unforgettable and make your experience a hundred times more enjoyable and memorable.

Now here is a list of the biggest races in the United States that you can look into running.

The Big Ones

*The Boston Marathon: This is the most prestigious footrace in the world. The race is in a very historic city and is historic within itself. The race is always held on a Monday in April called Patriots Day. All kinds of festivities take place around the race. The only thing you have to remember is you have to qualify to run this race. This race is more for your die-hard runners who are professionals. To anyone interested in pursuing it you can find all the information at the website on how to qualify.

The New York City Marathon: The biggest race you can run that does not require qualifying. It has the most participants of any marathon. This race along with the Boston Marathon is the only two that are covered on national television. You get to go through all five boroughs of our nations largest city. Starting in Staten Island and going over the bridge to Brooklyn and the Queens, then its over the East River to the Bronx and over into Manhattan to the finish in Central Park. This race is very difficult to get into because of its popularity. Runners are chosen by lottery. If you run for one of their charities you are guaranteed entry. Also if you are denied your first two years of trying to register, you are guaranteed entry on your third year. Race is held in early November.

Chicago Marathon: This race is also open to the public but it feels up really fast. So if you are interested in this one, make sure you know when registration is. The race is most known for being the best race to set a personal record. With the flat course and energy that Chicago brings makes this race fast. The race is a loop that goes all around the city. Race is held in early October.

The Marine Corps Marathon: I can imagine nothing more exiting than running a race through our nations capital. The race starts in Northern Virginia and goes through D.C. before coming back to Virginia. You get to run and see numerous neat sites like the Monuments, the Capital Building, The Pentagon, and Arlington Cemetery. The last mile you are cheered on by all kinds of Marines. You run for a really good cause and get to experience the beauty and history of our nations capital. The race is held in late October and fills up really fast. *I will attempt to run this race in the future.

Walt Disney World Marathon: To all you Disney World lovers out there, this race is 26.2 miles of magic. You get to run through all four Disney parks (The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and The Animal Kingdom). Race is held in early January. This race is best known for the Goofy Challenge. The Goofy is an opportunity to run the Half Marathon on Saturday and the full on Sunday. The race is also known for its electric atmosphere. *I have run this race and can tell you for marathoners it’s a must.

Some other big Marathons in the United States are: The San Diego Marathon, San Francisco Marathon, The Napa Valley Marathon, Detroit Marathon, The Twin Cities Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, New Orleans Marathon, Dallas Marathon, and the Miami Marathon. Honolulu and Maui also have Marathons.

Local Marathons

The Music City Marathon: Tennessee’s biggest and most popular Marathon in Tennessee and is held in Nashville every April. The race is part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series and is a Boston Marathon Qualifying Race. After the race you get to enjoy some live country music.

The Knoxville Marathon: This race is held in early April. The races best feature is you get to finish at the fifty-yard line in Neyland Stadium.

Memphis Marathon: Held in every December on a flat courts in Memphis Tennessee. The race benefits St. Jude and has great food for the runners after the race. Make sure to eat some Memphis Ribs while your there.

Thunder Road Marathon (Charlotte): This race is held in November and goes through the beautiful city of Charlotte North Carolina. Not to mention, its only 3 hours away.

Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon: This one is held in May and is always cool because it goes through two states (Kentucky and Ohio). Runners say course is challenging but the atmosphere is great.

The Difference (The Diet that Helped Me Lose 50 Pounds)

The changes in my life and lifestyle over the past couple of years have been nothing shy of remarkable. I have more confidence and just feel much better about myself. Its not just because I am thinner than I was a couple of years ago, its also the fact that I am much healthier. I would like to share with you the diet that has helped me loose 50 pounds. This diet has allowed me to loose weight in a good and healthy manner. Some people have been a little critical and say I am not eating right or enough, but the truth is I still eat the same amount I ate before because the real difference is changing the things I eat.

Before I go into details I have to mention that before this diet, nothing was getting done. I was already training to run a marathon before all this kicked in. I was well aware that to run 26.2 miles that I was going to have to slim down. I thought I could pull this off by just running since I was running 25 miles a week. However that was not true. changing my eating habbits was also essential in living a healthy lifestyle. It takes a good combination of excersise and dieting.

Protien
1. Meat is essential in a good diet and is the best source of protien that you can find. Some say that meat is not good for you and avoid it but that is a complete myth. No other source of protien can match the amount that meat gives you. Fish is the best meat you can eat and I would try to eat it at least twice a week. Chicken is a close second to fish. Beef and Pork are also good, but not near as good as Fish or Chicken. Also when eating meat, try to avoid frying it as much as possible.

2. Another great source of Protien is Nuts. Nuts are the best thing you can snack on. Almonds are by the far the best source of Nuts. Peanuts, Cashews, and others are great too. Nuts are a much better snack than candy or potato chips.

3. Beans are another great source of protien and highly recommended.

Vegetables
1. We have always had it shoved down our throats that Veggies are good for us. Well its not a joke. Eating plenty of Green Vegetables is essential to a hgealthy diet. It has been proven that Green Vegetables are a better source of calcium than milk. Green Beans, Broccoli, Peas, and Asperagus are some of the many Green Veggies you should eat on a daily basis.

2. Other Vegetables that I recommend are Carrots, Corn, and Beans.

3. When it comes to potatoes I recommend Sweet potatoes over regular potatoes. Sweet Potatoes are a much better source of carbs and more nutritious as a whole.

4. Advacados are an excellent source of fat that your body needs.

Fruit
1. Fruit is a great source of vitamins. The only sugar your body really needs comes from fruits because it is natural and not refined. The best fruit you can eat are Blue Berries. They are a great source of anti-oxidants and have less sugar than other fruits. For people who are very active Bannanas are essential when it comes to energy and potassium. Fruit is an all around great substitute for candy. When craving sweets, grab you some fruit instead of things that are loaded with refined sugar.

Bread
1. Bread is something you should watch constatly. Wheat Bread is always better than White Bread. White Bread is pure sugar as it enters your body. If you are not physically active I recomend staying away from all types of bread.

Drinks
Drinks are probably the most crucial part of your diet when it comes to things to avoid.

1. Drink Water! Water is the most important element your body needs. Especially if engaging in physical activity. going out to eat and ordering water as opposed to sweet drinks has been a major turning point for me. Water is something your body just plain needs.

2. Aviod all sweet Drinks. Soda and Sweet Tea are the absolute worst things you can drink. they are basically nothing but liquid candy.

3. No Diet Drinks! Diet Drinks are actually worse for your body than real soda. Your body gets fooled and processes it just like sugar. It actually causes your body to go crazy with all the chemicals it uses in the place of sugar. The idea that diet drinks are a better alternative to soda is a pure myth.

4. What are some good substitutes for all the sugared drinks. Unsweet Tea is much better than Sweet Tea and you can sweeten it with Stevia (all natuarl sweetner). Also Coffee and Hot Tea are also great alternatives. Another very nutritious drink is Green Tea, which provides anti-oxidants and vitamins.

Alcohol
1. You may think alcohol is not a good alternative, but it actually is. drinking a beer or a glass of wine is much more healthy than soda. Beer is an excellent source of good carbohydrates and it also contains protien. some studies have proven that One Beer a day is as good as one glass of red wine. Of course a little wine is very good for your heart. For you runners out there make sure you dont drink any alcohol 24 hours before a race since it can dehydrate you.
*The bible never says that drinking alcohol is wrong, it says that drunkeness is a sin. I have to say this since this is a faith based site. Many people say its wrong to drink alcohol but the scriptures do not say that. With that being said I do believe anyone who reads this needs to know that drinking to much is wrong and can cause harm. I also believe you should obey the laws of our country and not drink unless you are 21 years of age. Finally, if you are someone who feels you may abuse alcohol or develope a problem if you drink it, please be wise and abstain.

This is the Diet that has helped me loose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ever since I have stuck to this I have experienced changes that I thought were impossible. I hope it can help you too.

My Unknown Enemy (The Story of My Battle With My Weight.)

Just over a week ago I accomplished my greatest feat as an athlete. I ran a marathon, something I thought I would never be able to accomplish. It was the greatest physical journey I have ever endeavored. Looking back at my journey I realized something, that I had made a major change in my lifestyle. My quest for running the marathon was about a lot more than running the elusive 26.2 miles. The journey completely changed the way I live and has given me a determination to live a healthy lifestyle. The following is the story beneath the story of running. The story of change that I thought could never happen to me.

(My weight was around 215 pounds for most of my college career, picture taken summer 2008)

All my life I have struggled with eating habits. Eating healthy was never something I enjoyed. For years I was able to get away with it because I played football. Lifting weights, conditioning, and football practice kept my body weight stable, but my diet was purely destructive. When football came to an end and I went off to college the effects of my bad habits began to show. I was always between 210 and 215 pounds. I would eat nothing but pure junk. I would look for every excuse to go eat late night Taco Bell or McDonalds, I would snake around on any type of sweet foods I could get a hold of, and Sweet Tea and soft drinks were the main source of all my fluids. I would go out and run some, but the only reason I was doing that was to avoid gaining more weight. I had to push myself to run a mile and every once in a blue moon would run two or three. However, it would hurt to run anything over one mile. I was doing just enough to get by and maintain.

(My sophomore year I reached 225 pounds, Picture taken sophomore year)

My sophomore year I hit rock bottom. I went to visit my grandparents in Florida. While I was there I ate way too much and drank massive amounts of sugar through sweet tea and soda. I walked a little but spent most of the time fishing and playing golf (of course I rode in the cart instead of walking). I weighed myself after I got back and realized I was 225 pounds. I was miserable and my doctor even told me I needed to watch the weight. I went to work at a summer camp and got back down to 210.pounds. My diet did not change though, I ate sugar, fast food, and junk as much as I could and would run enough just to maintain just as I had done earlier. Nothing had changed in me.

Over the next couple of years I would try all kinds of things. I tried to cut meat out of my diet and that did not work. I tried to drink diet drinks instead of normal soft drinks and that did not work. I also tried to cut out fats as much as possible, and of course that did not work. I had no clue what I was going to do. Exercise continued just to be a means to avoid getting to heavy. In December 2009 my brother challenged me to run and marathon and I took it. I was told I was going to have to loose some weight. I thought I could do it by running. So, I started running up to 25 miles a week and my weight stayed the same. When I would attempt to run six or seven miles it was just plain difficult. I was about to give up my pursuit of the marathon on the belief that it was not for me. I just was not the type that could run a long distance.

(Picture taken spring 2010, last picture taken of me before I started loosing weight)

The summer of 2010 someone revealed to me the problem, but I did not believe it. I was told that sugar was the main source of my weight problems. How was that possible, all the weight loss programs I saw on TV never mentioned sugar as the main problem. So I decided to cut sugar out of my diet as much as possible. I stopped drinking sweet tea and sodas, and I also avoided candy and desserts that were loaded with sugar. I also avoided eating fast food as much as possible and began to snack on whole foods and fruits. I continued to run as well and results were almost instant. I was shedding pounds at an amazing pace. Within two weeks I went from 215 to 195 pounds. My running distance began to grow and my diet stayed the same and before I knew it I was down to 185 pounds. The weight kept dropping, as the miles got longer. I would eventually drop down to 175 pounds. Now I am consistently staying between 175 and 180 pounds. I just ran a full marathon in Disney World and I feel physically better than I ever have.

(Before I started watching my sugar and diet, picture taken spring 2006)

(After I started watching my diet, Picture taken Summer 2011)

Being healthy means so much to me now. I never knew that sugar was the source of my weight problems. Everywhere you go in our culture today you see sugar abused constantly. You see so many people try other diets but continue the use of sugar. So many people don’t realize the harm that comes with drinking soft drinks or any other drink that is loaded with sugar. They try to go on the Diet Drink plan, which does not work because studies have shown that diet sodas are just as bad or worse for your body than real soda, and through experience I know that this does not work. Some people are so harsh on drinking alcohol and say its wrong but turn around and drink three or four sodas a day, not realizing the harm that it does to them. If I had not stopped drinking soda and sweet tea, who knows where I would be today. Ever since I stopped drinking that stuff I have experienced a 40 pound weight loss and 50 pounds from my max weight of 225 pounds. All it took was discipline to stay away from soft drinks and sweet tea and really eat a healthy diet.

I know that being healthy in our society today is no easy task. However, God has commanded us through his word to be healthy and be good stewards of the bodies he has given us. Our bodies are a temple for the Lord and we are to protect it against anything that is not good for us, whether it be in our minds, hearts, or the things we eat or drink. The bible says that drunkenness is a sin and to me that means not just over indulging on alcohol, it also means you should not over indulge on food or anything of that nature. Sugar can be just like alcohol, its good in moderation and destructive if abused.

(Still striving to live a healthy lifestyle)

Today I still struggle sometimes when it comes to sugar. However, great things continue to be done. I never knew the harm that consuming a lot of sugar and not having a healthy diet was damaging my body the way it was. It was the unseen enemy lurking in the deep. That someone who challenged me to stop my habits is now my beautiful wife and I cannot think her enough for her influence. Two years ago I was a guy who bragged about eating a 3-pound burger and now I am a guy who brags about running a Marathon. To all you who want to be healthy, this is the story of my struggle to you.

 (The things that a healthy lifestyle have aloud me to do)

The Future of Seeking Adventure

The journey is over and the task has been completed. However, a question still remains, what next? I thought about this for a very long period of time and analyzed the many options that I could consider. The first option was to pull a "One and Done". This was only a small thought at first, but then I came to a realization after my first half marathon. The realization was that I loved running and it was a lot more than just accomplishing something great, it was a new and healthy lifestyle. Due to the commitments I had to make to run and stay healthy, I was not just going to pull a "One and Done".

The second option was to continue running at the half marathon level. For awhile due to all the comments I heard of how hard marathons were, I was pretty fixed in on running the one to say I did it and go back to just running at a smaller level. However, after the Disney Marathon I have decided that I am not done. The Marathon was one of the most enjoying things I have ever done and believe it or not, I had a blast running the long distance. So I will seek in the future to run more until its no longer possible.

I would love to run the Walt Disney World Marathon again. Just because the energy and effort that Disney puts into the race is just plain phenomenal. You also can't beat the fact that the race is held in Walt Disney World. I also have set my eyes on the possibility of pursuing the Goofy Challenge. The Goofy Challenge is a part of the Walt Disney World Marathon that consist of running both the half Marathon and the full on back to back days. Yea its pretty crazy and "Goofy". Its just a thought I may want to pursue someday.

For the nearer future I am setting my eyes on the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. The race is held in October and always has remarkable reviews from those who participate in it. The best part is you get to run through all the Monuments and things that make D.C. a neat place. You also are supporting people who defend our freedom everyday. My eyes are possibly set on running it this year but more realistically in 2013.

Some other Marathons I have put on my possibilities list is the Chicago Marathon and the New York City Marathon (This one is a long shot because it is so hard to get in). The fact that the New York is on national television is also appealing. These are just some thoughts put on a possibilities list. My biggest goals now are to run the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. and return to run the Walt Disney World Marathon again.

For the immediate future I am planning to get back in the Half Marathon swing and running the Knoxville Half Marathon in April. This is a local race so it won't be hard. There will also be no traveling involved, which will make it much easier.

Finally, Seek Adventure Running will also continue to operate. The goal is for people who are running races in the future to join and get support as they begin there journey. If you are interested or running  a race in the future please send race information to jd17scott@gmail.com, or if you have run a Marathon or a Half Marathon, you can also send the information to me and I will post it. The goal is to support as many runners as possible.

Now go out there and take the challenge and SEEK ADVENTURE!

The Walt Disney World Marathon (26.2 Miles of Magic)

Growing up I traveled numerous times all over the United States to witness sporting events. I traveled from Phoenix Arizona to New York City and from Dallas Texas to Orlando Florida witnessing events like the College Football National Championship Game, The Daytona 500, The NCAA Tournament (First Round), The Cotton Bowl, NFL Games, The Major League Baseball Playoffs, and many more. Recently I got the opportunity to travel for one again, only this time I was a participant as opposed to a spectator. Yes, on January 8th, 2012 I participated in the Walt Disney World Marathon.

Obviously, the Walt Disney World Marathon is nothing compared to the BCS Championship Game, The NCAA Tournament, or the Daytona 500, and as a matter of fact its not even the biggest Marathon in the world. However, with the amount of energy that Disney put into the race it felt like participating in one of the biggest sporting events in the world. Walt Disney World has run the event now for 19 years and every year the event has grown in popularity. This year 25,000 runners participated in the Marathon. Many more runners came to participate in the Half Marathon and the Goofy Challenge (both Half and Full). With these numbers the Disney Marathon has grown to be one of the top Marathons in the world and makes an average Marathoner like me feel like they are apart of something special in the world of athletics.

I had to wake up at 3:00 A.M. to get on the bus that transported me from my hotel to the starting area in EPCOT. I went to the Parking lot at EPCOT where the race head quarters was located. I dropped my bag off and waited a little while with all the participants making our final preparations for the long journey ahead. We then proceeded on a twenty-minute walk around the back of the parking lot over to the start line that was located on Epcot Center Drive. There were eight corrals that were labeled alphabetically based on the runners pace. I was starting in corral D. There were four TV screens so we could see what was going on up at the start line. They did all the pre-race activities then brought Micky, Goofy, and Donald up to send us off. My group went off fourth. We walked up and Micky gave us the countdown and sent us off. The Start line lit up with fireworks and fire that created an electric and energetic start to the race.

The first two miles went on EPCOT Center Dr. with spectators and a high school band to cheer us on. We then looped around to the EPCOT parking lot and down the main strip under the Monorail with people on both sides giving encouraging words and cheers as we proceeded into the park and under the big ball (Spaceship Earth). We proceeded down the middle of the park and took a left on the world showcase and exited out the back and around the ride Test Track. We then went back out to EPCOT Center Drive down the other lane in the same direction, only this time we stayed straight and proceeded to the Magic Kingdom.

At mile Seven we entered the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot and the Disney Transportation and Ticket Center. The Sun was beginning to rise and with Characters, Displays, and screaming fans all over the place we began our journey around the Seven Seas Lagoon. This is a lake where the Magic Kingdom, The Transportation and Ticket Center, and many Walt Disney World Resort Hotels are located. Right before we entered the Magic Kingdom we hit mile marker 10, this was the first area they had a locator that we crossed that updated our location to anyone who was following. This was cool because my brother up in Tennessee was able to follow me. After mile 10 we entered the Magic Kingdom and proceeded down Main Street USA. This was one of the best parts of the race. There were people and characters everywhere as we ran straight towards Cinderella's Castle. We took a right and went into Tomorrow Land, which is the home of Space Mountain. Next came the journey through Fantasy Land and the run through Cinderella's Castle. This is wear they shot pictures of the runners and a big place for spectators. we went over into Frontier Land and out the side of the park.

Outside I got to see what goes on behind all the scenes with the rides. we looped around and ran back with the Transportation and Ticket Center and the parking lot on the left and Disney's Magnolia and Palm Golf Course on the right. The Course is home to a PGA Tournament every fall. this was wear mile 13 was located, which is important because this is the halfway point of the race. 13.1 miles down and 13.1 miles to go.

After the magical journey through the Magic Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom Resort Area we went down the back road of disney that mostly only employees see. this was the calmest and most remote part of the race. I called this part the Super Stretch and they had plenty of entertainment and displays to keep us motivated. This was also the site of the first food station were I got a Banana to boost my energy and fill my stomach that was getting empty. Another couple of miles down the Super Stretch and we saw were Disney does a lot of their stuff with Horticulture and plants. It was kind of neat to see the parts of the park that not many people know about. we hit miles 14, 15, 16, and 17 and I was surprisingly feeling good. I thought this was wear I would begin to feel fatigue but I was feeling good as we entered Disney's Animal Kingdom.

We entered through the back into the Africa themed area to a couple of guys playing an African beat on the drums. We took a left and went to a display of Africa's neighbor Asia. This is wear Minnie Mouse was located with many runners stopping to get their picture taken with her. After Asia came Dino Land USA followed by the exit out the side of the park. The Animal Kingdom had the least amount of energy of the four parks but it had a really nice landscape trying to imitate the landscapes of Africa and Asia. There were all kinds of cool trees and plants. We went around the parking lot and passed mile 18 and surprisingly this is wear Micky was located. If I was not so focused on my time I would have stopped for a picture.

We hopped on the Osceola Parkway that runs through the park. We passed mile 19 and proceeded to the Wall. The Wall is the nickname for the 20th mile because runners say that reaching this mark feels like running into a wall. they had a big board with all kinds of encouraging words written by friends and family to help us push ourselves on the last 6.2 miles of the race. We ran by a little ESPN display were they put us on camera and two people standing there giving commentary like ESPN analysts. Being on camera really gave me a boost of energy because I was beginning to feel fatigue. Next we went on the exit ramp and there was the Toy Story Toy Soldier Commander pushing us on and I gave him a high five as he pulled the drill seargant on me. My momentum was increased now and I was ready to conquer the last five miles of the race.

We hopped on World Drive and took the exit ramp to East Buena Vista Dr. This would lead us to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We came in around the back and got refueled at the final food station. It was great I got a little Mini-sized Dark Chocolate Bar. We ran down the part of Hollywood Studios that was themed like New York City. I looked up at the Empire State Building and was tempted to hop on the Subway, even though it was not real. We turned left and went by the ABC building and under the Giant Fantasia Hat. People were everywhere down Hollywood Blvd because now the parks were open to anyone who wanted to come in. Families and Disney Employees were clapping and cheering as we exited the park and ran down the side walk that went under the road. We followed a little lake that led us to the Board Walk.

We hit Mile 24 and Fatigue and weariness had finally hit. I began to cramp in my Quads and breath harder. It was going to be a fight to the finish. We ran through the boardwalk and my tiredness was really kicking in but the overwhelming cheers and support of the spectators that were now everywhere gave me the will to fight it. The feeling was there, just two miles away from the goal. The feeling of the accomplishment that was so close just took over. I put my head down and used every part of my body and energy to fight.

We entered EPCOT in the back at the World Showcase after the last water station and there it was, mile marker 25. It was the now time for the homestretch. The moment I had trained for 25 months for was just around the corner. My Dad and Brother were right were I entered EPCOT. I can still hear my Dads words, "Your almost home" in my head. I ran around the World Showcase going through displays of Germany, France, Italy, the USA, China, and Mexico. I could feel it, the end was near. I came around to the middle of the park to proceed down the main path towards Spaceship Earth. I saw my Beautiful Wife, my Mom, Dad, and Brother there. this gave me great encouragement as the goal was almost met. I ran down by the big water fountain. people were everywhere as we went under Spaceship earth and took a right and exited towards the parking lot.

As I came around the corner there was a gospel choir signing joyous songs as the course was winding down. This brought great excitement as I saw the biggest sight a first time Marathoner could see, mile marker 26. 26 miles down just .2 to go. I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line. My left calf
muscle began to cramp, but I did not care. Only one thing was going through my mind, the 25 months of hard training, dedication, discipline, and perseverance had payed off. I crossed the line. It was done, I had accomplished my greatest feat as an athlete, 26.2 miles, a Marathon. I finished the race in 4 hours 30 min and 59 sec. I had beat my goal of 5 hours by almost 30 minutes. I got my medal and my picture taken and walked on to the reunion area to meet my family. The Journey was over and the deed was done.

I went that night to celebrate in the parks. It was great seeing all the runners wearing their shirts and medals. We all knew that we had accomplished something great. A couple of years ago I thought I could never do something like this. Now, it was done, I could only thank God for the ambition, determination, and ability to run. This is my story of seeking adventure and pushing myself beyond the limits. I encourage you all to start your journey and seek adventure.

Its Time

The time is here its exactly 12 hours before the start of the race. I have been down in Lake Placid Florida just resting and fueling up. I went to the expo this morning at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney. I got my Bib, Goody Bag, and my Shirt. The shirt is so cool, it is red with Mickey Mouse on it. It also has the symbol for the four parks since the race goes through all four Disney Theme Parks. The structure is actually very cool because all of the events have a different Disney Character as a symbol for the race. Mickey is the symbol for the Marathon, Goofy for the Goofy Challenge (Obviously) which is the runners running both the half and full Marathons (These people are hardcore). Donald Duck is the Half Marathons symbol and Chip and Dale are for the Marathon Relay (this is the first year they are doing the 2 man relay).

My goal is to run the race in 5 hours. They will have 8 different groups going off about 5 minutes apart. I will be going off with group D which goes off at 5:47 A.M. The start and finish will be in Epcot. Due to the fact that the weather will be warmer than I thought I will be wearing short sleeves. I will be wearing a blue shirt with Green/yellow stripes along with black shorts. The outfits name is "Epic" since it will be the outfit during the Marathon (Thanks to all you who voted).

The Final Week (Monday January 2, 2012)

Seven days till race day!

Its a little less then one week till the Marathon begins. Training is now unofficially over because all I am doing this week is some light jogs to keep my body loose and prepared. I ran this morning in the freezing cold a distance of about four miles. Did you know that it is actually easier and better to run in the cold as opposed to the heat? Just thought I would let you know because I found that interesting.

Its crazy that training is over now. Training lasted two years and one month (25 months), and now its time to rest and get ready for the goal. If you were to ask me two years ago if I could ever see myself running 26.2 miles without stopping, my answer would be "Good Gosh No!" But somehow God has given me determination and will power that I never knew I had. Having support from Friends and Family has been a major part of my success so far in this. I could not have done it without you all. Running long distances and keeping a good Diet are only a portion of the tools it takes to achieve something like this. The main source for success is support and encouragement from friends and loved ones. That is one of the biggest things I have learned on this journey. Thank You All!

Here is a schedule of events this weekend at Disney and my personal schedule. I am putting the Disney events down in case anyone is interested in running any of these in the future and you can have an idea of what the weekend is like.

Thursday January 5, 2012: My wife and I will be flying out of Knoxville that night to Orlando. We will meet my parents and brother down there and go to a hotel. That day they will be having a bunch of little races for young kids at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. (I will obviously not be participating because I am to old.)

Friday January 6, 2012: We will be going to play in the park this day and have some fun and relax. Hopefully I won't even be thinking about the race. They will be having the Family 5k race on this day in EPCOT. (I will not be participating).

Saturday January 7, 2012: I will be going to pick up my packet at the EXPO in the Wide World of Sports. The EXPO will have all kinds of displays of running and health and fitness. Then we will go down to see my grandparents who are staying in Lake Placid. Lake Placid is an hour and a half south of Orlando. I will mostly be resting, eating Pasta, spending a little time on the lake, and watching a little of the NFL playoffs. We will head back to Orlando that night to get a good nights rest. That morning they will be having the Walt disney World Half Marathon. (I will not be participating). Some people will be running both the Half and Full Marathon. It is called the Goofy Challenge.

Sunday January 8, 2012: I will have to get up at 3 or 3:30 A.M. to get on the bus to go to the starting line. I have to be in my group by 5 and the Race begins at 5:30 A.M. I hope to finish it in 5 hours. I will be running through all the Disney Theme Parks. After the Race I will rest for a while because I am going to be in some pain. I hopefully will get to watch the Giants play the Falcons in the playoffs (Go Giants, yes I am a fan) and Shaunah and I will go celebrate that night.

Monday January 9, 2012: that Morning we will get on the plane back to Knoxville and the long journey will be over.