Here I go again

So, I logged in today to my blog...I didn't realize it has been since Novmeber 2008 that I last posted. This used to be the titled section...

This is my journey. My journey which started over a year ago to commit to a healthy lifestyle, has brought me here...I am now on a journey to complete a marathon! I will complete the Honolulu Marathon and by joining the AIDS Marathon Training Program I will help bring awareness too, and raise funds for AIDS Foundation Chicago. Please join me, and support me on my journey.

So much has changed since then. First, I completed the Honolulu Marathon in 2008! Then I began working for the National AIDS Marathon Training Program in January of 2009. I went on to complete the Illinois Marathon in May 2009. That summer I worked with some amazing people and took them on the journey to complete the Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon, The Maui Marathon, and 2009 Chicago Marathon. In October of 2009, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago took over the training program renaming it TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) and hired me on to continue my work. We launched the program in January of 2010. I picked up my training through the winter to complete the 2010 Virgin London Marathon and four weeks later completed the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon where I set a new personal record!!!

And now here...I continue my journey. I will try to keep this updated more frequently so look for more posts to come.

Sponsor me today and support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago by clicking HERE

Prop 8

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Six Months Ago...

On June 14th it was about 80 degrees or so. I woke up at early in the morning, and gathered with a group of people at the corner of Simmonds and Lawrence and headed out for a three mile run. This would put me into a pace group with a few people. Each Saturday morning we have woke up at the crack of dawn and have run. Each weekend running a little further. During the week we have run our maintenance runs and cross-training. We have each raised at least $3,700 for the AIDS Foundation. We have gotten to know each other and have even hung out a few times. Tonight I am meeting up with Julia and Holly from my pace group, along with a few other friends, for an early dinner at Sapori. After taking in some carbs we will go to bed early tonight and meet up back at that corner, this time at 7AM, on Saturday morning. This will be our last "long run" before we head out to Hawaii to complete the Honolulu Marathon in December.

Tomorrow morning's forecast...clear and 20degrees. Holy crap it's going to be cold! Guess I will have dress warm. At least the cold will push me to keep running to stay warm and get it over with.

I am looking forward to it and looking forward to hitting this goal. So, if you haven't sponsored me yet by donating, please click here. I am running to raise money for the AIDS Marathon and there is still time to make a donation.

Yes We Can!

Wow! I am not sure what to say about what has happened...I have been going through so many ranges of emotion and so many thoughts.

I have always been proud to be an American, regardless of some decisions that I may or may not have agreed. Last night I was the most proud of our great nation! No matter how one voted; so many people stood up and were counted. We are so fortunate that so many others in this world don't have that luxury.

"to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

Last night I spent the evening with a few friends at Crew for their Election Night Party, I was too late in trying to get a ticket to the rally. It was an experience that I will never forget. The bar was packed with people transfixed to the televisions and the bar erupted into cheers every time they announced another state's projections for Obama. As soon as the polls closed on the west coast and it was announced that Barrack Obama would be the next President of the United States the entire place went nuts! People were cheering, hugging, applauding and a few were moved to tears. I remember texting with my 11year old nephew and talking to him on the phone...I told him, "remember this moment in history, this is your future".

This video is from the Barrack Obama website and when I watched it...well just watch it and hopefully you will get what I feel...



Listening to Barrack's acceptance speech last night made me feel like I was part of something huge and for the first time I feel like we have a President that will make changes for the better of unite us all for a better, inclusive and equal America...

"It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."

Finally, I will close this post with the closing of Barrack Obama's speech;

"This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can."

I did it...Did you?

Need I say more? Today is the day for us all to stand up and be counted...Vote for change! No matter what side of the line you are on...Get out and VOTE!!! Then join me and a few friends at Crew for a little election night party.

Sponsor me as I run my first marathon and raise money for the AIDS Foundation.

Election-eve

On this eve of the most important election of our time I thought I would share with you a few things I found while surfing the web today;

This last photo is by Paul Richmond via Blog@Newsarama - where you can buy the poster and t-shirt!

After you visit his site and after you vote tomorrow; Don't forget to come back here and sponsor me for the AIDS Marathon.

Hump Day Video

I just got home from the gym after a good workout with my trainer and I stumbled across this video...I thought I would share it as a mid-week energy boost...Enjoy and don't forget to sponsor me for the AIDS Marathon Honolulu.