Thinking of my dad and an update

Three years ago (on Oct. 28th, 2007) my dad passed away after a battle with cancer.  I decided to post as I think about him tonight because his death brought me to running.  I started running not to get a time.  I started running after his death because it was a lifestyle change.  It was about being active and doing an activity that could keep me healthy.

I did not smoke like he did (which caused his cancer).  But, I was overweight and at risk for high blood pressure and diabetes.  I used to like running in the past (shorter mileage), but it had been years since I ran.  I decided it was time to start running again.  I also focused on changing my diet (less junk food and more fruit and vegetables).

Since I started running, I ran 4 marathons and a number of half marathons.  More importantly, I lost 50-60 pounds from my pre-running weight.  I have done so doing an activity I love.  I can thank my dad for bringing running back into my life.

. . .  As for an update.  I’m still running.  My next big marathon is CIM in December.  I used “big” marathon because I signed up for a “training” marathon on Nov. 7th (the Morgan Hill Marathon).  It is a bit crazy to think I’m running a marathon as a training run.  Not sure what that means yet, as it is my first training marathon.  I guess I think I’m going to take it easy.  Not go for time.  Just try to relax and have fun.

Sorry for not updating this blog.  It has been very busy at work and with the baby at home.  Brooklyn is doing great.  She is 10 months old.  She is crawling now!  Moves all over the house.  It is such a blessing to have her in my life.  She had her first fever last week.  It was horrible . . . for me.  She did okay.  She was a little miserable at times, but overall she generally stayed happy.  Just less active and hot.  Yet, for a first time dad (with my wife away on business for two nights) it was so stressful.  I was scared and unsure of what to do.  I talked to my sister, neighbor, advice nurse, people at work . . . trying to get a understanding of what to do.  But, we got through that first fever.  I have much more appreciation for my mom after that.

I have some great pictures of the baby that I put up soon.

Oh – I also ran the San Jose RnR Half Marathon.  My wife and sister also ran it.

The day before the SV marathon

One day to go!  It is so exciting.  I picked up my bib this afternoon.  #480.  It is going to be very interesting on how my body holds up.  Last year was my first marathon, but I hurt myself (as everyone knows) around mile 3.  Hopefully I don't get injured this time and can see how my body responds in the second half.

I am targeting a finishing time between 3:59 and 4:20.  I plan to go out at a 9 to 9:05 min a mile pace the first half.  If I feel good, I will slightly pick it up the second half (maybe just 5 or 10 seconds a mile).  I want to leave myself a couple extra minutes for any unexpected breaks (the need to walk or use the bathroom being the main ones).  I know I will hit a wall at some point.  So hopefully I can push through it.

However, regardless of my finish time I am so thankful to be able to run and hopefully complete 26.2 miles.  Two years ago, on Oct. 28, 2007, my father passed away after a tough battle with cancer.  I lived close to him and did my best to support him.  I watched him undergo all the treatments that were recommended.  I rushed to the hospital a number of times when something went wrong.  I was there about week before his death when his doctor came to his house to tell him that the treatments were not working and he would likely only have a week to live.  He handled the news with strength and courage.  He continued to battle the cancer until his death.  He fought to walk 20 feet (with the use of a walker and help from others, including me).  I remember how difficult it was for him to just stand up or sit up.

I know that 26.2 miles is hard. And, I know there will be hard times.  But, just like last year, during those hard times I will focus on how lucky I am to be alive and to be healthy.  I will remember that many people, like my dad, have to fight a tough disease that makes it difficult for them to take one step.

My dad died because of lung cancer.  He smoked.  Sometimes I get angry because he smoked.  Yet, about six months after his death, I looked at my life.  I weighed 232 pounds, had high blood pressure and eat unhealthy.  I did not smoke, but yet I was not treating my body as I should.  I was living a very unhealthy live.  I decided that I would get in shape.  I always enjoyed running (even though I had not run years) and always wanted to run a marathon and decided that I would train for one and run it in memory of my dad (my first posts tell the story).  I've also learned to eat healthier.

So this year I will gain run this marathon in memory of my father.  I also run it to be healthy because I learned from his live and what he went through.  So no matter what time I finish with I am so thankful to be able to run 26.2 miles.  It will be a blessing to be able to complete (hopefully) my second marathon.