The "Take Him With You" Podcast interviewed me about my Journey

Over three years ago, I connected with an online community at "Treks in SciFi" -- a web site, forum, and podcast devoted to science fiction and fantasy lovers. And with me being a huge Star Trek and Star Wars fan, it was a natural fit; and I have met some fantastic friends there.

Among those new friends were Rick and Amy Moyer from Washington (state). They are great people. And they have their own podcast called "Take Him With You" which offers spiritual encouragement, focusing less on the secular 'church' and more on developing a personal relationship with Christ.

The podcast covers lots of different topics that affect the lives of everyday folks. They approached me a little while ago, asking if I would share my 'weight loss' journey with their listeners as a way of encouraging and inspiring others to perhaps start their own journey towards healthier living.

I was excited (and nervous) about doing a podcast with them again (my last podcast with Rick was for Treks in SciFi where we covered the TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man" and "The Bionic Woman"). It was a lot of fun to talk with them about how I got started on my journey, how I started exercising and running, and how I stay motivated to keep moving forward.

If you would like to listen to the podcast, you can download it via iTunes or listen to it online by clicking here. It is my hope that something in my words will encourage and inspire you to continue or begin your path towards a healthier 2012!

It is strange not to be running for a whole week!

After the Chicago Polar Dash last Saturday, I thought it would be beneficial (and perhaps a reward to myself) to take a little time off from all the physical activity this past year -- and especially these past two months -- and just relax. You know, getting more sleep (not getting up at 5-6am to run/workout), watching TV, getting up late on Saturday... doing what more 'normal' people get to do.

Well, I am on Day 5 of this 'rest week'. The first two days, Sunday and Monday, were great! The legs and feet were recovered from the race, I was just hangin' out! Watching the NFL Conference games with my wife on Sunday, and Criminal Mind reruns on Monday after work. I washed my run gear and didn't have to think about putting anything out for the Tuesday run. Good times!

Last night, I caught myself checking the morning weather for Thursday so I could pick out my gear for my run. Then I remembered! Oh yeah! I am not running this week! And then it kinda hit me.... I am not running this week! It occurred to me that the last time I went a full week without going out for a run was back in March 2011. If I look for the last time I did no physical activity at all for a full week (i.e. no gym workouts), it would be back in December 2010.

I feel so strange not actually "doing" anything this week. I think taking this time for recovery after running two Half Marathons is a good idea because it lets my legs and feet have plenty of time to get over the heavy demands placed upon them this month. But from a mental perspective, I feel like I should be doing something and by not doing it, I am missing out on something important.

I have really grown to appreciate and look forward to my runs and workouts throughout the week. Is it because of those endorphin 'highs'? Maybe. But mostly, I like carving out some time each day where I can go out, move my body, and have some "me time" to clear my head. Sometimes I get ideas and insights during a run. Other times, I just need to put the daily worries aside and enjoy a period of peace and quiet, or listen to music, or have some bonding time with my running buddy.

I will keep to my "week of Rest" decision for the remaining two days. During these next few days, I will work on my training schedule for 2012, which I think will be a bit complicated given my race schedule. And then next week, my work will begin anew. I relish getting "back in the running groove".