Luke 22

In Luke 22, we glimpse a conversation between Peter and Jesus. It begins with bad news, namely, that Satan intends to “sift all of you as wheat” (Luke 22:31, NIV). Peter boldly claims that he is ready to go to prison with Jesus, even to die with him. Jesus responds with a chilling prediction: “Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me" (Luke 22:34, NIV). Luke does not report Peter’s response, but surely Peter is distressed, whether he believes Jesus or not.

However, we find encouragement in this passage. Right after Jesus says that he has prayed for Peter, he adds, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32, NIV).

Jesus is certain Peter is going to fail. But it doesn’t keep him from assigning to Peter the task of strengthening his fellow disciples. Jesus sees beyond Peter’s obvious faults and upcoming failures. He sees that which is good in Peter, his strength, faith, and compassion. He knows that Peter will be the one to build up his fellow disciples, in spite of the fact that Peter himself will fail along the way.

What an encouragement this is for us! We know our weaknesses. We know how many times we fail to live up to God’s standards. We are broken, sinful people. Yet Jesus sees beyond our faults and failures. Jesus calls us into his service, not because he has an unrealistic picture of us, but because he sees us fully. He sees that we are bound to make mistakes. At the same time he sees us as gifted for service in his ministry.

It’s important to learn from our mistakes, but we can’t let them become obstacles. We have to move forward, trust God for both forgiveness and guidance, and prepare for what's next. There are so many times that I have beat myself up over something I've said or done that I knew wasn't in line with God's commandments but did it anyway. What makes us do this? I feel that I can't see the big picture too often when that's what I should be doing everyday. Instead I get dragged into the muck with everyone else and my goals become distorted. That is until I raise my head and refocus on the true destination. Once I do that my path is clear.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me learn from my mistakes. And when I’ve received your forgiveness and guidance, strengthen me to move forward, knowing that you see me and call me into a life of purpose. Amen.

Maybe a helpful and encouraging thought for others today.

God bless you all.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Northern Michigan and the Kalamazoo Marathon

Once we departed from Mackinac Island the rest of our trip kicked off. We were getting the opportunity to see family (my wife's sister and her family) that we hadn't seen in sixteen years. Or at least I hadn't. Our niece was graduating from The University of Michigan which was the real reason for the trip. All the other vacationing and running became bonus collateral damage......err rewards I mean.

It was a true vacation and a time to get away. Sure we packed a lot into our journey but that is what we always did. Fill up our agenda.....even on vacation!

From Mackinac to Ann Arbor to Kalamazoo. We saw quite a bit of Michigan. Flint Michigan.....I heard of that. Battle Creek Michigan.....we've been watching the tv show.....needed to stop for a bowl of Kelloges frosted flakes!

Kalamazoo was the site of the next marathon. Honestly I wasn't sure I could run this. My knees were getting pretty tired and sore. This would make four races in four consecutive weekends. Three marathons and one half. I figured I would do the best I could. 

It was a very well supported local race and had a pretty good turn out. These races are fun just because of the local involvement. I was a loner at this race without a lot of interaction. A few people I talked to a little but only briefly. It was a Sunday morning so my wife found a church but would find me at the finish line later. I'm sure I wouldn't finish early.

Starting line was pretty much like any other one just no corrals. You just climb in and go. I was fine with that. The fast ones took off. Us slow ones turtles along.....you know....setting the pace. I like to think of it as protecting the rear of the pack! 

These kind of races take you through the city, parks and neighborhoods. It's nice. Mile 13 my knee started acting up. I shifted one knee wrap over to the other knee so I was wearing two on one. I needed whatever support I could get. It seemed to work a little. It gave me a bit more support as I tottered along.

Five more miles and the pain picked back up again. Wasn't much more I could do. From that point I knew I had nearly 8 more miles but couldn't really run constantly. I began the regiment of run walk. I hate when I do this. I know my time will suck. I don't care that my goal is TO JUST FINISH. I always want to do better. 

Run walk routine become more of a walk run.....you know a bit more walking than running. I would run for as long as I could handle the pain and then ease up and walk until I could start up again. I pushed on and unfortunately finished just a few minutes over six hours.......I hate that! Really hate that. No excuses.......I need to strenthen my knees more so I can handle all this running. Especially if I'm going to push for 14 marathons this year.

Yeah, medal.....yeah pictures......yeah soaked in salty sweaty gear. Regardless, I DID IT!

Marathon number 7 for 2015......one more than last year in half the time. That makes 7 marathons and two half marathons in 15 weeks. I have decided to now eliminate most of the half marathons from the rest of my schedule. First because I just don't have the money to enter and travel to all the races. But primarily so I can reserve my energy for the full ones.

My knees need lots of rest so I will refrain from as many of the hill courses as possible. Try to drop a few more pounds to "lighten my load". And of course build some strength. That means skipping a few of the uncertain races in NC over the summer. I think those will have too many hills and I also feel my knees just need some significant time to recover.

The down side.........in the fall......I'll have 7 marathons in 10 weeks.

Remember my friends.......HAVE A FUN RUN.

Motivation Monday 8.31.15

Be everywhere all the time.

Mackinac Island Adventure - Day One (part one)

So I have wanted to visit Mackinac Island forever. My wife wasn't as familiar with this destination but I knew she would love it. Visiting the island and staying at Grand Hotel is one of my bucket list items. Unlike many of our trips this was meant to be a real vacation........err well mostly. I still get other stuff in too no matter where I go. I just cannot help myself.....it's in my nature.

I was aware of Mackinac Island ever since the 80's when the movie "Somewhere In Time" came out with Christopher Reeve. Nearly the entire movie was filmed on site. In the movie the hotel hadn't been renovated so it didn't capture by attention....especially as a teenager. It was more of the science fiction aspect of time travel that really had enticed me. It was until much later when I found out about the island itself and the characteristics of Grand Hotel itself that made me want to visit.

So the initial reason to travel to Michigan was to first see our niece graduate from the University of Michigan. Second, for my wife to see her sister, they hadn't visited for a long time. That was a real need for her......and yes, we might as well take a few days to hit a bucket list item......oh yeah, and another marathon!

So to start off the trip we had made all the arrangements. The trip was to start off with several days on the island ( the only time we could really incorporate), graduation and family time....and then wrap up with a marathon. I was beginning to worry about the Hotel. As I dug into the reservations I began to find out more of Grand Hotel history and how everything worked. The first hurdle was that they officially did not open until May 1......and we intended on being there a few days before. They literally do not open! I'll share more later but we were able to register as they take only a few before hand.....we made the cut!

The next hurdle was all the scheduling. It was a mess! Here is the run down of what we had to do to make this VACATION work:

Fly to Detroit

Take a puddle jumper to Pelgram which is closer to Mackinac Island

Rent a car to drive to Ferry (the only way to the island)

Put the car in storage at Ferry station (no cars allowed on island)

Stay on island

Take Ferry back

Drive to Ann Arbor for graduation

Find a motel room open......yeah right

After graduation drive to Kalamazoo for Marathon

Run marathon

Drive to Detriot to fly home.

I'm tired just thinking about all of that again. The flight was pretty normal, nothing special or dramatic. That is always a good thing. Often times I have something to share about my flight but not so much this time. Arrived in Detriot early and then caught a little puddle jumper to Pelgram. Yep it was a puddle jumper! Straight forward flight here as well.

When we got to Pelgram we knew we were in the boondocks. If you don't know what boondocks are then if you look it up in the dictionary it will list the city of Pelgram next to it. We got out of the plane and walked down the steps across the Tarmac to the building terminal. A small building with a feeling of woodsiness about it. We grabbed our bags from the smallest baggage claim in the world and headed over to the car rental......there were three of them......really!?

So my philosophy of renting a car is that you almost always pick the economy version....unless of course there is a special need or you have more than two people expected to travel in the car. Inevitably the car rental won't have that type and up grade you. It happens to me nearly every time. They always ask to upgrade the insurance and I already have enough insurance to cover me on my trips. This time the nice gentleman asked if we wanted to upgrade because we had a Spark. He asked me if I knew what a Spark was and of course I said I did because I didn't want to give away that I had no clue or did I want to pay for any kind of upgrade. Well shortly after I found out what a Spark was......it is only half a car. Only one small bag fit in the trunk and the other in the back sit.

We hustle down to the Ferry where we will store the car during our stay on the island (remember no cars allowed). There isn't a lot of time because the ferry's schedule this early in the season is sparse. We really don't want to wait too long and miss spending time in and around the hotel. The spot on the map where we take the ferry looks like it exists primarily just because of the ferry. It looks like a really neat tourist area but again not much time to waste. We saw a hot dog building that was out of this world. Maybe IONIC could design their expansion plans.

We get everything set and jumped on board the ferry as it made its way through the ice bergs......yes really! The water is so cold that large chucks of ice hasn't broken up yet and the boat has to go very carefully as it departs from the pier. We sit on top out in the open.....note to self don't do this on the way back....it's freezing cold. We can see everything as we make our way across the sound towards the island....our home for the next several days.

to be continued

It's More Than Just Diabetes

I found this list online while I was reading an article about diabetes. It didn't really give a whole lot of information about of the OTHER issues that come up because of diabetes but it did at least mention them. So many people think that diabetes is just because you eat too many sweets.....NOT! That dialog is for another post. At least this will give you an idea of WHATELSE can be added to your plate if you suffer from diabetes. You'll be surprised on the last one.....I added it because the list didn't even include it.

21.  Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the worst symptoms of diabetes. 

20.  Frequent Urination

To deal with high blood sugar levels, your body will attempt to use your kidneys to flush out the extra sugar, this causes a person to drink a lot more water. 

19.  Lack of Sleep

A side effect of frequent urination is that it interrupts sleep patterns. 

18.  Dry Mouth

As your kidney uses more water, it can also cause dry mouth. 

17.  Vision Changes

Another side effect of high blood sugar, is that fluid will be pulled from all parts of your body. 

16.  Sudden Weight Loss

Because diabetics can't produce enough insulin to process the carbohydrates in their blood stream, their bodies will turn to fat and protein energy. 

15.  Increased Appetite

Not being able to process carbohydrates for energy, your muscles and organs will often become starved. This will trigger intense hunger. 

14.  Fruity Breath Odor

When ketosis occurs chemicals known as ketones will be created. 

13.  Nausea

A build up of ketones from ketosis will make some people feel nauseous and sick. 

12.  Ketones in Urine

Ketones is not only exhaled through the breath, but is also urinated out. 

11.  Difficult Breathing

When your body goes into ketosis because of diabetes, a condition can occur called Kussmaul breathing due to diabetic ketoacidosis. 

10.  Tingling in Hands and Feet

Though, not completely clear why, diabetes and high blood sugar will cause damage to nerves and interfere with nerve signals. 

9.  Foot Sores and Ulcers

Tingling in your hands and feet can be extremely dangerous in diabetics. 

8.  Slow Healing Sores

Because of poor blood circulation any sore will take much longer to heal. 

7.  High Blood Pressure

Another consequence of diabetic damage to blood vessels is high blood pressure. 

6.  Fainting

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to dehydration and damaged blood vessels.

5.  Frequent Infections

Diabetes can slow down your bodies ability to fight off infections. 

4.  Gum Disease

Also, because of poor blood circulation, dry mouth, infections, and nerve damage, people with unmanaged diabetes are much more susceptible to gum disease and loss of teeth. 

3.  Headaches

Low and high blood sugar will cause headaches. 

2.  PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a syndrome that affects women and their menstruation cycle. It is also the most common cause of female infertility. 

1.  Fat and Fat Distribution

You do not have to be overweight to get diabetes. Slim celebrities like Tom Hanks and Halle Berry both developed Type 2 diabetes.

0.  Depression

Certainly not a zero! It didn't even make the list but I've added it. Blood sugar rollercoaster puts diabetics on that same ride. If you are down more than likely you will fall short and eat or drink something that you probably shouldn't.

Many doctors do not even consider that this is an issue......I added as zero....GROUND ZERO! Your emotions can help you overcome much of these trials and if you are struggling emotionally well then you'll struggle with everything else if your not careful.

Let me know if I've missed one....love to hear from my followers.

Remember my friends.....we are here to support one another. Let me know how I can possibly help.

Eugene Thompson 

Run Eugene Run

Push the RESET Button

So we find ourselves at the half way point in 2015.....how have you done on your goals? Yeah, me too.....not as good as I hoped. That honey-do list.....I don't want to talk about it. But that's okay, don't get all stressed out about what you didn't get accomplished. It won't do you any good. Just hit the reset button and get back out there and start again.

So many things I wanted to better at than I have. If I really worry about it I can get all worked up about wasting the last afternoon, the last week, the entire month of June......or WOW! What have I done all year?! Ok....now I am really depressing myself. STOP IT!

I enact the power of the RESET BUTTON. I vow to start over and give myself the opportunity to succeed with the burden of what I didn't accomplish as baggage. That regret will weigh you down and never give you the opportunity to get a fresh start. It will steal today's JOY.

Today's a brand new day my friends......your future is before you.

I'll celebrate with you at the finish line. Have an awesome day.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

The Last Push in June

What a fantastic morning. Really slept well last night....I'm old and don't stay late much any more. Woke up refreshed pretty much my normal early morning time and enjoyed several cups of coffee in bed chatting with my wife. The run with TNT was cancelled due to the impending rain. So my wife and I had an enjoyable talk about our future and plans for the next steps in our business adventures. She is my best friend so our conversations are always wonderful. I think we encourage each other to do better every day.

She had a busy day selling real estate with some transactions and an open house that was taking her away on our Saturday afternoon. So I decided to get up and go for a run around the neighborhood. I wants again did my 6 1/2 mile route that I've been doing earlier this week. I amaze myself once again by setting another personal record in this distance. The third time in a week. Last Saturday I did my 10th best pace. And then on Monday I did the eighth best pace. This morning I accomplished my seventh best pace and I really didn't feel like I was doing that well. I love it when a plan comes together!

I stepped on the scales when I got back and weighed in at 191.2 pounds. Another record low.

Well I'm worn out now and it's not even noon on Saturday. I really want to get up and do some chores. So I will talk to you all later! Have a fantastic day.

ET this I believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

Flying Pirate Half Marathon

So I'm playing a whole lot of catch up here on my blogging. Sorry about that my friends I really did plan on doing a better job. Sometimes life.....and running just get in the way.

So my lovely wife and I decided to take a short break and go down to the outer banks in North Carolina for the weekend. She had asked me ......... long ago to sign her up for some of the races when I was signing up myself. Unfortunately she didn't realize that she had agreed to the half marathon in Raleigh that we ran last week (her first half in since 2008) as well as this one here in the OBX. Back to back half marathons! I was the only one that was supposed to be on this crazy rollercoaster running thing!

We both were sign up for the 5K on the Saturday morning as well. Yep, we're crazy....but you already knew that if you were reading this didn't you? We had hoped to head out of work early on Friday and spend a little time.......of course you know how that goes......it doesn't. We got out of town by 3PM and it was roughly a two hour drive. Fortunately the drive is pretty peaceful and nice. Regardless, we had to race (no pun intended.....yes it was) to the expo to pick up our bags and stuff. I couldn't wait until my wife got her bid that I registered for her.......this was going to be hilarious. You should have seen her face when when she saw it......priceless. 

In case you had to ask, my bib was 4225 and hers was 4697. My intentions were to have a nice run with her......and not leave her in the dust. I know.....I'm nice like that. Especially since we had these bibs.....lol.

So we check into our hotel which is on the beach and nice enough that our room faced the beach. Wasn't planned at all. I tried to spend as little as possible on this one. Too much traveling and expenses were adding up. Funny though that as we are walking up to the registration, so are two bus loads of teenagers........ah great!

We dump our bags and quickly head out to the restaurant for a bite to eat. It has been our plan to find someplace special to eat beforehand. This time we went to the Outer Banks Brewing Station for some tasty scallops. A bit pricey though. We didn't hang around long as we wanted to get back to the room and rest.

But even better was to run down to the waters edge and stick our toes in the water.......yep it was freezing cold! My wife elected not to get cold, but it was still fun.

So we got up early Saturday.....like every race day.....and like every race day I freak out making sure we get to a parking space to get to the start line. Never fails. However as we walk out in the hallway of the hotel we noticed that in front of every door on the floor was either the phone or the phone's receiver from the room. Looks like the chaperones took care of those teenagers. We slept great and didn't hear a peep.

Got to the starting line and was set to do the first run. Pretty much a piece of cake. Nice three mile run with a medal to boot. We ran along a few ladies who chatted with mile wife. They were doing a walk/run combination routine while my wife was just running. I figured the real test would be tomorrow. Anyway, we finished, cleaned up and then headed off to the Weaping Radish to meet our kids. They wanted to celebrate my wife's birthday (a few days late) cause our schedules never really aligned. A fun place and then off to some wine tasting.

After we bid our goodbyes we heading back to the beach area to meet one of my clients. Yep, business and pleasure. He wanted us to do some timeshare work at several of the key tourist spots......like 12 spots! After three hours of driving around we completed this task and headed out for another fun meal before this race.......tradition you know. 

Back to the hotel to get some sleep.......not! We had a bunch of drunks who was yelling up and down the hotel all night long. I even called the front desk and they were sending security. Did no good. Finally I had enough and went out in the hall and yelled back at them. Pretty sure I scared the crap out of them. Oh yeah, I did make sure to put my pants on before I went out in the hall. That might have scarred them for life. I so wanted to know their room number so I could pound on their door at 5AM with a wake up call. Oh well. Soon that was gone and we were getting ready to run the race. We ran across a few familiar faces. Saw some people who ran in the Newport News race. Also (I don't know his name) saw retired military guy who has ran in all the local races. It is a small community.

Nice slow run with my wife but that was my mission.....to help her get thru this run. The second in a week. Third this year. It looked like a storm at first but the clouds lifted quickly and all was clear. We did a little walk run along the way to help conserve some energy and push forward. I know it was tough on her but I was so proud.

Funniest thing is when someone sees my bib and calls out to me, "I chase da booty!"......and then I point back at my wife and they see her bib. Lol lol lol "I'm da booty!" I can't help but laugh.....and my wife can't catch me. 

I almost thought I wasn't get to talk extensively with anyone about running/diabetes but amazingly we were back and forth with two ladies (one dragging the other along) when I hear one say (the one being dragged) that she was struggling because she sat at work gaining weight and was a diabetic. There you go! So over the next few miles we share stories and struggles but more importantly our victories. Best to see those winners out there making a difference.

I'll probably never meet those ladies or will they ever read this but it would be great if we connected once again and I could hear about her continued progress. Those are the stories I'd love to hear every day. Encouragement!

My wife and I finished the race, hand in hand as we ran down the hill to the finish line. This was not my day in the sun.....but rather my wife's. Congrats babe!

Run Eugene Run.

Please me know how I can help.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Run Eugene Run

For a bit of clarification for those who have asked about Run Eugene Run: many of you who know me well are aware that I have struggled with diabetes and its effects for a number of years. This new venture is in response to my victories and my struggles. 

About three years ago I was frustrated with the continued decline and failure to make positive progress in managing my diabetes. I had gained weight on the medications, felt terrible, lacked energy and more. The frustration finally reached a level that I refused to continue on the same path. So I made a change. 

I began a diet, lost nearly fifty pounds and then began running. In January of 2014 I completed one of my most important bucket items, running a full marathon. My wife and I joke about the first half marathon I did in 2008. Afterwards I was so pleased with myself I granted myself a week of vacation and no training. That vacation lasted over four years. Well I was bound and determined not to repeat that, so I ran five more marathons before the end of the year. A total of 600 miles with all the training. I recently went back to the doctor and she called me her hero. You don't know how good that made me feel. No only was the weight under control but my blood sugars were all in check and I was able to reduce some of my medication.

The last three marathons in 2014 were performed within six weeks of one another and required travel. New York, Colorado and back in Virginia. I finished it but boy was I tired. I wanted to see how my body held up to the running and travel before I made my 2015 goals. The first was to share my story with others. I wanted to encourage others with the same disease that they too can accomplish great things. There just doesn't seem to be as much awareness regarding diabetes as there are with other causes. I began sharing my story on Facebook and Twitter more recently. I write and repost blogs about food, diet, exercise and ways to help reduce some of the effects that diabetes does to your body.

Oh yeah, and the big 2015 goal? I'm pushing to complete 14 marathons this year and a 1000 miles. This last weekend I completed marathon number six and hope to get number seven this weekend in Michigan. That will get me half way to my goal and over 25% of the mileage. At each race I have been able to share my story and encourage others. Sometimes it's been on the jumbo tron at Disney, or talking to others at the expo before hand. I talked with others at the start line and even had a conversation while running down the road. That is the most important goal I can accomplish.

I have a website currently under construction and continue to write in my blog. I'm behind writing right now since I've done three marathons and one half marathon over the last four weeks. (That's if I'm able to finish the one on May 3rd - 1/2 marathons don't count) I appreciate all the encouragement and support everyone has provided. I started a fund to help support these goals that is posted below if you care to contribute. I hope to make this a national charitable cause and bring awareness and cures to all those seeking.

I'm not fast. I'm not spectacular. I'm just regular ol Eugene trying to make a little bit of difference in someone's life. Thanks again to all my friends. I appreciate everything.

Eugene Thompson

RUN EUGENE RUN gofund.me/idg4vk

Oh HILLS! Raleigh Rick n Roll

Well I just completed my fifth marathon this year. And I must say that it was a little bit rough on the hills of Raleigh North Carolina. I mean there were a lot of hills. They started off immediately but I was prepared. I knew there would be SOME hills but didn't realize the entire course would be full of them. I guess this is the second year for the Rock n Roll here in Raleigh. They changed the course due to the complaints about all the hills. I wonder what last year was like?!

Any way it was a well attended run and of course I got the opportunity to chat with a few people regarding running and diabetes. More about that later. Lots of support along the race from locals. It was a lot of fun hearing all the cheering fans. I intended on pushing up each of the hills. I can usually make some pretty good time by doing that while others mostly walk up the hills. I think running up them is easier.

Unfortunately I began to feel some knee pain earlier on at mile three......yeah, I know mile three. Not good. I thought maybe it would go away after a while and I would run out of it. Not so much, it was there for most of the run. I just gritted my teeth and ran through it. I actually was able to keep up my pace pretty well for the first 20 miles which I somewhat expected I would be able to do. This was not planning on being a PR race. I just intimate on running and having a good time. My wife was running a half marathon at the same time. This was her second of the year.

Over all a decent run. After mile 20 they're just really wasn't a whole lot of energy left in my body to climb anymore hills. I did the best I could and then when I got to mile 23 I decided to push up one of the longer hills that was in front of me. I was determined to beat this particular hill on the race. As I'm chugging up the hill there was a patron sitting in his lawn chair along the side cheering us on. He clapped his hands and yelled out to me telling me that I was doing a great job and keep pushing on and off the top of the hill and leveled off for "a little while". I hollered back, "only a little while?" His response was deflating, "oh yeah dude, you have hills to climb all the way into the finish line."

Well that was just wonderful news. I kept on trucking away. A little running a little walking getting my self a little closer to the finish line with each step. Ultimately that's all that matters anyway. Sure enough I don't think it leveled out until about mile 25.75 maybe. I ran past the Flying Saucer Draft Emporium and as they cheered me on I told them I would be back for a beer, I had my UFO card. That is a whole other story in itself. I turn the last corner and tried to muster up a sprint but there just wasn't that much left inside me. I finished the race in 5 hours 35 minutes. Not my best of course but not bad considering the hills.

Did a little test on this race to check on a few things about how my diabetes was reacting to the running. First of all I checked to see how pasta would do on a pre-race. I don't usually eat pasta and I certainly don't "carb up". I don't react very well to that type of carbs. My blood sugar skyrockets. I was careful not to overdo it the night before but regardless my blood sugar was 147 in the morning before the race. So as soon as I cross the finish line I have my wife bring my glucometer, or to check on my blood sugar. I was 73 at that point. I definitely needed to eat something.

Afterwords I went to grab a quick shower. Took my medicine and then went downstairs to the Jimmy V lounge. It was a neat place and we had a nice late afternoon snack at the bar area. I had burned over 4100 calories during the marathon. I could afford a few bites to eat. However afterwards I really was craving ice cream so we decided to walk around to see if we could find any in downtown Raleigh. No luck but did make it all the way back to the Flying Saucer.

My wife and I were both pretty sore but managed to hobble up-and-down the few streets. We both fell asleep pretty early that evening as I have a morning meeting at a construction site the following day. All in all I was pretty pleased with myself. It wasn't an easy race at all.

Oh yeah, my story about diabetes. It was a couple of guys that I talk to you at the Jimmy V bar that we chatted with regarding diabetes and running. I was pleased that I had the opportunity to share my story and advice. Again that is the reason why I'm doing all of this anyway. To help others. Others so that they can understand the great risk of this disease.

Nothing wild and crazy on this adventure just a pretty decent run and a great success. To all my friends that are out there are you need to do is tell yourself that you can do it. Don't except failure, settle only for success. And in the words of Jimmy V: Don't give up… Don't ever give up!

Till next time my friends, Run Eugene Run.

Please help and support my cause allowing me to continue racing and sharing the word. Here's a link to my funding website. I'm working on a few things that will allow me to expand this past time into more of a foundation agenda. Your support helps this greatly. Thanks again for reading and sharing.

Dragon.....no Draggin'

I have been really draggin' ever since my marathon in New Orleans. I ran something like 85 miles in the month of January (that is an exaggeration) and in February there were only 13 miles. 

That stinks! Maybe I could blame it on the cold weather. Maybe I could blame it on the snow. Maybe I could blame it on my treadmill. Oh yeah, every one of those miles were on a treadmill. Blah. Maybe I could blame it on my body being tired. Maybe I just get blah sometimes and don't feel motivated to run. That is diabetes for you. 

So an update, my blood sugar numbers have been fantastic. That is great news. Now I'm also between 197 and 201 pounds. That is great news. And my shoulder feels like it needs to be chopped off. That isn't so great of news. 

Not sure what the deal is but it has been killing me. Didn't fall on it, didn't pull on it, it didn't pull on me, didn't yank, crank, prank or anything else. Shoulder just hurts. Not so much when I run .... Just during everything else. So when in doubt give it a Cortizone shot. And take a handful of ibuprofen every day for the next two weeks. Blah blah blah. Sure, we will see. I've tried adjustments and massages and it still hurts since October. I should have asked for some Cortizone for my knees. 

With all that being said I went out this morning and ran 6 1/2 miles in the snow and rain. And it felt great! However my glasses did freeze up a little bit. First they fogged up in the fog turn to condensation in the condensation turn to frozen sickles. Try running in those kind of goggles!

I need to keep up the running over the next two weeks to stay loose to be ready for the One City Newport News Marathon. Then the week after that will be the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. That should get me up to about another 85 miles this month. 

So what do you say my friends? Are you ready for a run?

GOOFY Vacation: Day One

Our adventure of the Disney Goofy Race

The beginning of another adventure. My wife and I seem to have those often. That's good though, keeps us young and always going. Today was pretty much a travel day with nothing really planned. Thankfully our flight was a direct flight with no layovers anyplace and it wasn't at the crack of dawn in the morning. 10AM flight on Southwest. Plenty of time to get up and do our final packing. Our daughter and grandson planned on dropping us off at the airport so we didn't have to pay for parking.

First hurdle, which actually isn't a hurdle.......let's call it my pet peeve. Pet Peeve #1: Had to stop and get gas in my wife's car.....why didn't she do that last night? That's okay.....not the pet peeve. Since we were really low on gas and I didn't want to play around with gas stations. I went to the closet one from the house which is a 7-11. I dislike buying gas from these convenience stores because they don't make it convenient. It never fails when I pump gas here that they don't have paper filled for the receipt. How can this just "happen" 80% of the time at 7-11 only? I can't recall it ever happening at WaWa. I think it happens because they want you to come into the store to get your receipt. If they get you in the store, to wait in line, you might buy something. HEY! I don't want to buy anything but gas! Refill the stinking paper! I have thought many times to finish pumping the gas and if there isn't any paper......I am going to lay the hose down on the ground! THERE! NOW YOU COME OUT AND PICK THAT UP!

Ok, my rant is over.

We get to the airport and check-in is simple and uncomplicated. Our single bag that we brought for both of us weighs exactly 50 pounds. Man, that was close. Good thing I packed my running shoes in my back-pack! Guess we now need to buy another bag if we bring back anything new. Bummer. Up the stairs and on towards security check. A little wait here but pretty much the normal routine here. If you have done it enough you probably have it down to a science. We do.

We are early enough for a sit down breakfast and to take a deep breath and exhale before our little excursion. The airport restaurant seemed like it was set up for lunch and dinner more than it was for breakfast. They brought us coffee refills in a wine decanter. Strange. Oh well, all else was good.

Getting ready to board the plane. Gone to the bathroom twice. Okay, ready for Pet Peeve #2: Southwest boarding system. This is just weird. Does this really save any time and effort? Or money? So yeah, it's great they don't charge for the first two bags. And yes it great that they don't charge any change fees. But lately they don't seem to be the least expensive. But here I stand, waiting to be called to my corral like a patient cattle knowing that I have a seat, just not where. Since, of course our flight reservations gave us the last corral, we are sure to get a seat squished in the middle seat and most likely not together. Yep, that want we got. I selected carefully from the last few seats to sit in between two skinney people. Yeah me!

Ok, my rant is over.

Flight was wonderful other than the boarding thing. We get into Orlando earlier than expected and head to grab our bag. Easy day. I made reservations for the car last night so Budget rental was the price war winner. No line, great. Okay, are you ready for Pet Peeve #3: Selling me the rental car options. All I want is the simple car. We are not driving all over and it is just the two of us. Nothing special is required. I don't mind the pleasantries to converse about but the explanation of questions and why I don't want them just get tiring. It's not like I haven't ever done this before. So here is the list:

1- No I don't want a bigger car, a convertible, a sports car an SUV......just the car I asked for.

2- No I don't want additional insurance, mine covers me and everything in the company....then I get its not your company's insurance it's your personal......I am the company ma'am.

3- No I don't need a GPS, every phone has one and I have been here a dozen times.

4- No I don't need Sirius radio the regular radio is fine.

5- No I don't need to repay the gas, I'll fill it up before I bring it back.......show my receipt for my gas that I bought it no further than five miles out? You have got to be freaken kidding me!

6- Finally if I can bring it back four hours earlier I can save one day's cost. Well thanks for the advise but I bought the rental for one entire week even though I'm only here for four days so I'm pretty sure that I won't get any money back and do you really think I want to extend my stay at the airport for an additional four hours making my current arrival of two hours ahead now a six hour wait?..........GIVE ME THE KEYS!

Sign a gazzillion times and initial next all the things I already said no to.

Ok, my rant is over.

Off we go towards ESPN Wide World of Sports to pick up our packets. I am also prepared for all the toll fees that are required. A bag of change in my backpack always ready for such a thing. Mostly a change dump before I go through security. Oops, drove through a toll. I wonder how much that will cost me going through the rental car?

Easy drive right to the ESPN and straight to pickup. Helps so much if you have done it before. Got our goodie bags, got bibs, got our tshirts.....one for each race plus one for goofy. Walked through the area to buy stuff but didn't really see any shorts or things we wanted. Bought KT Tape because my ankle was bothering me. Also got more Time Relief creams for the race. We couldn't find ours before we left home.

One area had some speakers talking, when we went up there is was Sean Astin from Lord of the Rings, Rudy or Goonies......pretty cool. We is a marathon runner.....not fast....but still runs. Talking about his past runs and some of the things his has done. There were a few slides of his past events and he spoke very humbly about his experiences. Just seemed like an ordinary guy.

Done, Done and Done. Off to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Wasn't planning on staying at a fancier place because of cost but I delayed so long there wasn't many options. Beautiful place and really neat environment. As always the lobby was amazing......except for the giant renovation being done right in the middle. Everything looked peaceful......except for the giant sanding machine buzzing away on the flooring. Yeah.....can't even get a drink in the bar since it is all open to one another. Oh well.....chill and relax.

Our room is nice, nothing special other than the fact that it open up to the savannah set up outside with giraffes and zebras and stuff. Pretty cool. We clean up and then went down to the dining area to eat. We chose the Jiko which was awesome as we chatted with the others around us. A couple from Wisconsin who had a farm just outside Milwaukee. And a junior high teacher from LA here by herself for just a get a way. Good for her.

A nice evening and time for bed. Good night my friends.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run
http://www.gofundme.com/idg4vk

Giving Blood

I always give blood.....at the doctor's office, at the endocrinologist's office and every morning when I have to poke my finger. Pretty used to it now and it isn't a big deal. The worst ever is when the doctor wants me to fast to do all my tests. Okay that part isn't so bad.....the bad part is when they can't get me in until 10:20 AM.

Okay so that might not sound so bad to some of you but try that if you are a diabetic. First I hate wasting my morning waiting around.....too much of a "got to do it" kinda person. Secondly, why would a doctor's office ever consider such a thing? Yes, I'm hungry but I can deal with that better than the wasted time. However it is 8:10 and I just took my blood sugar and it was 67.... Expect it to drop further in the next two hours.

Actually this has gotten worse/better recently with my new meds. My morning numbers are better than ever.....great news! No running this morning for fear it will drop further.

Watch your numbers my friends.

ETS This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

The End is Here

No this is not some sort of prophetical assessment of the end of time. It's just the realization that the calendar now gets flipped to a new start and that all the things, goals, agendas and plans that were established in 2014 are now gone.

I was thinking this morning as I was running around the loop in my neighborhood that this would be the last time I would run it......this year. I finished 600 miles of running this morning contemplating how many times I began that route. Probably close to 200 times, (42 times in one day).

During my run I tried to lift my head and look around and see what I so often probably miss because my eyes are focused on the road ahead. How much am I missing? Who have I not seen? I realized this while I was running in Colorado. Such a beautiful sight, it would be a shame to run thru this country and not be aware of my surroundings. I should always be at the forefront of my attention and focus.

There are many lasts:

It was the last time I would go to work.......in 2014. 

It was the last time I would eat pizza.....this should be so true but it is so good!

It was the last time I would wake up......sounds morbid, just recognizing.

It was the last phone call, last email, last text message, last Skype, last blog post, last voicemail, the last piece of digital communication in 2014. How will I communicate in the new year?

It was the last time I would kiss my wife, hug my wife, tell her I love her, tell her I'm sorry, tell her a silly story, make her laugh, make her cry, be grumpy towards her, hurt her feelings, lay down beside her, wake up next to her, stare into her eyes and hold her hand. A painful thought if it couldn't exist in the new year. How will I do these things tomorrow......and the next.......and the next......and forever?

At the office there are many last times. Last time to drive to work, last time to sign in, last time to log in, last meeting, last phone call, last project, last invoice, last check, last bill, last time I clean my desk (okay I don't do that now), last time to doodle an idea, the last time to make a difference, last time to leave the office. What will we do different at IONIC tomorrow? And the day after? How will I feel when it really is the last time?

It will be the end of our silly doggie greeting us so energetically when we arrive home. Whether we have been gone all day or just five minutes, we get the same loving greeting.

It will be the last television show, last movie, last article to read, last scripture to recite, last broadcast to hear, last song to sing, last time to wake up to birds chirping, last time to go to sleep with fireworks blasting off (illegally) by the neighbors, last time to fall asleep before my wife making it difficult for her to sleep due to my snoring......sorry :(

It will be the end of tasting food......oh so tasty food, not cardboard but really good stuff. Why waste our palettes on things that are not really worth it? It was the end of eating out, the end of warming up leftovers, the end of counting calories, the end of taking my meds, the end of checking my insulin, the end of poking my finger, the last cookie, the last piece of candy, the last time I eat healthy, the last time I cheat on my diet and the last time I step on the bathroom scales.......the last time to be dissappointed.

It will be the end of talking with my children, the end of hearing their voice, no more reading their texts, no more hugging them, no more telling them I love them, no more picking up their babies (our grand babies). It will be the end of sharing my advise, my wisdom (is there any?), my stories, my goofiness, my seriousness, my sorrow, my encouragement, my struggles, my triumphs, my failures, my care, my concerns, my shortfalls, my wishes, my dreams......my regrets.

It is the ending of picking up my clothes off the floor, the end of missing the hamper, the end of folding them and putting them away (okay, I don't do that now), the end of washing the dishes, the end of wiping off the counters, the end of sweeping the floor (okay, I don't do that now.....Rosie the Romba), the end of mowing the lawn, planting flowers, trimming the hedges, mulching the beds, fixing what is broken (okay, I don't do that now), the end of making the bed, of fluffing the pillows, of hanging up my coat, of throwing my coat on the sofa, of trying on clothes that don't fit.....too tight...too big....too old.....too ugly.....never did like it anyway.

It is the end of taking a shower, the end of brushing my teeth, the end of shaving my face, the end of combing my hair (okay I don't do that now), the end of using mouthwash, the end of splashing on colognes, the end of having to go to the bathroom room, the end of sitting on the pot without any toilet paper and having to text my wife in the other room to bring some from the other bathroom......okay, TMI.

If it was truly the end and there were no more opportunities I think it would truly be sad. Just writing some of these was sad. How often do we miss opportunities today that present themselves right in front of our faces that we don't take advantage of? How much time and opportunities do we waste? As time continues to march along in my life I have been given more opportunities to reflect on my mistakes and my misses. Age and wisdom has that effect.

Fortunately for nearly everyone of us we wake up every morning with those opportunities still in front of us. Still the ability to act and react. We use the new year as our RESET button, a time to start over, to change what we do and how we do it. In reality we shouldn't have any RESOLUTIONS. We should be doing the things we are supposed to already, only adjusting them, to do them better than before. It doesn't take a new year to hit the reset, we have one every morning if it is needed. What you did yesterday is in the past and the future is before you to make a difference.

The real question is........will you?

My friends, do not waste the chances you have been given. Do not forget about all the little things we take for granted...........and I will see you in the morning.

ET This I Believe

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

A clean slate to run again in 2015. All that I did in 2014 doesn't matter, it is what I do tomorrow that counts.

The Collapse of Christmas Morning

It isn't really the downfall of an entire empire just the evolution of how Santa and Mrs Claus wakes up on Christmas Day. The kids have all grown up and some have moved away. Each one now has their own Christmas traditions and things they do as their own little families. That is exciting that we taught them to make the event memorable by creating something special together. However it leaves my wife and I a little bit lost.

As our kids grew up we created several of our traditions we would partipate in during the holidays. Some of them were our own creation and others were traditional ones that we adopted as well. They were all fun but now time has passed and it doesn't seem like those Christmas events will fade away. Here is a list of some of those:

1) Cookies and Milk for Santa

We no longer leave out goodies by th the fireplace for Santa. This is for several reasons. First there are no kids to leave them out on Christmas Eve before bedtime. Second, I think one time we did it and the dog kept eating them. Mavrick would surely help himself. And lastly, "Santa" is a diabetic now and trying to keep the weight off. Carrots and almond milk just don't cut it.

2) Mountains of Presents

There were times when we used to have mountains of gifts under the tree. With little kids we could always get more gifts because many of them didn't cost much. Little kids ar like that. Big kids are a differnt story. Their toys cost a lot more these days. Santa and Mrs Claus is on a budget. Bigger presents might actually mean fewer presents. Also we have no clue what to get our kids and their spouses.......gift cards. A little bit boring but at least we didn't get them something that will thrown in the back of the closet. Note: Grandchildren might resurrect this tradition!

3) Using the Number System

When our kids were....well kids.....they were pretty smart. They would eventually guess what was in their presents under the tree. So we needed to devise a method that kept them from guessing as easily. All the presents "from Santa" had numbers instead of names. No names at all. So you might guess the box had Legos in it......but you wouldn't know if you were getting the Legos or someone else. With kids in different part of the country now and schedules of visiting other family this tradition might very well disappear. We still did it some this this year but it wasn't quite the same.

4) Stocking Pins

I can't remember even why we started this tradition. I had made custom labeled stockings for each of the kids and then added a pin to the stocking. In the beginning it was just a pin. Later it began tying in to the theme of each Christmas as we tried to match things up more. Alas, as more kids spending their own Christmas' at their homes, we may see this one fade away too. We had to decide that if you didn't come home for the holidays then you didn't get a pin. It was just too much to make all the pins for so many. Rules are rules. This one was fun though.

5) Stars for the Tree

The last few years it has been a struggle to complete the new star for the tree. We have made a new star for the tree every year for as long as I can remember. A new star was partly a task by one of the kids. They would make up an idea for their construction and put it together. Here recently the star has also played a part in the theme that was established. Now, I have to come up with the idea, make the star, get it finished and put it up. Not always accomplished as quickly as desired. I think it was put up the last few days before Christmas for the last three years. Sadly, this one might disappear as well.

Well, it looks like Santa and Mrs Claus will need to revamp and evolve to keep up the Christmas spirit. No bah-humbugs here......just facing the changes.

Merry Christmas
Eugene Thompson
ET This I Believe.