Vacation Travel - Should I Exercise?

Someone asked me the other day if I did any exercise while on vacation. Without a second of thought I replied YES……but then I had to think about it. I always want to say yes but it isn't always that easy. I started thinking about all of my travels, from vacations to marathon races to business trips……do I exercise on all of these? Really? Do I?

Well on trips where we do the marathons that would be the first area you could say of course not! You are about to run twenty six point freakin two miles. But actually I do. The day before I spend an inordinate amount of time stretching, short running, resting in thought and doing various exercises. I wouldn't say they are heavy exercises but they certainly are training tips.

After the race I'll repeat the same routine as the day before. Sometimes run even a little further…..certainly do more stretches.

So let's throw that scenario out.  How about a business trip? Absolutely yes! First of all I don't consider it any different than any other day at the office…..I've just added travel to my agenda. I have two typical kinds of travel for work. Long distance where I fly someplace. And then my normal overnight travels to my second office in Richmond.

For Richmond, this is like my normal routine. I travel there most often once a week. If I forego a workout, I'll really going to screw up my exercise routine. I can't have this. I am more of a runner than I am a gym rat. I don't like the treadmill especially not other cardio machines. It's just plain running for me. I always pack my running shoes, shorts and t-shirt when I go. My travel bag has all the "race goodies" that I might ever need so they are handy at all times. You know the stuff: gels, band aids, rubbing cream, etc. It's like a cosmetic bag for exercising or running.

Because I've been there so often, I know of a few running routes where I stay. I get up at the same time (regardless of my late night meetings) and do my coffee and plan for a run. It isn't as easy for the longer runs but I can do short work outs so I get my satisfying  need for cardio and complete my task of exercise so I don't get out of sync. Exercise in the morning starts everything off in the right frame of mind.

How about long distance travel? Whether it is a vacation or a business trip I treat them the same. Honestly I get up every morning at 5AM thanks to the Miracle Morning  routine established by Hal Elrod. I've modified mine a little different and call it the MARVELous Morning….after all I am a super hero!

Getting up at a regular time…..again, NO MATTER HOW OR WHAT YOU DID THE EVENING BEFORE keeps you on track and in sync with your physical and mental schedule you have established. Once I get up and run in a new town or a new country I've really energized my day…..all day!

If time restricts, I will head to the hotel gym and do a quick workout. Treadmill some and some free weights. But obviously the drug of choice is hitting the pavement. I set my Runkeeper and take off. Maybe the clerk at the front desk is a fitness guru too and will know of a trail or park close by…..if not…..I explore.

I have maps from all over where the Runkeeper logs my routes. Sometimes I have to go back and forth like in Milwaukee. There were canals that made me run some circles. Or Vegas when I had to do a bit of stopping at traffic lights. All of it is fun when you see different sites that you wouldn't typically if you walked or drove a car. Crabtree Falls required some steep hills and trail running. Vacation in Disney required some running in and around the resorts. Those things are huge, plenty of running room. Plus they probably have a gym if you really wanted to workout before traversing the day in the park with Mickey.

Best one ever was a trip to Punta Cana in Dominican Republic with a bunch of buddies. Yes, late nights made it difficult to get up early but I still did it. Nothing better than lacing up your shoes and heading out to the path right there on the beach. Try doing a sand run! I pretty much had the entire beach to myself with the exception of a few other ladies who apparently had the same running addiction that I did. Best way to make new friends!

The key here is not letting go of your scheduled workouts even during the travels of vacation or work. It's important for your body and for you. Treat it that way and as a reward rather than a torture.

I have a series of simple stretches/exercises I do in my hotel room that I'd be glad to share. Write us and we can even work up a simple plan fit specifically for you regarding a workout or running.

So here is the biggest thing you can do for exercising while on vacation....PLANNING!
We have spent all your time planning you flight, hotel and things you are going to do....don't forget to plan for your exercise. So as an example, I'm flying out with a bunch of buddies to Vegas......yes same set of buggies as Dominican Republic.....and yes I'm in trouble....LOL.

I will be preparing to rebound off of my Achilles fiasco and don't want to miss my training opportunities. Also, I don't want to miss the sites. Can we do both? Sure! Here are some of my ideas that I easily searched to figure out serval options during my trip. Not all of them will work but if time permits id surely like to get several of these bucket runs accomplished.

Here's what I found for VEGAS....given these have mostly incorporated running:
(click the link and find all the wonderful deals on Vegas.com)

Located about 20 miles west of the Strip, RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA redrockcanyonlv.org offers more than 30 miles of trails, most of which are suitable for running including a semi-technical 12 mile loop through the interior of the park. The 200,000 acre park has stunning mountain vistas, an array of cacti (don't step on any!) and desert wild flowers....Oh and the wildlife! Bighorn sheep, coyotes to rattlesnake....(There's a snake in by boots....errrr running shoes!)

Another option is the 32 mile RIVER MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL southwest of Las Vegas, which includes the 7-mile HISTORIC RAILROAD TUNNEL TRAIL, a rail that snakes (no more snakes!) through 5 tunnels as it meanders from Lake Mead National Recreation Area entrance to Hoover Dam.




For a shorter urban run from a hotel, it's easy to create a 4-6 mile loop that incorporates the sights and sounds of Sin City, including the iconic WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS SIGN and the fountains at the BELLAGIO hotel-casino. You got to do this....and take a picture and send it to me!

 
 
Read more at Hidden Running in Vegas

Other options include a few of the following that I found interesting.

Sunset Park

Just south of McCarran airport is Sunset Park. Not easily accessible by foot from downtown Las Vegas or the Strip, but it’s the closest ‘green space’ to the city. There’s a small pond with a perimeter path and it’s easy to put together 2–3 miles on the trails within the park. Some paved, some not paved.

Mt. Charleston

35 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Numerous trail options. 

A significant mountain, rising from 3,000 to 12,000 feet. 52 miles of trails featuring trees like juniper, mountain mahogany, Aspen and Ponderosa pine. In summer, it is significantly cooler than Las Vegas. In winter, there can be snow…and skiing. Many of the hiking trails are run-able. For experienced, endurance trail runners, there are the North Loop and South Loop trails.


Valley of Fire State Park
6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. 

This is another opportunity to access some desert/red rock trail running. It’s 6 miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. A great destination if you’re near Lake Meade or on your way to Zion National Park. Note: bring water. No facilities whatsoever.

Please let me know of any other locations that YOU found interesting. Id love to try them out too!

RunEugeneRun.com

Eugene Thompson

Founder + Marathon Runner

 

The 50 Mile Challenge - Run Eugene Run

Today was a pretty amazing day. So much work leading up to this event by so many people. I am so humbled and grateful. Waking up this morning I was a little depressed. Race mornings are always so exciting...and stressful. But today I knew I should be the one who was doing the running......but I can't. Not because of nearly 50 days ago I ruptured my achilles ending this year's challenge for me.

Thankfully some wonderful people and supporters helped me shift my goals and agenda this year and they picked up where I left off. They were able to accomplish the 50 Mile Challenge as a relay on my behalf. I'm so THANKFUL to Unify Health and Fitness for their support and coordination.

The morning started off with a brief talk sharing my story about diabetes in my life and how we got to this 50 mile challenge. It was nice to see all the support of approximately 25 people getting ready for this challenge. As always.....I had to take a pre-race photo. I needed a wide angle cell phone! Didn't get every in the picture.

The course was a quarter mile loop around the office park. It was a last minute decision to do this race as a group since my injury. It wasn't easy to find a spot to run as a group. Everything required reservations and permits.....I thought it was a loss until Melissa and Brian of Unify offered to create this run at their complex. There was no clue how many runners would show up a plan was developed to use sugar cubes as a marker of how many laps were completed. 200 laps were required and as each runner/walker completed a lap, they picked up a sugar cube and dropped it in the bucket.

NO EATING OF SUGAR CUBES SAYS THE DIABETIC!

So many were doing the original challenge of running miles up until this day. The added focus for this event was the ability to run through their gym after every lap or every other lap (their choice) and do a circuit of exercises like a boot camp. What a brilliant idea.

And the reward after everyone's hard work.....THE BLING! Our first medal, our first race, our first everything. Will there be more? I think so. Challenges for everyone by virtual racing, running or walking. Watch for some upcoming events. We hope you will join us as we continue to fight diabetes.

Thanks again to everyone for helping us start our dream. Without each of you we couldn't have done it.

RunEugeneRun.com

Eugene Thompson

Founder + Marathon Runner

The Achilles Chronicles - The First Steps

Week five since my accident, four weeks since surgery and two weeks since the cast was removed.....the first time I'm allowed to put some weight on my foot.......with doctor's permission.

I know, I know, I know.....I'm supposed to follow the rules.....and if you know me.....I never follow the rules. That being problem number one. Problem number two is I'm so impatient.

Today I went to UNIFY for the first time to do an upper body workout. It felt good but I certainly wish I could do more. Returning to a routine is rewarding. I've missed my workouts. With both my wife and I being out of commission these last months we have both found blessings and comfort in the support of our friends there. I posted a few videos of us working out that Michelle took of us on the YouTube page.

Today was also the last half-day Friday at the office that signals the end of summer. With Labor Day on Monday we all get the opportunity for a long weekend. With the hurricane/tropical storm approaching we will have a holiday in doors! That figures! I'll miss the Rock-N-Roll half marathon in Virginia Beach....but then again maybe everybody else will to unless the winds calm down. I couldn't do much this weekend anyway so I'll do some reading and resting......that'll work!

Today was also the second physical therapy appointment but more importantly I was given permission to apply some weight on it. 10% weight......so 19 pounds? Sure why not! That sounds about right. Toes tingling a bit. Incision doesn't really look so pretty. The healing process is going well but it less than desirable looking. I guess that might be normal. PT was a little too light for my preferences (of course) by picking up marbles with my toes.....really? Come on guys....PUSH ME! I know I know I know....patience. We already talked about this.....I don't have any.

All in all, things are going well and I should be careful not to create any setbacks. Ok.....I guess. 

Registration for The 50 Mile Challenge for RUN EUGENE RUN. If it wasn't for UNIFY we wouldn't have much. I'm thankful for all of those that contributed and are helping. Two weeks away from the run. Everyone jumping in to accumulate a total of 50 miles on 9.17.16 will be outstanding and humbling at the same time. I looking forward to being a spectator (not really but that's all I can do right now) and cheering everyone on!

Everyone can still sponsor and still run. I just won't be able to get you a shirt or medal until later. All those contributing will be our sponsors throughout 2017. We will have your link on our website and posts. We will add late sign ups to our official race shirts. I'll be preparing for a full recovery and begin running by (or before) the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach. I think that will be a rewarding and significant return for me. 

Look for updates and follow-ups as we continue......again I want to thank EVERYONE.

Eugene Thompson

Founder + Marathon Runner (soon once again)

www.RunEugeneRun.com

www.GoFundMe.com/idg4vk

The Achilles Chronicles - Recovery Update

First of all let me apologize to my followers, friends and family. I've been less than motivated lately to post updates to my progress......mostly because there hasn't been any. Most of you already know of my set back in late July when I ruptured my Achilles. That quickly ended my journey to run my 50 mile challenge I have been planning for so long. I have had the feelings of letting myself down but more importantly of those who had been counting on me. I am so sorry to have let you down.

The 50 mile challenge was to happen while I was still 50 years old. Unfortunately the doctor says I cannot even begin running until after my birthday if at all this year. Patience has never been my best trait. Struggling with depression seems to have escalated. Diabetes does that. Running helped with it. The inability to walk without crutches, to drive, to do just about anything without assistance or depending on others has just thrown fuel on the fire. Some days are better than others. Some worse. Life goes on and I strive to focus on the issues I can address.

The definition of SETBACK is shear daunting when I think about having to start all over. The fear of ever returning to where I once was haunts me. It'll be a long road.......longer than 26.2!

Well that's my emotional state......sorry if it lacks positivity......that's today's mood.

Here's the recovery story....or at least my update for the last four weeks:



07.28.16  Snapped Achilles went to ER

 



07.29.16  Saw the orthopedic surgeon

 

 



08.04.26  Surgery to repair it



08.19.16  Wraps taken off to see my Frankenstein scar (PG image version)



 

08.25.16  First visit to physical therapist for evaluation

 

Two weeks of no weight bearing then two more of minimal weight bearing from 9.19.16

That'll put me at mid to late October before I can begin walking without crutches entirely.

09.16.16  Return to surgeon for follow-up

09.17.16  50 mile challenge day. Thankful for others who will be running in my stead at Unify!
 

That's about as far as I can see into the future. Each day I grow more anxious to begin.....begin doing something! Anything! Did I say patience wasn't my best trait? It's hard to plan my schedule even months in advance because I just don't know how well I'll be walking or if at all yet. That's frustrating.

Goals:

Running by end of November.

First marathon......Shamrock in Virginia Beach by J&A Racing

50 mile challenge redux......9.16.17

Wish me luck and send your prayers. Thank you to my friends.

RUN EUGENE RUN

Eugene Thompson

Marathon Runner + Founder

www.RunEugeneRun.com

www.GoFundMe.com/idg4vk

Prevent Sugar Spikes and Crashes

Credit writing to Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM

One of my clients told me about a high fat diet her medical doctor prescribed for the treatment of heart disease. As a long-time nutritionist and doctor of natural medicine I am well-versed in the benefits of healthy fats, but would never recommend the fatty bacon, sausages and other foods this patient ate as part of her prescribed eating plan.

Too often people assess a dietary strategy by one factor only: 

does it work? But that should not be the only factor to consider when it comes to your health. In addition, you should ask what the diet does for your overall health. This has never been truer, particularly with the high fat and high protein fad diets on the market right now.

New research published in the medical journal Experimental Psychology confirms this fact. In this study researchers found that a high fat diet can harm the kidneys as much as type 2 diabetes. The study found that these dietary habits caused a significant increase in blood sugar levels, which is to blame for the kidney damage.

Blood sugar naturally fluctuates in response to the various foods we eat. Glucose, one of the body’s energy currencies, powers our muscles, brain and other aspects of our bodies. But, when we eat high amounts of sugars or refined starches, our blood sugar fluctuates wildly, causing spikes and crashes that result in the same fluctuations in our energy levels, mood and over time, our weight.

When high levels of glucose build up in the blood—an extremely dangerous state—the kidneys come to the rescue in trying to filter it out before it can cause damage to the organs or tissues. But, sometimes that comes at the cost of damage to the kidneys when the problem occurs frequently or is ongoing. Many diabetics experience a state called diabetic kidney disease due to high blood glucose levels over long periods of time which results in the kidneys straining to filter out waste products from the body. This new study found that a high fat diet can have the same type of effect on the kidneys. I’m sure it will come as no surprise that diets high in junk food were also found to have the same effect.

How to Prevent Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes

Fortunately, there are some excellent natural ways of preventing the blood sugar spikes and strain on the kidneys:

1) Significantly reduce your intake of junk food. I’m sure I don’t really need to tell you this.

2) Avoid high fat diets. They are the nutritional equivalent of choosing a career path as a bank robber. Sure, you may reach some of your short-term goals like weight loss, but a life of crime will definitely catch up to you before long. And, as you’ve learned, high fat diets can wreak havoc on your kidneys.

3) Eat more fiber. A diet high in fiber helps to evenly release sugars into the bloodstream so your body will have the energy it needs without the rollercoaster spikes and crashes.

4) Eat protein at every meal. That doesn’t necessarily mean meat, which is often high in fat. There are many excellent sources of plant-based protein. Check out my blog “Top Vegan Sources of Protein” for more information.

5) This one’s another no-brainer: reduce your sugar consumption. For ideas on how to do so and how to curb cravings, check out my blog “A Guide to Cutting Sugar Out of Your Diet.”

Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNM is an international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include: 60 Seconds to Slim: Balance Your Body Chemistry to Burn Fat Fast! (Rodale).

Run Eugene Run

Eugene Thompson

Marathon Runner + Founder

www.RunEugeneRun.com

Diabetes epidemic growing

CDC: Diabetes epidemic growing at an alarming rate.

This was the headline a few years ago. Has it changed? No, we haven't gotten any better. We rarely do until we decide as a whole to embrace change. Change isn't easy but necessary. Necessary if you want to make REAL PROGRESS in your life.

Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report indicating growth in the rate of Americans with diabetes and prediabetes. The report garnered over two minutes of coverage on one major network news program as well as coverage by major wire sources, newspapers, and consumer medical websites. 

In a segment on NBC Nightly News (Williams), NBC News correspondent Tom Costello reported that the diabetes “epidemic continues to grow at an alarming rate.” Currently, some “29 million people in the US have diabetes...yet a quarter of those people don’t know they’re diabetic.” 
The AP (Stobbe) reports that CDC “scientists calculated that more than nine percent of Americans have diabetes — or one in 11 people.” 

The Los Angeles Times (Healy) reports that the CDC “said an additional 86 million American adults – nearly one in three – has prediabetes.” Approximately 15 percent to 30 percent of people “with prediabetes will go on to develop the full-fledged metabolic disorder within five years, a transition that can sometimes be averted with substantial weight loss and increased physical activity.” The CDC’s latest “statistics are based on national health data gathered in 2012 and represent a nearly 12% increase in the number of those with diabetes since the last statistical report was issued in 2010.” 
TIME (Goldberg) reports that according to CDC estimates, “the direct and indirect costs of the disease have reached $245 billion, with direct medical costs making up 72% of that amount.” Patients with “type 2 diabetes incur medical costs on average 2.3 times higher than people without the disease, the CDC found.” 

The CNN (Kaur) “The Chart” blog quotes Ann Albright, PhD, RD, the CDC’s director of the division of diabetes translation, who stated in a press release: “These new numbers are alarming and underscore the need for an increased focus on reducing the burden of diabetes in our country.”

How far will we allow ourselves to fall prey to this disease? When will we realize that by just taking a pill will cure, heal, fix, stop or solve our issues with diabetes. We need to take it serious and take our lives serious if we want to get better. It takes work. It takes lots of work. Really lots of work! Run Eugene Run and our volunteers care about you and want to help in any way we can.

Do you need diet plans? Do you need exercise plans? Do you need an encouraging word everyday? We are here to help find answers for you. We are here for you.

RunEugeneRun.com

Running for diabetes awareness

293 Indepedence Blvd, Suite 310

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

757.716.4501

Eugene Thompson

What I've Learned

The pros and cons of having the use of only one leg (or foot):

- saved laundry by reducing socks by 50%

- increased skills of balancing on one leg

- learned how to go to the bathroom on one leg.....use your imagination

- opening door with automatic closer while on crutches

- building strength in my left leg

- a very tired left leg

- inability to drive a car

- ability to creatively enter a car

- learning how to carry everything in a back pack while on crutches

- losing weight.....too much work to get to the kitchen

- finding out I only have two pairs of pants that fit over my foot 

- get to wear shorts to work

- building strength in my arms using crutches

- having sore armpits using crutches 

- bathing is a chore

- having very tan toes......or is that dirt?

Yep....it's all in how you look at it.

KEEP GOING!

RUN EUGENE RUN

Eugene Thompson

Runner + Founder

Poor Timing

Poor timing. Isn't is always that way? The absolute worst timing ever for tragedy to strike. It would be a tragedy if it came at a time when we were better prepared or at a better time for us. Unfortunately it doesn't ever really work that way.

Many of you know that I was 50 days away from running my 50 mile challenge for RUN EUGENE RUN to raise awareness for diabetes. You have heard my story of my own battle with diabetes and the struggles I still face regularly. I had set up the charity as a non-profit and was working towards launching it all with the big debut of me running 50 miles in one day......and then it happened.

My car had slipped out of gear in the middle of an intersection. Something happened with the clutch and it wouldn't engage. No worries, it's a small sports car.....I just push it out of the middle and off to one side. While doing that I heard a pop in my right ankle. I knew immediately the feeling of a broken rubberband springing free was my Achilles. There was no doubt. I also knew within minutes what it meant for my running.....and for the 50 mile challenge.

Yes my leg hurt but I hurt deep down inside far more. I was in tears feeling I had ended something before I could even get started. What good is a RUN EUGENE RUN movement if Eugene cannot RUN? We headed straight to the hospital Emergency Room to find out what I already knew. The entire time I was praying for a miracle and someone would tell me differently. I knew better.

Ok.....now what? It's 6:30 PM call the doctor.....let's do surgery tonight! Right! Like that's going to happen. It's not like I'm Kobe Bryant or something......I'm just a guy with a cause. They sent me home that evening with a BOOT and CRUTCHES. I stick my foot in a Home Depot bucket with ice as soon as I get home. It reminded me of high school days when I cracked my foot and the trainer had a "horse boot" that they used on my recovery. Yes, you read correctly. I did grow up in Oklahoma. Big tall boot made for horses, you put ice and water in it and there is an air hose at the bottom. Within seconds it is freezing cold and your foot goes numb in five minutes. It's those first five minutes of pure torture that I remember.........I wanted that boot that first evening......still praying for something miraculous.

Amazingly I got an appointment with the Opthopedic Surgeon the very next morning. And yes....I told everyone the real importance of my concern...... I HAVE TO GET BACK TO RUNNING! I'm not sure everyone is as concerned as myself. Dr. Blake Moore gave me the news. It took him less than 5 seconds to see without doubt that I had ruptured my Achilles. I figured. The options were presented and surgery was recommended, especially knowing what I still wanted to accomplish. Without any doubt.....ok.....I am scared.......but I said, "LET'S DO IT!"

With that said I'll be having surgery this coming Thursday. The quicker the surgery date the quicker I can get back to it. He said I'd be running again in 3 months! Really!? So I'm thinking I can still run marathons in December! Ok.......probably not......a little too optimistic. I haven't got the exact details of my recovery schedule......so I look it up on the Internet.......DONT EVER DO THIS!

When I Google Achilles surgery I find pictures.....Ahhhhh! They looked like something from a Dr. Frankenstein's experiment. Everything opened up. Some showing stitches all the way up the back of the ankle and into the calf. I WILL LOOK LIKE FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER! Realistically it will take me 6 months for full recovery. And then whatever it'll take to train for a marathon again.

I hope to share more when I know. We are working on how we can still launch everything with RUN EUGENE RUN as well. After all, this wasn't ever about me. It was about all the others I'm hoping to help. I am just the figurehead. I'll know more once I meet with my wonderful team. They have been so supportive. I'll need more help than ever.

Please take a look at contributing to the cause. We are making adjustments to our website launch.....obviously things change in life......quickly......and at the worst of times.

Keep going to this link until we revise. www.GoFundMe.com/idg4vk

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You do not know how encouraging it is to me.

Please go run for me......and when you do.....HAVE A FUN RUN!

Eugene Thompson

RUN EUGENE RUN

marathon runner.......again soon!

Problem Solving with Diabetes

Have you ever had one of those days wherever you turn you are faced with problems?

Areas you thought were 100% under control turned out to be in chaos? The world begins to spin and you cannot seem to grasp back onto solid ground?

Yeah....me too.

It can be normal everyday issues or even work related. Whatever comes up you need to not stick your head in the sand but rather resolve the issues. I know easier said than done. I have this often. I want to run away. I call it my hermit-itis......(is that a word? It is now).....I'd rather be a hermit.

As a diabetic I've often been faced with imaginary issues that seem much more grand than they are in reality. Don't tell my brain that......it thinks they are real. Blood sugar controls so many things one of them being your emotions. You certainly could call it depression..... I'd rather call it emotional delusion. I know that it is just a chemical imbalance and I should try and work myself out of it. 

So how do you do that? Well I've gone through this enough times that I have learned a few lessons.

Lesson learned: 

1) Suck it up and walk it off.

Ok so that is harsh but I tend to be a bit tough on myself and really don't want to drown in my sorrows. I feel that the best medicine is to get up and keep moving. After all nobody ever drown by falling into water......they drowned by staying there.

2) There is no time for me to be off of my game. 

Have you ever went on vacation and then came back to a pile of work? Isn't it crazy how much builds up even over a short time. So think about that when you get overwhelmed and want to retreat. More than likely you are a person that is in need. Staff, Family, Friends.....try to stay on your game. Many people rely upon you but more importantly you rely upon yourself. Take a breath and get back in the game.

"I know I have said this a thousand times. Just Keep Working. No matter how bad things are or how bleak the future seems. You are giving up on things by not getting up early, showing up late, or not finishing what you started. Neglecting your work just paralyzes your chances of getting through the darkness. So if you are going through tough times. No matter what they are. Just Keep Working." - Jesse James

3) I realize that I need to more analytical and less emotional in my dealings.

Science! It will solve anything. Okay maybe not exactly. Try to flip the switch and pretend it is someone else's problems and you are asked to solve them. Would you jump up and down and freak out? Probably wouldn't help that individual much. Try to put it in the right perspective. There is some issue that needs to be addressed. Whether it is work related or any other issue look at it as a regular problem solving task. 

Matt Damon said to those students at the end of " The Martian" ...when things look bad just do the math and solve the problem. Then move on to the next problem. You solve enough problems you get to go home. 

4) Write the issues down.

Whether they are real or imaginary....it doesn't matter. In your head they are real....or real enough to make you worry about them. Then after each one.....write a solution. Don't worry about how practical the solution is.....just write it down. It will start your brain thinking about various possibilities to resolve the issues. Sometimes by writing them down it will bring a bit of reality to the situation and you will realize that it wasn't that big of a deal after all. Sometimes FEAR freezes us and makes us IMMOBILE to any action.

5) Reengage.

Once you've gone through these tasks don't keep hibernating. Get out there and keep doing what you do. Re-engage with others and interact so that your brain gets back on track.

Diabetes is a real struggle as well as depression. Don't let it get out of hand. If you see yourself slipping further than don't be afraid to get some help. Sometimes just chatting with a friend can get you through some tough issues.

I'm here if you need to chat about your diabetes struggles. You can contact me at RunEugeneRun26.2@gmail.com

Eugene Thompson

Runner + Diabetic

Website coming soon with menus and exercises to help us all.

Father's Day - Some days....Not so easy

I personally have a lot to be thankful for on Father's Day. But when this day comes around it's not always that easy. This years Facebook reminded me....like it often does from time to time.....especially as much as I play on it.....of what you did on this day. Sometimes it sucks. A story I wrote about my dad popped up earlier this week. So I have been thinking about him a lot. I have shared many stories about my father on here in the past. Most of them funny because I choose to remember those moments over any other to share with my family on how I remember my dad. 

I have lived more of my life without my father alive than I have when he was with us. He died the summer between my first and second year of college. He died at age 52. I have 671 days to reach that same age. And yes, it often haunts me as each day passes. Although I have many memories of him, I have far more wishes that I wish I could have had. I wish I could ask him about things. Maybe how he dealt with something in business. Maybe something about his childhood. Maybe something just about life in general. Unfortunately none of those conversations were ever able to occur. I was never able to have a heart-to-heart talk with my dad. I was never able to go have a drink with my dad. And as I flipped through photo albums trying to find an image this morning of just me and my father side by side…… There isn't one.

So this morning I'll share a story. One that I have recited many times to others about that summer day in Stillwater Oklahoma when I was embarrassed of my father. It is usually better told then read. My father provided or his family the best that he could. He was an entrepreneur at heart. He had three tax accounting offices in Oklahoma, held several patents on a non-aerosol spraying device and sold ice machines to fishing boats in Mexico. However, his decisions weren't always that well thought out in other things. I guess really many of ours aren't either at times. He thought that the best way to help me through college was to open up an office in the university town. He rented a place right down in the middle of all the apartments on the main drag through town just a few blocks from where I would take the majority of my classes in architecture. He remodeled all of the place that once housed many students I imagine. The front part of the house was more like an office while the back bedrooms served as a residence. 

So one day after class that second semester of my first year, I don't recall the date but I believe it had to be somewhere around this time of year. It was warm and the grass had grown needing to be mowed. My father's physical health had continued to decline due to the effects of diabetes. He believed that he was much stronger than he actually was but in reality he was very frail. We all knew it and could see it but apparently he was oblivious. It'd been a long day of classes and I was absolutely exhausted. I was ready to sit down and flop on the couch while watching some TV.

That wasn't going to happen today. As I approached the house with my backpack hung on my shoulder I happen to see my father getting ready to mow the front lawn. That in itself wasn't really a shock however the way that he was dressed was the real issue. I mentioned earlier that my father didn't always make the best decisions.….Choosing his casual attire was one of those decisions.

So let me try to describe what my dad was wearing. It was even disturbing back in the 80s. You have to imagine how he looked physically as well. So first he had these blue psychedelic shorts on.….We used to call them jams! I had a pair of purple ones exactly like them….I wish I still had them. That wasn't so bad however he chose to wear a white collared polo shirt that covered up his potbelly. I remember it had some sort of black-and-white striped collar. His bone white legs stuck out of those jams and he sported pea green dress socks with blue velvet running shoes. Those shoes never saw a day of running in his life. On top of his sparsely haired head he wore a black and red "Chicken Annie's" ball cap. Don't ask. The whole scene could've been placed in an episode of Twilight Zone.

So here my father is dressed viciously atrocious in front of the entire student body population of Oklahoma State University that chose to drive by that afternoon. As he attempted to mow the front lawn I quickly discarded my backpack inside and ran to take over the mowing. "Dad, dad, dad here let me do this. I've got it." I cursed under my breath because I really didn't want to mow the lawn today. It was hot and I was tired.

Before I'm finished I glanced over and saw my dad with the weedeater. What the heck was he trying to do? I quickly finish the mowing and then ran over to my father. "Dad, dad, and dad let me do this I've got the weedeater." This was crazy. I trimmed and edged the entire front lawn and before I knew it there he was again this time with the hedge clippers. Holy cow dad! Finishing up the trimming real quick I ran over to him once again, "Dad, dad, dad give me the hedge trimmers and I'll finish it." Yes of course I had to do all of the hedges that afternoon. I'm just glad he didn't get a wild hair and try to paint the entire outside of the house too.

I finished putting away all the tools and strolled in the house where my father had finally retired, thank God. He had prepared dinner for me that afternoon. It was never a TV dinner. It was always a fully cooked meal. I don't remember exactly what it was but I know it came with a nice cold glass of iced tea. Perfect for the guy who somehow conned me into mowing, edging and trimming of the entire yard in record time just so that I could protect him…. or was it me?…… from embarrassment concerning the most odd collaboration of clothing attire you would ever witness.

I wish I had a picture of my father that day as vivid as it rests in my memory. Maybe it's just better that way. Some memories only I can treasure. I'm sure nobody that ever drove past and saw that goofy old man even remembers it. They probably didn't even care at the time. A pretty stupid thing to be embarrassed about. You know what? I would wear a matching outfit with him today if he could be here beside me for a picture that I would surely post on Facebook. 

Chicken Annie hat and all!

Isn't that what Facebook and selfie's are all about!???

This week has been a pretty amazing week. Last Saturday I was able to play Top Golf with a bunch of my EO friends where I was introduced as the next year's Learning Chair. On Monday I was recognized as one of the Hampton Roads Entrepreneur Excellence Award recipients. I even served on the panel sharing some of my story. I wonder what my dad would've thought about that? A busy time in the Virginia Beach office the rest of the week. And Friday I headed over to the Richmond office to work in the morning but joining the staff at the minor-league ballpark. Go Flying Squirrels! And on Saturday afternoon became a third time recipient of the grandfather award as my daughter gave birth to another son. 

Yes, I have been blessed abundantly, more than I could ever imagine.

Happy Father's Day to all those lucky dads and grand dads out there. Rejoice in the blessings that you have today. Since I've probably done a pretty good job of embarrassing my kiddos (Love you guys!) I choose today to begin embarrassment on the next generation. Selfie's with mygrand babies. Because that's what I do!

Love you Dad.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

The Next Step for RUN EUGENE RUN

What is next for my plans with Run Eugene Run? Well the very next step is for EUGENE (that's me) to get some additional training. Yes, 23 marathons isn't really enough. I feel I've hit a plateau and can't make it beyond my time, my distance and my physical strength. I need help.

What is great about being focused.....is being vulnerable. Being open and honest about where I am. Right now I'm still struggling with my long term goals in health. I need to be better. In order to get better I need motivation. I need accountability. I need a trainer.....a coach.

A few months ago my wife and I both joined forces with Unify Health and Fitness Studio to get to the next level in our health goals. Health goals cover physical and mental. I really believe that if you are physically fit.....it helps a massive amount in your mental health. Diabetes has a history of depression tagging along and always makes me dip from time to time. So I'm going to work on my muscles.....including the brain muscle.

After a trial Saturday work out the first week and my first regular workout the following Monday......I was sore. Abs, triceps and hamstrings......That nice Personal trainer Michelle was brutal on me. Not really, she was very supportive. Basically I suck. I know I suck.....that's why I'm there.

My goals are the following:

1. Loose a few more pounds....10 at most.

2. Loose the spar tire.

3. Strengthen my upper body.

4. Build my cardio to sustain after 18 mile mark.

5. Look good......always and of course.

6. Feel even better.....without a doubt.

Wish me luck my friends. I will share my journey along the way. Unify owners Brian and Melissa are interested in helping us build up Run Eugene Run as well. We are pulling together a great team to fight against diabetes.

Watch soon for THE NEW WEBSITE.......TSHIRTS......AND OUR OFFICIAL HEADQUARTERS!

Until then my friends....have a fun run!

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run