Day Zero - Surgery for RUN EUGENE RUN

Today is a day of excitement.....nervous excitement. I've never really had any major surgery before so I'm not entirely comfortable with the thought of someone cutting on me. In the world of Internet and google it is best not to ever such for images of your upcoming surgery......too late.....I'm anticipating become a science experiment. Remember those labs in high school? Frogs, baby pigs......a worm? I didn't do well on my experiments. I'm glad my doctor is a pro at this!

Sure, it's easy to say you'll be brave. Sure I'll put up my facade. I'll joke about. I'll make others laugh. But honestly I'm scared. Scared I'll never be the same, to be able to recover. It's easy to say......but it's a long run. At the beginning of every marathon I've ran I've tried not to think have long the road will be. When it's at the end.....it's so much easier to look back....so much easier.

Those of you who have had surgery before know the rules. No food or drink after midnight......no coffee either! What?! Ok ok.....whatever you say. At least they moved my surgery time up to morning instead of afternoon. 

Out of all this I hope to encourage others in their own struggles. Their struggles with diabetes.....and now I can add recovery from a ruptured Achilles. God figured that he wanted to be a more powerful message.....that's the only thing I can understand. I imagined the story of Gideon and the 300 that lapped water like a dog. Just a few warriors to accomplish what an army would be needed for. Or how about Goliath vs a small young man? He didn't need a sword, spear or shield. Just his sling......and just one river stone. Unrealistic battles.....but not when the Lord is in control.

So that's my plan....a bit of arrogance and pride. I've been humbled. That might hurt more than my Achilles. I'm just a man. He is so much bigger. 

I had a great team with me today. A whole host of pre-op nurses prepping me for the surgery. I don't remember all your names but I appreciate you so much. I do apologize if my lovely green surgery garment happened to gap......honestly I don't remember a thing.....you knocked me out before I left the room. That was some good stuff! The anesthesiologist told me to imagine the best cocktail.....Hendriks and Tonic? Less than 60 seconds later and I was out! Wow!

Then there was a whole team of surgeons and nurses inside the surgery room. They were great......they took this picture.....I don't remember it! Lol. But I was smiling. I wonder now what I might have said during that time.....hmmmm? You guys were awesome and took great care of me.

And probably the most important team members were the whole slew of prayer warriors from all over the country. You are the greatest. Thank you so much for lifting my name up. I can't thank you enough.

So now the journey begins. I was released pretty quick. The doctor said it was a strong repair. I gave him some strong muscles and tendons to work with. He said there was a gap about two inches apart so surgery was really the only way to properly repair it. My leg was numb from the knee down. It weighed a ton with all the wraps around it. Thankfully I had been practicing with the crutches before hand. I can't let it touch the ground. Balancing on one foot.....getting up....sitting down.....lying down.....everything.

No pain at all......until.....about 4AM the next morning. Wow.....just wow. Now this is tough. Really tough. Crazy pain.....but I'll get through. NO PAIN NO GAIN? 

So that brings you guys up to date. Today is DAY ONE of recovery. There will be rest but I'll put together my schedule. The doctor said I'll be in the wrap for two weeks, no weight bearing. After that they remove it and begin PT while I'm back in the boot for two-three more weeks. I'll begin using foot for balancing. Afterwards I'll be able to trying on shoes and work up to walking. In three to four months I'll begin running. He did say my full strength won't regain for a full year......but I did ask about being able to run the Shamrock Marathon in March.....he said YES!

Now it's up to me.....yes the road is long.....I doubt it'll be easy. Follow my journey. I hope to share each step (no pun intended.....ok......yes it was).  

RUN EUGENE RUN will continue. Others at UNIFY will pick up my goal and run on September 17th as a relay. Others can join in too. Wherever you live. The plan has changed a bit however the goal remains the same....to inspire and encourage others about diabetes awareness. TEAM UNIFY, you guys are awesome.

My goal.......50 miles on September 16th, 2017!

RUN EUGENE RUN

Eugene Thompson

www.GoFundMe.com/idg4vk

Lions Bears and Giants

Lions, Bears, and Giants 

The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. 
1 Samuel 17:37 

"Hey, you guys. Don't be afraid. I'll fight this Philistine giant." 

But David was young. David was not even a warrior, and certainly not an experienced warrior. Saul felt it necessary to mention these things after David had so fearlessly declared that he himself would fight Goliath. 

But David persisted. "When I am taking care of my fathers sheep, and a lion or a bear comes and grabs a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth. If it turns on me I catch it by the jaw and club it to death" (1 Samuel 17:34,35 tlb). 

If David had not experienced lions and bears, he would not have been prepared for his confrontation with Goliath. 

And as he watched the round stone find its mark, and felt the earth shake when Goliath fell, it was etched indelibly on David's mind and heart that his God was able. 

This morning I struggle with defeat. Questioning why. Why when I try so hard to do the right thing I face so much opposition? What have I done wrong? 

Not knowing (at this time) the extent of my trials or what I am about to face, I realize it isn't my battle. The battle belongs to the Lord. I will trust in him, not myself. Maybe...just maybe....he felt my battle wasn't big enough. Maybe he plans on using me in a different manner. Maybe he is giving me another lion or bear to fight before I get to Goliath.......but I know this......I will fight Goliath......and he will fall.

Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe

Marathon Runner.....soon again.

Marathon #22 was Vicious

When you wake up in the morning and it's raining outside....pretty heavy.....and it's dark outside....pretty dark......and it's cold outside....pretty cold......who in the world wants to go run a marathon in that stuff? Well Sunday morning was just that. I really thought that rolling over and going back to sleep would be a better idea......but noooooooo! I had to get up.

52 degrees, heavy to light rain fall and winds around 20 mph was sure to make a really ugly day for a run. I always do great at the J&A Shamrock race but today I felt that just finishing would be acceptable. Facebook already had people deciding not to run it because of the conditions. Blah.....I got ready. Tried to figure what to wear. I really don't have rain gear that would work for 26.2 miles.

I bundled up, wore a trash bag and my wife dropped me off at the race so she could go on to church. I asked for prayers.....is it acceptable to ask for prayers for a self inflected run on a cold day and to miss morning service for it? I'll let you answer that one on your own. I did make it to even services that night.

I found a place in the stairwell right near the start line to hide out for a while beforehand. I chatted with serval other refugees from the cold and windy frontier talking about the normal pre-race developments. I try to be outgoing and encouraging to the others......I guess I can consider myself a veteran now. It is always good to share why I'm running so many marathons. Run Eugene Run. I can't wait to get my shirts made. One by one I bid them good luck and to have a FUN RUN..... Yeah right.....fun? How so in these weather conditions.

Well five minutes to start time and I jump out of the concrete cave and hit the restroom. Good news....it has stopped raining. Still cold and windy but hopefully the running will keep me warm. The race route has become a familiar one and I know where each of the hurdles will lie......that is always helpful. Unfortunately no soldiers out today at Camp Pendelton.....I didn't expect any. That is always a great boost to give them all a high five and thank them for their service. There were two.....I don't blame them for not coming out......it was crazy cold.

Back over the bridge and turn the corner at the boardwalk and headed straight into the wind. Before I was running between a nine and ten minute pace......with this headwind I slowed down by several minutes per mile. It was just rough. No choice but to keep running. I was going to be facing these winds for over ten more miles.

At this point I was running pretty strong. Probably faster than I should be but I was worried about the weather and the cold. I felt it was better to get in as much time as possible before it started raining again. Funny......it never rained again until right after I finished the race and had hopped in the car.

Push push push. My breathing was rough. I saw the 4:45 group pass me......REALLY!? I was running that fast? And then the worst......I thought I might be able to squeak out a sub 5 hour race as well as I was doing.....or at least a PR which would have been below 5:09......but then I saw the 5:00 pace group come up beside me at mile 19.......CRAP!

I ran with them for several miles and tried to focus my mind on maintaining the pace. I was just getting really tired. I kept pushing....kept running....maybe. But they slowly pulled ahead of me.....that is always the saddest thing. At mile 25 marker I reached the 5:00 mark.....so close. A little more push and I would be done. I turned the corner back onto the boardwalk around 37th street and I knew I only had a few more blocks. I could see King Neptune waving me in to the finish line far ahead. I picked up the pace to push these last few feet.....a good sprint towards the end always makes one feel accomplished. I finished......5:16.....I guess not bad for the weather. My second fastest marathon. Once again I do my best here at the shamrock.

Looking up I see my wife, daughter, grandson, my son and daughter-in-law all there cheering me on and congratulating me on the finish.......one of the best feelings of the day. So glad they came out to watch. 

Home now.....no food.....just warmth......I need to get warm and climb in bed. So I do.

That's my day my friends. 22 marathons in 26 months. Yes crazy.....but if I can do this with diabetes......you can do much more.

Have a fun run....until the next time

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

One City is my 21st Marathon

Sunday I ran my 21st marathon in just over two years. Twenty-six months to be exact. I'm always so excited leading up to the beginning of a race.....that is until you wake up at 4AM on daylight savings change over. Ugggg. The second annual One City Marathon in Newport News is a very well supported run with lots of community involvement. Even being a small race that makes all the difference in the world.

I have found out that the best races are the local community organized events and not the national chains. It seems they are bigger but not really better. More about the money. At least in my experience. One City has certainly got the neighbors along the route to join in and cheer on the runners. You don't know how much that helps.

I had higher hopes for this one as I've rested nearly two months since the Disney Dopey challenge but the heat must have gotten to me. Or maybe it was the time off from running as much because it was too cold. Not sure. I'll need to improve my time and my focus if I plan on continuing. I'd like to get under the 5 hour mark consistently. That would make me feel accomplished.

There's my update friends. More pictures coming soon......Oh the race had a finish video. I thought black me looked slimming! Well I'm FAT IN BLACK TOO!

Have a fun run my friends. Enjoy the day and enjoy the road!

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

The Last Marathon - The Island

Who says 13 is unlucky?

I scouted around several months ago to find another marathon since I decided to take a break in the summer. I needed one to replace those to get to the goal I had determined. You know the crazy idea that a 50 year old man with only a few years of running under his belt would attempt 13 marathons in one calendar year. Yes I know.....you and everyone else say I'm crazy. So.....I guess I'm crazy!

By the end of the this year I certainly have become worn out. I know that I cannot do a PR every race.....there are just too many. Can I say that I enjoy running? I'm not sure. Can I say I'm addicted to running? Not sure I can say that either.....I could just as easily sit my butt n the sofa and watch television. What I can say without much doubt at all is I love the challenge. I really enjoy pushing the limits. Doing something that is no the normal......because.....go ahead.....you can say it.....there is something about me that just isn't normal. That's okay....I know it. And I guess I like NOT being normal.

Kiawah Island Marathon in South Carolina was going to be the last one for 2015. I just finished San Antonio six days earlier. No PR there either....I was close.....not really. But I'd like to think I was. So I decided that this race I would just enjoy......just enjoy the run......is that even possible for me? Probably not. So to start I left my run keeper off......just music. I planned on looking up and around at all the sites to see. Would that be enough? We would see.

Well one thing I got to see was my wife. Oh of course at the starting line. Usually that is the last time I see her until the finish line. This time I saw her as she passed me......standing in line at the porta potty at mile two. It really sucks that I always have to stop so quickly in a race. I lost 7 minutes! I saw her again as I caught up once I was finished.....ran with her for a few minutes and then took off. At about mile 13 or so I was looping back and caught her heading towards me......a great high five!

And then the run run run run part. I focused on many of the magnificent homes that were out there. Some had to cost $10M. Crazy big and fancy beach cottages. I liked the way the builders, (assuming the area dictated this) how they presented a sample wall and window with siding for the projects. The builder, owner and architect's names were on a sign that was consistent for all the homes under construction.

Back to running. I didn't have my Runkeeper on but I knew where I was on time because of so many clocks along the route. They had one at nearly every mile marker. That seven minutes at the porta potty really took my time down. I had caught all the way up with the 5 hour pace group but doing that took the energy out of me to maintain. Again mile 18 I started to fade. I tried to make myself feel that this was just for fun but really....? I like to do well.

I tried to eat along the way. Part of a banana, some oranges slices etc. seeing if I could effect my strength at the end of the race. Not so much. I finished but not with a lot of vigor. Again I guess the races are getting old and the glory is fading. I need to remind myself why I am running these......to bring awareness to others.....and for myself. I'm a diabetic and this is what it takes for me to make a difference. Without the running my blood sugar would climb, my weight would get back on I wouldn't have nearly as much energy. It is a necessity. 

Number 13 finished. Another state conquered. And a great place to visit....our new destination get-a-way. I think we will do this one again. If anything for a great warm retreat in December. Next time we will plan to be here for a few more days. Less fast pace (no pun intended) race trips.

Until next year my friends.....I look forward to seeing you on the road. Remember to always have a Fun Run.

Run Eugene Run

Eugene Thompson

Post-Run Recovery Drink with Shaklee

We have been using Shaklee products in our family for over twenty years. They have provided a healthy foundation using their vitamins which I believe has kept me from being sickly and drained of entry. Speaking of energy drain. Try running a marathon and see what's left in your tank afterwards. Actually it doesn't have to even be a marathon, just a good physical work out or shorter run can zap your body. 

I went on a Saturday morning run this last weekend and hit only 12 miles. I know.....some of you might think that is a million miles. For me I should have been fine. But I wasn't. Several weeks ago I did the Dopey Challenge in Florida and felt fantastic after all four runs. This last Saturday after the run......I was down for the count. Well maybe the busy hectic week at the office had something to do with it too but regardless I was drained. Fell asleep on the sofa!

As a post run replacement/recovery drink I recommend working up a simple fruit and protein concoction to rebuild your muscles and revitalize your body. You need it. Here are the few things that I do. 

 Here is your health tip moment.

Remember my friends....have a fun run!

Eugene Thompson

RUN EUGENE RUN

For Those About To Rock......

For those about to Rock......n Roll Marathon......we salute you!

Okay so I had a hard time coming up with a title. It was either this or Remember the Alamo.

So I will start off saying that I don't remember the Alamo......they told us we would run past it but I'm not so sure we did. If we did...I missed it. This race was great weather and perfect setting. I hoped to do a PR. I assumed it was flat.....I assumed wrong. Last six miles was a steady incline.

My wife and I arrived in San Antonio early Saturday afternoon and did our normal check in the hotel and walk over to the convention center for package pick up. I'm so glad my wife found a room downtown next to everything because that made it incredibly convenient. We could walk to everywhere.

It was the typical Rock n Rock expo as we strolled around to see if there was anything different. There was a new massage thing that looked great to work out your muscles. Expensive but then again aren't they always. My high hamstring has been bothering me for some time so I took advantage of buying it to see if it would help.....it felt great. I used it before and after the race.

Saturday evening we went down to Riverwalk area and had dinner. I ate the largest Texas Sized Ginormous Chicken Fried Steak on the planet. Not sure I recommend eating one of these before running 26.2 miles. But I did anyway.....and an apple crisp with ice cream for dessert. Again maybe that wasn't a great idea either. Early to bed and we were beat!

Let me quickly mention that I had posted my intent of hitting my goal of 12 marathons this weekend on the Miracle Morning Facebook Community page.....I received an outstanding number of responses and notes of encouragement. Over 700 likes.....that inspires me to make Run Eugene Run a successful endeavor even more.

I woke up early and ran through my miracle morning routine, yes even before a race. Got my self in order and headed to the start line. I once got really nervous about the start of a race and wanted to make sure I was there in far advance. Now I chill pretty easy. I sort of zone out.

And this is why I titled this post as ....We Salute You!:

However this time I talked to someone that was truly amazing. I didn't catch her name but she noticed my medical ID on my wrist and said, "I've got one of those too." I responded and asked what hers was for....."I have a tumor." ....whhoooo, what?! She started to explain and that she also had diabetes. Type 3. I had never heard of type 3 before and she explained that it was when a issue like a tumor causes the diabetes to kick in. That's crazy! Had your running today!

She was doing the half and was shooting for just a fun run of 2:10......that's pretty good for an old lady as she described herself and her running career. She had done several triathlons and four Ironmans. The last one when she was diagnosed improperly and had the tumor. She has ran more marathons than she could count.....ok.....I have officially met The Beast! I have nothing to complain about. This lady is now my hero.

So started off great in the race and was hitting my pace to break the 5:00:00 mark for the first 18 miles. And then there it was.....that dreaded wall. I just can't seem to push past it and my time dies off terribly. I plugged a way but couldn't keep up with the pacer. I finished and that was the best part. Got my medal and my giant Stairway to Seven Heavy Metal so I'm feeling good.

We talked to lots of people along the way after the race and at dinner. I wore the giant metal to attract attention. It did. It didn't take much to wrap up the evening after dinner and ice cream.....chatting with a young girl serving ice cream about her cross country running and her family doing a race together. Great conversations. This is why I do what I do.

Back to hotel to crash, I'm tired.

Up the next morning and we head out to breakfast and then the Alamo. Got to see the Alamo.....don't want to walk too far for shopping though. Feet aren't real friendly with me this morning. I need new running shoes.....hint hint to Saucony to be my ordinary guy sponsor.....lol. Well its worth a try.

Grab a plane and back home late......what a trip.....ready for life again.....oh wait....crazy work week....short work week.....another race in a few days.

Until next time my friends.....have a Fun Run!

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

Richmond Marathon

So this marathon wasn't for me at all....even though it was claimed as the national diabetes day. This day was all my wife's. She had been training long and hard to accomplish her first marathon. I cant really say that I helps her much....other than the occasional example. It was all her....to complete her first marathon on behalf of a friend of ours who was going to cancer treatment. That is her story to tell so I won't ruin it. I'll let her tell you.

I'll,just add some pictures of the event and her pursuit of something that a very small percentage will ever accomplish. She had an amazing team from TEAM IN TRAINING to encourage her along the way.

I have always had an interest and a passion for health and nutrition. I wanted to be strong and healthy and not like my mother. In college,  aerobics was the craze, but as real life went on getting to a gym was not that simple. When we moved to VB in 1995  I had a friend from church  that I walked with in the evenings. That was great as long as it lasted. In 2002 I was introduced to running. I didn't really think I could run. I had never been particularly athletic and I had allergies that made me think it would be hard to breathe. However, I began 1 street at a time, run to the next street, walk to the next until I could complete an entire lap around the neighborhood, (.7 mile). And so it began. I ran my first 5K in November of 2002. From then on, it was an on again, off again affair. I would do well for awhile, then I would slack, gain weight, and repeat the cycle. I decided I really wanted to do a long race, maybe even a marathon someday. My first ½ marathon was in 2008 and then I stopped and went back to the on and off of running and the shorter races. Somewhere around 2011 I was running most of the J&A races up to the 10 miler most every year. 

At that point Eugene finally got serious about his health, dropped weight, and started running. Unfortunately, I had kind of gone the other way. However, when he started running marathons in 2014, I found being a spectator was no fun. We went back to Disney in 2015 and I ran the half again for the first time in 7 years. I was feeling good and ran 2 more halfs in April. 

Some time before this I found out a good friend had leukemia and I wanted to do something, so in April of 2015 I joined TNT and signed up for my first marathon in November, almost exactly 13 years after my first 5K. 

Unfortunately, training did not go as planned over the summer. I did run a few 10 milers and 2 more half marathons in October. I was out of time, I got in an 18 miler 3 weeks before the race. I was a little terrified. I was pretty used to pain, but I knew how much a half marathon hurt, a full has to be overwhelming. 

We went to the TNT dinner and got inspired, woke up at the crack of dawn as usual for races and I was heading to the start line ready to “run” my first marathon. With TNT, there were lots of coaches along the way and that was helpful but my true coach and best friend stayed beside me all the way. At first, I was feeling excited and adrenaline was pulling me along, but as the miles passed, so did my energy. When we got to mile 13.1, my body was thinking ok this is far enough, but I had to do the whole 13.1 again!  My walk breaks grew slower and slower. Eugene had to take my hand and pull me along, so I didn't slow down too much. I was getting pretty cranky. We were blessed to have 2 of the coaches with us through a good portion of the race which took my mind off of the miles, the time, and the pain. All I could do was keep going, quitting wasn't an option. There are so many people, children included,  fighting much worse fights with their health as  they try to stay alive and not quit. I could do this for a few hours. As we neared the last couple of miles we met more of the coaches. I was the last team member to finish, so all of the coaches were with me at the finish line. I was surrounded by a “ great cloud of witnesses”! I got to cross the line hand in hand with my wonderful husband who had stayed with me all 6 hours and 48 minutes! I almost I cried as I realized I could now say, “ I am a marathoner” . 

Completing that comes with many lessons that can’t be told at once.  There are so many lessons and analogies in the marathon that apply to life. Keep fighting the good fight and never give up! 

As always my friends....HAVE A FUN RUN.

Eugene Thompson

RUN Eugene RUN

PS: Watch for our new design logo coming soon!

PSS: We have committed to seeking non-profit 501c status.....it'll take some time!

PSSS: We will have tshirts and new products shortly!

PSSSS: Watch for the new goals for 2016 coming in January and how you can help!

Now I'm done!

Savannah Rock N Roll #10 - The " * "Race

What in the world are you talking about now Eugene? An asterisk race? Just wait....you'll see.

I can tell you that after running so many marathons I've got a system down. However that doesn't necessarily mean that I don't worry. Savannah is probably one of the closest races to our own climate, terrain and general feel of home. With that said I am really wanting to have a PR. With the races stacking up afterwards I not sure I'll have a better chance than here.

I've been told that the course is one of the best in scenery, support and friendliness. We have never really spent time in Savannah before so it would be great to spend a few days here and see the sites.....unfortunately I'm on a fast pace schedule. No time to Lolly-gag around.....we fly out Friday morning and will fly back Saturday right after the race......literally within a few hours afterwards. Bummer.

We did arrive early enough on Friday to see a few sites and visit downtown area. Found out how hard it was to find a parking place in the historic area off the river. That should have been a signal that we weren't going to be able to find a spot for the race......duh, it didn't. Parked all the way down at one end and then walked back along the river. Not really what I wanted to do the day before a race but I was fine.

We had a nice lunch and then enjoyed the sites around town. Looked like there was a lot to see in a very short period of time. Figures.....I packed these trips in too tight and we won't be able to enjoy like we hoped. My wife wanted to be back for church that Sunday so we intended on flying back right after the race.....I mean RIGHT AFTER. A few hours after. I should be fine.

We stopped at a brewhouse downtown and enjoyed a cold one. I really wanted to be careful because I wanted to push tomorrow for a best PR. It was fun.....maybe we can return some day.

Dinner was an adventure.....I was really tired and didn't want to go all the way back downtown and struggle with parking. I looked over the fence right next door to the hotel and saw a restaurant.....a bit of a ghetto looking venue. I asked my wife if she was adventurous. Note to self: probably not a great idea to eat at a questionable place before a marathon. Although the place was ghetto, the chef only having a few teeth, the waitress appearing like a vulture as we were the only customers, the dessert being a piece of cake left over from the wanna-be major campaign party the previous night and the owner (self named The Lady) wearing outrageous body covering spandex.....the food wasn't half bad!

The morning of the race I grab the hotel shuttle since we found out there wasn't going to be parking. My wife took Uber a few hours later since I was leaving early. One of the guys in our van was probably going to be in the top 25. Pretty cool. We get to the race and I settle into my normal routine of preparing. Preparing my mind and my physical being. I eat my breakfast and wait the wait. The weather was warm so I decided to wear my tank top.....a departure from my normal gear. It promised to be warm today. In the high 70's to start the race.

Race time begins and I chat with several people. Everything is feeling really good. For some reason I'm in corral 17...... Really? That se ms really far back. I wonder what I put on my entry form. For that matter I wonder how many people lied on their entry form. I realize this quickly as the race starts and I'm having to zig and zag around everyone. This really hurts my time. I really like the fact that people are encouraged to run a marathon.....don't get me wrong.....but if you plan on walking the race within the first five minutes you should not be in corral 12!

My pace is great. I'm feeling great. I'm feeling strong. It's hot! People are dropping by the wayside quickly. Temperature hits 84 degrees and water is a nessecity. However cups are in short supply! Really? We haven't even got to the half way point and you are running out?! People with garden hoses are out as we run through the neighborhood. We grab a swallow and soak out head......not like I'm not already soaked with sweat. I've never been so wet except when I ran in the rain. I find out layer the humidity was 99%!

I was pushing good despite the temperature. My pace was set at 4:50 finish time and I was only 2 minutes off of that time due to the quick bathroom breaks......I peed in the bushes! I wanted a PR and didn't want to waste time! BAM mile 14.5 or so the state police was turning runners around. The heat was too extreme and they were shortening the race. No! No! I tired running around the officer but no doing, he stopped me. Crap!

At this point with a PR in my grasp I was deflated. I slow my pace and relax. Chat with a few other runners and met a new friend from Atlanta. Mike and I enjoy the run back which adds up to maybe 18-20..,..I'm not really counting at this point. Sure I got a PR.....my official finish was 3:30.....NOT! Oh well I get to listen to rascal Flats the headline band and chill out waiting for my wife. She was set up at mile 20 to cheer me on......I never reached that mark due to the shortened route.

So I finished the race (what there was of it), got my finisher metal, got my heavy metal for number six Rock n Roll, my jacket (like I needed that today!) but marathon number 10 will go down in the record books with a big asterisk (*). Just like the record holders for the baseball cheats......I didn't really do 26.2.

Dinner downtown after a baby wipe bath and we head to the airport.....mark through this journey and note that we need to return to Savannah again some time to enjoy the city. Rock n roll set me a free sign up for another race due to the race being cut short. Two people had died during or shortly after the race and over 17 more taken to the hospital. Countless others suffered. I won't complain......I live to run another day!

Have a great day my friends. Have a Fun Run

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

#RUNEugeneRUN

#RER26.2

Rock n Roll Denver - The Character Building Marathon

Well shall we just say that the morning started off beautiful....and then it went downhill from there. And I don't mean like terrain downhill. It was a struggle the entire run for me. I won't call it a failure, just a character building race.

The first 8 miles was fine. They dropped us off (shuttled) to what seemed like forever outside of town. On the bus I met Alan who was from California visiting family. Apparently he did well. I didn't see him the entire race. We had also met a couple at the previous afternoon movies. They were local runners. We had a nice chat. 

Back to the race, as they pulled the bus up to Adams County Park, the sun was just peaking over the skyline. I thought that was incredible. And then it peaked up a little more with an amazing orange reflection in the water beneath. And then once again as it rose a little higher it seemed as if the sky just burst into and explosion. Truly amazing. If anything about running these races I get to see some amazing sites. This was the best. 

And then I started running. 

The trail was along the river. Apparently the city wasn't in too much agreement to shut down the streets. So river trail path it was. Not a lot of spectators. Not a lot of shade. However there was a lot of sun at that altitude. I think the altitude hit me harder than expected. That and the 26.2 miles. I didn't give enough respect to either. Marathon number 9 or not I was feeling the pain. 

After mike 8 my hamstring began giving me issues. It became achy although it didn't hinder me much. I tried eating early on in this race so I could begin my fueling early. Whether it helped or not is still unknown. All the other effects hit hard on this race day. I saw my time slip away into one of my worst times ever. I had no control. 

My mind isn't staying focused at all. I have doubt, I have feelings of wanting to quit. Why am I doing this anyway? What is the purpose? What does it matter? I fight my fight of mental fatigue. This is crazy. Way too early to be feeling this way. What went wrong?

At mile 17 I had my blood sugar tested and was at 123. Not bad considering. Back to running. 

Mile 18.

Mile 19. 

Mile 20. Yeah. Dang I'm sucking. I know right now that there is no way I'm going to finish under 6 hours. Not at this pace. I post a Facebook picture. I suck!

Well that's how I feel. I don't feel like I gave it my best. Regardless I press on passing other turtles. This isn't really motivating either. They are hurting too. Mile 21 is a medical tent. A couple of guys lying down on cots. I so want to join them. "Hey dudes! How's it going?"  I don't. I push on. Define push. It's more of a shuffle. This feels like my first run or something. 

People are falling out right and left. Throwing up along the side. Great! That's helping my stomach so much. The heat is extreme at this altitude. 72 doesn't seem hot. But hang out in it for 6 hours running and then tell me that. 

Mile 22. 

Mile 23. Met a girl from Portland doing her first marathon. We both shuffle along together for a few. 

Mile 24. Just two more. I see people I've seen along the way where I pass them, they pass me and then we do it all over again. Several times. After the race one lady came up to me (we never spoke on the course) she wanted to thank me for helping her push on. Passing back and forth helped her. Go figure. Sucking today actually helped someone else. 

Mile 25. We enter city pavement with buildings. Dang it. I have to run across intersections. The police are holding up traffic for me. I can't walk through them. They encourage me giving me a countdown. I need that. 

Mile 26 and around the corner I come. .2 Point FREAKIN TWO as my shirt says. I got a lot of compliments on my shirt during this run. Chatted with many even if it was only a few words. My shirt was caked in salt. My stomach turning upside down. My hamstring now starting to tighten up. I run. I run for those last point 2 freakin miles.
 

The finish line isn't a glorious crossing other than a grand relief. I'm finished. I'm done. I won. If you want to call it that. I still suck. But hey, that's just me. Really tired. Don't want to look at my time. I know. 

Blood sugar tested once more. 69. Better get something. This one took a lot out of me. Not really hungry. Too tired to eat. I get my finisher jacket. And then I get my Heavy Metal #5 for completing five Rock n Roll races. Dang they are heavy on my neck. 

Call Uber. Go home. I stink. No really! I stink really bad. Foul smelling. Poor Uber driver. Oh well. 

Another race completed. Another finish. Another medal, race bib and tshirt. I'm ready for home. 3:15 comes early tomorrow morning to catch the flight home. 

Thanks to all of those racers that chatted. New friends. Thanks to the volunteers. The supporters. Thanks to the emergency crews watching over us. But thank you Lord for walking me through this. In a week I will forget the pain. But I'll never forget that sunrise. Never. 

Run Eugene Run

Eugene Thompson

Don't Quit. You're already in pain. You're already hurt. Get a reward from it. 

Have a Fun Run. 

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

YMCA Independence Day 5K

Sometimes the little local races are the best runs. We see people,we know and they are small enough that you don't get overwhelmed by crowds. This one is nice because we can support local as well. That is always important. I didn't plan on running a PR today but rather just running along with my wife and encouraging her. She is making a lot of progress on her goal to run her first marathon in November. Supporting her encourages me.

Another thing about these smaller races is the number of people that are just starting running. While 5k is a breeze for me, for some people it is immensely difficult. I was there once too. These folks encourage me watching them overcome their struggles and conquer this race. I love to cheer on the finishers.

If you have a chance this summer, sign up for a little local race. It is really heartwarming and encouraging to others from your community. If you are one of the ones that are just starting out, sign up and run it, walk it......do whatever you can to finish it. You will get overwhelming support from others to help you finish. If you don't know where to look for one.....write me....I'll find one for you. RunEugeneRun26.2@gmail.com

Have a great day my friends and I hope you have enjoyed our Independence Day.

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

Walk a little. Run a little. Fight a lot!

Bringing awareness about diabetes

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.