Sponsoring the Ordinary

Nike sponsoring the ordinary guy instead of always the super athletes. Wouldn't that be amazing! We see all these commercials with superstar athletes being paid multimillion dollars to promote various products. I understand the principle behind it, they are in the spotlight because of their profession and talents.....so it makes good common sense.

However.....honestly I won't ever be able to play basketball like Michael Jordan even if I wear his shoes. I also won't sweat orange after drinking Gatorade (or at least I hope not) after completing a marathon like the various other athletes. I realize that. And, though impressive for there accomplishments, I'm not a kid anymore that falls for the sales gimmick. Reminds me of the Saturday morning television where they used to sell all the toys. Or the cereal......be like Mikey! So what did Mikey ever do?

I would be encouraged to see the average everyday Joe.....like me.....I'm not Joe....I'm EUGENE....get a sponsorship to promote their products. To be able to share with the typical consumer how these products have helped me be better, be faster, be stronger, recover quicker.....whatever it is! I could get behind an advertising campaign like that. Because now I see a comparison.

Nike or Saucony wouldn't have to pay me a million dollars.....but a few pair of shoes a year would be cool. I could show how worn out mine are from all the running.

Or how about how tasty the yogurt is before a long run.....doesn't have to be a marathon. I eat yogurt every morning in my daily routine. Again not a huge payout.....maybe just a couple dozen cups every month to keep me stocked up.

You know those Powerbars they give after a race? Now that would be awesome. I eat one after every long run to help bring my blood sugar back in line and re-energize my worn out body.

Oh I know....how about my favorite running shirts...Brooks? I only wear those for my long races and I need me some new ones.....ones with my name and mission printed on it......now that would be extremely cool. Races shirts for the ordinary guy.....trying to be extra-ordinary!

Yeah, that would be great. For me it wouldn't be about the money. It would be truly because I use the product.....because it helps. If it works for me......the average EUGENE.....why wouldn't I want to share my results? Hey, a guy can dream can't he? Anything is possible!

Dream my friends.....and keep running.

See you out on the road.....Have a Fun Run!

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

Working on a new website....check back soon.....please share with others as I work at helping others fight diabetes.

Have you read a good book today?

Over the last several months I have changed my whole process of how I approach my mornings. Since joining SEVA Entrepreneurs Organization I have been injected with new energy to increase my personal growth in everything I do. It started back early on in the year with something that triggered in my mind to grow the business and invest in other things other than IONIC. I have a feeling it was related to the great support I received from RUN RUGENE RUN.

However the opportunity to hear some great speakers thru EO and the opportunity to read their books has put me on the fast track of learning. To become better.....at everything! Now I've never been a reader so this wasn't natural for me. I've always been driven to be better......for a week or so at least. I know....that is sad. It feels like a New Years tradition. Starting for a week or so on the best of intentions and then fading out. However this time I've been consistent for nearly six months!

I have a whole lot of speakers and books I've been engaged in and I've taken pieces of each and began applying them to my schedule. Things that seem to fit me and my agendas. Nearly every morning I wake up at 5:00 AM to start my morning. Yes that would be Hal Elrod's Miracle morning. I write in my digital 5 Minute Journal and then go down my list of activities taken from Dr. Jason Selk's Mental Toughness. All of it has proven to inspire me.

Recently I was afforded the opportunity to read and listen to Drew Crenshaw. Some great advise and great tools that I was able to share with my family and office. I had read his book, "The Focused Business" which was centered around superheroes and villains. It was a great read and I enjoyed it. Learning how to fight the super villain Chaos in my everyday life. A short time afterwards I received a package in the mail that included three books.

I can't wait to dive into The Myths of Multitasking......I just need to finish the other two books I'm currently reading......yeah, I know! From never reading to reading multiple books at one time. I feel like a sponge absorbing all of this energy and inspiration to get better. To be a better leader, husband, father....and of course grandfather. A big part of it is being a better ME! Growing ME for ME is important. After all, if I cannot get better.....how can I expect others to get better.

So with that said, I'm off and running! I've got things to do this morning.

Have a great day my fellows TIBs! Make the best of each moment.

Eugene Thompson

ETTHISIBELIEVE

Northern Michigan and the Kalamazoo Marathon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motivation Monday 8.31.15

Be everywhere all the time.

Mackinac Island Adventure - Day One (part one)

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

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

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

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

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

Fly to Detroit

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

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

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

Stay on island

Take Ferry back

Drive to Ann Arbor for graduation

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

After graduation drive to Kalamazoo for Marathon

Run marathon

Drive to Detriot to fly home.

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

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

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

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

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

to be continued

It's More Than Just Diabetes

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

21.  Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the worst symptoms of diabetes. 

20.  Frequent Urination

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

19.  Lack of Sleep

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

18.  Dry Mouth

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

17.  Vision Changes

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

16.  Sudden Weight Loss

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

15.  Increased Appetite

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

14.  Fruity Breath Odor

When ketosis occurs chemicals known as ketones will be created. 

13.  Nausea

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

12.  Ketones in Urine

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

11.  Difficult Breathing

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

10.  Tingling in Hands and Feet

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

9.  Foot Sores and Ulcers

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

8.  Slow Healing Sores

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

7.  High Blood Pressure

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

6.  Fainting

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to dehydration and damaged blood vessels.

5.  Frequent Infections

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

4.  Gum Disease

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

3.  Headaches

Low and high blood sugar will cause headaches. 

2.  PCOS

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

1.  Fat and Fat Distribution

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

0.  Depression

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

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

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

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

Eugene Thompson 

Run Eugene Run

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