Ok so week nine saw around 8 miles. I did 4 on monday and schlepped my way through 3.5 on the tread mill yesterday. I had a big run planned for today but I felt really bad on monday and yesterday post run so I must listen to reason (My wife Eileen) and just wait until my surgery is done to continue marathon training.

“What surgery?” you say.  After exhausting all possible causes of my abdominal pain, pressure, bloat etc. my medical team and I (HA!) have determined that the Ol’ Gallbladder just is not what it used to be and has to go. Im having it removed on Friday 3/4 by the esteemed Dr. Christudious. I am also now a self proclaimed expert in all things gallbladder so I have that going for me. Any how, I will resume training a week or so after my surgery which will give me six weeks to ensure success at the NJ Marathon.

Thats not me 😉 But doesn’t it look like Tiger Woods! ha!

There is good news that has come out of all of this though. Since I was very consistent with my training up to this point, having this physical hiccup should not slow me down too much. I will have to adjust the training program a bit but I’m very confident in running the race on 5/1. One thing that I can say I am very proud of in my life is that when I set my mind to doing something, I always get it done.

The best news in all of this was that all of my medical tests have shown a very healthy me so far! I have read that when men hit their 30’s they, at some point, realize their mortality.  I can truly attest to this, but as scary as it can be it has given me some wonderful prospective and new positive attitudes towards life. I like to think of this quote when I experience doubt and use it as motivation to achieve what I once thought impossible:

So godspeed kids and do as the late Mr. Jobs says:-)

Word of the day: Equanimity |ˌēkwəˈnimitē, ˌekwə-|noun

mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, esp. in a difficult situation: she accepted both the good and the bad with equanimity .

Unicorn of the Day: 

Bonus Gnome!