Well how about that, 40 degrees and clear skies when I started my run tonight, but about a mile in the rains came pouring down. All of the sudden my 10 miler became a 5 miler tempo run. Gotta love changing plans mid-run. But, isnt that what life is? Being able to modify plans when the need arises? Being smart enough to know that you need to get out of the rain when it is necessary? I think so and would bet that many of you would agree to that as well.

This afternoon, I ran across this great youtube video (posted below) about the Boston Marathon and the music is the classic Cheers theme song. For some reason this stuck with me this evening and began to ponder the amazing community in which I am surrounded. I am not talking about East Lansing, Cadillac or any other locale that I have called home over the years, but more about the circle of friends that I am honored to know. I think of all the times when I have really needed a guardian angel one has arrived. In the form of a job, a couch to sleep on or a few extra bucks to get through the last days of term...life has been very good to me. I would hope that I am as good to others as those who have been so kind to me. Needless to say, the idea of going somewhere, where everyone know's your name is of real comfort and can certainly warm a cold, wet runner's heart.

On the fundraising note, today was an outstanding day, I raised $300.00 (so far...feel free to bump that up) towards my overall goal of $4000.00. I was also able to secure a $100.00 corporate donation from Dr. Paul Hansyz of East Lansing!! So cool....I am a lucky, lucky man to be supported by such a great community from around the United States!!

To make a donation:  http://tinyurl.com/7wxnoqc

Be sure to check out the following groups that have really made a difference in my fundraising:

Glenn Buege GMC of Lansing (www.glennbuege.com)

Be A Man University (Rob Tremp of Florida) www.beamanuniversity.net

Dr. Paul Hansyz of East Lansing, MI   (www.eastlansingdentist.com)

Well, a little snow is in the air here in Mid-Michigan today, which means a much needed rest day! Had a great week of miles put in and some good work in the fund raising category too! Also, got a really cool in-kind sponsorship from Be A Man University, which is a great resource for all parents, but most importantly for the men out there. My old skiing pal Rob Tremp has put together information and skills about how to be the best dad you can be for your children. I am really hoping that my running and efforts at health consciousness will be a good role model for my own two boys. There was nothing better last summer than taking my two boys and going for a family run. Get the boys in the stroller (thanks Mom!) and going to campus and seeing the sights. It truly is a great thing to be a dad, and I am always trying to be the best role model for my boys...each day I try a little harder to be the best I can be, in running and life.

I can not thank all of you enough for supporting my Boston marathon run, for those of you who have already donated, you are awesome, and I truly appreciate your help. If you know of anyone who may also be interested in supporting this run, who might be interested in donating to have a mile chosen to honor some one they know and care for, please send them this link:

http://laf.livestrong.org/site/TR/Endurance/2012BostonMarathon?px=1016289&pg=personal&fr_id=1070

it is the Livestrong on-line donation link, and let them know that running the Boston Marathon is more than just about 26.2 miles, it is about honoring the legacy of those around us and celebrating the good things in life! With that, have a great day!

Happy running!
Hugh 

Check out this great email from today!

Another day, another 9.5 last miles last night! Woohoo, it was a good run that was a little on the rainy/misty/spitting side of climatology. It made me think of the great Lance Armstrong training commercial seen here.

As I ran last night, I was concerned about all the little things. Was it too dark, too rainy, too chilly, too this and too that. Then I realized, hey, I am out running a 9 miler. It could be far worse or far more challenging. A friend of mine is currently going through a real tough battle. His wife was just diagnosed with break cancer, it is now in the lymphatic (spelling?) system and her first chemo treatment was yesterday...yeah, it could be far worse. But as the miles wore on and the music flowed, I came to realize that my running is my contribution. It may not mean a lot in the big picture, but it is the best I can do for all of those beautiful people who are struggling with cancer and if that is what I can do...it must be time for another run.

On a side note, I am so amazed at the support I have received in this Boston endeavor. Man, I have to say that again, BOSTON!!! My family has been so amazing to support me in my late night runs, my friends have been so kind to donate their personal finances with Livestrong and my efforts to raise $4000.00. I have achieved $1400.00 to this point and can not believe my good fortune with each email I get from Livestrong that says "A Donation Has Been Made..." From friends to co-workers to strangers, this team effort is what Livestrong is all about...and I am honored to be a part of this immense, but essential challenge. To end cancer.

With that, have a good day everyone...happy running!
Hugh

Hello all! I have had an amazing week in the run-up to Boston. I had a great 10 mile training run on Sunday, a good follow up 5 miler last night and am still feeling great! Boston will be such a great experience, and I can not thank you enough for your support and kindness. Every time that I look at the names on the mile-by-mile honoree list, I am amazed at the opportunity that I have to run in someones honor. It will make the whole experience amazing!

Many times when I run, I listen to music along the way. There have been a number of runs when the song "Livestrong" by Wide Awake has popped up and it really makes me think about the losses people have suffered and the need to help find a cure for cancer as soon as possible. Here is the video that was done using this song:

So many images of sorrow and loss...it is time to change that! To those who have already made a donation to my goal of raising $4000.00, thank you! You are awesome! To date, I have raised $1033.10 with another $500.00 pledged! Absolutely amazing! I can not thank you enough, and that was in just over 10 days! Please share this blog with your friends and co-workers, and see if they will, as well, join you in the efforts to defeat cancer!
Thank you, and happy running!
Hugh

The Beginning

Hello friends! This blog will be my attempt to share with you the pathway to the start line of the Boston Marathon this year. With the support of my family and friends, the help of Team LIVESTRONG and my great supporters I will be running the 2012 Boston Marathon. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I do not take lightly the challenge that this poses emotionally, physically and mentally.

I have been able to begin this journey with the help of my family and my friends at Livestrong. My family are the ones who have supported me through all my training to this point and will in the next 65 days. Through all my runs in the past, I have run with a purpose. Now my purpose is even greater. To help raise funds to support cancer research and to complete 26.2 miles as best I can.