The Marathon Plan - 2012

Leadville, CO 2009 Marathon

It is hard to believe that this year is just about over.  Marathon season in a lot of places are over and winter is beginning to set in.  It going to become colder and colder as I begin my new quest for what I like to call "The new Revival of Marathoning Part 2"


This blog has slipped away from its initial purpose which is to document my adventures in hiking, camping and marathoning.  Now i am back 


What happened?  I decided that after 21 marathons that have taken me to places like Rome, Italy, Vancouver, Anchorage, Honolulu, Grand Canyon and other great places that 6 years of running was starting to burn out my mind.  Yes, my mind, not my body, but my motivation to run.  This was a huge surprise to me that something like your motivation, your spirit would actually stand in your way of running.  It was time to take a break.  So I did.  


Last Maraton I ran was the Goofy Challenge in January 2011 Orlando, FL.  It was not my best time at all, probably my worse time, since I really only got about 6 miles of training in before the Disney marathon.  I ran the Half Marathon on Saturday and then the Full Marathon on Sunday. I was slow as I can be. However, i was not sore at all.  


Part 2:  After coaching the Fall team for the Chicago Marathon and starting to get re- motivated, I mind and spirit started to feel the energy again.  Seeing so many of my runners accomplish what only less then 1% of the world population do, started to spark something within myself.   Since I coach for Team in Training for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society I started to remember the reasons of running.  It is not why but its because I CAN.  Like one of my runner and Friend Jenna would say, I RUN BECAUSE I CAN.  Jenna became an tremendous inspiration to not only myself but to our whole team.  Jenna just coming out of a very rare form of Leukemia, started to train for the Chicago Half and Finished it.  


Coaching has given me a new spark and fire for running again.  It brings me great joy to see a runner just off the coach train for months and then finishing a marathon.  This is a life changing event.  Running a marathon will change your life.  It just shows you that you are more capable of what you think you can do.  You are your only limit.  


The excitement is back.  I have BIG PLANS for 2012.  So far the plans are 
1.  ING Miami Full Marathon in January
2.  Suntrust Washington DC Marathon in March.
3.  Madison, WI Marathon in May


Ultras
1.  Dance with Dirt Ultra 50 miles in Baraboo, Wi - which includes obstacle, river crossing...etc
http://www.dwddevilslake.com/


2.  The North Face Endurance challenge 50 mile Madison, Wi in September


So far that is what I am aiming for.  

What's Next....Life?

Question mark by Marco Bellucci

As I sit here in my computer room here at home, I wonder what I have done this year?  Where have I gone this year?  What awesome place have I gone to?  The answer, absolutely nowhere and nothing.  For a lot of you who knows me this is very unlike me.  I am usually out somewhere in the world either running a marathon, cycling to somewhere or hiking, camping somewhere.   None of that happened this year.  I ask myself, why? What is going on?  

The answer is still unknown.  Have I lost the motivation?  Where has my adventure spirit gone?  Have I done, gone and seen too much?  

There seems to be some sort of negative energy that is sucking on my soul that I need to expunge.   This is the only thing I can think of.  

My only satisfaction I have had this year is Coaching for Team in Training/ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It has given me a different perspective in running and coaching.  I truly enjoy seeing my runners each week reach their goals.  Running farther then they have ever dreamed about.  After running 20 marathon, 15 Half marathon, and 18 century rides, it has brought me back to the basics. Coaching has allowed me to remember how it used to feel about running.  

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was coaching TNT runners at the Chicago Half Marathon and was at mile 5, 6 and 11,12.  I had a sprain ankle that I was trying to recover from, but seeing everyone running.. pushing their way to the finish line gave me a new sense of excitement.  I wanted to be out there running again.  I felt again that drive, that fun of running.  Every time I saw one of my runners, I would jump in and throw some positive words and reinforcement off encouragements.  It brought me great joy to see how happy they were to see me and run and help them continue on.  I had no idea the satisfaction I would get out of it. 

So, moving forward, what am I going to do?  I thought and thought of what I can do next year.  I know my body has asked over and over for a break from running.  The pivoting point of when I got burned out was right after the 2nd toughest marathon in the Nation.  Leadville, Colorado Marathon.  Running at 10,000 feet to 13,500 feet and back over rocky terrain and at some parts impossible to run.... was extremely taunting.  With only about 130 runners and about 25% of them quitting I kept on going.  I did not see any end to it.  Talking to some of the other runners it seemed like I was the only marathoner there among all the ultra marathoners.  Normally at my peak I would run a full marathon at 4:10.  This one took me 8 hours.  I just kept on going and going... no matter what. Quitting and giving up was never an option to me.  

I dont believe in the words "I CAN'T"  I just dont say these words.  They do not exist to me. I can and I will, no matter what. 

So this coming years, things will start moving up with new adventure and new races.  I am going to step it up.  The plan will be to run 1 or 2 marathon then 1 50 miler and 1 100 miler ultra.  See how I feel.  The itch will hit me again.  I can feel it.  

My annual bike ride across Iowa will be on next year.  It will be my 11th year crossing the state of Iowa, 500 miles in 7 days.  Via bicycle of course. 

There will be some hikes and camping among my goals for next year.  I have hiked the Grand Canyon Five times.  All in the south rim.  I think it is time to do a Rim to RIm to Rim hike from South to North back to south.  

No more messing around next year.  The new adventures begin.  A new chapter of living life to the fullest with no regret.  Do it now before you cant.  

What I want people to say when I turn 98 years old is "Wow, he really lived life to the fullest... he has lived"  

Good to be alive no matter what

Life! What is it? It sounds like a strange question. Through out history man has been contemplating on this question. It is the ultimate question. But no mater what is life, we have it. We are living, breathing beings on this planet. There are no 2 people alike, physically, mentally, emotionally.

In our life we have to try to make the most of it. In comparison to the time of the universe we only live for a tiny fraction of a time. Life is a quick fleeting moment. This is why we need to find within ourselves what is really important for you. Be true to yourself. This is another strange statement to say. Be True to yourself. You can be not true to others but who are you fooling if you are not true to yourself. You really have no where to hide from yourself. Believe me people have tried, pursuing drugs, alcohol and other means. If you just accept who you are, you would be much more happy with ourselves.

We don't have time for drama or getting frustrating over petty things. Is it really worth it.

If you always want to do something, what is really stopping you. Go for it. Live your life to the fullest with no regret. No one will live your life for you. You have the power to control yourself and determine your path in life.

Absorb all you can in life. Experience all you can. Learn all you can. Be happy and don't get angry at the little things. Express yourself freely. Don't be afraid of what others think. It is your life. Live it. Live it the way you want.

To many people misplace their priority and live a miserable life. Its those around you who care and love you that makes a big difference in your life. We are what I call "sensual" people. By this I mean we all react based on our sense and feelings. We are emotional beings. All life and all of our actions are based on our own feelings. The emotions that we feel determines what we do. We are need senses. We use music and art to escape and to feel.

This is not bad, if focused right.

So get out there and enjoy your life. Enjoy your presences on this planet. Be aware of your breathing, your body, your essences. You are a unique person that does not exist anywhere.

Do it.. let go out there and live life..

What is the next Chapter

Taken in Lake Tahoe during a 2 day hike.

We are approaching the end of yet another month, We are now moving on to the second half of 2011. I look back, which I have been doing more and more lately, and wonder if I made the right turn. If I did indeed take the right path in life.

I can't complain, I have my health, a good job and live comfortably. I can't help to think that there has to be more. There is a sense of un-fulfillment currently in my life. A dissatisfaction with everything. There is a certain void. Of course, having been out of a 2.5 year relationship doesn't help either. I won't discuss that right here, since I am still feeling resentful and completely discourage.

I am going to talk about a subject that I really dont like to talk about. I never felt comfortable talking about dating. Since it is a personal thing and people tend to take what I say the wrong way. People naturally tend to judge others. Even when we say we dont, we still do.

Dating has become boring for me. It is not as exciting anymore. Maybe your saying, you have not found the right person yet. Well that could be true. I wonder if I should be dating, or if I am better of just being single for the rest of my life. Is it selfish to want to be alone?

I guess in a way, I miss having someone to love and be loved. It is what all humans crave for. It is part of who we are. We are in constant search for that partner that completes us. I dont know what is going to happen in the next 6 months. A lot could happen.

One thing is for sure, I am not going to wait. If it happens it happens. I move forward with whatever plans I have and if that special someone happens to come along then, Great, I will have someone to share it with.

Now, being single again, leaves me a bit on the edge. I don't know how to even start. Do I want to start again? I guess what it is is that I know I will have to get to know someone new and that person will have to get to know me. The cycle repeats again. Here we go... this could take weeks and months. I dont think I no longer have patience for this.

I might sound cynical about this whole dating thing.. but if you knew what I have gone through you would totally understand. It is the process of dating that I dont like. Unfortunately it has to be done that way. I am a super hypersensitive person with a lot of emotions in me. I wear my feeling on my sleeves. Most guys are not like that so I am cursed in that way. I care too much and I dont want to care. I dont want to feel. I am at the age that I am to old to be playing these dating games. It brings to mind the Peacocks, trying to impress their prospects with an array of beautiful feathers. The most beautiful one, wins the heart of their mate.

So, I ask myself at this time. What is in store for me in the next couple of months. I need something that can get me going. Not only in relationship but in everything else. I am planning to run an ultra in September and I am hoping that this would kick my butt. I am so hungry for adventure and a challenge. But at the same time, I am also starving for some kind of love. Real love.. not the pretend I need you love. I am tired of that kind of love. The being used and abuse type of love.

Enough said and enough of my ranting. I move one and I dont look back. That is all I can do for now.

Cheers

Another Birthday

Me as a baby

Well, here I am another year older. I can't say much has happened. I can say that a lot of the negativity has gone. Its been a long time coming. I hate to say it but the last 2 years has not been all that great due to personal drama and issue. But now, I begin a new year. A fresh start. I am moving ahead and not looking back.

My new focus for the next year is going to be more for myself and also giving more of myself to others who actually deserves it.

For my goal this year is the following.

1. Run my first Ultra in Hell, MI 5o miler. Part of the "Dance with Dirt" Serious. In September

2. Run the Rock and Roll St. Louis Marathon in October

3. Run the Rock and Roll Las Vegas marathon in December at NIGHT

4. Run the Rock and Roll half marathon in December.

I also want to do at least 1 or 2 century rides.

Yes.. it is basically all physical goals but it is the only thing that keeps me sane. It motivates me and helps me to relieve stress.

Another year... a fresh positive start

Where should I be and where should I go?

Taken in the area between Yellowstone and Grand Tetons in HDR

In days like this I can't help to think of why am I here inside my four wall square? Its a perfect 74 degrees here in Chicago today. I look around me and everyone is rushing and moving and going somewhere in a hurry. No one is stopping for anything or anyone. We humans are like little nanobots running around with set of instructions that we follow and there is no deviation from it. Reminds me of an old game I used to play called Lemmings. We can't seem to break that habit. Of course we have to do what we need to do to survive "man made and dictated society".

There used to be a time when all we did is survive. We had to gather our food, do our chores and make sure our shelter is good and well protected. Making sure we have fire. All the essentials. We would run and hike to far places that no one has ever been before. If we did not like it we would leave.

Today, we obviously don't do any of these things. Everything is done for us. There is no need to hunt or gather food. We just go to the market. Everything revolves around advancements in technology that makes us more efficient to do nothing. Let it do everything for us so we can become more lazy. Everything now is short cutting. How can I do it faster? How can I get there quicker.

Don't take me wrong, I do appreciate it and see the connivence factor but hope we, as human in this society, do not forget where and what we are. Can we survive a world without electricity? Can we make it on our own in a world where its everyone for themselves? Do we know where to go and what to take? If something would happen and we would need to run out of our houses and run for the hills. would we be prepare for that? It almost makes me think about making a backpack for "Just in case" scenario.

I know this sounds like a rambling of an out of whack person on the far side of the universe... but I am just thinking. That is what this blog all about... providing a platform for myself to express to others what I am feeling and what my current perspective is. However, I hope I have not deviated for the real reason for this blog and that is to document my adventures in hiking, camping, traveling, marathoning, cycling....etc.

Soon, once it get myself together, I will be out and about seeking a new adventures.

Happy trails...

HELL, Michigan... Dance with Dirt

Ok, I have been thinking about this for a long time. Actually, I would have to say that it has been almost 2 years. I think now is the time. I will be during 43 years old this June and I am not getting any younger. I don't feel old or look that old, (I hope). Age is a number and it is how you feel and act. The secret to looking and feeling young for me has always been exercise. Running as number 1 for me and then cycling. Keep that heart pumping. Of course, I am lucky I have been blessed with the Longevity genes, through my dad and looking young through my mom.

I am going to do the "Dance with Dirt" in Hell Michigan. Appropriate name. Now I have ran the last 3 marathon with ZERO training and survived with no recovery pains at all. I would not suggest this at all. After taking a bit of a break from real training. I am going to work hard and train hard for longer distance. This will be my goal. Training for an Ultra is not the same as training for a marathon. I will be out there for no longer then 12 hours. So I need to endure. I dont doubt that will not finish, I know I can do it... but this is going to required training no matter what.

The discipline and structure and some alternative training has to be there.

Here is the website

http://www.dwdhell.com/

"As long as I am healthy and alive, there is nothing the can stop me. The only thing that can stop me is death"

A new era, a new Beginning

Its half way through May and quickly approaching June, halfway of 2011. I have been reflecting the last couple of days and have noticed a change in myself. A different side that i am not used to. I look back and from 2004 to 2009, I have been active in everything in my life. Since then, I have ran 21 marathon, 11 Half marathons, 6 week long 500 mile bike ride across Iowa, 14 century rides (100 miler,1 day), 26 hour relay run from Madison, to Milwaukee to chicago with no sleep for 36 hours, ran the 2nd toughest marathon in the Nation in Leadville, CO, at 10,000 ft to 13,500 ft which took me 8 hours to finish, hiked the Grand canyon twice. Been to Alaska and did a 5 day rafting, camping trip. Saw bears feast on Salmon at Katamai NP, Hiked the Na pali coast line in Kauai and who know what else I have done.

After 2009, I have seem to have temporarily taken a break from all activity.
But that is all now going to change. I am moving on to a new era, a new gift of life and a new phase in my life. I am coming back more adventurous and more risky then before. If I ever die, I would want to die doing something that I love.

I am single, no commitment, alone, and no one to answer to. I am going to do what I want to do. There is no holding me back.
I don't seem to click with anyone or anyone with me. At first, yes, but things and circumstance changes. I have to admit, I am a very difficult person to admit and I am straight forward and set in my ways. That is who I am. I am a complex person with multiple personality.

My future goals are as follow and in no certain order.

• Hike the North side of the Grand Canyon
  
• Possibly hiking the Grand Canyon from Rim to Rim to Rim straight
• Try to run a marathon in each state
• Run an ultra 100 miler
• Run the Dance with Dirt in Hell Michigan, 50 miler
• Thru hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) a 4 to 5 month hike
• Finally do a triathlon, need to improve my swimming
  
• Run the Great wall of China marathon
• Run marathon in Europe

There are probably more as I think about it. But this is it for now
Cheers,

Fragility of life

In the past couple of weeks, with my father getting worse and now getting better. Going to the hospital and seeing others, old and young, very sick, it has made me re-think my own life.

This was a big wake up call for me. Not only to remind myself how delicate life is and how much we need to appreciate others. Anything could happen to us. We might be the healthiest person on earth, but we can not escape any illness or accident that might come our way in a blink of an eye.

When my dad was in the hospital is made me realize my own health. How important it is to maintain and live a healthy lifestyle. This only reinforces how important it is to continue to stay fit by running, cycling, working out and eating a good diet.

I have been fortunate in my life to not suffer from any illness or injury. I have been able to stay healthy and fit, more times then others.

I know so many people personally that have endure so much illness, suffering and bad overall health. I know quite a few people who are Leukemia and lymphoma survivors as well as Cancer survivors. I can't even imagine what is like. This motivates me to continue to participate with the Leukemia and lymphoma society as a marathon coach. It is a way of being thankful for my own health and helping others get through this illness and others.

Continue to live your life to the fullest. Life is fragile and can be taken away from you in a moment, with no warning. Don't ever leave thinks for the next day. If you can do it, do it now.

Since my dad has been sick with Congestive heart failure, I have been going in and out of doctors, hospitals and have even had to go to the doctor myself with a chronic throat issue. I have realized that one of the most important ways to keep your heart healthy is to use it. Running is so good for your heart. It is a muscle and needs to be worked out. Not only does running help your heart, but it has also shown to strengthen your bones. Cardio and a good diet is so important.

That is why, I will continue to run marathon, and cycle centuries and keep pushing myself physically by doing fun, and adventurous things.

Live life as it is your last day and live it without regret.

Danny

2011 Goofy Marathon Challenge

I started the year with the Walt Disney Marathon, the Goofy challenge, which consists of running a Half marathon 13.1 miles on Saturday and a full marathon 26.2 on Sunday. Even though I did absolutely no training whatsoever. I had no cramping or soreness not even days afterwards. Muscle memory in action.

Now what I need to do is to actually train for a marathon. I will later post more of my marathons that I am planning to do this year.