Help Me Get to the 2012 Walt Disney World Half-Marathon

My Ultimate Goal

I think a lot of you follow me on Facebook and know my situation. On January 29th I finished Warrior Dash. I believe it was just a few days later that James asked “Hey Pal, think you can do the Disney 1/2 Marathon in 2012?” and I told him I believed I could after a substantial weight loss and adequate training. Six months have passed. I’ve lost 89 pounds. There are six more months until the 1/2 Marathon and I have every intention of losing much more before it rolls around. I want to do this more than anything! It’s kind of my big end of the year goal for 2011. I start 2012 with a fitness leap into a 13.1 mile race. I’m not looking to win or finish in a certain amount of time. I’m just looking to finish. The weight loss is still happening and I’ve been exercising non-stop. I’ve found a few 12-week training programs that I’d start prior to the event.

A quick story

I’ve been a vocalist for a few local entertainment companies. One cold January morning, a bunch of us were asked to provide support in the form of standing out in the freezing cold and cheering on the runners during the Disney Marathon weekend. I remember standing there freezing, clapping, shouting, shaking noisemakers and running back and forth to the bus to get warm. Here, in front of me, were so many athletes braving the cold to cross that finish line so they could say “I did it”. Meanwhile, I’m standing there saying “I’ll NEVER do something like that”. That was in 2006. Look at me now! I’m saying “okay…I know I said ‘never’ but I think I really WANT to do that!!!”. It’s funny how a fat, lazy slob of a guy can go from sitting on the couch to turning it around one day and getting outside to get as far from that couch as possible in an effort to take back the years of my life that I lost to obesity. I’m really embracing and loving the change!

What I need

Unemployment is making this difficult. I have been applying for jobs…sometimes I send out 15 to 30 applications each week to possible employers. Until one of them chooses me, I need help to raise support for my fitness events. I need help from you.

How to provide support

At the time of this post, the 1/2 Marathon is already 50% full. I’ve set up a PayPal account for incoming donations. If you believe in me and would like to support me for the Disney 1/2 Marathon or any of my fitness achievements, please donate. I’ve got other events coming up for 2011/2012 and every bit helps. All you need to do is click the button below and give whatever you’re comfortably able to. It’s a secure transaction and you can set the donation to the amount of your choice. Even the smallest amount is greatly appreciated!

Weekly Weigh-In

I’m down to 298. Not much but I’m perfectly okay with that and, with the amount of biking and jogging I’ve got lined up, I expect to see some results next week.

Next Week: Front Running Sports

Stop back next week to read my review of Central Florida’s Specialty Run, Walk and Triathlon Store.

Talk to you later!

Don’t forget to check out my fellow Primal blogger and friend, Primal Toad! Each Friday he features a blog carnival where you can add links to your blog in exchange for linking back to his. It’s a great way to find other Primal/Paleo bloggers out there! Toad also makes some incredible smoothies!