It has been a year since I’ve written for this blog; because I suck.  Okay, maybe I don’t “suck suck” but I suck.

So, let’s recap, shall we?

• 2014 – Started hiking again to get healthy.
• 2015 – Mom passed away.
• 2015 – Married my wife.
• 2015 – Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer.
• 2015 – Beat Cervical Cancer thanks to two back to back hysterectomies.
• 2016 – Backpack the South Rim of Big Bend National Park just 4 months after the last surgery
• 2016 – Remove appendix…three weeks later Frozen Shoulder
• 2017 – Backpack the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim
• 2017 – Sign up for the Dallas Tough Mudder

Okay…we’re caught up.  Yes…there are a lot of details but that would make for a very, very, long post and ain’t nobody got time for that.

So…let’s start with the latest.

I now run just about 2 miles every day.  Interspersed with running is working out at Orange Theory, hiking, working out with weights here at home, etc.  All to keep myself in shape because I never know when a hiking buddy might ping me to say, “Let’s go do xxx”.  [Hint hint…someone needs to ping me damn it!]  On top of that I still have a dram of climbing Long’s Peak in Colorado; but that’s for another post.

In the middle of all of this, Laura, my wife, decided this year to set a goal for herself to do a half marathon.  She’s been kicking ass and taking names and I am so freakin’ proud of her.  Damn it…give me a minute…there’s something in my eye.

Anyway…Laura and I got addicted last year to Battle Frog.  If you haven’t watched it you have got to check this out.  College teams compete in a Navy Seal style obstacle course.  We were hooked and amazed.

Then there is American Ninja Warrior.  Got hooked on that.  The Spartan Race.  And then…well, you get the idea.

The thought of doing one of these “things” has crossed my mind, but I’ve never been serious about it…. until now.

I’m a HUGE fan of Merrell.  Great company.  Their hiking boots are the only boots that seem to it my feet…I mean I can buy a pair turn around and hike several miles, no problem.  Anyway, they posted this video the other day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GImRmanVvxQ

Her name is Mirna Valerio…aka Fat Girl Running.  Check out her blog is you’re so inclined:  http://fatgirlrunning-fatrunner.blogspot.com/

Talk about inspiration and someone who is comfortable in their own body and kicking ass!

This was the incentive for me to “investigate” a Tough Mudder.  Oh look…. what a coinkydink….there’s one in Dallas coming up at the end of September.  Hmmmmm.

I mention my thought in in passing to Laura which leads to numerous discussions.

Then I post a “I’m thinking about…” post on Facebook.  Now I’ve done it.  All I can tell you is be careful what you commit to in writing…it’s liable to come true.

Next thing I know, a friend (actually Framily = Friend/Family) pinged me saying he’s thinking about doing it.

Then I head to my local Orange Theory to work out and run into folks I’ve known and ask someone if they want to do it…. next thing I know?  BOOM!

So…long story short.  I’m doing a Tough Mudder Half and I have a crew who is willing to join me on this Crazy Train!

Today I thought of a trainer at Orange Theory who always says, “You have to challenge yourself to change yourself”.  Today, I now understand what that means.

I’m challenging and we’re changing.  I can’t wait.

Stay tuned.  More to come…Ups, downs, training plans, nutrition…. because you know what?  If I can do it…so can you.

What is outside your comfort zone that you want to do?  Let me know…. let me encourage you.  Because we all have it in us to do what we set our minds to.