Before I could get good and fired up about running the Chicago Marathon, it's over for this year. They have already reached their capacity of 45,000 participants. That sucks!

The bright side is I found out before I ran the suggested 16 miles on Thursday. Right?


Dream Deferred.

My dream of running the marathon is on the back burner for another year, but this time I know it is going to happen. So, come Oct. 2009, I will be one of the crazy people lined up downtown Chicago to put my body and will power to the test.


How is the workout going?

Workouts are going great. I ran 6 miles on Monday. Have been running as you can see and have not hit the weights yet. The competition is less than two months away, so now is the time to hit them hard.

Oh yeah, the updated picture is posted. Still no overwhelming results, but it is happening. You will see. Besides, the picture cannot show how good I feel.

I figure, I am about 187 pounds, down 7 pounds from when I started. I am happy with these results, but the pay off is going to come over the next month as I increase the weight lifting element of my workout routine. Plus, my perfect push up should be here this week, or next week at the latest. I ordered from eBay, which saves money, but their shipments usually take longer.


What's Next?

Body work!!!! It's time to take the competition to the next level. I won't talk about it, but I will show you. The next picture you will see results of the weight lifting.

When I played football in college, I was very serious about weightlifting and really do love it. So, if I can make progress running and I hate it, wait until you see what happens in that weight room. It is going to be magic.
Don't believe I am going to stop running because I am weight lifting, no! I am not, just not going to run 20 miles anytime soon, but a routine of 4 mile runs is definately comfortable.


Keep watching and stay focused!

Labels: Chicago Marathon, Workout Challenge

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to enter the Chicago Marathon!

It is all a little bit much to take in at the moment, but I guess I am going to have to deal with it. The Chicago Marathon is on October 12 of this year. This gives me a little less than two months to prepare for it. Everyone that I have talked to about it says that this is not enough time to prepare and I should just wait to next year.

No Time for Delayed Dreams

Wait to next year? That is out of the question. I say, why is that not enough time? I have been running for the past month and a half, although no on any marathon preparation, but I have been running. Besides, I am a physical specimen and if it can be done, then I am the one to do it I tell you!

I don't want to delay this Life Goal. That's right, it is a life goal of mine. Why wait another year just because I didn't start early enough. I didn't say I wanted to win the Chicago Marathon, I just want to complete it.

Besides, this is going to give me an opportunity to prove to you all that Thought is Possibility. I have had the thought, now we are going to make it a reality. Right? First in the mind, then in reality is how it goes down.

The work out plan!

Thanks to my wife, Krystal, I know have an official workout plan and routine. I don't know if she was being supportive finding this or being evil because of the work that require, but I am grateful for her either way because this is what I need.

Here is a link to the work out plan: The Workout Plan!

Ok, seeing that I am starting late and there are only 8 weeks left until the Chicago Marathon, scroll down the page to see week 8. That is where I started today. Here is their work out session for this week that I am following. I had to alter it a little bit because my workout week starts on Sunday.

Sunday - 3 miles
Monday - 8 miles
Tuesday - 4 miles
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - 16 miles
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cross Training

16 Miles, are you kidding me?

LOL! That is going to be the real challenge. The way I see it is if I can make this 16 miles after doing a total of 16 before it, then I am good for the Marathon. I cannot see myself getting 16 miles into the Chicago Marathon, then quitting. That isn't in my character.

So, I am going to hold off my payment for the Chicago Marathon until later this week. Once I make it and prove to myself that it can be done, it is on and popping!

What happened today?

3 Miles happened today, what did you expect? That is what they had on the agenda, so I knocked it out really quick. The first real challenge is going to be Monday's 8 miles, then Tuesday's 4 miles.

Yes, I have already ran 8 miles before, so I am not that worried, but I didn't do anything the next day...much less run another 4 miles. So, this is the week that we find out is this all BIG TALK or is some BIG MILES going to be put in.

The total miles for the week is 31 once completed, the most I would have run in a one week setting, but I got to tell you that I feel good, am confident, and know that I am the right person for this challenge, so BRING IT ON!!!!

What are your goals and dreams that you are delaying?

Do you have any life goals that you have on the back burner? If not, let's get with it. Goal setting is tremendous for people that looking to be bigger and better than their former selves.

If so, dust them off, leave a comment about them, and join me in my quest to conquer them. There is nothing but space and opportunity on the way to the top!

Labels: Chicago Marathon, Workout Challenge

Without action, weeds can grow and take over your garden of desires.

The bottom line in attaining what you desire is action. It is the big elephant in the room when people begin to talk about what they desire out of life. The obvious question is: So what are you doing to attain those goals?

This gets down to action. You can have all the dreams in the world, but if you are not actively pursuing those dreams that is what they will always be...DREAMS.

Dreams have their place, but your reality revolves around what you accomplish or bring into reality. You live in reality. Sometimes it is hard for us to believe that our dreams can be our reality if we just apply ourselves and apply (the keyword) ACTION.

What type of Action?

Action that moves you closer to you where you envision yourself. Each step is meant to get you closer to your goals. Sometimes you don't know if a step is going to be benefitial until you take it. Well, don't let that hold you back. Take the step, this is the only way you will know, so be intelligent about the steps you are going to take....and take the steps.

It's a running route.

When I am going out for a run, I am not just going without being prepared. I know how many miles I want to run, how the route I am going to take, and I am prepared because I have what I need for that journey. Or else, I have to get those things.

Therefore, every step I take on my running route I am confident that it gets me closer to my end or the distance I preset. This is one of the reasons I like running outside. It's because I know every step I take, I have to take that step to get back.

On the treadmill, it is too easy to just get off. I cannot focus comfortably on my run. My treadmill is in the basement, so my mind never leaves my office, which is on the second floor of my home. It is terrible for me, so I run outside.

So what Action did I take?

1) Blog direction. I figured out where I want to take my personal blog. This is big because it is part of the action game plan that everyone needs. I must know where I want to go before I can bring it into fruition.

The direction I am taking is Motivational & Uplifting. I will share my journey of growing and learning with you. I will elaborate later. Just know I am excited, but that is what action can do for you.

2) Weeds on side of house. Get your head out of the gutter, not the good stuff. I am talking about this vegitation growing on the side of the garage. My wife has been asking me to pick up the weeds on the side of the house.

So I knocked it out today. That is the pictures that are posted on the page. I did the work, but then noticed all the other stuff that needs to be tended. The true is there are always things that need to be done, so action is always needed.

3) Set up a "Get product after payment has been received" link on website.

That is big because in the very near future, I plan on offering a variety of ebooks and educational products on some other websites that I operate. This is the featured need collect the payment before the person receives the product and I don't have to be involved is the best part.

My Appraisal Example

Today, I get a call from a client to perform an appraisal activity. They wanted me to do some work on a report. I will spare you the exciting appraisal details. The bottom line is it was going to cost them $50 for the changes.

They have been calling and calling for the report, but no payment. They want me to send the report and get paid later. Well, I am not going for that for obvious reasons. They get the report and how am I to collect my money with no leverage.

So, I set up a page on this site www.freddietaylor.com/abt.htm to collect the payment. Once they make the payment, the link will take them to a confirmation page and they can download the pdf of the report.

It's happening!

How are you making it happen in your life?

Labels: Life

Still smiling after 8 miles of running. I cannot front. I am really shocked that I was able to get this done. This is officially the furthest I have ever ran, but I got a great feeling that it will not be for very long.

Rained, but I was feeling good.

Today, I got ready for my run by putting my shoes on, getting my headphones, and hitting the door. I was quickly greeted by a rain drop that hit my left shoulder while in the driveway. I looked up and saw some dark clouds, but it wasn't raining yet. I decided to go back inside to check the weather.

While inside, the rain came down something serious. I took my shoes off and sat at the computer for some work. Obviously, I wasn't about to run.

After about 20 minutes of less, the rain stopped and my aspirations of running the furthest I have ever run before began to rise again. I got my shoes, headphones, and hit the streets.

My route

I ran out to my main street, 175th Street, stright West for 3 miles. This was a rough three miles, but I was determined. There are not sidewalks for long stretches of this route, so I was running in the middle of the street in the turning lane because the grass was really wet from the rains. The sun was shinning, but it was not all dried up.

Almost Hit by a Car!

During the first mile, I was running past a street. A car stopped short of the walkway and it seemed to be awaiting me and the traffic. Now, I did slow my pace to see if this car saw me. Once I figured it was safe, I began jogging in front of the car. Well, this person obviously didn't see me and hit the gas to continue their drive. I leaped in the air and put my hands out on the hood of the car avoiding getting hit. That was a close one.

I didn't even look back. I just keep going shaking my head because it seems like everywhere you go, people are in such a hurry that they are not concerned about anyone else. It is amazing, but I couldn't stop. It was a big day and I had big goals to accomplish.

After three miles, I made a left to run up to 183rd street for one mile. This run was very hilly, but I persevered and made it happen. After that mile, I made another left to find open sidewalk and three more miles of opportunity. I toughed it out and noticed that Bank Financial had the greenest grass I have seen in a long time. I really had to mention that because I saw the grass and wanted to take my shoes off and walk in it. That is how comfortable it looked. Awesome!

Nevertheless, I kept going down to Kedzie and made another left to head back to 175th street. It was one mile. I saw the police had 175th blocked off with the fire department, but they allowed me through. Not really sure what was going on, I had just crossed my 6 mile marker and wasn't really too concerned to be honest.

At 175th, I made a left turn and was one mile from home. This is the point that I guess my body figured out that we were running a long distance because the aches started to come out. My right knee began hurting, along with my left ankle. That sucked, but I finished.

I didn't time myself, but I know it took a long time. All I do know is that I can run 8 miles. I guess the question becomes, can I run 26?

Not sure, but I got a good feeling that we are going to find out.

How do I feel now?

I am hurting. After running, I took a shower and rushed out to help a friend move. During the move, everything was all good. I felt great. We didn't move that much. However, after the move we sat around and drank a few beers while we talked about life. That is when the pains and aches began to set in.

Right now!

I am hurting. I am pissed off because I cannot find our foot messager with the water and vibrating abilities. That thing feels great and my feet are begging for them. Oh well, I cannot find it and it is becoming a chore to keep my eye lids open, so I am going to hit the sack and go to bed.

Peace and work that body out til it hurts!

You will thank yourself in the future, promise.

Labels: Workout Challenge

It is week two of my 20 mile challenge and I am still going strong. I ran four miles on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Wednesday is my day off from the workout trail. I am feeling good, but the running is getting easier, so that is a good sign.

It just goes to show you that you have to push through whatever wall of resistance you have up against obstacles in your life. If you do, you will find that you are amazing and overcome anything. You could not have paid me a few months ago to believe that I would be running 4 miles, 5 days a week. I just would not have believed it, but you just have to stay in the fight and keep pushing.

Pain is a Sign of Weakness Leaving the Body

I love this quote and believe it holds so much power. This quote was ingrained in to my brain through high school where it was plaster all over the weight room, on our t-shirts, and handouts the coach would pass around.

Pain is that little reminder that you are pushing yourself. If you have spent the last 12 months sitting on the couch and not getting a good work out, when you start working out there are going to be all sorts of pains and problems you are noticing. You have to fight through this. No one said it was going to be easy.

Are you hurt or injured?

This was a questions my college football coaches would ask all the time, "Are you hurt or injured?" To you there may be no difference, but there is. If you are hurt, you can play through the pain. If you are injured, then that is serious and you need to see the trainer/doctor to get the problem fixed. Sometimes that involves just sitting out while you heal.

During my 20 mile challenge, my right calf has been HURTING, not something that we end the work out over. Pain is sigh of weakness leaving the body. That is just weakness in my calf that has not been used to working out on the road so much leaving the body. I had to run through it.

Don't turn back!

Just because you are having some pains or obstacles in your life, you must fight forward. Continue to push yourself and challenge the obstacles in your way. You will find that many of them have been self made and that you are the solution, not the problem.

Believe in yourself!

Throughout this endeavor, I have realized that I have to continue to believe in myself. Not just when it comes to this workout challenge, but in everyday life. I am the solution and so are you.

Whatever you are facing in your life, know that you are the solution. Move forward confidently and this too will pass! Get up and get some roadwork in your life, gain the understanding and clarity that only hard work can bring.

8 Miles on Thursday!

I am going to get out on Thursday and continue to push myself in this workout challenge. I will finish up my 20 mile week with an eight mile run on Thursday. Since I have been whispering the Chicago Marathon, I have to see how further distances feel. I am going to give the 8 mile run a shot....no! I am going to run 8 miles and knock it out. I am feeling really good, so we will see, but I am confidant that I can do without very much of a problem. This will be the furthest I have ever ran, so I am sure it is going to be a challenge, but I know that I am the solution!

Labels: Workout Challenge

Monday's are wonderful around here. The local bowling alley has $1 games and shows. The family and I try to go bowling on those days because it is so cheap and we love bowling.

We had a great time, but my average continues to fall. About 10 months ago, I developed a curve ball to take my game to the next level. It has worked. Since then, my high is 205 and I have bowled a few 190's as well, so I know it works.

However, You could not tell that by my recent bowling outings. Monday we bowled two games and my average was 136 or something like that. I am a better bowler than that or so I believe. I think it is nearing the time when I should get my own ball.

Duty 5.0 to Join a Bowling Class

My baby boy has spent his entire life following his big brother around from sport to sport and event to event. On Monday, we decided it was his turn to get involved in something.

He loves bowling, so we have found a class for him to bowl a few times a week and have something for himself. You know his big brother wanted to get involved as well, but I said no. Let's allow Duty 5.0 to have his own event for himself. It is about time that he is the center of attention. I know he is going to love it, but he is such a fan of his big brother that it will not surprise me that he petitions us to allow him to bowl as well.

The BoysThe boys had a blast bowling. Jayel bowled a 99 his first game and a 92 the second. He is infatuated with keep his average at 100, so he was disappointed in his performance. We have to keep reminding him that it is just a game and doesn't mean that much. The boy likes to win.

Duty 5.0 on the other hand, is all about fun. He just enjoys himself and is not really worried about his average or anything like that. He just wants to knock down some pins, drink some slushies, and have some fun. Life has to be grand to be child, right?

The last book I read was called "Pro Blogger" by Darren Rowse and Chris Garret. Let me just say that it lived up to all the hype that I had built up in my head.

A little background first, I became interested in the book first because earlier this year I began becoming infatuated with the subject of Internet blogging. One, I am amazed that people make money on the Internet simply by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and expertise with the world. Two, please refer to number one.

With that in mind, I began to do some research and came across the ProBlogger.net website and was introduced to Darren that way, by reading his blog.

The Pro Blogger website is all about making money as a professional blogger. Darren shares his ideas and insights on how to become a successful blogger for people like me. People that wants to know.

If you spend any amount of time on the website, you quickly realize that Darren takes this very seriously for one and two he knows what he is talking about. The articles on the website are indept and knowledgable. There is not a lot of fluff here and he is making money.

That was enough to make me want to book once I decided I wanted to become a professional blogger. See, I like to write, think, and share my knowledge and experieces with people, so I believe I am a perfect canidate for becoming a professional blogger. Hence, you see me on my site now...blogging.

The Book

The book is awesome and I learned some very interesting points about Professional blogging. The first point that is beat into your head is that this is not a "get rich quick" scheme. It takes time. Darren makes mention that it took him about 18 months of blogging everyday to become a full time blogger and make a decent income from it as well.

He stresses that you should not get into this business if you don't see yourself blogging for at least the next 18 months and not making any type of serious money. Basically, he urges you to only get involved if you have a passion for the subject you are willing to discuss.

Personal Blogging

The book suggest that you start off with a personal blog, you are on mine. This is so that you get a feel for the different blogging platforms available to you and get a feel for what needs to be done on a day to day basis. This FreddieTaylor.com blog is on Blogger right now, like all my other sites were, but after reading the Pro Blogger book, I made a switch.

Wordpress

I have been contemplating learning how to use Wordpress, but was reluctant because one it was different, and two it made me think. I didn't like that. But after getting about three chapters into the book, Darren mentioned that all of his blogs were on the Wordpress system....I made the switch. I figure that if it is good enough for Darren, then it was good enough for me. I went for it.

I cannot express to you how glad I am that I made this decision because Wordpress is the bomb baby. No joke! It is very simple, clean, easy to use, and fully customizable. Unlike Blogger, which is owned by Google, it has some obvious limitations that you only realize after moving to something like Wordpress.

This FreddieTaylor.com blog will eventually be moved over to Wordpress as well. It is just superior.

How to make Money.

Darren and Chris, I was just introduced to Chris' work via this book, does a great job of explaining the various ways to make money with a blog either directly or indirectly. I think the biggest benefit of the book is how they change your perception of this business. First of all, they get you to undestand that it is a business and there are many different business models available to make a living.

Basically, I realized that I will be making money directly from my blogs via cost per click advertising campaigns like Adsense, direct advertising sales to business owners, and product sales. Those product sales will be from products that I produce and affiliate products of others that I sale.

At the end of the day.

There are a myriad of opportunities to make money as a blogger. Darren and Chris do an excellent job of getting you to understand how to make this happen. In addition, they give valuable information and resources to take your bloga and business to the next level.

I am following may of their suggestions as we speak and really am looking forward to seeing my income grow as well as my prowess as a full time blogger.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life....and that entails blogging as a professional thanks to the Pro Blogger book, Darren, and Chris.