Happy Memorial Day!

God Bless all those who have given their life so that we may live ours. I salute each of our brave men and women who have served or who are serving. I deeply appreciate their sacrifice as well as the sacrifices from their families and friends. Together, these patriots have helped protect our country for over 230 years.

Please remember those who have fallen. Live each day to the fullest and with love for your family, friends, and others.

May there be peace for all!

Congratulations Mackenzie!

My daughter, Mackenzie, graduated this week from grade school. I am so proud of my little girl.

Despite searching for the pause button of life, which would be fun to press to savor a moment, I have found that each day brings new joy from my ray of sunshine, Mackie.

She has been a good student, athlete, and all-around good person. I know I'm a little biased, but I just have to share that Mackie is such a wonderful girl.

While one chapter is ending, I am looking forward to what's next. Mackenzie is excited about high school. We have a summer to relax and enjoy before all the new experiences begin, but it will be a blast to see her continue to grow into a brilliant young lady.

Congratulations and God Bless you Mackenzie!

Love always,

Dad

Happy Birthday to My Son Alec!

Fifteen years ago today, my life was blessed with the birth of my son, Alec. What a great day it was! I'll never forget seeing him that first time! Alec was our first born. He has been such a good boy and now is growing into such a good young man.

Today, my family is celebrating Alec. It's his big day. An avid White Sox fan and Band of Brothers Easy Company enthusiast, Alec is also loading up with loot on both interests.

So Alec, I salute you! Thanks for all that you do and all that you are! I could not ask for a better son! Happy Birthday & God Bless!

Love,

Dad

Sports Doctor Results

OK, so I finally got in to see the sports doctor about my knee. He determined that I have a fissure in my meniscus. I was really bummed.

For those of you who may not know already, my left knee has been bothering me for a couple of months. After a lapse in running, I started back up and quickly noticed a pain throughout the inside of my knee. Rest, ice, compression, & elevation helped. However, the pain remained.

I remember when it first really flared up. I had driven back to Detroit from Chicago. I was in a great mood (my mom has been slowly recovering from respiratory problems - see earlier post). I decided to run in the light snow. It was a beautiful day.

I had no particular distance planned. I just ran and enjoyed the moment. In fact, I took a few videos that day (see them on RuncastTV). I was feeling so good, that the miles went by fast and before long, I was at 7 miles. I then felt a disctinct pain in my knee. I walked home concerned but hopeful that this would be a temporary problem.

Sure enough, the knee has been sore or painfiul ever since that run. Despite weeks of rest or limited activity, I was frustrated by the lack of recovery.

My primary physician thought I had some tendonitis. He referred me to a specialist. The sports doctor could not see me though until May 1st.

Last Friday was not fun. The doctor examined my knee and body mechanics and quickly diagnosed the meniscus problem. Running too long too early was a chief culprit. Also to blame, were a pair of running shoes with too many miles. The main cause of the problem, however, was that I had gained too much weight in the winter. As a result, he was very disapproving about the Marine Corps Marathon.

I explained how important this marathon is for me and he agreed to create a plan to make it possible:

• No running for 3 weeks


• Buy new running shoes - Done! Hello New Balance 1224s!


• Walk 15 minutes each day for flexibility


• Cross train - bike, swim


• Lose weight - no more late night dinners


• Core workouts, upper-body stength training, no lower-body strength training


• Stretching + RICE


• More sleep


• Naproxen 2 times per day


• Check-up appointment in 3 weeks


• Slowly get back into running after 3 weeks: Reduce initial training to 25% of previous training.

So far, after 3 bike rides and a swim, my knee feels remarkably better. I know I need to be patient, but I also am determined.

Don't get me wrong, I will be careful. I just need to heed his advice and take a positive step each day.

I remain optimistic. I'm visualizing the MCM finish line. I can see it clearly.

This is a new day for me. I am committed to transforming my life and to becoming a healthier person. The marathon will come, but I will be sure to enjoy and be thankful for each new day as I recover and achieve better health.

Please come and join me on this journey! I appreciate your well wishes thus far and will certainly continue to be thankful for your support! Together, we can cross any finish line!

All the best,

Eddie