It seems like a long time ago since a run has been done. That will change next week. I've been invited to run in a couple of runs, one will include the next half marathon of the year. The Gopher to Badger Half Marathon will be happening on August 14th, starting in Stillwater, MN - ending in Hudson, WI. I've never done this run before, but have been to the area. Sounds like it's going to be a very scenic route!
Prior to that, along with two other runners in this area, I've been invited to be one of the three "lead runners" at the White Earth RTC 5K run that will be going on the evening of Tuesday, August 10th in Mahnomen. It's in line with the brain conference that is happening at the Shooting Star Casino here in Mahnomen. For some odd reason, I was not invited to that....maybe I don't have the proper requirements.
Training for the upcoming runs has been going very well. Minus the heat and humidity, the energy level has been very good. It's taking a lot more water to stay hydrated around this time of year though, as it always is. Regardless, I will be prepared for the start and finish of two more half marathon events in 2010.
Prior to the August 14th run in Minnesota & Wisconsin, I'll meeting with a group out of Edinda that morning that wants to learn more about Philco's Freedom Team - who we are, what we do and why we started doing this. I will also be discussing some fundraising ideas with another individual who called me last week to get some information on how we can go about doing what's planned, plus volunteering at the fourth annual American Heroes Golf Classic in Stillwater, MN the afternoon of August 13th. It's going to be a busy weekend, but all very worth while.

A check will be coming through to PFT very soon that will be delivered to Project New Hope with a sponsors check drawn out that was contributed by businesses and individuals throughout the 2010 running season, which I very much appreciate! Thank you to all who have donated in any way, shape or form to the cause we're aligned with. You're helping out war vets get back to a better civilian lifestyle one step at a time!

The last thing I wanted to mention was a thanks to all who sent a quick message in response to the new look on our website. It was put together by some people at Yola! - our webmaster and LogoDesign. They structured it very well and were extremely good to work with!

Ok, one more thing...as I see the information for it sitting to my right....there is a new book that has entered the shelves called "Still Standing", by John Kriesel. If you're not familiar with who he is, John lost both of his legs in the same blast that took the life of Corey Rystad and Bryan McDonough on December 2nd, 2006 in Fallujah, Iraq. It's his story, in his own words, spilled out into a book for you to read about the experience that they went through. For more information about it, go to www.stillstandingstory.com

I look forward to getting my signed copy of this book, which I thank Robert Lundquist for getting and mailing to me. I haven't received it as of today, August 3rd, but it should be here by the end of the week. Robert is part of John's campaign committee and will also be a volunteer with me and many others during the golf tournament on August 13th. I met him a few weeks ago when I was down in the Twin Cities for my first triathlon event.
That's going to wrap it up! In a previous post - I wished some teams good luck in the State Division 2 Legion baseball tournament they were about to take part in....they took 4th out of eight teams, so congratulations to Ada American Legion Post 26 on their success in 2010! It was a great experience getting a chance to cover their games in the post season. Also congrats to Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Post 397 on their success hosting the tournament - they beat Ada in the 3rd place game this past weekend. Right before the trip down to Dilworth that first day (Friday) I got the chance to meet and interview former WWF/WWE Superstar and MMA/UFC legend, Ken Shamrock. His son Shawn Shamrock was fighting in place of his brother, Ryan who got hurt before the fight. King of the Cage went over very well by the sounds of it here in Mahnomen, population 1,200. Shamrock's a big dude. Really nice guy and great to interview. We'll have a video of the interview posted up on the net on my Vimeo site soon.
Alright, I'm off. The golf course is calling my name. Finally have a chance to go relax and hit a round! Then it's back to the grinde on the track and in the gym tomorrow after work. Stay focused, stay motivated, become inspired...and most important when training now...stay hydrated!