There is a burning in my leeeeeggggggsssss! It’s all good, though. Good workout tonight. Michael assisted me and we worked a lot of legs tonight…strength training, kata, stances, kicks, and biking. Did some upper body too (picture of pushups by the pool), but more of that tomorrow. Of course, worked on my breathing…especially after shadow boxing and bag work – WHEN I COULDN’T BREATHE ANYMORE!

At one point I thought my bike was sliding all over the road, but when I looked down I realized it was that my legs were hallucinating (yes, legs can hallucinate, thank you!) and I simply couldn’t feel them any longer. Thought the last turn was going to get me, but made it back and with enough energy to look at some techniques for one of the movements I am working on for the competition.

Someone asked me yesterday when I told them what I was working toward, “Well what are you doing that for?” I was kinda stunned to be honest, but understood that some things are out of sight for some people. But I thought through all my reasons to myself and I thought I would introduce a few of them to you.

First of all, I am doing this to honor my God. You won’t find me to be outwardly religious, but I do have a deep faith and it is at the center of who I am, and who I am becoming. I want to honor the grace I have been shown in my life and with the health of my body.

Secondly, I am doing this for me. I believe your primary reason for doing anything worthwhile has to begin internally. If I can’t do this for me, I shouldn’t do it at all. I want the change, the challenge, and the strength of mind and body. (picture of me watching the sunset between workouts)

This is definitely for my family. They are everything to me (picture to the right of Holly, my beautiful wife…picture to the left below is of our sons, Michael, our oldest, and Nathaniel, our baby, and our two nephews Christopher and Nicolas, the one making funny ears). We have been to the mountaintop together (literally and figuratively) and we have walked the valleys together. I want them to see their Husband & Father with a WIN on the board again. This is a chance to live it out loud!

For my extended family. Many of them who have supported me and believed in me and stood by me come rain or shine. We are going to the top again, baby!!!

Friends, coworkers, and others I have had the privilege of sharing life with and who have encouraged me. I am on this journey with you as well! (picture to right is of Nathaniel a little older enjoying his favorite activities…Bathtime!!!)

Another individual challenged me to go for the “win” today. Someone else asked if that was too tall an order for my first year to the Open. I replied, “If you aren’t there to win, why even sign up!?”

I have already won, by simply beginning. But this is far from over and a raised arm at the end of the night in July would be a nice “mountaintop” to stand on again. Regardless, I am thankful I am sitting to type this entry tonight as I don’t think my legs have quite recovered yet. I would probably injure myself with my hallucinating legs.

Here we go…