Why the world championships?

March 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
childhood dreams

A 2009 senior Olympics Gold medal

 

Today’s post reflects back four years to the day – March 1, 2009 – and a post answering why does jeff noel want to go, and thinks it’ even possible to go, to the Masters Track and Field World Championships in Finland.

Part of it lies in the notion we want to stay healthy as we age. And part that we don’t want to die with too many unfulfilled childhood dreams.

This month jeff noel is encouraging Mid Life Celebration readers to follow all five daily blogs about work life balance. It’s a breeze to go from this physical health blog to the spiritual health blog, just click -> go to Next Blog

 

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Completely, Utterly Coincidental

April 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Picking the obvious one should be easy.

A story huh? Well, my five blogs get written after I wake up but before heading out for a run and work. So there’s not much time – it’s completely, utterly, in the moment, with few exceptions.

After taking a quick glance at what I wrote yesterday, I wondered what the story was three years ago today. Talk about coincidence – it’s a decent story if I do say so myself.

Next Blog

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Training Disney Money

April 5, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Training.  Disney.  Money.

What do they have in common?

They are all great google keywords.  Significantly better than many others you’d think would be great.

But guess what, technology has a funny way of leveling the playing field.  You can have a great product, but if your Internet marketing is average, you may find yourself playing catch-up.

Same thing with running, except keywords don’t level the playing field.  Age does.

My “comeback” 5k this morning was faster than I hoped.  Awesome.  The consistent training, while working full time at Disney, has paid off far more than money.

Read more if you’re interested to see how I’ve become a contender at the Master’s World Championships, and leaving much of the competition playing, well, catch up.  Carpe diem, jeff :)

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Why such a big carrot?

April 3, 2009 by Leave a Comment

It hit me a few years ago.

The answer.

And I was reminded of it yesterday, when I casually shared it with a friend who wants to lose 50 pounds.

Your carrot has to be huge. It has to be one you’ll chase for the rest of your life.

Until I die?

Yes!

My big carrot?

It ain’t the world championships.

What then?

Being a role model for my son. Honoring our creator who gave us the gift of our body. Seeing our son graduate from high school. Etc.

The world championships? A smaller, several year carrot.

Make today a day you stop by the produce section and get yourself some vegetables. Carpe diem, jeff noel :)

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USA World Team

April 2, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Here’s the home page for the USA World Team 2009

Here’s the quick link to check the Status of Entries

You’ve heard me say this, “If you’re goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough“.

Any day now, when you click on the Status of entries link for the 50-54 Men’s 400 meters, yours truly should appear.

Also awaiting hotel confirmation from Lahti Travel.  There’s a long wait list for limited hotel rooms within walking distance to the stadium. 

The harder I work, the luckier I get.  Carpe diem, jeff noel  :)

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Lahti, Finland

March 27, 2009 by 1 Comment

Lahti, Finland.  August 2009.  Master’s Track & Field World Championships.  Men’s 50-54 age-group, 400 meters.  Lane 8.

Lane 8?

You ask a great question.  Why would anyone strive for lane 8?

It’s the lane the slowest contestant uses.  Most would say it’s the worst lane to be in.

Yes, and…..

The finals!

To be in lane 8, in the finals of the world championships would mean to be in the top 8 in the entire world.

Now does it make more sense?

This morning’s run was 25 minutes of slow jogging.  The first mile, there was some noticeable pain in my left heel.  Not enough to stop running, but enough to keep me from saying, “I feel great!”

Just sent an email to the Sales team in Lahti, Finland to inquire about accomodations near the track stadium.

Nervous. Excited.  Hopeful.  Humble.

Make it a GREAT day, because if you don’t, who will?  Carpe diem, jeff noel  :)

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Why the World Championships?

March 1, 2009 by 2 Comments

Why do I have this crazy dream of running in Lane 8, in the 400 meter finals (Men 50-54), at the 2009 Master’s Track & Field World Championships?

I don’t know exactly.

There are several factors:

1.  Hereditary high cholesterol.

2.  I get bored easily.

3.  I have a tendancy to dream BIG!

4.  I’d like to live to see our eight-year old son graduate High School in ten years.

5.  It’s absolutely impossible!

There, I said it.

It IS impossible.

Yes, and….

The only reason it’s impossible is because the odds say so.

After a decade of obstacles, simply to get and stay healthy, I’ve come to realize that the hard work and the time commitment, have elevated my running from ordinary to something unexpected – extraordinary.

So, while I’m healthy and motivated, I’d like to revisit a childhood dream of being an Olympian.  Thank you Randy Paush (The Last Lecture), for the permission to hold onto childish dreams.

Dream big.  Get there.  Stay there.

Make it a great day, because if you don’t, who will?  Carpe diem.  :)

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