"just a morning workout"

     My dad is one of the most disciplined people I know. Whether it is finishing each computer engineering type work project to the highest standards to ensuring everyone enjoys the Make-A-Wish fundraiser he co-chairs, to getting to the airport in less than half the time it should take, if Michael puts his mind to it, it is going to happen. The past 5-10 years he has taken his health very seriously. He nixed all carbs, all sugars, and started working out more, going to the gym, and got his own trainer.
    Last November he put it on himself to really start putting in the miles. Started with 10Ks, then a half marathon and switching it up between those. He decided he should put all this hard work to use and signed up for the California International Marathon. He trained so much, running about 6 miles before work during the week, then doing the long runs on the weekend, working up to 20 miles, over months and months. He went through many experiments of what to eat before/during/after runs, what hydration system works best for him, and what tech shirt and short/pant combo worked best. And before we knew it, it was Dec 3, the day before the marathon.
     We woke up early to go get him to the drop off point by 0630. I had it all planned out, mom and I were going to say hi to him at mile 4, 13 (half point), 20 (the wall), and then the finish. It was gonna be perfect. We knew his pace, the start time, and knew when we needed and how to get to those parts. Little did we know that dad's watch broke so he couldnt time himself and just went for it! Dad had been training at a 12 min pace but was running at a 10! Luckily we got to mile 4 early so we got there right when he was zooming by! We gave a quick shout then quickly jetted off to our next stop. Thank goodness since we saw him then so we got to keep up with the pace. We saw him at each stop after that. My favorite was at mile 20 where it is supposed to be the hardest and he had a smile on his face and simply said, "Hey I just got my regular morning workout left! Only 6 miles left!" Granted he did not as smiley when we saw him 6 miles later, and had slowed down a bit, but he made it within his goal. He finished the marathon in less than 5 hours and thirty minutes and ran the whole time.
     This is just another time where I get to be so proud of my dad. He is so determined and disciplined and never once doubted that he could do it. He put in the time, the effort, and it all paid off. I hope that i can be like my dad in this way. Probably not running, since we all know i have never been one for exercise :) but in regards to determination I want the kind he has. The discipline he has and then the confidence he has in himself to follow it up. Now dad is still trying to recover his sore muscles, but walking is getting easier, and he can look at his medal hanging off of our christmas tree. Here are some pics from the day!! 

this is dad at mile 13, the half way point. Running in his got wine shirt is a must :)

Dad's response to the wall, "hey, just my morning workout left!" take that wall!

coming in for the final stretch, the finish line is just around the corner!

And the day before the marathon we transformed the house into our christmas wonderland. We hung the lights, got our tree, and set up all the decorations. Here is a little look at our front lawn.

Inflatable Christmas decorations for our household are a must!

And lastly a little plug for all the work dad puts into for Make-A-Wish: http://sacnortheast.wish.org/