Time is a ticking……..

and my heart needs some shizzle.

Every year 20,000 some people head to Washington to run 10 miles around the capital building and this year I found the pavement calling.

I am now 32 years young and I have let myself go a bit. In high school and college I was an athlete. I ran seven minute miles and weighed 164lbs. 13 years later much has changed. I’m now noticing grey in my beard and joined the 200 pound club early last year. There are plenty of excuses to point to. I quit my 14 year smoking habit three years ago. put on about 30lbs and have had a lower disk problem that flairs up and gives me issues from time to time but excuses are like opinions….

Well you know the saying.

Everybody has one.

JJ on the other hand is a runner. Over the last two years she and her father have run the army 10 miler together and in late March they begin training for this event. Three times a week they head off someplace in search of pavement and I sit at home thinking about how I wish I could do it with them.

This year I have decided to join them.

I have a goal of getting down to 175lbs and finishing the race in Washington this year with my wife. I feel like this could be a turning point in my life as far as my general health and well being goes so yesterday off I went to lake Scranton to run what will now become my daily 3.5miles.

So this year I won’t have a press pass and sit down by the finishing line with all the other photographers.  

All I will be carrying with me is my water bottle and a few pounds of pride.

JJ and her mom have the same half moon eyes when they smile

JJ and Dad smiling it up before the big race. 

 Stretching before the race with Dad.

 JJ’s nervous face. It is saved for those extreme moments of excitement.

 The crew we will be running with this year.

Epic awesomness all the way from Scranton to Washington and also my favorite one liner.  

This guy runs the whole race every year while playing the flute.  

JJ finishing the race with joy last year. She practically skipped across the finish line.

Winning a major award like Ralphie’s Dad in the Christmas Story.  

If you are inclined to be the praying sort…..

I could use a few.

I have about 45 lbs and 10 minutes a mile to shave off my time to make a good showing.

~Daniel~