In 1998, at the age of 24, I was 6 feet tall, weighed 230 lbs and was approaching a 40 inch waist. I knew that I needed to make some changes before my weight and health spiraled out of control. I lost about 35 lbs in 6 months due to following a strict diet and exercise routine. Throughout my 20's I maintained my weight but continued to lead an extremely unhealthy lifestyle. In September, 2005, I kicked many of my self-destructive habits and promptly signed up for the Memphis Marathon which I ran on December 3, 2005. Since then I have run 11 Marathons and 18 Ultra-Marathons including two 100 milers.
Many years ago Rudyard Kipling gave an address at McGill University in Montreal. He said one striking thing which deserves to be remembered. Warning the students against an over-concern for money, or position, or glory, he said: "Some day you will meet a man who cares for none of these things. Then you will know how poor you are." - Halford E. Luccock
"It doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you don't stop!" - Confucius
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
"Begin doing what you want to do now. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand -- and melting like a snowflake." - Marie Beyon Ray
"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life." - Unknown
