The Undertaker: Last Ride

From Death Valley weighing in at 320 pounds, THE UNDERTAKER…

For 30 years those words have been synonymous with the world of Professional Wrestling. He has been the constant, in an ever-evolving cast of characters sprung from the mind of Vince McMahon. The Undertaker made his debut at the 1990 Survivor Series and from the first time that funeral dirge hit, the wrestling world never looked back. As a child growing up in the 90’s there were times where I was equally in awe and terrified of the man, he was the personification of your worst nightmare come to life, and there was not a man in the ring that didn’t look in fear as he slowly made his way to the ring.

Wrestlemania In Tumultuous Times

We live in cynical times, during these times it can be difficult to find the positive in a world so intent on pointing out the faults. Today, I was supposed to be getting ready to join 70,000+ who would-be jam-packing Raymond James Stadium for WrestleMania 36. It would be inconceivable to think that despite the circumstances a small part of me is not disappointed, and yet I am not so jaded as not to realize what the WWE has done this weekend. For a few hours, they have done what they do best, they have given us a diversion from the plight of the world and allowed us to suspend disbelief while they play in the fictional world of Vince McMahons’ imagination.  

WrestleMania 36 is unique from just about any that you can think of, and yet it does not deserve the disparagement it is receiving, the world over. These superstars are doing the only thing they are capable of doing, entertaining. The matches may be different, and there certainly will be no pop from the masses, and yet they are putting their heart and soul into this show. For those performing in there first, there is no disillusionment, it is not the same, however they are reaching the pinnacle of a career for which they have trained for most of their lives. For those who are veterans of the “grandest stage”, it is an opportunity once again to show that they belong in the showcase of the immortals.

Onward and Upward

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

- Bo Jackson

Fear can either defeat you, or be the greatest motivating force in your life. Two years ago, I crossed a start line knowing in my heart that I would cross the finish line. Seventeen miles into that endeavor I would twist my ankle and suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. It was a difficult pain to endure, and yet not as difficult as the pain of seeing my finish line from aboard a bus. Fast forward 2 years, and today I found myself once again facing the idea of the start line for the 2018 Disney Full Marathon.

Nerves consumed me as I filled out the application, and hesitation came when it was time to push the button that would reveal a page that said congratulations you have been registered. Now comes the part where everyone tells me how tough it is. Now comes the part where everyone says wow you are crazy. But more importantly, now comes the time when I tell you what I have faced in the last two years and what will get me ready to see the fireworks at the start line.

Many of you know that in 2011 I decided that I was going to take on the challenge of running a half marathon. I never intended to do anything but finish, just so that I can say to myself that I did it. It was one of the most important challenges I had given myself up to that point. It was me against myself in a battle of will. Fast forward to 2017 and I am getting ready to suit up for my 7^th Half Marathon.

As if running wasn’t challenge enough, I decided to motivate myself by raising funds for Give Kids the World. I wasn’t sure how much we would raise or if anyone would even respond. Today I write this having raised over $7,500 in the last 7 years. It is a cause that has become dear to me and everyone who has followed my journey through the years. The drive and desire I have seen from those kids, shows that the human spirit can triumph over the greatest of foes, as long as you are willing to fight the fight.

I have never been the model of physical fitness, I was always the chubby kid who was content to be a sports enthusiast as opposed to an athlete. As a grown man of 34, I now realize that I must set an example for my son, so that he realizes that anything can happen if you put in the work. I write this to you as a full time employee, part time student, and most importantly a full time dad. It is up to me how long I can be there for my family and that begins with making sure that I am in good health. For this reason I have dedicated myself to lose weight this year, as I train for this race, and get in possibly the best shape of my life.

I am committing to writing a blog as I go through this journey in case anyone is interested in following. I will do my best to keep you up to date with how my weight loss, training, and just about every other aspect of my life is doing. I hope that this journey will be cathartic for me, and I look forward to having you along for the ride. All of this has been a verbose way of saying that I am taking on the 2018 Disney Full Marathon, and this time, the finish line and I will meet!

If you have a dream, a passion, or anything that you have been wanting to do, don’t wait! Take the steps to make your dreams a reality, and if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.  Follow along as I become the best version of myself that I can be.

Onward and Upward,

Mike