Photo Credits Sports Illustrated Cover, April 16, 2014

In just a few days I will be standing at the start line of the Boston Marathon. I will run for 26.2 miles and cross the finish line in Copley Square just like I’ve done for six years. Only last year, it was just moments after crossing when the two bombs exploded resulting in moments of terror for my wife Shawntel as she was sitting on the front row of the grandstands directly across from where the first bomb exploded. I felt the same terror. At that moment, I had just crossed the finish line and was the medal was being placed around my neck.  Luckily, we were both safe from injury. For many others it was far worse, and for so many hours of chaos, days of searching and lasting tragedy.

This year I am determined to pour more good into the Boston community than ever before.  Ever since I qualified to run the 2009 Boston Marathon, I’ve been committed to do more than just run 26. 2 miles in what has become my most treasured marathon to run.  Each year I raise funds and donate to the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center, which provides emotional and physical support to the disabled children and adults and their families. To many, the Michael Carter Respite Center is a place that offers parents time off from the emotional and physical care needed by their children and makes families feel relaxed and at home. This year is no exception and I look forward to handing over our donation before running in honor of the children of the Respite Center, the victims of the bombs last year, Boston and finishing my 6^th Boston Marathon and 36^th Marathon.

My reflection on this upcoming race revealed several key lessons that show strength even through great tragedy.

Running even when out of breath

The mental, emotional and physical strength it takes to run a marathon is nothing compared the determination it takes victims to rebuild their lives. Some are faced with lifelong disabilities that require mental, physical and community support to survive. Others lost loved ones. All of Boston, and beyond, felt the pain but have become united in Boston Strong. They have not been defeated; the race is still going on, the runners will show up in greater numbers than before, the crowd showing their support will be larger and will be louder than ever. We will keep running!

Fighting for the goal

Simply, the goal when starting a marathon is to cross the finish line. Everyone involved in the marathon has that in mind, the fans, the volunteers and of course the runners. This year, we have other goals in mind too, to reclaim the marathon, to show our strength and to honor the victims.

Accountability

Long-distance running is as much a feat of the body as it is a feat of the mind. It takes training and a fierce desire to reach your goal. It is up to you to take the next stride and push yourself through the pain to the joy of success. Ultimately, it is up to each of us as individuals to choose to get up in the morning and face the challenges of the day.  We cannot allow ourselves to be defeated. I saw Boston do this with an inspiring faith in their ability to rebuild.

Community

The bombing would have been much more tragic if the community had not risen together and put in a heroic effort to help the injured, to emotionally support each other and to bring justice. This year, I expect to feel the same community as we run in honor of the victims and witness the strength of a community unbroken by tragedy.

Last year, Shawntel and I were extremely fortunate to arrive back in Seattle safe.  But there is no question of how this has affected all of us. This will be in both our hearts as I stand at the start line this year and as I cross the finish line.

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A few months later, I ran the Virginia Beach marathon with bad stomach pains. My time was 3 hours and 31 minutes.  My wife Shawntel said to me one time, “Why do you run these marathons?” to which I responded, “I don’t know how much I have in me, how fast I can run, how many I can do. All I know is I don’t want to be 70 years old and say to myself, ‘Was there more in me that I didn’t discover?’ I want to know that I utilized everything that God gave me.”

In 2008, I qualified for the revered Boston Marathon by running the Berlin Marathon in 3 hours and 19 minutes.  I’ve now run in Boston for four straight years and it never gets old. Today, I enjoy running because it allows me to challenge myself with new goals and it forces me to never give up even when everything says to stop. Running provides me with peace of mind and a healthy body.

This year, I decided to challenge myself to run 12 marathons. And today marks the completion of that goal.

Despite the fact that I had the one of the busiest schedules I’ve ever faced this year, I worked hard to find time to keep running and preparing for the marathons. I implemented a strategic plan to accomplish my goal. This goal setting strategy is successful for all types of difficult challenges, not just running, so I wanted to share it with you here.

1. Define what you want and what is the ultimate goal that you want to accomplish.
2. Clearly develop each step required to accomplish your goal.
3. Monitor where you are along the way continuously.
4. Evaluate what is needed to maintain the course for completion.
5. Work hard and stay focused.Once you have accomplished your goal….
6. Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Draw in everyone close to you to share in the celebration of a challenge overcome and a goal accomplished!

Step six is one of the most important elements of accomplishing your goals. This celebration is your reward to yourself for your hard work. It will give you the drive to start on your next major accomplishment! In life, I believe that goals drive attitude and productivity.  Goals that stretch you and force you to overcome obstacles will always increase your capacity to be able to do more next time.  Whether it’s a personal goal or business goal, having and accomplishing challenging goals always keep each area of your life moving forward with positive momentum.

And remember, the word “can’t” does not exist in your vocabulary and the word “YES” always refers to “I will” and “I can.”

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Running is an important part of my life. Not only is it great exercise, it allows me to challenge myself.  Running early in the morning or late in the evening also gives me peace of mind.

I began running after completing my first triathlon. At the time, I wanted to do whatever was necessary to keep my body and mind in peak condition.

My first marathon was the 2006 New York Marathon, which I completed in 3:52. I haven’t looked back.

So far, I’ve run in more than 30 marathons and my best time is 3:19. I once ran 5 marathons over the course of 55 days. Despite my hectic schedule around launching a new company, I still plan to run 12 marathons in 2012.

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