The Benefits of Peer Pressure

Run with the Eagles half marathon

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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A few years ago I decided that my midlife crisis should be about running.  At that point I was doing 5Ks and a little bit of extra running in between those races. I added the Warrior Dash to my bucket list and that was followed by a half marathon.  I've now done two of each and am eyeing an upcoming marathon in October.  It's the Shawnee Marathon in Harrisburg, Illinois and my goal is to complete the race and live to tell about it.

Me, Jim and Justin after a run

As my running journey started I met others along the way in my same age group, including a friend I'd made years earlier when I moved to southern Illinois.  When I first met Jim Olsen he was about twice the size he is today.  Jim started eating right and running and lost a lot of weight.  I'm sorry I don't know the total, but the important thing is he did it and he's continuing to do it.  I'm proud of what he's accomplished.

2015 River to River Relay 

Jim recently announced his plans to run 1,000 miles this year.  My goal is set at 700 for 2015.  I did 600 in '14 and 500 in '13.  But because of his example, I've decided to push myself to hit that 1000 mile mark this year too. I hope by putting this new goal in writing it'll help me stay accountable. I finished 600 miles for 2014 on New Year's eve morning.  I know I can do it, but I'll welcome any support along the way.  Thanks for reading and supporting all my crazy endeavors.

Okay, I'm in My Forties

Happy 41

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Turning 40 was not hard for me.  I embraced it.  I blogged about it in a series of posts called "Facing 40."  In fact, turning 30 was harder for me.  I don't know why that is, but I suspect it has something to do with being 10 years wiser; blah, blah, blah.  

When I turned 40, I convinced myself that I was not yet in my forties.  I viewed 40 as its own age group.  It was partly tongue and cheek, partly me being serious.  

After my half marathon

Now here I am, age 41.  I accomplished several things during age 40.  I finished my goal of running 500 miles.  I actually clocked 503 by the end of 2013.  A month ago I ran my first half-marathon.  I hope to do another one before the end of the year.  I think the running may be a part of wanting to become more fit, but also part of a midlife crisis.  I'm trying to turn back or at least slow down the hands of time.

Not really me...

I've also declared 2014 "Operation Find My Abs", which is a quest to actually reveal a six-pack under the keg I've built up.  I know this is totally narcissistic of me to say, but I'm just being honest here.  I've lost sight of that goal recently, snacking on Girl Scout cookies, candy, and other sweet treats.  I've cut the sugar from my coffee and given up cereal for Lent (even though I'm not Catholic) in my attempts to lose some weight and tone up.  I'm learning it's much more than exercising, but eating right is key to this.

I want my 40's to be more fit than my 30's.  I've already run more in the first year than I did in that decade.  Thanks for reading and not judging me, or at least to my face.