Some of you may know that I have decided to take on a huge challenge this summer.  I plan to whip myself into shape and run a 15.6 mile adventure run with 24+ obstacles.  It's called the "Iron Warrior Dash" and it takes place in Walker, MI on September 21st.  Some of you may be asking, "Why in the hell are you doing that?"

It's no secret that I am probably in the worst shape of my life.  Between a pack a day smoking habit, long drunk nights on the town, and just turning 30, it's safe to say that I'm racing to an early retirement.  That right there is enough to make you open your eyes and think.  So I've decided to whip myself into shape enough to survive this race.

Of course, with my track record of failed health changes, I've been met with a lot of disbelievers and friends that don't think I have a shot in hell.  In the past, that use to be enough to get me to say, "You're right, pass me another beer."  However, some people jumped right on board with enough encouragement to keep the idea alive.  So naturally, I had to find a way to boost my motivation and ensure my completion of this goal.

After several days of thought, it dawned on me.  I have been looking for something to help raise money for the American Heart Association for the last year.  This is it!  Last summer I lost my uncle to an unexpected heart attack, and my grandfather went before his time for the same thing.  What better motivation can you have than family and friends?

With that said, I have set a goal to raise $1,000 in pledges for the AHA.  Not only will this keep me working towards the goal; it will also benefit an amazing charity at the same time.  You really don't have to look too far in your life to find someone that has been affected by heart disease.

Now that the ball is rolling, the training has begun.  So far, the support has been amazing.  Our friend Buddha, of Buddha's Bar & Grill in Fenton, has stepped up and sponsored my entry into the race.  On top of that, a few of my friends have jumped in and said they would be up for running that race with me.  I have also enlisted a family friend to help me train.  Lucais Allen, a 17 year old badass athlete out of Lake Fenton, has already begun to whip my ass into shape.

Our first running session went pretty well.  It turned out to be 4.5 mile run in just under 45 minutes.  I've had a lot of people in this building call "BS" on that, so this Thursday, I will tape and time the run for proof, you jerks! As far as other exercise, I was able to pull off 24 push-ups in 60 seconds and 22 sit-ups in 60 seconds.  I've got a long way to go but will keeping everyone posted in the weeks to come.

Our short-term goals:

  • Run six miles nonstop within the next four weeks
  • Stop drinking pop and energy drinks, even though Monsters are in my morning routine
  • Severely reduce my level of smoking, if not completely quit soon

I know I will be able to complete this with the help of family and friends.  If anyone would like to donate to the cause and make a pledge to the American Heart Association, I would greatly appreciate it!  Just click the link below.

Be sure to check back in the future as I will be uploading videos and pictures to my pledge page and here on the Banana site.

Thanks Again!!

Chris "Slob...soon to be Iron Man" Monroe

 

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