Expert in the Rough

I wanted to share my latest venture, inspired by a 3.25 mile run. My latest adventure is Expert in the Rough. A blog for people who aspire to become known experts in their area of passion or expertise.

I came up with this idea about 3 weeks ago and have finally put in motion.

Take a look.

Expert in the Rough

No Running No Revelations

Since running the Marine Corps Marathon in October, I have run very little. Why? It's partly the cold, partly the boredom and partly the couch but whatever the reason it makes it hard to keep up with a blog about my "Running Revelations."

With my lack of running I won't say I am without Revelation but I really do have a different type of revelation or idea when I am running versus other times.

So when do you get your best ideas? I have to admit I am pretty much an idea machine. I am always thinking about my next book idea or blog post. These are my top idea sparking activities;

-The Shower
-Listening to Music
-Meeting new people
-Reading Blogs, Books and Magazines
-Doing something different from my routine

So make a list for yourself. I actually try to put myself in these places since I enjoy the buzz of a new idea.

Finding My Christmas Spirit

I just started a blog documenting my project to find my Christmas Spirit.

Take a peek at my "My 25 Days of Christmas"

A "Rock and a Heart Place"

No, I am not talking about the time between "Black Friday" and Christmas Eve, but a movie that touches the soul. "Rock and a Heart Place" is a documentary/movie about Tim McCloone and his creation the "Holiday Express."

The "Holiday Express" a band/charity was created by McCloone a Jersey Shore musician as way to liven up the experience of feeding the homeless. It was his idea in 1993 to form a group of musicians that would play a gig for those in need everyday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Mike Sodano and Nancy Sabino the producers of this documentary have really created something special. What I most liked about this movie is it makes you want to do something (for somebody in need).

The reason I am sharing this with you is this movie has really touched my heart. I believe it will touch yours.

So, if you are finding yourself Caught Between A Rock and a Heart Place this holiday season here is why I think you should order a copy of this movie.

1) You say "It Just Doesn't Feel Like Christmas" this year. This movie will help.

2) You are looking for the perfect gift for the family. This movie is the answer, a movie for all ages.

3) You are dreading the malls. Order Right Now, in your underwear from home.

4) You are starting your own charity and are looking for inspiration.

5) Your grainy VHS Copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" just doesn't cut it on your 1080i 50" Plasma.

Take a chance on this one.

www.rockandaheartplace.com

Running Sucks

When I trained for my first marathon in 1997 I had a mantra to help me through my training.

It was "Running Sucks."

Not quite your typical Power of Positive thinking type mantra I must say. However, I found that when I was honest with myself that running does suck, it made it easier for me to get on with my training. You see although the running sucked. I wanted and decided to run that day. My goal at the end of the road transcended the fact that "Running Sucks."

Today I went out for my first run (outside the treadmill) since running the Marine Corps Marathon. I had a moment of clarity. I had remembered that "Running Sucks."

It was a relief. Now that I know the truth, I can just get on with it.

Are there any areas of your life you just need to get on with?

The Scorecard

In my car "Running Errands" today I had a glimpse of nostalgia.

How could it be? I am in my car driving and wishing I was running, as I cross paths with my marathon training routes, another marathon is calling my name.

I never thought I would miss my marathon training. It is a beautiful day for a run.

I guess it's time to get to get signed up for my next marathon. Since I now have seven under my belt, it might be time to commit to running a marathon in every state. Not good planning on my part since I have run the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon twice and the Columbus Marathon once. That is 3 marathons but 1 state (Ohio).

But, The Flying Pig crossed over into Kentucky 2 states, 1 Marathon. Being a Marine I can't count it (Honor).

Could this be I am committing to 43 marathons in a few strokes of a keyboard? I am chickening out for now but I will let you know.

I just realized my real success is the training. The Marathon is just the scorecard.

Enjoy the journey.

Make it Concrete

After 5 months of marathon training, I have returned to the gym. To be honest, I don't really like the gym. I get bored pretty easy.

Tonight, I had an "AHA" moment. The reason I do well with marathon training is I have a clear training schedule. The problem with lifting weights for me is I just have a vague idea of the exercises I am going to do before I start my workout.

I have noticed with no concrete plan I easily get bored and even find myself wanting to leave the gym, unlike my marathon training which I know exactly what I need to do to achieve my goal.

I would suspect that the lack of clear plans affect other goals in my life.

I am committed to having a workout plan by the end of next week.

What steps do you need to take to make your game plan concrete.