Sunday, July 17, 2011

Do Life 5k in Omaha

Yesterday morning I hit the road at 6 am for Omaha and arrived just before 9. Upon my arrival, I had the pleasure of meeting Ben Davis, the inspiration for this blog and my journey. Ben is such a cool guy in person. He's just like the guy we see and read everyday on his website, only a bit more tired from this cross country tour he and his dad are making along with the Ironman training they are both doing at the same time. But you can tell that he feeds off of all of the positive energy from everyone that attends (well over 60 people in Omaha) as much as we are inspired and energized by him and what he's doing.

It was also a pleasure meeting his dad, John. He's a really cool guy and someone you could listen to for hours.

John Davis aka "Pa", me and Ben Davis.
It was a rather warm morning by the time 10:15 rolled around when we started the 5k. I didn't run the whole thing but at least ran 2 miles of it. I met some really cool people from Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri, each one with their own story and in various stages of their own journey.

I was even interviewed by NTV out of Kearney.



Afterwards we went to Panera, Ben's favorite place to eat. Everyone that was able to make it had a great time. I know I did. And I can't wait for the next time we can meet. Thank you, Ben and John.

Link:
Do Life: Omaha Facebook Album
Do Life Tour
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Monday, July 11, 2011

A chance to meet Ben Davis

It's a been a while since my last post. There's hasn't been a lot of news in my world. The heat has put the kibosh on riding my bicycle to work so I've been pretty bummed about that.

I have been maintaining my weight between 225 and 230 pounds. I'm pretty pleased with that.

A few nights ago I decided to start a strength program. I downloaded an app called 100 Pushups. I'm really weak in my upper body and I have some loose skin around my midsection. I figured doing this would be a great as well as inexpensive way to build muscle and tighten things a bit.

This coming Saturday, I'm driving to Omaha to take part in the Do Life Official Unofficial 5k Tour. Ben Davis of BenDoesLife.com, his dad and his brother are traveling cross country and they along with anyone who shows up are running/walking/jogging - you name it - a 5k. This Wednesday, they will be in Kansas City. There is absolutely no cost or any sort of registration with this 5k. You just show up, get inspired, inspire others and have fun.

My family is one of the major reasons why I started this journey but it was Ben and his 120-pound journey YouTube video that lit the fire in me. I saw a lot of myself in him. Seeing his before photos I thought that was me. Maybe it was the facial hair, I don't know, but seeing his transformation, I told myself, I can do that. And I did it - minus the 10k, half marathon, marathon and Iron Man races.

Hopefully I can meet Ben and tell him thanks for both his inspiration (and giving me the ok to call this site ShawnDoesLife.com).  If I can manage to get a picture with him, I'll be sure to post it.