62 to 6 in one day.....

First things first. I just want to let everyone know that there is another Blanton Blogger out there now. My Brother (Brett) has just created his first post. He has always been a bit more insightful than me, so if you like mine, I assume you'll enjoy his as well. Check it out at http://faithfuladventures.blogspot.com/.

Kansas City weather is crazy. Yesterday morning it was 62 degrees and this morning it was 6. It definitely makes outdoor activities a little tough when you have swings like this, however, I decided that I wasn't going to let the weather rain on my parade. I decided to go for a run yesterday; typically I run 5 or 6 days a week, but I usually go to the YMCA and hit the treadmill during the winter months. Yesterday was different; it was about 20 degrees when I decided to go outside and brave the elements, when the easy thing seemed like heading to the Y. Needless to say, I have never felt more alive! At first I couldn't feel my hands, feet or face, but I kept moving and I warmed up by then end of the first mile. The winter air was so crisp, and the frozen sweat & spit in my beard and mustache gave me a real sense of how cold it was.

While I was running, I began to look inside myself and I determined that too many times, I make up my mind that something is not possible or that the risk of embarrassment or failure is greater than the chances of succeeding before I even try it. What I realized yesterday is that it feels great to get out there and do it, even though you may have reservations initially. Sometimes I may fail...or it may be too cold, difficult, or rigorous, but at least I will be able to say that I gave it a shot and tested my limits instead of "talking the talk," but never really knowing what those limits are.

The reason I created this post is not to brag that I went out there and faced the elements, but because I want to inspire others to test their limits too. Most of all---I posted this story (and created this blog) because I know that many of you who read it won't hesitate to hold me accountable. So, hold me to it---ask me if I am testing my limits next time you see me, but be ready for me to fire the question right back at you.

After all, most limits are only in our minds anyway.

LAIRD

There are some guys out there who just go for it in every aspect of life. They don't see limits, and they refuse to be constrained by the status quo. I definitely have a little bit of that mentality myself. I heard Paul Coffman (a former NFL tight end and Chase's Dad for you Mizzou fans) speak a few weeks ago. He talked about a wide range of things from family, faith, sports, etc.., but the point that resonated with me was his outlook on life. He mentioned that he had a certain naivety that allowed him to see everything as possible, regardless of how many nay-sayers he encountered. I can really relate to this quality because I rarely feel as though I can't accomplish something if I put my mind to it. I admire people who have been able to live a life that exemplifies this quality and I hope to do the same. One man who I have always looked up too is Laird Hamilton, a professional big wave surfer and all around fitness guru. I have tried to convince Mary Beth to let me name our child Laird (if its a boy), but I don't think that she is going for it. Anyway, Laird is living his dream because he refused to "settle." He has that quality that allows him to think that anything is possible. I have been reading his new book and I am inspired to continue to pursue my passions, increase my fitness, improve my nutrition and push through the barriers that society places on people. Laird will convince you that just because you are getting older, doesn't mean you can't get better, stronger, faster, smarter.....and he is living proof @ age 44. Check out his book. www.lairdhamilton.com