The Best of 2014

     This past month I have been blessed to spend time at home with my family in Green Sea, SC. I have been here since December 11 and I cannot remember the last time that I have been at home this long.  I spent the first few days of the trip with my mom and dad, and my younger brother, John Mark, has joined us for these last two weeks of the month.  I cannot tell you all how much I love my family and how much joy I experience on a daily basis sharing life with them.

     My mother has waited on me hand and foot and treats me virtually like a KING the entire time I am home.  She has cooked me three meals a day at the times that I need them based on my training, has washed all my clothes daily and has cleaned up after me like the President may visit our home any minute throughout any given day.  My mother is so positive and always put the needs of my family above her own under ANY and ALL circumstances.  Being away from home like I have been for almost 10 years now and coming home to visit like I have has made me realize how truly blessed I was to grow up in an environment that offered nothing but the best love and care any human could possibly receive.  I want to thank you mom for that and for loving me in a way that no one else can.  That love has changed my life and honestly my role with In the Arena would not have been possible without your influence and impact on my life.

   My dad has been my training partner and side kick on this trip.  And when I say training partner he has either driven beside me, watched me or waited on me to run or lift every single day of the week.  And when I say side kick--we have virtually spent every waking moment together. It has been because of his help that these last weeks have been my best training block in all of 2014 and my 2015 indoor and outdoor seasons will be greatly affected in a positive way because of the hard base work I have recently completed.  He has been my stand-in coach, timer, pacer, cheerleader, water boy, altitude tent constructor and teammate.  And I couldn't ask for a better person to serve in each of these roles in my training and in life.

   My mom and dad are truly the best.  They are the two biggest gifts that I have ever received.  They are the biggest reasons why I am the person that I am today.  My parents are my best friends and I am very proud to say that.  I can come to them and talk with them about anything.  They will support me in everything.  And love me unconditionally.  So thank you mom and dad for being MY mom and MY dad.  I love you both so very much.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from my family to yours!

(Me, Mom (Phyllis), Dad (Charles), and John Mark)