The BIG Picture - Stay Focused On It!

Well friends, Thanksgiving 2012 is now behind us and hopefully we all spent time with family friends focused on what we are thankful for! Things have been nothing short of chaotic so I am JUST NOW giving a Race Report / Fund Raising Report for Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd held the end of October.

Race morning started off a bit chilly (36 degrees) but warmed up quickly.

(yes, I am in there somewhere.)





As the day unfolded, and night set in, it was becoming evident that it was going to be Deja Vu from last year. Time knows no allies and is equal to all. Time was NOT ON MY SIDE this day however I was 30 minutes ahead of last year's race.

I needed to focus on the BIG PICTURE.

 

The BIG PICTURE was raising money for Jason Bowlin and NOT MY own selfish endeavor to finish a race. The decision was made after 70 miles, to "call it good"  &be satisfied with the cause.

 

All in all, Know No Boundaries raised just over $1050 to help Jason & his family with his medical expenses. No too shabby for about 2 1/2 weeks of fundraising.

 

Did we reach our goal?

 

I would say a resounding YES! Out goal was to help an individual, a family overcome a financial boundary & we achieved exactly what we wanted.

 

Onwards and upwards they say, right? Looking out into our future and what do do next, we will be participating in the Half and Half Marathon in order to end the year on a BANG!

Come out to support Know No Boundaries, all the other "boundary breakers" and The Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Organization on December 16, 2012 at the Turkey Mountain parking lot.

And as always, KNOW NO BOUNDARIES!


God Bless;
Ken (aka K2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd - PREVIEW

The 2012 running of Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd is THIS WEEKEND! WOO WHO!

We are very stoked here at Know No Boundaries. This is the year that we will "Smash the Pumpkin".

Sunday, this will be in OUR HANDS.

WE WILL NOT QUIT!

WE WILL NOT SUCCUMB!

WE WILL PREVAIL!

Now remember this quote.

See you after PHH!

God Bless;
K2

2012 Fundraiser: Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd +

Well friends, it is officially Fall! Cooler weather, nice evenings on the back porch with the chiminea on, beautiful fall foliage on the way, thoughts of the delicious fall holiday meals (Hint: Thanksgiving) and of course, Smashing Pumpkins!

WHAT you say?

You read it correctly. October 20-21, 2012 is the 2nd running of the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd 100 Mile Trail Run (well not actually "trails", but definitely gravel country roads.).

Know No Boundaries ran the inaugural Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd last year & due to time constraints, bailed at mile 70. This year however, we are going to "Smash the Pumpkin" and finish the entire 100 miles! The recipient of our fundraising is a young man from Sapulpa, Oklahoma named Jason Bowlin.

Jason has Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer) in the lower face and neck area and has been undergoing radiation & chemotherapy and wil also be undergoing reconstructive surgery. As an ex-construction contractor, Jason does not have medical insurance so the financial burden has been on "mom & dad". This "financial boundary" is where our Fall 2012 funds are going. We are looking to get donations of $1.00 per mile. On the larger scale, a $100 maximum x the number of donations WOULD help the Bolin's overcome this boundary.

Please go to www.knownoboundaries.org & click on the Donate link at the top. Know No Boundaries is a 501 (c) (3) foundation so all donations are tax deductible. Online donations are done through PayPal so it is secure.


Looking further in the calendar, we are also looking at participating in the 2012 Turkey n' Taturs on November 4th right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Turkey Mountain (well, it is not really a mountain & there are no turkeys).

It will be a 50K trail run (for us at least) on beautiful Turkey Mountain trails.

There are a few other events we are considering for the remainder of 2012 so stay tuned.

And remember - - - There is no mountain top view without a climb.


Blessings;
Ken

Schedule Changes - Chisholm Trail Ultra

Hello friends. I am SURE all is well with you (as they should be since you DO have a choice, right?).

I have recently taken a new position with a new company. With changes such as this, we need to step back & review our priorities.

Life Events such as this often affect other things in our lives. In this case, it is the vacation that I have (or should I say NOT HAVE) this September.

With this said, the Chisholm Trail Ultra that was initially planned for September 13th through the 20th will need to be postponed (notice I DID NOT SAY cancelled!). IT WILL HAPPEN, but just at a later date. I am considering some time in the Spring 2013 when the weather in Oklahoma is tolerable.

Although this was a real bummer for us here at Know No Boundaries, it could actually be a blessing in disguise. NOTHING happens without a reason. This delay will allow additional things to be considered. One option we are kicking around is the possibility of adding a Relay option. Hmmm, the jury is still out on this for now. Also, if you have some suggestions, get with us & we can consider it. It will also allow for more training (definitely need this as the run is 233 miles!).

For now though, we are looking at our calendars & will be looking for a good time to re-schedule it.

Our apologies.


And remember, Know No Boundaries.

God Bless;
Ken

Mental Toughness

We all have moments wherein we feel we have "had it", where we want to "throw in the towel" and just give up. We feel that we have done all that we can and cannot give any more. This could be during a long and greuling race, looking for a new job, being a better spouse or parent, building a relationship or any number of things we attempt to do.


But you CAN oversome these mental barriers. Mental Barriers you say? Yes. Let me explain. If you just "had it" and could do no more and suddenly saw that your child was in dire need of help. Not only would this perceived barrier disappear, but you would go at it with renewed vigor UNTIL you achieved what was needed. Did the barrier go away? Was it even real or just conceived within your psyche? The thing that was perceived as a boundary DID NOT go away, it WAS REAL (at least in your mind) and your overcoming it was an exercise in mental toughness.

You decided to allow the circumstances to become mental chains to keep you from achieving your goal, finishing your race or whatever it was that you were determiend to do.

Mental Toughness; like anything else; can be built up over time. We CAN build a mental toughness that can overcome many obstacles and perceived "barriers" or "boundaries" which we are sure to come across in life.

We need only to exercise our minds though regular mental exercises such as reading, mental relaxation and regular physical stresses wherein we are forced to "push ourselves". The more we exercise our mental muscle, the better our mental capacities will get and the more we will be able to mentally endure.

We need to realize that WE detemine what is an obstacle and what is not. WE decide what we CAN and CANNOT do, CAN and CANNOT be and CAN or CANNOT achieve. WE then, are the obstacle.

Exercise your mental muscle and BREAK these mental shackles that keep you from achieving what God has prepared for your life. Become the best you that you can be. Break through the walls and barriers erected by your own mind and climb your own ladder to success.

Continue to join our community to see how WE break boundaries and help you and others do the same.


Blessings to you always and know that "There is no mountain top view without a climb."


God Bless you;
K

Chisholm Trail Ultra - New Event Logo!

Sorry for the hiatus in my postings. Things have been slightly above chaotic!

As we continue to make plans for our running of The Chisholm Trail this September, we comissioned a local graphic art company to design a logo that depicted our Phoenix along with the long horn steer, that the Chisholm Trail is famous for. Here is our logo.

We will be driving down to the Oklahoma/Texas border later in July to "check out" the starting line, meet with the Director of the Chisholm Trail Museum & then follow the proposed course.

Stay tuned for more undates & photos.

Chisholm Trail Ultra

Well friends, plans are continuing for our Chisholm Trail Ultra scheduled for the week starting September 15th.

We will be starting at the Texas / Oklahoma boundary on HWY 81 & run north. until we reach Caldwell, KS; just at the Oklahoma / Kansas boundary. It is approximately 233 miles. We will be following (for the most part), the Chisholm Trail & will pass through many small Oklahoma towns. The point is to run a set distance each day & overnight at various places along the route.

The "POINT" is to be a living example of "breaking boundaries" so that others know that with the right mindset & attitude, most any boundary can be broken through.

We have also implemented our 100 100's Fundraiser. Our goal is to get 100 people to donate $100 each. All donations are Tax Deductible as we are a 501 (c) (3) non profit foundation. Go to our website (http://www.knownoboundaries.org) or contact me directly to make a donation.

Additionally, we want to thank 5 Hour Energy Shots for making a "donation in kind" of (2) cases of 5 Hour Energy. Our sincere appreciation for this as WE WILL USE THEM.

Continue to stay tuned here or follow us on Facebook.

Thank you & God Bless;

Ken

14 Year Old Dillon Hicks PRs in his FIRST 5K

14 Year Old Dillon Hicks is our March 2012 Boundary Breaker. Despite Dillon's numerous disabilities, he is a young man FULL of energy. He loves the outdoors & especially loves going for a "run"with either his Hannah or Stacy; his parents. When out with them, he feels as if his limitations have been lifted & is without boundaries.

The first photo is Dillon with his dad; Stacy; in an OLD chair.

The other one are his new "wheels".

Know No Boundaries was able to work with Adaptive Star to get Dillon a new chair, one in which he could not only be comfortable in for some time, but to be out with is family to participate in the numerous runs in which they do.

March 17th was the 30th Saint Patrick's Day 5K held in front of Runner's World Tulsa and Dillon Hicks showed off his new found freedom.

If you were not there, you missed out on quite an event.

Know No Boundaries was be there in full force to be with the Hicks family in support of this big step for Dillon & to see him PR in his first 5K.

(For me as expected, I needed plenty of Kleenex).

Two Down & ??? To Go (Post Oak Challenge Summary)

The first (2) major broken boundaries for 2012 are now in the history books. The 2012 Post Oak Challenge is done - 50K on February 25th & a marathon on February 26th. The weather could not have been better for running & most of the races were full.

(The only real problem was that the poor road took out the radiator of my car - - but that is a different story.)

Before our early start, a few of the Marathon Maniacs posed for a pre-race party pic; yours truly (in green tights) John, Wilma, Lyle & company all in smiles.

After a very short jaunt on the road, we turned off onto some beautiful trails. What started off in a rough pack, soon strung out into more of a single file as we wove (or is it weaved?) through sticks & stones, twigs, branches, roots & rocks. We soon were out into the open country.

The aid stations were AWESOME as were all of the volunteers. They really make it possible for many of us to make it through these events.

Ken Childress & company really got "into the spirit" with the first aid station on the course. (Hmm, got me thinking that I had hair like that at one point. DON'T ASK!)

Coming up to the aid station, Edward & Stormy gave us a warm welcome. One BIG thing was the smell of fresh cooking bacon (courtesy of Susan Westmoreland on the griddle). Too bad I was in & out before & remembered to grab some.  - -  In & then out & back on the trail.

More roots, rocks & branches

After a while, we were back out in the open making our way "over the river & through the woods"; only thing is that Grandmother's house was no where to be seen. Hopefully the Big Bad Wolf is on vacation.

Eventually we began our way up to Homes Peak - the highest point in Osage County.

(Yup, it is WAY UP THERE!) Feels harder than it looks. This year, instead of heading right up, we circled around the back side & came UP from the other side.

What a BEAUTIFUL view of downtown Tulsa. No time to dawdle, so down the hill we went. (No worries, we made this loop twice for the 50K & once more during the marathon.)

After pounding my quads on the downhill being sure not to run too fast & plant my face into the ground, we came out again on level ground.

After a battle up the "Hilll From Hell", we headed back down again to head around the pond in front of the lodge, to the turn-around & then go do it all again.

The start of the marathon was like deja vu from yesterday but a bit more wind & a bit cooler in the morning. Still, perfect for running.

We were off onto the trails soon enough & my memories of yesterday were a benefit to know what to expect & how to pace myself.

Definitely enough time to take in the beautiful morning on the water. Along the side & then back down onto the trails - getting into my groove.

                                                                 (speaking of "groove")

After a repeat of yesterdays trails & yesterdays quad pounding hills, we came out near the entrance to Post Oak Lodge. Coming out, we were met with the same GREAT aid station volunteers from earlier but this time were fixing breakfast burritos & pancakes.

YUM! This time, I did partake & they were great.

Ken must have gone out to get a haircut since this morning as he hands John a beverage. Stormy on the other hand, kept this 60's spirit as seen in the background.

From here, it was a short mile & a half out & back on the road  & then back on trails (hence the term "TROAD")

After this, we turned around only to repeat it (well almost all of it). On the final loop, we stayed on the main drive up to the main lodge (did I mention UP?) Sorry no pics - I was tired by this point & did not pull out the camera.

When it was all said & done, Know No Boundaries once again, broke boundaries. Get with us & we can work with you on achieving the same. It was a GREAT two days of trail running on GREAT trails run by two GREAT race directors. Johnny & Darryl did a GREAT job.

(Oh, in case you are wondering, I had my car towed to my mechanic & I need a new radiator! BUMMER! But it was two great days of running with friends.)

God Bless;
K2

A Boundary Breaker from the Great White North

Albert Martens is a gentleman unlike anyone I have come to know & a boundary breaker unlike no other.

Albert lives in Manitoba, Canada, has been married to Edna since 1970 & has (3) children. So far, nothing out of the ordinary, right?

Well, Albert has completed (46) full marathons, (11) ultra marathons including (4) time entry into the Marathon des Sables in Morocco (one official finish), a 1024 km run across Germany for a fundraiser, a 333 km run across Switzerland, Badwater Ultra, Biel 100 km in Switzerland, Run 101 (for his mother's 101st birthday).

Albert's TOTAL DISTANCE run is equivalent to once around the world = 40,074 km!

In addition, Albert was inducted into the Manitoba Running Hall of Fame in February 2011 & has raised $225K for various charities through his running.

Albert has also completed (2) books -

• One Million Steps in 1997
• Sand in My Shoes in 2008

What are his plans you might ask? Albert is planning on producing a running documentary (Grand Canyon), adding a few baseball campls in Canada, planning a Polar Bear Marathon in Churchill, Manitoba in November 2012 & continuing his brain-storming idea oc a cross-Paraguay with Athletes in Action.

Ablert Martens is truely a BOUNDARY BREAKER.

God Bless;

K2

Is this boundary really necessary?

Okay, so my goal here is not to reiterate the fact that many of the "boundaries"  or "limitations" that seem to keep us from becoming all that we have been created for are within our own minds (sub consciously at times), but to just bring up some of those ridiculous things that we consciously set & which does create a boundary.

It is a boundary drawn between individuals or individuals & society.

Look around, do you see it? In today's world, it is EVERYWHERE.

That's right. practically everyone you see is wearing headphones. Be it listening to their favorite tunes, that inspirational podcast or that audio book that they have wanted to read.

They are everywhere; walking in some self created Zombie-like state. They are within themselves often oblivious to anyone or any thing around them.

What they have done, is created a boundary between themselves & everything around them.

And we wonder WHY communications on many levels have begun to break down (no, I am not talking about texting, tweeting or IMing). I mean REAL, PHYSICAL, FACE TO FACE communications.

When did this break down begin? Was it with our current generation or did it start with the previous generation? Is it the fault of the individual or their parents?

Well, after a bit of research, I may have found the answer.

We were weaned on them. back in the earliest days of our lives, we wore these head devices & we have never looked back!


Really now. One can't believe EVERYTHING that they read, right?

None-the-less, I actually do believe that there is an artificially created boundary that many in our society have created & I additionally believe that this boundary DOES AFFECT our communications with our society & with our envoronment.

God Bless You'
K2

Are You a Hunter or a Fisherman?

Okay, let's start with a bit of explanation. As a hunter, you scout out your territory, look into the patterns of your prey, get into a good position & when your prey is in your sites, you FIRE! Now, if your prey happens to sense that you are there; if they smell you or feel your presence, they will BOLT as fast as they can in the opposite direction robbing you of that prize.

On the opposite side now, we have the fisherman. Now fisherman are quite different in that they go about things in an entirely opposite way. Although they might still scout out their fishing spot & look into weather patterns & favorite feeding spots but here they cast their bait & WAIT. If the bait is right, the fish will come to them & take their hook.

What is my point you might ask.

Well in hunting, what you are trying to catch runs the opposite way when you are sensed while in fishing, what you are trying to catch comes to you.

We are a lot like that as well. We have some product or service that we want, some "big deal" we want to share or some great proposition we want to offer. It is often quite obvious when we are mingling or networking that we are "on the hunt" so to speak to find our latest "prey" to whom we can sell our product or service to. Now at times this may work, but after the first sell, they too will BOLT.

Being more like the fisherman is a much more effective way not only to gain friends & clientele, but to draw them to you in general. Once they are drawn to you, they will that there "is just something special" about you, & whatever it is, they want some of it. They want to be there & this is exactly where you want to be.

This is critical not only in products or services, but also in surrounding ourselves with positive individuals who are willing to help you.

We cannot always break boundaries alone & need help. It is these people, those drawn to you that will help you break that next boundary that you are trying to break.

Become a fisherman & break that boundary.

God Bless;
Ken