EPIC..Hmmmm be careful how you use this word!

Just recently I have noticed that the word "EPIC" has been thrown around a lot...being used to describe ones self or an event and after thinking about this I thought I might add my two cents! Today, more than ever we are so easy to look at people and consider them HEROES and I think its so funny considering what we call HEROES or EPIC!

First, lets look at what the definition of EPIC really is from Wikipedia...."where the story is centered on heroic characters, and the action takes place on a grand scale, just as in epic poetry. Epics in this sense are majestic depictions that capture impressive struggles, such as stories of war, adventures, and other efforts of great scope and size over long periods of time." Well now that being said...do really have any EPIC heroes around in today's world? Just asking...to you maybe there are but to me it would be a stretch to call much of anything EPIC these days and for sure I don't see the word AVERAGE in the description of what EPIC means! Its so funny to see someone of Facebook or a website describe their own individual feats as EPIC. I'm sure some people are inspired by some AVERAGE people but for me I will leave my inspiration to the real EPIC HEROES! So as I sit here I will list a few EPIC HEROES that come to mind quickly for me...feel free to add your comments and own EPIC HEROES to the blog!

Alvin Cullum York (December 13, 1887 – September 2, 1964) was one of the most decorated American soldiers in World War I.[1] He received the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 32 machine guns, killing 28 German soldiers and capturing 132 others

George Herman Ruth, Jr. (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948), best known as "Babe" Ruth and nicknamed "the Bambino" and "the Sultan of Swat", was an American Major League baseball player from 1914–1935. Ruth originally broke into the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox as a starting pitcher, but after he was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919, he converted to a full-timeright fielder and subsequently became one of the league's most prolific hitters. Ruth was a mainstay in the Yankees' lineup that won seven pennants and fourWorld Series titles during his tenure with the team. After a short stint with theBoston Braves in 1935, Ruth retired. In 1936, Ruth became one of the first five players elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame

Francois Henri "Jack" LaLanne (September 26, 1914 – January 23, 2011) was an Americanfitness, exercise, and nutritional expert and motivational speaker who is sometimes called "the godfather of fitness" and the "first fitness superhero.

1954 (age 40): swam the entire length (8,981 ft/1.7 mi) of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, under water, with 140 pounds (64 kg; 10 st) of air tanks and other equipment strapped to his body; a world record.
1955 (age 41): swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco while handcuffed. When interviewed afterwards he was quoted as saying that the worst thing about the ordeal was being handcuffed, which significantly reduced his chance to do a jumping jack.
1956 (age 42): set what was claimed as a world record of 1,033 push-ups in 23 minutes on You Asked For It,[31] a television program hosted by Art Baker.
1957 (age 43): swam the Golden Gate channel while towing a 2,500-pound (1,100 kg; 180 st) cabin cruiser. The swift ocean currents turned this one-mile (1.6 km) swim into a swimming distance of 6.5 miles (10.5 km).
1958 (age 44): maneuvered a paddleboard nonstop from Farallon Islands to the San Francisco shore. The 30-mile (48 km) trip took 9.5 hours.
1959 (age 45): did 1,000 star jumps and 1,000 chin-ups in 1 hour, 22 minutes, to promote The Jack LaLanne Show going nationwide. LaLanne said this was the most difficult of his stunts, but only because the skin on his hands started ripping off during the chin-ups. He felt he couldn't stop because it would be seen as a public failure.
1974 (age 60): For the second time, he swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf. Again, he was handcuffed, but this time he was also shackled and towed a 1,000-pound (450 kg; 71 st) boat.
1975 (age 61): Repeating his performance of 21 years earlier, he again swam the entire length of the Golden Gate Bridge, underwater and handcuffed, but this time he was shackled and towed a 1,000-pound (450 kg; 71 st) boat.
1976 (age 62): To commemorate the "Spirit of '76", United States Bicentennial, he swam one mile (1.6 km) in Long Beach Harbor. He was handcuffed and shackled, and he towed 13 boats (representing the 13 original colonies) containing 76 people.[32]
1979 (age 65): towed 65 boats in Lake Ashinoko, near Tokyo, Japan. He was handcuffed and shackled, and the boats were filled with 6,500 pounds (2,900 kg; 460 st) of Louisiana Pacific wood pulp.[33]
1980 (age 66): towed 10 boats in North Miami, Florida. The boats carried 77 people, and he towed them for over one mile (1.6 km) in less than one hour.
1984 (age 70): handcuffed, shackled, and fighting strong winds and currents, towed 70 rowboats, one with several guests, from the Queen’s Way Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mary, 1 mile.[34]

Jacobus Franciscus "Jim" Thorpe (Sac and Fox (Sauk): Wa-Tho-Huk, translated to Bright Path)[1] (May 28, 1888 – March 28, 1953)[2] was an American athlete of mixed ancestry (mixed Caucasian and American Indian). Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, he won Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon anddecathlon, played American football (collegiate and professional), and also played professional baseball and basketball. He lost his Olympic titles after it was found he was paid for playing two seasons of semi-professional baseball before competing in the Olympics, thus violating the amateurism rules.

Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain (August 21, 1936 – October 12, 1999) was an American professional NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers; he also played for the Harlem Globetrotters prior to playing in the NBA. The 7 foot 1 inch Chamberlain weighed 250 lbs as a rookie[1] before bulking up to 275 lb and eventually over 300 lb with the Lakers.[2] He played the center position and is considered by his contemporaries as one of the greatest and most dominant players in the history of the NBA.

George Washington (February 22, 1732[3][4][5] – December 14, 1799) served as the firstPresident of the United States of America (1789–1797),[6] and led the Continental Army to victory over the Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705[1]] – April 17, 1790) was one of theFounding Fathers of the United States of America. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author and printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a carriage odometer, and the glass 'armonica'. He formed both the first public lending library in America and the first fire departmentin Pennsylvania.

John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010)[1] was an American basketball player and coach. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period — seven in a row[2] — as head coach at UCLA, an unprecedented feat.[3][4]Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games.[2] He was named national coach of the year six times.

James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (September 12, 1913 – March 31, 1980) was anAmerican track and field athlete who specialized in the sprints and the long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals: one each in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, the long jump, and as part of the 4x100 meter relay team. He was the most successful athlete at the 1936 Summer Olympics. He has the Jesse Owens Award accolade named after him in honor of his significant career. 

 Eric Henry Liddell ( /'l?d?l/; 16 January 1902 – 21 February 1945, Chinese: ??????;pinyin: ailikè Lìdéer) was a Scottish athlete, rugby union international player, and missionary.
Liddell was the winner of the men's 400 metres at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Liddell's Olympic training and racing, and the religious convictions that influenced him, are depicted in theOscar-winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire, in which he is portrayed by fellow Scot Ian Charleson.

Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron (born February 5, 1934), nicknamed "Hammer,""Hammerin' Hank," and "Bad Henry," is a retired American baseball player whose Major League Baseball (MLB) career spanned the years 1954 through 1976. Aaron is widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In 1999, editors at The Sporting News ranked Hank Aaron fifth on their list of "Greatest Baseball Players."

George Harvey Strait (born May 18, 1952) is an American country music singer, actor and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend.[1] He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonkstyle, and fresh yet traditional Country music. George Strait holds the world record for more #1 hit singles than any other artist in the history of music on any chart or in any genre, having recorded 57 #1 hit singles as of 2010.

Mark Andrew Spitz (born February 10, 1950) is a retired American swimmer. He won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games

Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was a prominent American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique ofmass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism": mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put a dealership in every city in North America, and in major cities on six continents. Ford left most of his vast wealth to the Ford Foundation but arranged for his family to control the company permanently.

Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister, CBE (born 23 March, 1929) is an English former athlete best known for running the first recorded mile in less than 4 minutes. Bannister became a distinguished neurologist and Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, before retiring in 2001.

Neil Alden Armstrong (born August 5, 1930) is an American aviator and a former astronaut,test pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor, and United States Naval Aviator. He was the first person ever to set foot on the Moon.

Superman is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon.

Walter Payton (July 25, 1954 – November 1, 1999) was an American football player who spent his entire professional career with the National Football League's Chicago Bears. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-timePro Bowl selectee, once held the league's record for most career rushing yards,touchdowns, carries, yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and many other categories. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Hall of Fame NFL player and coach Mike Ditka described Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen—but even greater as a human being.

 Ronald Wilson Reagan /'r?n?ld 'w?ls?n 're?g?n/ (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989), the 33rd Governor of California(1967–1975) and prior to that, an actor.

The Wright brothers, Orville (August 19, 1871 – January 30, 1948) and Wilbur (April 16, 1867 – May 30, 1912), were two Americans credited[1][2][3] with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903. In the two years afterward, the brothers developed their flying machine into the first practical fixed-wing aircraft. Although not the first to build and fly experimental aircraft, the Wright brothers were the first to invent aircraft controls that made fixed-wing powered flight possible.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement.[1] He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods following the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.[2] King is often presented as a heroic leader in the history of modern American liberalism

Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.; January 17, 1942) is a former Americanboxer and three-time World Heavyweight Champion, who is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight championship boxers. As an amateur, he won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome.[1] After turning professional, he went on to become the first boxer to win the lineal heavyweight championship three times.

The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, and by many measures remain the most commercially successful, as well as one of the most critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music.[1] From 1962, the group consisted of John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the group later worked in many genres ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. The nature of their enormous popularity, which first emerged as "Beatlemania", transformed as their songwriting grew in sophistication. They came to be perceived as the embodiment of ideals of the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s.

Michael Joseph Jackson[1] (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, dancer, singer-songwriter, musician, and philanthropist. Referred to as the King of Pop, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contribution to music, dance, and fashion, along with a much-publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and began his solo career in 1971.

Well there you go...just a few EPIC people...now be careful WHO you call EPIC people! Make sure they are worthy of the title!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

Bad Choices and Good Choices....How Do We Make Better Choices...My Theory!

Well earlier today a friend of mine made a comment on one of my post on Facebook...I had posted something about exercise and running becoming a habit after three months and my friend said she would like to have them as her habits and she wanted to know why bad habits are so easy to pick up and good ones aren't? After thinking about this I think I really know why!

Think about the bad habits/choices in our lives...we all have them...lets see if I can name a few....procrastination, bitting your fingernails, gossiping about people, overeating or emotional eating, pulling into a drive through fast food restaurant, smoking, drinking alcohol, being a know it all, bragging, bad listener, lazy, and shop-a-holic...sound familiar...LOL...well we all have them and probably some I have not listed. If you think about the things I have listed...we do this without thinking most times...or we do this without thinking about the consequences.

I believe we would not make bad choices/habits or make as many if we did a few things: 1) Think of the consequences of our habits/choices, 2) Planned our lives better and had an end result in mind that would be beneficial to you, and lastly 3) stay disciplined and focused on our life goals. Now this may be easier said than done to most but I truly don't think it is.

How about some good habits/choices...lets see if I can name a few of them...eating healthy, exercising, have a good attitude, have a can do attitude, plan/forecast, work your plan, meditate on your life and choices, have a daily planner for your life/day, practice gratitude, strive for excellence in everything you do, be punctual, respect elders and authorities, and live the golden rule...hmmm I'm sure there are more but these are some pretty good ones!

I suggest you do a few things I will start to do more of in the future. Plan my life better...my total life...body, mind, and soul. Plan my days...I do a pretty good job of this now but I will do better...if you write it down you are more likely to do it...so plan your days...put things on your schedule for your day/week/month...and do them. Plan my meals and exercises..again I do a pretty good job of this now..but I will get better at it! Plan my future...I want to ask myself where do I want to be at the end of the year in my life and then where do I want to be in five years, ten years, fifteen years, and twenty years? GOALS...you got to write them down...if you do...you are a lot more likely to complete them...if you don't its so easy to go back to the old way of life...bad habits/choices!

Lastly, when thinking of your choices consider a couple of things: 1) Whats the payoff by making these choices in my life, 2) What the trade off if I made another choice rather than the one I am making, 3) If its time to make a change...THEN MAKE A CHANGE NOW...don't wait...don't say at the beginning of the month I am gonna start...or at the beginning of the week I am gonna stop doing this or that, 4) Plan what you will have to do to change the habit and then substitute better behavior...put yourself in a position to succeed at your goal...don't let anything get in your way, and lastly 5) Realize its up to you....YOU CAN DO IT! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't...stay focused...realize its your goal to change...people may make fun of you for changing and people may try to sway you away from your goals/choices...stay disciplined and stay the course...YOU CAN DO IT!

Well in closing I will say this...I think the biggest difference in bad choices/habits and good choices/habits comes down to one thing GOALS! If your goals...and they must be YOUR GOALS...are to do something, and you have written down...YOU WILL COMPLETE YOUR GOALS! Remember, to write down your goals, put a time frame on it, list the obstacles you will have to overcome to complete the goal, make a plan of actions, think of the benefits to you, associate yourself with the people/organizations that you will need to complete your goal....THEN GET STARTED AND WORK YOUR PLAN!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

March 23, 2000 till March 23, 2011...11 Years Seems Like Yesterday

Well as I sit here tonight...I realize tomorrow is a huge day for me and Mica...my wife and best friend! If you got a minute I want to tell you the story! Here goes!!

Its about 2:30 pm on March 23, 2000, and I was driving from Ray Viles Ford in downtown Clinton, Tennessee to Dean Stallings Ford in Oak Ridge, Tennessee ( Funny thing neither dealership is in business now). I had received and email from Ford Motor Company telling me that Dean Stallings Ford was a lead for me...to go sign them up as a client! So as I drove into Oak Ridge down the turnpike from Clinton I was just driving listening to the radio and planning my pitch to the new potential client when all of a sudden I pass a black Ford Expedition and a beautiful girl...on a cell phone! I did a double take on this beautiful girl and I thought I just saw an angel! I got to meet her!! So I slowed down and hope she might look over at me...she did but turned her head quickly...she was not interested...so I changed lanes and slowed so I would be driving beside her and kept looking and hoping she would look at me...she wouldn't...LOL...I know what you are thinking...STALKER...I don't care..yeah I was stalking her for sure...LOL! Anyway, now since I had tried on both sides of the car with no luck the last just effort would be to get behind her...I did...I motioned for her to pull over...after about a half mile she did! I get out of my car to see she had rolled her window down just far enough (about a half inch) to hear my voice! LOL!! She says to me, "Do I know you?" and I say, "No, but you are getting ready to!" She said yeah right and started to pull away...I begged her to stop...she did and said, "WHY?"....I said, "Cause I have to meet you!" I took a business card out and it had my cell phone number on it...I slipped it in the small hole of the window and said, "Call me please!!!!" Well, she pulled out and I thought I will never meet this girl. About fifteen minutes later she called...confused...but she said,  "I don't know why I am calling you but what do you want?" I said, "I just have to meet you" She said I'm married and I said so am I...she said well not happily married and I said neither am I. LOL...Well, I will stop the story here but I will tell you after a week of 40 plus phone calls I finally got here to agree to meet me for lunch and to talk!

I have always thought me and Mica were made for each other. She is my best friend and life partner! Eleven years has seen a lot of changes in our minds and bodies. What seems sometimes as a lifetime other times it seems like just yesterday. Has it all been a bed of roses...well no..but what marriage is...I will say this though...I can't imagine a life without her ever...I can't even hardly remember a life before her! When she smiles I smile...When she cries I cry...She is the first one I call when something good happens to me and she is the first one I call and cry to when something bad happens to me! She is a listening ear and a supportive shoulder! She gives me confidence to do anything in this world! She makes me FEEL LIKE A MAN! I have said this more than once...If she goes before I do...they better dig two graves...I ain't gonna be able to live without her!

The pictures above are basically 11 years apart. The first picture was taken on Feb 3, 2011 and the picture below is the second picture we ever took together on July 29, 2000! Yes we have changed...and so has our love....OUR LOVE IS AS STRONG AS ANY LOVE CAN BE! The trails we have been through...none that Mica has caused...all my fault....has made our faith, love, and marriage stronger! Let me say this and with the strongest of voices I know how to say it in....NOTHING OR NOBODY OR NO THING OR NO SITUATION WILL EVER BREAK UP THIS MARRIAGE! She is my life and my soul mate and I am just lucky that the most beautiful women I have ever seen in my life....happens to love me also! Happy Anniversary baby...thank you for being my wife...I have told you this  more than once darling but its the truth...I have never seen any woman that is more beautiful to me...even on the big screen! You flip my switch...thank you for you kindness and sweet love all this time! I can't wait to sit on the beach...no run down the beach...with you when we are in our 80's! Love ya baby!!!

Peace

Mike Edenfield

1 Timothy 1 15-17

I Love Saturday

You know I love Saturdays...most of them I have a race to go to...or some kind of big training run...NOT TODAY...I just knew I was gonna workout at the gym and enjoy a quick workout with nothing in mind but to just enjoy myself! I DID!!

I knew it was gonna be an outstanding day when one of the first things I thought of was an old song came to mind that I used to hear all the time when I was growing up...it is by Tom T. Hall...one of the legendary song writers and singers in the history of country music! The song is "I LOVE"....

I love little baby ducks, old pick-up trucks, slow-moving trains, and rain
I love little country streams, sleep without dreams, sunday school in may,
And hay
And i love you too

I love leaves in the wind, pictures of my friends, birds in the world, and squirrels
I love coffee in a cup, little fuzzy pups, bourbon in a glass, and grass and i love you too

I love honest open smiles, kisses from a child, tomatoes on the vine, and onions
I love winners when they cry, losers when they try, music when it's good, and life
And i love you too

I just kept humming this song all morning until I left for the gym! LOL!!!

I fell in love all over again today...rode my Suzuki C-109 1800 to the gym this morning...hadn't been on it in a while...YES I WAS IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN! The feeling of riding your bike at 100 mph and hearing nothing but the wind coming through your helmet...NOTHING LIKE IT! That bike gives me peace...a feeling of control...a feeling of freedom...makes me feel young...confident...and I always remember that line from Top Gun...I feel the need...the need for speed! I love speed! My bike below!!

The meat of my blog will be from my experience at the gym today! I was working a little upperbody and core and overheard a couple doctors discussing religion, the bible, and Jesus! I knew these doctors but I won't say there names. I continued to listen I thought it was incredible of their views of these subjects. I won't go into details and I will keep this concise as possible both basically they both thought 1) religion was overrated, 2) the bible was just a great story telling book and most of it couldn't possibly be true...not possible, and last 3) Jesus couldn't or could have been real but not all of the stories about him! I was amazed to hear them rationalize about these subjects. My question is why does GOD give men everything he does and for them to doubt or question him or even worse deny him. These men I guess since they had been blessed with intelligence and all the worldly possessions you can have had decided that the bible and Jesus were just good stories. AMAZING! The gym was not filled this morning and I wanted so badly to say something to them and take a solid stand on my faith and my Jesus but I didn't...I almost think because I didn't that I was just as much in the wrong. I pray GOD forgives me for not taking a stand when I had the chance. I will say this...it is those who are blessed that have faith but have not seen!! I know my Jesus and my GOD are real...I know they have changed my life and I know I will never be the same...AND I WILL SAY THIS...I may not understand everything in the bible but I BELIEVE IT FROM COVER TO COVER!! ALPHA AND OMEGA!! THE BEGINNING TO THE END!!! PRAISE GOD!

Afternoon, was spent with Mica shopping and then having lunch with my nephew Kacey and my Mom at Panera Bread. Grocery shopping at Earth Fare and then home to clean the pool. A great day for me. Gonna rest up a little tonight and get ready for a nice 7 Mile Trail Run/Race tomorrow morning!

My last venture today was something I am very proud of...NOT SOMETHING I DID..SOMETHING JESUS DID! For about 5 months my neighbor and me have not been on speaking terms...I won't share the details but I'm sure it was my fault...honestly I think it all came from a comment I made on Facebook back in October. An immature comment I made about a politician that I shouldn't have made and that started the conflict. We had been friends since we moved across the street from them almost 7 years ago. Until today the last five months have been uncomfortable and frankly just pulling into my driveway and turning my head so I didn't have to speak had become my pattern. Well GOD has been speaking to me about this and I have been praying about it. Today when I saw my neighbor walking down her driveway...I said thank you Lord for giving me this opportunity to go and ask this friend for her forgiveness...I didn't know what I was gonna say...but as the bible says...make sure when you go and comfort a person...1) make sure you love that person and 2) make sure you have a forgiven spirit. Well GOD put in my mouth what to say...and Jesus prepared my heart. My neighbor did forgive me and hugged me and told me she loved me! Let me tell you my day was complete! THANK YOU LORD!!My neighbor is a really good person and has two outstanding daughters and for years we have always been good friends...its nice to know that they have decided to forgive me...now I have my friends back!

Keep the faith people...If you don't know my Savior Jesus Christ then contact me...I will tell you...once you decide to let him into your heart...your life will never be the same! He will delivery peace to you and your life will become a lot easier. I lived a long time thinking I was everything and needed no one to do anything...NOW I REALIZE I AM NOTHING WITHOUT JESUS AND I AM EVERYTHING WITH HIM!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

Nice Easy Run/ Business/ Speaking Engagement

So glad to see the sunshine and the warm temperatures today...Spring is in the air!

I started my day off with a nice easy run with my good friend and workout partner Mandy Stephens. We met at National Fitness Center in Oak Ridge and ran from there down to the Oak Ridge Marina and down the Marina and then back to National Fitness Center. A nice 11.25 miles in 1:42:17...yeah and easy pace of 9:05...so refreshing to run with such ease and enjoy things...the rowers are in town from everywhere right now for a big meet this weekend and it was so awesome to run with some of them and see so many places represented. University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, and even University of Tennessee with many more! The run was just what I needed to start my day and its always good to be around my good buddy Mandy...she is so driven and focused when it comes to fitness!

Afterwards, I took a quick shower and went to a business meeting in Knoxville for a few hours and then came home to see the end of the Tennessee basketball game! WOW...a 30 point defeat...well I would say the Bruce Pearl era is coming to an end!! Funny how the people are turning on him now...LOL..I been trying to tell people all year but no one would listen and people actually got mad at me this year for things I have said about Pearl! Let me also say this since I'm on the subject...Mike Hamilton didn't lie or do anything wrong...I can't understand for the life of me why anyone is mad at him. Hamilton is a quality guy that has four adopted children...Mike and his wife give their time and money to raise four kids that are not theirs and then on top of that...when everything was going great at UT and Pearl hadn't lied why didn't he get the credit then he deserved? Why does he need to lose his job cause Pearl lied? Please somebody tell me why? Quality people never hurt you in an organization....obviously Pearl was not a QUALITY PERSON!! Getting down off my soap box...but before I do...TOLD YA SO....LOL!!

I was asked to speak to the Clinton High School Baseball Team last week before their game against Grace today! I was honored by the request!! Coach Taylor said I could talk about anything I wanted and I had about thirty minutes with the team. So carefully I planned what to say to these young men and I wanted it to be more about being a person than a baseball player! I titled my meeting GOALS and ATTITUDE! I do believe with GOALS and ATTITUDE anything can be accomplished!

Your goals 1) have to be written down....2) Establish a time frame....3)List the obstacles you will have to overcome to obtain your goal...4) Identify the people and organizations you will need to complete your goals..5) Spell out a plan of action....and finally 6)You must identify the benefit of obtaining the goal for yourself! Now let me add this last thing...IT MUST BE YOUR GOAL...NOT SOMEONE ELSE'S GOAL! I believe in goals...WRITTEN DOWN GOALS...and I believe if you, your company, your family, and your church do not have WRITTEN DOWN GOALS you will just exist but never excel !

Attitude...well lets just say...I think its the most important thing a person can possess...A POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Attitude is the barometer for everything and a bad attitude can tear down anything just as easy as a good attitude can make anything work! I have always had a "CAN DO" attitude in my life and I have always believed that I could do anything I choose to do...this was something that was instilled into me by my parents and coaches at a young age! We talked about how many teams have outstanding talent but never seem to win the championships...I truly believe its because of ATTITUDE and GOAL SETTING! If the attitude is "EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF" then team is no concept...remember Coach Wooden's pyramid...WE always supersedes ME! We talked about an attitude of gratitude and of respect! I won't share everything but I will say this...I think I got as much out of the meeting as the boys did ! LOL...They responded to the meeting and really participated...I'll tell you something...I love today's youth...I do believe they are no different than when I was a kid in most ways...I know they are in some...but I really believe they all want and need discipline and they all want love and they all want someone to care about them! It was nice to see the coaches in the meeting with me and at the end lead the applause after I spoke!

A great day today...my heart stays full anymore...I thank GOD for all the chances he gives me to witness and tell my story of what GOD is doing in my life and for me! PRAISE THE FATHER OF ALL THINGS!

Thanks for following my blog and reading! God bless you and your family!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

Compliments and Men's Bible Study!

My day, March 17, 2011, started at Panera Bread this morning at 7 am...Men's Bible Study Group with Rocky Smith and Bret Warren. I have come to love this hour and a half we spend together and share the word of GOD! Our conversations are private and the peace I feel when I leave there some mornings is priceless. The studies are helping me grow in my christian life and it gives me a chance to vent to my christians brothers and share my disappoints, successes, and strongholds! We always end our meeting with a prayer and I feel so close to these guys! I love you my brothers!

Our discussion this morning was on FAITH! Funny thing is when you think you have faith...and we all think we do...HOW STRONG IS YOUR FAITH? If Jesus asked you to leave everything you have right now..family, job, friends, home, pets, money, land, clothes, food, etc....and come with him...what would you do? Is your faith strong enough where you would go right then or would you need to think about it and pray about it and say goodbye to others? OR would you say hang on Jesus can't I just go for awhile and then come back to my home and family and friends and job and and and and????Just when you think you have faith..I had to ask you this question..it is something to think about! The disciples didn't have a chance to think about it...they just went...HOW STRONG WAS THEIR FAITH? They left businesses and family and trusted in Jesus and look how they were blessed! Everytime you and me think our faith is strong consider this and then ask yourself NOW HOW STRONG IS MY FAITH! Jeremiah 29: 11-12..."For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

Two other things real quick...One of the questions asked in our lesson was do you think you are living out God's purpose for you in your everyday life and if not why not? The other was if you died today and for some reason a news show found your life newsworthy and decided to do a report on you. If the reporter was especially smooth and endearing, so your surviving family, friends, and co-workers gave her access to your financial documents, your home, and your office and granted her interviews where each answered honestly and candid about you......WHAT WOULD SHE FIND OUT ABOUT YOU AND WOULD YOU BE PROUD OF EVERYTHING SHE WOULD FIND? Hmmmmmm...well this certainly made us think also! I will say 1 1/2 years ago I would not answer question two but now I can...I think I would be very proud for the honest and candid interviews and I have nothing to hide in my life now! The first question...well thats where honesty really comes into play...I am not living out God's purpose in my life at this point...well not what I think God is speaking/telling me to be....and honestly its because I have became a slave to money and a lifestyle...what a shame...I will pray about this my friends! I truly hope to change this...I want to live out God's purpose in my life!

It was an outstanding study and as always it made our bond tighter as a group!!!!

Wanted to share a couple other things tonight. In the last two days I consider myself to have been paid two serious compliments and I think they are noteworthy.

Yesterday I ran with Angie Wilson over in Knoxville..we decided to meet near the Island Home area of Knoxville (the back half of the Knoxville Marathon course) and do a 7 mile run...well it started out for 6 but we felt good so we did 7...LOL! Anyway around mile 5 we had made our way back to the downtown area of Knoxville and were running down Gay Street where banks, lawyers offices, and business are right on the street. As I crossed a street I saw a person walking towards me and I recognized this person and said hello to them as I ran by...the person did not recognize me...then I realized...this person hadn't seen me in about 5 years...well I would have been about 65 lbs heavier then...so then I said "Hello Mary...I'm Mike Edenfield"...as I kept running...then she threw up her hand...it is a compliment to realize I have changed my look and body so much since I began to eat right, do P90X, and run that someone that knew me well didn't even recognize me! WOW

Then today I was working out at National Fitness Center in Oak Ridge and had finished my workout and was completely spent...I did a ton of weight lifting and CORE work and had just finished my 1035 crunches when a lady came up to me as I sat on a bench outside the sauna and looked concerned. I was sweating badly and you could tell I had giving my workout MY BEST! The lady says to me "Would you like me to call someone from the front desk for you or get you some help?"....I just smiled and said no thank you...I give my workouts everything I have and I have just finished....she looks at me and says "Boy you sure do"...what a compliment!

Well, life is awesome at the Edenfield's house and GOD is blessing us everyday! We thank you for your friendship and prayers! I pray that if we can help you in any way you will let us know...I know people say this all the time but I mean it! If I can do anything for you and your family PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

Thanks for reading this and following my blog...GOD BLESS YOU!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

Randomness But Still Important to Me...LOL

Today was a great day as I spent the morning with clients! I came home for a quick lunch and then out to the gym for a BIG TIME WORKOUT! I only have three weeks left before the Knoxville Half Marathon and I am devoting myself and all my training to this race right now! I really want to do well in this race and my goal time is 1:45:00 or less...last year I did a 1:49:52...I know its a tough course but I have been working my butt off to get myself in the best condition of my life! Today, I worked my CORE and Upperbody for two hours...I started with sit ups (decline..meaning my body laying on a bench...head down at the ground and feet up...not your standard sit up)..I did a 100 as quick as I could and then I grabbed a 25lb weight and did 30 more...then I grabbed a 45 lb weight and did 15 more...this is always a good start for me! Then on to push ups, pullups, DB Bicep Curls, Lawnmower Pulls, Pull Up Leg Lifts, Crunches (I always do 1000 when I work CORE), Chest Flys, and when I weight lift I always circuit train so I add Jumping Squats to my routine...I use a 18 inch bench to do Jumping Squats..I did 150 of these...I will say I believe this is what is making me stronger in my races/runs! A great workout...and I have a big week planned for my workouts and four run days also! Then starting next Monday I will start to taper down a little each day so I am fresh come April 3rd for the race!

Had a great night afterwards as I got to see my nephew Kacey Edenfield play in his first high school baseball game. He is the centerfielder for Central High School. I got a chance to see his mother tonight, Toni, who I hadn't seen in sometime and it was great to be able to talk with her again! I think Kacey might have been a little nervous his first time at bat, as anyone would be, because he struck out on a pitch that was clearly out of the strike zone...thats okay in bottom of the second inning he made an outstanding play on a sinking line drive that was hit like a two iron...he made an incredible catch that could easily got pass him and went to the wall for a triple but just like a chip off the old block ( his Dad...my brother...Ken Edenfield...a former Major League Baseball Player with the California Angels and New York Yankees) he made the catch! Thats boy Kacey!

Finally, I wanted to share something with you and let you know how I feel about something and see what your feelings are about the subject! Today, I was listening to the Sports Animal with Jeff Jacoby, Micky Dearstone, and Heather Harrington! A caller called in and started the conversation by saying he liked Bruce Pearl and was trying really hard to see the good things about him and not the negative ones! BUT, BUT, BUT...he said, "Did you see Bruce after the technical foul during the Florida game? He screamed the F word! And I think that is wrong." He said, "If I had a son that was considering University of Tennessee I may not want him to come here with a coach talking like that." Well immediately Heather says I don't get offended by that would and that would have no bearing on the situation if my son wanted to come to UT...she said I don't have a problem with a coach talking like that! Jeff also responded by saying he wasn't offended by it either and he didn't think any of the players on the UT bench would be offended by it...Jeff said you must not ever have been in a collegiate locker room if you don't think coaches talk like that! Mickey said he didn't condone it...then Jeff said he didn't condone it either but he didn't think it was a big deal! Well I remember a few games ago when Harris was screaming from the bench F this and that and B_ll Sh_t...hmmm....I do believe the fish rots from the head down! I can tell you I do think that is WRONG...I do think a coach has a responsibility to develop young men and not just win basketball games...I do think a coach should an example and be a role model...I do think INTEGRITY matters....let me say this and as strong as I know how to say this...If you want this man to be your coach...you might as well be happy with the players he is gonna bring in here! A team emulates their coach...a team is their coach...a team can not talk, act, or play different than the coach that recruits and prepares them for their games! I do believe it is Bruce's time to leave UT...I don't know where Bruce would fit....I think at times we have made a deal with the devil to win at all cost....I would love to see Bruce change but HE AIN'T GONNA...I want a man with integrity and a man with character at UT...I don't think winning is the most important thing and certainly not at the cost of setting the wrong example for our student athletes! Off my soapbox now...LOL!

Hey by the way...I thought I would put a little something on here from time to time so you might know me better! Here goes a couple!

Favorite Color: Red....second is black
Favorite Sports Team: Cincinnati Reds...then Boston Celtics...then Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite Song of All Time: Turn the Page by Bob Seger
Favorite City in the USA: San Francisco
Favorite Movie: To Kill A Mockingbird
Favorite Dog: Jack Russell
The Five Things that I think makes a woman attractive: Her hair, teeth, eyes, finger nails, and toes! Bet I surprised you right there...most men wouldn't say those five things...I can probably think of a few other body parts! LOL...My opinion has always been if those five things are in order...everything else would take care of itself!LOL

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

Ever Looked Up and Wondered How Did I Get Here and Who Helped Me?

Well I sit here on Sunday night and realize I am coming to the end of another great weekend! It was a complete weekend...two races, spent time with friends and family, and got a ton of work done it my yard! I am blessed...Saturday I started it out with The Great 8K Run in Knoxville..the second year in a row to run this race...and it was a blast! The weather was great and I set a new PR (Personal Record) for an 8K...36.44. I was 1st in my age group and 13 overall! I came home and took a rest for about 4 hours and went to Oak Ridge and ran the Catch the Leprechaun 5K...again a pretty successful race..even though I didn't go with any intentions of placing...just to run the race...I came in 15th overall and 4th in my age group and ran the race in 22.47. The course was hilly but I was very proud of my time! The best part of the day was I got to see a ton of running buddies and to compete twice! My buddy Laura Gearhiser tore it up on Saturday as she also ran both races and won both as the Overall Female!!!!

We didn't have a lot of time after the race because we had to get ready quick to meet friends for dinner at Altrudia's in Knoxville! Three of my closet friends, Doug Dibb and his wife Cindy, Angie Wilson and her two kids, and Rocky Smith and his wife Pat Smith met me and Mica and Phyllis Stewart, my Mom, and nephew Kacey Edenfield for a great dinner! A ton of laughs with running stories and old stories that go back 10 years! Rocky has been a friend for 15 years and he means the world to me...HE IS IN MY TOP 5 and the other two Doug and Angie have become my friends over the past year...THEY BOTH ARE IN MY TOP 5...I have respect for all three of these people and I know that I could count on them for anything! Kinda nice and peaceful to know I have friends like that...I hope they feel like they can say that about me because THEY CAN!!

Last night kinda got me thinking about the MEN that have made a difference in my life! What made me...ME! I think I'm pretty simple but some say I'm complicated...lets say the three words I can say describes me...FOCUSED, INTENSE, and ENERGIZED...if I had to further describe myself a few things that come to mind would be...A Christian, Hard working, giving, fair, honest, timely, goal setter, spontaneous, and competitive! But who helped me...we all have people that helped develop us and make us and give us explosures, confidence, and opportunities! So I thought I would list the MEN that made me and what I am today...WHO I AM...WHAT I AM...WHERE I AM GOING...WHERE I HAVE BEEN! So here we go:

MY DAD....Sam Edenfield

Dad passed away on Oct 14, 2010...I feel like a part of me died that same day! My Dad was far from perfect but what a great dad he was for me! Dad taught me my work ethic and he taught me the single biggest attribute I have as far as I can see...GIVING! Dad was a giving man...he never had much but he always thought he was rich! I use to fuss at him because a lot of times Dad was giving things to people that actually had more money than himself! LOL He never missed a game I played whether it was in town or out of town and no matter what sport it was I was playing! I could write a book on my Dad but I will say this in short about him...His love for me was never a question and the man would have died for me at any moment in his life...he thought there was nothing I couldn't do and was so proud of me...He gave me more confidence than any man in my life!

MY FIRST BASEBALL COACH: Roger Thompson

Well thats Roger in the red shirt and me in the red pants with the white belt! LOL!! Roger and his brother Terry would tell me time and time again how good I was and how great of a pitcher and baseball player I was gonna be! I never forget one time when I was 9...Roger and Terry took me on another field when we were practicing away from the other players and talked to me. Roger told me that he was counting on me and told me if I put my mind to it I could be a special player! The confidence they both gave me was unbelievable and it stayed with me throughout my playing days in college and even today! Neither probably realized what they were doing but its amazing what words can do to a young man...I think about that now when I talk to young kids!

My Brother: Ken Edenfield

Well my brother is truly not just a brother but my closest of friends...I am so proud of the man he has become and the true bond we share! Ken has different attritbutes than me but in some ways we are very common! Ken is what I would call TRUE BLOOD..though we may have a difference from time to time...the man would do anything for me INCLUDING GIVING HIS LIFE...that I'm sure of! I LOVE YOU MY BROTHER...like no love ever!

My Little League Pitching Coach: Cecil Drury

Cecil lived about three blocks from my house when I was in Little League...thats Cecil on the right and me all the way on the left back! Cecil was a pretty good ball player growing up and he knew baseball and pitching! When I was 11 and 12 years old Cecil tutored me anytime I wanted to go knocking on his door! I would run over to his house after school or in the summer and there was never a time I asked him to catch for me that he didn't. Cecil would get his lawn chair out and sit back with his catchers mitt and catch me as long as I wanted to throw. Cecil made me the pitcher I would become and he taught me the curveball and how to hit spots with my fastball....AND A WHOLE LOT OF THINGS just sitting there in that lawn chair! You know just thinking about that...I wasn't Cecil's son...my Dad and Mom didn't pay him...he got nothing for his time and effort...Just a good man helping a young man become an adult! WOW!!

My High School Baseball Coach: Richard Price

Coach Price and the stories I could tell about him! Talk about confidence...Coach Price walks up to me at baseball tryouts my freshman year and he says..."Hey I don't usually put freshman on the varsity squad and there are a few freshman out here but don't worry you will make this team"! Not only did he select me..the fourth game of the season he puts me on the mound to start the game...I did pretty well but got in trouble in the fifth inning...he came to the mound...I begged him to let me stay in the game...he looked up me and said its your game to lose! What a confidence builder for me...we won 7-1 and I got the complete game victory! What Coach Price did for me was incredible...I remember several times he would come up to me and say you are pitching tomorrow...I'd say I just pitched two days ago...He said you'll be ready!LOL...He would play me anywhere...Catcher, Firstbase, and even the outfield but pitcher and shortstop was where I ended up most games! When I made All Conference...I remember him coming to me at school and I swear I think he was more excited than I was for the award! I loved Coach Price!

My High School Football Coach: Carlis Altizer

The reason I have to include Coach Altizer is simple one reason...He made a negative comment to me one time and it has stuck with me till even this day! I played all three sports in high school but when I was a junior I made a decision I would not play football my senior year because I didn't want to jeopardize what I thought would be a scholarship opportunity in baseball! When Coach Altizer found out about my decision he came to the lunchroom one day while I was having lunch and called me outside in the hallway...when I told him he was right that my decision was not to play next year...He called me a quitter! He probably had no idea what impact he made on a young man...even though he was trying just get me to play football...he gave me a mindset from that day on...I AM NO QUITTER...I probably owe him something for that conversation because I ALWAYS FINISH NO MATTER WHAT!!

My College Baseball Coach at Walters State: Bill Gardner

Coach Gardner took what I call an average baseball player...ME...and made me a college baseball player! He had a way of building confidence in young men and teaching and coaching baseball intellect! Coach Gardner always gave me a feeling there was nothing I couldn't do and he made winning fun!

MY SQUADRON COMMANDER IN THE USAF: Major Bill Davis

Now this man was a big influence on me...he would always say me that I could be an officer instead of an enlisted man. Major Davis is the reason I went back to college in the service and he is the biggest reason that I got a job in the back office in the Security Police Squadron and out of the Missile Field so I would have more time to study and play ball for the Air Force! He begged me to stay in when I decided to be discharge in 1987, but he was so happy for me when he found out I had been able to secure a really good job on the outside! Officers and enlisted people were not suppose to fraternize but Major Davis and his wife would come to my house all the time and actually would have dinner with me and my wife! He was always talking to me about being a officier and he always thought I could do it...a big help to me for other three years of my life!

CLAYTON HOMES: Herb Ping

When I left Kansas City and returned to Morristown...I went to work for Clayton Homes! I met a guy named Herb Ping! He was a career Clayton Homes guy and had done everything with the company but had decided to go back into sales for a slow down at the end of his career! Herb taught me how to sale and how to close a deal...WOW without Herb I don't know what I would do for a living today!

MY BUSINESS PARTNER: Scott Lewis

Well Scott got me in the automotive business, he trained me, he paid for me to go to Finance School, he employed me, and he is the single biggest person in my life when it comes to my career! Scott not only is my business partner but my best friend and my mentor! I seriously don't know anything I would not do for the man to include giving my life! Scott is one of the smartest men I have ever met and he can speak in front of a group of people off the cuff better than any man I have ever met! Besided my father, Scott, is the closest man I have ever had in my life! We trust each other and love each other! Scott employed me in 1988 and in 1991 I left him to go work for Clayton Volvo but when he started his new company in 1993 he came searching for me...after only six months of me and Scott working together we purchased a company together and we have been business partners ever since! Much love to this fellow...I pray that he would speak at my funeral when I die and I would hope he would want me to do the same for him...I don't think any man would know either one of us better than the other does!!

OTHERS: I won't write about the others but the list below all had influences on me and are very much appreciated!!!

*Jim Bowlin...my ex father and employed me in high school and college..a wonderful man
*Gary Cooper...my ex father...Gary was as big of influence in my life as anybody besides my father and Scott Lewis...
*Dwight Frazier....getting me in the automotive business
*Joe and Rick Clayton...training me to be a Used Car Manager
*Don Dimperio....training me in the Automotive After Market Business
*Ray Viles Sr...my first account in my new business and a client for over 19 years
*Johnny Wayne Farris...a client and one of my best friends
*John Smyth...a really really good friend and the first man to introduce me to RUNNING
*Rocky Smith...ONE OF MY TOP 5 Friends of all time
*Donnie Lamb...ONE OF MY TOP 5 Friends of all time
*Martin Himes....ONE OF MY TOP 5 Friends of all time
*Doug Dibb...ONE OF MY TOP 5 Friends of all time
*Tony Horton...Mr P90X...He changed my life when it comes to fitness

Well these are the men...I don't think I have left anyone out! I thank them all and I only hope that one day when some guy is thinking about what made him...HIM...that maybe he could put me on his list!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17





A Few Quotes That I Like...Hope You Do Also!!

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a ...choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes!"...Charles Swindoll

"If you do the things you need to do when you need to do them you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them!"...Mike Edenfield

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts"....Coach John Wooden

"So many people spend their health gaining wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health"...Materi

"Recipe for Success: Study while others are sleeping; Work while others are loafing; Prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing"...William A. Ward

"Winning is not a sometime thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing"...Vince Lombardi

Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed...every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle...when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.

"Let's get busy living or let's get busy dying"

"The biggest job of judging character is to know yourself first...I know myself"

"You are, or will become, the average of the five people you associate with the most"

"Sometimes you either have to CHANGE your friends or change YOUR FRIENDS"...Mike Edenfield

"Be careful...the people you step on...on the way to the top...you gonna meet a lot of them on the way back down"...Bill Werber

"Some people get to big for their pants and don't think they need GOD and they can do everything on their own...maybe that's way Jesus didn't wear pants!"...Mike Edenfield

"Don't burn like a big ole bail of hay"

"Never ask more out of  a relationship than what you have put into it"

Counting Calories It Works!!!

I started P90X on Oct 5, 2009...if you ever want to hear my story its on http://www.youtube.com/ look under Mike Edenfield and then look for Mike Edenfield's Life Journey! I have charted food for 520 days now...since Oct 5, 2009...it is the secret to losing weight and eating healthy! Here are my results so far!

START DATE:  OCT 5, 2009          START WEIGHT: 203 LBS
TODAY'S DATE: MAR 9, 2011      TODAY'S WEIGHT: 160 LBS

1ST 90 DAYS             JAN 1-DEC 31, 2010   JAN 1-MAR 9,2011               TOTALS

90 DAYS                    362 DAYS                                    68 DAYS             520 DAYS 

100 WORKOUTS      326 WORKOUTS                     70 WORKOUTS   496 WORKOUTS

159,354 CAL              797,646 CAL                               157,890 CAL           1,114,890 CAL

1770.64 AVG              2203.44 AVG                           2321.91 AVG             2144.02 AVG

11,716.14 PRO           50,479.32 PRO                       8793.90 PRO             70,989.36 PRO

130.18 AVG                139.45 AVG                               129.32 AVG               136.52 AVG

                                                                                       20633.75 CARB                                 

                                                                                       303.44 AVG                                       

                                                                                       4463.98 FAT                                      
                                                                                        65.65 AVG                                        

                                                                                       7838.40 SUGAR                                

                                                                                       115.27 AVG                                       

LBS LOST 30                     LBS LOST 7                    LBS LOST 6           LBS LOST 43

Well as you can see I didn't count anything but calories and protein for 2009 and 2010 but in 2011 I have started to count carbs, fat, and sugar! Notice that my calorie intake has gone up significantly since I started and its because I have been able to get myself to a point where I can substain almost two hours a day of continuous workouts! Notice how my carbs are over double my protein but thats not for everyone...most people need to try and keep their carbs no more than 1 1/2 to 1 of their protein! Listen people counting calories and protein, carbs, fat, and sugar works...what you eat is more than 70% of weight loss! I am gonna put a food chart on here and you can also go to M and M Fitness Club on Facebook and go to the pictures and download it also! DO IT...IT WORKS....your motta should be like mine...YOU BITE IT...YOU WRITE IT!

Hit me up with questions...I am the dumbest guy I know but I know nutrition and I know how to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF!

Peace
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17

March 10, 2011 My Day

Started my morning this morning with a great breakfast...1 cup of eggs white scrambled and halfed into two parts...1/2 cup of cheese...all placed in two whole grain tortillas and mixed in some salsa and then a big cup of coffee...Perfect breakfast...only 452 calories, 56g of protein, 18g carbs, 16g of fat, and ZERO sugar! Thats right ZERO sugar! Perfect way to start my day with lots of protein but I will need to pick up some early carbs for the three workouts I hope to get in today!

My Men's Bible Study Class at 7am at Panera Bread this morning was AMAZING! Only two of us today...me and Rocky Smith (one of my top 5 and one of my best friends of all time)! Rocky is an amazing person...a man of God and he knows the bible inside and out and I learn so much being around him! He has amazing energy and a passion for people and to preach the word (he is a preacher also)! Our study today was on Chapter 4 of Dare to be Uncommon! Basically, what is your FULL POTENTIAL in life...not in your career...BUT IN YOUR LIFE! Put aside your career...Moses, Peter, Paul, and others put aside their careers for GOD...what is your potential in your life to help the Kingdom of the Lord? We were asked to complete the following exercise and I would love for you to do it also!

Basically fill out the opportunities you have in life and then identify your passions and then your abilities as you see them!...The interlocking center should tell you how you can further the Kingdom by the connecting opportunities, passions, and abilities! I will share mine...Opportunities...My running friends, fitness friends, clients, my business partner, my brother, my family! My passion...sports, running, my faith, baseball, my marriage, goal setting, competition, and helping others! My abilities...sales, leadership roles, teaching/coaching, fitness! Now my connecting circles kinda tell me I would do well at working with young people in some kind of coaching/teaching atmosphere! Sharing my past and my abilities and passion with them and teaching them how NOT TO LIVE...and how with the right kind of life in the beginning..they will be able to avoid all the pitfalls I fell into and went through! Funny thing that is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to do! We learned about Moses and how God used him after he was 80 years old and no matter what his past...murderer, he stuttered, his people rejected him, and he even had apprehension! But when he let God use him look what he did! He is probably one of the top five men of the bible...as he wrote the first five books of the bible and delivered the Ten Commandments and lead his people out of the most powerful empire on earth and across the Red Sea! WOW...what can we do if we let God use us no matter what our past has been!

Secondly, we got off subject as we usually do...LOL...we talked about struggles in our christian lives! I won't share with you what our subjects/concerns were because these are private among us but I will tell you this...we all have struggles and test that are put in front of us everyday. Whether its the love of money, impure thoughts, addictions, lust, temptations, unforgiveness, gossiping about people, etc....WE ALL HAVE THEM!  We talked about this and here is the deal as I said to Rocky...we are all like a big tube of tooth paste and we are solid or we look solid...our sins and tempatations,etc are known by Satan...he knows  us as well as GOD does and he knows what our strongholds are and how to temp us and he is like a needle that puts a hole in the tooth paste...the hole is unseen to most but when the tube is squeezed the tooth paste will come out...he knows how to squeeze us (temp us)! When we are tempted we have to be around Christians and THE WORD to stay the course (to keep the hole plugged)...when we are not...we have the temptation to go backwards in our christian life! I know my temptations...I don't put myself in a position to fail...I know where I am vulnerable, however, there are times that situations are things happen that put me in a position that I can't help because of business or whatever...ITS AT THAT TIME I HAVE TO BE CONCIOUS OF MY PRESENT SITUATION...pray...or remove myself from that position...SO I WILL NOT FAIL! I will tell you because if not it would be a pride thing for me and I have no pride now that Jesus is in my heart...Sex just like in many men is a tempatation for me...impure thoughts, TV, movies, commercials, anything...as a godly man told me the other day...many men are dealing with this all the time...even pastors...now you may not believe this but trust me it is TRUE...if people are really honest with you they will tell you IT IS TRUE! There is an article recently published that says 1 out of every 2 men that enter a church on Sunday morning is dealing with it in some way...either physical or mentally! Which honestly is the same..even though some of us might not consider it the same! So here is what I have learned when you are put in this position to think or act on your stronghold (whatever it is)...then pray for that individual and for their soul....IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PRAY FOR SOMETHING AND FANTASIZE ABOUT THEM AT THE SAME TIME! This may not be a popular subject but it is REAL!!!! Many men deal with it daily...christian and non christian men!

I met a good friend in Oak Ridge around noon and had a nice 5 mile run...part of the 5 miles was the 3.2 miles of The Catch The Leprechaun 5K course that we will run Saturday at 4pm! It was a nice run and my friend Mandy Stephens really did well...it is not a flat course...should be fun to race it! I just love Mandy and she has great passion for fitness and running...she had made great strides in the past year with running and P90X and has become a fitness friend...awesome how God has put people like her in my life! Afterwards, I went to National Fitness Center and worked CORE and Triceps...I always do sit ups, push ups, and crunches everyday!

Drank my recovery drink and ate a protein bar at the gym...that put me at 872 Calories for the day so far and already 87g of protein and only 73 carbs! I will eat again before M and M Fit Club tonight at 6:40 because we are gonna do P90X Core Synergistics and I will need some carbs in my system to get in a good workout!

Got home and found out my new Survival Strap had arrived that I order this past weekend...I love it because it is black, red, and white...THE CINCINNATI REDS! Yeah thats my team and Opening Day is only three weeks away on March 31, 2011...you know where I will be since I haven't missed Opening Day since 1979!

Then found out my new logo for my Running Team is ready...this is a patch I am having made for my team...its 3 x 3 and is a sewn patch and will fit on a hat, shirt, shorts, etc...it is really kewl...its gonna be a nice surprise to give to them for being a part of my team that I will take to New England in June to run a 221 mile relay in 1 day...6 states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts)! Should be a blast!!

Well I'm gonna grab a bite to eat and head to M and M Fit Club in a bit! Then home to wach the Vols! I trust your day has been a good one! Just remember guys live everyday like its your last one...thats the only way to live....WHAT IF IT IS! Don't leave anything you want to do undone! I was thinking today what if this was the last run I ever did...WOW...why not go all out...well you get the thinking...LOL!


Peace and Love
Mike Edenfield
1 Timothy 1 15-17