Sunrise Family

Weekend Warrior!

Posted: Nov 19, 2007 at 9.46am

Hi, gang...just a quick one to let you know I'm back from Marathon #12: The Catalina Eco-Marathon. I'm just glad I survived! That was the most difficult physical challenge I have ever faced, bar none! Miraculously, I finished 6th in my division at 4:41:30 and a real highlight for me was getting to run several miles with my running idol and buddy, "Ultra Marathon Man" Dean Karnazes. TIME Magazine named him one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2007 and tackling such a tough course with the man himself was especially motivating. Just the sight of his legs are an inspiration! Catalina Island is such a breathtaking place and not too far from Los Angeles, so if you're ever in Southern California, you should definitely include it on your "To Visit" list. Thanks for all your well wishes and encouragement...it came in handy on those 44 kms of outback trails!

I got some sad news that my favourite high school teacher, Mr. Keane, passed away unexpectedly last week. He had such a profound effect on me in those formative teenage years and really helped me expand on my interests in English and journalism. I don't know that I would have had such a successful scholastic record without him and he certainly inspired my career path. So much of my day is spent writing and I'm blessed that he was so integral in providing me with a strong foundation and enthusiasm. Coincidentally, it was only recently that he & I had reestablished contact and I'd sent him copies of some recent magazine articles and my two books, "Let's Dish Up A Dinner Party!" and "Sacred Blood." I'm grateful we had that chance to correspond before he died. It's funny how the great common denominator for people is a fascination with showbiz: the thing that impressed him most was that I'd interviewed Angelina Jolie!

I'm still in touch my other favourite: Mrs. Gibson, who taught me when I was only 5 years old, but left a lifelong impression that is now a cherished friendship. Hey...why don't you take some time this week to remember someone special from your school days with a note or a phone call?

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