Homemade Parallettes

So after my first attempt of making a medicine ball I caught the bug to make my own parallettes.  This week has been crazy busy with school so after I finished my test this morning I was itching to release some creativity.  I found a good free reference on the Crossfit Journal that you can find here if you're interested.  Then I went to out the home store and bought my supplies.  I only needed the PVC which came out to $23ish.

Once I had everything all that was left was to measure, cut, and piece together.  You could cut the PVC with a fine tooth hand saw, but I ended up using my saw-zaw.  It buzzed through the pipe like butter and made for quick work.

There are two 24 inch, four 8 inch, and eight 5 inch sections when it's all said and done.

Here is everything after I cut it all up.  You'll notice that I'm missing two 5 inch sections.  Well I'm not sure how it happened, but I didn't cut the last cut.  You can see the left over pipe on the top corner of this picture.  Good thing I didn't mess up because every inch of the 10 foot pipe was used.

After cutting all that was left was gluing and fitting it all together.  Here is one drying on the drive way.

And here are both of the completed parallettes.  I'm very excited to use them.  The Crossfit article even provides a nice list of exercises that they can be used for.  I originally was just thinking full range of motion push ups, dips, and L sits.  Turns out there is a lot more you can do with these.

Anybody else have experience with parallettes or making your own workout equipment?

Gym Work Flop - Take 2

It's Sunday night and after dinner with friends what better way to wrap up our evening than to hit the gym?  Ok well I could think of better things, but time is ticking away on our free passes so that means no rest for weary.  We hopped into the car, cranked the radio, and pumped ourselves up to drop the hammer on the treadmills.  Hopefully with better success than last time we hit the gym.  I mean we're going to a different gym the last time and we're set up with our temporary passes so we should be able to just show up and workout.

It wasn't long before the glow of the gyms lights were in view.  This was it.  Time to do work!  The wall of windows allowed us to see people in the gym and plenty of equipment (functional I might add) open and waiting to be used;  used by me.  I could practically see my name on them.  Hold that thought.  I was still wearing my pullover and didn't want to bring it inside so I ran back to the car to drop it off.  Little did I know that would be only running I would do tonight.  Stacy told me she would meet me inside as she continued to the door.  I took off for car, dropped my pullover, closed the door, locked the car, and turned around to see....Stacy walking back.

She tells me the doors are locked.  Our passes won't open them.  Like a good husband naturally I question the statement.  "What do you mean it's locked?  There's people inside!" and then I continue up to the door like maybe she didn't use the right one or didn't pull hard enough.  Typical male right?  Yea I know what you are thinking "who does this guy think he is"? But it's like a sign that says not to touch a wall with wet paint.  I'm going to touch it.  I had to see for myself that the door was in fact - locked.  It was.  As usual Stacy was right.

So not only did we not get to drop the hammer on the treadmills, but we drove 15 minutes to look like monkeys trying to open a door.  What made it worse was some lady on a treadmill facing the parking lot was watching us finagle with the stupid door!  I could practically see her thinking "oh look at these noobs! They can't take a hint the door is locked and look at this idiot his wife just tried the door.  What does he think he's going to do?" *I try the door* "yeah it's still locked, you should have listened to your wife."

Now I would understand if there were open times posted on the window or something but of course there is none to be found.  So that's it I'm over it.  I'm beginning to think I'm not supposed to work out in a gym.

Veterans Day Parade

Yesterday was Day 5 of the 30 day fitness challenge and the active challenge was to walk an extra 10 minutes.  Easy.  Enter the Veterans Day parade in St. Louis at the Soldiers Memorial.  Stacy and I made the trip into the city and I was glad we did.

We had a great spot in the intersection of 14th and Chestnut looking right down Chestnut toward the Arch.  When the parade started there wasn't to many people so we had a nice unobstructed view.

They even had a Bald Eagle in the parade.  I wish I knew the organization that is pictured in this picture.  I bet they have some other cool animals.

The 932nd Airlift Wing - United States Air Force Reserve Airmen were there carrying this huge American flag.

I'm not sure who this guy was or what war he was in, but he was awesome.  He looked old as dirt but he was walking the whole parade talking to folks along the way and could probably still kick my ass.  Don't know him but I'd interested to hear his stories.  I bet he has a lot.

At first I thought this was a Corvette club, but quickly realized it wasn't. 

Each car had a golden star on the front window and in each vehicle the passengers were holding a picture of a fallen military member (I'm assuming family) riding in remembrance.  Enough said.

I couldn't post this without adding my service of choice.  United States Air Force - AIRPOWER!  They looked good out there marching.  Made me proud.

I love old trucks and cars and this parade didn't disappoint.  I was very happy to see the restored Impala since my dad used to have a white one like it.

The Army showed up with their up in the up armored humvees.

At the very end there were motorcycles.  Lots and lots of motorcycles.  So many that my skills as a photographer don't even begin to do justice.  The sounds was deafening the motorcycles stretched for miles and it was just a visceral awesome sight to see.

Two hours after we arrived I had over 200 pictures on my camera and my face hurt from smiling and the parade was over.  It was a great time and I think the city of St. Louis put on a great display.

30 DCF - Day 4

So this isn't so much about Day 4 as it is about a learning experience I had on my run today.  In order to tell that story I have to tell another so hang in there if you continue to read this.

What are you looking at?

Most of my day was spent in the lab studying for an upcoming test on Monday.  We have to learn lots of muscles, bones of the axial skeleton, and of the appendicular skeleton.  Anyway there are many ways to learn many things as we all know, but you can't beat old school repetition and practice.  This not only works for studying, but fitness as well.  On twitter I follow people that I would call professional athletes.  Some of them might argue that title, but that doesn't matter.  What does matter in the point I'm trying to make.  Which is that they didn't get there over night.  It took years of repetition and practice.  We all have to start somewhere in everything we do.  Whether it's learning anatomy and physiology or healthy living tips.  We all have ups and downs in fitness.  It's not easy.  If it was we wouldn't have the obesity problem we're facing.  There are other contributing factors, but that's another day and story.

So I was exercising my brain for most of the day today.  With today being such a B-E-A-Utiful day it was difficult, but I did it.  I'll go ahead and pat myself on my back now.  Well like anyone who's spent anytime in college they know that studying hard requires study food.  You know where this is going.  Last night Stacy and I made some homemade pizza (mmmm...pizza) and the leftovers were waiting for me in the fridge when I got home from the lab.  Without hesitation I ate a couple pieces and that's all it took.  Next thing I know I'm hunting for Halloween candy like a 6 ft. 3 inch 198 lb armadillo hunting for a nice juicy grub.  Problem was I found the candy and proceeded to feast.  Next thing I know I snap out of my candy craze practically laying in wrappers wondering what happened.  Well I wanted to run today so I thought what better time than now.  Turns out there was a better time, like before I binged on Hershey's and Reese's peanut butter cups.  I was pretty excited to get out, but once I started I was immediately regretting my choice.  My body was stiff, my legs were like lead, and my head wasn't in it.  I felt like I was crawling, barely moving.  I had to pick a house run to it, then pick another and run to it and so on and so forth.  That's how it went for lousy 3 miles.

So how does any of this pertain to repetition and practice.  Well you're not always going to "get it" the first time every time.  There is going to be good days and bad and on the good days you're training your body.  On the bad days I say you're training your mind.  Anyone can run, walk, or whatever on a good day.  Only the dedicated athletes and mentally tough keep going on a bad day because repetition and practice make perfect.

30 DFC - Day 3

30 DFC - Day 3

I woke up this morning to rain.  I love rain and I get the best sleep when it rains.  Unfortunately my happiness about the weather didn't last long though when I saw my active challenge for Day 3.  Today it was "park in the furthest parking space from the door".  Uh...losing!  Do you have any idea how far you can park away from a door at a college?  Good thing there are lots of doors to park far away from! It never said "which" door. Uh...winning!  Ok so maybe I didn't pass that challenge.  Full disclosure.  I didn't pass my my nutrition challenge either.  I was supposed to eat a meal without distractions - no TV, reading, driving, conversation.  Nothing.  Since I check my computer like.....well like someone who checks their computer a lot I couldn't do that.  Otherwise I met all my challenge requirements.  3 outta 5 ain't bad.

Overall Day 3 was a good day.  I am a little sore from yesterdays weights workout.  I've said it once and I'll say it again.  It has been a looooong time since I've picked up a barbell and my muscles are pissed.  Showing off on the bench press is so high school.  Note to self I shouldn't do that again; lesson learned.

In talking with my family they seem to be getting along well with the challenge.  In fact my mom, bless her heart, recruited a co-worker!  Her challenge sheet was out on her desk and her co-worker asked what it was.  I thought that was pretty awesome.  

Alright my brain is shutting down, better throttle back before I start to.."ramble on, and now's the time, the time is now, to sing my song."

Time for bed!

Gym Work Flop

So I ran a 5k back in September and in the swag bag was a free trial pass to a gym.  I know September it seems like forever ago.  It was kind of a trial/get-you-in-the-door-and-join sorta thing.  Well it worked to some degree.  Looking to change things up in my workouts the wife and I took unsaid gym up on their offer.  I'm not the biggest fan of running on a treadmill, but I thought it would be good to lift some weights.  God knows it has been a very long time since I have even looked at a barbell.  So we walk in and at first glance it looks alright.  No creepy spandex dudes gawking at themselves in the mirror, there is no roid raged muscle head hooting and hollering at a squat rack - um...that 800 lbs isn't going to move itself big boy.  Get on it.  Then we met the lady at the front desk and things started to go down hill.  When we told her what we were there for she gave us the crazy eye.  I gave it right back in a "you called us sweetheart" kind of way.  You know the one. 

Anyway we received some paperwork to fill out and some of the questions were priceless.  I wish I'd taken a picture because they slip my mind now.  For example one question I remember had something to do with asking if I'd ever spent at lest $1 a day on unhealthy food.  How can you answer that with a yes or no answer.  I mean I don't buy food everyday, but when I shop for my groceries some unhealthy things make it in the cart. Like those bottles of recovery drinks I bought; talking to you Big Sky Brewing.  So um....yes?

Moving on.  We finally get to go workout and I head over to the treadmills because I'm uncomfortable in a gym.  What does everyone do when they're uncomfortable somewhere.  They go and sit next to a wall so no one can sneak up behind them or they do something that is familiar.  Against my better judgement I hit the treadmill.  This way I can scope out the gym while not looking like an idiot.  Turns out this particular gym doesn't like treadmills because only 3 of like 6 or 7 were operational.  So Stacy and I manage to find 2 together luckily, remember safety in numbers, and we start.  I'm cruising along at a nice clip (8:30 pace) when Stacy says she's going to stop at her next mile and work on some weights.  I think alright cool I'll kick up the speed and finish at my next half mile, I was close anyway.  Beeeeeeep - that's me holding the speed button down.  Now I'm mooovin'. I'm probably somewhere in the 8-sub 8 pace setting.  The machine is humming, I'm settled in, thump, thump, thump, nice rhythm going, good posture, breathing, and - I. Was. Run-ning. When the machine sharts itself and I almost blow through the other end.  Dead stop and ERROR 21 across the display.  WTF mate?  One of the trainers working with his client says "oh yeah that happens with this one, the gym won't fix it."  Awesome.  Is it to much to put a note on it saying oh I don't know; makes frequent stops!  How about out of order?

So it was onto weights which turned out alright.  It's pretty hard to screw up on free weights.  One thing that did concern me was the lack of disinfecting towels and spray.  I only saw two rags in whole gym and one spray bottle to wipe down the equipment.  I'm not a germ-a-phobe by any stretch of imagination, but seriously 2 towels?  Is a tub of disposable wipes to costly that you can't splurge for them?  Needless to say I probably won't be going back unfortunately because I'd like to support them and it's close to where I live!  There's another gym Stacy and I are going to hopefully try out tonight.  I have high hopes that it will turn out to be a better experience.

30 DFC - Day 2

source

Well Day 2 has come and gone without incident.  I'm still here and my family is still here after starting our challenge; good news I'd say.   Day 2 provided a nice entrance into the program with some easy changes to keep in mind throughout the day.  Eating veggies with every meal, walking an extra 15 minutes throughout the day (i.e. taking stairs instead of the elevator), suggestions for cardio, stretching, etc. 

I did have a random thought though when I was thinking of what to write for today.  It's something that I struggle with when planning goals or really anything for that matter.  I often want instant gratification for doing whatever it is I'm doing.  Many things take time and very often I don't want to wait.  I want to do it, check it off my list, and move on.  This leads to me missing out on the journey and I have to remind myself to look around and enjoy the experience and path I'm on.  Anyway you get the picture.  See below for more on the topic.

It's funny how when you start something new or different from the norm.  There's always that feeling of doubt.  Doubt about not finishing, doubt about not doing it right, doubt about what others will say, doubt about your motivations, doubt from people who think you can't do it just because they can't do it.  A lot of times the best of intentions can be shadowed with doubt, but I think it's important we not get into our own heads too much (another weakness of mine).  Sometimes the right prescription for change is to not think about it and just do it.  Just be you and be the best at it.  If you start out realistically knowing that there's going to be growing pains and bumps along the road and naysayers along the way you will be prepared to meet those challenges and blow right through them.  

I was laying in bed last night thinking (doubting myself) what have I gotten myself into?  What have I gotten my family into regarding this challenge?  If I'm feeling this way what are they feeling?  Are they playing into my strange fantasy of wanting to help people?  Is nursing school corrupting me into some "do-gooder-touchy-feely" health fitness freak?  I should really go hunt something to reclaim my man card, on second thought it's late.  Tomorrow. 

It seems like the days prepping for this challenge was fast paced and a flurry of work when combined with other life responsibilities.  Getting everything set up so that emails go out on time, making sure everyone has access to the group collaboration page, ironing out any questions or concerns, and thinking of how to keep people involved, and how to remotely motivate people was part of the fun and excitement for me.  It's something I've never dealt with before and thankfully my first time is with family who is understanding.  Still as I lay there in bed, my mind running 90 mph, I couldn't help but feel...anticlimactic?  I'm not sure what I had envisioned the start of the challenge would be.  Maybe in my head I envisioned it like a race, a 5k lets say, and you prepare for a PR because the course is flat and fast.  Walking to the start you're giddy with nerves and excitement because in your mind you know that you're ready and your plan is to go balls out.  The gun fires - BOOM - you try to run but you can't.  It's like that bad dream where you're being chased and you try - with every part of your being - to haul ass and run but you're stuck in slow motion.  Finally you realize that it's not a 5k you're running it's a 100k; this is going to take some time. Well I just realized that I'm running a 100k.  No matter what 30 days is 720 hours or 43,200 minutes or 25,920,000 seconds.  Time is time and nothing I do, no matter how excited I am to sprint ahead, is going to change that, nor should I want to change it.  I just need to settle in, find the pace, enjoy the scenery, and the experience of choosing to be a healthier family.

30 DFC - Day 1

So I was trying to find something for my family and I to do that would start the Holiday season out on the right foot.  I'm a fan of proactive prevention approaches and what better way to fend off the Holiday sluggishness than a 30 Day Fitness Challenge!  There are tons of fitness challenges out there, but if your family is like mine there is a varying degree of time available, fitness level, access to equipment, and so on.  That meant I had to find something easy, flexible, and tailorable.  After all committing to something for 30 days can be tough enough even when it's not related to fitness.  That's when I found this 30 Day Fitness Challenge from the exercise section at About.com.  Using a little creative freedom I decided that every challenge didn't have to be completed everyday, but if someone was up for it the option was there.  This way people didn't feel as pressured.  

I also set up a document that everyone participating can access and make notes, comments, ask questions, or browse to see how others are doing.  My thought here was along the line that misery loves company and what better company than your own family.  We love each other I swear.  This also works well because my family (participating family) is spread throughout three states and let's face it we all have lives so a central meeting spot (document) makes it easier for everyone to keep up.  Also since I'm the focal point for all this it makes my life easier.  People just have to deal with me constantly "family spamming" their email with updates, changes, and anything else I come up with.  To say it was a rough start is an understatement.  It's obvious that I'm a "jump-before-I-look" kinda guy.  I think in psychology circles they call it failing to completely unpack the task.  What can I say I'm a work in progress.

So Day 1 is today as if you couldn't tell from the title of this post.  Basically it's a day to get your stuff in a sock and prep yourself for the next 29 days.  My first impressions of the program are that it offers a good variety and it's great for a beginner who wants to learn or get started living a healthier life.  On that same note I feel it can also be overwhelming for beginners who have no experience and have to wade through everything.  Seeing an active challenge, exercise challenge, flexibility challenge, nutrition challenge, and finally a mind/body challenge for 30 days can appear like a mountain if you're starting out.  That's why - like I wrote earlier - I have scaled it down and rather than saying you have to complete all the challenges.  We are saying start with one challenge and progress onto more when you're ready.  I believe that just making one healthy change a day can have a compound effect.  Eventually that one change will be habit and open the door to another and then another.  That's why we're going to crawl, then walk, and finally run.

Check back for updates and thoughts as we make our way through this month.  Also has anybody else tried to do a family challenge; fitness or otherwise?

10K Gumbo Flats Pumpkin Run

Well I'm sore today so that means I must have ran a couple days ago.  I'm not sure if it's common for most but I get DOMS bad.  Perhaps it's a nutrition thing, I'm not sure and that's another story all together for that matter.  Anyway I promised an entry about the Pumpkin Run so here it is.

Place

Name

City

Bib No

Age

Overall

Chip Time

Gun Time

Pace

13

SCOTT URY

O'FALLON MO

3734

26

92

53:23

54:16

8:37/M

My first 1ok was something I would call a huge success.  I really enjoyed myself and the people that participated in the run were phenomenal.  From the coordinator to the volunteers to the runners young and old, big and small.  I've only a limited experience with races - a total of 4 now - and this was the best organized one I been to.  Parking was easy with plenty of folks directing traffic, volunteers, Chesterfield Police Dept, cones and everything.  Very efficient.  Since the race was at the Chesterfield Towne Center the little shops were all opened up for business as well as your standard vendors at a race.  Plus with all the cafes' and businesses open it meant that you didn't have to wait in line at the cold port-a-potties.  The course also took us into the Spirit of St. Louis airport and we ran on a taxi way.  I hated this part.  It. Was. So. Long. Running on a flat straight road is difficult for me.

It's freezing!!

After some warming up I came to the realization that I need to invest in some actual cold weather running clothes.  Thanks goes out to my lovely wife for capturing this gem of a picture.  Moving on.

Does this picture make me look like a giant?

And we're off!  I think at this point I was really second guessing not bringing some gloves.  My hands were frozen meat pops starting out for the first two miles.

Finally coming to the end.  Sunglasses would have been a major help during this race.  Squinting the last three miles sucks.  In fact I think it made me fell more tired.

But in the end I was very happy with my effort.  I'm glad that my first 10k is out of the way with many more to come.

UPDATE: Road I.D.

So I'm coming up on three months of owning a Road I.D. and I have to say that thus far I'm impressed.  I can honestly say that I have faithfully worn it 98% of the time I've owned it.  The only times I can recall NOT wearing it is when I had to get really dressed up.  Other than those times it has been around my wrist morning to night.  That being said, due to its light weight and soft feel I hardly register it being on my wrist.

It's also held up better than I  expected.  I've worn other bracelets made from similar material (talking to you Live Strong Bracelet) that broke in a month.  The Road I.D. has proven to be very good purchase.

First ride with the Road I.D. (end of July)

Stroking it hard down the Slalom River (August)

Apple Orchard Adventure (September) 

Missouri Warrior Dash w/ the Crossfit St. Charles crew (October)

Since nothing is ever perfect I do have to comment that the while the stainless steel i.d. part of the band is practically bomb proof.  It does cause the band to rotate on my wrist at times and the information part faces the bottom of my wrist.  This isn't a big deal since scratching the i.d. portion of the bracelet is nearly impossible during normal use, (I have yet to put a scratch in mine) it is frustrating at times.

Okay so there you have it.  From bike rides to mud runs and everything in between this could be the best $16 I've spent in awhile.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday I went to a pumpkin patch with some friends to pick out pumpkins to carve.  It was crazy.  I've never seen so many pumpkins in my life.  Everywhere you look there were pumpkins ranging from tiny ones to some that I couldn't pick up by myself.

The Great Pumpkin Pyramid

There were so many pumpkins in fact the longer I stayed the more and more I second guessed my decision.  I kept walking up and down the rows switching my pumpkins for what I thought were better ones when in fact I was probably going in circles.  The difference was zilch - nothing. 

To. Many. Choices.

A small child could have fit in one of these!

Then there were these mutated beasts.  Big orange pumpkin boulders calling my name.  I was under serious deliberations with myself about whether to pop for one.  In the end for $35 my responsible and rational self won out and I walk away for a couple reasons.  First, what do I do with a $35 mutated pumpkin?  Second, but most important, Stacy would have arrived home today, saw the mutated orange pumpkin boulder on the front step, rolled her eyes, and do what every wife would do - question her decision to settle down with me.  Ok maybe not question her marriage, but at least wonder why I do the things I do.
 

My Kind of Weather

After what felt like a rant yesterday I think I should post some updates on the recent adventures I been on.  First we have a trip to Augusta, MO to a local apple orchard - Centennial Farms - for apple picking.  We joined some friends for the afternoon and made a day of just hanging out and enjoying the weather.

Trying to get "artsy" with my photos

Does this make me look like I have ape arms?

We took a hay ride to the apple trees where they dropped us off and away we went.  Before you went out though you had to grab a bag that ranged in size.  Stacy had plans for apple pies and fritters so we grabbed two BIG bags.  We greatly over estimated the amount of apples we needed.

Yes that says 14 lbs.

After the orchard we were hungry and thirsty so after a failed attempt at one restaurant (it was a little to stuffy for our taste) we settled on something more our speed.  Enter the Augusta Brewing Company.  It was right on the Katy Bike Trail so there was a good mix of people and it had a neat vibe to it.  Of course I don't have any photos so you'll just have to trust me when I say it was a pretty cool setup.

Fast forward to October and there was an extended weekend (celebrating our anniversary) in Las Vegas with friends and again photos are limited.  I sometimes ask myself what use is bringing a camera if I don't use it.  Thank goodness for camera phones, right?

Yes that is a steak knife down the center of the plate

Well the couple pictures I did get were from breakfast at the Hash House A Go Go.  Where they market their food as "twisted farm food".  It was spectacular.  The wait was crazy long.  So long in fact when we put our names on the wait list one of the couples we were with went and grabbed coffee from Starbucks, returned, and we all finished our coffee before we were seated with time to spare.  Yeah it was an epic wait but totally worth it.  I swear the breakfast was probably 1,500 calories by itself and worth every single one.

A couple we were with celebrated their anniversary at Mastro's

My choice for the best restaurant that we ate at is Mastro's Ocean Club.  It's located in the Crystal shopping center and WOW.  It's also where I ate the best sweet potato fries in my life along with arctic char, calamari, and the list goes on.  The live music was nice too although it was a little loud at times, but provided a good mix of classic tune-age.

Fast forward again and that brings us to yesterday and my trip to Cuivre River State Park.  Charlie had been laying around looking depressed so I thought I would seize the opportunity and great weather and take him exploring.  I also wanted to get some pictures of the fall colors.  Turns out I might have been a little late, but I think they turned out alright.

I think Charlie is a little lost

Ok well now you're caught up don't you feel better?  I'm running my first 10k in a week so I will post picks of that when I finish come hell or high water.  I know it's only 6ish miles, but my training has been non-existent so it should be interesting.

I have a problem

I'm the type of person who is always day dreaming of things that I want to do and 90% of those things never materialize into an act of actually doing/completing.  For example I constantly talk about things around my house I would "like" to do.  In fact I have a rotating list in my head like getting organized, building some shelves, cleaning my garage, cleaning my basement, cleaning my vehicle, cleaning my house, taking my bike in for maintenance, prepping my yard for winter,  giving the dog a bath, and the list continues.  I also have a fitness list like complete a 5k (done), 10k (race on the Oct 29th), half marathon, marathon, Olympic distance triathlon, Half Ironman, Ironman, and a Century bike ride.  Am I crazy or do lots of people have this...um...problem?  To complicate things - this always happens - I was just accepted into an accelerated nursing program which is awesome and will be taking all my spare time in the coming future.  If there is one thing that doesn't take a back seat it is education.  Fortunately I'm very lucky my wife is extremely understanding with this.  I just tend to want to start new adventures when I don't have the time to dedicate myself to them.  That might say something about myself but who cares.  I'm human and humans are odd creatures - some more than others.  Ok I have no idea where that came from.  Moving on.

Triathlons.  They have been on my mind a lot.  I've also been reading lots about them.  They have a very alluring appeal to me just like anything with a "I'm cool because you wish you could do what I'm doing even though I look as though I'm about to die" sort of culture.  My whole life its been that way.  In the Boy Scouts (yes I obtained the rank Eagle Scout) I once degenerated into a hypothermic state on a winter survival camping trip in Colorado after constructing a snow shelter.  Even though he won't admit it my brother probably saved my life that day by recognizing it and taking action.  I was in a bad way but tell the story with pride and wear the experience like a badge of honor.  Dumb I know.  Oh yeah and then there is the six years in the military where group suffering is the norm; loved it.  Then came Crossfit where I was introduced to a different type of pain; self inflicted.  Laying on the ground after a workout completely drained and have random full body muscle spasms.  Weird but for the record that only happened twice.  So you see triathlons are right up my alley.  Suffering.  Good for mind and body.


I love exploring that dark place that I only find when I'm truly being tested and seeing how long I can stay there.  Really testing myself because I know that physically I'm capable of completing a task, but can I complete that task mentally.  Our minds are not limited by the physical barriers muscles and cardiovascular endurance is.  Many people who are capable to do great things stop short because mentally they give up when it gets tough.  Now I could get all philosophical and rant about how that is the problem with society today.  About how so many people choose the easy route instead of doing what is right for themselves and their health because it's easier to be fat and out of shape than put in at a minimum of what, 30 minutes a day of exercise.  Or how I see people circle the Wal-Mart parking lot for a close parking spot so they don't have to walk twenty extra steps.  But I won't get into that here because that's not why you visit this blog.  Also because I have covered many topics already and this entry is loooooong.  Holy crap, it's lunch time, I'm out!

Great Forest Park Balloon Race

So last weekend Stacy and I headed out to Forest Park in St. Louis to check out the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.  Since moving here we have talked about making the drive to see it, but ended up being to busy or hit traffic that was so bad we lost our steam and gave up.  This year we were determined to make it and enlisted some friends to go with us.  This also held us accountable for going since we didn't want to leave them hanging.  Anyway it was awesome to say the least and well worth the drive.  The weather kind of held out for us.  There was quite a bit of wind so each time gusts would come up the balloons on the outer perimeter would lift and people would scramble on the baskets to hold them down.  It was crazy being in the center of it all.  

Of course there was plenty of fair food and was eager to try it.  I mean after all they have to make a living right?  One place marketed "meat on a stick" and it was simple and great.  Grass fed humanly raised (and all that stuff) beef.  A couple of places had huge hot/brat dogs with this sign I had to snap a photo of.  Gotta love a sense of humor.

Sense we arrived early we were able to see the balloon being pulled out and raised in the middle of the field.  I don't know how they do it without burning the actual balloon, but it's a really cool sight.

With the cloud cover night set in early which was nice because that translated into more time seeing the balloons glow.  I thought this was a cool picture because it reminded me of a light bulb and I liked the design.

This is a good picture with most of the balloons "flame on".  Every couple of minutes they would blast a horn and all the balloons would hit their flame throwers (that's a technical term) and it was beautiful.  Like nothing I've seen before, just amazing.  This picture doesn't do justice.

Last but not least this picture really speaks for itself.  It took me forever to get a good photo of this balloon.  The other balloons kept lighting up and the wind was blowing it around and then you couldn't read the full name.  Finally I just felt like it the pilot was going to light it up and just snapped a photo and the timing was great.  

O.k. one last departing photo.

I'm Not Perfect

( Kind of a random ramble this morning)

I also don't take myself to seriously all the time either.  I like to think that I'm still young at heart and in spirit like everyone else.  That said waking up at 5 in the morning sucks!  I don't know why it has all of a sudden become this major drag on me, but I'm hating it!  I'm hating it so much right now that when my alarm went off this morning I turned it off rolled over and slept for another hour!  It was great!  Stacy didn't appreciate it though since she couldn't get back to sleep after waking up from my alarm, but what am I supposed to do about that?  I know that last part sounds mean but I don't mean for it to come off like that.  My poor wife puts up with more than many will ever know or care to know.  Especially my on again off again schedules and hobbies but those are totally different subjects for totally different times. I'm not perfect. 

So I have my first "official" 5K coming up in just a little under a month that Stacy and I are running together in.  I have no doubt that I can finish it and depending on the course I might even PR.  If it's flat then I will definitely be faster than my course I usually run since what I train on consists of practically all hills, some of which are big.  I've read that training on hills for a flat race my not be the best idea, but it can build strength.  I'm good with strength as a byproduct of training!  What I'm not good with is wasting time driving to a location to run on a flat surface at 5 in the morning.  As it stands I can fill just over an hour with a warm up, run, cool down, breakfast, and the Three S's without driving somewhere.  If I had to drive it would really throw off my mojo!  Again, I'm not perfect.

In keeping with my "I'm not perfect" rant this morning I'm worried about training in the cold.  I don't have a treadmill or anything similar and you already know how I feel about waking up and driving somewhere to train.  I love cold weather and everything about it, but I've never had to run in it for miles.  Sure I've played in the snow and ran around causing mayhem in my day, but I was bundled up.  Also it wasn't a consistent run for any real amount of time or distance. I hate that feeling in the back of your throat when you're breathing hard and it burns.  Mmmm that's a pleasant thought this morning.  Maybe I just need to do it and accustom myself to it.  Easier said than done that's for sure.  Especially when your bed is at that perfect temp ratio of warm/cool and you debate just blowing off the whole day and staying in bed.  Am I the only one that feels like that?  Maybe? Yes? No? Ok I'm the weird one I get it.  I'm not perfect.

So I promised pictures and a post from my last adventure over the Labor Day weekend and I will keep my promise they're coming.  I've been lazy and haven't downloaded them yet and I'm waiting for inspiration.  Well mostly I've been lazy and had a big test this week, but inspiration sounds good.  What else can I say except...I'm not perfect!

Warrior Dash

Mud. Sweat. Beer.  Warrior Dash is here!!

I've seen these types of races before and have always thought it would be awesome to participate in one someday.  Well someday has now become October 15th!  At the behest of....well no one....I signed myself up.  Come hell or high water I'm competing baby!   I can't begin to describe my excitement either.  It really seems like I've these types of races are gaining popularity, which is awesome.  Either that or it's like the phenomena when you buy a new vehicle.  You think that what is now parked in your garage is unique and no one else has the color you chose or the same model configuration and then WHAM!  The next day it seems over night everyone goes out and buys the same vehicle and you're uniqueness drains away.  Well it seems like everyone (my friends) are all doing a type of mud race.  Even down in Florida where a buddy of mine is competing in the Tough Mudder; someday I will too.  I can't complain though because I'm happy that races like this are getting people outside and active.  I can't think of a better way to run 3 miles or however long the Warrior Dash is.  I also like that I don't have to drive to another state to participate.  In the past the races were so far from where I had lived and entry fees aren't cheap (I paid almost $50) that when everything is added up the cost was so expensive it precluded me.  Since a race has come to Missouri I jumped at the chance.  Oh and I almost forgot you get a t-shirt and Warrior helmet and eye sticky things with your entry fee.  So the money does get you more than just a hellish 3 mile dash.

Just a short one today.  I'm traveling today so I'll post an update with pictures sometime this weekend.  Have a great day!

Campus Nutrition

So one thing that I struggle with and assume many others do as well is how to eat healthier on the go.  I hate feeling trapped in my food choices on campus or on the town.  Now I should mention that I'm not a nutrition snob and refuse to eat anything not organic, free range, pulled with my own two hands or what have you.  In fact a good article on this can be found here.  While I do "watch" what I eat I try not to be snobby about it.  Yes, I eat organic when possible and I limit my red meat and refined flour intake.  Yes, I go out to dinner and eat steaks, bacon cheese burgers, fries, drink beer and enjoy pizza like the next guy.  I do all this while keeping in mind portions, how often I'm partaking in said debauchery, and where I am for the week.  To me this is a responsible and sustainable approach to eating.  I mean if you're counting and weighing and passing on delicious food why are you here?  Life is meant to be enjoyed not only physically but with all your senses.  Don't short yourself by missing out on food you WANT to eat!

O.k. off my soap box and back onto topic.  Campus nutrition is tough.  When I look at the selections in the cafeteria I see pizza, burgers, chicken, salad, chips, pop, and everything else college folk eat.  I'm not 18.  I have noticed that my metabolism has slowed as I coast down the backside of my twenties.  It's really amazing actually how fast it turned for the worst.  One day I was eating anything I wanted and the next day the love handles and belly began to grow and my face started to fill out.  Crazy.  To think I've been told it's only downhill from here.  Wohoo?  I'm determined to change that trend for myself.

O.k. back on track again.  campus food is not only very limited, but expensive.  Me being the cheap guy I am (see medicine ball build) I bring my own food/snacks.  One of the things I bring are these freeze dried fruit crisps by Brothers All Natural.  They come in a couple different flavors, but I love the Fuji apple and Asian pear. 

What's nice about is these is they don't bruise!  I hate it when I go to eat a some fruit and it's been smashed, dented, bruised or whatever from being in a backpack with 30#s of books.  The second snack I take to get me through the school day is something salty.  I have a sweet with the fruit, but sometimes that's not enough OR I just want salt.  Enter my new favorite "chip" garden veggie chips.

Believe me when I say that these taste nothing like a healthy chip.  They have three flavors that I know of; sea salt (flat, ribbed chip), lightly salted (they're shaped into straws), and rosemary olive oil (Stacy's favorite).  I'm providing a link because unlike the fruit crisps just a Google search may not be enough.  Check them out here.

That's it!  Add in some water and it gets me through my day without feeling terribly hungry until I'm able to get home and eat a usually late lunch.

Till next time I'd be interested to hear ideas of what anyone else does for food/snacks on the run, at work, or during class?  Post below!