Yowza! What a week! And it's only Wednesday! And why am I using so many exclamation points?!?!?
Maybe 'cause I'm tired?
Maybe 'cause I'm stressed?
Maybe 'cause they look so cool?
Well, I am tired...and stressed. It's been a challenging week. The auto industry is causing so much pain, the Pavilions project has gone south, and the economic forecasters predict Oakland County losing another 25,000 jobs this year.
But, I think I'm using the exclamation points because they look cool.
That, and I leave tomorrow for Florida. So, technically today is kinda like my Friday!!!
More exclamation points.
I now am starting to get nervous about the race. Do you ever get those feelings that creep in right before a big moment? You know the ones, where you start feeling anxious, and wonder if maybe, perhaps, you don't have it in you? Yeah, the same feelings that we're told not to worry about?
Yep. I got 'em.
So, I've been trying to get them out of my mind. I tried by looking over my training schedule to prove to myself that I've done all I can to prepare for Saturday.
Didn't work.
Maybe I can focus more time and attention on my kids. That worked. For a while.
But the feelings came back.
Then, like rain falling on a parched earth, they started to arrive.
"They," you ask? Your notes. Notes of encouragement. E-mails of support. Calls from well-wishers. Friends slapping me on the back as I walk past.
I've soaked up every one of them. They mean more to me than you know. Having friends like you supporting me means so much. You all will be with me as I start and as I cross the finish line!
Exclamation Point!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Believe In Fred
A few weeks ago, I started my quest for my catch phrase.
Thanks to those that shared their ideas. While I appreciate the "beached whale" and "stuffed sausage" references, I think I'll pass.
To prepare myself, I started digging through my iPod song list, favorite movies, books that I like, and past posts. I found a nugget of an idea: from the wrap up letter following Nation's Triathlon.
I don't know if you remember: after the race, my teammates and I went out for a few soda pops. As we walked in to the bar, the speakers are blaring Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."
"That's it!," I said to myself as I read the letter. It still is a poignant reminder of why we are doing this, isn't it?
"Sure," I say to myself, as the doubt creeps in. "But you can't fall back on an old message. This time is about more than that first experience. Isn't it?"
That's when my mind starts wandering. If you don't know me very well...my mind wanders...a lot. I like to think of it as creative moments. My family thinks I have adult onset Attention Deficit Disorder.
Suddenly, other songs fill my head. Songs from my youth. Songs like "Crazy Train" and "Enter Sandman" and "Psycho Killer." Can I find something there?
Like: "Help get me off this crazy train"? or use some play on words with "sand" and "sandman"? Maybe bring in the "beached whale" reference, stuck on the sand?
I gave up on "Psycho Killer."
But the sights and sounds of my youth seemed to fill my head. Is there something there?
Then I started thinking of Eric. When he was diagnosed, the second time. And his nickname, Fred, that he earned after he drove the family car into the garage. Not, in to the garage. Into the garage.
His younger brother, after hearing the news, said, "Eric, you can be a real Fred sometimes." I've shared notes from AJ from time to time. So I think you know his sense of humor.
The name didn't stick then. No, the name didn't stick for some time. It didn't take hold until after Eric's dad returned from a trip to New York.
You see, Eric's dad picked up a newspaper while he was in NYC. And the editorial in the paper that day was titled: I used to believe in Santa Claus, now I believe in FRED.
The name stuck. He's been Fred, at least to his close friends, ever since.
"Wait a minute!" My mind is going crazy!!! I've got it!
I've got my catch phrase, thanks to Fred!
Eric is an important motivating force in why I am doing this. He led the way for me to meet so many people on my last journey, and hear their stories. Those stories are what encouraged me to take on this journey. Eric, to this day, continues to be a positive force, as he continues his recovery. I believe that together we are all making a difference. A positive difference.
"So, what is the catch phrase," you ask?
BELIEVE IN FRED.
Thanks to those that shared their ideas. While I appreciate the "beached whale" and "stuffed sausage" references, I think I'll pass.
To prepare myself, I started digging through my iPod song list, favorite movies, books that I like, and past posts. I found a nugget of an idea: from the wrap up letter following Nation's Triathlon.
I don't know if you remember: after the race, my teammates and I went out for a few soda pops. As we walked in to the bar, the speakers are blaring Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."
"That's it!," I said to myself as I read the letter. It still is a poignant reminder of why we are doing this, isn't it?
"Sure," I say to myself, as the doubt creeps in. "But you can't fall back on an old message. This time is about more than that first experience. Isn't it?"
That's when my mind starts wandering. If you don't know me very well...my mind wanders...a lot. I like to think of it as creative moments. My family thinks I have adult onset Attention Deficit Disorder.
Suddenly, other songs fill my head. Songs from my youth. Songs like "Crazy Train" and "Enter Sandman" and "Psycho Killer." Can I find something there?
Like: "Help get me off this crazy train"? or use some play on words with "sand" and "sandman"? Maybe bring in the "beached whale" reference, stuck on the sand?
I gave up on "Psycho Killer."
But the sights and sounds of my youth seemed to fill my head. Is there something there?
Then I started thinking of Eric. When he was diagnosed, the second time. And his nickname, Fred, that he earned after he drove the family car into the garage. Not, in to the garage. Into the garage.
His younger brother, after hearing the news, said, "Eric, you can be a real Fred sometimes." I've shared notes from AJ from time to time. So I think you know his sense of humor.
The name didn't stick then. No, the name didn't stick for some time. It didn't take hold until after Eric's dad returned from a trip to New York.
You see, Eric's dad picked up a newspaper while he was in NYC. And the editorial in the paper that day was titled: I used to believe in Santa Claus, now I believe in FRED.
The name stuck. He's been Fred, at least to his close friends, ever since.
"Wait a minute!" My mind is going crazy!!! I've got it!
I've got my catch phrase, thanks to Fred!
Eric is an important motivating force in why I am doing this. He led the way for me to meet so many people on my last journey, and hear their stories. Those stories are what encouraged me to take on this journey. Eric, to this day, continues to be a positive force, as he continues his recovery. I believe that together we are all making a difference. A positive difference.
"So, what is the catch phrase," you ask?
BELIEVE IN FRED.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Milk, Cheese and Beer...er, what's that smell?
What a glorious weekend. You really couldn't ask for better weather. Well, okay, I guess you could ask for a better Sunday...but Friday and Saturday were unbeatable.
Suffice it to say, I got out for a long bike and run. As you know, I took a few weeks off (well, pretty much off) while visiting my parents in Florida.
So, on a whim, I took off a little early on Friday to get in a good brick. Note to self: don't go out on a whim to complete a brick.
"Why? What happened," you ask?
Well, ummm, *ahem*, errr. Let's just say it's not a good thing to go 3 hours without nutrition. Or, it turns out, a spare tire.
I decided to ride the Clinton River Trail to the Macomb Orchard Trail. That was my first mistake.
See, the Clinton River Trail is built out of limestone. I've ridden it before. But never this early in the season. And the limestone rutted over the winter. It was, to be polite, bumpy.
Thankfully the Macomb Orchard Trail is paved with asphalt and, for the most part, well maintained. I was so happy to get the first 4 miles behind me.
"But, wait a minute," I say to myself. "I'm a little thirsty." I reach down to grab a water bottle...no water bottle.
Ooops...I kinda forgot to bring a water bottle. I kinda overlooked that when heading out on a whim, didn't I? What else did I forget? Oh, I don't know, maybe some fuel? How about my saddle pack?
About a half an hour in to the ride, I spied a 7-11. Oh, thank heaven for 7-11. (That sounds familiar). They really don't have what I need, but I pick up a few things that should get me through. Should being the operative term (I'll come back to that).
The ride continues on past the 32 Mile bridge. It really is beautiful out there.
On the way back, with about 6 miles left on the Macomb Orchard Trail, I notice that my rear tire is feeling a little soft. I was a little worried that I might have damaged the tube while riding on the washboard on the Clinton. It looks like maybe my worries were well founded.
But, at least at this point, it feels like I should be able to get through these 6 miles, and the 4 miles on the Clinton.
I got through the 6 miles.
I got through 1 mile on the Clinton before the tire was toast. Did I mention that I forgot my saddle pack? You know, the pack that holds my spare tubes? Yeah. That.
I have a hand pump mounted to the side of my bike. So, at least I was able to limp through that last three miles, pretty much stopping each mile to fill the tire again. But it was a pain, literally and figuratively.
After wrestling through the last 3 miles, I loaded my bike into the car, grabbed my shoes, and started out for a run.
The first 4 miles went well. But then I started to cramp up. I first felt it in my right hamstring. Then my left. Then my calf muscles.
"What's going on," I asked myself. "I couldn't have lost this much ground in two weeks, could I?" I mean, two years ago, I remember being saddled with a tightened achilles tendon that stopped me from fully running for longer than 2 weeks. And I was able to return to the run with, really, no real loss in ground.
So, what could it..."Oh, snap!...wait a minute..." That's right! 7-11 only had Gatorade. And Gatorade doesn't cut it for what I'm doing today.
I squeeze out another 2 miles back to the car. I drive home. Walk in to the house. Grab a glass of milk. Some cheese. And a beer.
I know it sounds like an odd combination. And, yes it is an odd combination. But it's exactly what I need to get some quick calories and protein/carbs in to my cramping body.
I fall on the floor next to the baby. She sidles up next to me. Pulls off my glasses. Climbs on to my chest. And smiles.
It was a precious moment, until I realized that what I was smelling wasn't coming from me! And I just had milk, cheese and beer!
Suffice it to say, I got out for a long bike and run. As you know, I took a few weeks off (well, pretty much off) while visiting my parents in Florida.
So, on a whim, I took off a little early on Friday to get in a good brick. Note to self: don't go out on a whim to complete a brick.
"Why? What happened," you ask?
Well, ummm, *ahem*, errr. Let's just say it's not a good thing to go 3 hours without nutrition. Or, it turns out, a spare tire.
I decided to ride the Clinton River Trail to the Macomb Orchard Trail. That was my first mistake.
See, the Clinton River Trail is built out of limestone. I've ridden it before. But never this early in the season. And the limestone rutted over the winter. It was, to be polite, bumpy.
Thankfully the Macomb Orchard Trail is paved with asphalt and, for the most part, well maintained. I was so happy to get the first 4 miles behind me.
"But, wait a minute," I say to myself. "I'm a little thirsty." I reach down to grab a water bottle...no water bottle.
Ooops...I kinda forgot to bring a water bottle. I kinda overlooked that when heading out on a whim, didn't I? What else did I forget? Oh, I don't know, maybe some fuel? How about my saddle pack?
About a half an hour in to the ride, I spied a 7-11. Oh, thank heaven for 7-11. (That sounds familiar). They really don't have what I need, but I pick up a few things that should get me through. Should being the operative term (I'll come back to that).
The ride continues on past the 32 Mile bridge. It really is beautiful out there.
On the way back, with about 6 miles left on the Macomb Orchard Trail, I notice that my rear tire is feeling a little soft. I was a little worried that I might have damaged the tube while riding on the washboard on the Clinton. It looks like maybe my worries were well founded.
But, at least at this point, it feels like I should be able to get through these 6 miles, and the 4 miles on the Clinton.
I got through the 6 miles.
I got through 1 mile on the Clinton before the tire was toast. Did I mention that I forgot my saddle pack? You know, the pack that holds my spare tubes? Yeah. That.
I have a hand pump mounted to the side of my bike. So, at least I was able to limp through that last three miles, pretty much stopping each mile to fill the tire again. But it was a pain, literally and figuratively.
After wrestling through the last 3 miles, I loaded my bike into the car, grabbed my shoes, and started out for a run.
The first 4 miles went well. But then I started to cramp up. I first felt it in my right hamstring. Then my left. Then my calf muscles.
"What's going on," I asked myself. "I couldn't have lost this much ground in two weeks, could I?" I mean, two years ago, I remember being saddled with a tightened achilles tendon that stopped me from fully running for longer than 2 weeks. And I was able to return to the run with, really, no real loss in ground.
So, what could it..."Oh, snap!...wait a minute..." That's right! 7-11 only had Gatorade. And Gatorade doesn't cut it for what I'm doing today.
I squeeze out another 2 miles back to the car. I drive home. Walk in to the house. Grab a glass of milk. Some cheese. And a beer.
I know it sounds like an odd combination. And, yes it is an odd combination. But it's exactly what I need to get some quick calories and protein/carbs in to my cramping body.
I fall on the floor next to the baby. She sidles up next to me. Pulls off my glasses. Climbs on to my chest. And smiles.
It was a precious moment, until I realized that what I was smelling wasn't coming from me! And I just had milk, cheese and beer!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I'm Back, Now Get to Work!
Do you prefer:
Swaying palm fronds...soft white sand...sounds of waves lapping against the shore,
OR
Blowing winds...soft white snow...sounds of salt falling from the back of big orange trucks?
Yeah, me too. I'm sorry that I missed out on the snow fall...and suffered through the heat of Fort Myers Beach. Do you believe me?
Well you shouldn't.
It was a glorious two weeks away from the office. I don't recall ever taking a two week vacation. I will definitely remember this one.
My batteries are recharged. Which I'll definitely need in the coming weeks.
I also need to make up the ground I lost from my training routine. I swam only one time while I was away. Same thing with the bike. Thankfully, I was able to get a couple of runs in.
But that's not enough. Not for this length of a race.
I have 3 weeks to get to where I want to be. But I'll get there. Promise.
Sorry for the short note this week. But if I want to keep my promise, I got to get off-line and get some time in tonight!
Swaying palm fronds...soft white sand...sounds of waves lapping against the shore,
OR
Blowing winds...soft white snow...sounds of salt falling from the back of big orange trucks?
Yeah, me too. I'm sorry that I missed out on the snow fall...and suffered through the heat of Fort Myers Beach. Do you believe me?
Well you shouldn't.
It was a glorious two weeks away from the office. I don't recall ever taking a two week vacation. I will definitely remember this one.
My batteries are recharged. Which I'll definitely need in the coming weeks.
I also need to make up the ground I lost from my training routine. I swam only one time while I was away. Same thing with the bike. Thankfully, I was able to get a couple of runs in.
But that's not enough. Not for this length of a race.
I have 3 weeks to get to where I want to be. But I'll get there. Promise.
Sorry for the short note this week. But if I want to keep my promise, I got to get off-line and get some time in tonight!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Heat Wave
Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
-Sammy Cahn
Snow?!? Really?!? I know it's still March, and this is Michigan. So I guess I should expect it. But the weather was showing signs of warming up. Heck, the frost laws have been removed from the roads. So, how can it be???
I'll tell you, in my wildest dreams I didn't expect this! But it sure makes me feel good that I'm leaving this frozen tundra for a little R and R.
I am heading south to visit my parents, and to make a pilgrimage to the Land of Walt. I have four kids...any trip to Florida BETTER include a stop to see the Wonderful World of Disney.
It's a great time, when thinking about the weather. I'll leave behind SNOW, and replace it with SUN. I'll leave behind layers of clothes, to lathers of sunscreen. And with the stresses at work recently, I get to leave behind piles of paperwork for miles of beaches.
It's a terrible time, when thinking about the race. With just over 4 weeks before the race, this is when I need to put most of my energy in to training. I've been working on developing a base to this point. Now is when I need to buckle down.
I just need to be creative, I guess. Getting in the running won't be an issue. The bike and the swim will need a little help. Thankfully, my Dad has arranged a visitor pass to his health club. That'll help. And, I'll just have to see what resources I can tap at Disney. There has to be something...right?
No matter. I'll make it work. You've invested too much in to me to get this far. I'm not going to let you down. Nor am I going to let myself down. I especially won't let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society down. You've already guaranteed that!
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
-Sammy Cahn
Snow?!? Really?!? I know it's still March, and this is Michigan. So I guess I should expect it. But the weather was showing signs of warming up. Heck, the frost laws have been removed from the roads. So, how can it be???
I'll tell you, in my wildest dreams I didn't expect this! But it sure makes me feel good that I'm leaving this frozen tundra for a little R and R.
I am heading south to visit my parents, and to make a pilgrimage to the Land of Walt. I have four kids...any trip to Florida BETTER include a stop to see the Wonderful World of Disney.
It's a great time, when thinking about the weather. I'll leave behind SNOW, and replace it with SUN. I'll leave behind layers of clothes, to lathers of sunscreen. And with the stresses at work recently, I get to leave behind piles of paperwork for miles of beaches.
It's a terrible time, when thinking about the race. With just over 4 weeks before the race, this is when I need to put most of my energy in to training. I've been working on developing a base to this point. Now is when I need to buckle down.
I just need to be creative, I guess. Getting in the running won't be an issue. The bike and the swim will need a little help. Thankfully, my Dad has arranged a visitor pass to his health club. That'll help. And, I'll just have to see what resources I can tap at Disney. There has to be something...right?
No matter. I'll make it work. You've invested too much in to me to get this far. I'm not going to let you down. Nor am I going to let myself down. I especially won't let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society down. You've already guaranteed that!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Burn the Ships
I hate to admit it, but I don't really like basketball.
There's something about the game that frustrates the *hades* out of me. Maybe it's how the last 2 minutes of the game drag out 30 minutes by fouls. Maybe it's the flagrant traveling that doesn't get called. Maybe it's because I went out for the 7th grade team and didn't make it.
What ever the reason, I just don't follow the sport.
Until this time of year. I get wrapped up in March Madness. (Aside: why does March Madness finish in April?) Which is really surprising considering that my alma matres played a combined 3 games in the last 10 years...and have only one win to their collective credit!
Two of these games happened this year, with the Wolverines finally making the Tournament following an 11 year drought. While it made me proud to see the Block M on the t.v. screen, I still couldn't get in to the games. Instead I found myself trying to see what was written on the back of their warm up jerseys.
Queme los Barcos.
Those words translate to "burn the ships." Apparently, there is a story that Hernando Cortes, upon arriving on the Yucatan Peninsula's beaches in 1519, stunned his men with the order to burn the ships. The idea was that it left them with no option of retreat.
Burn the ships, he said. There's no going back.
There's no going back for me either. I wonder if there's an inspirational message in this for me? I wonder if there's some way that I can "burn the ship" when I am in Florida? Metaphorically speaking, that is. I wouldn't want to go to jail on some MDP or arson charge.
But the symbolism is strong. And the message, while not historically accurate, is clear.
Hmmm...let me think this over. And let me know if you have any ideas on how you think I can "burn the ship."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Squashed Banana
The Pasta Dinner, by most accounts, was a great success.
"By most accounts?," you ask. "What went wrong?"
Well, nothing, really. It really was a great success. The fundrasier was fruitful, to say the least. The food was delicious by all accounts. And the crowd looked like they were having fun, between eating, meeting Sheila Taormina, and eyeing their favorite raffle items.
"Okay," you say quizically.
Well, okay, there was one little glitch. I didn't get to eat until the end of the night. And if there's anything you should know: I LIKE TO EAT.
I mean really, how do you think I was able to lose 65 pounds. I had to gain the weight in order to lose the weight. And I LIKE TO EAT.
And I especially like the food at the San Marino Club.
But by the time that the guests were leaving was when I first was able to pick up my plate. And by then my pasta was, well, cold. It was still surprisingly good. But it was cold.
Next thing I started humming the Wiggles "Cold Spaghetti" tune to myself. It's a simple toon. The first verse is all of two words: Cold. Spaghetti.
The second verse is not much harder: Squashed. Banana.
Which, in my mind, warped in to: Squashed. Bananaman. Which then warped in to a Muppets tune. Note to self: ask my doctor if there are pharmaceuticals for afflictions like this...
Well thanks to this fundraiser, the progressive dinner and to your support, we have reached our fundraising goal. Now I can focus completely on training for the event.
I am a little worried about the event. Thanks to the weather, I haven't been able to get outside on the bike. And there is no comparison between lap swimming and an open water swim. And the difference in the temperature and humidity between Michigan and Florida is adding some anxiety.
I just hope I don't become the Squashed Bananaman.
"By most accounts?," you ask. "What went wrong?"
Well, nothing, really. It really was a great success. The fundrasier was fruitful, to say the least. The food was delicious by all accounts. And the crowd looked like they were having fun, between eating, meeting Sheila Taormina, and eyeing their favorite raffle items.
"Okay," you say quizically.
Well, okay, there was one little glitch. I didn't get to eat until the end of the night. And if there's anything you should know: I LIKE TO EAT.
I mean really, how do you think I was able to lose 65 pounds. I had to gain the weight in order to lose the weight. And I LIKE TO EAT.
And I especially like the food at the San Marino Club.
But by the time that the guests were leaving was when I first was able to pick up my plate. And by then my pasta was, well, cold. It was still surprisingly good. But it was cold.
Next thing I started humming the Wiggles "Cold Spaghetti" tune to myself. It's a simple toon. The first verse is all of two words: Cold. Spaghetti.
The second verse is not much harder: Squashed. Banana.
Which, in my mind, warped in to: Squashed. Bananaman. Which then warped in to a Muppets tune. Note to self: ask my doctor if there are pharmaceuticals for afflictions like this...
Well thanks to this fundraiser, the progressive dinner and to your support, we have reached our fundraising goal. Now I can focus completely on training for the event.
I am a little worried about the event. Thanks to the weather, I haven't been able to get outside on the bike. And there is no comparison between lap swimming and an open water swim. And the difference in the temperature and humidity between Michigan and Florida is adding some anxiety.
I just hope I don't become the Squashed Bananaman.
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