The title is just to get those who deserve some recognition...theirs. So they get theirs...now here is yours.
Everyone gets depressed, some, more than others. But recent tragedies and recent memories (and recent songs (thats where Madonna comes in!)!) brings to light my newest entry.
The passing of NFL player Kenny McKinley probably does not hit at home for most people, unless you have had someone in your life that tragically took theirs. But what we should learn from him, being McKinley, is that depressing rocks everyone...even those with money and in great careers.
You would think, even after having a serious knee surgery ending his season this year, that making an NFL team roster would be enough to keep someone happy and should for no reason be depressed. Yet it happens. The struggle of his surgery seemed to get the best, or worst, of McKinley, who seemingly had no one around to talk to or vent to. Or as in a lot of cases, no one could tell that outside McKinley was upset, so upset he could take his own life and therefore never knew anything was wrong with the young man inside his own home.
It is a struggle. Those who are depressed, not "oh I dont have any money to go the movies" depressed, find it hard at times to talk to someone, anyone, about what battles they are facing in their own mind as well as in the outside world. In turn, those of us around such people need to take a closer look at our friends and co-workers at times...and be open when someone wants to talk.
Now for all of you who know you fall into the category of being depressed and feeling like you dont have anyone to talk to, you do. You absolutely do. Look around you. Say you truly, honestly dont have any friends, friends close enough to talk to. There are people around. Teachers, parents, doctors, priests, your dentist...someone...anyone.
I do not, and thank the Big Man for this, have any experience of someone close to me taking their life. I have been aquainted with some people who have had those close to them do it...and we also hear it everyday in the news. So it is tough to relate the kind of angst and sorrow those feel who have had it happen to them, but I know I can give some decent advice, which is why Im writing this now.
Just know that you are never alone in this world, as big and vast as you think it may be. You may feel backed into a corner with no help in sight, but find a way to get around that corner and there will be those people with open arms waiting to give you some comfort. A hug, an ear, or a voice to talk to. Nothing left bottled in is rarely a good thing. And as I said before, if you don't think there are any of those people around that corner...find them. I am sure there are plenty of websites out there dedicated to helping those with depression, many phone lines with people on the other end ready to listen, to help.
I am built in a way where I am extremely positive about most things (this is where Grandpa comes in). My Grandpa encountered cancer for well over the last 10 years of his life and never once could you tell that something was defeating him from the inside. He was the strongest man I will probably ever meet and I am extremely proud to have had him as part of my life. But learning from him, I can see that it is never that bad. For those of you who think it is bad now...not having money to pay bills, not having a job, clashing with family and friends...there are those who don;t have any money, any food, or any hope. The great thing about living in the United States is that there always seems to be a line out there for help, somewhere. It may not come as fast as you like and in that case, go meet up with it.
Its not easy to be positive, not even close. Being built that way and being around people who are, helps. But for the vast majority of us, it is simpler to be depressed and angry at the hard times. But never think you are alone. There is always a helping hand. Sometimes you have to speak up, dont be afraid of calling for help, there is nothing wrong with calling for help. Ever. We are here to help...and wed be glad to!
---
So the final thanks goes to Chad Dobson, who has been on me for the past month or four about "you bloggin man!?". I dont really think he cares less (I guess I shouldve put Knapik in the title as well because I went back and changed that sentence from "could care less" to "care less") if I continue to write or not, he just likes to bust my chops. But busting them he did, and finally, thanks to him, Madonna and my late, great, Grandpa...I seem to be back in the game for now. Soak it up everyone. Dont know when Ill be back.
out...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Angry rant...
Probably the first truly emotional post I will have had on this blog...because I'm just in that mood, and the right music is playing on my iPod....
This Haiti crap is getting ridiculous.
If I hear anyone else go on about how we shouldn't be sending help, we have people here to worry about, and all that s*$!, I'm gonna flip.
You can tell this will be an emotional post, because I don't plan on grammer or proper spelling of words to get in my way. I will capitalize all of the I's however...
You know I get it. We do have people who are hungry here, who need help here...but honestly, Haiti was the poorest country and worst off in the world BEFORE the earthquake hit. So the big ole USA, the one that comes and helps everyone else out, the one who comes in and shows their brute force...can't show our softer side to help people out in need when it doesn't involve violence?
What you don't think people would come help us out if something like this happened to us? News reports all around the world were on our side when 9/11 happened. I'm not sure if anyone sent any aid to us, I mean it's not like half of our country was destroyed by some catasrophic disaster, but people everywhere mourned with us, for us...the best we could do is repay those kind thoughts and prayers.
We are still finding people in the rubble in Haiti. I'm pretty sure I just saw a report yesterday about finding more survivors...and it's been what? Close to a week? I mean that is incredible a heart-felt story.
And even loved ones find other loved ones, there sometimes isn't anything they can do for them if they are badly hurt...but lay out in the dirty, broken road and wait...mostly wait to die, as not enough help is coming.
All these old, well-off government types talking about "we don't need to help," "we shouldn't help," Haiti...are absolutely, 100% ridiculous. So you're telling me, if they had friends, relatives, loved ones, crying out for help over there...that they wouldn't feel differently? Absurd, absolutely re-f'ing-diculous. They'd be the first to point a finger and say we weren't doing enough, why aren't we doing more. Remember Katrina? As poorly managed that disaster was, it didn't kill nearly as many...but people were up in arms about how slow we were to help our own people...now we are doing too much? You can never do too much. Not when it comes to this. Ever.
No. You're right, we just pull everyone back out. Sorry Haiti, we can't help ya. You know we have like some economic crisis right now right? Yea, we understand your country is basically rubble...but we got too many problems of our own right now to send you clean water and food to eat...this is just out of our hands.
Imagine that. Imagine the national media people going balistic if thats what we did. That small majority of people would be all "bravo", idiotically...but the rest of the US? No way anyone would stand for that BS. No-freaking-way.
I've donated already. I'm poor and I've donated already. Not much, not nearly anything that will drastically help, but if I get the chance to do more, I will. I most certainly will. Those people need all the help they can get right now. The difference over there is they literally started with very little, nothing even. Now most have the latter.
So those of you who are bitter, stay bitter. But when you fall into some huge crisis and people come back and remember what you did for them in their time of need...you think they'll be willing to help you out? Lend a hand? Have a heart people, honestly. We all need each other in this crazy ass world. Stuff like this happens to good people, people who don't need stuff like this to happen, and if you can sit there with your hands in your pockets shrugging away..."oh well!"...then I won't feel bad for you when you're looking for sympathy.
I have successfully added a "widget" for the Haiti relief. Any donations made have been secured to the people of Haiti as according to this website. It'll be up for awhile. Long after this story leaves our news, the people over there will still be rebuilding, will still be suffering, and it sucks. It would suck if it were us, the most we can do is take a step back and just observe this situation.
If you want the US to lead the world, it's time for us to step up and show how true of a power we are.
This Haiti crap is getting ridiculous.
If I hear anyone else go on about how we shouldn't be sending help, we have people here to worry about, and all that s*$!, I'm gonna flip.
You can tell this will be an emotional post, because I don't plan on grammer or proper spelling of words to get in my way. I will capitalize all of the I's however...
You know I get it. We do have people who are hungry here, who need help here...but honestly, Haiti was the poorest country and worst off in the world BEFORE the earthquake hit. So the big ole USA, the one that comes and helps everyone else out, the one who comes in and shows their brute force...can't show our softer side to help people out in need when it doesn't involve violence?
What you don't think people would come help us out if something like this happened to us? News reports all around the world were on our side when 9/11 happened. I'm not sure if anyone sent any aid to us, I mean it's not like half of our country was destroyed by some catasrophic disaster, but people everywhere mourned with us, for us...the best we could do is repay those kind thoughts and prayers.
We are still finding people in the rubble in Haiti. I'm pretty sure I just saw a report yesterday about finding more survivors...and it's been what? Close to a week? I mean that is incredible a heart-felt story.
And even loved ones find other loved ones, there sometimes isn't anything they can do for them if they are badly hurt...but lay out in the dirty, broken road and wait...mostly wait to die, as not enough help is coming.
All these old, well-off government types talking about "we don't need to help," "we shouldn't help," Haiti...are absolutely, 100% ridiculous. So you're telling me, if they had friends, relatives, loved ones, crying out for help over there...that they wouldn't feel differently? Absurd, absolutely re-f'ing-diculous. They'd be the first to point a finger and say we weren't doing enough, why aren't we doing more. Remember Katrina? As poorly managed that disaster was, it didn't kill nearly as many...but people were up in arms about how slow we were to help our own people...now we are doing too much? You can never do too much. Not when it comes to this. Ever.
No. You're right, we just pull everyone back out. Sorry Haiti, we can't help ya. You know we have like some economic crisis right now right? Yea, we understand your country is basically rubble...but we got too many problems of our own right now to send you clean water and food to eat...this is just out of our hands.
Imagine that. Imagine the national media people going balistic if thats what we did. That small majority of people would be all "bravo", idiotically...but the rest of the US? No way anyone would stand for that BS. No-freaking-way.
I've donated already. I'm poor and I've donated already. Not much, not nearly anything that will drastically help, but if I get the chance to do more, I will. I most certainly will. Those people need all the help they can get right now. The difference over there is they literally started with very little, nothing even. Now most have the latter.
So those of you who are bitter, stay bitter. But when you fall into some huge crisis and people come back and remember what you did for them in their time of need...you think they'll be willing to help you out? Lend a hand? Have a heart people, honestly. We all need each other in this crazy ass world. Stuff like this happens to good people, people who don't need stuff like this to happen, and if you can sit there with your hands in your pockets shrugging away..."oh well!"...then I won't feel bad for you when you're looking for sympathy.
I have successfully added a "widget" for the Haiti relief. Any donations made have been secured to the people of Haiti as according to this website. It'll be up for awhile. Long after this story leaves our news, the people over there will still be rebuilding, will still be suffering, and it sucks. It would suck if it were us, the most we can do is take a step back and just observe this situation.
If you want the US to lead the world, it's time for us to step up and show how true of a power we are.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Trying to find a groove...
It's been awhile...again.
It s hard to get into a groove with writing in here. It's odd because everyday at work I seem to find new things to write about and I tell myself that I am going to write about "this and that" when I get home, but never do. I also think of new ideas to put into my new story that I plan on writing...but I never actually sit down and actually start writing the damn thing.
Been reading a lot of Stephen king...A LOT. One thing that he said that I find interesting and worrisome when it comes to writing: "If you don't use it, you lose it."
I used to write ALL THE TIME. When I say ALL THE TIME, I actually mean ALL THE TIME. Back when I was a teen a more of an "emo kid" I had various stories, various journals, and various journal entries. It's crazy to go back an look on that stuff now. I laugh at myself at how emotional I was! But I think all that writing helped me a lot, it brought out feelings that I was nervous to tell anyone, or just feelings I didn't want to tell anyone...because I was young, and didn't truly know how to deal with all that jazz.
Writing was an escape perhaps. But my writing was definitely something I was looking to do as a career. Yet one Creative Writing class in college, receiving a D grade, and all those ugly red marks on every paper I wrote, turned me off faster than I realized.
I had certain people read my stuff...even my personal journal stuff every now and then (you lucky people know who you are!). It was good from time to time to have someone else go..."why were you thinking this?"
My big thing right now is trying to start to create another story. I have this general idea in my head...I've had it for the better of 3 months I'd say. Like I stated before, in the early 5AM's of my job, I have been thinking of little idea's and problems to throw into the story.
My dilemma is now getting into that mindset at home, here in my room. I have moved my laptop, started listening to some "tune-skis", and now I'm writing in my blog...interesting how that works....
The next problem I will have is actually finishing the story. If I look back on all the things I began written wise back in my mid-teens, there are probably over 5 stories that I began, wrote 2-10 pages, then stopped. Not sure what the reasons were. Just stopped and turned to something else.
But! Here is to me trying to actually start writing again. I think everyone would enjoy hearing from me every now and then. Facebook might take away some of my desire since all I need to do is write a brief paragraph of about 200 words to sum up my day and what I'm doing. Twitter would do the same, if I could access it, and I would too, if I could. But maybe if I keep Facebook status updates to generally funny things, things that come up quickly...and this blog to bigger ideals, more serious statements, and just things with generally more information and feeling behind them....maybe I can get something rolling.
So here we go, join me won't you? I'm going to try to make this at least a weekly stop...and hopefully the story I plan to start, at least outline today, will become as much of an occurrence.
It s hard to get into a groove with writing in here. It's odd because everyday at work I seem to find new things to write about and I tell myself that I am going to write about "this and that" when I get home, but never do. I also think of new ideas to put into my new story that I plan on writing...but I never actually sit down and actually start writing the damn thing.
Been reading a lot of Stephen king...A LOT. One thing that he said that I find interesting and worrisome when it comes to writing: "If you don't use it, you lose it."
I used to write ALL THE TIME. When I say ALL THE TIME, I actually mean ALL THE TIME. Back when I was a teen a more of an "emo kid" I had various stories, various journals, and various journal entries. It's crazy to go back an look on that stuff now. I laugh at myself at how emotional I was! But I think all that writing helped me a lot, it brought out feelings that I was nervous to tell anyone, or just feelings I didn't want to tell anyone...because I was young, and didn't truly know how to deal with all that jazz.
Writing was an escape perhaps. But my writing was definitely something I was looking to do as a career. Yet one Creative Writing class in college, receiving a D grade, and all those ugly red marks on every paper I wrote, turned me off faster than I realized.
I had certain people read my stuff...even my personal journal stuff every now and then (you lucky people know who you are!). It was good from time to time to have someone else go..."why were you thinking this?"
My big thing right now is trying to start to create another story. I have this general idea in my head...I've had it for the better of 3 months I'd say. Like I stated before, in the early 5AM's of my job, I have been thinking of little idea's and problems to throw into the story.
My dilemma is now getting into that mindset at home, here in my room. I have moved my laptop, started listening to some "tune-skis", and now I'm writing in my blog...interesting how that works....
The next problem I will have is actually finishing the story. If I look back on all the things I began written wise back in my mid-teens, there are probably over 5 stories that I began, wrote 2-10 pages, then stopped. Not sure what the reasons were. Just stopped and turned to something else.
But! Here is to me trying to actually start writing again. I think everyone would enjoy hearing from me every now and then. Facebook might take away some of my desire since all I need to do is write a brief paragraph of about 200 words to sum up my day and what I'm doing. Twitter would do the same, if I could access it, and I would too, if I could. But maybe if I keep Facebook status updates to generally funny things, things that come up quickly...and this blog to bigger ideals, more serious statements, and just things with generally more information and feeling behind them....maybe I can get something rolling.
So here we go, join me won't you? I'm going to try to make this at least a weekly stop...and hopefully the story I plan to start, at least outline today, will become as much of an occurrence.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Celebrity Clause
Jennifer Aniston...
This is my first blog in quite some time. But I haven't truly wanted to write about something in quite awhile. Something that peaked my interest as much as Ms. Jennifer Aniston.
Why you ask? I'll tell you why.
Actually, I'll show you why...
Jennifer Aniston has been linked, and married, to the likes of Brad Pitt, Vince Vaughn, Gerard Butler, and John Mayer among many others. Most, if not all, of the men in her life have seemed to move on to other women...most notably Brad Pitt to Angelina Jolie.
Now I will battle you to the death with the Aniston vs. Jolie argument. From what I see on this magazine cover, to what I have seen in TV and other magazines over the years, Jennifer Aniston, in my mind, is the most attractive woman in Hollywood.
Am I crazy? Maybe. But hell, this is my blog, my ideas, my comments...and ultimately, my decision. The woman is 40 years old, yes old enough to be my mother. But actually, my mother is 50...so no, Jennifer is not old enough to be MY mother, but i digress.
Sure you have Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, Halle Berry, and countless others who I'm sure you could throw in my face that would be more "attractive" than Ms. Aniston, but I just couldn't disagree more.
But now comes to the problem of her dating life. Why is it that she can't seem to hang on to any man, excluding Brad Pitt, for an extended period of time? Maybe she is incredibly needed, or just, well...I don't know. There have been many reasons why, at least what the tabloids say, Jennifer hasn't been able to court a man for very long. But she is definitely attractive, fairly wealthy, and has played plenty of roles where she is quirky, funny...and I would hope that she's the same way in real life. I just don't understand why she is single more often than not.
This brings me to the title of my blog "Celebrity Clause." Now I'm not sure how many of you out there reading this (all 5 of you) have a significant other right now. I also don't know how many of those aforementioned even know what a celebrity clause is. If you don't, let me explain...
A "celebrity clause" in a relationship with two "normal, everyday people" like you and me is that if a celebrity of your choice came in contact with you at anytime and...well...you know the birds and the bees right? Well the "celebrity clause" prevents your significant other from frowning upon any act with the aforementioned celebrity.
Now I have recently discussed this "clause" with my girlfriend. She plainly asked if we actually need a clause like this at all. And I guess, truth be told, 99.9% of relationships, relationships like us normal folk, will never have to use the "celebrity clause"...ever. Well my response to her question was "But what happens if Jennifer Aniston reads my blog?" There wasn't much discussion of it after the fact...so I guess my "clause" is still be negotiated.
But, if the "clause" ever does become something of an agreed upon nature by me and my girlfriend (lovely and darling she is!!), Jennifer Aniston would be the only one needed in my celebrity list.
I want to send out an all points bulletin to all Hollywood men out there, at least those who aren't d-bags and will actually treat Ms. Aniston with some respect, that she seems to be an amazing catch to me and you should probably pursue the idea ASAP. Tony Romo, if you're out there, dump the blonde's and give her a shot.
So this was my first entry in quite awhile. But after seeing that magazine cover and pondering over Jennifer's dating troubles...I was drawn to come back to my place of blogging and speak out on her behalf (and hope to get a response from her PR person!).
Jennifer Aniston...
Need I say more?
This is my first blog in quite some time. But I haven't truly wanted to write about something in quite awhile. Something that peaked my interest as much as Ms. Jennifer Aniston.
Why you ask? I'll tell you why.
Actually, I'll show you why...
Jennifer Aniston has been linked, and married, to the likes of Brad Pitt, Vince Vaughn, Gerard Butler, and John Mayer among many others. Most, if not all, of the men in her life have seemed to move on to other women...most notably Brad Pitt to Angelina Jolie.
Now I will battle you to the death with the Aniston vs. Jolie argument. From what I see on this magazine cover, to what I have seen in TV and other magazines over the years, Jennifer Aniston, in my mind, is the most attractive woman in Hollywood.
Am I crazy? Maybe. But hell, this is my blog, my ideas, my comments...and ultimately, my decision. The woman is 40 years old, yes old enough to be my mother. But actually, my mother is 50...so no, Jennifer is not old enough to be MY mother, but i digress.
Sure you have Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, Halle Berry, and countless others who I'm sure you could throw in my face that would be more "attractive" than Ms. Aniston, but I just couldn't disagree more.
But now comes to the problem of her dating life. Why is it that she can't seem to hang on to any man, excluding Brad Pitt, for an extended period of time? Maybe she is incredibly needed, or just, well...I don't know. There have been many reasons why, at least what the tabloids say, Jennifer hasn't been able to court a man for very long. But she is definitely attractive, fairly wealthy, and has played plenty of roles where she is quirky, funny...and I would hope that she's the same way in real life. I just don't understand why she is single more often than not.
This brings me to the title of my blog "Celebrity Clause." Now I'm not sure how many of you out there reading this (all 5 of you) have a significant other right now. I also don't know how many of those aforementioned even know what a celebrity clause is. If you don't, let me explain...
A "celebrity clause" in a relationship with two "normal, everyday people" like you and me is that if a celebrity of your choice came in contact with you at anytime and...well...you know the birds and the bees right? Well the "celebrity clause" prevents your significant other from frowning upon any act with the aforementioned celebrity.
Now I have recently discussed this "clause" with my girlfriend. She plainly asked if we actually need a clause like this at all. And I guess, truth be told, 99.9% of relationships, relationships like us normal folk, will never have to use the "celebrity clause"...ever. Well my response to her question was "But what happens if Jennifer Aniston reads my blog?" There wasn't much discussion of it after the fact...so I guess my "clause" is still be negotiated.
But, if the "clause" ever does become something of an agreed upon nature by me and my girlfriend (lovely and darling she is!!), Jennifer Aniston would be the only one needed in my celebrity list.
I want to send out an all points bulletin to all Hollywood men out there, at least those who aren't d-bags and will actually treat Ms. Aniston with some respect, that she seems to be an amazing catch to me and you should probably pursue the idea ASAP. Tony Romo, if you're out there, dump the blonde's and give her a shot.
So this was my first entry in quite awhile. But after seeing that magazine cover and pondering over Jennifer's dating troubles...I was drawn to come back to my place of blogging and speak out on her behalf (and hope to get a response from her PR person!).
Jennifer Aniston...
Need I say more?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A 26.2 Experience...
Do you know that somewhere from 0.1% to 2% of people in America run a marathon each year?
I am officially a part of that statistic...twice.
A marathon isn't something to laugh at, no matter how long it takes you, or the person next to you. You know what, if you can laugh at yourself after the race is over...then I say more power to you.
I recently completed my second marathon in Nashville clocking a blazing time of 4:44 and change. It was close to 30 minutes slower than my first attempt in Philadelphia. There were a lot of differences between the two races, differences that changed my race. But either way, 26.2 miles...not everyone can say they did that...at once.
The second time around...you figure that you're more prepared...as prepared as you can be for 26.2 miles of straight running. But I'm not really sure that you can ever be fully prepared for a marathon...ever.
My training was better, but still not nearly as much as I need. The mental focus seemed to be better early on, but wained as the marathon got closer, maybe because I was trying to run on my own...but it faltered. I bought new shoes, the same style of shoe i wore for my first go around, broke them in...but my feet hurt so bad it was hard to move after mile 15. The walk to the starting line is a mistake I will easily avoid on my next trip as well...I'd rather not get into that.
There are so many factors that are also out of your control. One big one, Mother Nature. The average temperature at the time of my marathon was 60 so odd degrees....in the past. The day easily started in the 70's and had to be 80's+ by the end of my day. You know how we all hate to run into the wind during a run? The wind was the only nice thing about the weather all day. Once the sun rose over the buildings in Tennessee, there wasn't much shade to be found. Sun meant heat and the warm temperatures made each water station farther and farther away. The sun even took a toll on those tables as well...some of the water and Cytomax (like Gatorade, but not really) was warm by the time I was reaching for a cup.
If you could believe salt packets were being handed out...for athletes you can understand the necessity of salt in your system when trying to perform at a high level. I had 3 packets of salt with water during the run because the Cytomax was upsetting my stomach. I even had to stop and go to the bathroom once during my run...something that probably added close to 5 minutes (I actually enjoyed sitting down in a port-o-potty for the first time in my entire life)...and was something I did not have to deal with in Philly.
So far I have yet to have prime running weather when attempting a marathon. Philadelphia was easily 50 and below, rainy, and overcast. Nashville was the complete opposite. Yet both set of conditions, with different techniques about them...found ways to cramp my legs in ways I have never felt before. Both were conditions that the body was not entirely prepared for. Training in weather that is 10-15 degrees hotter or colder than your racing temperature...well that does not make for a fun day.
As I mentioned before, my training partner and friend who was going to take on the city with me could not participate, at least to his best, in the 26.2. He did manage to eek out 10+ miles with me however, which I greatly appreciated, and Mr. Knapik I have nothing but good things to say about you in that regard. But running alone...and running alone with the knowledge that no one on your course knows who you are, is something I did not have to deal with at Philly either. I ran with Kyle there as well. We separated around mile 15 or so and I saw him once after, excusing himself behind some large tree in these people's front yard. But the whole time after we separated I knew someone out there, trudging along at the same pace as me...it almost comforts you in a way...until you get to those licorice sticks around mile 22...then I could give a damn about anyone else...but I digress. After he left me around mile 11, it was me, and me alone out there. Well me and the couple thousand of people hammering the streets...for the full go at 26.2...with me.
I saw some interesting people, heard some interesting things, and talked to a few guys who were moving better, worse, and about at the same pace I was. That was definitely a new experience to me. The first guy, middle aged guy around 40 or so...just came up behind me around mile 16 and asked who I thought the Titans were going to draft this year. I proudly told him I was a Cleveland fan (HA)...and didn't know who the Titans would draft. We talked football for a little bit and I brought up the weather...and how unforgiving it seemed to be. We exchanged some more small talk and I went on my way. He passed me within the next 5 minutes during a walk break of mine.
I can't remember now if the second guy passed me or I was passing him during another walk break of mine...basically on the same stretch in the INDUSTRIAL park...(not PARK park, like Knapik told me I would be running through)...but our talk was pretty brief. He asked me if I had cramps in my legs, which I actually didn't at that point, just incredibly sore feet. There wasn't much else to the convo besides how sore and terrible we felt...and that gave me the motivation to trot along for awhile. I needed to get away from anything that was going to make me concentrate on my broken feet...I actually re-passed him around mile 20, not sure when he caught me again. But I gave him a pat on the back, said "how are the cramps?" and then said "good luck" after he gave me a look that either meant he didn't know who i was, or one that showed how good his cramps were actually doing. It was good to see Kinches and Chad right after that...
The third guy, named Ben...was a first time marathoner. He was from Tennessee...stocky guy, but definitely one who was in shape ("look at the buns on that...yea, he must work out"....anyone? anyone? ahhhhhhhhhhh). We talked about where we were from (this was during a much longer walk break, which we both seemed to need and enjoy at the time) and he went on to say this was his first marathon. He and a buddy had started together but his buddy was "long gone" after they started out a little fast...Ben told me around 8-8:30 pace, which ultimately put him next to me. We talked for quite awhile...probably around a mile or so...I told him all we had to do was get over the bridge and river. That would signal about 6 miles to go. Ben was the one who left me early this time...which was probably a good idea for the both of us. Once he got a little bit out of sight with his slow trot, I took and breath and started my own attempt. Ironically I caught Ben as we were crossing the bridge. Gave him a pat, retold him about the bridge, and he gave a "hell yea brother, about 6 miles." Wished each other luck and that...was that.
A marathon definitely isn't for everyone...but it is something everyone can do, I truly believe that. From young to senior citizen...to the fully-abled..to the semi-abled...to those pushing the unable...it's something you can, and see people, do. There are risks...people have died. A soldier who ran out race tragically passed away sometime after the marathon was over...which I did not find out until recently. Everyone knows about New York and the extreme heat, race cancellation, and a few deaths that occurred that day as well. A marathon is something everyone can do...but is not for the faint at heart.
I look to possibly complete my third within this year...most likely it will have to wait. But it is something I am passionate about. My grandpa, who recently passed on from cancer, holds our family record. Somewhere around the 2:50 mark. It would be great to know I could compete at a level as high as my grandpa...he was quite an athlete...it would also be great to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I think I have to run around 3:10 or so to do that. But a third, fourth, fifth and so on marathon is in my future.
Wont you join me?
I am officially a part of that statistic...twice.
A marathon isn't something to laugh at, no matter how long it takes you, or the person next to you. You know what, if you can laugh at yourself after the race is over...then I say more power to you.
I recently completed my second marathon in Nashville clocking a blazing time of 4:44 and change. It was close to 30 minutes slower than my first attempt in Philadelphia. There were a lot of differences between the two races, differences that changed my race. But either way, 26.2 miles...not everyone can say they did that...at once.
The second time around...you figure that you're more prepared...as prepared as you can be for 26.2 miles of straight running. But I'm not really sure that you can ever be fully prepared for a marathon...ever.
My training was better, but still not nearly as much as I need. The mental focus seemed to be better early on, but wained as the marathon got closer, maybe because I was trying to run on my own...but it faltered. I bought new shoes, the same style of shoe i wore for my first go around, broke them in...but my feet hurt so bad it was hard to move after mile 15. The walk to the starting line is a mistake I will easily avoid on my next trip as well...I'd rather not get into that.
There are so many factors that are also out of your control. One big one, Mother Nature. The average temperature at the time of my marathon was 60 so odd degrees....in the past. The day easily started in the 70's and had to be 80's+ by the end of my day. You know how we all hate to run into the wind during a run? The wind was the only nice thing about the weather all day. Once the sun rose over the buildings in Tennessee, there wasn't much shade to be found. Sun meant heat and the warm temperatures made each water station farther and farther away. The sun even took a toll on those tables as well...some of the water and Cytomax (like Gatorade, but not really) was warm by the time I was reaching for a cup.
If you could believe salt packets were being handed out...for athletes you can understand the necessity of salt in your system when trying to perform at a high level. I had 3 packets of salt with water during the run because the Cytomax was upsetting my stomach. I even had to stop and go to the bathroom once during my run...something that probably added close to 5 minutes (I actually enjoyed sitting down in a port-o-potty for the first time in my entire life)...and was something I did not have to deal with in Philly.
So far I have yet to have prime running weather when attempting a marathon. Philadelphia was easily 50 and below, rainy, and overcast. Nashville was the complete opposite. Yet both set of conditions, with different techniques about them...found ways to cramp my legs in ways I have never felt before. Both were conditions that the body was not entirely prepared for. Training in weather that is 10-15 degrees hotter or colder than your racing temperature...well that does not make for a fun day.
As I mentioned before, my training partner and friend who was going to take on the city with me could not participate, at least to his best, in the 26.2. He did manage to eek out 10+ miles with me however, which I greatly appreciated, and Mr. Knapik I have nothing but good things to say about you in that regard. But running alone...and running alone with the knowledge that no one on your course knows who you are, is something I did not have to deal with at Philly either. I ran with Kyle there as well. We separated around mile 15 or so and I saw him once after, excusing himself behind some large tree in these people's front yard. But the whole time after we separated I knew someone out there, trudging along at the same pace as me...it almost comforts you in a way...until you get to those licorice sticks around mile 22...then I could give a damn about anyone else...but I digress. After he left me around mile 11, it was me, and me alone out there. Well me and the couple thousand of people hammering the streets...for the full go at 26.2...with me.
I saw some interesting people, heard some interesting things, and talked to a few guys who were moving better, worse, and about at the same pace I was. That was definitely a new experience to me. The first guy, middle aged guy around 40 or so...just came up behind me around mile 16 and asked who I thought the Titans were going to draft this year. I proudly told him I was a Cleveland fan (HA)...and didn't know who the Titans would draft. We talked football for a little bit and I brought up the weather...and how unforgiving it seemed to be. We exchanged some more small talk and I went on my way. He passed me within the next 5 minutes during a walk break of mine.
I can't remember now if the second guy passed me or I was passing him during another walk break of mine...basically on the same stretch in the INDUSTRIAL park...(not PARK park, like Knapik told me I would be running through)...but our talk was pretty brief. He asked me if I had cramps in my legs, which I actually didn't at that point, just incredibly sore feet. There wasn't much else to the convo besides how sore and terrible we felt...and that gave me the motivation to trot along for awhile. I needed to get away from anything that was going to make me concentrate on my broken feet...I actually re-passed him around mile 20, not sure when he caught me again. But I gave him a pat on the back, said "how are the cramps?" and then said "good luck" after he gave me a look that either meant he didn't know who i was, or one that showed how good his cramps were actually doing. It was good to see Kinches and Chad right after that...
The third guy, named Ben...was a first time marathoner. He was from Tennessee...stocky guy, but definitely one who was in shape ("look at the buns on that...yea, he must work out"....anyone? anyone? ahhhhhhhhhhh). We talked about where we were from (this was during a much longer walk break, which we both seemed to need and enjoy at the time) and he went on to say this was his first marathon. He and a buddy had started together but his buddy was "long gone" after they started out a little fast...Ben told me around 8-8:30 pace, which ultimately put him next to me. We talked for quite awhile...probably around a mile or so...I told him all we had to do was get over the bridge and river. That would signal about 6 miles to go. Ben was the one who left me early this time...which was probably a good idea for the both of us. Once he got a little bit out of sight with his slow trot, I took and breath and started my own attempt. Ironically I caught Ben as we were crossing the bridge. Gave him a pat, retold him about the bridge, and he gave a "hell yea brother, about 6 miles." Wished each other luck and that...was that.
A marathon definitely isn't for everyone...but it is something everyone can do, I truly believe that. From young to senior citizen...to the fully-abled..to the semi-abled...to those pushing the unable...it's something you can, and see people, do. There are risks...people have died. A soldier who ran out race tragically passed away sometime after the marathon was over...which I did not find out until recently. Everyone knows about New York and the extreme heat, race cancellation, and a few deaths that occurred that day as well. A marathon is something everyone can do...but is not for the faint at heart.
I look to possibly complete my third within this year...most likely it will have to wait. But it is something I am passionate about. My grandpa, who recently passed on from cancer, holds our family record. Somewhere around the 2:50 mark. It would be great to know I could compete at a level as high as my grandpa...he was quite an athlete...it would also be great to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I think I have to run around 3:10 or so to do that. But a third, fourth, fifth and so on marathon is in my future.
Wont you join me?
Friday, April 17, 2009
It's Been a Long Time Comin...
So the whole Zombie thing is going to have to be put to rest...it's now too far removed to go back to something like that, and there are bigger fish to fry anyway...
100-0
How does that look to you?
A blowout?
A far superior team against another who does not match up in any way, shape, or form? One that couldn't even get a stroke of luck?
Do you think it's probably 100-0 because that's the way a lot of people wanted it to end? Wanted to show that they could score 100 points on a far less athletic team?
Well it happened recently and has been coming back into the news after an ESPN60 interview.
On January 13 this year the private Christian School of Covenant defeated Dallas Academy 100-0.
So you think they ran up the score? It was 59-0 at halftime.
Coach Micah Grimes for Covenant was fired later that month and said he would not apologize for how the game ended. People are outraged...
...I am not.
Sure it may look terrible on TV media outlets...that's what they are supposed to do. Vilify an individual with a lot of integrity and a fine demeanor about himself. During the interview on ESPN60, Coach Grimes neither came off arrogant nor misunderstanding of why people may be upset with him. He can see both sides, he understand why people are upset over what happened between those solid lines in a small gym in Texas. But he is not sorry for it, and neither would I be.
The first thing I look at is the score. 35-0 in after the first quarter, 59-0 after two, 88-0 after the third, and the final capping out at 100-0. So the point totals scored in each quarter are 35, 24, 29, and 12. Surely by the numbers themselves to can tell that Covenant slowed everything down in the 4th quarter. The slowed their overall scoring attack from 59 to 41 in the second half. The numbers alone show that Coach Grimes found a way to lessen the blow on Dallas Academy.
Secondly...and I think the second most important factor in this debate is that Dallas Academy only had 8 girls on the team. Now that might not sound too drastic, but consider that Dallas Academy on has 20 girls that attend school and have never won a game in 4 years. The Academy is also known to not forfeit, or call off games when they had been losing by insurmountable margins.
20 girls? You are trying to create a VARSITY basketball program...one that is competitive...with 20 girls enrolled in your school system? There is just no way that will ever be possible. ESPN60 received an editing version of the game tape, which one parent had shot during the course of the game. Right from the opening tip you could see that Dallas Academy was undersized in every position and was slower and less talented than Covenant. There is no reason why an athletic director or a head coach for that matter can't see how overmatched their program is night in and night out. There was a suggestion by one of the correspondents of the ESPN60 showing that Dallas Academy should either play JV games or just get rid of the team all together. Now if the girls want to play basketball, I think they should...but JV games would definitely suit them a lot better. How much better, we don't know. But I don't think you'd see another 100-0 game.
Coach Grimes played this game the right way and told his players to play it as such. Which brings me to my third and most important factor on why this outrage is uncalled for. The girls were just playing the game the best way they knew how. The point of a basketball game is to score more points than the other team. After the first made bucket by Covenant, off of one pass from the opening tip, the team got into their full-court press, which they do every game. I believe the report stated that after the score was 25-0 the team backed off and Coach Grimes placed them into a zone defense.
What took place for the next 3 quarters was literally the same scenario every time Dallas Academy came down the floor...dribble passed the timeline, stop, pass to the wing where a Covenant player would steal the ball and then go in for a layup. The Dallas Academy coach said Covenant were running "lay-up drills" on them. Very true. So why didn't he tell his girls after the 30th+ ball was stolen, to fake the first pass and then pass behind the zone? For one, his team consists of girls who would never see the light of varsity girls basketball minutes had not they gone to Dallas Academy. And two, maybe the coach didn't say anything once he saw what was taking place on the floor.
Another disturbing image was when Dallas Academy broke into the zone, got up a shot and Covenant rebounded under their basket...it was like the Academy was hoping there was another set of girls playing defense on the other end. Covenant surely pushed the pace early in the game...which is what they are supposed to do. But into the second half and fourth quarter, all Covenant had to do was make one pass to the outlet and they were free from there. There were four or five shots from the edited home video of 5 Covenant players on one half of the floor, making 2-3 passes before making a layup, with no Dallas Academy played in sight. Are you kidding me? Don't complain about the score being run up or the other team playing the game the wrong way if you don't coach your athletes, or lack there of, the wrong way or no way at all.
I was apart of a traveling rec basketball team in 7th grade that lost a game 76-6. Sure the team we played had been together over the years and grew up together while our team had just been put together that year. But they were also running "lay-up" drills on us. It wasn't until late in the fourth quarter where we scored our points, 4 of them by the second to last man on our bench. I remember my dad, who coached the team, taking me out of the game after I came down time after time throwing the ball into an opposing teams players hands for a layup. My mom got upset at my dad for this, but even I told her "Mom I was playing terrible." The thing is that was one of our first games of the year and we got better. We were never going to win any traveling championships, but finishing a game or so in either way around .500 was a solid season for us. Never once during, or coming home after that game did anyone say anything about the other team running up the score. We knew we played terrible, we knew we put ourselves in that situation...we knew the other team was playing the game of basketball the right way. And we knew all of this at a younger age then it seems the people who are outraged at this scenario.
Has anyone tried to talk to the kids about the game? Do you think they went into the locker room and cried? Maybe they did...but I don't think they would be crying because the other team was mean and hurtful. They would be upset with how they played, how they made the outcome appear so drastically one-sided. After the drubbing was over for this small Texas game, both teams were shown shaking hands and Covenant showed no signs of over-celebration or taunting of the other girls from Dallas Academy. Coach Grimes followed through with that same dignity by shaking the girls hands and never "fist pumping" his victory to the crowd.
It's ridiculous how people asked "why didn't you just let Dallas Academy score a point?" Coach Grimes' answer came in the form of something along the lines of it would have been more embarrassing for them if we had just let them score. Who would want to make that layup? The opposing team just standing there saying "go ahead, it's OK, we won't hurt you?" With the way the game was going, Dallas Academy would've missed the layup which would have prompted Coach Grimes to look across at the other bench with a "what would you like me to do?" look on his face.
Coach Grimes was asked what he would've done differently given the chance again and he made some good remarks. He told the interviewer that he probably would have asked the opposing coach at half time if he wanted the game to be stopped and also that he would have had the scoreboard turned off once the game was getting too out of hand.
But he would never tell his girls to stop playing...
Which is something I can stand behind.
100-0
How does that look to you?
A blowout?
A far superior team against another who does not match up in any way, shape, or form? One that couldn't even get a stroke of luck?
Do you think it's probably 100-0 because that's the way a lot of people wanted it to end? Wanted to show that they could score 100 points on a far less athletic team?
Well it happened recently and has been coming back into the news after an ESPN60 interview.
On January 13 this year the private Christian School of Covenant defeated Dallas Academy 100-0.
So you think they ran up the score? It was 59-0 at halftime.
Coach Micah Grimes for Covenant was fired later that month and said he would not apologize for how the game ended. People are outraged...
...I am not.
Sure it may look terrible on TV media outlets...that's what they are supposed to do. Vilify an individual with a lot of integrity and a fine demeanor about himself. During the interview on ESPN60, Coach Grimes neither came off arrogant nor misunderstanding of why people may be upset with him. He can see both sides, he understand why people are upset over what happened between those solid lines in a small gym in Texas. But he is not sorry for it, and neither would I be.
The first thing I look at is the score. 35-0 in after the first quarter, 59-0 after two, 88-0 after the third, and the final capping out at 100-0. So the point totals scored in each quarter are 35, 24, 29, and 12. Surely by the numbers themselves to can tell that Covenant slowed everything down in the 4th quarter. The slowed their overall scoring attack from 59 to 41 in the second half. The numbers alone show that Coach Grimes found a way to lessen the blow on Dallas Academy.
Secondly...and I think the second most important factor in this debate is that Dallas Academy only had 8 girls on the team. Now that might not sound too drastic, but consider that Dallas Academy on has 20 girls that attend school and have never won a game in 4 years. The Academy is also known to not forfeit, or call off games when they had been losing by insurmountable margins.
20 girls? You are trying to create a VARSITY basketball program...one that is competitive...with 20 girls enrolled in your school system? There is just no way that will ever be possible. ESPN60 received an editing version of the game tape, which one parent had shot during the course of the game. Right from the opening tip you could see that Dallas Academy was undersized in every position and was slower and less talented than Covenant. There is no reason why an athletic director or a head coach for that matter can't see how overmatched their program is night in and night out. There was a suggestion by one of the correspondents of the ESPN60 showing that Dallas Academy should either play JV games or just get rid of the team all together. Now if the girls want to play basketball, I think they should...but JV games would definitely suit them a lot better. How much better, we don't know. But I don't think you'd see another 100-0 game.
Coach Grimes played this game the right way and told his players to play it as such. Which brings me to my third and most important factor on why this outrage is uncalled for. The girls were just playing the game the best way they knew how. The point of a basketball game is to score more points than the other team. After the first made bucket by Covenant, off of one pass from the opening tip, the team got into their full-court press, which they do every game. I believe the report stated that after the score was 25-0 the team backed off and Coach Grimes placed them into a zone defense.
What took place for the next 3 quarters was literally the same scenario every time Dallas Academy came down the floor...dribble passed the timeline, stop, pass to the wing where a Covenant player would steal the ball and then go in for a layup. The Dallas Academy coach said Covenant were running "lay-up drills" on them. Very true. So why didn't he tell his girls after the 30th+ ball was stolen, to fake the first pass and then pass behind the zone? For one, his team consists of girls who would never see the light of varsity girls basketball minutes had not they gone to Dallas Academy. And two, maybe the coach didn't say anything once he saw what was taking place on the floor.
Another disturbing image was when Dallas Academy broke into the zone, got up a shot and Covenant rebounded under their basket...it was like the Academy was hoping there was another set of girls playing defense on the other end. Covenant surely pushed the pace early in the game...which is what they are supposed to do. But into the second half and fourth quarter, all Covenant had to do was make one pass to the outlet and they were free from there. There were four or five shots from the edited home video of 5 Covenant players on one half of the floor, making 2-3 passes before making a layup, with no Dallas Academy played in sight. Are you kidding me? Don't complain about the score being run up or the other team playing the game the wrong way if you don't coach your athletes, or lack there of, the wrong way or no way at all.
I was apart of a traveling rec basketball team in 7th grade that lost a game 76-6. Sure the team we played had been together over the years and grew up together while our team had just been put together that year. But they were also running "lay-up" drills on us. It wasn't until late in the fourth quarter where we scored our points, 4 of them by the second to last man on our bench. I remember my dad, who coached the team, taking me out of the game after I came down time after time throwing the ball into an opposing teams players hands for a layup. My mom got upset at my dad for this, but even I told her "Mom I was playing terrible." The thing is that was one of our first games of the year and we got better. We were never going to win any traveling championships, but finishing a game or so in either way around .500 was a solid season for us. Never once during, or coming home after that game did anyone say anything about the other team running up the score. We knew we played terrible, we knew we put ourselves in that situation...we knew the other team was playing the game of basketball the right way. And we knew all of this at a younger age then it seems the people who are outraged at this scenario.
Has anyone tried to talk to the kids about the game? Do you think they went into the locker room and cried? Maybe they did...but I don't think they would be crying because the other team was mean and hurtful. They would be upset with how they played, how they made the outcome appear so drastically one-sided. After the drubbing was over for this small Texas game, both teams were shown shaking hands and Covenant showed no signs of over-celebration or taunting of the other girls from Dallas Academy. Coach Grimes followed through with that same dignity by shaking the girls hands and never "fist pumping" his victory to the crowd.
It's ridiculous how people asked "why didn't you just let Dallas Academy score a point?" Coach Grimes' answer came in the form of something along the lines of it would have been more embarrassing for them if we had just let them score. Who would want to make that layup? The opposing team just standing there saying "go ahead, it's OK, we won't hurt you?" With the way the game was going, Dallas Academy would've missed the layup which would have prompted Coach Grimes to look across at the other bench with a "what would you like me to do?" look on his face.
Coach Grimes was asked what he would've done differently given the chance again and he made some good remarks. He told the interviewer that he probably would have asked the opposing coach at half time if he wanted the game to be stopped and also that he would have had the scoreboard turned off once the game was getting too out of hand.
But he would never tell his girls to stop playing...
Which is something I can stand behind.
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