Crash Fistfight

New Schwag

2009-01-07T19:03:00.003-10:00

Get ready for trip back to circa 1988 - during a decade when Ferris had his day off, Molly was queen and pegging your jeans was it. I bought some Oakley Frogskins the other day...white ones, bright white. Ugly as shit, but for some reason, very, very, cool.

and you know what I am going to say next - I bought them so I could wear them at night.

For those of you in the know the Oakley Frogskin looks a lot like the Ray Ban "Wayfarers." Now, if you were cooler than cool in the 80s, then your sunglasses of choice was this style of shades. Why? Tom cruise had them in Risky Business, Judd Nelson (the ultimate 80s bad-ass) had 'em in the Breakfast Club. Heck, Don Johnson even wore them out in public.

Now, I guess I'm not sure what is next...maybe a Swatch Watch?

Crash Sends...

Ahhhh....Paradise.

2008-12-22T12:15:00.001-10:00

*** START NOTIFICATION ***

An advisory is issued when conditions impact our lives but are not a direct threat to life and property but ignoring them could have severe consequences.

Effected beaches:

Description: Periods of heavy rain lead to increased runoff into pools of water. Brown water advisories are issued to remind the public to avoid dirty water as they may be contaminated.

Dispatcher Comment: A Brown Water Advisory has been issued for the State of Hawaii. Heavy rains are expected today and tonight, especially for Oahu. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters (brown water)that may contain pollutants from overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, animal wastes, dead animals, pesticides, chemicals, and associated flood debris. The public should also stay out of coastal waters impacted by storm water runoff near stream mouths and drainage ditches. If the coastal water is brown, stay out.

Instruction: Always heed warning signs posted regarding water quality.

Expiration: This event is set to expire at 12/16/2008 11:37:18 AM. If conditions change before expiration or the event needs to be extended, an update or cancelation will be issued from Hawaii Beach Safety Website.

For more information: Browse to http://emdweb.doh.hawaii.gov/CleanWaterBranch/CurrentWarnings/default.aspx

*** END NOTIFICATION ***

Running: Kailua, Hawaii

2008-11-24T07:38:00.002-10:00

Trail: Maunawili

Round Trip: About 20 miles

Getting There: Assuming a launch point from downtown Honolulu, take the Pali Highway over to the windward side. When you exit the tunnel on the Kailua side, proceed for about a mile. Just before a sharp bend in the highway, pull into a parking area on the right. Find a stall and park there. If you are taking the city bus, hop aboard a 56 or 57. Exit at the stop at Kamehameha Highway and Pali Highway. This is the first the stop the bus will make after going through the tunnel. Walk a mile back up Pali Highway to the parking area.

Trailhead Location: There are three clear-cut entry/exit points. Two are in the vicinity of the Pali Lookout, one is in Waimanalo. There are several lower ridge routes which have been used to connect with the trail, but they tend to be more obscure.

North (Kailua) entry:The official trailhead is near the hairpin turn off Pali Hwy (on the Kailua side) at the scenic lookout parking lot. The unofficial connector trail junctions with the Old Pali Road (beyond a rock restraining fence) and with Maunawili Trail about 0.5-mile from the official trailhead.

South (Waimanalo) entry:Along Waikupanaha St, just after Mahiku Pl, on the right side.

Description: Pick up the trail at the upper end of the parking lot. It climbs initially to gain elevation. You will arrive at a signed junction. Bear left on the MDT. The trail heading up to the right goes to the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. For the most part after this, the path contours along the base of the Ko'olau Mountain Range toward Waimanalo. There is no huge elevation gains or losses. As a result, the trail is a favorite for mountain bikers and runners as well as hikers.You'll pass a watertank along the trail. You'll also enjoy panoramic vistas of Maunawili Valley and the summit of the Ko'olau Range. The pointed peaks you see to your left are Mount Olomana. Plan to cross several rocky streams. During rainy weather, water will flow down these streams and waterfalls will cascade down the steep slopes of the windward pali (cliffs). Magnificent.

Guidebook:
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu, Stuart Ball
Danger: Low Skill: Novice/Int

Crash sends...

New Gadgets

2008-11-19T11:17:00.004-10:00

I ran out to the local bike store yesterday and purchased a set of lights for my bike. Now they are supposed to last around 60 hours on a set of AAA batteries. I haven't tested them out yet and I'll be sure to get back on here and let you know how it works out.

So why did I go out ant buy the latest "thing" for my bike - when I haven't really been that into riding in the past year? I'm back into it and plan on commuting to work at least twice a week. The bonus...from my home to office is only about 10 miles.

On another note I have been back in the gym and have started a dedicated running program. Or as much as I can on a mending ankle.

I surfed Fours this past weekend - it was the first time I've been on my board in about a year. So for the past few days my back and shoulders have been sore as all get out. But I loved every minute of it and all of the aches and pains have been worth it. I plan on getting in another session this coming weekend but, I haven't decided on the location yet. Any suggestions?

Today's Workout:

Run

4.5 mi @ 8:30 pace

Strength

3x21,15,9 push jerk

2x max set of pull ups

21,15,9 kettle bell swings

core

Time

2008-11-17T09:15:00.002-10:00

I know it has been almost two months since my last post. I'm lame for it. Let's just say that this year has been pretty much a wash for both the racing and blogging world.

And maybe that is the problem - I have not raced once this year...and have had no goals.

So what do I do now? What is my next step? My ankle is still to messed up to seriously train for the Honolulu Marathon and the race season here in Hawaii doesn't really start until March. Do I just keep slogging through the days trying to find time to get a run or a swim in?

My answer for right now is yes.

Today's Workout:

Run - 4 Mi @ 8:30 pace

Strength - Back Squat 5x5, Core.

Vacation Time

2008-09-20T08:36:00.003-10:00

I know I just got back and was making a valiant comeback but I will be taking another blogging break...maybe. The Dragon and I are going on a holiday to this place and we are excited. I'll get out some updates if I can but no promises.

Crash sends....

The Return

2008-09-16T07:56:00.004-10:00

Ok, So I'm back...now what?

I had no real expectations of coming back from Iraq in shape - but I tried and I'm not horribly out of shape and, in all actuality I am probably stronger now. My endurance on the other hand...has suffered. I guess I am back to the base phase - once again...another 8 weeks of slogging it out in a vain attempt to regain my fitness.

I go back through all of those article clippings I have saved and my note books on various workouts: tempo, intervals, long and easy runs and try to put this all together. I think that this may be my favorite part of training, figuring out how I am going to take on the problem of getting back into race shape (only to leave in what looks like another 7 months). Speed, distance, strength training, nutrition. Throw it all on some paper or a note book and call it a plan right?

And while I'm getting back at it I will be nursing a sore ankle. I sprained it pretty bad about 8 weeks ago at it still hasn't completely healed.

Since I'm back, the so now what is that I'm going to get out there and start.

Today's Workout:
6x800 meters at 10k pace; recover after each repeat for half of the interval time.
"Fran"
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups

Aloha

2008-09-08T09:53:00.001-10:00

I'm Back

Visions

2008-06-15T09:48:00.004-10:00

I had all of these grand aspirations of posting at least once a week while I was out here. Didn't happen.

And I haven't had a chance to read and catch up on all of your blogs, exploits and accomplishments since February.

I can say there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this deployment - I am almost out of here.

So what has been happening - I am making an effort to stay in shape. CrossFit has helped and I've managed to run at least 2 or 3 times a week for the last month. If I get up and run by 6am the heat isn't too bad. But there is always the dust. Holly shit - I don't remember storms like this.

I will run the Honolulu Marathon this year - it will be my only big race of the year. Depending on what time of the year I get back I may be able to sneak in one or two tris...we will see.

Really I don't have a lot to report from out here it is not too exciting - which is a good thing. Don't get me wrong, being shot at is overrated and I certainly don't miss it. It can only mean that we are finally going in the right direction.

I hope you are all doing well and you are making up for the races that I haven't been able to do this year.

Crash sends...

The Dragon

2008-05-13T06:33:00.006-10:00

Almost a month since my last post...what are you going to do - I'm busy.

This post isn't about me or my exploits this time. It is about the Dragon. She turns 30 this week.

Can you believe she has gone from this....

....to this.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Back to a Rhythm

2008-04-15T11:02:00.004-10:00

Wow..two post in two weeks?

I have had a little bit of down time these last couple of days - we do go through cycles out here. Sort of an ebb and flow.

So what have I been doing? Running. At least when it isn't over 100 degrees out. I've got a 3, 4 1/2 , 6 and 8 mile loops to keep me occupied.

And to think the last time I was here you would dare go outside without your Flak and Kevlar on - let alone to PT.

For the strength training I have been keeping with the CrossFit - it is the easiest to do when you don't have a real gym. And when I can't do that I've been doing this:

1) Body-weight squats x 20
2) Push-up x 25
3) Star-jumps x 20
4) Chin-ups x 10
5) Lunges x10 each leg
6) Diamond Push-ups x 20

For weeks 1-2 I did the circut two times, 2-4 I've moved up to three times. The plan is to increase to four times during weeks 4-6 and 5 times during 6-8.

everything is going well out here but I can't wait to make it back to some Aloha.

Crash sends...

Lame

2008-04-06T11:43:00.002-10:00

So I said I would be back in a few days....I lied. Sorry. I could come up with a thousand excuses but I just go with excuses are like assholes...

What have I been up to? I am still in the suck (unfortunately) passing the time by getting out on a few long runs here around the camp or flipping tires a la CrossFit.

I am having a hard time finding a rhythm - staying on track if you will. I'll be good for a few days getting my workouts in and doing the mission I was sent out here to do and then SLAM! The "workload" piles up and I take three steps back in my fittness.

So what exactly have I been doing? It usually goes something like this:

Day 1: Run between 3-6 miles (depending on how much time I have "off")

Day 2: CrossFit session that we make up on the fly - this usually involves flipping tires, swinnging sandbags, pressing ammo cans and a plethora of quick cardio/multi-joint exercises

Day 3: Another run day, same as the last one 3-6 miles.

Day 4: Maybe a game of b-ball on the make-shift court. I jump rope on the sidelines while I wait to be subbed in.

Day 5: Depends on how I'm feeling or what other workouts I've missed duiring the week. So I guess that means I'll either run or lift.

Day 6: This is usually the long slow distance run - 60 minutes plus.

Day 7: Rest Day - usually.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wake up and do a few sets of push-up and body weight squats. It helps wake me up and it has become part of my daily ritual to pass the time.

I'm sorry I haven't left in comments in a while - I'll work on it.

Crash sends...

Just when you thought I was gone...

2008-03-03T12:09:00.002-10:00

I'm back.

There are certain things you never forget...how to ride a bike, how to swim and up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B,A, Start...

I'm back in the suck living the dream and the life that is definitely not aloha. I haven't done much in the form of exercise since my departure from Hawaii (thank god it isn't permanent) other than think about how and when I'm going to get "back into it"...what ever that is.

Seriously though, I have started my running again in earnest, and will be building that solid base for the next 8 weeks. There is a bike here in the gym that I can spin on if it isn't broken from sheer over use. As for the pool...well the Euphrates is the closest thing to one of those and I'm not going in it.

I have been passing my time with long days "at work" an hour here and there on the road and quasi-dedicated (can I say that) trips to the gym. It's life for the next 6 months. All in all I am doing well and have no valid complaints.

This is my third trip here and life is always getting better...on both sides.

So, until I have another free minute warm Aloha and I promise my next hiatus will only be a few days.

Crash sends...

Planning for 2008

2008-01-16T08:04:00.000-10:00

This has become my favorite part of my training: picking out what races I'll be "tri-ing" (so witty) to fit into my schedule for the upcoming year...So what races will I be hitting in the upcoming year?

January:

I have been talking about doing the H.U.R.T. this year - and I was ready to run the 100k. (Here comes the let-down) However, I am scheduled to deploy in less than 3 weeks to my favorite place in the whole world...because two trips already isn't enough. The last thing I want to do is get ..um...hurt before I go. The gain of personal glory just isn't worth the risk. So I am officially out of the H.U.R.T

February:

I'm figuring that since I won't be here from February 'till about September I might as well post about the races I wanted to do during those months.

Feb 3 - The Harold Chapson 8k, Honolulu: This is a great race down-town through Kapiolani park (it cover the last few miles of the Honolulu Marathon).

Feb 23 - CSSG 3 Swamp Romp, Kaneohe Bay HI: A huge local favorite (Camp Pendleton has an even bigger one). 6-person teams will negotiate approximately 5 miles of an obstacle-laden course that includes mud, crawling, jumping, swinging, sounds of combat, and more mud.

March:

Mar 9 - Johnny Faerber 1ok, Honolulu: This is another race in the Mid-Pacific Road Runner series. Same course as the Chapson 8k...but obviously a little longer.

Mar 30 - Iroquois Point Sprint Triathlon, Ewa Beach HI: The first Tri of the year (Swim 750 meters, Bike 13 miles, Run 3.5 miles) - out in west Oahu. In years past the spring swell has been huge - making the swim start very interesting.

April:

Apr 6 - Lavaman, Waikoloa, Big Island: Swim 1500 meters, Bike 24.9 miles, Run 6.2 miles, Drink free beer from the race sponsor Kona Brewing...need I say more.

Apr 13 - Lanikai Triathlon, Kailua, HI: My home town...a 10 minute walk to the start from my house..making parking a breeze (Swim 500 meters, Bike 12.4 miles, Run 3.1 miles).

May:

May 18 - Honolulu Triathlon, Honolulu: A big one this year on the ITU circuit. Starts at Ala Moana Beach park, then down Nimitz and back to Ala Moana Boulevard for the finish...big race lots of elite competitors.

May 31 - Hawaii 70.3, Kohala Coast, Big Island: Lat year's "A" race and I was really looking forward to doing this one again - as a 3+ year Hawaii resident I had a better shot for a Kona Slot...maybe next year. Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, Run 13.1 miles.

June:

June 15 - North Shore Triathlon, HI: Super-Sprint and very very fast. In lovely Haleiwa Town.

June 28 - North Shore Swim Series #1: Part one of a four part swim series on the North Shore of Oahu.

July:

July 12 - North Shore Swim Series #2: Part Deux

July 20 - Tinman, Honolulu: The biggest Tri on Oahu: Swim 800 meters, Bike 24.9 miles, Run 6.2 miles. Start at Queens Beach and end at Kapiolani Park.

July 26 - North Shore Swim Series #3: Chun's to Waimea...this is a 1.6 mile churn.

August:

Aug 9 - North Shore Swim Series #4: From Ehukai Beach park, Home of the world famous Banzai Pipeline to Waimea Bay...2.3 Miles

September: Now Here is where I come back in, I might make it home in time to race in these.

Sep 1 - Waikiki Rough Water, Honolulu - The race that gave birth to the swim portion of the Ironman. 2.4 miles

Sep 14 - Windward Half Marathon, Kailua, HI - One of my local favorites. 13.1 miles through Kailua Town.

Sep 28 - Windward 25k, Kailua, HI - Another race in Kailua, in preparation for the Honolulu Marathon.

October:

Oct 11 - HSL-37 Spalsh and Dash, Kaneohe Bay, HI - 500m swim followed by a 3.1 mile run around the base.

November:

Nov 2: Tradewind Triathlon, Kaneohe Bay, HI - The last tri of the year a sprint distance of Swim 500 meters, Bike 11.1 miles, Run 3.1 miles.

December:

Dec 14: Honolulu Marathon, Honolulu: The last race of the year..a 26.2 miles jog with 35,000 of your closest friends.

As always I may add to, cut-out, or shuffle around this schedule as I see fit. Who knows maybe I will get that Ramadi 5k in.

On another note - Feel free to comment about other races I or others should try..who knows maybe I will take some advice and see you at the starting line.

Crash Sends...

My 10,000th visitor

2008-01-10T16:28:00.000-10:00

Who knew where it would take me when I started writing this blog....but number 10,000 Is you from Rangsiti, Thailand.

Thanks for reading.

Crash Sends...

The Start of Another One

2008-01-05T08:01:00.000-10:00

So here we are a few days into 2008...people have made their resolutions and already broken them.

I'm writing this one from California - The Dragon and I have been out here since the 2oth of Dec and are getting ready to head back to the land of aloha in a few days.

In an effort to not let my blog "get stale" I'm going to quickly go over what have we been up to (this is for you MJH).

In my haste and lack of time this won't be too detailed - you'll get a few other posts on the major events in the next couple of days -

1) We flew in from Honolulu to Sac-Town for a short 2 week holiday visit with family and friends.

2) Spent 3 days and 2 nights in Calistoga (Napa Valley)

3) Went on a few runs in and around my home-town

4) Hit the slopes for a day before this happened

It has been good - and by the time we get back we will have been off of work for almost three weeks (not to rub it in or anything).

I'll be back soon with a more detailed post on the Calistoga and T-Ho trips in the near future (with pictures!)

Crash Sends...

Merry Christmas...and remember to be nice!

2007-12-22T14:25:00.000-10:00

The Sample Workout

2007-12-18T07:45:00.000-10:00

There was one point that I wrote about exercise programs and the menu of the week on this blog....what has happened?

You no longer need to worry - here it is again.

How to lay out a free-weight training schedule. Basic exercises are grouped together on certain days using a specific order and frequency. A beginner can train twice a week and make gains while the intermediate trainee will need to train three to four times a week. An advanced athlete will have no problem weight training five times a week. These weekly free-weight training splits are basic, yet effective.

Beginner Workout Routine:

Frequency: Two whole-body training sessions per week.

Duration: The workout last from 60-75 minutes depending on fitness level.

Intensity: The repetitions are moderate to high as we learn subtle techniques.

Pace: Allow 60 to 120 seconds rest between sets (less on warm-ups, longer for top sets).

Poundage: Well below the limit threshold; you should feel as if you have two to three reps left.

How long before rotating: This routine should be used for a minimum of four weeks.

Monday:

Legs: Squats, Dead-Lifts, Calf Raises

Shoulders: Seated Overhead Press

Chest: Bench Press, Flys

Arms: Standing Bicep Curls, Lying Triceps Extensions

Back: Pull-downs, Chin-Ups

Abs: Upper, Lower, Obliques

Tuesday:

Off

Wednesday:

Off

Thursday:

Legs: Front Squats, Dead-Lifts, Dumbbell Calf-Raises

Shoulders: Side Lateral Raises

Chest: Incline Bench Press, Dips

Arms: Seated Curls, Overhead Triceps Extension

Back: Row, Pull-Ups

Abs: Upper, Lower, Obliques

Friday:

Off

Saturday:

Off

Sunday:

Off

NUTS and Bolts:

Perform a full body routine twice a week
Suggested sets are three per exercise and reps should be kept between 10-15
On the first set use poundage that is 50 percent of the top weight projected for that day. Concentrate on form.
On the second set, jump the poundage to 75 percent
On the final set go to 100 percent . The top poundage should be done comfortably, with a rep or two left. This allows us to develop proper technique and conserve energy. We'll need it to hit 10 different exercises for 30 cumulative sets in a single 60 minute session.
If you complete all the reps in a particular exercise, try and add two additional reps in the next training session. When you are able to perform 15-16 reps using perfect technique, add 5 to 10 pounds and drop back to a 10 rep top set and start over.

Today's Workout:

6 Mi at 7:30 pace

Crash Sends...

The Honolulu Marathon Race Report

2007-12-11T20:30:00.000-10:00

So here we go...another race, another life list check in the box. This last Sunday was another race for the Fist Fight and not just any race - it was my first marathon. (Please note the picture of my "kit" graciously provided by Brooks)

I went with the Racer ST3's for this glorious feat....they are said to be designed with the ability to support you in your quest to break tape or set a PR. With a 4:55 I didn't exactly set any land speed records (for people that are wicked fast you need to check out Bree Wee or Rachael Ross...I don't mind getting chicked by them, 'cus well, they are bad.ass.)

The Alarm sounded with some classical music (I had on NPR) at 2 O'clock in the morning. But even at that time the sounds of Bach sound like the familiar WAH WAH WAH WAH of the ever present clock radio.

As it is par for the course I went with my normal pre-race breakfast of Cream of Wheat with a little Gu thrown in for good measure - you know to up those liver glycogen stores.

I was out the door by 2:30 for a 3:00 arrival downtown. I spent the next 20 minutes looking for a parking spot - with no luck. The one thing about this race that I found out with a brisk 8 block warm-up is that there is NO parking. Needless to say it, but I'm going to say it (does that make sense?) I had to park near Diamond Head at the community college and jog it in to Kapiolani Park. I had just made it to the buses when the skies opened up - drenching the masses. It made for good times. But, I say this with a smile, I'm lucky I live Hawaii (I know I left out the in but, that is how you say it here). December 9th, biblical style rain, and I was still in shorts and a t-shirt.

I make my way out to the starting area with the other 30,000 faithful and stand in the 4-5 hour block. I had virtually done zero training for this - my long run was one half marathon in September. Let's just say I knew my limitations. I wanted around 4 but more importantly I just wanted to do this...I wanted to run a Marathon.

The show started with the traditional cannon and the firework show and we were off....sort of. It took me 12 minutes to cross the start line.

So really, this time we were off and it was still raining - down Ala Moana to Nuuanu and still raining. I checked my time and I was moving at a snail speed 11 minute miles. Through down town, back onto Ala Moana, then Kalakaua and still raining. Through the crowds in Waikiki (which I was surprised about for a 5:00 AM start). Around Kapiolani Park and up Diamond Head (the rain stopped). Then down the Kalanianaole and more rain. Out through Hawaii Kai and back. I made a couple of stops, took some pictures, chatted with Friends that I saw along the course and made the most out of my first Marathon experience.

The post race was an experience in itself - masses of people, all wandering about the bog that was once a park looking for loved ones and friends. It smelled awful. Kind of like a wet dog and petting zoo in one - not the image of paradise you want, but, I go with what I know...and those my friends are the facts. I kissed my Wife, got my T-shirt and was off like a prom dress.

I wasn't out there to try and kill myself on this one - there will be plenty more for that...besides, there is always next year.

Thanks for checking in

Crash Sends...
next up the H.U.R.T. (100k)

A little liquid Aloha celebration

4:55

2007-12-10T10:37:00.001-10:00

And I'll take it....Race report to follow...

Honolulu Advertiser Photos

Bettah Have My Money

2007-11-28T22:13:00.000-10:00

When will then be now?

2007-11-26T21:45:00.000-10:00

Soon....

My time here at 29 Palms is drawing closer to the end. My unit is going through the portion of training known as FINEX or the "final exercise." Talk about madness - take all of the events of a 7 month deployment to a place like "Super Cancun" and compress them into a 72 hour window. I'd like to call it learning by the fire-hose method.

I had yet another Turkey Day away from home - And what I need to do is publicly thank by wife for being as strong as she is and handling my long periods away from home as well as she does. There is no job harder than being a military spouse. So, publicly, Thanks Honey.

Speaking of Turkey Day? Anyone out there run in their local Turkey Trots? The Dragon did a ten-miler and did well considering her running related injuries. Which I'm sure will lead to the question - why is she running? She like most of us who frequent these blogs has the bug and, regardless if she wants to admit it or not she has become a runner.

Nothing too sexy from me regarding training out here - minimum distance on the runs, still drinking the kool aid that is cross fit.

December 9th is fast approaching and with that so is the Honolulu Marathon - am I ready? Sure. Will I do it as fast as I want to? Maybe...I'll be sure to document the whole process anyway.

When I get back to Hawaii I'll be working on my very short race list for next season to include but not limited to the H.U.R.T. , a few 5 and 10ks and maybe the Great Aloha if I'm lucky

And as soon as you know it the year will be over and we will have passed then....when? Just now.

Today, tomrrow and the next couple days of training:

maybe a few miles...we'll see.

crash sends...

The Ultraman results

Another One

2007-11-20T08:27:00.000-10:00

So I've been tagged....by Bree Wee.

For those of you who don't know who she is, you will.

1) She is from the Big Island of Hawaii...so she has that going for her (not that I'm biased or anything) and

2) She recently finished the World Championships in Kona with a time of 9:47.

She broke her age group record and had the fastest time of any female age group competitor EVER.

"Wee, 27, broke the 25-29-year-old age group record that had been set by Tyler Stewart (9:53:41) in 2006. Wee, who finished 13th among the women at the race, also broke the women's age grouper record set by 24-year-old Kate Major (9:49:33) in 2002."

so...from Bree:

Aloha Crash... tag you're it!Shirley tagged me with a "meme"... darn it! So I have to tag 5 other people. Your job is to tell 5 random facts about yourself, then tag 5 others to do the same:)

1) As a child I had a strange addiction to alfalfa sprouts - I would eat them by the handful. I would stuff them in the pockets of my Oshkosh's to eat later. A favorite picture of my mom's is one where I had climbed into the refrigerator, thrown everything breakable onto the floor just to get at a package of alfalfa sprouts...never mind the fact that I was 16. OK, I'm kidding I must have been 2. Really.

2) I absolutely hate scary movies. To the point where I will not let my wife watch them, talk about them or even think about them....ok she can think about them, but I better not find out.

3) Strange addiction #2: Mustard sandwiches. I love nothing better than a mustard sandwich (yes, that's mustard only - on bread) made with Columbo sour dough from San Fransisco. I'll take 'em made with other bread but it isn't the same.

4) I grew up in a town of 780 people. We didn't get a stop light until I was a senior in high school. I should, and need, to caveat that with I didn't grow up completely in the sticks. Sacramento was only a 30 minute drive away.

5) Both of my arms are double-jointed. It was great fun in elementary school freaking people out with my flexibility....well, to tell you the truth, it still is.

Now, as for tag, I don't play tag. I play dodge ball.

Today's Workout:

5 mi run @ 7:30 min/mi pace

Clean and Jerk 3 set of 5

Sign up for next year's 5k

2007-11-18T20:03:00.000-10:00

You probably missed this in the evening news...The Ramadi Fun Run-
In the city of Ramadi, a former violent enclave for terrorists inside the Sunni Triangle, city officials held the first 'fun run' in nearly a decade. Matt Sanchez reported this amazing news.

Enjoy

2007-11-15T09:23:00.000-10:00

I've put up some more photos on this.

Today's Workout:
5 Mi @ 7:30/mi pace