Well, its Thanksgiving time. Time to stuff yourself with Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffiing and pie all while watching football with family and relatives. Also, its a time to reflect and be thankful for what's around you.
I am thankful for my family and friends who support me no matter what. I'm thankful for the god given ability to run. Also, I am thankful for my Columbus Running Company peeps, others at Motion running group, my small group Pelaton, and anyone else in my social life. You all help me stay sane when work gets crazy.
And, as an Ohio State Fan I am thankful that this Saturday will be the last Saturday that we as fans will see Jim Bollman (and he walrus face and mustache) run Ohio State's awful and predictable offense. So that we can be thankful that hopefully Urban Meyer can come be the new Head Coach and bring us National Championships. I am also thankful for the Ohio State Men's Basketball Team who right now as I am typing is kicking the crap out of VMI. Hopefully with a great team like this it will be a National Championship/Final Four season for them to help us cope with the Football team stinking it up this year.
I am thankful to be a Columbus Crew fan too. (That's for you DeLeon).
All in all we all have to be thankful for some things in our life.
To Leave you I'm going to post you a funny video thanksgiving related. It was from a hit show in late 70's/early 80's right around I was born but I watched reruns before and it is still funny today. WKRP in Cincinnati. Very underrated show. This clip below is from the Thanksgiving episode you have to see. Check it out and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 2 weeks you may have not know about what has been going on at Penn State. Head Coach Joe Paterno and many other university officials were fired while the Athletic Director and Director of Finance at Penn State resigned over the fact that they covered up child molestation accusations of one the ex assistant coaches Jerry Sandusky that he had sexually abused young boys in the facilities of Penn State.
Apparently, this all broke out from 2002 when then-graduate assistant Mike McQueary witnessed Jerry Sandusky forcing himself on a young boy in the Penn State locker room. He didn't go to the police but went to Joe Paterno, Paterno went to his higher ups in the athletic department. This raises the question of why didn't they go to the authorities or the police and why didn't they follow up on it. Sandusky's behavior was in big question before as to why did he retire early in 1999, and was still allowed to use the Penn State facilities even after the 2002 incident.
It's a sad story all around and for a moment the people at Penn State forgot who were the true victims of this the abused children whom now stories have came out about Jerry Sandusky. All in all this has destroyed the reputation of a famous football coach in Paterno, university officals being charged with purgery, and put the program and the school in Jeopardy all because nobody followed up and didn't go to the authorities, the police in the first place.
Here's a story of the past incidents that impicated Jerry Sandusky
More twists to the whole story is the lawyer that is defending Sandusky had a sexual encounter 15 years ago when he was 49 with a 17 year old girl that became his wife, however the legal age of consent in Pennsylvania is 16 but I still think it's really weird.
Everybody's easy to cast their stones at Jerry Sandusky, and rightfully so even though he hasn't been brought to trial and hasn't been found guilty by a court of law. Yet, the evidence, stories, and other victims that are now coming out pretty much say it all for him. The phone in interview he did with Bob Costas this past Monday with Sandusky's lawyer present in the studio with Bob Costas doesn't make him less guilty either. We should remember God is the one true judge and he will judge Jerry Sandusky for what he had done, but I hope Sandusky spends the rest of his miserable life in jail.
The pastor at my church blogged about the incident and how it's tragic and how it also damages the social capital in our society
I mean I agree that this could be one thing that is leading to the fact the public puts less and less trust into social organizations or the government. Trust me I work for the Department of Defense I know all about the politics that go on where I work. However, this whole Penn State thing had shown me 2 things. One of course is something as serious as child abuse should be reported to child and protection services and the law authorities. There simply no question about that. How do we teach our children as young adults, full grown adults or our elders about what the right and morally thing to do if we ourselves don't do it? Taking responsiblity is human. I bet right now Joe Pa, Mike McQueary the assistant who witnessed Jerry Sandusky and the boy in the showers in 2002, Penn State's now ex-school president, the former athletic director and those others who had to resign or let go or learning that they had to be acountable for their actions and what they did not do.
Another thing we should learn from the Penn State situation is a way to improve social capital among our leaders and authorities. I know that there are those few in our government, community, and churches that try to hide things from the public. We should all be humble, trusting, but still aware of what is going on because it can only be the best way we can teach our children so society can grow overtime. Hopefully everyone tries to get what I'm saying.
I'm D-Money, that's my two cents and I'll leave you with a letter that an OSU fan wrote to Penn State fans as a sign of good faith
Yes, the title of this blog comes from a Guns N' Roses songs. They are one my favorite bands of all time. I'm talking about the originally lineup with Axl, Slash, Duff, Izzy, and Stephen Alder(the drummer). Sorry, but Stephen needed a cool name or he just didn't want to stand out like his other bandmates. Of course sadly due to Axl's behavior led to the downfall of the orginally lineup and now he tours and records with different guys under the Guns N' Roses name. So it's basically not the same.
The song and the video November Rain is defintely popular, especially if in the month of November if you hear it on the radio. You see what goes on in your life around you as you try to get through the month. Kind of like the worst part of a storm happening before it dies down. The dieing down part of the year being the month of December with the excitement of the holidays and the worst part of the storm or year being the month of November. Hence the name of the song November Rain. Though if you listen to the lyrics of song it's about unrequited love.
I just like the song cause it fits to what is going on this month of November. I have a couple friends running marathons this weekend in either Indianapolis or New York. This in a sense is their November Rain. Our running club trying to get individuals together to get ready to possible go to Seattle next month to run USATF Club Cross Country Nationals. There are people getting ready for the holidays especially this early. Some Light Rock radio stations even play Christmas Music after Halloween. I'm not in the Christmas mood until maybe 2 weeks before after or if I decide to run at USATF Club Nats. I also in the mood to get through work because I have a lot of time off next month to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
College Football teams are going through the month of November hoping to win out and get a great bowl game in the post season. I didn't think Ohio State would be in the spot to possible get to the Big Ten Championship game until last Saturday Night's win over Wisconsin now they still have a shot to win the Big Ten but they can't slip up on the way and all they have to do is get through the games in the month of November which includes Indiana, at Purdue, home against Penn State, and the finally against the evil empire up north Michigan!! They get through that and they'll have a chance to go to the Big Ten game to have a chance to win the Big Ten and go to the Rose Bowl.
I dunno what is the point of this blog. I just wanted to tie in the song November Rain into it since if you think about it rain in November in itself is cold unlike the wet rain we get in the late spring and summer but the weather is much warmer where in November it still has some 50's and 60's but if it gets cold and if it rains it's much colder. Makes it miserable to run through. Try running in the snow the next months of winter. But, all have our November Rain to get through sometimes. Getting through the worst part of a storm and seeing light and the end which is the holidays and a start of the new year for a new beginning.
I'm D-Money, that's my 2 cents and for your enjoyment since it's a great song here in the video to Guns N' Roses November Rain
Well, my parents didn't want me to write this but I feel as if I had to. But, don't worry. I'm not going to do what everybody thinks I'm going to do in go off in a profanity raid, or have a pity party of what is going on in my life right now. That is just what I'm telling you. I'm dealing with some real personal struggles right now. A little bit of it has been effectiving my running, and don't want it to effect my work, spiritual, or social life. On, Sunday after doing some thinking, drinking, eating Five Guys Burgers and Fries and things I feel ashamed of I realize I don't like the person that my mind or devil is forcing me to become.
Don't get me wrong on Sunday I enjoyed seeing the faces of people down at the 26 mile mark cheering on those about to finish their marathon and the encouragement everyone gave or even those finishing the half marathon as well. It makes me happy and blessed to be in this sport. However, I felt sad that I could have been a part of it. If I wasn't running it may be a different story because I would still go down and watch and cheer everybody. So for everybody that I didn't congragulate or seemed a little fake in the tone of my voice when I did congragulate, I sincerly apologize. A lot of you are trying to give me some encouragement, hugs, and prayers and for that I thank you. Talking to those I've been close to and realizing what I do have and focusing realizing what I DON'T have has made me realize I'm a very selfish human being. I mean we all are at times. I guess for my male testosterones that get in the way and I try to be aggressive or set myself high in everything I try to do. Because I don't want to fail or let anybody down.
However, after talking to a friend in my church this week I should remember it's not what I want for myself or what everybody wants for me or even themselves, it's about what God wants for us. I believe he does want good things for me and wants me to achieve my goals in running but especially those goals I have for myself outside of it as well. I think that he is trying to tell me something that maybe I should still be patient and trust him. I mean it took me years and hard work to get where I'm at in running and also right here in Columbus. It just may be the same for everything else. I just need to be patient and he'll let me know when I find what I'm looking for. We are all guilty of forgetting what we got and become selfish to try to satisfy our needs one way or another.
Although, I may have been physically able to finish that race on Sunday I defintely wasn't able to finish it mentally with what has been on my heart, recovering from sore hips and still unsure of my physical fitness. I've lost a little bit of confidence after I ran pretty gutsy at Boston this past Spring and I'm just trying to find my way back. Maybe, this could be a blessing. We can't be on top of our game all the time. I still have goals for myself in running and need to use it as a reliever and try to not let everything else get in the way. It becomes a safety net sometimes and there are times where things may not go as planned.
To conclude, I'm tired of bitching and feeling sorry for myself. I appreciate all of your encouragement and I hope you all know I would do the same for you all too. I want to move forward and run with the same passion but be patient, mindful, and trust what God plans are for me in all areas and just let go. I mean I not the only one with problems and the best way to go is to look up. :)
Well, everyone this is the week. Columbus Marathon week. Whenever you are running the Full 26.2 Mile Marathon or running the 13.1 Half of it you all know that you have prepared weeks in advance to get yourself pumped up, running the miles, the stretching, and especially maintaining your focus up to this point. Mental Focus, that is 1/2 the battle of it like they say in those G.I. Joe public service things after the fighting is done in every episode. I know myself firsthand the instances where it has been hard maintaining that focus whenever you run the full or the half.
So I try to come up with a way as if a wrestler would do it with a wrestling promo before a big match. Many of you know I was a huge pro wrestling fan in the past and I kind of pay attention to it today. Thanks to the power of YouTube I usually in my leisure time like to be entertained by watching Pro Wrestling Clips from the 80's, 90's and the last decades. Now this promo blog isn't going to be like what type of promo say Macho Man Randy Savage would give. But you can watch for a good laugh.
Or Defintely not an Ultimate Warrior type of Promo
Though both of them are funny. I tend this blog to be more of a Terry Funk or Dusty Rhodes related. A little bit from the heart and not from a script.
Terry Funk Promo
Another favorite promo of mine is from Dusty Rhodes talking about hard times and coming back from his injury and how it relates to everyone trying to make it through rough times.
Many of you haven't watched pro wrestling like I have but Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes are speaking of the tough times they had to go through in order to become World Champion. Dusty Rhodes related his promo to hard times that everyday people who are unemployed or underpaid go through. The job I may have may not be the best but I feel good in the work that I do and I know with the experience I could move up.
Dusty's promo makes me think that the injuries I have may not seem so major compared to others whom wished they could run or those who are disabled who can't get the chance sadly. I feel fortunate for that. My Aunt Debbie has had MS for quite sometime I can remember but she is defintely one the most sweetest people I know. I don't see her that often because she lives out in Colorado, but she's always encouraging me in my running. She also great at making jewerly and she gave me a multi-color necklace. I like to wear it in honor for those whom suffer from MS. Like I said I feel very blessed to be out there running and there are those who can't
Terry Funk's promo spoke about wanting to win the world title for his father who never got to see him win his first world title 2 years after his father died. Which he did win and helped ECW at the time get off the ground in the late 90's. I tend to want to run this race for everyone that has supported me still especially for my high school coach, Paul Gibson, who sadly passed away this past summer and mentioned in one of my blogs.
It is those people my family, friends, and teammates that help me maintain that balance whenever life gets crazy in a certain type of way.
I run with my CRC peeps on Mondays and Saturdays or whenever I can because at least almost everyone of them in the groups is training for a Marathon or Half whenever it be in Columbus this weekend or elsewhere sometime this fall. Even enjoying their company as the time passes. I guess we all just try to feed off each others' motivation and energy to get through our runs or races together.
Also, with the people from my church and small group I look forward to seeing them whenever it be in service or in small group. They have become a great support for me during this past summer and fall whenever I was slowly trying to whip myself back into racing shape thinking to myself that my body was giving up after having a terrible muscle strain in my hips. I've gotten to know almost all of them much better this past summer thanks to going to "Breathe" the summer retreat, hanging out with them and making me yearn not only to be a good Christian but a better person as well.
My family has been very helpful maintaining that focus. I think that no matter what I do or what place I finish as long as it has been with class and dignity they are proud of me no matter what. I hope that it puts a smile to their faces that they know I'm doing something that I love which is what any parent wants their children to do. They have been my biggest fans since I have competed in distance running in high school.
But, I believe no matter what this Sunday PR or not I want to go out there and bust one to the best of my ability that day in the half. The Columbus Marathon has been one of my most favorite races whenever I have competed in it or not the last 6 years. Just hearing the stories and seeing different types of people cheer you on or others that they know is what it's all about.
Runners who are running this sunday this kind of sums up what Terry Funk said in his promo, "This Sunday we are going to race hard and finish OUR WAY!! This Sunday it's going to be our day no matter what. Cause there is no better feeling when you're out there racing having the city cheer you on whenever it be to a PR, Qualify for Boston, or just saying that you did it. Getting that medal afterwards is worth the months of preparation. Who knows you might want to plan your next one.
But, I'll leave you with this be smart, excited, positive and especially patient. I quote 2 Timothy "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." So runners keep the faith, and go for your own personal victory.
With the C-bus marathon coming up I'll post my pre race blog sometime tomorrow. It'll be funny and good. But, now since it being marathon season here are some stories from around the world that involved running a marathon. Both good and bad.
First, the bad one. After a marathon in the country of the U.K a man was D.Q after getting 3rd in the Kielder Marathon when it was found out that he ran only 20 and got on a bus within the crowd, hid his jersey which was transporting people to see the finish and was able to finish the race somehow. What an idiot. Read on
Now, a badass type of story involving a woman finishing the Chicago Marathon, but hours later giving birth to her child. I defintely give my congrats to my CRC peeps for racing up in Chicago this past weekend of course. My hat is always off to you guys but maybe this women might have you all beat. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, fellow blog readers for the last almost month I have decided to stop shaving just for the heck of it and this is what I've grown it into now.
Yep something isn't it. However, it seems I almost can't even recognize my own face. You ask why have I decided not to shave and grow it out for a bit. Well, there are a couple of reasons.
One, I just turned 30 almost a month ago and I think since people think that I always look much younger than what my age really is I just wanted to see how I would look if I grew one. Hopefully, having this beard grown would make people take me a little bit more seriously and think I'm not just a boy but a man and by seeing me have one it would do so.
Another reason is the fact that by turning 30 being a milestone in my life I feel as if I haven't accomplished anything yet in when I came to this age. I'm not married, engaged, or even seeing anybody right now :( also I'm still renting instead of owning, and I feel as if I want to earn a little more in my work. Pretty much not a whole lot of motivation right now except for running the half marathon in C-bus as part of the Full in less than 2 weeks. Since I also am not dating anyone that would tell me to shave so why not grow the beard. I dunno since growing the beard I would like ladies to know I am confident in how I look for a bit and not a chicken to let them know how I feel. Specially when it comes to this clip from Arrested Development.
(Great show by the way and its coming back with 10 episodes that will lead to a movie if you haven't heard.)
But, back to the blog. One more reason for the beard may be the fact I'm trying to grow it in to get ready for my Halloween Costume. Many of you know I know a lot about Professional Wrestling as embrassing as it is. Don't watch it as much as I did when I was a kid and a teenager but pay attention a little bit now. Since I went as The Ultimate Warrior last year I now want to try to go as a different Professional Wrestler almost every year for Halloween. I figure it be the closest thing to being one. As since this year in honor of his tragic death I am going as "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
OOOOOOO YEAH!!!! That's what he say.
But, trying to be a little more taking risk and maybe showing some maturity is a good way that I am growing the beard. I'll probably shave it off before the half marathon in less than 2 weeks and grow it slightly back for my Halloween Costume. Who knows maybe I'll keep it for the winter. Kind of like what Rocky did in Rocky IV when he fought the Russian.
So growing the beard and training is my way of preparing for a race it seems. I'll let you know when I decide to shave it. I'm D-Money that's my two cents and I'll leave you all with some famous people with beards
Jim Jurevich (Co-Owner of Columbus Running Company)
Jesus (Our Lord and Savior)
Abraham Lincoln
Zach Galifiankis
Chuck Norris (of course)
Tom Hanks in Castaway
Conan O'Brian
Brad Pitt
Brian Wilson (closer for the SF Giants)
Billy Mays
Grizzly Adams
Gandolf from Lord of the Rings
Jim Morrison (Lead singer of the Doors)
Joaquin Phoenix
Santa Claus
Jack Black
MMA Figher Kimbo Slice
Willie Nelson
Chaz Bono
ZZ Top
And Last but defintely not least........................
