Welcome back fellow bloggers and those who like to read it. As you may have heard New England Patriots Tight End Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with first degree murder. Here's the full detail of the storyline
Very sad a young promising career and from what it looks like he's throwing it all away. I'm not going into that much. I bet you all know and are reading the story right now. However, I found this article very interesting.
Yep, that's right. Since this year's Super Bowl 27 NFL players have either been arrested or charge with crimes involving drug possession, girlfriend disputes, DUI, assaults, gun charges, you name it. It brings the question, does the NFL have an image problem??
The same could be said for College Football. There have been stories of players getting into all sorts of off the field trouble. You have a Florida Gator Football player being arrested for barking at a dog????!!!!! LOL
I mean come on. Just because they are NFL and College Football Players doesn't mean the rules do not apply to them. In fact they should be held in a much higher standard. Especially in the NFL where you are getting paid so much money and when your contract is up your behavior determines whenever you get a resigned, a new deal, or if as a free agent another team would want you are not.
College Football is much different. These players complain about Universities using them for profit. That could be true but that's another tropic. HOWEVER, these players are getting a free education. Even if they don't make it in the NFL they could still use their degrees or fame after the game is over. We all know Ex-Buckeye Football players can get jobs anywhere in Marketing, Real Estate, Finance, or Communications thoughout Central Ohio.
Fans spend money on tickets, jerseys and other memorablia (sorry if I misspelled it) of their favorite professional team, or collegiate teams. No player or coach should be bigger than the team you root for. That's what Football players have to learn.
Trust me I not picking on all Football players. Some of them I have known have been good friends of mine. Yet, there are those rare ones with expectional talent that put themselves above everyone else it seems. I know there are those who come from stechy backgrounds like a Aaron Hernandez, but with their talent they are given opportunities to succeed, more than majority of people around the world. We put them up when they succeed and bash them when they get in trouble. I just hope Coaches, teams would encourage players to take a little more responsibilty.
Don't get me wrong I will still be cheering on my Ohio State Buckeyes this season like crazy as they not only go for a B10 title but hopefully a National Championship. However, I cheer for the team as a whole not a certain player or players. I will be a fan of those players who not only show talent on the field but try to show great character off the field even when their playing days are done.
Well Furloughs are happening right now in different areas of the federal government and I am one of those being effected by it. DOD will be furloughed for 11 days one day each week for next 11 weeks from the beginning of July until end of September. I've decided not to rant about it because one it's not going to do me any good and two, I don't want my comments to be seen by the wrong people. Especially, with what has been going on in the news lately. I'm very thankful I get the opportunity to go to work even if there are some things I don't like and there are certain people there I don't like as much because of different lifestyles we lead. I'm making the best of things and I don't want my family nor my friends to have to hear about my problems and I know you all don't want that. I've decided to try to make the best of things and I'll hopefully be a better person for it and I'll end it on that note.
As for myself I'm trying to not let these 11 furlough days (if they get cut back down or not) get the best of me. I'm trying to focus and use some options on how to get through this furlough financially, mentally, physically, spiritually and personally.http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/yourjob/ht/survivefurlough.htm
This article was very interesting and I thought it could be helpful and I'm going to break my stragegy down into a couple parts.
1.) I've decided to sign another year lease at my apartment complex since it would be cheaper and I could save monthly over the year than I would month to month or with another short term. This would save me $90 a month over the next year. I'm not ready to afford my own place yet especially by myself. Hoping that my sister after finishing school would come back down to Columbus looking for a job next year and we can get a house to rent or a condo of sorts but we'll see. I'm saving on living right now.
2a.) Expand my coaching prospects - This is an important one that I broken down into 2 parts. I'm very anxious to do some more personal coaching. I have some tools to use, but I may charge a little for my service. Don't know what? This is where I need help from readers to see what price is fair. If anybody wants to get ready for a race like a 5k up to a Marathon let me know and I can help. This is sort of my rough beginning for my coaching services. I'll try to keep in touch with my clients on their training, health, a little bit of diet though I could recommend a nutrist if needed, and their goals and how to achieve them.
2b.) Coaching job within the Jr High/High School ranks - Another one I'm trying to get into. I've talked to other about. Anybody let me know if any school in the Franklin County Ohio Area is in need of a Cross Country Coach or even as an Assistant, please let me know. I would really like to get my foot in the door somewhere around the Columbus area in terms of jr high/high school coaching. I know this doesn't get me much but it's something that I now want to do on the side of my job besides Officiating Track Meets. I feel it would be very rewarding and I can make a difference in kids lives. :)
3.) Watch a little bit of what I spend the next 3 months- Goes back to the link I posted above. Food and gas is the majority of what I usually spend outside of my bills. Don't know if I want to plan a 2nd vacation to Colorado in August due to plane travel costs. I'm trying to save up for another trip in December and that's out to Eugene/Bend Oregon for the USATF Club XC Nationals. I've always wanted to go out to Oregon especially to Eugene. It's like a Mecca for Distance Runners!!! But we'll see on Colorado.
4.) Limit myself to Going to Possibly One Ohio State Football Game- This might have to be against Buffalo or San Diego State at the beginning of the season as a birthday gift to myself. I know that the Buckeyes will be out in Indianapolis for the B10 Championship Game (knock on wood) this year. Ticket Scaplers and Ticket websites charge more for bigger games anyway. I've tried to get them from friends or people I know to see if they have them a little more often.
5.) Train like a beast- As of right now my Furlough day will be on a Friday which on a positive note could work out for the best. I could use that day to sleep in and rest up. Also, use that as my BADASS-ANIMAL TYPE WORKOUT DAY!! I could do repeats, or a super-threshold run with one of my friends. Go to the gym and do that workout also. I plan on running my fastest Half Marathon in October in Columbus so that extra training day would be great for my fitness.
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Me in Hulk Mode!!!
6.) Read & Resume- I could use a little bit to catch up on my reading and work on my resume. There is one book my friend and my Mom want me to read so I'll try to read it this summer. Also, for my resume I can retool it to see if there are any openings within either DFAS or DLA. Hopefully it would get my closer to making a little more money.
7.) Strengthen my Faith- One of the most important things one can do to get through a furlough. Plan on reading my bible more, getting a little more involved with my church, and find another small group to join within my church. Pray for our government to make the best decisions as possible to help our nation.
I hope to follow those carefully this summer and early fall. These are just goals I would like to achieve during this time in the next few months. Everyone else has their different ways of getting through a furlough. I realize there are individuals that I know of who are worse off than me because it effects their whole family and I have to remember that.
I know I have people around me to help me get through this. Everyone knows of someone will who will be effected by the Furloughs in some way or another. We live in a great country where we are blessed with many freedoms we take forgranted. Let's try to make it better for ourselves, others, and our children in the future. That's my two cents and I promise my next one will be funny!!
It's been awhile since I've have done one of these race recaps. So instead of one I'll give you guys 2 of them. Both of them involving this racing series that I signed up for this year. It's called the Coughlin Chevrolet Championship Racing Series. It is organized by Coughlin Automotive in Pataskala with 2 other dealerships in Central Ohio. Here's the weblink.
Columbus Running Company was helping with the timing and race preparation. Also it's cool that every race your entered and every race you finish increases your chances of winning a new 2014 Chevy Sonic.
The series benefits the Flashes of Hope, United Way, the Sam Bish Foundation among others.
The first race was the Stringray 5k up in Westerville at Westerville Central High School in early March. It was a cold one indeed. But I got 6th place.
The next race was the Fast Five 5k in Pataskala on June 1st at Coughlin Chevrolet. It was a little overcast when I got there. Found Brent Martin, Jason Oswalt, Eric Hamner, and Matt Blake and we warmed up on the Course. Cory was late to get there. After a little bit of stretching and putting on my flats the Elites were up first. There were only 12 guys and 6 ladies in Elite race. Very low. But anyway we were off running inbetween a row of Sweet Corvettes the dealership had.
After going around the dealership most the first mile was downhill and then we turned left on Blacks Road toward a neighborhood development. Black Road was a little rolling. Mile 1 I hit in 4:52. Felt good. Turned on Foor Blvd and did a loop on some roads around the neighborhood until we went back to Blacks Road and ran back toward the dealership.
Around the 2nd mile Jason and Cory were right behind me. They caught up with me but I was able to go with them and we hit Mile 2 in around 10:03. Back to the dealership on Blacks Road, Cory was able to make a move and I went with him thinking Jason would follow. We turned onto Corylus Road back up the hill to the dealership and the finish line. My left hammie/gluteal was a little stiff especially before the race and Cory had a little more speed and was able to distance me going uphill. Yet, I held on and was able to finish 6th right behind him in 15:35 for the 5k. CRC was able to sweep place 4-11 overall. Pretty good effort.
The following week in the series came the Columbus 10k in Downtown Columbus at COSI. Got there around 740 and saw a lot of CRC's and C Bus Pacers there. Warmed up for 2 miles with Matt Blake and David Mealy(our ex CRC from Cleveland). Nice to catch up with Mealy. Stretched, put on some Tiger Balm to my left hamstring and Glut and went to the start. After the National Anthem the race was off at 9:05. Suppose to start at 9:00 but this was early compared to years past where it started around 915.
Anyway we went down Broad Street and looped around the lots of COSI and the Spaqhetti Warehouse and went back on to the left side of Broad Street across the bridge to turn on Front Street. It started out quick. Mike Aldrink, Cory and I wanted to go around 5:00-5:10 for first mile and see where we are but I was up there with Dave Mealy and Galen Dills and we went through around 4:53. Jason Ordway(the guy who won) ran with the other leaders around 4:30's. Dills and I were behind David for all of the 2nd mile and a little bit of the 3rd mile.
Hit the 2 mile in 10:06. Pretty quick but flat around Victorian Village. We passed Dave and I was able to make a surge during the 3rd mile and overtook Dills as well. Hit Mile 3 at 15:23 when Ben Engelheart caught up to me. I tried to go with him as we hit the 5k water stop in 15:55. Catherine McMongile was there volunteering at that water stop and told me to relax which I did. In fact I felt very relaxed most of that race even though it went out fast. We turned on 3rd Ave as I was behind Engelheart as he was moving toward Jason Oswalt. We turned onto the Olentangy Bike Path. There were still bikers on there but the slower ones moved out of the way. One of them went vooming back. I hated it but was still focused.
The 4th mile was a little rolling as I got to Mile 4 in 20:50. One of my slower miles but it became rolling on the path and it got a little warmer like it usually does during this race. The course then hit Rickenbacker Drive where the Boat House Restaurant was and I ran up the road toward Mile 5 in 26:04 of some sorts. Stomach was feeling it but wanted to finish strong. Kept getting closer to Oswalt as we went on Souder Ave and back on the path towards the finish area another mile away. This back part was that hilly I was able to pass Oswalt with 1000 meters to go with a good eye on Engelheart but I knew I probably couldn't catch him as he finished 12 seconds ahead but wanted to finish with a good time. I hit the finish in 32:27. Probably my FASTEST ROAD PR, I beat my 10 Cross Country PR by 2 seconds and I was short of my track PR by 30 seconds (it's 31:57)
It's still a good indicator of my fitness. Especially during the last few races where I felt good. Cooled down with the CRC guys and got my award. 2nd in my age group(30-34) behind Josh Ordway. He finished 6th or 7th and got the free pair of Mizuno's since age group winner. But I got another glass mug and a little gift certificate. Tough field but this is always a good race. We took a team pic after the awards.
Great weekend especially after watching the State HS Meet the day before. 2 good races as part of a great series. You can still do the last 2 if your in the Columbus Area. One is in September and the last one is in November. They are both 5k's and there is fun for everyone. I'm taking a few days off to rest up and figure out a few things but I hope to be back at it next month until the fall. Safe running & training everyone!!
As many of you witnessed last week our nation was under attack and it had occured at one of Distance Running's most prodigious events, the Boston Marathon. Before 2:50 PM, when pretty much 75% of the field in the Boston Marathon was finished two suspects who were 19 and 26 years old left 2 pressure cookers explosives in backpacks filled with pellits, nails and other debri, and after they left the backpacks they exploded and the result horrific. 3 people dead(which included an 8 year old boy cheering his dad who was running) and over almost 260 people with injuries some of them minor but other almost sever to the point of being amputated . It was a devistation not only to the Running Community but to this entire country and I'm sure everyone of us felt affected by it in some sort of way.
Boston, to me was very special. 2 years ago I have displayed my emotions on what it meant to get there along with the experience I've had running in my past blogs.
Yet, many people who were there ran it for the very first time hoping to have the same positive experiences as I had or there were some who did this yearly and it kind of like a yearly journey for them to run Boston, or there were those running for charity and completed to help support their causes and have a good time. However, the devistating explosions ruined a moment of triumpth and celebration for everyone into heartache, sadness and anger.
Kind of like 9/11, everybody now remembers where they were when they heard the news of the explosions. I was at work listening to 97.1 The Fan getting ready to leave work at 3:30 PM like I usually do when they cut in from the Local Sports Talk Shows telling of the explosions that had occured. I got into my car and turned to News Talk Radio(that I hardly never listen to) and they told of what occured in Boston and got home and turned on the TV and saw the images of what was going on. Pretty much I looked at friends' Facebook updates, who were at Boston, to see if they were ok and they were and got home. They were lucky but those who were at the finish line area at the time were not ok and now their lives are now changed forever due to the acts of these two Chechen brothers.
Thankfully due to social media, cameras and witnesses the Police and FBI were able to make a lot of progress this past week and now one of them was killed early Friday morning but the other was taken Friday evening. The capture wasn't without another loss as a police officer at MIT was killed Thursday by those 2. But, the main thing is one of them is alive and captured.
God will be the one that truly going to judge these two but personally I hope the one who is alive would get the death penality for what he and his now deceased brother has done. That's my personal opinion and I hope many of you share the same thoughts as me.
However, back to the reason I'm writing. Everyone of us as runners had a true place in their hearts for Boston and those that were affected. Even those who didn't compete watch in horror of the images and stories of those victims hurt and prayed for friends who were there. Runners who had competed felt they had their moment taking away from them by actions of those 2 BASTARDS!!
Yet, there have been great stories of heroics that have been told. For example, Carlos Arrendondo, the Cowboy hat wearing race volunteer who was helping runners and watching the race to support a runner who was running the marathon in honor of Arredondo's son, Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. But instead Carlos was helping victims like this one who had to have both his legs amputated. The victim was one of the first ones to give a description to the FBI of the Tsarnaev Brothers.
They're were a group of Army men who usually start the Marathon early and walk the whole course in full gear with their backpacks from Hopkinton to Downtown Boston. After the bombings many of them did what they were trained to help those who were hurt and tried to remove debri caused from the explosions.
Former New England Patriot Joe Andruzzi who ran the Marathon was carrying and helping people to safety.
These were just some of the example of heroism shown in the aftermath despite the turmoil and Chaos. They were a whole lot more I wanted to mention but I didn't want to go on any longer but it shows you the example of what our country can do in a crisis.
The Running Community has been very supportive. Charities have been set up to help those victims in need. In fact this past Monday, Columbus Running Company along with other running stores around Central Ohio and probably the entire country set up a Run for Boston run. In which people signed up for shirts and donated money to the One Fund Boston. Almost 400 people were at the CRC Dublin Run for Boston Run.
Runners come all sorts of different backgrounds. We may have different goals, act differently, and have a different way of obtaining them but the one thing we all have in common is our love not only for our sport but also for our country, our families, and each other. To me that is at least one postive thing I can take from this senseless act of violence. I apologize if I had affended others in my last blog I'm just in a funk at work. But I feel a sense of urgency hopefully as we can all come together and support one another and others in our communities.
I'll leave with what was posted on Columbus Running Company's Facebook Page the day after the bombings
Runners don’t run from things. We run for things. For our dreams & goals. For charity. For our own personal finish lines.
Yesterday’s terrible tragedy has an impact on all of us, and our thoughts are with those suffering in Boston. But we can’t let that change who we are. We’re runners. Step outside today. Whether it’s a block, a mile, or a marathon, go for a run. Run for something.
Run for Boston. I'll also leave you a video of the National Anthem that was sung by the fans in attendance of the Boston Bruins hockey game 2 days after the bombings. It was a very touching moment.
Hello everyone, it's been a long while, and Happy Easter as I am typing this right now. We have a lot to be thankful for right now. In fact one of the reasons why I haven't been blogging is because of this right now and how it effects my job and other people's jobs within the federal government right now. This has been the approval rating of Congress for the last 2 years with the highest being at 24% one of the lowest in years. Usually it is above 40% or around it but right now with the Sequestration, furloughs, fed employees fearful of losing jobs, and the slowness of the economy recovery people are getting annoyed at how our government is handling everything.
I never thought in 2 years blogging I would write a political blog but right now I'm frustrated since it would effect these hard working government employees. Politicians now a days act like kids it seems when arguing over certain issues such as the economy, defense, and gun control. I believe many of them forget why they went into politics in the first place. It's a public service and if the public isn't happy with the job they do then they have the right to vote these guys out.
Well, I also believe the America people are to blame as well. Many Americans for some reason or another keep voting them back in because they are tied to a certain party or they can't think for themselves. These Americans expect the government to fix everything. Too much government can be a really bad thing. Everyone I think has an idea of where I stand, but I try not to post any or if little Facebook posts about certain issues as to where I stand. I respect and honor people's opinions including those friends who have different views than mine, however I hate it when someone stirs the pot. It just divides us as a people and a country.
I mentioned that with what is going on everyone at work is considered down the road with furloughs. Good news is the furloughs are down to 14 days since the delay of notices and possible more funds but still doesn't solve any of our problems. That's my personal opinion.
Lately, on a side note like I have mentioned I have people very frustrated with working here at my job in Dept of Defense at DFAS.There has been a hiring freeze to some hire positions that I think are around my skills, the job I'm making less than what I think I should be making and for the pay position I'm at I totally am getting bored at doing the same thing. I don't like a couple of the people I have to work with from Vendor Pay that our section has to work with. I feel out of place not only in how much education I have and how much younger I am compared to a few of my fellow co-workers.
Also, I feel my lifestyle is extremely different than many of them. I tend to live a much healthier and active lifestyle than pretty much most of my co-workers. A little bit of negative energy tends to rub off to me and I do not want that for me or anybody else. I only see a few I know that work in different sections that like me love to maintain almost a daily, healthy workout habits. Even my buddies whom I eat lunch with don't usually share my enthusiam for healthy eating. They either are busy with house work,wife, family, girlfriends, and that's ok. I know one of them can do a lot better at meeting other people and just likes to watch movies, play video games, and doesn't necessary eat decently sometimes.
Though, despite work, feeling as if almost everyone around me there is a pain in the ASS, our Congresss has been screwing all of us(fed workers, middle class, other Americans) royally as well. I'm trying to find some positive around me on the outside of work and I want that for my friends, family, or anyone I know to also.
Training so far has been good as to get ready for a Spring Half Marathon. Had some good races last March with Stingray 5k and Beer Bottle 4 mile. However, CRC will not send a Men's Team to Chicago for the Shamrock Shuffle. That's because only 3 guys myself included volunteered for the trip. For the elite team race you need 4 to score. The Women, however are going with a team. It really disappoints me so far that the ladies seem to have it together while I'm trying to be that leader the Men need even though I'm not the fastest guy on the Elite team I want some of the guys to step up now that the weather is getting warmer and we have a chance to kick butt this summer and fall. Hopefully some of the negative influences we had on the team are gone!!!
This right now is a critical time in our country still but at the same time I think it has shown me a little bit of light for me I haven't or refuse to see for quite sometime. I am not happy right now with the job I have and I am 50/50 on staying within the Private Sector. Sorry Mr. President but I feel as if I'm not a whole lot better off now than I was 4 years ago.
It seems there really is no middle ground where I work. I hope their will be some job openings for the building next door DLA, it's the Logistics building. My cousin works there. They have a few more miltary over there and from what I've seen people seem to like it over there. My business degree could be useful and I interned over there for a summer before my last semester of college which made me fell in love with living in Columbus. Nothing progressed but I hope to keep my eyes open and get my resume ready if given the chance.
Like I mentioned I feel not a whole lot of connection with the people I work with in my section. I don't hang out with them after work nor not too close with them. I'm friendly and talkative to them of course and help them like they help me of course. Yet, I still don't hang out with them, have a brew or something like that with my other friends outside of work and you all know who you are. I see my co-workers plus the annoying people in our Vendor Pay section more often than I do my family and friends. Lately the past few months I seem like I have grown very distant to my family and friends and hopefully I would love to see them a little more often as the weather gets warmer hopefully.
Also, I've been meaning to look into purchasing a place a of my own so that one day if I do get hitch I can use that place I own to build it up and make it a rental property by keeping it looking good. Right now it hard to keep up with my own apartment since I'm out training and working so far. Spring is here I would like to catch up.
Another thing I'm trying to do is get back out into Dating. I'm not getting any younger and some days my body feels that way especially. Hopefully God will keep opening my heart a little more and lead me to the ONE!!
However, there have been some positives. I just completed a Level 1 training course with USATF and I'm now certified to coach junior high, high school and individuals in track and field or running itself. I'm getting started into helping out with possibly a few individuals thanks to CRC but right now I would like to use this opportunity right now to speak to anyone who would like to improve their running or their health. I'm really thinking deeply on becoming a personal running coach. This is not limited to only select individuals, but to anyone. This includes beginners, people who want a to finish a half or full, those who want a qualify to Boston in their age groups standards, and especially post collegiate athletes who still want to compete at a competive level. I also hope to get into jr.high or high school coaching this fall in cross country if anybody in the Franklin County area knows any schools that at least would like an assistant.
I'm just getting started with this so bear with me. I'm reading a little more about youth training, marathon training plans, looking for online sources, and going through books my parents have gotten for me in the past that I still have(Heh Mom and Dad those are going to come in handy finally!! :) So I'll be still learning as well. I'll try to make my training plans reasonable but with some workouts to challenge everyone. But I'm open to listen to my clients and athletes. Communication is a great key for it. I can even recommend someone to a nutritionist for diet plan or physical therpist for injury. Trust me I run on a competive team for a Shoe store and develop some friendships and by helping you I can be open to help them with their line of work as well.
That's another message I want to get across in this blog. People helping each other out. Neighbors helping Neighbors and friends helping friends. With so much distrust in society our country has forgotten a little bit about it and I feel because of that not much gets done like it should. Now our country has given aid to other countries but right now we're still in depth but that's for another debate. We should give out of our hearts with nothing in return. God wants us to do that to give our of our hearts.
Though maybe one day you or one of your friends do return that favor. It's kind of like in that scene The Godfather when Vito told the Caretaker that someday he will ask for a favor in return but Vito accepted the Caretaker's favor since it was the day of his(Vito's) daughter's wedding. Great movie, too!!!
Trust me Change is never easy and it doesn't happen overnight. From what I learn over the years we can't rely too much on our government to make change. They do the best with what they got but politics always get in the way for what they mostly want for people they represent. I don't want to go into any more detail about. Thinking about gives even me a headache. I say just take every change bit by bit or one small step at a step before taking the next. That's what I think I want everyone to learn from my rambling today. All it takes to just one foot out the door, kind of like running.
To close, look around at what you like about yourself and what you would like to change. Sort of like a giving or sacrifice to other as said in Romans 12:1-2. Frienship to other is REAL CHANGE that politicans can not promise!!
Sorry for not blogging been busy getting ready for my USATF Level 1 class for Track and Field and other things. Going to try to update it a little more but that's life. Well the Super Bowl 47 happened this weekend. Disappointed as a casual Browns fan the Ravens won and send Ray Lewis out a winner(murder cover-up and Deer Antler Cheater) Long story but I'll get to that in my Lance/Mante Te'o and Ray Lewis blog coming up after my class is over this weekend. Pray that I do well. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the commercials.
Though I honestly think some advertisers are trying to hard sometimes throwing out a lot of money in order to get on TV during the Big Game. But here are a few ones I enjoyed this year and what I thought was the worst Super Bowl Commercial this year. First the good ones
Deion Sanders as Leon Sandcastle
Doritos Goat
Tide Joe Montana Miracle Stain
Budweiser Clydesdale Brotherhood
Dodge Ram Farmer
Those I liked this year. Now here is what I thought was the worst ad during the SuperBowl.
All I have to say is Bar Refaeli most have been paid a lot of money to do this ad. Also I included the Calvin Klein ad because they didn't ask me to be the Male Model in that commerical. LOL just kidding. Well hope you enjoy these commercials like I did. Next post will be better. That's my Two Cents.
Happy New Year everybody. We made it through 2012 and the world didn't end despite what the Mayans had predicted or how their calendar ended. Now it's 2013 and everybody's getting their New Years' Resolutions in order. Last year a had a couple in mind from this link below.
Now I think I've done a lot better in some areas but I realize there is much more growing I can do. I believe that being by myself now for over one year has caused me to lose a little bit of that focus. I mean lets be honest when I get home from work or working out it's hard for me to keep my place clean. I really don't want to do much but relax and get ready for the next day. I feel this has become a constant cycle and bad habits of leaving stuff out have got in the way. When I do get it cleaned up its hard to stay clean. Would help if I was living with someone to take a little pressure and I can help out. But I'll get to that in my resolutions.
Saving money has been a little bit of problem too. Since I'm by myself again after my sister left Columbus to go back to school. But, one of my big Student loans was finally paid off and so is my car so I don't have to worry too much about those payments. Yet it feels a little more comfortable putting a little more in my pocket.
I finally come back after a nagging injury and posted some really good races in the 5k, 8k and half marathons that I ran in Louisville and Cleveland. Yet more importantly I finally achieved something that has been eating a little at me for years after a big mistake I made as teen. I finally ran a race through Ohio Stadium during the Columbus Marathon.
So far in running I know what I need to accomplish. I might try another Marathon this fall. Maybe going to Indy to do the Monumental if I choose to run a few weeks later instead of running Columbus again pretty much since I want to run the Indy Mini Half this May to run a fast Half Marathon. We'll see.
But good news on the coaching front. There is a USATF Level 1 Coaching Class being offered in Ohio this February and its in Central Ohio so all I have to do is just spend the money on the class itself. If anybody(talking to my Running Friends out there) knows a high school that needs or how to get in contact with the athletic offices about an Assistant Track Coach, please let me know. I would also like to use this to get more involved in writing out training plans as a personal trainer coach as well for anybody. I mean doesn't matter the skill level from beginner to seasoned veteran I would love to have that chance down the road. If not this spring maybe in Cross Country also.
With resolutions being the way that they are it would be best if we don't set our sights to high to the point we crash and burn with our resolutions. This is a very interesting article by Donald Miller I found on a friend's Facebook page. I can't take credit for this but I read it and found it very interesting.
The article was very informative with some of my goals from last years'resolution I wasn't able to accomplish fully now I can see why. I ended up really busy with my own training and with the free time I had at home I did not read my bible or anything else more than what I should have. Reading could have helped me a little more. Though it's difficult when you live by yourself and you don't seem as much motivated. I think my mind is a little more alert if I read a little bit more. Going to try to force myself since I'm talking a Coaching course next month and I wanna read up a little more.
Living situation could be a little better. It would help me out financial if I could room with someone right now especially in my situations. I have some options but keeping it open. I think I've become a little bit more easier to get along with just have to be more considerate if I do room with someone.
That said right around this time of my life its hard to look at that when especially I see friends and people I know either settling down or starting families. I want God to just open my heart a little more and be patient. This year seems much better than last year when dealing with that.
Speaking of that, work seems to be the most miserable thing I seem to deal with and it has effected my life outside I don't want that to happen this year since the progress I've made last year. Now, we're dealing with the fact that our government has now increased payment on our social security making it tougher for all Americans. But don't get me started with that subject. Just another obstacle I have to deal with at work.
Far as my resolutions are considered here they are
1.) Continue to keep run throughout the year.
- I have some races in mind but I just want to compete and train the best I can see where everything fall and hopefully stay healthly
2.) Try to be a Good Leader for the CRC Elite Team.
- Especially on the Men's side there is no strong leadership. We have a great group of young guys but right now it's do your own thing. Work Schedules get in the way of course. But I see some great races ahead this spring and summer on both the Men and Women's sides if we keep encouraging one another. I also think it goes for CRC as a whole which includes the C-Bus Pacers. Great bunch of people.
3.) Read more
- This includes my bible and other things running related.
4.) Clean once in awhile
5.) Have an Open Heart.
- In all areas and I think many of you know what I'm talking about.
6.) Get to know my new Small Group Mates
- Got into a new small bible study. Enjoy it so far. Want to get to know them more. Show them I'm more than a runner.
7.) Try not to let work
- This is specially important. I'm trying to get my resume to where the wording in my job relates to how I apply which is the way they want it. I want to try to at least get out of Accounts Payable even for same pay. Been thinking about taking Grad Classes with some friends at work in the fall. Maybe.
8.) Coach
- Maybe not in the spring but down the road see if I can volunteer in the fall. We'll see. Like to see if any of my running friends know some people.
I think it's a great thing for one to share one's Resolutions. But, it's important to try to encourage one another because the more likely we can meet most of our goals. Right now, I feel as if people in this country just want a handout especially from our government. We should remember that encouragement, helping out one another, and working hard will lay out a great foundation for everyone. Kind of like the parable in Luke 6:47-50.
Didn't mean to go off on the subject too much. Having a good resolution is like training for a marathon. Have a plan, tell about it, get advice, use resources, get a schedule, have people that will help or train with you, and leave it out there and what will be will be. A hope you all have a great New Year and I want you to think deeply about Resolutions and setting realistic goals just like I'm going to do and don't be afraid to share. And that's my Two Cents.
