It's hard to believe that Georges St. Pierre (GSP for short) who is the Welterweight Champion of UFC and known the world over was a victim of bullying when he was a kid growing up in his native Montreal, Quebec Canada. See the yahoo sports article and fight magazine links below
Yet, growing up was very tough for him. He was picked on by the older and bigger kids due to his size and the fact that he said he was more intelluctual than they were. This meant that he talked differently then they did or that he wasn't a great athlete so those bullies mistreated him. Though he excelled at school he feared going just cause of the harassment.
However, at a young age he got very involved in karate with the encouragement of his father and soon with more training into his teens he soon was able to defend himself, win fights to where nobody was able to mess with him. He almost gave up karate right after his teacher died of cancer when GSP was only 14. That was until a friend introduced him to a UFC video just as the sport was taking off in the late 90's-early 00's. GSP fell in love with the sport. He soon began to incorpate more martial arts such as Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing into his training.
He began to be good enough to win his first 5 fights and fought his first UFC PPV in 2002 at UFC 46. Today he is a 2 time and current UFC Welterweight Champion, has been voted MMA fighter of the year from a few publications, and has a record of 20-2. And he is just as old as me, 29 years.
I just wanted to write about him to prove that as strange as it sounds a guy like GSP who is one of the best MMA fighters today was bullied as a kid but rose above it to become successful as he today. I kind of relate to his story coming from someone who is bullied himself when I was younger and try to turn a positive into a negative. I guess both of us used our talents and interests into sports to make ourselves become better people and not let the negative ones try to bring us down.
From the Yahoo Article I agreed with what he had said about being picked on that it won't last forever and things change. He Quotes, "When you’re young you think everything will stay the same. It won’t. Everything will change. You just have to keep going.” And he right. I think being a victim himself at a young age he is trying to encourage those to use their talents to rise above their aggervators.
There is so much I'm trying to learn about watching UFC or any other MMA fighting organization of what is involved but this story stuck out to me since it involved someone as successful as Georges St. Pierre and what he had to overcome to become one of the fighters in the world. This weekend he is defending his welterweight title against Jake Shields in Toronto in front of an estimated 50,000 in the Rogers Centre see the picture above. They said if he wins UFC wants to do a superfight in the future with him and Anderson Silva. Now that would be a sweet fight. But, no matter what happens Saturday Night he already has won a fan in me. I'm D-money and that's my two cents.
Well, after a great week of running Boston, many positives things said from everyone, a great easter weekend from great services at Church, to watching the Jesse Owens Track Meet and hanging out with fellow CRC's I was put back to earth this morning when I heard that now the NCAA has come back and said that Ohio State FB Coach Jim Tressel had disclosed information pertaining to players selling memorabilla. Because of this now Ohio State has been served notice by the NCAA and they will have to appear before the NCAA infractions committee on Aug. 12 in Indianapolis to explain themselves. Here's the article in the Columbus Dispatch
Now, as a major Buckeye fan this is truly disappointing not only the fact the 2010 season could be vacated but more importantly in the letter the NCAA could possibly treat this as a repeat offender stemming from the violations involving former quarterback Troy Smith, who took $500 from a booster and former men's basketball coach Jim O'Brien, who gave $6,000 to a recruit. Which in turn could mean loss of scholarships, suspension of coaching staff, and post season ban if the NCAA comes down.
My major question now to Buckeye fans is now what do you think of Jim Tressel and what should the University do? I've been a major Jim Tressel Fan ever since he has came on campus. His coaching record and what he has done for the community speak for itself. Time has passed since I posted my last article where I criticised how that March press conference was handled.
The Suspensions of the players, of course, still stand. Tressels suspension has now been 5 games instead of the original 2 games. Does anybody think that Tressel should resign or the university should fire him before the season or do they ride it out with him saying that he is still their man?
I mean he really didn't come worth with this information when it was given to him. He told an FBI agent, and a man named Ted Sarniak, a 67-year-old businessman in Pryor's hometown, who befriended the quarterback years ago and accompanied him on recruiting trips to Ohio State and other universities he was sort of like Pryor's mentor. Yet, he made no mention to AD Gene Smith or OSU President Gordon Gee about what the players where doing. E-mails and phone calls were forwarded.
So now, after all of this is now coming out and possibly violations are coming do you think that the Jim Tressel Era at Ohio State is coming to an end or do you think it will end. It's not for me to judge but it hard for everyone to judge what Tressel's legacy what he has done on and off the field because of not being completly honest with the NCAA. I know Buckeye fans will say that USC had players get paided much more when they got caught and penalized. Yeah, that's true. USC deserved and they are serving the punishment for what they got but the fact is the NCAA was lied to and this could be huge and Ohio State Football could suffer for a bit because of it.
Would it be best for Tress to step down before the season for the good of the program? Maybe. Yet, me say this to you all. I will still be a huge Ohio State Buckeye no matter what penalty come down or how the team will do. I'll be wearing my jersey on gameday and cheering on the Scarlet and Gray. I try to make it to at least one game a year. I'll still be a hardcore Ohio State fan. The Jim Tressel Era could end but I think that Ohio State has become too big of a traditional powerhouse to be down even for a least a year or two. Someone will step in. The name appeal will help keep the athletics and the university earning money and getting the best possible students to come. I think it would have to take a SMU Death Penalty like or terrible string of coaches to ruin it. I'm D-Money (still a Buckeye) and that's my two cents!!
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!
Today I really don't hardly have anything much to say. Just wishing everyone a happy easter, posted this to let everyone know why we celebrate it and not because of painted eggs, bunnies, or Chacolate bunnies, eggs, and ham, which sounds good :) I'll think of something when my mind starts up again. Stinks trying to take time off from running a little and you get bored. But, anyway I hope everyone is enjoying there Easter and I'll post something again soon. I'm D-Money and that's my two cents!
Before I go forward and describe to everyone my trip and marathon experience to all you readers out there, I personally want to thank those who have read my last blog before I took off for Boston.
I appreciate all of your encouragement and positive thoughts on it. It really meant a lot to me seeing the comments you left here on the blog, texts, face book post, or telling me face to face. I have to admit I was a little bit unsure of posting it thinking how would people judge me for what has happened? But, I remember that everyone of us makes mistakes or says they regret. We just have to move forward and improve that’s how we tend to grow as human beings. Also, the fact that we have our little quirks or ticks that make others tent to judge a little. Like one of my friends has posted none of us are normal, how we handle ourselves and treat others with respect is a great way to be appreciated and loved by those around. They say if everyone were the same it would be a boring world. I’m glad to know and be around those who are different but share the same qualities as myself. I especially notice that meeting with and talking to all sorts of runners either at the airport, the marathon expo, the restaurant the night before, all over during my Boston Marathon experience.
Well, I guess I’ll give you a great detail of my trip to Boston. My flight left for Columbus around 7:20 am to go to Washington D.C. I had to connect there to go to Boston. Luckily, I saw a couple C-Bus Pacers runners at Columbus and they were on the same flight as me. Flying out of Washington to Boston was pretty cool. I had the window seat and saw D.C from the air. I also got to see Baltimore, Philly, and New York also. I’ve been to those cities but seeing them from the air was really cool. We arrived in Boston, and I was able to meet up with my parents. We got our rental car and headed towards the expo. However it took us a little while to figure out the correct street since the Garmin said either Boston or Boston Metro. After going on I-90 for a couple minutes we had to turn back because the convention center was on Boylston Street in Downtown and the garmin took us out towards I-90 for a bit. Ended up taking I-95 south to get back to the Boylston exit to get back there. We got there though.
Inside the convention center it was huge. I’ve been to a couple marathon expos before but this was the biggest as they say. I was able to get my bib number and a couple people commented on how fast I must be. Inside I thought about getting a Boston Marathon Jacket but they didn’t have my size so I’ll get that online. There was a lot to see at the expo. Pretty much any shoe company that was involved with running had booths Adidas (main sponsors), Nike, Mizuno, etc. Ryan Hall’s foundation had a booth that sold his book Running with Joy. It is a great read. A friend let me borrow it and I think I’ll buy now for myself just to have it for future training reference. He also had great bible verses and gives great running advice. His wife Sara Hall, who is a stud track runner, who was there to sign autographs. She gave me one with the verse Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Best part was I got to take a picture with her!!
Me and Sara Hall
Let me say that Ryan Hall is one lucky guy, and not because he is the American Record Holder for the Full Marathon and Half Marathon if you know what I mean. But, she was really nice and I asked her if he was ready for tomorrow and how her training is going.
After we left the expo we went to go to the hotel and I was able to get a picture and see the finish where the runners, wheelchair competitors would finish. Our hotel was located in the south part of the city near U-Mass and Boston. We were out at the Olive Garden for dinner, which was lovely, (ha ha Old School quote right there). Got a table real quick by the bar which was a surprise so we were able to eat real quick. There were Boston competitors all around us so it was fun talking to them about how we got here and our guys. One of them suggested taking the subway into town the morning so I can quickly be able to catch the buses out to Hopkinton which is what my CRC people told me to do while there and that was helpful.
The next morning I got up and 4:30 and was able to get my bagels and bananas in my green carry on thing along with my flats, CRC Jersey, wool socks and under armour underwear, water, energy pills to take before and a few other things I can fit. Around 5 I almost missed getting my green tea drink finished since we couldn’t bring any liquids on the shuttle to the subway stop. My folks and I were able to travel with others up to downtown near the Boston Common where they were only a couple of thousand or more people getting ready to line up. That was good since I was able to get in with one of the first length of buses that were headed to Hopkinton.
My folks said the lines got worse after I left. The bus ride was ok. We traveled on I-90 which seemed like forever until we got to I-495 south to the Hopkinton exit. One the funniest things happened after we exited. One of the runners walked up to the front after we exited and asked the bus driver to pull over to pee real quick. One the Massachusetts State Patrolmen, which they were blocking the exit because of the marathon traffic, got pissed and the runner ran back on the bus. He banged on the bus telling them not to stop and keep going. It was so hilarious, the mood was not tense before but it did lighten everything up all of us on the bus gave that runner an applause.
We arrived at Athletes Village around 7:15 with a whole bunch of other buses. The Athletes Village was the main athletic fields of Hopkinton Junior High and High School. I even took a picture of the famous sign.
I mostly just chilled listen to music. I just listened to my I-Pod since the music they played there didn’t play any AC/DC, Van Halen (with David Lee Roth, Not Sammy Hagar), Ozzy, or Guns N’ Roses which I had on my I-Pod and try not be to anxious. When I walked around a little I was hoping to catch a few of the C-Bus Pacers/CRC peeps to see if they were here or arrived as more buses were coming in but to no avail. So, I just relaxed and kept my mind on the task at hand. After changing into my racing gear around 9:00 along with my flats, stretched my hamstring and did all other things to get ready I was off at around 9:15 when the First wave people had to bring their stuff in the green bags to the buses which had their races numbers. For example my bus had race numbers 100-500 so I gave my stuff to them. I had a trash bag to keep a little bit warm from the wind as I walked/jogged 7/10 mile to the starting line up on Copley Square. I had a bottle of water with me to throw out. I did a couple strides and pee again near some trees where I couldn’t be seen but all other runners had the same idea. I also said my prayers 15 minutes beforehand. Almost every single race I would say the 23rd Psalm plus the Our Father Prayer which I what I prayed since college before every race.
After, a little bit more stretching I got rid of my trash bag and enter my corral which was # 1 right behind the elites. The elites came out from the Korean Presbyterian Church of Greater Boston to an applause from the people and other runners. They included Ryan Hall, Robert Cheruiyot (last years winner and course record holder at 2:05:52 and 5 time Boston Champ), and the man who would win this race with a course and world record time of 2:03:02, Geoffrey Mutai. It was awesome being right behind them. Main street was lined up with a least 9000 people and that was just the first wave that was about to take off. After the national anthem, the crowd wished us good luck as 10:00 approached. Then, we were off!
It was pretty crowded at first. I was just trying to get a little bit of breathing room the first ½ mile. I think that I got a little bit too comfortable the first mile. Since the first 5k would be downhill it makes you feel a little bit too comfortable to go a little faster than you want to. I hit the first 5k in 17: 12 which in High school I didn’t hit until my junior year of cross country. After that we ran right through Ashland, then a little up hill as we ran into Framingham in which I hit the 10k mark in 34:44 which was 16 sec faster than I wanted to hit the 10k mark but still felt good. I hit 35:16 in Cleveland last year. Those towns had kids pulling out there hands for me to slap which was great motivation to start off with. Next couple of miles were pretty flat. I wanted to stride it out to keep a good but steady pace since I knew I went out to fast. Hit the 15K mark at 52:17 and was running with a good group that wanted to hit low 2:30’s as well.
Almost every town we went through had great support. I took advantage of almost every Gatorade and water stop along the course. I hit 10 miles at around 56:10 still feeling well. After passing through Natick still a little flat not too rolling kind of wished I had an extra gel with me. I took one before the race thinking that could hold me and I would just use Gatorade at every stop until 16.5 miles. Before the 12 mile mark I began to hear the screams of the students of Wellesley College. Now this is the fun mile as they say even before you get to the 20K mark (12.4 miles) you can hear the screams of Wellesley from a ½ mile or more away. This is what it was like around there
They make signs of that you can post on a face book page that shows your number and they have kiss me signs. Going through that mile was a thrill and a big boost I must say. As soon as I crossed the 20k mark in 1:10:08 I threw was arms up in the air kind of motion as a sign to scream louder. I slapped a couple of their hands and in the moment I got kind of caught up while I was running and along the cheering section I stopped real quick to give 2 pretty good looking girls a kiss. I just gave one of them a pep on the cheek and the other on the lips as I continued. I figured it couldn’t hurt my momentum if I did it and I figured why not since I’m here running I might be able to do it again and besides I’m dating anyone right so it wouldn’t hurt. That had to be the funniest mile on the course.
However, I had to regain my focus I hit the half way point at 1:14:00, it was exactly 1 minute and 29 seconds faster than what I hit at Cleveland where I PR’d in 2:34. I slowed a little bit but I was going ok so far. Then, we hit Newton and the famous hills. After I got the gel at 16.5 it felt pretty good going down but I kind of filled my body and I almost didn’t take any more Gatorade on the next few stops just water since the temperature was beginning to rise. I hit 30k (18.6 miles) at 1:47:40 still seconds ahead of my PR pace where I hit at Cleveland and then came Heartbreak Hill.
I was able to get up those hills ok but I felt my glycogen levels being depleted my over the course of the race. The downhills from 21-24 made my legs feel like Jell-O. Which is why for first timers to this race that this course can humble you. The back part of my right leg behind my knee began to get sticky from the Gatorade accumulating from the rising temperature. I had to stop at the water stop around 24 miles and take the cup and dump it on my leg to wipe it up. I almost felt like stopping to puke at one point during the last miles but I kept going as the crowd was a little bit encouraging despite at the point of the race where the cheers of their voices felt like jackhammers pounding at my head. I really slowed down the last 5-6 miles but I pressed on thinking that I have come this far and that my family waiting for me at the finish.
I saw the Citgo sign around mile 25 and it was a great way of hope that I was almost done so I picked it up a little. After running on Beacon Street for a long 3 miles we made a right turn at Commonwealth Ave then a left on Boylston Street towards the finish. I was able to gather what I had left and finished with a kick and passed the last 6 guys towards the finish. I pulled a “Ryan Hall” and pointed to the sky as a way of thanking God for pulling me through to the finish in 2 hours 38 minutes and 32 seconds. I finished 189th overall, 168th male, and 143rd in my age division 18-34 which was the toughest age division to compete in.
I had to be helped by medical volunteers as they walked me through to get some fluids and after I told them I can walk towards the waiting area they let me go and I got the wind cover and my medal. A lot of the volunteers congratulated me and others while we walked towards the finish with clapping. I have to admit I got a little emotion about it. It would have been better if my parents were close by but they saw me finish around the finish line and had to go around a couple streets to meet in the meeting area near your letter. After I got my green bag with my warm up clothes I slowly put them on along with my regular trainers. It seemed like I waited forever for my folks until them showed up and after hugs and pictures we were able to find the building for massages and I went down to get one from the chiropractor since my lower back began to stiffing up in the late miles and afterwards mostly. It felt much better.
My mom and I after the race
After that, I at least wanted to walk over to the Boston Common and look around and I wanted to get my picture in front of Cheers Beacon Hill. It was crowded but got a quick drink. Oh well, we got back to the Subway to ride back to the hotel, still talking to other runners that also had finished. Saw the ladies that were at the Olive Garden on our train that were from North Carolina, talked to a woman from Montana, and a couple that ran up here from Australia. It was pretty cool. Here a little bit of numbers. Every state in the United States was represented and people from over 66 countries of residence and 82 that are citizens were represented in this race. It is amazing what the Boston Marathon was able to bring.
Getting back to the hotel I went across the street and got some ice and drink for an ice bath which I sat in the ice bath for 18 minutes. When I got out I was so cold my arms were literally shaking. After that I refilled the tub with hot water and that felt so good. I tell you it was the best feeling in the world. My Parents and I went to this harbor side tavern just up the road for dinner to get some food in my stomach. I had a few beers and was debating on whenever to go back into town but I didn’t feel like it. I have saw enough of Boston and I was a little bit tired after today and being up at 4:30 in the morning. So we drove back to the airport the next morning. Talked to other runners that had completed, and flew to Washington D.C. and back to Columbus. First thing I did when I got back to Columbus was go to Five Guys Burgers and Fries and get a bacon cheeseburger and fries to celebrate my accomplishment.
The Boston experience was quite like any other race I have ever done. I feel fortunate that the men’s world record was broken at this race and an American woman Desiree Davila, almost pulled off the win at Boston but ran a great time. My PR’s are better than hers except for the Marathon which unbelievable but amazing at the same time. I looked on an article from the Columbus Dispatch and it showed that I was the top Central Ohio Area guy to finish there.
I also was the 3rd Ohio guy to place there training Kam Lee, who I was with throughout the first half marathon of the race until he pulled away, and Matt Folk who ran with the elites. 2 other CRC/C-bus Pacers were in the top 5 in the area that finished and they ran their PR’s. I may have not PR’d like I wanted to but I was able to finish in the 99.2 percentage of those who finished. But, I respect anyone who was able to have competed in that Marathon on Monday. Everyone had there own story or experience of how they got there and finished. It was an experience of a lifetime. Will I go back next year? I don’t know? Right now I’m probably going to relax and let my body recover for a bit until my next conquest. This has taken a toll physically, mentally, and emotionally out of me. When I feel a little better I’ll definitely be back. And I want to thank everyone who has encourage me on the way there and to let my readers know there is still more to come. I’m Dustin Whitehair(D-Money, D-Shady, Tenacious D, Diesel, DW-40 or whatever nickname I’m given but thankful for) and this is my two cents!!!
The more days that have gone by now, which has made the weeks turn into days up until this week, I've been thinking very seriously about how far I've come to get to this point. In all honestly I really couldn't think of a great title to call this post since nothing really jumped out in my mind. However, the fact that this has been a long, hard, but satisfying journey in my 14 years of running long distances sums it up to say the least. But, Blood, Sweat, and Tears seemed like a good title due to fact that throughout the last 14 years I literally gave my blood, sweat, and tears into running. I feel it has grown me into the person I am today and gotten me through each challenge in my life. There were a lot of blood, sweat, and tears and the people that know me best know full well.
I was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon before, but I felt could have used more racing experience in the distances of the half or full marathon. After a 2 hour 34 min 53 second performance last May 2010 in Cleveland, and with my parents' encouragement to register, I am going to be running the Boston Marathon this coming Monday. I guess it's that attitude of not settling for almost anything less than what I know I'm capable of. My limits are what have driven me in the sport and gotten me to where I am in life right now despite the hardships or social differences and experiences through my childhood.
During my teenage years I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. My parents and a few other people in my family or outside of my family know this. Asperger’s Syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. These are some websites where you can read a little bit more into Asperser's Syndrome, or to be simple you can just type it under Google or Yahoo and read more upon.
But, basically it's a pervasive development disorder that involves the delay of certain basic skills that involves problems with social skills, eccentric behavior, coordination, lack of empathy, unable to pick up on social cues, and difficult speech tone. At times those children or teenagers that are diagnosed are usually pre-occupied with one or few certain type of interests with being able to talk a lot about a subject or subject to their interests, having trouble figuring out another person tone of speech such as understanding a joke, and having trouble looking at somebody when talking to them, and they have a little trouble with their motor skills. Many children improve over into their teenage years but they still have difficulty reading people's behavior which makes it difficult to maintain friendship or even worse they can be bullied or teased.
However, this condition or disorder can be treated or dealt with but by simple behavioral therapy in improving communication skills, dealing with obsessive routines, learning about it from websites, assistance with motor skills, and support from loved ones.
I'm not going to lie, the rest of my teenage years, and even throughout most of my childhood had been difficult in understanding social signs and communication from other children or those who I've befriended. A lot of those kids and teachers labeled me as different or a problem child, which I wasn't. I've felt that the world was totally against me. I think basically I’ve been MISUNDERSTOOD!! I try to escape or get acceptance from my peers through sports. Of course, I played Football, Basketball, and Baseball from 2nd grade through the end of Junior High. Yet, I wasn't athletic enough to pursue getting a whole lot of playing time in either sport.
I mentioned in the 14 years of distance running article that my family moved back to Ohio when I was in the 8th grade. My mom had taught in a Catholic Junior High/High School when we were down in Parkersburg, West Virginia. I attended that school before we left and decided to go to the Catholic High School in New Philadelphia, Ohio called Tuscarawas Central Catholic since I gotten used to attending a Catholic school even though no one in our family was Catholic! But, thinking that it was a Christian school it would be no different. I tried to not let the bad experiences from my childhood or attitude effect me while I was there my freshman year. Yet, slowly there were a couple of kids, or gang of them I should say, that tended to label me as different. Mostly it was because of the way I reacted to a couple of things or my behavior perceived me as being different.
Despite this I was able to make friends with a couple of students in my class and with some of the upper classmen. Things slowly began to get more difficult with these aggressors as my sophomore year went on. A lot of instances where they would tease or try to belittle or make fun of, or try to get me fired up about something I would yell back stop it or yell back profanity at them and normally I’d get in trouble while trying to explain to the teachers and administrators what was happening. There were times I even went to them, CALMLY I might add, and tell them what was going on and they said they would look into it. From the prospective of what I gathered they may have talked to them about them teasing me but those main aggravators would also deny it or back each other up and the principal, the dean, and teachers seemed to take their word over mine. My instances weren’t the only one. I saw in my class two of my classmates get into a fight. One guy was a sprinter on the track team another was a baseball player. They were both suspended one meet and one game during the season however the ball player still got to play and he was on JV. I didn’t think that was fair. That should have showed me that the school seemed to play favorites with certain students and I felt some of these jerks were getting passes even though they were the biggest trouble makers in the school. It was really frustrating. I’d try to focus on my schoolwork which was difficult being I understood things differently than everyone else. There were times I was terrified going to school thinking, “How can we get Dustin today?” I remember one of them making fun of the way combed my hair (I used to part it on one side) so I changed to where I combed it straight down instead of parting it when I re-gel it. Everyone complemented me on new style but I think it had to do with what one of them had said about it. Despite the problems I had with the bullies or if schoolwork got to me I always had running to fall back on despite having to go out there and focus. My track season was pretty successful. I was able to be on the 4 x 800 team with a group of 3 other upperclassmen that included J.J, the man who would go on to win state in Division III in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs and Mike and Tim two mid distance guys. We were pretty good too. Our fastest time going into districts was 8:20. Our 4 x 800 was first in the IVC Conference, I was able to place 3rd in the 1600 meters and 4th in the 3200 meters at Conference. Our team did great all season long. However, my good run would come to a sadden halt before the district meet.
I recall the date May 21, 1998. So far in my life I can pretty much say this had to be the worst day of my life. A lot was happening that led up to what was about to happen on this day as I mentioned. It happened outside of the high school where the students hung out due to it being a warm day. I was talking one of my friends about how I was being bothered by one of my aggravators that day and she wanted him to tell her what was going on and of course he made up some BULLSHIT excuse (pardon my language) and she said to me that I have to apologize to him and he laughed at me for it. Then, I just SNAPPED, I couldn't hold it or take it any longer, the harassment by him and the rest of those A-holes have gone on long enough. I yelled threatened to kill him and called him a S.O.B. I was taken in by the dean/teachers who overheard.
I just wanted everyone to know in Caps words, that I NEVER ACTUALLY WANTED TO KILL THAT GUY, NEVER!!! This was just the reaction or the feelings I just felt, it slipped out. I would have probably wanted to beat him to a pulp first. As the end result, the principal and the dean decided to suspend me from school. This occurred 2 days before the district meet of my sophomore year. I was totally devastated by this. The 4 x800 and other events I qualified to run in were on that Saturday (1600, 3200.) I felt that could have scored a few points in those events but not yet qualify for Regional Meet, but I was a part of the 4 X 800 team and we would have a great chance of qualifying to States with the times we put up. As the end it turned out it cost the boys' team the District Title as they lost it by 3 points and those points would have mattered. I felt yet the entire team down for what I have done and felt very depressed. A lot of the parents were very upset with the way that situation was handled. I will tell you right now I'm not putting full blame on the administration ,or the tormentors. I put a little bit on myself. I should have listened to those around me who were giving me good advice beforehand on this like my teammates, coaches, my parents, and those upperclassmen who took a liking to me. A lot happened then before I got diagnosed that summer. I just feel that whole situation should have been prevented and could have as well.
The principal and dean had a change of heart and I was able to finish my final exams. Before going into the summer, my parents and I met with them and the folks of the tormentors in front of the principal for apologies. Yet, I personally believe the administration had done this because they could have been afraid of a possible lawsuit. I believe after that the damage was already done with me and Tuscarawas Central Catholic. I tried to go back junior year but could sense the feeling I didn't belong there or I wasn't welcomed. A couple of days later in the beginning of the year the teasing started again. The dean of students from I learned was a pathological liar, the way he manipulated teachers and the students to get on his side. I thought he would try to help me but that JERK lied to me and my family. I thought he was the scum of the earth. The seniors friends from the 98 class who defended me last year where gone and I felt I was left to fight my own battle. My friends in my class were related to a few of tormentors which I think put them at a conflict, and I believe deeply that the principal and teachers thought that I was the problem that those kids were acting up and causing problems - despite those pleas. The cross country and track coaches would depend me by saying that they never had any problems with me that I did what they were told and supported my teammates didn’t make the administration change their minds about me. My parents even brought in counselors who were friends of my mom's to try to explain that my Asperger’s did not deal with just me, but also with other kids if they were willing to catch the signs or understand what was going on. The fact that Asperger's was just starting to be aware after a few years made it difficult for them to understand, or maybe they just didn't want to understand. After a decent junior cross country season my parents finally got me out of Tuscarawas Central Catholic and I went to Tuscarawas Valley High School.
Afterwards, I was still upset that I felt I didn't do anything wrong to be forced out of there by the administration, but in short run of things our family lawyer sent a letter to the Diocese of Columbus explaining what was going on and to investigate into it. That along with many other problems caused many changes in that administration. My parents argued after they took me out that even though I was gone things would not get better, and of course things did get worse. Few other students were getting teased, and even one of the jerks, who of course was one of the best basketball players on the team got caught with marijuana in his locker during the season. I heard at one point the principal wanted to get him back into school. That was unbelievable just because he was the leading scorer on the team he still got into trouble. Luckily, that kid did not go back, many of those incidents caused the principal to be fired and a few teachers along with the dean’s contracts not renewed after the end of the school year. You think that things don’t happen like that in a Catholic or private school, but they do. The same problems high school kids face still occur if not handled proper I believe.
Looking back as painfully as my experience was that year from May 1998-till I left turned out to be a blessing. I could have been down but I used this as a second chance to rise above it. For a few years I had a bad perception of the Catholic Church after that. Thinking that they too are part of the universal Christian community they would be a little more understanding in handling things in the education environment, however I learned there are those few that can be quite full of themselves. But, I have really good friends that are Catholic. I don't know if they still practice their faith strongly or not but I know that every one of them had great character, they treat me with respect and I'm thankful to still call them my friends to this day. Also, looking back even if I did get a chance to run districts my sophomore year and our 4 x 800 team would have definitely gone to the State Track meet, I still think that my parents would could have gotten me out of there knowing what else was going on besides my problems at T.C.C. I was grateful to have great parents that stood by me, along with the encouragement of the cross country and track coaches, and friends I had at Tusky Valley.
To shorten the rest of my story up, my senior year turned out to be a major turning point at Tusky Valley High School. We had a great boys cross country team in which I even surprised myself by being the # 1 guy all season long. We won the district meet, and I was able to go to State Cross Country Meet as an individual, I won the 3200 Meters at the conference meet and our 4 x 800 team went to the State Track Meet. The State Track meet was at Dayton instead of Columbus at the time so it was a little bittersweet. However, being a big part of the relay and getting us to State made me feel a little bit redeemed after my experience at Tusc. Cent.Catholic. The friends I had at TVHS were great even though now I haven't talking to them in a long time. I wished I ran with those guys the year before and I wish I had another year under my coach Paul Gibson. He was very colorful guy who worked us hard but had a great sense of humor and he helped me not only as a coach but as the guidance counselor and sent out my running information to a couple of small but competitive schools thinking I can continue running and get a good education at the same time.
I ended up going to Muskingum University (then it was called Muskingum College) where my mom ended up going. From there despite some rough times and coaching changes I was able to have a lot of success running, almost made it to the National Meet in Division III, got all-conference, made a lot of great friends whom I still keep in contact today, and I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business, History, and minor in Accounting. I ended up taking a few more classes to get Accounting major after school.
I give a lot of credit to God for what he has given me so far in my life. I've been very thankful to still have a good job, be able to run especially with great group of people in Columbus Running Company and the C-Bus Pacers, been to places and ran in races that I thought would be impossible to do a long time ago, meet some interesting people throughout the years, and be thankful to have a great group of friends and family. Despite being diagnosed with Asperger's or having signs of ADHD I been able to slowly take each challenge one step at a time. Of course I have had counseling or any other sort of therapy taken when I was younger and at one point had to take Ritalin or some other type of medicine when I was a kid. The Ritalin seemed to made me focus a little but I think dulled me. Sometimes kids can be off the walls but there are some that slowly grow into being mature or can have really good social skills. I think that can be the same with kids or young teenagers with these conditions is that they can develop the social skills or the talents to be successful adults it just may take a little time, patience, and lesson learning for it to be possible.
Running has been a major factor in developing all of my skills throughout the years. I think that it has been able to teach me hard work, patience, reacting, thinking on my feet, and discipline to be able for me to succeed. With that I think I've been able to focus more on studies, and engage much better in conservation. It has opened many doors that I think my parents did not think would be possible 13 years ago which I really think going to Boston this weekend is a huge thing for any runner going there to run the Boston Marathon for the first time. I believe they are very happy of what I've been able to accomplish no matter how I have placed in races.
Though, I admit I'm not perfectly normal or as you would think totally cured or would think have no small symptoms. There are some things in a conversation that tend to go over my head. There are many different kinds of conversations in certain social situations that tend to be hard for me to keep track of all at once. From what I've been able to learn that sometimes listening quite a bit instead of talking a lot. I think that there are times I believe that people may perceive me to be cocky or arrogant when I'm talking to them about a particular subject that is of interest to me. Yet, I most always try to use that conversation to learn more about others so people won't get the wrong idea about me. I believe that I've gotten a lot better at communicating than I did when I was in my early teens. Though, some social cues have been difficult. My love life hasn't been particular easy since it's hard to read what women are thinking but I think all guys would believe that to be true so I shouldn't feel to terribly bad about that. I know that day will soon come and I’ll be able to find the woman I would one day call my wife.
If I talked too much of what I have gone through or what I have been able to deal with through the years and up until now, I apologize because I tried not to make this blog become a lot about me. I just want any children, young people, or even adults that are dealing with Asperger’s, or know someone that has, or has children that have the signs of the this syndrome, learning disability, or any other type of disorder that they are not alone. I know it’s hard to deal with it or accept things trust me I had a very hard time dealing with this as child and young adult. I thought I was being labeled as different and times I cry out to God, WHY????!!! WHY DO THIS TO ME? I just want to be normal. However, as I say to all of you who are reading that over the years with time, patience, support, therapy, and a wide variety of interests I tended to look past this and use the good of what I got to try to make myself better and to be the type of person I know God wants me to be. I’ve found this to be true and learned it from running when meeting different types of people throughout the years. Everybody has their own problems, tics, or things that make them seem a little different to you or me. But, I think that’s what makes that person or persons stand out or would make them special, cause frankly if everybody were the same it would be a boring world to live, and God made everyone different but special in their own way.
In the future, I would like to use this article of what I talked about as an opportunity. To maybe speak to parents will children or teenagers that have these similar conditions of Asperger’s, or even to guidance counselors in some sort of way. Maybe even try to help them out in an anti-bullying organization of some sorts. It’s sad when you hear on the news about students whom are on the edge of suicide because of bullying and harassment. I think its encouraging to try to be a mentor of some sorts to them and that no matter what talents they have or their interests they too can reach for their goals and dreams.
I’ve feel very blessed to be running the Boston Marathon this Monday. I’ll be on the line lining up right behind elite Olympic caliber runners that we see on TV like Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot last years champ and course record holder, Ryan Hall one of the best American born distance runners just to name a few. It’s an honor to be able to run with them even though they’ll drop me like a bad habit. My goal for Boston is that I would like to PR there. To do that I would have to run a smart race and not try to get caught up in the moment from the beginning, but no matter what if I do PR or not I want to finish. Just to say that I ran in the Boston Marathon with some of the best world class runners is a dream come true. For everyone that has supported me throughout the years family, friends and those who have encouraged me this race is for all of you. This Monday I’m going to go out there not only to run because I want to, but mostly because this is what I believe was born to do!Happy Running Everyone and Thanks for Reading :)
Ok, I said I would write at least one more blog before I head off for Boston, so this isn’t my last one that I said but tomorrow’s blog will be great. I’ve been working on it for the last few weeks and having it corrected and looked over by my mom and a friend to see if it’s good to go and I’ll post it tomorrow, promise. Trust me you have to read it. It gives a sense of who I am and what I’ve been through over the years I’ll keep continuing to try to be not only as a runner but as a person here on earth.
I’ve been looking at my friend and teammate from Muskingum, Molly’s wordpress the last few days describing her marathon experiences. Here’s the link http://mollyberrieshodgepodge.wordpress.com/ in her post she has taken her readers on her journey to make it to Boston which included 7 marathons just to qualify. She came close a couple times or just been hurt during which she failed the first 6 times. However, she qualified last year at Cleveland with a 3:37:04 the same race that I ran 2:34:53 and got 4th overall. She was very thrilled. This especially to her family, since her dad died of cancer 6 years ago. However, despite that she has been very active in raising funds and spreading awareness for cancer research. I respect her for how much strength. She even got her story in the Boston Globe. http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/articles/2011/04/14/going_the_extra_mile_in_the_boston_marathon/
Even, though we different a lot in music tastes and politics I can still call her my friend. Her, myself, and Paul Bendict, another teammate of ours from Muskingum will be on the line this Monday in Boston. Muskies running in Boston, how cool is that?
Her post on her marathon experiences got me to show you a little bit of mine. Now, I’m not going to go into full detail on each one of them, but just enough a little in this post of my marathon experiences.
The first one was the 2005 Columbus Marathon. After a successful run at Muskingum while job hunting, staying at home, working an internship in Columbus over 4 months in the summer I kind of wanted to try to do a Marathon just to see if I could do it. I looked for places all over the city to run, metro parks included. I ran road races to keep in competitive shape, and did long runs. I didn’t bumped into or got in any running groups and unfortunately I didn’t know about the Columbus Running Company since they were only a year old. After the internship with DSCC (Defense Supply Center Columbus) was over in early October I got ready for the Columbus Marathon. I ran thinking I can go under 6:00 per mile. My first 10 miles was pretty fast in 56:56. My half split was 1:15:45. I guess I got caught up in the moment the first time out. I was slowing down and ran my 20 mile at 2:03:18 and I stop once or twice before going on. I finished it though in 2:47:13. I easily qualified for Boston my first time out since the standard was still 3:10 at the time but it was a humbling experience.
In 06, I was in Dayton mostly working at DFAS there until I was able to transfer back to Columbus in November. I still trained throughout the summer and fall for Columbus again in October. Racing all over the state in the RUN OHIO Grand Prix races to earn points to place high while training again for Columbus. I still did a lot of training and long runs by myself. At the race I felt a little more relaxed knowing what I was up against from last year. I still ran the first half at 1:15:52 still feeling pretty good and was at 20 miles in 1:57:01 still on pace to run what I wanted but again the last 5 miles seemed like hell!! I ran the last 10k in 43:30 to finish in 2:40:31 for 11th place. Better time, almost 7 minutes, but I still felt I and know I could go under 6 minute pace per mile.
After I moved to Columbus, I began to run with a buddy of mine Matthew Whitis. We both were on the defunct Team Good River, before going to Columbus Running Company. However the summer of 07 we both were training for 2 different things. He was road racing all over the country while I trained again for another marathon. I wanted to go to Chicago for something different but backed out due to work being crazy due to getting Dayton’s old work, and system conversions. Training became brutal that summer and fall. I was getting a lot of training in and along with work and mandatory overtime at times it became very stressful. So I settled for Columbus again. Thank God I didn’t run Chicago since it was 80 degrees on that day there in 07. Living in C-bus made it easy to get up and go to the starting line. I started out like I did the previous C-bus marathons running the times I want. It was a little more difficult due to it not being completive with no prize money that year, next year that changed. I was in 4th but my left knee began to sore up. I tried to toughen up but it affected my right hamstring. It got to be too much and I dropped out before mile 23 and had to be driven back to my folks. It happens, the stress at work really played a part but I didn’t let it get me down.
Last year, I tried the Marathon again up in Cleveland. After racing successfully for the last couple of years in a CRC jersey I decided to go up to Cleveland since it was close and I knew the area up there. Fast first 2 miles in 11:15 but I calmed down to run my first 10k in 35:09 which was 5:40 per mile. First half was at 1:15:29 around 5:45 and 5:46 per mile and went from 6th to 5th. 30k was at 1:48:22 between 5:49 and 5:50 per mile. I recall my 20 miler was at 1:56:41 which was still 5:50 pace. I passed someone for 4th place at mile 21 and tried to put some distance the last 5 miles going back into downtown Cleveland. I finished with a 2:34:53 which was my new PR. Pretty sweet which led me till right now.
Just reading my friend Molly’s blog site and her marathon experiences and how she is going to be there was pretty cool and I thought I would give you a little bit of mine. Now, tomorrow I promise to speak from my heart of my past experiences which has made me the person I am today. You can judge tomorrow’s post for yourself, but it makes me happy about running Boston this Monday, so stay tuned!!! :)
Hello, everyone. Today I'm just going to share a little bit of my last week prep for The Boston Marathon which is now coming up this Monday. One of the things that has keep me motivated of course has been listening to music that would pertain to a group that not only comes from Boston but pertains to the attitude or spirit of the city. I had to look no further than one of my favorite groups. THE DROPKICK MURPHYS!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPC0kTWaE7I Video for Warrior's Code.
That song is about Micky Ward, a boxer from the city of Lowell Massachusetts just Northwest of Boston, in which the movie The Fighter is based on. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, and Amy Adams. Great movie, good motivation too to watch leading up to Boston Marathon.
Been watching others as well. Like Cinderella Man, that one is a tear jerker to me, call me a pansy if you will but I bet there are movies that just make you cry. I have others, Chariots of Fire, Rocky, and The Natural. I just like Sport Movies that feature an athlete that goes through so much and truimpths at the end. It realtes a little bit to me and can to anyone. Of course I still love the funny ones like the classics like Caddyshack.
IT'S IN THE HOLE!!! IT'S IN THE HOLE!!! Vintage Bill Murray right there. One of my top 10 most funniest movies of all time. I think when Hangover Part II gets closer I'll post my top ten funniest movie lists.
But back to this post. I'm just trying to go through everyday as usual just before it comes time to fly out. Getting jitterly since it's getting to that time and I'm easing on the mileage, getting my to do list, and what to bring, and trying to be prepared for the worst conditions possibly. Might have to get arm warmers if the occasion calls for it.
As for now, just going to be still chilling with some movies, and listening to some Dropkick Murphys until then. Listening to the Murphys makes me want to watch Boondock Saints or The Departed, two Boston based movies that I recommend.
My next blog is going to come from the heart. I'll post it before I leave for Boston. It is a must read and I appreciate it if you did. You get a better idea of me in a sense.
Well, Wednesday here in the city of Columbus, Charlie Sheen's My Violent Torpedo of Truth tour hit. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend. After hearing that he was booed off the stage his first show up in Detroit. His management and he had to retool a little to make the show much more interesting. Here's a link to the review http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/arts/stories/2011/04/07/review_sheen.html?sid=101
I am beginning to wonder if Sheen-a-mania is starting to wear a little thin. I mean there was talk for awhile that Sheen would get his own reality show since he's no longer on Two and a half Men. I think the
reality show would be great. Better than pretty much all of the reality shows that are on right now and I would probably watch. This is coming from the guy who used to watch Bret Michaels' Rock of Love on VH1 and I think Charlie partied with in the 80's but I doubt that Bret did 7 grams of rocks with Charlie since he's diabetic. I guess Charlie is inhuman and he's his only drug like he says. Just recently Miley Cyrus just got
back on Twitter, and the only reason why is to praise Charlie Sheen for his winning ways!!
It is also has been said that Charlie is going to be copyrighting his own trademarks or catchphrases so I don't think we can't use them in public, or on facebook posts or blogs. So if this becomes my last blog because of me over using his catchphrases. Sorry, Charlie I don't have a billion dollars like CBS or Warner Bros. whom you are trying to sue so don't bother with some guy from Ohio. I liked you in Major League and
reruns of Two and a half Men. I just wished I had your Adonis DNA and Tiger's Blood. Speaking of that when are you coming out with Tiger Blood energy drink because I would buy it? The slogan should be, Now you can party like a rock star from Mars and be winning!!!
Maybe people should have attended the Jerry Seinfeld show. I didn't know about that until yesterday that he would be here. Maybe next time. Seeing Jerry Seinfeld perform stand up would be on my "Kick the Bucket" list. I'm D-Money and that's my Two Cents!!!
