2011

Another great year has reached the end. For Shannan and I 2011 was a year of wonder, learning, growth and opportunity. Best of all it was another year with no regrets. The Streak remains intact and is moving into its 15th year! We continue to enjoy great health. For me the past twelve months provided lots of good running, I increased core strength as well as my balance and flexibility. In the fall, I finally got my head around Yoga, that does NOT mean I love it, but I found the benefits to be sure.

During the year we enjoyed many day trips and visited a record number of fairs and festivals. We traveled for research and pleasure; of course the sociologist in me is ever present. Our out-of-town travel took us to England, Morocco, and we sailed along coastal Canada via the Inside Passage. We stopped in all the “A” states: Arizona, Alaska, Alabama, and Arkansas. Other states included Virginia, Washington, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and South Carolina. We had a good year indeed.

With regard to running, the Frogtown Challenge Race provided the highlight of the year. It was great fun and a nice change of pace. I managed to place in it and all the races I ran throughout 2011, not bad for an old man. Seriously, reflections like theses work well in motivating me to go out harder, and run faster in 2012.

We have an ambitious travel schedule for the year to come, including a new continent, new countries and loads more local festivals. I hope to add a new athletic event as well.

We are grateful to have experienced a magnificent 2011. I anticipate an even better 2012.

Tom

P90X Part Deux

Pre-orders of the P90X, the sequel to Tony Horton's extreme home workout program, have shipped. Fitness fanatics all over have unpacked the long anticipated package. Like others, I interrupted my regularly scheduled routine to get a glimpse of Horton's latest series of extreme workouts. I tore into the box like a child with a birthday gift. Having no concerns for instructions or warnings (and we all know this method rarely works well). I inserted the first disk, X2 Core, and when to work. An hour later, I felt sore, but not nearly as much I felt humiliated.

At this point I bothered to read the information booklet. On the very first page the CEO of the company notes that the exercises are difficult and are likely to cause a little ego bruising. Indeed! If you are considering this program, I encourage you to try the original P90X first. Not only will it get you physically ready, but you will find if Tony Horton's style is a good match for you.

In P90X2 Balance is the key. Learn from my mistakes, watch the videos first. Also, don't try to over do on the first round. I didn't follow the advice I'm giving now and have two knots on my head, a stiff neck, tight muscles all over and even a sore nose (I hit myself with an 8 lbs medicine ball mid exercise-not pretty). This was where it hurt physically and psychologically.

Bring It!

Tom

Mid 60s in Mid December

60 degrees in mid-December holds far more appeal than any invitation to a holiday party. Sunshine and warmth beckons me like an oasis to a Bedouin. Though far from the desert, I will get my warm climate loving self out for a late afternoon run.

Unfortunately, I have a meeting immediately after work. Each minute will be laborious regardless of how important the information being shared. As winter rapidly approaches and a really warm day lingers I’m like a child waiting for the school bell to ring, so I can go out and play.

Enjoy the nice weather.

Run.

Tom

Bowflex Selecttech 552

Tony Horton openly endorses Bowflex Selecttech 552 adjustable dumbbells in the P90X Plus series. These little jewels allow you to have one dumbbell that can be changed from 5 to 52.5 pounds with just a quick spin of a dial. These puppies are expensive, at least in my book ($399). I often advocate spending as little money as possible for exercising.

The reason I decided to go with the Bowflex Selecttech dumbbells as my progress in the P90X program caused me to need more weights, a good thing of sorts. Rather than buy several sets of weights from the "used" sports store, I went with one adjustable set. Ultimately, even with the big point price the Bowflex Selecttech ended up costing less. The Selecttech takes up less space, and truthfully they are kind of neat. Another benefit is the plastic hand grips are easy on the palms during workouts.

I'm not suggesting you run out and buy a set. I just want to note that I have been very happy with my purchase. Below is a link for more information:
http://www.bowflexselecttech.com/bowflex_selecttech_us/products.jsp?adID=DOSG2DSL1&pid=search

One final comment, I did NOT spend the money for the stands, which quite frankly look unstable and unsafe. I use an old side table for the weights. It's sturdy and does the job very well at a much lower price :-)

Run and Resistance. BFF.

Tom

A Day That Will Live As A Great Memory

I thought my morning treadmill workout to be a bore. I didn't care much as the exercise was a means to an end. I wanted to preserve the Streak as we had a long exciting day on tap. Joel joined us at 7:00 am, then as a trio of travelers we headed south toward Andersonville, GA. Our itinerary had us visiting the National Prisoner of War Museum and the Andersonville Civil War Prison and Cemetery. I know many of you are not seeing the excitement. It was tough stuff for sure, but an important part of American History. The museum may not be for everyone, it is powerful, for sure.

From Andersonville, we meandered across Middle Georgia to Warm Springs where we lunched at the Paradise Grill. Joel and I took in standard fare of salad and BBQ, Shannan when for the hotdog scramble, which does not include eggs. It's a hot dog loaded with chili, onions and soda crackers that has been sliced and "scrambled" together. We didn't linger after our meal, as is our tradition; instead we hurried to The Little White House.

Shannnan and I had visited the facility previously. She came many years ago when the museum was in an earlier incarnation. I saw the new museum shortly after it opened in 2005; however, it was with two bus loads of fifth grade students. So for all of us, touring the museum and the home was a first of sorts. Be certain its a trip well worth taking. Roosevelt was an impressive fellow most of his life. Without question FDR accomplished monumental feats with polio. I openly admit that my morning "boring" workout became all the more important to me.

Wars, depression, recession and other horrible things happen. Learn from them and live better.

Tom

While They Slept

How odd. An a major metropolitan entertainment city that sleeps. I started running at 5:30 am, not so early, around the intersection of International and Universal in Orlando's entertainment district. To my great surprise, for the most part of 45 minutes, I was the only one out and about. Only a couple of people waited for buses and the car traffic was nearly none exsistant. In the lovely temperature of the morning hours I did not lay eyes on a biker, runner, walker or even a dog walker. How odd.

This area is the exemplar of the mall sprawl concept. On the edge of Walt Disney World miles of hotels, restaurants, water parks, theaters and more stand prepared to handle overflow, of America's great escape fantasy park.

Disney World claims more territory than many independent nations, including Vatican City, and probably more yearly pilgrims. When in Rome, I felt the St. Peter's Square was too sacred to take a run, but that wasn't the case in Orlando. I enjoyed cruising along the wide side walks and breathing the warm Florida air. So, with a place so large that draws so many people and business, whatever were they doing asleep?

Sleep- Run.