Death, Taxes and Steven Segal films

So, as most of us who live in the Midwest, where winter, is starting to really cause me to lose my sense of humor, are all too familiar with spending countless hours riding on trainers in order to get ready for when the first, and last day of spring hits, and then it turns 90 and humid. I guess maybe there is something to global warming, but, this winter isn't evidence we have been using enough aerosal cans. Where is the Aqua-net when you need it?

Anway, I have discovered that while training inside, I have worn thru my favorite movies, favorite Tour DVD's and even some movies I only kind of liked. So, what does one do in these situations? We turn to our cable channels to help kill the tedium. And it was in this time that I made the realization, that there are more than the 2 simple truths in this world - its no longer just death and taxes. I have found that no matter the time of day, day of week, week of month, etc., you can bet on some basic cable channel, there is either a Steven Segal movie, or a Samuel L. Jackson movie on. No question about it. 2:13 pm on a Tuesday, its "Marked for Death" or "The Negotiator" or some other mind numing film starring one of these 2 The only thing worse, would be both of them in a movie together. And I like Samuel L. Jackson, but "Snakes on a Plane" while you are trying to pretend that you are on the open road doing your 4th tempo interval in your half-finished basement, makes me want to impale myself on my aerobars. As if its not bad enough I am sitting in a pool of sweat, no fan, my sliding door cracked open, which is so great, as it sends small gusts of freezing wind right at my upper body, causing a chill to run through me, while watching a bloated, balding, and stupid Segal rehash the same character in every movie. I mean, we get it Steve; you were a karate expert, and fell ass-backwards into an acting career, but, with your constant weight gain, accentuated by your triple chin, we aren't buying the tough-guy act anymore.

And when exactly did CSI, New York , Miami, Little Rock, Criminal Intent, and Law and Order, SVU, SUV, SUCK, become a staple of TV? I can't believe I am saying this, but where is Jerry Springer when you need him? For all of you fortunate ones who aren't in this sport, thank your lucky stars you are not stuck getting saddle sores while sweat pours from every part of your body, as you are left with nothing to distract you from the pain, but this garbage.

So, write your cable providers and beg for better programming. Or, give me some suggestions of something better to watch. As we just got dumped with another 10 feet of snow, most of us will be inside this weekend, please, please send help. Otherwise, you may have some hate crimes coming.

Ok, really, winter running for any multi-sport athlete stuck in the Midwest

Ok, so I am going to make this first post, the first true post, more about the sport, since it was the true reason I started to get this blog. God, with all the computer geeks out there, "Blog" is the best word they could come up with? Sweet Jesus, my 4 year old niece could have made that up, simply by burping.

Anyway, let me start with the lesson learned from running in the snow in the dead of Winter in the frozen Midwest, mainly, Chicago - it sucks. One would think after 35 years, I would have learned this, but, I, like an Alzheimer's patient, see the snow, covering everything, and think, "I can run in this, not only that, I can run well in this! I can tear up a snow covered trail, matching the speeds of the local wildlife. I am faster than our four legged friends and oh so agile." And then, As I start to run, my feet sink in to the snow, my shoes are wet after 5 minutes, and my running gait looks like I am having a seizure while, attempting to take in deep, panic like breaths.

Now, I ran in the cold and snow in Minnesota, and loved it. I still love running in the snow and cold. But, here's the tip - stick to places where you can get some form of traction. My left ankle is still sore from running at Waterfall Glen on Sunday. Running in calf deep snow does not build character, it does not make you strong like Rocky Balboa in Rocky 4, not his best one, and it doesn't help your confidence. Instead, you risk getting injured, looking like a goof twisting about in some form of Voodoo dance, and leaves you sore for days.

But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't get out there and run. If you dress right, and find good roads, get outside. I know the extreme low temps are dangerous, and in those conditions, find the ever-hated treadmill. Otherwise, learn to feel that cold against your body, and the short breaths you take climbing little hills, and know, that's what makes us tough. We can get used to running a good 10 mile tempo run in sub 15 degree temps. Make sure you stretch after, look into some Trigger Point Therapy products, and you will find that winter running is what makes us tough. Its what separates us from our West coast co-horts, and thickens our skin, when the race gets tough.

That's it for now. One more thing, if you run in the cold, at night, do wear something reflective. It takes way too much energy to curse and flip off every single car that almost hits you. Trust me. I have tried.

Stay warm.

Winter Training for Duathletes

What's up y'all? So, this is my blog, I finally got one, but give me some time to get it up and running.