This weekend I will be watching the Whiterock Marathon from my livingroom. . . I had previously penciled this race into my schedule as part of a double marathon season, but, I have not made the time for training, nor have I any money right now. Certainly, I could rationalize the whole thing by saying that I am focusing on my hockey team's push for the play-offs, which is partly true. But the fact is, I am beginning to question my commitment to running.
I had planned on writing a column on my relationship with running several months ago, but my delay has proven to be the real litmus test, meaning there is no need to philosophically debate it in writing anymore. The fact is, I am a marginal competitor. I want to win at the things I try to do, I just don't want to expend alot of effort to obtain that win. This is the reason that I have no doubt ended up where I am in this life. If it comes easy to me, then I am willing to take advantage of it, but if I have to work for it, then I will find other avenues to expend my very limited energies. It's pretty pathetic, but it is something that I am trying to overcome.
While the money issue is a real one, I am ashamed of my lack of commitment to the sport. I will watch this race, this time, but I will not let it pass me by again. And, I am strengthened in my resolve to not only run the Cowtown but to run it well. I only have a few weeks to get prepared for this race, but it is enough. So watch out Amanda, I am gunning for you, still. Good luck to you in March or whenever your race is, you will need it.
I won't formally commit myself to the Big D Marathon here, but I really do want to make this a double marathon season. I may just have to, in order to keep my spirits up.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Running Before You Learn to Walk
After a fairly successful rookie season on the local running circuit, the requisite sophomore slump reared its head. It started with an unusually warm autumn and busy work schedule, allowing me plenty of opportunities to rationalize skipping this run and the next one. Before long, the awaited death match between my baby sister and myself was looming.
I went into full desperation mode. Training started with a 3.1 mile run one late night, with no time. No problem. I tried to squeeze in another 3 miler a few days later, and felt terrible afterward. Next was a 7.5 mile jaunt, originally intended for 9, cut short for intense chaffing. Fatigue never came into play and I was gaining some confidence, but the half marathon was only six days away.
With no more training, I rested up for the big race.
The race would be near Lubbock on a Saturday morning, I would leave Ft. Worth on Friday night. . . what could go wrong? Around four in the afternoon I started toward my sister's house in Lubbock, I watched the sublime scenery fly by for hour upon hour, driving directly into the setting sun. Highlights: a sign for Stink Creek, hundreds of wind collectors, a couple of road victimized deer, and a shooting star. Perhaps luck would be with me.
Late Friday night, I finally arrived, made some small talk with my hosts, and got to bed. I slept fairly well, despite the motorcycle show going on outside my window. Morning arrived and with an improvised breakfast and a quick shower we were off to the races. Waiting for an event to start is always an awkward time for me, too much time to feel uncomfortable, think about the race, just no good. When it finally did start I felt great. I left my sis in the dust. Headed out for the puny little hills, I was sure there were less than ten runners ahead of me, I passed two on the first hill, on the way to the next hill one of them passed me. What should I make of this? First lap was complete somewhere around 46 minutes, and I still felt all right. The first hill was just ahead, and I was feeling the lag as I started up. I decided to conserve energy and walk this one. A few people jogged by, then I heard the ragged labored breathing from behind, no way, how could she be so close? It was her. My baby sis was cruising by me on the climb, I acted cool and stuck with my walk to the top. On the backside, I hit my patented descent dash, passing everyone that had passed me on the climb, and carried the momentum as far as I could. That wasn't far enough, I could hear women conversing behind me. My drive was weakening. Around mile 10 they started passing me again, when Amanda pulled along side I tried to hang with her, then decided to just keep her in sight, eventually this too proved more than I could manage. I had put so much mental energy into holding her off in the last couple of miles that I had neglected to eat my PowerBar gel. I dropped into a walk for the second time, retrieved the gel and drained it, I walked toward the nearest roadside trashcan, unloaded the wrapper and picked myself up for the final mile and a half.
There wasn't much to be salvaged at this point, I wouldn't be beating all of the women, I wouldn't be beating my sister, I spotted a truck near the finish line and raced it up the final hill, I lost that one, too.
The finish line was reached at 1 hour, 48 minutes, 16 seconds, approximately two and a half minutes after Amanda. . . The bright side, I got second in my age group.
Just two weeks later, I made the decision to race another half, in Ft. Worth this time. Only problem, I decided about six hours before race time, at two in the morning, after two games, and one long practice session, of ice hockey (my first love) but I wouldn't let it get me down, I thought.
Well, I finished the race only two minutes faster than two weeks prior, my sister still had me beat. . . I got first in my group this time, at least. I need more than shooting stars, I guess. A commitment to my training would do me well.
Next up, A 5K in nearby Arlington against my sister, again. Who knows?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Mike Moore's Goaltending Clinic
Hi, I'm Mike Moore. . .
After years of high-level play all across North Texas, I've decided to give a little bit back, well, not exactly give.
I have classes for all ages and skill levels, from 18-50+, from I-Minor to questionable D.
My clinics have on and off ice aspects, available at almost any area stick and puck session or public park for only $150/hour (BYOB). My sessions concentrate on: staying upright, distinguishing left pad from right, pacing your drinking, knocking the goal off its moorings, and near post/far post angle discrepancy. Some of my clients include: Jon Ellis, Matt Walker, Bob Sirkis, and many more!
After years of high-level play all across North Texas, I've decided to give a little bit back, well, not exactly give.
I have classes for all ages and skill levels, from 18-50+, from I-Minor to questionable D.
My clinics have on and off ice aspects, available at almost any area stick and puck session or public park for only $150/hour (BYOB). My sessions concentrate on: staying upright, distinguishing left pad from right, pacing your drinking, knocking the goal off its moorings, and near post/far post angle discrepancy. Some of my clients include: Jon Ellis, Matt Walker, Bob Sirkis, and many more!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Burger's Lake
I only went to Burger's lake one time, I was probably about twelve or so. I had a blast but now the story is out that the parasite, cryptosporidiosis (consult with Hermione Granger for correct pronunciation), is responsible for closing the water park.
I remember doing, scratch that, attempting a backflip off of the trapeze, wincing and telling everyone that I was fine. Jumping off of the extremely high, high dive and racking myself in the process. Of course there were stories, I never knew if they were true, about drownings and carnal acts occurring under the decks. My father told me the story of snorkeling through the murky waters until he discovered a submarine turd, which brings me to today. . .
The parasite crypto. . .
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
The cryptosporidiosis parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of cryptosporidiosis parasites might be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. cryptosporidiosis may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. cryptosporidiosis can be easily spread and is very contagious
WOW!
Maybe Dad really did see a corn fish.
Maybe they can clean it up, I had actually been planning on making a special effort to get my kids there before the summer ended, but they may never open again. I hope they do re-open, of course I play in toilets for a living so I am probably not the best person to pole on the matter.
P.S. Do you remember the pool operators telling you and all the other kids about how if you peed in the pool a red cloud would form around you? I think that was just a myth, but I never tested my theory.
I remember doing, scratch that, attempting a backflip off of the trapeze, wincing and telling everyone that I was fine. Jumping off of the extremely high, high dive and racking myself in the process. Of course there were stories, I never knew if they were true, about drownings and carnal acts occurring under the decks. My father told me the story of snorkeling through the murky waters until he discovered a submarine turd, which brings me to today. . .
The parasite crypto. . .
How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?
The cryptosporidiosis parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of cryptosporidiosis parasites might be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. cryptosporidiosis may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. cryptosporidiosis can be easily spread and is very contagious
WOW!
Maybe Dad really did see a corn fish.
Maybe they can clean it up, I had actually been planning on making a special effort to get my kids there before the summer ended, but they may never open again. I hope they do re-open, of course I play in toilets for a living so I am probably not the best person to pole on the matter.
P.S. Do you remember the pool operators telling you and all the other kids about how if you peed in the pool a red cloud would form around you? I think that was just a myth, but I never tested my theory.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Private Show
On one Saturday morning, I called in a very special favor from one of my clients. We loaded up, my son, father, and myself, all into my Dad's car and headed to the east side. We ate breakfast at Dixie House and then onto the warehouse. It was filled with cars, and sports memorabilia, more than I could possibly put up here. Both of my guests had a blast, and in turn so did I. My gracious host even made an appearance, quick introductions, and left us to our gawking. My thanks to him. It was an experience I hope to enjoy again, maybe I could bring my Grandpa?
Skylar poses with Lance's jersey
Jaguar E-type (V-12)
1978 Indy pacecar
another 'vette pacecar
Skylar re-enacts the cover for "Back to the Future"
Dad poses with a '54, it's not the years, it's the miles
Viper GTS
1929 Ford coupe, ahem.
1957 T-bird
Barracuda
Dad shows the hidden Caddy gas cap
The Eagle's jersey
Brett Hull's jersey
Stuff from the '99 cup
1936 Ford?
Skylar poses with Jackie Robinson's bat, among others
'66? 'Vette
'59? 'Vette interior
Skylar and Lance, again, what a day!
Skylar poses with Lance's jersey
Jaguar E-type (V-12)
1978 Indy pacecar
another 'vette pacecar
Skylar re-enacts the cover for "Back to the Future"
Dad poses with a '54, it's not the years, it's the miles
Viper GTS
1929 Ford coupe, ahem.
1957 T-bird
Barracuda
Dad shows the hidden Caddy gas cap
The Eagle's jersey
Brett Hull's jersey
Stuff from the '99 cup
1936 Ford?
Skylar poses with Jackie Robinson's bat, among others
'66? 'Vette
'59? 'Vette interior
Skylar and Lance, again, what a day!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Clone Wars
It seems like years ago that Dolly the sheep splashed onto the scene, and it was. Still, cloning is a pretty hot topic, especially for the American Christian, the Religious Right, but the cloning of living organisms is as old as life itself. Before people started doing it. No one can know what sort of metaphysical repercussions cloning a human being would have, probably none. Is it ethically sound to use cloning technology to create a perfect donor match for bone marrow, or a kidney or a whatever from the modified stem cells of another human being? These are problems I won't have to wrestle with for a long time, maybe not until the freezer shuts down and I emerge from a cryogenic sleep to pay the electric bill. Of course in the political world time lines are, on a regular basis, advanced quite a bit in the sciences. Nothing helps to gloss over a health care plan with a few holes like a moral hot button. Make it one with very little available fact checking and/or public comprehension and you could potentially ride it to any public office. At least I know people who have had abortions, I will probably never meet a reformed lush with a cloned liver.
I do know of at least one place where I regularly benefit from cloning technology: the produce stand. Never would I claim to be an expert but I've read and heard a little about the returning banana crisis. The bananas most of us are eating these days are clones. For American consumption, essentially every banana is plucked from a genetically identical plant, all the way back to the first Vietnamese Cavendish banana plants at the turn of the last century. Before the Cavendish banana there was the Gros Michel (Big Mike). The Gros Michel was a superior banana for shelf life, shipability, and according to those who claim to know, taste. Panama Disease, a fungus, spread throughout the world's banana plantations, the Gros Michel, being a cloned crop put up no resistance. By the second half of the century, the market was righting itself with the new variety. But now a new mutation of Panama Disease is sweeping through Southeast Asia and Australia, decimating Cavendish and local banana cultivars. No worries mate, someone will develop a new hybrid soon, probably before it affects most Western markets. Hey, we're the West, right?
Which brings me all the way back to the Religious Right. In a video clip I saw on Youtube, a man expounds on the divine nature of the banana. Showing how a fruit sealed in an easy to open container, ergonomically designed to fit the human hand, etc... is proof of creation by an omniscient being. Well, obviously the domestic banana has reached the pinnacle of human symbiosis through rigorous human intervention and as with almost every domesticated thing on this earth, without our constant intervening they would soon die off.
A lot of people have tried to draw religious inspiration from a lot of things and that is fine by me. If seeing "Star Wars" as a passion play makes you feel better as a person, then that's great. If eating a banana does it for you, wonderful. Certainly there are parallels between man's nurturing of his plant and animal food sources to better serve the hunger of the world and the Christian God constantly modifying his relationship with man in order to better serve man's purpose in spite of man's nature. Ah forget it, what really seems to work at motivating Americans isn't divine inspiration but identifiable enemies.
I do know of at least one place where I regularly benefit from cloning technology: the produce stand. Never would I claim to be an expert but I've read and heard a little about the returning banana crisis. The bananas most of us are eating these days are clones. For American consumption, essentially every banana is plucked from a genetically identical plant, all the way back to the first Vietnamese Cavendish banana plants at the turn of the last century. Before the Cavendish banana there was the Gros Michel (Big Mike). The Gros Michel was a superior banana for shelf life, shipability, and according to those who claim to know, taste. Panama Disease, a fungus, spread throughout the world's banana plantations, the Gros Michel, being a cloned crop put up no resistance. By the second half of the century, the market was righting itself with the new variety. But now a new mutation of Panama Disease is sweeping through Southeast Asia and Australia, decimating Cavendish and local banana cultivars. No worries mate, someone will develop a new hybrid soon, probably before it affects most Western markets. Hey, we're the West, right?
Which brings me all the way back to the Religious Right. In a video clip I saw on Youtube, a man expounds on the divine nature of the banana. Showing how a fruit sealed in an easy to open container, ergonomically designed to fit the human hand, etc... is proof of creation by an omniscient being. Well, obviously the domestic banana has reached the pinnacle of human symbiosis through rigorous human intervention and as with almost every domesticated thing on this earth, without our constant intervening they would soon die off.
A lot of people have tried to draw religious inspiration from a lot of things and that is fine by me. If seeing "Star Wars" as a passion play makes you feel better as a person, then that's great. If eating a banana does it for you, wonderful. Certainly there are parallels between man's nurturing of his plant and animal food sources to better serve the hunger of the world and the Christian God constantly modifying his relationship with man in order to better serve man's purpose in spite of man's nature. Ah forget it, what really seems to work at motivating Americans isn't divine inspiration but identifiable enemies.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Here's One From Way Back
how to grow your hair long, for men
i am getting older, but i still think that i can objectively claim that men's hairstyles are becoming more and more extreme. and certainly long hair is acceptable to the point that it hardly draws an eye. which is why i decided to write this down. i have had many different hairstyles throughout my life and have seen even more and why shouldn't i impart a little of what i have gained to those looking to try something new.
many people think that growing your hair out is as simple as not going to the barbershop. this is patently wrong. too many men fall into this trap not realizing the preparation involved in hair growth.
probably first among your concerns is: OCCUPATION.
do you work in an insurance firm, fast food, automotive repair, perhaps you don't have a job (if you are unemployed, you may be ready to just skip the barbershop). having the correct occupation for long hair is critical. jobs where long hair can be an asset include:
rockstar
model
NFL cornerback (not sure how it benefits, but it must)
biker
hair model
jazz flautist
perhaps none of these appeal to you? of course there are plenty of jobs where, if not an asset, long hair is at least acceptable... do you work in sales? ever wanted to be a residential contractor? whatever field your in, if your boss has long hair, chances are you can too (in fact you probably should).
maybe 1a on the list should be a good conditioner. as hair gets farther from the scalp it needs a lot more help. selecting "product" is probably best done with your wife or girlfriend's assistance, they will be able to diagnose and prescribe the proper bottles and tubes for your nest. don't have a wife or girlfriend? perfect! just remember: "sink or swim". if you are committed to long hair then your path will soon be determined by your locks. a single man with a full, gorgeous mane has the ability to draw a certain type of woman, women present in all walks of life, often in droves. a single man with a fried, frizzy tumbleweed will... did i mention he's single.
now you say, what about baldness? there is no hope for you. even the slightest receding or thinning is greatly amplified by the length of your remaining hair as illustrated by this simple equation:
U=h²(1+cosx)
where "h" represents hair length, "x" the number of receded inches. "U" represents your loserdom as perceived by the rest of the world. face it you missed the opportunity to have long hair (read on anyway).
now remember when growing out your hair that between cuts are a must to avoid mangeneck and tuftear.
are you over 25 years old? unless you are a demonstration artist maybe you should not have long hair.
the bottom line: long hair is a commitment best left to creative genius, young punks, the homeless, and the perpetually single, role playing hermit. but listen, you've got a decent job, a wife (or girlfriend), and people who need more from you than a fashion statement. you don't know how good you got it!
please feel free to leave a comment
j
i am getting older, but i still think that i can objectively claim that men's hairstyles are becoming more and more extreme. and certainly long hair is acceptable to the point that it hardly draws an eye. which is why i decided to write this down. i have had many different hairstyles throughout my life and have seen even more and why shouldn't i impart a little of what i have gained to those looking to try something new.
many people think that growing your hair out is as simple as not going to the barbershop. this is patently wrong. too many men fall into this trap not realizing the preparation involved in hair growth.
probably first among your concerns is: OCCUPATION.
do you work in an insurance firm, fast food, automotive repair, perhaps you don't have a job (if you are unemployed, you may be ready to just skip the barbershop). having the correct occupation for long hair is critical. jobs where long hair can be an asset include:
rockstar
model
NFL cornerback (not sure how it benefits, but it must)
biker
hair model
jazz flautist
perhaps none of these appeal to you? of course there are plenty of jobs where, if not an asset, long hair is at least acceptable... do you work in sales? ever wanted to be a residential contractor? whatever field your in, if your boss has long hair, chances are you can too (in fact you probably should).
maybe 1a on the list should be a good conditioner. as hair gets farther from the scalp it needs a lot more help. selecting "product" is probably best done with your wife or girlfriend's assistance, they will be able to diagnose and prescribe the proper bottles and tubes for your nest. don't have a wife or girlfriend? perfect! just remember: "sink or swim". if you are committed to long hair then your path will soon be determined by your locks. a single man with a full, gorgeous mane has the ability to draw a certain type of woman, women present in all walks of life, often in droves. a single man with a fried, frizzy tumbleweed will... did i mention he's single.
now you say, what about baldness? there is no hope for you. even the slightest receding or thinning is greatly amplified by the length of your remaining hair as illustrated by this simple equation:
U=h²(1+cosx)
where "h" represents hair length, "x" the number of receded inches. "U" represents your loserdom as perceived by the rest of the world. face it you missed the opportunity to have long hair (read on anyway).
now remember when growing out your hair that between cuts are a must to avoid mangeneck and tuftear.
are you over 25 years old? unless you are a demonstration artist maybe you should not have long hair.
the bottom line: long hair is a commitment best left to creative genius, young punks, the homeless, and the perpetually single, role playing hermit. but listen, you've got a decent job, a wife (or girlfriend), and people who need more from you than a fashion statement. you don't know how good you got it!
please feel free to leave a comment
j
My First Little Covered Dish, Bon Appetit
Here is a little list of my favorite women of all time, just a little throw away post...
Nigella Lawson
My number seven. I am a sucker for accents.
Dawn French
Number six. I don't care what anyone thinks this is a sexy woman.
Erykah Badu
Number five. Hot and local, I am not even very familiar with her stuff.
Tuesday Weld
Number four. This one goes back a little ways. In one of my favorite movies.
Manon Rheaume
Number three. Maybe not the hottest woman, ratio of sports ability to hot= awesome.
Sarah Silverman
My number two, going number two. She is so funny and offensive and I would definitely take a chance if my marriage went South. I think she's cool with gentiles.
Which brings me to my number one. The most wonderful woman in all the world, of all time...
Jamie Ellis
Nigella Lawson
My number seven. I am a sucker for accents.
Dawn French
Number six. I don't care what anyone thinks this is a sexy woman.
Erykah Badu
Number five. Hot and local, I am not even very familiar with her stuff.
Tuesday Weld
Number four. This one goes back a little ways. In one of my favorite movies.
Manon Rheaume
Number three. Maybe not the hottest woman, ratio of sports ability to hot= awesome.
Sarah Silverman
My number two, going number two. She is so funny and offensive and I would definitely take a chance if my marriage went South. I think she's cool with gentiles.
Which brings me to my number one. The most wonderful woman in all the world, of all time...
Jamie Ellis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
