Nothing about this post will do with me or running. Sorry in advance. It's all about baseball. I'm a big baseball fan. I'll watch any game that is on. I tried to become one of those uber-statistics guys a few years ago, but I find it is hard to enjoy games when you are focused on the underlying statistics instead of what you see on the field. If you want to be able to explain to someone why you love you some UZR, I won't stop you, but very few people are going to care. This brings me to this baseball season.
I'm an Oakland A's fan. Have been since I was 8, watching the Bash Brothers, or Steroid Brothers, while I was an impressionable youngster out here in Kansas. The 1989 World Series was the first one that I remember watching, but that was only because the baseball was secondary to the Loma Prieta Earthquake right before Game 3 of the series. Since then, I've been immersed in all things A's. Even though the franchise makes no money and hardly draws any fans to their games, they have a fervent base of die hard fans that follow the team religiously, which I suppose you could say about every team. This spring brings about new hope that a team with severe financial limitations can compete with the big spenders in the Majors.
The A's, for a lack of a better word, have been flat abysmal offensively since, I don't know, 2003?! None more so evident than last season when the team leader for Home Runs was 16 (!), and they finished a paltry 25th in the Majors with a slugging percentage of .378. This season, armed with some offensive upgrades, I would expect Oakland to, at the worst, be able to field a league average offense, where even 60 more runs could yield a significantly higher amount of wins.
What will carry the day for the A's will of course be pitching. A team that lead the AL in ERA appears to have become deeper and better, with significant additions to a bullpen that was racked with injuries last season, much like the whole team. The fact that the pitchers had to go out last season and basically put up shutouts every single night in hopes to get a win should hopefully be relieved a little bit by the improved offense.
Texas will be a major player in the AL West, of course. I think the division will come down to those two teams when all is said and done. While Texas made some offensive moves, their pitching will take a major step back, and that is how you win in the Majors. One thing to keep an eye on will be how Texas does in interleague play. That is basically the number one reason they made the playoffs last season. Texas finished .500 against AL teams, but dominated NL teams last year on their way to winning the West. Anyways, I'm excited for baseball to start, and hopefully there are some baseball fans that read this blog and feel like voicing their opinions/favorite teams, because baseball talk is always welcome. Until next time....later.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
TFGIR Essay Series: Volume 1
I very rarely get comments on my posts, and for the first time, I received an e-mail from someone who stumbled onto this blog through a search through the blogspot database. This e-mailer was interested in writing a guest column or article "about people's mental and physical health and the long term side effects if things are not handled properly." Interested, I responded that I would be agreeable to this. After reading through what I received, I decided that publishing an essay series similar to my previous interview series could be kind of a cool thing. So, in the future, if you want to write something and get the word out about anything in particular, feel free to hit me up.
Today's inaugural guest column/essay comes to us from e-mailer Samantha Harris. I did not find out where Samantha is from, but I did have her whip up a small bio to introduce herself to the blog and its readers.
I found your blog while I was searching through blog spot for health related blogs. A little bit about myself, I am 24 and recently earned my bachelors with an emphasis in journalism and communications. I currently don't have a blog of my own, I haven't found the time to devote to a blog of my own yet, but it is something I would like to start in the future. In my free time I enjoy doing yoga and my newest endeavor is training to do a marathon, I have always been a mediocre runner but now that I am out of college I am trying to get serious about it, wish me luck ;).
There is some very good advice in this column, so if you are tired of me talking about myself, this is a good refresher to let you know that there are several things to look out for when beginning and continuing an exercise program. OK, so without further ado, I unveil the first installment of the TFGIR Essay Series, courtesy of future marathon runner Samantha Harris.
"Full Dedication: Initial Barriers and Steps to Getting in Shape
When individuals decide to get into shape, most simply envision long runs at dawn. Few realize the careful balance between physical and emotional control a truly successful exercise regimen demands. To begin getting into shape after a long delay in physical activity takes patience, support and positive feedback. While it’s easy to get caught up in all the extraneous details revolving around fitness, these mental considerations first need to be addressed to ensure a well-intentioned promise to oneself doesn’t end in frustration and discouragement.
Unfortunately, for the beer and pizza lovers out there, curbing unhealthy dietary habits is the first step to looking and feeling better. That means trading in the excessive carbohydrates, sugars and saturated fats in exchange for healthy grains, fruits and vegetables. However, meat lovers rejoice. Lean meats and fish are also vital to nourishing all that muscle you’ll be building. For the vegetarians out there, legumes are also a great source of this needed protein.
Next on the list of lifestyle adjustment comes all the destructive habits that can get in the way of your health. That means smoking, excessive drinking and any other detrimental substance use also needs to be given up. Unfortunately, one lingering habit is enough to sabotage an entire exercise regimen. Furthermore, after exercising, individuals often feel they “owe it to themselves” to indulge in those negative dietary or lifestyle habits, which can draw you right back into the downward spiral of inactivity and poor lifestyle choices.
Next is learning about how to stay safe when exercising. That means you must invest in the right equipment and facilities to train in. While the wrong pair of sneakers can easily lead to joint problems or a turned ankle, a poorly-maintained gym can also put you at risk. One of the biggest considerations of a facility is air quality, which can be affected by numerous toxins, including radon, carbon monoxide and asbestos. Asbestos especially, poses significant long-term dangers, causing mesothelioma symptoms that might not appear for decades. To ensure a lifetime of fitness, these lasting concerns deserve attention so you don’t do more harm than good during your training.
Once you’re on the road to fitness, keeping a record of your progress becomes increasingly important. Keeping a workout log both encourages and lets you see your progress. In addition, creating a community of supporters helps remind you that you’re not taking these health steps for just yourself, but everyone you care about as well. This support system can be informal, where you simply chat about it with a friend or your spouse, or something more organized, like a blog or online forum. However you choose to share your progress though, be sure to tell everyone your results and goals.
The final step to ensuring a lasting exercise routine involves adding additional motivation as needed. Reaching initial goals is one of the biggest destroyers of an exercise routine, which is why adding additional goals and motivation becomes so important. However, ensuring your continued success in a routine still remains secondary to making sure you’re exercising in the safest, healthiest way possible. Running at an indoor track for five miles each morning does little good if you’re also sucking in asbestos the whole time. A successful exercise regimen involves the complete physical and mental dedication needed for any great change. Don’t be fooled, deciding to live healthier involves the total revision of your lifestyle. Only by dedicating yourself fully to this challenge will you reach your goals of living healthier and feeling better.
And there you have it. If you are interested in communicating with Samantha about anything, she can be reached at samanthaharris02@gmail.com, and she might be on twitter, I didn't ask. I am on twitter at www.twitter.com/kyleseiwert, or just @kyleseiwert. Hopefully you enjoyed today's post. Feel free to email it to your friends. You never know what might inspire you or someone you know. Until next time...later.
6UXZDZ6CCEUM
Today's inaugural guest column/essay comes to us from e-mailer Samantha Harris. I did not find out where Samantha is from, but I did have her whip up a small bio to introduce herself to the blog and its readers.
There is some very good advice in this column, so if you are tired of me talking about myself, this is a good refresher to let you know that there are several things to look out for when beginning and continuing an exercise program. OK, so without further ado, I unveil the first installment of the TFGIR Essay Series, courtesy of future marathon runner Samantha Harris.
"Full Dedication: Initial Barriers and Steps to Getting in Shape
When individuals decide to get into shape, most simply envision long runs at dawn. Few realize the careful balance between physical and emotional control a truly successful exercise regimen demands. To begin getting into shape after a long delay in physical activity takes patience, support and positive feedback. While it’s easy to get caught up in all the extraneous details revolving around fitness, these mental considerations first need to be addressed to ensure a well-intentioned promise to oneself doesn’t end in frustration and discouragement.
Unfortunately, for the beer and pizza lovers out there, curbing unhealthy dietary habits is the first step to looking and feeling better. That means trading in the excessive carbohydrates, sugars and saturated fats in exchange for healthy grains, fruits and vegetables. However, meat lovers rejoice. Lean meats and fish are also vital to nourishing all that muscle you’ll be building. For the vegetarians out there, legumes are also a great source of this needed protein.
Next on the list of lifestyle adjustment comes all the destructive habits that can get in the way of your health. That means smoking, excessive drinking and any other detrimental substance use also needs to be given up. Unfortunately, one lingering habit is enough to sabotage an entire exercise regimen. Furthermore, after exercising, individuals often feel they “owe it to themselves” to indulge in those negative dietary or lifestyle habits, which can draw you right back into the downward spiral of inactivity and poor lifestyle choices.
After correcting these dietary and lifestyle obstacles, it remains important to set yourself up for success. Instead of setting an overwhelming routine up front, it’s best to start slow with easy, measurable goals that allow you to see your progress. Furthermore, make those goals specific to ensure you stick to your routine. Finally, focus on one goal for several weeks at a time. Again, overwhelming yourself with several different training routines can discourage you to the point that the sight of a pair of sneakers makes you shudder.
Next is learning about how to stay safe when exercising. That means you must invest in the right equipment and facilities to train in. While the wrong pair of sneakers can easily lead to joint problems or a turned ankle, a poorly-maintained gym can also put you at risk. One of the biggest considerations of a facility is air quality, which can be affected by numerous toxins, including radon, carbon monoxide and asbestos. Asbestos especially, poses significant long-term dangers, causing mesothelioma symptoms that might not appear for decades. To ensure a lifetime of fitness, these lasting concerns deserve attention so you don’t do more harm than good during your training.
Once you’re on the road to fitness, keeping a record of your progress becomes increasingly important. Keeping a workout log both encourages and lets you see your progress. In addition, creating a community of supporters helps remind you that you’re not taking these health steps for just yourself, but everyone you care about as well. This support system can be informal, where you simply chat about it with a friend or your spouse, or something more organized, like a blog or online forum. However you choose to share your progress though, be sure to tell everyone your results and goals.
The final step to ensuring a lasting exercise routine involves adding additional motivation as needed. Reaching initial goals is one of the biggest destroyers of an exercise routine, which is why adding additional goals and motivation becomes so important. However, ensuring your continued success in a routine still remains secondary to making sure you’re exercising in the safest, healthiest way possible. Running at an indoor track for five miles each morning does little good if you’re also sucking in asbestos the whole time. A successful exercise regimen involves the complete physical and mental dedication needed for any great change. Don’t be fooled, deciding to live healthier involves the total revision of your lifestyle. Only by dedicating yourself fully to this challenge will you reach your goals of living healthier and feeling better.
And there you have it. If you are interested in communicating with Samantha about anything, she can be reached at samanthaharris02@gmail.com, and she might be on twitter, I didn't ask. I am on twitter at www.twitter.com/kyleseiwert, or just @kyleseiwert. Hopefully you enjoyed today's post. Feel free to email it to your friends. You never know what might inspire you or someone you know. Until next time...later.
6UXZDZ6CCEUM
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Saving Myself
Tenacious D said it best. The road is f*&#ing hard. Getting out on the pavement has been both great and terrible. I have quickly been reminded that I am, in fact, made of glass. So far, due to the 735 inches of snow Topeka has received this winter, I have only been able to run outside around Lake Shawnee 4 or 5 times. After spending the mild days of the winter inside (stupid decision, by the way), I have been able to only sporadically make it out in the elements. But, that transition from treadmill to concrete has proven to be as difficult physically as always. Maybe I did not notice last year while beginning to run that I was hurt all the time, and just chalked it up to being a newbie, but clearly, running on the concrete takes some toughness.
One thing I have read, and I am not sure whether to believe it or not, is that running on concrete is the hardest surface available. Harder than asphalt. I can only say that I've run on asphalt a handful of times, but it seems pretty hard to me. It has to be able to withstand years of automobile traffic, and it is not harder than concrete? Maybe if any civil engineers are wired into this blog they can steer me in the direction I need to go to find such strength evaluations. Of course, either one are going to be more strenuous than running on a treadmill or a track, with both have a level of cushion and give to them. What I've had crop up so far though appear to be different type injuries than what I dealt with last year. If you remember that I had some issues with my iliotibial band, which can be directly tied to running on hard surfaces and a lack of stretching. Now, I've been dealing with a strained Psoas Muscle, which is most likely due to poor stretching technique, but it never was a problem last year, and I have yet to really change anything I've done. I can only surmise that I've made a poor transition to the cold and the concrete.
What I'm going to do is probably going to preserve my legs and keep me from running hurt all the time, but I'm a little worried that it will affect my race times in a negative fashion. I am going to split my training time between the treadmill and the lake. Less time on the hard surface in order to hopefully not miss workouts, which I did for about the last two months of training for the KC Half. Once I get through Abilene, we'll see if this plan works or not. Either way, I feel I'll be able to train harder on the hard workouts whenever I need to bear down. I guess we'll see. Remember to sign up for email delivery of these posts, and until next time...later.
One thing I have read, and I am not sure whether to believe it or not, is that running on concrete is the hardest surface available. Harder than asphalt. I can only say that I've run on asphalt a handful of times, but it seems pretty hard to me. It has to be able to withstand years of automobile traffic, and it is not harder than concrete? Maybe if any civil engineers are wired into this blog they can steer me in the direction I need to go to find such strength evaluations. Of course, either one are going to be more strenuous than running on a treadmill or a track, with both have a level of cushion and give to them. What I've had crop up so far though appear to be different type injuries than what I dealt with last year. If you remember that I had some issues with my iliotibial band, which can be directly tied to running on hard surfaces and a lack of stretching. Now, I've been dealing with a strained Psoas Muscle, which is most likely due to poor stretching technique, but it never was a problem last year, and I have yet to really change anything I've done. I can only surmise that I've made a poor transition to the cold and the concrete.
What I'm going to do is probably going to preserve my legs and keep me from running hurt all the time, but I'm a little worried that it will affect my race times in a negative fashion. I am going to split my training time between the treadmill and the lake. Less time on the hard surface in order to hopefully not miss workouts, which I did for about the last two months of training for the KC Half. Once I get through Abilene, we'll see if this plan works or not. Either way, I feel I'll be able to train harder on the hard workouts whenever I need to bear down. I guess we'll see. Remember to sign up for email delivery of these posts, and until next time...later.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I've Lost It
I'll admit, it feels very weird to talk about running right now. I have found a hobby that I enjoy, and I've never really had anything resembling a hobby before, so I'm not sure how to discuss it with my friends, or people I work with. In the past I've been a pretty good bowler, but lots of people bowl. Not a lot of people decide to sign up for road races every month. So, I sort of have to rationalize it to myself to make sure not to talk about it too much, because I know that a lot of people don't really care. I liken it to reading, I guess. I am not much into reading. I have probably read five books in the past five years, so when people start talking about books and reading, I just tune it out, or make it pretty upfront that the discussion will be lost on me. Why have someone waste their time talking to me about something that I'm not going to know about anyways? But hey, that is a hobby of theirs, and who am I to get in their way of enjoying something.
Now when it comes to me, I have become hooked on running. I never, ever thought something like this would happen, but it has. I'm currently weighing 167, which is an all time low (at least as long as I can remember), and initially, that was the entire reason that I took up running in the first place, if you remember. In that regards, I have basically achieved my goals. I could probably lose another 10-12 pounds over the course of the year if I just keep doing what I'm doing, so I don't really worry about that aspect of it anymore. But along the way, I became complacent. Running is great for you, but I'm of the mind that I do not like really doing something if I can't do it 100%. I am not a perfectionist, at lease I've never considered myself as such. But there has to be some reason I am always looking at competing against people and myself and improving my times. In the grand scheme of things, it really does not matter. I am not going to turn into an elite level runner, for a long list of reasons, so what would be the motivation for wanting to shave minutes off of my times, other than just personal satisfaction? Like I said, I've lost it.
What has happened is I've engaged in this activity/hobby and saw the inherent benefits, and decided to keep on going. Nothing more, nothing less. Again, think about people that read. Why do they do it? Maybe it is just to kill time, but I figure they put in the time because they are getting something out of it. People that read Harry Potter books have an entire world out there they can all enjoy together, so it is not like they just spent a bunch of time doing something and did not receive anything for it. That is how I view running. It's been a blast. That KC Half was tough, at least I felt it afterward, but when it was going on, I was smiling ear to ear because I was having a lot of fun. That was the big payoff for all the Friday morning long runs before work, and taking it easy during the week because I needed to fit in some miles. Getting out and competing in something, since it certainly is not going to be basketball or baseball, has been extremely rewarding. So anyways, I just need to embrace that I've found something that I enjoy, and I don't care that I can't read good so much.
To tie it all together, the main point of the story is that I was able to sit down and map out potential future races, and I have marked down 14 races for the year. Like I said, I've lost it. Ranging from Topeka, to Manhattan, to KC, to Wichita, I'll be coming to a town near you in no time. To be honest though, the Manhattan Running Company has put together a new thing they are labeling the MRC Race Series. It sounded intriguing, and fun, and I figured why not? Nothing to lose, and if anything, it will keep me focused on exercising and losing the rest of this weight I've got. I have no delusions of placing in any of the races, but I am interested to see how I stack up against what I would call "real runners", because that, to me, is fascinating. I imagine a lot of people that sign up for this series will be runners that have been at this for much, much longer than me. I guess we'll find out. So thank you for reading my rambling. I hope it was not too boring. And remember to sign up for these posts to be emailed directly to you, if you so choose. Until next time...later.
Now when it comes to me, I have become hooked on running. I never, ever thought something like this would happen, but it has. I'm currently weighing 167, which is an all time low (at least as long as I can remember), and initially, that was the entire reason that I took up running in the first place, if you remember. In that regards, I have basically achieved my goals. I could probably lose another 10-12 pounds over the course of the year if I just keep doing what I'm doing, so I don't really worry about that aspect of it anymore. But along the way, I became complacent. Running is great for you, but I'm of the mind that I do not like really doing something if I can't do it 100%. I am not a perfectionist, at lease I've never considered myself as such. But there has to be some reason I am always looking at competing against people and myself and improving my times. In the grand scheme of things, it really does not matter. I am not going to turn into an elite level runner, for a long list of reasons, so what would be the motivation for wanting to shave minutes off of my times, other than just personal satisfaction? Like I said, I've lost it.
What has happened is I've engaged in this activity/hobby and saw the inherent benefits, and decided to keep on going. Nothing more, nothing less. Again, think about people that read. Why do they do it? Maybe it is just to kill time, but I figure they put in the time because they are getting something out of it. People that read Harry Potter books have an entire world out there they can all enjoy together, so it is not like they just spent a bunch of time doing something and did not receive anything for it. That is how I view running. It's been a blast. That KC Half was tough, at least I felt it afterward, but when it was going on, I was smiling ear to ear because I was having a lot of fun. That was the big payoff for all the Friday morning long runs before work, and taking it easy during the week because I needed to fit in some miles. Getting out and competing in something, since it certainly is not going to be basketball or baseball, has been extremely rewarding. So anyways, I just need to embrace that I've found something that I enjoy, and I don't care that I can't read good so much.
To tie it all together, the main point of the story is that I was able to sit down and map out potential future races, and I have marked down 14 races for the year. Like I said, I've lost it. Ranging from Topeka, to Manhattan, to KC, to Wichita, I'll be coming to a town near you in no time. To be honest though, the Manhattan Running Company has put together a new thing they are labeling the MRC Race Series. It sounded intriguing, and fun, and I figured why not? Nothing to lose, and if anything, it will keep me focused on exercising and losing the rest of this weight I've got. I have no delusions of placing in any of the races, but I am interested to see how I stack up against what I would call "real runners", because that, to me, is fascinating. I imagine a lot of people that sign up for this series will be runners that have been at this for much, much longer than me. I guess we'll find out. So thank you for reading my rambling. I hope it was not too boring. And remember to sign up for these posts to be emailed directly to you, if you so choose. Until next time...later.
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