What happens in Texas...

Well, will hopefully stay in Texas haha. This past weekend I went to go watch Tri buddy Jacob get married to Courtney. I had met Courtney before and I must say Jacob is a lucky man and bravo to him for putting a ring on it. The wedding itself was a short one, 30mins long or so, but the events surrounding it is what made it a great experience for me. I'll save a lot of the details for conversations over beers but here's some info!

I met a lot of quality people in TX. I mostly hung out with people from the wedding party I met at the rehearsal dinner on Friday, except late Sat... but that's a different story. The individuals I met were (mostly) of a good nature and willing to set up to the game when it came time to party. Which in most occurrences is when you see how a person really is and how they behave and react to certain situations. I met some big ol' Texas born and raised folks, cheerleader mothers, twins (or so they claim), and lots of peoples with accents. Overall I was happy my liver raised to the occasion and made a lot of the occurrences possible.

However the biggest thing I got from this wedding and the feeling I got was that True Love does exist. The examples of love I saw this weekend was eye opening. The vows at the wedding, the overall ceremony itself, the reception speeches... all were beautiful and put a smile to my face. But it wasn't only love, it was love through Christ. Which is something I haven't seen so prevalent in previous weddings. It was a different view about the whole Marriage thing, rather than just pledging your love to each other it was pledging your love together through the love of Christ and being appreciative of what he's giving and will continue to give you. Like I said it was a very different view than I've gotten from most weddings and I don't know if it's just a TX thing... but it was refreshing and I was a fan.

It helps to reassure me that current steps I am taking in my life are the right ones. I'm allowing myself to make time for other activities outside of Triathlon. It is either time for school, allowing myself to start going to church again, and getting rid of the "I'm training" excuse to hanging out with others and having a life outside of Triathlon. It's preparing me to get back out there, It's been a weird month for me as I had just gotten out of a 6 month relationship so I've taken some time to get back on my feet and find what I WANT in life and what I NEED to make myself happy. It's an ever evolving state of mind and there is no quick fix but I am confident in what I am doing now and I have the belief that it will lead to good things. And through my friends and family I have stayed strong and will always hold my chin up high. So thank you to everyone in my life... I will continue to learn from you daily.

LTD
Shanks

Getting my Learn on

I'm heading to Orlando, FL today to attend a coaching clinic being put on by Hector Torres. Now I met him at the Power training clinic back in Philly in Nov of 09. I remember not really liking the guy, can't remember why... but I'm entering this clinic with a very open mind! Even if you don't like a guy or the way he might coach doesn't mean that he isn't doing something right and there can be gems in this clinic I can take away. So trying to put past judgments behind me and come into this clinic fresh and ready to learn!

I do hope there are some other insightful coaches there that I can dine with and actually discuss topics. However in most cases you get a group of Triathlete's or Tri Coaches together it just becomes a dick swinging contest of who's doing everything right and how much faster their athletes are than yours... or at least that's the impression I get because those guys overpower the conversation while the others, as myself, would like to actually learn and evolve as coaches and not stay narrow minded in thinking you're always right... Damnit there I go again being close minded and not giving folks a chance!

Ok, time to pack and begin this road trip! Here's to open minds, great discussions, and a few good local drafts... Cheers!!!

PS: Happy Veterans day and thank you to all of our Vets and Active Military members for all that you've done and continue to do! I would not be able to chase my dream if you didn't give such great sacrifices for our freedom.

Random stuff

So unfortunately I still haven't done the "Taking the Plunge" or whatever I want to title it blog. It is coming however!

In other news, I'm taking Leah to go watch The Gay Blades tonight... an oddly named band from NYC which should be an interesting show to say the least.

Besides that I really want to go to The Vortex (Little 5 in ATL) and eat this...

DOUBLE BYPASS BURGER
Twice as big as the Coronary Bypass! Topped with
two fried eggs, six slices of American cheese, and
eight slices of bacon, all served between the two
grilled cheese sandwiches that we use in place of
the regular hamburger buns. 14.95

New goal

My new goal is to write a blog at least once a week, most likely on Thursday's unless another topic comes up and needs to be addressed. If there is a topic you'd like to see covered or comments/suggestions then please let me know and I'd be happy to look into it for you!

So yeah... new blog... tomorrow (like a profess procrastinator) 

Well here goes nothing

I have no real idea what I plan on accomplishing by creating this blog... maybe it'll help me get some things off my chest... but hopefully I'll be able to keep it functional and somewhat professional with product reviews and updates on how training is going and what methods I am using, without giving away all the secrets that is!