Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Not Good. Not Good At All.

I enjoy lifting rocks once in a while. It's fun. I make sure my forearms are protected. Why? Because I don't want my arms to look like they were caned. Appearance does matter in my line of work.

I enjoy lifting kettlebells. It's fun. I make sure my hands are properly conditioned and callouses are shaved down to manageable levels. Why? Because I'll lose training time with hand tears, and contrary to what some believe, stigmata is NOT attractive.



This is NOT good.


Properly moisturize your hands before bedtime. Use pumice stone or callous shavers to keep callouses under control. Use chalk. Use common sense.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Chocolate Covered Bacon (On A Stick)



So, last month I made it to the State Fair. It's always a good time, but if the population there is any indication of future American health and fitness, we are in big, BIG trouble. And really, is it any surprise? I mean come on, corn dogs, funnel cake, soda, and CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON (on a stick no less)?

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Synchronicity - A Simple Observation

I've ridden my share of planes, trains, cars, and buses, including a 3 year stint as a university campus bus driver. One of the things you quickly grow accustomed to is the volume of white noise that permeates the air - engine and passenger noise is a constant companion... well, almost constant.

There are moments, almost imperceptibly short, when the noise just simply ceases. In my life, there have been two such moments - one on a train in Japan, and another while driving a bus. No one talking. No engine noise. No bump of tires or tracks. It feels as if time has stopped. A moment of clarity. You only notice the brief respite after the moment has passed, but now the noise has returned.



Training is like this sometimes - you hit a patch of training where everything clicks. Sometimes the period passes before you realize you've stumbled onto it, and other times you capitalize on your newfound strength and energy.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Deadlift Stud, Squatting Dud

I did a guest blog post for Dave Draper's site Iron Online for people whose squat is dramatically lagging behind their squat and they don't know why.

DEADLIFT STUD, SQUATTING DUD


The Drapers are just good people and their products and the Iron Online Forums are top notch. Check it out and leave a comment or question here or there if you have time.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Ichiro - I told you so


I know I said I'd be away, but it's tough not to at least mention this: Ichiro Gets 200+ For Ninth Consecutive Season.

When there was news about Ichiro possibly coming to the major leagues, I told my brother to hold onto those Japanese baseball cards I had gotten him - he was the real deal. My brother didn't think much of Ichiro, even after he did well in his first season - "He'll fizzle out just like Nomo" or something like that. Well, I don't say "I told you so!" very often, but there you have it.