Monday, April 30, 2012
First Game Tonight
Today is our first little league game. My young little team has put in a ton of time practicing. I believe most teams have probably practiced may 4 or 5 times in the last two weeks, we've practiced 8. It's not that I care about winning because I know we will lose our share of games, but it's about teaching. I want so badly for each one of these kids to learn so much and all the while still love and appreciate the game. I was reading something on Kristin Armstrongs blog the other day that really summed up why we should all be out there.
Her kids are obviously very competitive and one of the twins was getting ready for a run. She was scared that she wasn't going to win. Here's a part of the conversation they had.
"What if I don't run well?" she asks as she straightens and readjusts her number. It has to be just so.
"It depends," I say.
"On what?" she says, more accustomed to a lecture than my mystery.
"On the glory," I say.
"Whose glory?"
"Exactly," I say. "If you are running for your own glory, sometimes you will achieve and rejoice and other times you will fail and be miserable. It depends on the day."
"And otherwise?" she asks. With me there is usually an otherwise.
"Otherwise, if you are running and using your gift to glorify God -not yourself - then you will always rejoice and you don't have to worry about being disappointed. Different days will be different but you don't have to stress about the outcome. You can just have fun and enjoy your gift."
She looked me right in the eye. "Then I choose that."
"Great," I said. "You just changed your life, right there. Now let's go."
I'm probably not allowed to talk about God on the field, but this really summed it up. It really isn't about winning if you can enjoy the experience and give that experience right back to God. Winning is so short sighted if that's all we focus on. Don't get me wrong, I like to win. I definitely will take winning over losing any day of the week, but my goal this year is to give each one of these kids the best possible experience that I can.
This year I've taken things even a little further and started video taping some of the kids pitching and hitting. The things you can see while watching film frame by frame. One of my most talented players was having issues with his control while pitching. Just watching him, he's got great form and maybe just releases the ball a little funny. After watching the film though it was a huge eye opener. The little guy is all over the place. In fact, one of the issues is his elbow is too high when he releases the ball. This is something that needs to be corrected asap just to keep his arm healthy.
I've learned so much over the years and some stuff I wonder what the heck was I thinking. Over time you learn what's important to fix now vs what can be over looked and worked on as their arms mature. The tough part about the first game is the parents. For now, they think your a good coach, but when they see their kid either sit the bench or get very little playing time, then you become the not so good guy. This is the worst part about coaching any sport. I would love to play everyone all the time, but you have to look out for the entire team as well as the safety of the kids. In minors, everyone wants to play on the infield. When making the line up, it's no fun having to put some of your favorite kids somewhere they don't want to be. I've got one little eight year old on the team that just loves the game and always shows up ready to play. I'm just not sure if he is ready for the infield yet. I don't want him to lose his excitement for the game by being bored to death in the outfield, but I really don't have much of an option at least early on in the game. If we can get a lead and stay in front by a safe amount (is there really a safe amount in little league) I'll move some of the less talented kids into the infield. It all comes down to how much a child works on his skills while not at practice. Dad's need to throw with their kids. Repetition is the key. The more they do it, the better and more relaxed they will be.
We'll I've mumbled enough. Gotta get back to work. I'll fill you in tomorrow with how the game goes. Hoping for the best, but remembering still, WHO get's the glory.
Her kids are obviously very competitive and one of the twins was getting ready for a run. She was scared that she wasn't going to win. Here's a part of the conversation they had.
"What if I don't run well?" she asks as she straightens and readjusts her number. It has to be just so.
"It depends," I say.
"On what?" she says, more accustomed to a lecture than my mystery.
"On the glory," I say.
"Whose glory?"
"Exactly," I say. "If you are running for your own glory, sometimes you will achieve and rejoice and other times you will fail and be miserable. It depends on the day."
"And otherwise?" she asks. With me there is usually an otherwise.
"Otherwise, if you are running and using your gift to glorify God -not yourself - then you will always rejoice and you don't have to worry about being disappointed. Different days will be different but you don't have to stress about the outcome. You can just have fun and enjoy your gift."
She looked me right in the eye. "Then I choose that."
"Great," I said. "You just changed your life, right there. Now let's go."
I'm probably not allowed to talk about God on the field, but this really summed it up. It really isn't about winning if you can enjoy the experience and give that experience right back to God. Winning is so short sighted if that's all we focus on. Don't get me wrong, I like to win. I definitely will take winning over losing any day of the week, but my goal this year is to give each one of these kids the best possible experience that I can.
This year I've taken things even a little further and started video taping some of the kids pitching and hitting. The things you can see while watching film frame by frame. One of my most talented players was having issues with his control while pitching. Just watching him, he's got great form and maybe just releases the ball a little funny. After watching the film though it was a huge eye opener. The little guy is all over the place. In fact, one of the issues is his elbow is too high when he releases the ball. This is something that needs to be corrected asap just to keep his arm healthy.
I've learned so much over the years and some stuff I wonder what the heck was I thinking. Over time you learn what's important to fix now vs what can be over looked and worked on as their arms mature. The tough part about the first game is the parents. For now, they think your a good coach, but when they see their kid either sit the bench or get very little playing time, then you become the not so good guy. This is the worst part about coaching any sport. I would love to play everyone all the time, but you have to look out for the entire team as well as the safety of the kids. In minors, everyone wants to play on the infield. When making the line up, it's no fun having to put some of your favorite kids somewhere they don't want to be. I've got one little eight year old on the team that just loves the game and always shows up ready to play. I'm just not sure if he is ready for the infield yet. I don't want him to lose his excitement for the game by being bored to death in the outfield, but I really don't have much of an option at least early on in the game. If we can get a lead and stay in front by a safe amount (is there really a safe amount in little league) I'll move some of the less talented kids into the infield. It all comes down to how much a child works on his skills while not at practice. Dad's need to throw with their kids. Repetition is the key. The more they do it, the better and more relaxed they will be.
We'll I've mumbled enough. Gotta get back to work. I'll fill you in tomorrow with how the game goes. Hoping for the best, but remembering still, WHO get's the glory.
Big Lake Climb
What a beautiful morning. I left the house at around 5am to make the 45 minute trek over to Eagar. It's a busy week but I wanted I to get in one good day of climbing. The Big Lake climb is by far one of my favorite climbs in the state. Even with all the burned trees, the area is still gorgeous. I'm not sure what I was thinking getting up at 4am to drive an hour for a 1 hour ride, on top of having to work all day, coach a little league game, then go watch another. Needless to say, I don't think I'll have any problems falling asleep tonight.
The Big Lake Climb never lets you down. It's steep, it's long, and it just seems to keep on going. Here's the profile of the climb. It starts out at around 7000 ft and climbs to just under 9000. You really have to experience if for yourself to appreciate the beauty of the area, but it's nature at its best all the way to the top. If you click on view detail below, you will see the elevation gain.
Of course the best part is the descent. My goal was 40mph and I think I hit 42. There was headwind coming down so that takes a little away from hauling ass downhill, but it's still a blast. It took my 47 minutes to get to the top and only 15 to get back down. It's nothing short of a blast flying downhill. It was a great way to start the week.
The Big Lake Climb never lets you down. It's steep, it's long, and it just seems to keep on going. Here's the profile of the climb. It starts out at around 7000 ft and climbs to just under 9000. You really have to experience if for yourself to appreciate the beauty of the area, but it's nature at its best all the way to the top. If you click on view detail below, you will see the elevation gain.
Of course the best part is the descent. My goal was 40mph and I think I hit 42. There was headwind coming down so that takes a little away from hauling ass downhill, but it's still a blast. It took my 47 minutes to get to the top and only 15 to get back down. It's nothing short of a blast flying downhill. It was a great way to start the week.
IMG-20120430-00116.jpg
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
171# and counting
I weighed in at 171 pounds today. That's 17 pounds so far and only 6 to go. The cool part is, I've hardly been trying to lose. I've been eating good, but really haven't been starving myself. I'm riding a little more which probably helps, plus running with the boys at little league practice. Dang these kids are out of shape! I woop up on them every time. Guess the xbox doesn't go much for cardio.........hmmm imagine that:).
I've got the Ironhorse coming up in just over a month and my goal this year is to get my time back to under 3 hours. Last year I think I was 3:17 which is by far my slowest ever. I'm lighter and hopefully faster than last year so hopefully I'll see some improvement. Scott has helped me a ton and his ability to motivate is like no other. The guy just has some weird mental capability that makes you want and believe you can do more. I'll be increasing my miles and my climbing starting this week. Now I'll just have to beg my wife for some extra morning riding times. She usually goes on Mon,Tues and Thurs, not sure if she's willing to give any up though. She's doing the Barn Burner in Flagstaff which is brutal. I've got no desire to hurt that bad. Give me pavement any day of the week.
Speaking of pavement.........I got a text from a friend the other day (I don't have permission to disclose any names as of yet) stating that he now knew why cyclists shave their legs... CRASHING!!!
Heres what cinders can do to your backside and legs:
Oh and I would love to have my ass that bald:) heck if I was that delinquent in the hair category, I'd never wear clothes:).
I've got the Ironhorse coming up in just over a month and my goal this year is to get my time back to under 3 hours. Last year I think I was 3:17 which is by far my slowest ever. I'm lighter and hopefully faster than last year so hopefully I'll see some improvement. Scott has helped me a ton and his ability to motivate is like no other. The guy just has some weird mental capability that makes you want and believe you can do more. I'll be increasing my miles and my climbing starting this week. Now I'll just have to beg my wife for some extra morning riding times. She usually goes on Mon,Tues and Thurs, not sure if she's willing to give any up though. She's doing the Barn Burner in Flagstaff which is brutal. I've got no desire to hurt that bad. Give me pavement any day of the week.
Speaking of pavement.........I got a text from a friend the other day (I don't have permission to disclose any names as of yet) stating that he now knew why cyclists shave their legs... CRASHING!!!
Heres what cinders can do to your backside and legs:
Oh and I would love to have my ass that bald:) heck if I was that delinquent in the hair category, I'd never wear clothes:).
Ok, I have no idea why the pictures posted sideways, but you get the idea. Try keeping wounds like that clean when you have it mixed with hair, cinders, and pavement.
Did you ever see the commercial they were running while the Tour de France was going on?
It said, "If you want to know what it feels like to crash on a road bike, jump out of a moving car going 60 mph wearing only your underwear"
All I know is that crashing sucks. No matter how slow youre going, it hurts.
Oh and here's a challenge for all you fitness buffs. I get an email from Sam the other day saying that he wants me to set a goal of 2 minutes for side planks. I thought, piece of cake!! Ya, whatever. 30 seconds was all I was capable of. My obliques were sore for a week. Today though, I hit one minute. My goal is 2 minutes by the end of May. We shall see!!
Side Plank
(keep your body straight)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Spring is here
As you can see from the lack of posts, things have been pretty busy. Little league is in full swing with practices almost every night. I feel like I'm slacking at work as much of my evening has been consumed with baseball. My guys have really stepped up and covered for me while I'm off playing. I promised myself that I was going to spend some good fishing time with my dad this spring/summer, but of course I haven't reached that goal either. I need to take a chill pill and step back and smell the roses.
This past Sunday, my wife and I headed out for a 5:30am ride with Todd and Katie. What a gorgeous morning. There was no traffic and the winds were perfectly calm. We met at the go karts and headed up towards Hondah. From there we headed down the hill to the Roberts Ranch turn off. This is typically where we turn around and time ourselves back up the "Whiteriver Hill". Sunday was no different. It was a time trial for the next 5.1 miles. Painful is what it was. My hamstrings were still sore from doing squats on Friday and on Saturday night we had taken my oldest son out for dinner for his birthday so I was also feeling the repercussions of eating a crappy dinner. My fastest time up this hill is 23:30 or something like that. Well on Sunday, it took me more than 27 minutes. I was shot.
The best part, I was able to get in a 2 1/2 hour ride. This is the longest I've been able to ride since starting the rehab on my back. Felt really good to be out riding pain free. I'm looking forward to a really good summer. Baseball, cycling, and fishing:) oh ya and working.
So have most of you kept your weight off? What's crazy..........I haven't heard from the winner yet!!! That's 400.00 bucks that someone is missing out on.!! Email me people! I have your moolah!!! mail@alphaoxymed.com
I should probably get some work done before having to head off to practice. These kids are gonna be wore out by weeks end. Hope you all are having a great spring. It's gorgeous outside today!!!!
This past Sunday, my wife and I headed out for a 5:30am ride with Todd and Katie. What a gorgeous morning. There was no traffic and the winds were perfectly calm. We met at the go karts and headed up towards Hondah. From there we headed down the hill to the Roberts Ranch turn off. This is typically where we turn around and time ourselves back up the "Whiteriver Hill". Sunday was no different. It was a time trial for the next 5.1 miles. Painful is what it was. My hamstrings were still sore from doing squats on Friday and on Saturday night we had taken my oldest son out for dinner for his birthday so I was also feeling the repercussions of eating a crappy dinner. My fastest time up this hill is 23:30 or something like that. Well on Sunday, it took me more than 27 minutes. I was shot.
The best part, I was able to get in a 2 1/2 hour ride. This is the longest I've been able to ride since starting the rehab on my back. Felt really good to be out riding pain free. I'm looking forward to a really good summer. Baseball, cycling, and fishing:) oh ya and working.
So have most of you kept your weight off? What's crazy..........I haven't heard from the winner yet!!! That's 400.00 bucks that someone is missing out on.!! Email me people! I have your moolah!!! mail@alphaoxymed.com
I should probably get some work done before having to head off to practice. These kids are gonna be wore out by weeks end. Hope you all are having a great spring. It's gorgeous outside today!!!!
Day at the races
Ok, even getting the guilt trip from the wife for not posting in a while. Things have just been so hectic. Work has been super busy, now little league takes up my evenings, then also trying to ride and keep up with my back therapy workout at the gym. I know, poor poor me.
This past weekend was the first weekend of BMX races. If your kids like bikes or racing at all, you should give it a shot. The kids seem to really enjoy it.
Races will be every Saturday at the BMX park in Show Low. Sign ups are at 10am Races start at 11am. All you need is a bike and a helmet. My kids had never raced before and they both had a great time.
This past weekend was the first weekend of BMX races. If your kids like bikes or racing at all, you should give it a shot. The kids seem to really enjoy it.
All ages are out here. Check out this little guy.
Races will be every Saturday at the BMX park in Show Low. Sign ups are at 10am Races start at 11am. All you need is a bike and a helmet. My kids had never raced before and they both had a great time.
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