By now many of you may be paying attention to this whole mess down at Auburn with Heisman Trophy Candidate Cam Newton. The rumors that surround his alleged cheating while at Florida and the rumors of Cam's need for "pay for play."
Now as a former Division I athlete myself, all-be-it in a non major sport, getting paid to play college sports has been brought to my attention in the past. I remember talking in length about this issue in my Sport Marketing class and being 100% against the idea. I think my thoughts still lean heavily toward not paying college athletes, but a wrench was tossed into my thinking last week when listening to Chicago Sports Radio.
I guess some schools out there are printing players names on the back of jerseys. No, this is not an illegal thing for the schools to do, but this is where my thoughts have changed a bit. Now, I totally believe that college sports is totally different than pro's in the fact that you will have your supporters regardless. If Cam Newton wasn't QB at Auburn, Auburn may not be quite as good, but the team itself is still a really good team. I think Oregon is a perfect example of how good a TEAM is. Yes, they have a great Running back in James, but he gets overshadowed by the play of the TEAM as a whole. That is who the fans come to watch, the TEAM.
I think that there needs to be a rule or even a law put into effect so NCAA and colleges can not print names on jerseys. Numbers are ok, but to print an individual's name on, that's when I think there should be some kickback to the players, maybe not while they are in school, but after they graduate.
NCAA sports is an amateur union. If players want to make money, then go to the minor leagues of their given sport. As a runner you don't often see jumps up to the pro ranks, but there have been come cases of this in recent years. Alan Webb left Michigan to train under his high school coach and run for Nike, Dathan Ritzenhien left Colorado, and most recently an Illinois high schooler, Evan Jager, left Wisconsin a few years back to follow his coach Jerry Schumacher.
I don't understand how athletes can't see all the benefits they are getting from their colleges. I think athletes think they are the only ones that make people come watch games. Yes, they are the ones ultimately coming, but you have all these people behind the scenes that work to get people in the seats, that work to get the athletes to the level they need to be at (coaches). Athletes (many of them) are getting education paid for (estimated 4 year cost: $100,000), free housing (estimated 4 year cost $24,000...$600/month), free food (estimated 4 year cost: $10,000...$250 a month), then you add in book fees, transportation, etc etc....you can't tell me athletes are looked after and I don't know one program that doesn't give little perks, legal ones too, to athletes.
Would love to hear what you have to think, but let's keep the NCAA and it's amateur status, but maybe put some legal regulations on them!
Peace out
Shawn
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Club Nationals, Dec 11th
I woke up this morning from a message from the Club Northwest teams committee chair (Jerry) with great news! After my performance yesterday I was selected to run for the team at USATF's Club Nationals in December! I'm looking forward to running against some of the countries best runners. Now, this race won't bring out America's top runners, but there will be some really good runners from some of the top club teams like ZAP fitness and New York Road Runners and a few others. Club took 6th last year, but I think this year's team has a chance to improve on that spot and move into top 3 for sure!
Here is Club Northwest's link for the team selection. It includes 9th place USA track and field 10k finisher from the 2010 National champs Mike Sayenko. Mike also finished 10th overall at the Chicago Marathon this past October. I had a fun day biking the course to cheer him on as much as I could and watch his awesome race unfold! The team also includes Joe Gray who is the top US mountain/trail runner.
http://clubnorthwest.org/index.php/team/2010-cross-country
Here is the link for Club Nationals, just in case you want to come out to Charlotte, NC to cheer me on!!!
http://www.usatf.org/events/2010/USATFClubXCChampionships/index.asp
Peace out peeps!
Shawn
Here is Club Northwest's link for the team selection. It includes 9th place USA track and field 10k finisher from the 2010 National champs Mike Sayenko. Mike also finished 10th overall at the Chicago Marathon this past October. I had a fun day biking the course to cheer him on as much as I could and watch his awesome race unfold! The team also includes Joe Gray who is the top US mountain/trail runner.
http://clubnorthwest.org/index.php/team/2010-cross-country
Here is the link for Club Nationals, just in case you want to come out to Charlotte, NC to cheer me on!!!
http://www.usatf.org/events/2010/USATFClubXCChampionships/index.asp
Peace out peeps!
Shawn
Sunday, November 7, 2010
"There goes Shawn Lucas, he's a miler"...or is he...!!!
Today marked my 2nd cross country race of the season. Well, I guess it technically was my 3rd, but I dropped out the 2nd, The Illini challenge, due to nasty blisters on my arches forming. When I opened up this fall season at Loyola Lakefront Invite in the Sean Earl division, that marked my first race since straining my calf at the American Miler's Club Track meets in Indianapolis to end my track summer racing. (I strained it with less than 200 meters to go and I was on pace to set for sub 3:49, which would have been a PR...)
Sooooo, at Loyola, an 8k, it was nasty windy and pretty darn chilly. I went out pretty conservative that day and just never got into the race. I managed to run a 26:06 8k, if I hadn't broken down mentally in the middle of the race, I may have been able to run sub 25:45 on that windy day...If I had to guess, due to the conditions the course was probably 30 seconds slow. Loyola was my home cross country course in college and I ran there in high school too, so I know the course really well, even though there has been slight changes...
At Illinois I was feeling great, running with the lead pack through 3k...the blister on my right arch had already started forming. You see, I haven't worn socks with my racing spikes since early high school, even for cross country. I have never had a major issue either. So this race I ran with the spikes I used for indoor and outdoor track, but never ran over a mile in them...so lesson learned. I ended up pulling out at 5k after blisters were hurting quite a bit. I ran a pretty quick 15:42, which was good to know. If it had been just a 5k race, I know I could have possibly ran a PR (sub 15:10)...but I don't want to start keeping the if, and or but's going!
Today's race, well let's just say I put it all together. The race was out in Seattle at one of my favorite places to run, Woodland park. I never did a ton of runs there or workouts, but did run through the park during many runs. Anywho, I got out fast the first k (3:00) and just sat in and got into a rhythm. I forgot how hilly the course was plus on top of it the rains from the past few days made the course pretty sloppy, especially after 3 races before the Men's. The course was a 2k loop that we did 5 times (so 10k...) so you kind of knew where to run and where not to run with the slop each time around. The first K (and 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th) were all about 20 seconds faster than the 2nd (4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th), which proved how much hillier the course was heading back toward the start. I ended up out kicking a teammate for Club Northwest for 3rd place overall. The team ended up sweeping the top 5 and having a perfect score!!! I have never been on a team that has been able to do that! 6th place was another team...
Well as I came by the finish line with 400 meters to go, the announcer called me out as a miler and to watch out for my closing speed. I don't know what my last 400 split was, but I know it was pretty good, but after the race I realized that I am slowly developing a wider range than I thought I could have. YES, the mile is my race of choice, but it nice to realize that I can compete with some really good runners in 3k-10k! I am really looking forward to running for Club Northwest at USATF Club Nationals December 11th in Charlotte, NC!
Cheers to running!
(and now recovering...)
Peace out friends!
Shawn
Sooooo, at Loyola, an 8k, it was nasty windy and pretty darn chilly. I went out pretty conservative that day and just never got into the race. I managed to run a 26:06 8k, if I hadn't broken down mentally in the middle of the race, I may have been able to run sub 25:45 on that windy day...If I had to guess, due to the conditions the course was probably 30 seconds slow. Loyola was my home cross country course in college and I ran there in high school too, so I know the course really well, even though there has been slight changes...
At Illinois I was feeling great, running with the lead pack through 3k...the blister on my right arch had already started forming. You see, I haven't worn socks with my racing spikes since early high school, even for cross country. I have never had a major issue either. So this race I ran with the spikes I used for indoor and outdoor track, but never ran over a mile in them...so lesson learned. I ended up pulling out at 5k after blisters were hurting quite a bit. I ran a pretty quick 15:42, which was good to know. If it had been just a 5k race, I know I could have possibly ran a PR (sub 15:10)...but I don't want to start keeping the if, and or but's going!
Today's race, well let's just say I put it all together. The race was out in Seattle at one of my favorite places to run, Woodland park. I never did a ton of runs there or workouts, but did run through the park during many runs. Anywho, I got out fast the first k (3:00) and just sat in and got into a rhythm. I forgot how hilly the course was plus on top of it the rains from the past few days made the course pretty sloppy, especially after 3 races before the Men's. The course was a 2k loop that we did 5 times (so 10k...) so you kind of knew where to run and where not to run with the slop each time around. The first K (and 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th) were all about 20 seconds faster than the 2nd (4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th), which proved how much hillier the course was heading back toward the start. I ended up out kicking a teammate for Club Northwest for 3rd place overall. The team ended up sweeping the top 5 and having a perfect score!!! I have never been on a team that has been able to do that! 6th place was another team...
Well as I came by the finish line with 400 meters to go, the announcer called me out as a miler and to watch out for my closing speed. I don't know what my last 400 split was, but I know it was pretty good, but after the race I realized that I am slowly developing a wider range than I thought I could have. YES, the mile is my race of choice, but it nice to realize that I can compete with some really good runners in 3k-10k! I am really looking forward to running for Club Northwest at USATF Club Nationals December 11th in Charlotte, NC!
Cheers to running!
(and now recovering...)
Peace out friends!
Shawn
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Pre Race Goodness
What is it about Pre Race meals and pre race traditions?! I just woke up from my pre race nap, a nice little 45-60 minute'r and find myself thinking about where I will eat my pre race meal...not what I will eat...that was determined years ago!
My pre race meal usually consists of a heavy dose of protein, specifically steak, and then a smaller amount of carbohydrates in the form of potatoes and veggies. I try to stay away from too much oily or "greasy" food, but products that are fresh and lean. This meal usually will give me enough energy so i don't need an abundant amount of food in the morning. (although, since I'm racing a 10k tomorrow and don't race starts at 11:30...I'll get in my eggs and toast in the morning...usually I don't need as much fuel for my mile!)
So tonight, if you are out and about in Seattle eating steak, you may just find me at your restaurant, but make sure it's before 10, cuz after 10 I'll be applying my castor oil, doing light self massage work on the legs and then into a few minutes of elevating my legs against the wall...tomorrow I'll wake up around 7 do a two mile easy easy shakeout run, get nice and limber using my rope to stretch and then eat a couple eggs and toast with butter...that's what gets me to the start line feeling ready to race...ohhh and all the hard work that I have been putting in!
What are your pre race traditions and meals? would love to hear them!
Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line...1Cor9:24-26
My pre race meal usually consists of a heavy dose of protein, specifically steak, and then a smaller amount of carbohydrates in the form of potatoes and veggies. I try to stay away from too much oily or "greasy" food, but products that are fresh and lean. This meal usually will give me enough energy so i don't need an abundant amount of food in the morning. (although, since I'm racing a 10k tomorrow and don't race starts at 11:30...I'll get in my eggs and toast in the morning...usually I don't need as much fuel for my mile!)
So tonight, if you are out and about in Seattle eating steak, you may just find me at your restaurant, but make sure it's before 10, cuz after 10 I'll be applying my castor oil, doing light self massage work on the legs and then into a few minutes of elevating my legs against the wall...tomorrow I'll wake up around 7 do a two mile easy easy shakeout run, get nice and limber using my rope to stretch and then eat a couple eggs and toast with butter...that's what gets me to the start line feeling ready to race...ohhh and all the hard work that I have been putting in!
What are your pre race traditions and meals? would love to hear them!
Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line...1Cor9:24-26
Friday, November 5, 2010
Back in Seattle
This morning the beautiful Beth Johnson drove me to the airport bright...i mean dark...and early. I knew that the days were getting shorter, but it hadn't totally hit me yet considering I can get my runs in basically whenever I want instead of last winter getting them all in after work (5pm) in Seattle, while it had been dark for close to an hour...(summers on the other hand are amazing, you have light until close to 10pm!).
I arrived in Seattle around 10:30 and took the very nice and new Light Rail into downtown where my friend Robert Kilcup picked me up. Rob and his wife (it's still weird, but awesome to say...) Meg have opened their home to me to stay with them for the long weekend while I'm out here. Sunday I will wear the Orange and Blue for Club Northwest and race the PNTF XC 10k championships for my old Seattle Club Team. I'm really looking forward to racing and catching up with the old Seattle Crew for a few days.
Immediately when I stepped out of the airport the Freshness of Seattle rushed to my skin and the bright and crisp air brought back some amazing memories and feelings of living in the Northwest the past 2+ years! Don't get me wrong, I love Chicagoland, still KNOW that Chicago is the greatest city not only in the US, but in the WORLD, but Seattle will always hold a special place in my heart...maybe even see me return someday to live again for a time...who knows?!
Well, this was a big of a hodge podge update, but to all my Seattle Friends, I"m in town until Tuesday Morning...PNTF XC Champs 10k start is 11:30 on Sunday the 7th at Lower Woodland Park, south of Greenlake...you should all come!!!
Peace out till tomorrow
"dream big dreams"
I arrived in Seattle around 10:30 and took the very nice and new Light Rail into downtown where my friend Robert Kilcup picked me up. Rob and his wife (it's still weird, but awesome to say...) Meg have opened their home to me to stay with them for the long weekend while I'm out here. Sunday I will wear the Orange and Blue for Club Northwest and race the PNTF XC 10k championships for my old Seattle Club Team. I'm really looking forward to racing and catching up with the old Seattle Crew for a few days.
Immediately when I stepped out of the airport the Freshness of Seattle rushed to my skin and the bright and crisp air brought back some amazing memories and feelings of living in the Northwest the past 2+ years! Don't get me wrong, I love Chicagoland, still KNOW that Chicago is the greatest city not only in the US, but in the WORLD, but Seattle will always hold a special place in my heart...maybe even see me return someday to live again for a time...who knows?!
Well, this was a big of a hodge podge update, but to all my Seattle Friends, I"m in town until Tuesday Morning...PNTF XC Champs 10k start is 11:30 on Sunday the 7th at Lower Woodland Park, south of Greenlake...you should all come!!!
Peace out till tomorrow
"dream big dreams"
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Best Sports Movie of all time
Wow, I'm actually posting early today instead of starting to write my blog after 11 pm and not posting till after midnight (reason why Nov. 2nd it looks like I have no post for that day...)
As I get ready for a reunion trip to Seattle for the weekend my main reason for traveling is to race the PNTF Cross Country Championships on Sunday Nov. 7th. After writing last night's blog and ending with the quote from the 1982 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Chariots of Fire, it got me thinking about other favorite sports movies. Now I haven't seen all of them, but my favorites are in somewhat of an order below.
I'd love to hear what your favorites are...maybe it can help spark me in my training...who know?!
10)Sandlot
9)Cool Runnings
8)Major League
7)Rocky
6)Rudy (although recently Joe Montana states the story wasn't even close to be true...)
5)Field of Dreams
4)Remember the Titans
3)Fire on the Track (documentary of Steve Prefontaine)
2)Chariots of Fire
1)Hoosiers (by far my favorite sports movie!)
As I get ready for a reunion trip to Seattle for the weekend my main reason for traveling is to race the PNTF Cross Country Championships on Sunday Nov. 7th. After writing last night's blog and ending with the quote from the 1982 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Chariots of Fire, it got me thinking about other favorite sports movies. Now I haven't seen all of them, but my favorites are in somewhat of an order below.
I'd love to hear what your favorites are...maybe it can help spark me in my training...who know?!
10)Sandlot
9)Cool Runnings
8)Major League
7)Rocky
6)Rudy (although recently Joe Montana states the story wasn't even close to be true...)
5)Field of Dreams
4)Remember the Titans
3)Fire on the Track (documentary of Steve Prefontaine)
2)Chariots of Fire
1)Hoosiers (by far my favorite sports movie!)
Chris Collinsworth, who you crappin'
So maybe I have to explain the title of today's post, one that's kind of had me thinking for the past few days. Chris Collinsworth is a football commentator, specifically for NBC on Sunday night football, a really good commentator at that. When I watch football, a sport I enjoy to watch on a weekly basis, even if my beloved Bears aren't playing, Collinsworth's viewpoint and analysis of the game ranks up there with the best of them.
This past Sunday night I caught a bit of the Sunday night game, Pittsburg Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints. A game that I thought would be a good one. I had a little added interest in the game since my fantasy Defense is Pittsburg (they didn't have great results this week...), so I flipped the channel between NBC and and one of the CSI or SUV shows...
On one of the flips to the game, I catch Chris Collinsworth say that football is the hardest sport. It caught my attention so I listened more. He talked about how hard players work how they are the toughest in sports....Chris Collinsworth, who you crappin'!!! Have you ever played any other sport at an elite/pro level?! NO.
Now, I will now admit, I have NEVER played the sport of football that didn't include flags, a backyard, parking lot, open field, or some nice turkey day tackle football. Don't get me wrong I think football players are amazing athletes but to say that the sport of Football is the hardest?!?? I understand that week in and week out football players can take a beating and it does take toughness to endure the sport, but I propose some other sports being not only harder, but mentally and physically more challenging!
Not in any specific order...
Rugby
Another sport I have never competitively played, other than just for fun in college a few times, but I have watched my fair share of games. The hits can be just as hard sometimes as football and you don't have pads to protect. I don't think I've seen a game where a guy isn't bloodied up and still is out there playing. Rugby gets my nod for a more physically challenging game, plus most of those guys just seem altogether tougher.
Triathlon (ironman distance specifically)
This might be the hardest sport there is. To put your body through 140.6 miles of pain (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) is just mind numbing. I have yet to do an ironman, but have done my fair share of olympic distance (1500 swim, 40k bike, 10k run) and know what kind of beating my body took from them. I will challenge myself one day to do an ironman, but not till the speed is out of my legs and competitive juices have diminished quite a bit.
Distance Running
Ahhh, you caught onto why the comment irked me. Running, thought many people may not consider a "big" sport, is the biggest sport in the world. Ask yourself how many people run the Chicago, London, New York Marathons each year. How many road races there are on a weekly (daily) basis...the sport is huge. Now to compare Professional runners to professional football players, the sports are very different in terms of what the work loads look like. A runner, outside of cross training, runs. That's all they do! that's all I do! Day in and Day out you are out there running, in the elements (mentally tough), pushing your body to get faster and stronger, pushing your body to the limits. The sheer amount of pounding after pounding on the body, every kind of service you can imagine, the body and mind take a beating...just sit back and imagine what it takes to break the 4 minute mile...that's what I'm trying to do!
Now I know I have a bias here, but sometimes I just wish my sport would get more recognition. I dream that track and field was the top dog in the sports world. The level I am at would make me a bench player on most baseball, football, and basketball teams in comparison...I'd be making millions. Now it's not about the money, it's about the greater glory and success. The pushing my body to levels I never thought it could go...so as I chase my dream of breaking the 4 minute mile and making the 2011 USA outdoor championships and 2012 USA olympic Trials I bid you farewell until tomorrow and leave you with this quote:
"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure"
Peace out Friends
PS...feel free to add your own comments and add other sports that may be harder than American Football. Chris Collinsworth, if you ever read this, I respect your analysis and opinion, but who you crappin' : ) Good day sir!
This past Sunday night I caught a bit of the Sunday night game, Pittsburg Steelers vs. New Orleans Saints. A game that I thought would be a good one. I had a little added interest in the game since my fantasy Defense is Pittsburg (they didn't have great results this week...), so I flipped the channel between NBC and and one of the CSI or SUV shows...
On one of the flips to the game, I catch Chris Collinsworth say that football is the hardest sport. It caught my attention so I listened more. He talked about how hard players work how they are the toughest in sports....Chris Collinsworth, who you crappin'!!! Have you ever played any other sport at an elite/pro level?! NO.
Now, I will now admit, I have NEVER played the sport of football that didn't include flags, a backyard, parking lot, open field, or some nice turkey day tackle football. Don't get me wrong I think football players are amazing athletes but to say that the sport of Football is the hardest?!?? I understand that week in and week out football players can take a beating and it does take toughness to endure the sport, but I propose some other sports being not only harder, but mentally and physically more challenging!
Not in any specific order...
Rugby
Another sport I have never competitively played, other than just for fun in college a few times, but I have watched my fair share of games. The hits can be just as hard sometimes as football and you don't have pads to protect. I don't think I've seen a game where a guy isn't bloodied up and still is out there playing. Rugby gets my nod for a more physically challenging game, plus most of those guys just seem altogether tougher.
Triathlon (ironman distance specifically)
This might be the hardest sport there is. To put your body through 140.6 miles of pain (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run) is just mind numbing. I have yet to do an ironman, but have done my fair share of olympic distance (1500 swim, 40k bike, 10k run) and know what kind of beating my body took from them. I will challenge myself one day to do an ironman, but not till the speed is out of my legs and competitive juices have diminished quite a bit.
Distance Running
Ahhh, you caught onto why the comment irked me. Running, thought many people may not consider a "big" sport, is the biggest sport in the world. Ask yourself how many people run the Chicago, London, New York Marathons each year. How many road races there are on a weekly (daily) basis...the sport is huge. Now to compare Professional runners to professional football players, the sports are very different in terms of what the work loads look like. A runner, outside of cross training, runs. That's all they do! that's all I do! Day in and Day out you are out there running, in the elements (mentally tough), pushing your body to get faster and stronger, pushing your body to the limits. The sheer amount of pounding after pounding on the body, every kind of service you can imagine, the body and mind take a beating...just sit back and imagine what it takes to break the 4 minute mile...that's what I'm trying to do!
Now I know I have a bias here, but sometimes I just wish my sport would get more recognition. I dream that track and field was the top dog in the sports world. The level I am at would make me a bench player on most baseball, football, and basketball teams in comparison...I'd be making millions. Now it's not about the money, it's about the greater glory and success. The pushing my body to levels I never thought it could go...so as I chase my dream of breaking the 4 minute mile and making the 2011 USA outdoor championships and 2012 USA olympic Trials I bid you farewell until tomorrow and leave you with this quote:
"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure"
Peace out Friends
PS...feel free to add your own comments and add other sports that may be harder than American Football. Chris Collinsworth, if you ever read this, I respect your analysis and opinion, but who you crappin' : ) Good day sir!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
a glimpse at the future
Today is November 2nd and yes, this is day two of my blogging and day two of National blogging month. Before I write any future blogs I think I owe it to those who read my writing (or rambling...) to paint a picture of my current life...
...As my profile says, I moved back to Elgin, IL (where I grew up) from Seattle, WA after a 2 1/2 year escapade of living and working in the Great Northwest. It was a bit hard for me to leave Seattle, but when it came down to it there were many reasons and forces that literally drove me back to my home. First, I quit my full time job at blueseventy, a job I came to love. How many people can honestly say they love there job? Yeah, there were days that weren't fun, but most days were. Lots of fun travel, meeting great people in the sports of triathlon and swimming, but as my dreams grew stronger to become a faster and more competitive runner, I realized that I couldn't give enough of my energy to blueseventy needed to fulfill my job there.
I looked for some part time work in Seattle, but reality sunk in that with the hours that I need to put into training, rest and recovery and then all the "little things" I knew I couldn't make enough money to pay for rent, utilities, gas, car insurance, etc, etc, etc...I looked and looked for cheap living in Seattle, even asking some of my Club teammates (the older ones) if anyone had a room in their house to rent cheaply ,or even free, to me. When nothing came up, I planned a trip home for a 5 week period to 1) race a ton 2)meet a beautiful girl named Beth, and 3)really test if I could "manage" to live back at the 179brookside dr...
Well, reason 2 was one huge reason, but within the racing and training back home I got re-connected with a former coach at York High school, Charlie Kern, who I worked with over a few summers way back when I was in High School. He doesn't coach at York anymore, but is putting together his own coaching business, mostly coaching groups for key races around the Chicagoland area (chicago marathon, hot chocolate 15k, etc), but he was working with a small group of elites, one of which is a former teammate of mine at Loyola, Colleen Newhart. I got to do some workouts with Charlie while I was back and after a few meeting with him I knew that we would work well together! So the decision to move back was set in my head, although it did take more convincing for my Dad...don't get me wrong he was and is happy to have me home, but I don't think he totally believed that I would move home knowing how much I enjoyed Seattle and how close of friendships I had (have...) out there.
As I said at the beginning, I do ramble, but I hope that it's starting to paint a picture for you and give you a little glimpse into my future of running...
So I have now been back in Elgin for nearly 2 1/2 months...it's crazy how time flies! Some of my concerns moving back was that I didn't have medical insurance (I still don't...) and with my past, how was I going to stay healthy. Well, I had to get creative and also use the contacts I have to "mend" together what I call my "Olympic Insurance"...Alright well, first I knew with the colder Chicago winters I'd need a somewhere to workout when it was too cold to do shorter runs. I have a treadmill at home, but, not a huge fan of running in the basement with the really low ceilings...I am soooo thankful for my friend Luke Malm. When I visited with him on the trip home from Seattle (which may be a blog story this month, stay tuned!) with Beth, he reminded me that his mom, Cathy, still worked at the Elgin YMCA, which is litearlly less than 2 miles from my home. Mrs. Malm was able to get me a 2 year membership to the Y that is all inclusive, meaning I have access to the gym, pool and classes. Yoga has been a huge part of my therapy and has kept me sharp and even increased my inflexible self a tad bit!
After about 4 weeks of training with Charlie I started having minor issues with my hips, just some nagging problems. Charlie works his magic and connections and gets me into an elmhurst Chiropractor named Dr. Mike Calcagno. So, story goes, Dr. Mike is what got me through my Senior State Track meet in high school. He volunteers his time and efforts with the York High School XC and track team at the state meet every year, giving massages and stretching kids out....well, when I attempted (and succeeded) at medaling in the 800 (5th), 1600 (7th), and 3200 (2nd) that year (2002), he is the big reason my body stayed together. Now, Dr. Mike is doing some pro-bono work for me, allowing me to get adjusted, stretched out, core exercises and use the electric stim. This is HUGE in my training and am still in awe of Dr. Mike's big heart to the elite athletes that have very little!
Soooo, I hope that this story of the recent past and present can give you a glimpse at my near future as I take on my dreams with a full head of steam and turn making the Olympic Trails into Reality!
2012, out!
...As my profile says, I moved back to Elgin, IL (where I grew up) from Seattle, WA after a 2 1/2 year escapade of living and working in the Great Northwest. It was a bit hard for me to leave Seattle, but when it came down to it there were many reasons and forces that literally drove me back to my home. First, I quit my full time job at blueseventy, a job I came to love. How many people can honestly say they love there job? Yeah, there were days that weren't fun, but most days were. Lots of fun travel, meeting great people in the sports of triathlon and swimming, but as my dreams grew stronger to become a faster and more competitive runner, I realized that I couldn't give enough of my energy to blueseventy needed to fulfill my job there.
I looked for some part time work in Seattle, but reality sunk in that with the hours that I need to put into training, rest and recovery and then all the "little things" I knew I couldn't make enough money to pay for rent, utilities, gas, car insurance, etc, etc, etc...I looked and looked for cheap living in Seattle, even asking some of my Club teammates (the older ones) if anyone had a room in their house to rent cheaply ,or even free, to me. When nothing came up, I planned a trip home for a 5 week period to 1) race a ton 2)meet a beautiful girl named Beth, and 3)really test if I could "manage" to live back at the 179brookside dr...
Well, reason 2 was one huge reason, but within the racing and training back home I got re-connected with a former coach at York High school, Charlie Kern, who I worked with over a few summers way back when I was in High School. He doesn't coach at York anymore, but is putting together his own coaching business, mostly coaching groups for key races around the Chicagoland area (chicago marathon, hot chocolate 15k, etc), but he was working with a small group of elites, one of which is a former teammate of mine at Loyola, Colleen Newhart. I got to do some workouts with Charlie while I was back and after a few meeting with him I knew that we would work well together! So the decision to move back was set in my head, although it did take more convincing for my Dad...don't get me wrong he was and is happy to have me home, but I don't think he totally believed that I would move home knowing how much I enjoyed Seattle and how close of friendships I had (have...) out there.
As I said at the beginning, I do ramble, but I hope that it's starting to paint a picture for you and give you a little glimpse into my future of running...
So I have now been back in Elgin for nearly 2 1/2 months...it's crazy how time flies! Some of my concerns moving back was that I didn't have medical insurance (I still don't...) and with my past, how was I going to stay healthy. Well, I had to get creative and also use the contacts I have to "mend" together what I call my "Olympic Insurance"...Alright well, first I knew with the colder Chicago winters I'd need a somewhere to workout when it was too cold to do shorter runs. I have a treadmill at home, but, not a huge fan of running in the basement with the really low ceilings...I am soooo thankful for my friend Luke Malm. When I visited with him on the trip home from Seattle (which may be a blog story this month, stay tuned!) with Beth, he reminded me that his mom, Cathy, still worked at the Elgin YMCA, which is litearlly less than 2 miles from my home. Mrs. Malm was able to get me a 2 year membership to the Y that is all inclusive, meaning I have access to the gym, pool and classes. Yoga has been a huge part of my therapy and has kept me sharp and even increased my inflexible self a tad bit!
After about 4 weeks of training with Charlie I started having minor issues with my hips, just some nagging problems. Charlie works his magic and connections and gets me into an elmhurst Chiropractor named Dr. Mike Calcagno. So, story goes, Dr. Mike is what got me through my Senior State Track meet in high school. He volunteers his time and efforts with the York High School XC and track team at the state meet every year, giving massages and stretching kids out....well, when I attempted (and succeeded) at medaling in the 800 (5th), 1600 (7th), and 3200 (2nd) that year (2002), he is the big reason my body stayed together. Now, Dr. Mike is doing some pro-bono work for me, allowing me to get adjusted, stretched out, core exercises and use the electric stim. This is HUGE in my training and am still in awe of Dr. Mike's big heart to the elite athletes that have very little!
Soooo, I hope that this story of the recent past and present can give you a glimpse at my near future as I take on my dreams with a full head of steam and turn making the Olympic Trails into Reality!
2012, out!
Monday, November 1, 2010
A challenge
When I began to think about what my first post would be it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. November marks National Blog month. Now, I know what you're thinking...this is a made up month Shawn...As true as that may be I'm making it into a Challenge. Not only will it be a challenge to finally write and "blog" on key events, inquiries, highlights and much more, but I take it as a challenge to stay committed to something.
As many of you know, I'm an avid runner...ok that may be an understatement of sorts, but the point is I run. Like most runners, I try to keep a diary of sorts to chart my runs, how I felt, and to use it as a basic growth chart. Well, you'd think it should be easy for me to keep that up, but I slip. If I were to compile all my running logs from throughout the years, you may have 2-3 years at best totally compiled.
So as I was saying I'm taking this Challenge not only to blog to the world, but to better myself to commitments that I make in my life! I hope all you bloggers and readers out there can not only challenge yourself to something new, but to challenge yourself to be a better YOU.
Peace out, till tomorrow!
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