New Year

Become The Better You:

Video by JC.
Feet by the other JC.

Don't waste your New Year.

Training and Coaching, Uncut

Due to some unfortunate circumstances in one of the college coach's lives, the facility I train at is down one man. I've been volunteering as a coach for freshman heptathletes, high jumpers, and javelin throwers. It's been a fun change of perspective, watching good athletes who are entirely unfamiliar with some of the events. The college girls and high school guys I work with are great "kids" and we seem to connect well.

Here's some random, uncut footage over the past few weeks:

And training continues to go well for me. Here are just a few clips of what has been going on. My fitness level is high, my injury pains are low, and my events are seeing good consistency for the early season. It's nice to be in something other than "freak out" mode, which basically sums up the previous few years. This year is about being consistent and staying healthy and trusting that those two together will get the job done.

Todays workout in Kansas City was spent indoors, watching the freezing rain out the window and then weaving through the wrecked cars on the frozen roads home.

Winter Travels

We've been in an awful spout of cold weather here in San Diego for almost two weeks now. Temperatures dip below 50 most nights and rarely get above mid 60s throughout the day. It even rained two whole days in a row last week. Needless to say, we've broken out the winter garb; beanie and all. I can't wait to go home to Kansas City for Christmas. Finally we'll get some relief from the harsh elements down here...

So there I sat yesterday in my living room, shirtless and in shorts with the front door open (like most days), getting ready to pack. I thought a quick glance at weather.com would help my wardrobe selection.

There was no acting in my double-take and jaw drop.

We'll be in K.C. for a week or two. Any of the hometown posse that wants to join me for some winter weightroom fun, give me a call. It's usually a good time had by all (last years suckas were Michael, Ryan, Matthew, Tyler, and Jesse.) Shortino, we still have access to LSW weightroom, right?

The Heart of Christmas

If you ever want to feel foolish, I recommend the following:

Take a video camera and go in to the woods. Have lengthy conversations with it as you walk through the trails. Then come home and watch it (which by the way, watching one's self speak on video is entirely uncomfortable) and try to make something of quality out of it for the world to see.

Most of the videos I have made recently come from a couple days of passive brainstorming while working out, then one morning of filming, editing during lunchtime, and publishing and uploading by evening. This Christmas vid for www.bluechowder.com was a different story. The thing was relentless. After four failed concepts and seven publishing errors, I give to you The Heart of Christmas. May it bring you the opposite feelings it brought to me during some parts of its conception.

Zest Adventure #2

It's time for the bros to suit up for another adventure!

This year we will be going to Patagonia! (the geographical location, not the store) Base Camp will be in El Calafate and El Chalten. (enjoy the zoom out!)
This will be a major check off of Jeremy's life dream list. We head out early february. More details to come.

p.s. Get a sweet Christmas gift for yourself or someone else with Jeremy's freshly published book. Or you could get them some lame socks. I'm sure they won't mind the difference.

p.p.s. Mom, what the heck did you dress me in and how did you ever expect me to turn out normal in life?

Mess Media

Tyler Young is once again my guinea-pig actor in this short film I made for media and apathy.

Also, my good friend Caleb Brown writes his first article for BlueChowder.com here on silencing the noise in life to find yourself.

Thanksgiving Golf

My dad's job has him in a temporarily permanent job assignment in eastern LA. He's been flying back and forth to K.C. on a weekly basis for the past couple years and has had all he can take. His company got him a place so he can stay out there permanently for a while. My mom is flying back and forth, taking care of their home and her parents in K.C. and then coming out to max and relax on the west coast. Here are some pics from our holiday time with them.

We just babysat this cute little beagle pup, but we sure fell in love with the little guy. He and Sandy became best friends. They napped together, ate together, played together, napped together, walked together, shopped together, napped together, drove together, and woke up way too early together.

Blessing Blindness

Now on http://www.bluechowder.com/:

I knew a boy who grew up engulfed in a life of wealth. His elementary schooling cost more than my college degree. His parents had multiple homes in multiple states. He received a luxury car on his 16th birthday. Every time he went out with friends, he was tossed a handful of $100 bills. He was promised ownership of his father’s lucrative business upon a satisfactory completion of college.

I knew another boy who grew up in a one bedroom apartment with three siblings and no father. He would alternate his two pieces of clothing on a weekly basis. He refused to come to my birthday party because he couldn’t afford a gift. He invited me to his and it consisted of me, him, his mom, and a small cake; siblings running rampant in the background. He had no idea what his future would hold and would be the first in his family to finish high school should he not give up.

It’s interesting to look back on the two of them. I remember my rich friend often complaining about a stupid vacation he had to go on, how annoying it was that his car needed a repair, how so-and-so messed with his stuff, or how bored he was with life in general. He struggled through school and hated his teachers. “What an extravagant and silly life”, I would think upon leaving his place.

On the other hand my poor, fatherless friend would often sit with wide eyes and tell me of how he was going to be an astronaut, the president, or a doctor. He would talk of how proud he wanted to make his mom. He often voiced his gratitude of having the city bus route go near his place, and didn’t seem to mind telling people his family was carless. He devoted himself to his studies and went on to outscore me in college placement tests. He was shy and happy; quietly confident with the self he was creating. I would leave our time together thinking, “How can a guy with so little be so excited about so much?”

I have lost contact with those friends over the years. I am almost positive of what our reunions would look like. Richie Rich would be full of money, full of complaint, and full of criticisms toward others. Poverty Pete would be excited to tell of his success, express gratitude for our old friendship, and probably blow me away with the difference he is making in the world.

Wherever you find yourself having come from in life, take a moment to embrace not just why you are thankful, but uncover those things you have forgotten to be thankful for. While you’re at it, do a heart check and see why people would or wouldn’t be grateful for you.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

BELIEVE

From preachers to candle makers, this word seems to be an ongoing favorite amongst those trying to stir the hearts of mankind. What you believe will determine who you are, what you do, what you love, and what you hate. It divides families, creates offenses, starts wars, and splits nations. Beliefs also inspire dreams, create purpose, ignite passions, and often makes life worth living.

With such power in one word, it begs the question daily, "What do I believe?"
I am curious to hear from you guys.

What belief is among your top 5 most passionate perspectives on life?
(Please make it more owned and developed than a one word answer. Anonymous's welcome.)

Fun with friends & family this month

Gary & Joyce's visit to San Diego.

Weekend in Julian, CA celebrating Jeremy's birthday (nov. 4), my birthday (nov. 4), Ali's birthday (nov. 5), and Tylers birthday (nov. 7)

Ali, my brother Tyler, & me

Dinner at the Browers....

Alisha (Meyers) Brower & family just moved out to San Diego

Alisha went to school with my sister Jackie and her family has been long time friends with the Collins family.

Carson & Zion

Miles and Alisha

"The Call" A conference with IHOP

5K run for Ali's birthday

Some comic relief from 1946

Part 1


Part 2

I repent... (part 2)

It turns out this post was even more obnoxious to myself than part 1.

You ever have those moments when your expressions don't suffice your true beliefs? Join the crowd.

UnAborted

Roughly 1 year ago Sandy and I found ourselves in a peculiar situation. Sandy's friend Lorean was single, pregnant, and alone. She lacked support from the drug dealing father, her family, and many of her friends. The voices of greatest importance in her life were all demanding that she get an abortion, and promising to disown her if she did not concede. Sandy and I were obviously a voice of a different demeanor, knowing that a lifetime of pain and remorse would lie ahead.

We, along with our good friend Ali, began to fast and pray on her behalf that she would 'choose life' for her child. She was torn, as is understandable for any young woman in her situation. Her heart was soft and she desired to do right, but with so little support she lacked hope that a bright future would be possible. We chose to walk gently with her through the process, knowing that it was not for us to decide, nor for us to force a conviction upon her. We would be there regardless.

Months had passed and I remember being on the phone with Ali as she paced back and forth outside of the planned parenthood building weeping, knowing that Lorean lay on the operating table awaiting the abortion procedure. In a desperate plea, Sandy and I agreed to adopt the child if it was permitted to live. When that was denied, we again resorted to our only true hope; crying out to God. I was hundreds of miles away, driving to a track meet. Sandy was stuck at work. Ali was kicked out of the facility, crying on the street as a security guard stood post. Lorean lie perplexed and tormented, awaiting the doctor.

Though none of us were able to stop what was about to occur, Someone was. Unannounced, a nurse walked in while Lorean, also in tears, lay waiting on the table. The unknown nurse came up, unplugged the machinery, and said, "I don't think you should be in here. I think you need to leave now and not come back." Lorean immediately agreed, ran out of the place in an emotional storm, and never returned. I can only imagine the embrace with Ali in the street.

Today Ali and Sandy go and visit the little family at least weekly to babysit, do laundry, cook, clean, grow in God, be girls, whatever. I have only had the privilege of being with the little guy a few times so far, but I have to say that there is a strong spiritual bond between us. I praise God for His miraculous intervention and can't wait for the day when little Lucas will be able to thank his mother and his God for giving him not just life, but "life to the full."

I am so proud of you ladies!

Lorean, you are strong and courageous. Thank you for your inspiration and perseverance. We love you so much!

Say hello to little Lucas!

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

Bet ya didn't know about that one this month, eh? Me neither.
Here's an article I wrote for http://www.bluechowder.com/ for this week:

Love Proof

Since the day I got my driver’s license, I have committed to giving my time and resources to the poor and homeless on almost a weekly basis. Over the past ten years, I have heard every story under the sun. I have listened to repeat lies, witnessed addicts shoot up, had a pistol waved in my face, been led to a dark ally, and been offered prostitution. But I have also seen the crippled suffering, the abused scared, the sick dying, and the blind wishing they could work. Above all else, the most concerning of situations is to see a teenage guy or girl going hungry or shivering in the cold because they have no home to go to.

To the common suit-wearing, agenda-conquering passerby, these look like rebellious kids sitting around smoking or drinking. But to the unnurtured children hiding behind the raggedy, black trench coat, they are lonely, scared, hungry, and lost. I sit here typing in tears as I wonder what their life could amount to if only they had parents like mine; if only they could eat warm meals in a decent place; if only they could have hot showers and a soft bed; if only they could be taught to read and speak well; if only they could feel real love; if only someone could offer that to them... if only.

It’s moments like these when I realize some of my “needs” aren’t needs at all. And it’s moments like these when the rubber of my faith meets the road and I am forced to respond to the Bible’s pleas:
-“deny yourself daily”
-“give to those in need”
-“true religion is this: to visit the orphans and widows”
-“give to those who ask”
-“faith without deeds is dead”
-"whatever you do to the least of these, you have done it unto Me.”

If I think I am strong in my faith, yet sit watching television and snacking on junk food while blocks from me a young victim is feeling real hunger and is threatened with real danger, my faith amounts to nothing (1 Corinthians 13). There is a quick litmus test you can do to see how real your/my so called religion is:

-When was the last time you gave to someone in need?
-When was the last time you prayed for the sick?
-When was the last time you visited the poor?
-When was the last time you mended the broken hearted?
-How long has it been since your faith has proven faithful?

Don’t know how to help? You can start here:
Text "bluechowder" to the number 68405 and a piece of clothing will be donated from American Eagle to homeless youth. Learn more here.

www.standupforkids.com www.pleadthecause.com

check out the video and stats here

Sandy's Birthday, November 4th

Happy Birthday, Babe!!

(...and Jeremy, ...and Coach.)

Politics Video

Check out my "poll the crowd" video this week on politics here.

Also check out the two articles written by my friend and colleague Eric Yates here:
part 1
part 2

These articles sum up almost all you need to know to make an educated vote this week.
Vote right.

Week 1 of 08'-09' in season training, Uncut

Monday:
testing (flying 30m, 4 step bound, standing long jump, overhead shot)
10 x 3 mins hard running, 1 min easy running

Tuesday:
Weights
Discus

Wednesday:
5 x 300 @ 43 secs. (3 mins rest)

Thursday:
off

Friday:
Weights
Javelin

Saturday:
Hill repeats

Here's 5 mins. of rough footage (if anyone is at all interested) from random practices this week.

(yes that's me with the black hair... long story, should fade quickly)

Featuring:

Mark (18 ft pole vaulter from South Carolina)
Isi (13.6 sec 110 High Hurdler from Nigeria)
Dru (mid 7,000's decathlete from Maine... my new fulltime training partner)
Kristin (Iceland's female heptathlon record holder, mid 5,000's)
and
Me.

popular shmopular

Tyler (Sandy's lil bro) makes his acting debut this week in my video on popularity and acceptance. Check out the vid and articles here

Diet & Exercise

Many of you, at one time or another, have asked for (or reluctantly listened to) my advice on diet and exercise habits. This week on the Ignite section of Bluechowder.com I cover the main points of a healthy diet, as well as a feasible approach to good fitness.



There's one video and three articles.

Check it out HERE!

The Ahh Spa

Dawn Andersen (blondie) is the owner of a spa in Encinitas. She has been my massage therapy sponsor for quite some time now and is always finding new ways to help Sandy and I out (nutrition, therapy techniques, shampoo, etc.) Apart from being the most effective muscle therapist I've ever had, she's a hip lady with a great heart. This wednesday her spa is having an open house and I would love to send as much traffic her way as possible.

Here's the skinny:

Open House Happy Hour

October 15th 5pm- 8pm

- wine and cheese

- clothes

- jewelry

- free hair consults

- free chair massage

- free postural therapy consultations

- specials for booking future services at open house

- raffles

The Ahh Spa

996 N Coast Highway 101 Ste. A

Leucadia, CA 92024

760-942-1533

http://www.theahhspa.com/

Get out and support those who support others (and cash in on some freebies!)

Thanks Dawn, we love you so much!

AMERICA...

Love it?

Fix it.

(A seemingly unbiased, entertaining video series.

Take 30 mins and catch up on what you may not already know)

Props to Clay

Bryan Clay of Los Angeles, Ca. recently was crowned "World's Greatest Athlete" after winning gold in the Olympic Decathlon. He's a good guy and well deserving of the title.

His win has opened up the opportunity for amazing influence and involvement in society. Here are but a few doors that have opened due to his athletic prowess:

-Visa Commercial Series

-Johnson & Johnson Commercial Series

-Visitor on "Oprah"

-Ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange

-Spokesperson for the nation's leading private lender

-Picture on cover of Wheaties Box

-Clothing line for designer company

-Speaker at G.O.P convention

-Sponsorship security with Nike

-Speaker at multiple churches, high schools, and colleges

-Celebrity for sport detergent company

-9 pages of coverage in Vogue Magazine

...and these are just the ones I am aware of.

In one of his speaches, he was quoted as saying, "God first, family second, athletics third." Clay is a testimony to the endless possibilities for those who commit themselves to their calling and commit that calling to the glory of God.

Congratulations, Bryan. Thanks for the inspiration.