Happy New Year!!!

With all of the holidays, partys, get togethers, and outings, this has been a very busy couple of weeks for all of us. Hopefully you've had fun and haven't done to bad as far as neglecting your training. But now it's time to hit the ground running, literally! We've only got 8 days until the big day! Can you believe it!!!

I've been trying to throw in some last minute training this last week and for the most part, I think I've been doing pretty well. All last week I went out and wogged (including Christmas Eve and Day) some, wether it was a mile or 8 miles. Food was a little difficult, but hey, it's the holidays, right?

On Monday, I went 8 miles (I actually jogged, not wogged, a full mile!) Yesterday, I did a 3 mile maintenacne walk and today I did a 6 1/2 mile wog.

I also figured out my game plan for race day. During the first mile (with maybe a warmup walk around the parking lot before the race) I'm going to be simply walking. Since traffic will be so conjested anyway, why not walk anyway? Once I hit Mile 2, I'll start walking for 2 minutes then speed walk for 5 minutes, then jogging for 3, then repeat. This way, I can maintain roughly a 13 1/2 minute mile. As I warm up, I'll be able to jog more and walk less.

I'm going to really test this on Saturday. I'm hoping to put in at least a 10 miler (should I up it to 13?) then. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

With that out of the way, here's a little video for the new year.

HAPPY 2009 EVERYONE!!!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your's a very Merry Christmas!

Full update coming tomorrow... See you then!

My Tentative Schedule of Events

Mongello! I thought since I didn't wog today (resting up for a big long wog tomorrow) and I was bored and wanted to post something, I'd post my tentative schedule for the trip. It's tenative for the most part because our departure date may change. So here we go:

Monday the 5th- Since we're driving (UGGH!) we will leave Brookhaven at around 8:00ish and arrive in Gainesville later that night.

Tuesday the 6th- Leave Gainesville and arrive at WDW around mid morning, then possibly head to the Studios

Wednesday the 7th- Head out to Animal Kingdom early in the morning, have an early lunch at the Yak and Yeti, then head over to Epcot and waste time until about 6:00 and head over to the Polynesian for dinner at 'Ohana. After dinner, go down to the beach and watch the fireworks (they do play the show music down there right?)

Thursday the 8th- This day is main part of the trip for most of my party (would be for me too if I weren't meeting all of you guys!). That's because we are all going on the Keys to the Kingdom tour! I'm SO excited about this!! I've ALWAYS wanted to do it!!! So we have to be at the Magic Kingdom no later than 9:15.

After the tour, we'll probably just hang out at the Kingdom until that evening until whenever Rantfest over at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is kicked off (What time do y'all want that to start? EVERYONE is invited!)

Friday the 9th- Head over to Wide World of Sports for the Friday portion of the Packet Pick Up Meet. I've talked to someone about this, but I can not remember who it was and what we're doing. Whoever you are, please remind me what we're doing! I think we said that we were meeting at around 9:30.

Later this evening, heading back to the Magic Kingdom for the Crystal Palace dinner. Not sure what I'll do in the gap between the Packet Pick Up and the Dinner, may head over to the Studios or something. After dinner, going back to the room and crashing!

Saturday the 10th- Getting up at some ungodly hour so I can get ready and be over at Epcot. I'm not sure what time I want or need to be at Epcot (maybe I could hitch a ride with a fellow Pop guest? hint hint!), but the race starts at 6:00 so I'm guessing I need to be there no later than 5:30.

I really have no idea what I need to do, as far as preparation, what time I need to wake up, etc. on race morning. Any tips you guys could give me would be appreciated.

After the race, I'll probably hang out at Epcot for a little while, but I'm ultimately going to go back to the hotel, shower and change, then head back to Epcot and hang around World Showcase until the We Go On meet is kicked off. Then I'll just be with you guys until the evening is over.

Sunday the 11th- Time to leave and go back to the real world. We will be leaving Pop Century ASAP and driving all the way back to Brookhaven. It's a 14 hour drive. Fortunately, I can sleep most of the way. As soon as we pull into my driveway (approx. 8:00 pm CST), I have to load up my car and drive to Clinton. I have school the next day! Luckily, Clinton is only about an hour and a half away, but still it's going to be a LONG day!

Ok... I'm through for now. Sorry I threw all of this info and these questions at you. Honestly, I wasn't even sure I was going to make it this far for a while, so now I'm playing catch up on preparedness. Thanks for listening and for all of your support!

Well Here's the Damage

I went out for a wog yesterday, just like I said I would. It went pretty well considering. I was able to up my mileage slightly, going 7 miles. (Ok... I had the time, but I just hit "Clear Logs" on my iPod's stopwatch... Dang it!!!!! I think it was about 1:30:00 ish - That pisses me off!). I was SO sore this morning! I did another 3 mile walk this afternoon to help ease the soreness.

Anyway, I think I'll be ok. I have roughly 3 weeks to work on it, so we'll see. I won't be able to run much, but I do think I'll finish with the rest of you. Hopefully with the adrenaline, support, and a little bit of luck and pixie dust, I'll make it. If not, Mike and Chris can carry me the rest of the way!

Let's start sending everyone our cell numbers. I don't have everyone's email so just send me your number to mattj4226@yahoo.com, then I'll send you mine. This way we can keep in touch while we're down in the World.

See ya!

Ok... It's Go Time!

Hey guys! Again, long time no post...

Training has still been very slow, but since finals and the job interview is over, now I can start obsessing over that now. I'm just afraid that it's too late. I'm going to go out as soon as I'm through writing this and wog as far as I can and see what the damage is. Hopefully, whatever I've lost, I can regain before the big day. I'm just very iffy about the whole thing.

Anyway, the interview went well I think. It was very casual and laid back. We basically just talked about how things in the office work and things like that. I didn't really hear anything as far as me getting the job but he did say that if I get it he will let me know either the first of next week or after Christmas. I'll let y'all know as soon as I hear anything.

Even if I don't do well during the marathon, I'm still very excited about the trip, the race, and meeting all of you guys! We've only got 2 weeks and 2 days!!!!

NO SNOW FOR YOU!!!!

Hey guys...
I'm sort of ticked off! The entire Southwestern portion of Mississippi has been hit by an ice storm. Thus the entire area has had at least an inch or so of snow. All except Clinton! That TOTALLY sucks! Oh and get this... My hometown (Brookhaven) got eight inches. Yeah, that's right... EIGHT FREAKIN' INCHES!!!!! All of these years, it has always snowed in the Jackson area and never in Brookhaven. Now that I move up here, it snows down there! WTF?!

Anyway, due to the ice storm, the entire area was practically shut down. I know you "tundra folk" are laughing right now, but if there is so much as a flake of snow or an icicle, everything shuts down. We're just not equipped to handle ice storms. So, my interview was rescheduled for Tuesday. Now I have finals AND the inteview to worry about. I probably won't get any sleep this weekend.

Hope everyone is having fun at Mousefest!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

Hey Guys! Long time, no post! I know... it's my fault...

Although food still hasn't been going well, training has been ok the past week. Averaging 6 miles a day, some days more some less.

This week has been a little different though. Since this is the last week of school (PRAISE THE LORD ALMIGHTY!!!) all of the teachers are craming in last minute tests and presentations in at the last minute. Then, starting on Friday, I get to endure my first group of Final Exams at MC. Sounds like SO much fun.

And to top it off, I have a job interview with Sen. Thad Cochran's office tomorrow. I am a nervous wreck! I'll let you guys know how it went when I get back from the interview. Hopefully I will do well!

Well that's it from me right now. Sorry I haven't been reading blogs lately, I'm trying to catch up.

Rantfest!

It looks like the Rant Gang has nailed down the details for our first annual Rantfest!

It's going to be held at the Victoria Falls Lounge at the Animal Kingdom on Thurday, January 8th. We haven't figured out an exact date yet, but as soon as I know I'll let you know.

Maybe if we get enough people (and get Jonathan to come) we can go out and see if the Giraffes are out. Since the Mouseguest Experience folks didn't find any, maybe we could give it a shot.

You don't have to RSVP, but we would like to have a general idea of whose coming. So, if your interested, just leave a comment either on this posting or here ( http://mattspoliticalrants.blogspot.com/2008/11/rantfest-here-we-come.html ). If you have any questions, just ask!

Hope to see some new folks there!

Just a Quick Post

Mongello!!!

I got an actual wog in today! I went 6 miles in 1:25:38. I don't think that's too bad. And with no problems (minus some knee pain through the morning, but it's gone now).

Now I'm taking things a little easy on my legs today. And eating lots of bananas and raisins. I'm trying to fight of the Charley Horse from Hell. Hopefully he won't strike again.

I now know what you folks up north are talking about with running in the cold air. I'm sure it's nothing compared to what you guys are dealing with, but this morning my lungs were VERY sore! I'd never really expirenced that before. It sort of freaked me out for a while (I thought I was having a heart attack or something), but then I remembered reading your blogs. So you guys clamed me down in a since!

Well anyway, I'm trying to catch up with everyones blogs. I think I've gotten to everyone. Let's all continue to keep Jonathan and his family in our thoughts and prayers. It looks like things are turning around there.

Hope everyone is well!!!

I'm Still Here

Hey Guys! I just wanted y'all to know that I haven't died or anything. I'm still riding the horse, but he's just a little slow.

I've been kind of in a recovery phase since my last post. Last time I posted, I did a 6 miler. Well, I definitely over did it. So I started taking things slow by only doing short 2 to 3 mile walks for the rest of the week.

Then last Monday, I wanted to up things a little so I did another 6 miler. Only this time on a different course around campus. This course is a lot more hilly, and has one BIG hill (sort of like the overpass). I didn't run, but I still did it in about 1:30:00.

Later that night (at 3 am), it hit! The Charley Horse from Hell!!! I was in SO much pain! I was screaming and crying for nearly an hour. I think a lot of it had to do with the new course. But I was also sweating a lot most of the day. I was in a business suit most of the morning (mock interview) and in a tux for most of the evening (Band Concert - Which we did a damn fine job if I do say so myself....). Add on top of that... I had no time to eat, except for some raisins earlier in the day.

Anyway, That damn cramp definitely took it's toll. I was limping around for 2 days after that. But, on the third day things were better so I went for a 2 mile walk.

On Thanksgiving, I went for another 3 mile stroll. However food was not good (for training that is ;-) Usually I can control what I eat. Granted with the food in the cafeteria, it's pretty easy! But with Turkey, Dressing, Mustard Greens, Baked Potato Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Potato Salad, Deviled Eggs, Macaroni and Cheese, Cream Cheese Coconut Cake, Texas Cool Whip, Pumpkin Cream Pie, and Apple Pie, it's very easy to lose control!

No Training yesterday because of the weather. It rained most of the day. But it didn't matter, we spent most of the day putting up Christmas decorations. We're almost through. I'll post pictures when we're done.

Then today... I went for a 3 mile speed walk. Was able to finish with in 40:00, so that's not bad.

How's everyone else doing? I hope y'all didn't eat too much!

Finally Back Up on that Horse!!!

Yep, I think that I have officially rebouned from my hiatus. And not a moment too soon! We've only got 49 days 'til the race!

On Sunday, I was able to speedwalk 5 miles (no time) with 100 situps and 50 pushups. Food was ok, it was a Sunday that I was home, so my mom cooked a big "My Baby's Leaving Me... I Better Have a Big Meal" meal, but I was able to control myself.

Today, I did a 2 mile speedwalk around campus (again, no time). Hopefully at somepoint today, I'll have time to go over to the gym and do an upperbody work out, and then do some situps and pushups.

Right now, all I'm concered with is distance. If I can get a few 13 mile walks in (before the sweep time) before January, I think I'll be ok. Hopefully I can work on speed too, but that may just have to wait until next year. We can't all have "Mike Speed" you know!
______________________________
In Other News:

Please see the last post and tell me which marathon meets you'll be doing and if there are any others that I've missed.

Lisa- From what I can tell, Jeff, Rae and I are all going to pick up our packets on Friday morning. I'm not sure of the time (we need to nail that down!) but I'm sure they wouldn't mind if you tagged along!

More Meet News- The guys over at Ranting About Politics may be having a "Rant Meet" during the marathon. No details are official yet, but if your interested in Ranting about anything (Politics, Disney, Work, Grouchy Neighbors, etc.) you're more than welcome to attend. Go over to http://mattspoliticalrants.blogspot.com/2008/11/political-rant-meet-anyone.html and tell us what you think. When would you like to have it and where?

I hope everyone is well! Please keep Jonathan and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Marathon Trip Meets

Mongello! I'm in the process of actually planning out the marathon trip and I'm trying to remember what all we have planned as a team. Here's what I could remember...

I know that the marathon itself is on Saturday, as is the "We Go On" meet.
The Dole Whip meet (That I won't be able to go to) is on Sunday.
There are two packet pick up meets on Thursday and Friday. I'm going to the one on Friday (who's with me?)

That's all I can remember. What am I forgetting?


I got my first copy of Runner's World in the mail this week. I'm hoping that it will give me a little added inspiration for the week.

I'm also planning on going out doing a long run today at some point. I don't have a set distance, I just want to see how far I can go.

Back Out There (Sort Of...)

Mongello Guys!

Well I sort of started back training today. I say sort of because I was only able to do a 2 mile walk before I started coughing. But hey, it's something right? I also did an upper body workout and did some situps and pushups with no problems.

Can you believe we only have 57 days before before the "big day"? I can't! I just hope this cold hasn't totally killed me.

Darn it All!!!

Ok... I think my body is just screwing with me now! I FINALLY got over that stupid cold last week. I started wogging again. I started going back to the gym. I even stated back to eating right. Now that damn cold is back and as strong as ever! This is ridiculous!!!

I'm not going to let this stop me. Tomorrow, I'm going to the doctor and see if they can give me a shot to knock it out once and for all.

Anyway, here's some good news...

Yesterday I was able to wog 6.5 miles. That's the highest distance I've been able to do since my hiatus a couple of months a go. So it looks like I'm starting to rebound.

Update:
Went to the doctor yesterday. She has me doped up on pain killers, antibiotics, vitimans, and she gave me a shot (don't know what it was). I slept most of the day yesterday. The shot seemed to help out a lot. My head is still stopped up, but I feel much better over all. The doc has told me to take it easy for a few days, but she and I are both hoping that I'll be better by the weekend.

I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks for the Support!

Mongello Guys! I just wanted to dedicate today's post to thank everyone for the support. I know I haven't been pulling my weight lately and I've been in this blues state of mind for the last couple of months, but you guys have helped me get through it and I really appreciate it.

Now, I've gotten back to work. I went walked 3 1/2 miles and jogged 1/2 mile on Wednesday, then wogged 4 miles yesterday. I also started going back to the gym and worked my upperbody and did some ab work. I'm taking today off so I can try to do a long wog tomorrow.

Hope everyone is well!

Long Time, No Post...

Hey everyone! Again, I apologize for not posting reguarly. I've been kind of going through a phase for the last couple of months, but I think things are finally starting to settle down.

Anyway, alot of things have happened since last Monday.

First of all, I was accepted into the College Program with a merchandising postion. However, because MC, the insurance company, and the City of Brookhaven refused to cooperate with me, I've decided to decline the position. I've been a little down about it, but I think it will work out for the best. And with the CP out of the way, I can now lighten my load for the rest of my time at MC.

Now, I'm seriously considering applying for an internship in Sen. Cochran's Jackson office and possibly in the D.C. office during the summer. I'll keep you guys posted on that.

I'm still trying to climb back on to the training horse. It just keeps moving! I'm hoping to go to the gym this afternoon. I haven't weighed since the last time I posted, but I feel like I've lost some weight. My clothes are fitting more losely than normal.

I haven't been reading everyone's blogs. How is everyone?

What Happened?!

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't been around lately. Blogger was acting stupid the last time I was on, so I haven't been back. But it seems like it's working again. We'll see...

OK... I got on the scale this morning at the gym and got some REALLY bad news. I'm up almost 10 pounds from the last time I weighed. I'm so upset with myself! But, no excuses today. I just have to find a new coping mechanism.

Training went well today. I got up, went for a 4 mile walk (no wogging since I'm still sick), then I climbed stairs for 10 minutes, then went to the gym and did some upperbody work along with some ab work. I'm hopping to get some situps and pushups in later.

I hope everyone who is at WDW for the MGE is having fun! I SO wish I was there with you guys. Maybe next time...

Yay! I Can Finally Post!

Blogger has been acting really wired lately. For some reason, it (or the computer, I'm not sure) wouldn't let me log in. I couldn't even see my page. But I'm back now.

Here's today's update.

Breakfast- Whole Wheat Cereal with Skim Milk
Morning Snack- Cup of Almonds and a Glass of Milk
Lunch- Salad and Green Tea
Afternoon Snack- Yogurt
Dinner-
Evening Snack-

Other than some Ab work and some pushups, no training this week. My sinuses/throat are acting up again and the Doctor has banned me from running and going to the gym for the rest of the week. It's always something with me isn't it! Anyway, I'm hoping to be better by Saturday.

Now on to the Corn-vator 13k. I was able to do 8 miles at 1:48:29, not the 10 miles Jeff thought I put. Sorry to disappoint!

How's everyone?

Mongello guys!

First of all, let me say that the Wednesday's margarita was my own addition. My diet does allow for 3 alcholic beverages a week, but I don't think that is what they had in mind, haha!

Anyway, on to the updates. I was out of town and on the road a good part of the day (and night) going to see my old band's half time show. They were AWESOME!!! I'm hoping to get a video of it soon. When I do, I'll post it for you all (or for at least Rae). Anyway, that is the reasoning behind my strange meals and lack of training yesterday.

Yesterday's Meals
1. Shreadeded Whole Wheat with Skim Milk, Coffee, and Water
2. Pack of Raisins, Water
3. PBJ Sandwhich
4. Banana and Water
5. "Bean and Turkey Sandwhich" - Oh my Lord! Just awful!!! But I had to do something!
6. Pack of Raisins

No Training other than some situps and pushups

Today's Meals
1. Whole Wheat and S. Milk, Coffee
2. Banana and Water
3. Oatmeal and an Egg
4. PBJ sandwhich
5.
6.

Still no training for today. Since I'm hoping to do 10 miles for the Corn-vator race tomorrow, I thought I would layout another day. Good Luck everyone!!!

Back from Fall Break

Mongello guys! It's the first day of the week for me, so maybe things will start going back to normal now. Here's today's update:

Meals
I'm trying something new for now. It's called the Abs Diet (I'll post a summary when I know exaclty what I'm doing) and it looks like it might work. That's why things will look a little different.

Meal #1 (Breakfast)- Shreadeded Whole Wheat with Skim Milk, Banana, Boiled Egg, Water
Meal #2 (Morning Snack)- Pack of Raisins, Water
Meal #3 (Lunch)- Pack of Unsweetened Oatmeal, Apple Sauce, Yogurt, Green Tea
Meal #4 (Afternoon Snack)- PBJ on Whole Wheat Bread
Meal #5 (Dinner)- Tortilla Soup and a Margarita
Meal #6 (Evening Snack)- Apple Sauce

Training
-I got out this morning and spedwalked 4 miles this morning at 57:46
-After that, I went to the gym and worked on my upper body for about 45 minutes

How's everybody else doing?

I'm Back!

Hey Guys! Since there wasn't much going on last week I decided not to update until I came home for Fall Break. Well I get home and I find out that the internet is down! I was SO mad! But it's back up now and I'll be updating you all later tonight.

See you then!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Track

Here is Today's update:

Meals
Breakfast- Protien Shake, V8
Lunch-
Dinner-

Training
I had every intention of getting out there and wogging my 4 miles today. My alarm went of at 5:30 and my room mate turned it off (since he's on the bottom bunk). So I'm starting to climb down the ladder when a charley horse hits me. When it did, I immediately stiffen and I fall off the ladder! Luckily I landed feet first, but then I was on the ground trying to get that damn cramp to go away.

Now my calf and my foot are sore. I don't think I broke anything but if my foot is still hurting tomorrow, I'll go get it checked out. But the point is, no wog this morning. I'll try again tomorrow.

Other News

• I'm debating with myself on whether or not I should run in the upcoming 15k. I know I'm not ready now, but can I be ready by November 1? I'm not sure. What do you think?
  

The Interview and Some Really Bad News

Ok... I went through the interview a little while ago. For the most part, I think it went well. I think that I may just get in. However, I don't think that I got the job I wanted. I really wanted Vacation Planner, Hospitality or possibly Merchandise. That way it would be easier for me to convince my school to accept the internship. I really think that they put me as a Character Attendant which wouldn't be bad, it will just be hard to explain. But I think it went fine.

Now the bad news. My parent's insurance (through the City of Brookhaven who my dad works as a fireman for - The city is the one's causing the problems not the insurance) is threating to cancel my insurance if I do this.

They are saying that I must be a full time student at my university in order to remain covered. In the city's words "part time at one institution and part time at another doesn't mean I'm full time". How in the heck am I supposed to be fully enrolled at my school and still do the CP? I'm looking for online classes at MC, but since it's a private school I'll have to pay full tuition. Also, there aren't any real online classes here. There are some basics, but I've already taken them. This has really upset me because I feel like they lied to me.

Anyway, I'm going to go talk to my counselor tomorrow and see what I can do. I thought I was pretty much home free, then this happened. I'll update you all as soon as I know something.

It's a New Week!

Mongello! Here's today's Report. I'll be updating it as the day moves on.

Meals
Breakfast- Protien Shake, V8, coffee
Lunch- 3/4 cp of Apple Sauce, 3/4 cp of Yogurt, 1 cp of Green Tea, Box of Raisins
Dinner- Ramen Noodles

Training
-Sped walked 3 1/2 miles and jogged 1/2 mile. I'm not where I was, but I'm getting there.

CP News

JB- I don't think they will tell me anything after the interview. They are supposed to send me a letter in about 2 to 3 weeks saying wether or not I've been accepted or not. That is going to be a LONG wait! If I can do it, I'm hoping that I can start the Monday after the marathon. I'm not sure if I can pick when I go or not.

Thanks for the support guys! I'm SO nervous right now!!! I'll post again tonight.

Finally, Some Good CP News!

Mongello!

I've finally gotten some good news on several fronts.

I went to the presentation on Thursday. It was all pretty basic stuff. Things that I already knew and such. I did get the presenter, (Mitch, who is more or less over the College Program) to sign my MC paperwork for me, so I should be able to get the internship approved. Here's something funny that I noticed at the Presentation. There were so many people that had to be told the difference of Disneyland and Disney World. Some thought that they were the same, other's didn't know where they were. So I fell really good about my chances!

Then, I went to a "live interview" on Friday with Mitch. Since we talked the night before, he really didn't ask much. Just some basic Disney questions. The main point of it was for him to call Casting and set up a phone interview for me. That is on Monday at 8 pm.

When I got back, I went to the financial aid office and through much discussion (or fighting) we figured out that if I do this, my student loans will be ok and I can put my scholarships on hold until I come back. So things are starting to look fine. The worst that could happen (as of now) is that when I come home, I would have to quit band and my job and take one extra class per semester. It will be hard, but I think it will be worth it.

I'll update again once I get through with the interview on Monday... until then, TTFN!

A CP Related Rant

My school has screwed me again! And I've only been here for what, a month?

I went to the Registrar's office yesterday only to be told that my Disney classes would not transfer. But here's what really pissed me off. Their excuse is that the Disney classes are not regionally accredited. I tried to explain to them that they are nationally accredited, but they said that it didn't matter. Then they would not explain to me how nationally accredited isn't as good as regionally accredited. I think that's a stupid excuse. What difference does it make where the class is accredited? The point is that it is!

You should see the stack of paperwork that just MC is making me go through just to do this thing. It's almost as if they are trying to make things difficult. Then I get to this! I'm not going to let it stop me though. I'm going to try to find some classes from my old community college and take them online. Then, I'll just have to do some night classes when I get back from the CP. I WILL NOT stay here any longer than I have too (I have a feeling that's what they're trying to do).

Anyway.... I have the CP presentation this afternoon. So I guess that's something to look forward to (or get my hopes up). I'll be twittering through the day to keep you guys posted.

Today's Update and Some CP News

My mom called the insurance company yesterday and they said that as long as I am not permanently employed by Disney (i.e. just an internship) and taking the 2 classes I need, I will be covered under their policy.

So I've jumped through one hurdle. Now I have about 6 more to go. I'm hoping to meet with the Internship Coordinator at MC at some point to day so I can start lobbying to have it approved. So keep your fingers crossed for me!

It's a New Day!

As part of my resolutions, I'm going to start back posting my daily training updates. Here's today's (so far....):

Meals
Breakfast- Coffee, V8 Fusion (check twitter to see what happened to the rest of my breakfast)
Lunch- 3/4 cup of Apple Sauce, 3/4 cup of Yogurt, cup of green tea
Dinner- cup of French Onion Soup, a baked potato and a Sam Adam's (YUCK! I now know that I'm a wine person!) from Applebee's. Not the best choices, but I think I'm ok.

Training
- Spedwalked 4 miles in 58 minutes
- Upperbody Machines at the Gym (3 sets of 12 on each)
- NO Gym Ab excercises (I ran out of time, but I'll fix it)
_____________________

In Other News:
I now have a Twitter account. Go check it out at www.twitter.com/mattj4226 . I swore that I wouldn't fall on to this band wagon (I also said the same about blogs, but here we are). But I tried it out and I like it. It's kind of fun!

Happy New Year!!!! (Part Deux)

This post may make it seem like it's a New Year, but it's not. I just decided to recommit myself to my New Year's Resolutions and make a few more.

1) Training- Since I have not been faithful to my training, it's a new day. I am now recommitted to the Team Voice Challenges. If I don't start now, I'll never make it. So, even if I have to sacrifice an hour of study time, I'm GOING to do my "wogs"!

2) Strength Training- The cardio is great, but if I want to be healthy all around, I'm going to have to strength train. I might just get ripped in the process too, LOL!

3) Regular Updates- I feel like I'm letting the team down when I don't update you guys. I just haven't been motivated. That ends now. I'm am going to start updating the blog at least 3 times a week, but I want to do it everyday. I'm also going to start commenting on everyone elses blogs and on the fourms, so I can start motivating you all too. It seems like T.V. is down all over (I'm glad it's not just me!), so if I can get you all pumped, maybe I'll get pumped too!

Remember- We only have about 3 months before the big day! So let's all recommit ourselves... Ok?

Major Change in Plans

Mongello!

I have some exciting new changes to my future plans to announce. First of all, I went to talk to my advisor (who is also the Dean of the Business School) yesterday just to discuss my plans to do the College Program next fall. Well, he told me that in order to do it, I would have to do it next semester. Also, in order to keep my financial aid and my insurance I would have to remain a full time student. That means that I would have to take 12 hours worth of credit. The CP (technically an internship) counts 6 hours. Now I have to convince the Registrar's Office to let me take 2 of the Disney classes while I'm there, or I'll have to find online classes at another university.

The point is, if I can get all of my ducks in a row, and I get accepted, and the school approves the classes, I will officially be a Disney Cast Member next semester!!!

I have already applied and I have a CP presentation that I have to go to at Hinds CC in Raymond next Thursday. There I either get interviewed or I schedule an interview (I'm assuming the former). Anybody who has gone through this process before (you know who you are!), anything you could tell me would be great! I'm also going to make up a resume, just to show off!

There is a dark cloud however (as usual for me). This could interfere with the Marathon. I'm hoping that it doesn't, but if it does what can I do? I know I can't get a refund. Will it carry over to next year? Even if I do have to postpone my marathon, I'm going to continue to train

This is all a little overwhelming. I thought I had a whole year to get things ready. Now I have 3 months!

How is everyone?
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IN OTHER NEWS:

We have a new member of Team Voice! Andy from Minnesota has joined our little community and is training for the 2010 Marathon. Go over to his blog and show him your support!

Welcome to the team Andy!!!

Just Another Bad Day

Ok... I was just starting to feel better, then the $%&$ hit the fan.

I ran the 15k yesterday and I think I did pretty good. But, I have no way of knowing because my iPod died on me. I use the stopwatch feature to keep up with my time and laps. So I'm not even sure I did 9.3 miles. I may have to do it again.

Now to top it off, I may have to start my training over somewhat again. As you all know, I've either been sick, or not in the mood to train over the past 2 weeks. If I did train, it was on the indoor track (which is totally flat). Yesterday, I ran around campus (which is nothing but hills and slopes). Needless to say, I am sore today. I think I may have pulled something in my leg too.

So, I'm going to start over and get used to the terrian around here before I start running again. It shouldn't take too long, but I can't do that again!

Ok... some things came up this last weekend that I wasn't expecting, so I was not able to run applefest at all. But I AM doing it tomorrow morning. I may not make the 15k but I am doing something. I'll be late, but I'll make it. I'll let you know how it goes and give a full update tomorrow.

Yeah... About Applefest....

Hey Guys!

It seems like everytime I have a race planned, a stupid (sorry) football game has to ruin my plans! So I've been in and out of rehersal and doing laundry all day.

So... I'm going to run the Applefest 15k (or 10k) tomorrow. I have nothing to do tomorrow, so this will workout for the better. So I'll post again after I run tomorrow.

In the mean time...

Have you guys seen the new Disney Parks commercial? Oh my goodness! It is awesome!!! I will admit that I teared up a little!

Here's a link to it:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=CelebrationVideoPage

Just an Update

Hey guys! Things are slowly returning to normal. My headcold/sinus infection is almost gone, though I have a feeling that it's going to return since the weather decided that it's fall now. I can actually breathe! So, I'm slowly getting back into my training routine. I did my weight training and walked 3 miles yesterday and I wogged 6 miles and 30 minutes on the bike this morning. I may not be ready for the Applefest 15k this weekend. If not I'll do a 10k.

I decided yesterday to go see a counselor about my "issues". That decision alone has made me feel a little better. I don't know any details yet, I just know that I'm going to do it. Also, school just keeps on piling up around me. I've had two more tests added to my load. Fortuneately they are next week, but still...

Anyway, I just thought I would update you all. I'm a slightly lighter shade of blue this morning, so that's good. How is everyone? Things seem to be a little slow around the fourms and the blogs (although the rant blog has exploded all of a sudden - 3 1/2 posts in 2 days! Excellent job my fellow ranters!!!).

Ohhh-kayyy....

Hey guys. I'm starting to feel like Eeyore over here. Like there's a black cloud following me everywhere. Things are getting better, but I'm still down in the dumps. I don't know what's wrong with me.

My head cold is still here, so I haven't been able to train any. My doctor told me to stay away from the gym and the track until it's over. She also put me on an antibiotic and is making me take mucinex. She also fussed at me for doing the 5k the other day. She said that was the worst thing I could have done. Oh well... By the end of next week, I should be better and will be out training again.

The personal stuff is still here. I'm sorting through it the best I can. Hopefully I can settle it with out "help". And my school work has only gotten worse. Next week I have at least one test everyday and a few papers due as well. Why do teachers do this? I swear that they plot and scheme just to mess with me! I hope this doesn't become a trend.

Ok, with all of the depressing crap out of the way, on to the good stuff. Like I said earlier, I haven't been training, but I also have been doing really well on my dieting. I got home last night and stepped on the scale. It said 205! I'm down 5 pounds since last week!!! At least there is something cheery in though that black cloud.

How's everyone else doing? I'm trying to catch up with everyone's blog.

AAAHHHH!!!!!

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't been around lately. I've just been kind of down lately. I've just been going through some personal stuff and I've been sick with that stupid head cold (I completely lost my voice the other day) and my school work has been piling up around me. I really think I'm taking too many hours, but I have to if I want to do the College Program next fall. It may kill me, but I REALLY want to do that!

So, with me having the blues, I haven't really been doing things as I should. Other than a couple of walks around campus (nothing strenuous, just some walks to get out and think) I haven't been training or working out. I haven't however, turned to food like I usually do, so I guess that's a good thing.

I'm really trying to get back out there. Hopefully on Saturday, I'll do a 15k wog so I can prepare for "Applefest".

Jeff- Skype me at some point this week. I have a propostion for you...

Until next time... Ciao!

This Stinks!!!

Mongello!

First of all, Kudos to Karen for confirming that the video in the previous post was indeed Jack Wagner. I thought so! I'll have to make a comment on the video.

Karen- Welcome to the Blog! I'm going to add you to my "list". Hope to hear from you!

Ok... Now to what stinks:

It's the eve of my first real, honest to God race. Now guess what happens... I get a freakin' head cold! Come on! That's not fair!!! I guess it's just bad karma for all the [ranting] and moaning I do on the blogs. I'm coughing, my head hurts, my sinuses hurt. You know the symptoms. There is some sort of bug going around campus. I just hope it's not strep throat. That's the LAST thing I need.

And the 5k isn't all of it! Oh no!!! To top it all off, I have to sit through a football game later in the evening. Stupid Football!!! ;-) At least I get paid. I can "pretend" to enjoy the game if the price is right.

Anyway, I'll post my results ASAP tomorrow morning. Until then... Ciao!
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RACE RESULTS:

Good morning everyone! I just got back from my race. Inspite of the cold and the hacking cough, I managed to finish at 34:06. I KNOW I'll have shin splints, but I did "run" most of the course. There were a few times that I had to slowly walk, but for the most part I did at least jog. Ok, I've got my first race under my belt. Now I have to start training for the next one, which is on Novermber 1st.

Is this what you spend on "Disney Crap"?

Oh, I need some help figuring something out. Someone sent this clip to me yesterday ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPlfDIcjrVI - WARNING!!! EXTREMELY VULGAR!!! DO NOT CLICK IF YOU'RE EASLY OFFENDED!!!!!!!!) and I swear that the narrator is Jack Wagner. I could be wrong, but it sounds just like him. The name of the clip is "A History of the Word F---" so it is very offensive, but if someone would listen to just the first 14 or so seconds and let me know whether or not it's him, I would greatly appreciate it. Some people are saying it's George Carlin, but I think they're wrong! Ordinarily, I wouldn't post something like this on the "Disney" Blog, but I'm dying to know!

All Clear!

Hey guys. It looks like the worst of the storm is past us. There is still some high wind gusts and some rain, and we're under a tornado watch, but I think it's pretty much over. Hopefully anyway. Brookhaven had some flooding, and lots of down trees and powerlines. I think power has been restored at my house. No damage yet, thank God.

As far as ranting, I don't have anything on the Local, State, or Federal. All three levels have done a superb job in preparing for the storm. They definately learned alot since Katrina. It also helps that Louisiana got rid of that idiot they had last time and got somebody that knows what they are doing.

However, I just couldn't let Mike down, so I had to find something to rant about. This time I'm going after my school. Instead of telling us last week or yesterday or even this morning, They decide to wait until around 4:00 to tell everyone that classes are still on for tomorrow. Keep in mind that the storm is still out there. I had to drive nearly 70 miles in the freakin' storm, dodging down trees, powerlines, abandoned refuge cars and other debris just so I could get up to Clinton before nightfall. The whole time, MPB (Mississippi Public Broadcasting) is telling people to stay clear of the roads, that it's not safe to be driving in the storm. They are saying that MDOT and MS Hwy. Patrol are asking people to stay clear of Interstate 55 (the only way I know how to get to Clinton) so National Gaurd, FEMA, and other emegency vehicles can move around quickly. And here I am all up in it! What else could I do? I got caught up in a National Gaurd Convoy, haha!

I'm not upset with the school because they choose to have classes tomorrow. Far from it! At the price I pay them to teach me, I want my money's worth. It's just the fact that they choose to tell everybody so late in the afternoon. Even if they had said that they were unsure, they could have at least said something!

Government Response = A+
Mississippi College's Response = F

See you guys later!

Just an Update

Hey guys! I just wanted to give you all one last update before the storm hits.

Last week, I was able to wog 4 miles on Monday-Thursday and I just got back from a 6 mile wog, bringing my monthly total to 74 miles. I'm no where near the 150 miles I needed and I didn't get a picture in. And since I made up the questions, I didn't answer them. I'm going to have to do better next month.

Also, assuming all goes to plan, I have my first 5k race this Saturday. It is the "Miles for Missions 5k" at First United Methodist Church of Clinton. I signed up for the run, but if the storm mess up my routine, I may asked to be down graded to the walk. Hopefully I'll be able to train. I also have my first MC football game that evening, so it should be a pretty interesting day!

Since Gustav is on his way, I don't know when I'll be able to post again. During Katrina, the power was out for 4 days and the cable (internet) was down for nearly a week. I hope that this one won't be that bad, but you never know. We stocked up on food and supplies and filled up our gas cans yesterday, just in case. If the cell phone service holds, I'll be keeping in touch with Rae and she will relay our status to you. At first I thought people were just having post-Katrina jitters, but now I'm starting to worry a little. Brookhaven is jammed packed with evacuees from South East Louisiana. The boulevard (where all the commercial areas are - it's also next to the interstate) looks like a refuge village.

I'll post when I can, until then see ya!

I'm on a Program

Hey guys! Things have improved drastically and I'm loving ever minute of college life (so far!). It's a little exhasting but, I'll manage. Yesterday, I got the folks over at the gym to write me up a weight training program. I'm only using machines right now but hopefully I'll become strong enough to handle the free weights. I'm also going to start going to an ab class. Here's my plan:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday- Ab Class and weight training
Tuesday and Thursday- Swim, Eliptical, Bike, and Arm Bike
Monday-Thursday- Run
Saturday- Long Run

In the Clear... Hopefully

Mongello!

It seems like things are turning for the better. I'm still in the same dorm (and still no refund), but I'm starting to feel better now. I joined the "Healthplex" today. That place is freakin' huge! It has two indoor pools, a rock climbing wall, raquetball and basketball courts, two "fitness" levels (that's were the cardio and weights are), a aerobics studio, saunas, hottubs, an indoor running track (1/10 of a mile - don't know how long I can take that) and, the Godsend, PRIVATE showers!!!! That alone is worth the price of membership. So by joining the healthplex (only $110 a semester - VERY good deal) I solved my training and my bathroom situation! Now instead of taking a joke of a shower (cold water and no pressure) in front of God and everybody, I can go and relax in a nice, warm private one... by myself! YIPPEE!!!

So, as you can tell, I am VERY happy now! I think I'm going to like things up here at MC. The campus is very beautiful. I'll have to take some pictures and show you guys.

Ok... On to training news:

I haven't done too bad during the past few days. I did eat a waffle (of course with butter as syrup) at Waffle House the other day, but I saved up all day for it. And last night we ate at a Mexican place (originaly just for a Margarita, but it was Sunday and God forbid should you drink liqour on Sunday! Damn this state!), but I only had soup. Other than that, pretty good. I'm back on salad and slimfast today.

I also started back training today. Since I joined the gym, I need an excuse to enjoy my wonderful private shower, so I wogged 4 miles on the track and did 10 minutes on the eliptical. I forgot that it's been several days since my last wog, so I wore myself out!

Anyway, things are good again. Talk to you soon!

I'm Moved in but NOT a Happy Camper

Hey guys... I've moved in my dorm room here in Clinton, but they threw me into the wrong dorm. Both my roommate and I registered (back in August of last year), requested, and payed (still no refund) to be placed in the "good" dorm (the one with the semi-private bathroom) only to be placed in the ''jock'' dorm with communal showers. We're going to try to move later this week if there are any rooms available in the dorm that we requested. I am VERY upset, but I'll spare you all a rant today.

In other news... training and diet have been blown to hell this week. I've been extremely busy and kind of stressed out, so I turned to bad habits and skipping training. Hopefully things will return to normal soon.

Just an Update and Another Rant

Mike- This one is for you!

I attempted to censor myself so I can keep this PG. I feel like if I rant anymore, I may need to put up a disclaimer!

Ok... I have NEVER been so POed at people in my entire running career. I show up at my running track at 5:30 this morning and the parking lot is so full that there are people parking on the street! So I went home and came back an hour later. Still as crowded as it was before. I have a busy day planned so I decide to just bare with it. Man, was that a mistake! There were so many %#@& people there that I couldn't even walk at my normal pace. Most of the people (who all drove in seperate cars. They could at least carpool! Jeez!) were in groups of three, just talking and strolling. I'm like "If your going to walk, WALK OR GET THE #$%@ OUT OF MY WAY!!!". I counted at least 50 people. Keep in mind that the track is only 1/2 mile long and only 5 feet wide. And what REALLY P's me off the most are the groups of 5 or more people that congregate right on the track. Again it's a WALKING track!!! My God! Are people this stupid everywhere? Tell me it's not just here!

OH!!! Then I got to Wal-Mart (The Great Satan) afterward and again the parking lot is full! I had to park a good 1/8 mile away from the door! This is at 9:00 am! Do people just not work anymore? It is Tuesday, right?

Anyway, on to the update...

Like I said in an earlier post, last week was pretty chaotic and it didn't get any better. Band Camp ended on Thursday and my last day at work was Friday. That ment that I had to finish everything that needed to be done in 3 days while dealing with all the extra band stuff. I finished but Oy! No extra runs at all last week because of rain and all that other crap.

This week seems to be just as bad. I did manage to squeeze in a 10 mile wog on Sunday, a 2 mile wog yesterday and a 4 mile stroll (UGGGHHH!!!!) today. Today should be pretty easy, but tomorrow I head up to Jackson and Clinton to get books and some other school supplies, Thusday I go to McComb for a haircut and a doctors appointment, Friday I have to get everything packed and ready, and Saturday I move to Clinton (YAY!!!). Then Sunday through Tuesday, my band camp starts and classes start on Wednesday.

Be sure to stop by my political ranting blog. I borrowed an idea from Jeff and started a Political Caption This.

Rae- Be safe!

Evil High School Dictatorship Srikes Again

See below for an explanation of the Cartoon "Der Fuehrer's Face"

Ok... We're all Disney fans here right? Ok then, read this story:

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/great-bridge-band-can-play-disney-not-rides

If I was in this band, I would tell the school administration to kiss my ass!!! Here's my reasons...

First of all, how can you ask high school aged kids to go to Disney World and not let them ride the rides? That is absolutely absurd! That's like telling a kid, "Ok, I'll take you to Dairy Queen, but you can't get any ice cream." What's the point?

Second, These kids deserve a reward. Band kids bust their rumps all during the summer, all through football season, all through parade season, and all through the fall and spring concert seasons (and yes they overlap) just to bring glory to the school. So if they want to go to WDW, then by God let them! Hell, I think they deserve a few beers while they're at it! Rae, can I get an Amen?

And Finally, We all know that that school is NOT paying for the trip. The parents and the students are. So, until the school coughs up the dough they have no place telling the kids what they can and cannot do on THEIR trip that THEY earned and that THEY paid for!

Of course, this is just my humble opinion. What do you think?
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Sorry for the language tonight, I just got riled up. This story reminded me of my HS "reward" trip.


My senior year, our band director decided that he was going to take us on a trip. We had two choices that we could vote on, Disney World or Memphis.


The Disney trip would have consisted of marching down Main Street (my ULTIMATE dream) and a concert in the MK. The rest of the time would have been spent doing as we wanted. NO extra rehersals.


The Memphis trip would have consisted of performing during the half time show of the Liberty Bowl with Little Richard, marching in the Liberty Bowl parade down Beale St., a field competition, and 3 extra rehersals. For fun we would go to the Liberty Bowl rodeo (Rednecks of the World, UNITE!), tour Graceland, and eat at Hard Rock.


With the work/play ratio, needless to say, the band voted unanimously to go to Disney. Everyone was so excited and fundraising started immediately.


3 weeks later, the director cancels the Disney trip. No explanation was given. Just the Disney trip has been canceled.


Less than a week later, Der Führer (as we later and continue to call him) tells us that HE has decided for US that we WILL go to the Liberty Bowl, that it is a performance and we WILL go. All we could do is say "Ja Wohl, Mein Führer!"


So, we went and it SUCKED!!! The rodeo (as they all do) sucked, the half time performance was with like 30 other bands, we sucked at the competion, the parade was only down a block, and we had to sit through a 6 hour long football game (which is just a glorfied game of keep away - sorry). I had my dream crushed for a football game! To this day, I loathe the sport.


The band was so pissed at der Führer that they revolted and deposed him. He left the next year.


So there you have it. The reason why Disney band performances are such a sensitive issue for me. And if I had a rotten tomato, I would throw it into Der Fuehrer's Face!
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Since I used some references that some may not get, I thought I would explain myself:


"Der Fuehrer's Face" is an Anti-Nazi propagnda film created by Walt Disney during WWII. It stars Donald Duck dreaming that he lives in a land ruled by nazis.


Here is link for more information and some interesting facts:
http://www.answers.com/topic/der-fuehrer-s-face


And here is the cartoon itself:
http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/Der%2BFace/video/xvdyu_donald-duck-der-fuehrers-face_fun

If you watch the video, be sure to watch the entire thing and listen to the words of the song. Otherwise, all you will see is Donald as a Nazi and I don't want any of you offended.

Just Another Post

Hey guys! Nothing much to report here. Things have been utter chaos at work because of band camp. My office has been turned upside down and I have a mild case of OCD, so I'm about to have a nervous breakdown! It's amazing to me how college aged band nerds forget the basic things (i.e. horn, mouthpiece, reeds, valve/slide oil, etc.) they need for a band camp. Oh, and how hard is it to keep up with music and drill charts?! Jeez! I swear I passed out 1000 copies to the same people. I told them the next time they lose their music, I'm going to kill them! Oh well, sorry to get all band "genius" on you guys (Rae will understand!).

Anyway, because of this chaos, my training has suffered slightly. I've only been able to squeeze in a few 4 mile wogs here and there. I guess that's better than nothing. I'm hoping to do a 8 to 10 mile wog this Saturday. We'll see.

Cornfest 2008 10k Results

Ok guys... Here are my results for this year's Cornfest 10k.

I did what I sought out to do and did my 10 miler. However, I only timed the 10k portion of the wog. The time was 1:24:14. Again, I don't know if that's good or bad. This run was pretty good for me. Beautiful weather helped alot.

Did you guys watch the opening ceremonies last night? All I can say is WOW! That was one of the best ceremonies I've seen. And the little boy Yao Ming was holding was adoreable!

Anyway, thanks guys for a great run! See you next time!

Beijing 2008 is Here!

同一个世界同一个梦想

One World, One Dream

Mongello! The Olympics are here. Are any of you going to watch the games? I'm only planning to watch the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and maybe some of the Fencing and Swimming matches, but other than that I'm not planning on watching any of the others. I kind of have bitter political reasons for not liking the olympiad being held in Beijing. Kind of like having the 1936 Games in Berlin, but I digess. I guess I'm too political for my own good.

Anyway, Deb asked me to give details on how my Donald run went so I'll try to answer her questions. I felt pretty good up until about mile 6, then my knees starting to hurt so I slowed down and started feeling better at about mile 8. After that, I felt great. I only stopped twice, but that was just long enough to tie my shoes. Speed varied from strolling to full running.

I've lost another 2 lbs! I'm now at 208!!! I haven't been in the 200's in about 3 years! YAY!!!

Next stop, 190's.

Good luck everyone in tomorrow's Cornfest!!!

Just Takin' it Easy...

Mongello everyone. I've just been taking things easy this week. After my Sunday "trek", my body demanded a few days off, so I gave in (the last thing I want is a strike!). Also, I don't want to over due it as we're all preparing for Cornfest. So, today I only wogged 3 miles (29:58). Just trying to maintain for now.

Diet has been going well. After my cheat moment the other day, I'm starting to recover. I haven't lost anymore weight, but I can feel it.

Work has been total chaos! We're getting ready for Band Camp next week, so that means that I have to drag out all of the music, organize it, make sure all of the parts are there, make copies, then put them into folders. Then next week, I get to work at the actual Band Camp. And then on top of that, the week after I move up to Clinton and start my Band Camp at MC. Fun, Fun, Fun! Well at least I get paid, that's all I'm after!

How many of you are on Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, or Skype? If you're on either of these let me know. I'll add you (that is if you want me too. I mean if you don't, don't tell me! Haha!).

How is everyone else doing?

Veni, vidi, vici...

And that is exactly what I did. I came, I saw, and I conquered.

As you can probably tell by my snobish demeanor, I did exactly what I said I was going to do. I came to the park, I saw the challenge, and I conquered Donald's house! All in 2:54:08 (Ok, I'll admit... Is that good or bad?).

I have decided that until the summer is over, I am going to do all of my running first thing in the morning. This mornings run was heavenly! Cool breezes, no sun, no mosquitos, and no people! Pure Bliss! I'm not normally a morning person, but if getting up at 5 am means those things, I'm all for it!

Oh, and pardon my ranting and use of colorful language last night, but I was pretty hacked off at myself. But I'm better now. I'll add a food report later tonight.

See ya!

I tried!

I had EVERY intention on running a full 13.1 miles today. But this blasted heat kept me from it. I went at 6:00 this evening (my usual time), thinking that since the sun would be going down, it might be cooler. WRONG! There were no clouds and no breeze (except for the one that was like someone was breathing on you). It was like running in a sauna. No, I take that back. At least a sauna doesn't have this damn humidity! Needless to say, I didn't even come close to making my goal. I only got 2 miles in before I said "To hell with this! Oh wait, I'm already there!!!".

So, I AM GOING to get up early tomorrow and finish what I started. I'm hoping that I can get up around 5ish to 6ish am (before the pits of hell burst open) and get my 13.1 miles in then. Then I can say that I accomplished my July goal! A little late but completed none the less.

I'll keep you all posted...

Hey! I was on a Podcast!

Have you guys listened to AATM yet? There was some serious Team Voice love going on this week. Rae gets her own segment where she mentions Deb, Heath gets an email read, I get called, and I call out Mike's number (Funny!). I didn't sound like a babbling redneck did I?

Anyway, I'm glad July is over. That means that I only have 2 more months of this "Hell on Earth" summer heat. Then maybe, I'll be able to train like I'm supposed too.

My miles for July was 83, so Rae, add that to our tally!

Nothing Much, Just an Update

Training didn't go as planned today. We got some much needed rain today and the temperature dropped a little, so I though it would be a wonderful day to go for a run. WRONG! Two things plagued me. First, mosquitos. Anytime I go outside, every mosquito in the county comes and chows down. Second, with the extra moisture in the air, I got some super chafing. Anyway, I only got a 2 mile walk in. Better Luck next time I guess.

I made my ADR's today! I also talked my best friend into coming down in January. So I might be extending my stay a little. Yay!

Some Great News and a Big Mistake

Hey guys! First the good news. I stepped on the scale and it said 210!!! That's 10lbs in little less than a week. I'm SO HAPPY!!! Why didn't I do this months ago?

Anyway, now the Big Mistake. I found some diabetic candy that is very low in carbs and is very good. However, the candy is sweetened with a sugar subsitute that is a natural laxitive. When eaten a few at a time, it's ok. But I a few to many, and I've been paying for it all day. Anyway, that's TMI so I'll move on.

I went 5 miles today in 42:26. That's a record time for me. My fastest mile was 13:25.

Today was a good day (except for the candy incident). Hopefully my luck will continue.

See you all later!

214!

Mongello Y'all!

I've lost another pound! Looks like the Low Carb Paula Diet is working!

Here's my food report for today. I've been following the Atkins tracking rules on this diet. That means that I'm allowed 20 grams of carbs per day for the first 2 weeks. Anymore than that and your body won't enter ketosis (That's when your liver converts fat into fatty acids that can be used by the body for energy). Once you mess up, it takes 3 days for your body to re-enter ketosis.

Heath- The mac and cheese squares sound good! Of course anything wrapped in bacon is good. There is a reason why southerners are fat!

Rae- I'm ready for Workout #2. I'm going to send you an email either tonight or tomorrow about them though. I have a few questions. Thanks!

Oh God! I'm turning into Paula Deen!!!

Just in case you don't know who she is, Paula Deen is a TV chef on Food Network. She is what I think of when I think of a typical Southern grandma. I just adore her and her shows. She mostly cooks Southern style dishes (that look absolutely delicious - Mine never turn out that way though!). And like all Southern foods, they're filled with fat, which makes them SO good!

Anyway, Paula loves cooking with butter. LOTS of butter. That's why I think I'm turning into her (I already have the accent down). Today, almost everything I ate was made with butter.

Breakfast: Low Carb Slim-Fast

Lunch: Turkey Burger (minus bun) cooked in butter with wilted spinach and garlic cooked in butter

Dinner: Roasted Chicken basted with butter and low-carb tortilla chips fried in butter

No training today... Resting up for a 10 mile wog tomorrow evening

Nothin' New Here...

Everything has been going pretty well here, although pretty boring. I finished my main project at "work" a couple of days ago so now I'm pretty much just sitting there waiting for some music to come in so I can file it (I'm my community college's band music librarian - I don't think I've ever mentioned that before). And with no bands in the summer, that's not likely to happen.

Home life is pretty boring too. It's been to dang hot to work in the flower beds (my flowers are mostly dead anyway).

Food has been pretty good. With this new diet, I can actually eat until I'm full so snacking hasn't really been a problem. If I do snack, it's on a "free" food, so there's no damage.

Training has kind have been stagnate for the past few days. Yesterday it was 102 degrees with horrific humidity. 99 degrees the day before. I honestly don't think it's worth that! Today, was a drastic change though so I went out and did 4 miles.

That's it for now. Hope everyone else is well!

215!!!

I am now on Day 4 of my new Low Carb lifestyle and I am already down 3 pounds! I'm finally catching up with the rest of you.

Today was an AB-SO-OOT-EE gorgous day! Even though the outdoor temperature was 95 degrees, the humidity has finally gone down a little (at 33% - pretty rare for these parts). And there was a Heaven sent, cool breeze with an almost fall like nip, so that was very nice. So I was able to get in 7 miles at 1:56:35. My knees and shins gave me no problems and I was actually able to breathe for once. I'm wondering if my shin problems are psychological, meaning that I am subconsciously trying to convince myself to quit when the heat is really bad. I don't know...

As far as my planned 5k last weekend... It did not happen. I had summer orientation at MC (Mississippi College - where I'm tranfering to), so I had to do that instead. I thought orientation was later in the day, but it and the race both started at 8:30 so, that wasn't possible. But, I did get alot of info and my classes set up for next semester, so that's a good thing. I also got some more favorable news on my planned Disney college program. To early to tell anything now, but I think the school will be behind me (Mike, you may not be the only fmr. CM on Team Voice anymore!).

New Game Plan

Hi guys!

First of all, Jeff W.- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...


I finally broke the 10 mile mark! It almost killed me, but I did it. Now only if I can get to 13.1 I'll be happy.

I have decided change up my regime a little. Instead of Weight Watchers (it's just not working for me), I am going to do a slightly modified low-carb diet. Slightly modified means that I'm going to stay away from red meats and eat more green veggies. This has worked in the past (I lost about 40 lbs. back in high school), so I'm hoping that it will work for me again now.

I'm going to continue with my running plan that I stared last week. It seems to work pretty well.

Also, I'm changing my challenge for this month. By July 31, I want to be able to at least walk 13.1 miles. I'm worried about time right now, I just want to get the distance in.

Congrats to Rae on losing 3lbs!!!

That's it for now, I'll post today's update later tonight.

Just a Quick Update

Hey guys. Not much to report on here. Past couple of days have been hectic, but I have gone walking everyday. However, not with the plan I made up. I've only been walking 2 miles each day. The humidity has been ungodly! Add quick rainshowers and the blazing sun = Nightmare!

I have been jumproping (is that even a word?) and doing sit/pushups to compensate. I also went to the gym a few times and worked on the elliptical.

How's everyone else been doing?

P.S. If you're interested in a "Race Packet Pick-Up" meet sometime on Friday morning (1/9/08), let me know. I've mentioned this on the fourms a couple of times, but I guess I need to start making things a little more official.

Today Was a Good Day!

First off, let me correct something I said yesterday. My blisters turned black not my feet. Sorry Rae, I just caught that! That would have been a little freaky! Mom says there's nothing to worry about, just a few blood blisters.

Ok with that out of the way, on to the good news. I FINALLY broke through my 3 month plateau. I am now at 218!!! I'm SO happy. That stupid plateau has been one of the causes of my slight depression and lack of enthusiasm for the past month. Sorry if I've been a little uncommited. But it looks like things are finally looking up.

Second, I found several races. I put up a list in the sidebar if your interested.

Now for an update:
Food was good today. I pretty much only had fruit for breakfast and lunch, but for dinner I made some homemade cajun gumbo. Very good if I do say so myself. I used lots of veggies, brown rice, lean sausage, and chicken (with lots of pepper of course) so it was pretty healthy.

I also started an new training regimen today. I warm up by walking a 1/2 mile, then jog 1/4 mi, then powerwalk 1/4 mi. I'll repeat this until I've reached my goal for the day. This way I can get more running miles in without killing myself. Today, I did 5 miles like this and felt really good afterward. I'm going to stick with this for a while.

Thanks again Deb for the vaseline tip. I used it today and worked perfectly. Feet didn't hurt at all!

See ya!
____________________
P.S. If you would like to post on my ranting blog as yourself, let me know and I will give you "author status"

Did I See Scrooge?

Mongello!

I think that I might have just seen Uncle Scrooge today. I went 8 miles in 2:07:34. Did I see him?

I made a huge mistake today. I was going for a 10 mile wog today, but I went out without my running socks. I just had on my cottons. Now I'm paying for it. I have blisters all over my feet, even on the tops of my toes! OUCH! I learned my lesson... I will always wear my running socks from now on.

Also, tonight and tomorrow is your last chance to answer this week's trivia question. I'll be posting the answer(s) and a new question around 9ish tomorrow. Don't worry, back to Disney questions!

See you guys later!

Just an Update

Mongello guys!

Things are somewhat back to normal today. Mom is home and is doing well, although she feels like crap, which is completely understandable. She has had only one "attack" before, while the rest of us were in D.C. The quacks at "King Slaughters" (Play on words - Brookhaven's hosptials name is King's Daughters - A bunch of morons work there) said that she only had a panic attack and that nothing was wrong with her gallbladder. Well they were wrong, big suprise.

Heath- I wish we did have witch doctors here in MS. I would trust them more!

Well anyway it's all over and she should be back to her old self in a couple of days.

On the training front- I only went 3 miles today. I went to the park too early (5:30 pm) and the heat and humidity really started to get to me. I was dead by mile 2 1/2, and was only able to get out another 1/2 mile.

I've been playing around with times, looks like 6:30 is about the right time.

I did 83 situps and 30 pushups and jumped rope for 15 minutes.

How's everybody else doing?

Not Exactly What I was Hoping For...

Tonight I am blogging from a hospital room. My mom had emergency gallbladder surgery today. She hasn't been feeling well the past couple of nights and this morning she finally went to the doctor. He sent her to the hospital (the sameones who just a few weeks ago said that there was nothing wrong with her gallbladder - bunch of quacks) for an ultrasound an they discovered that her gallbladder was "eat up" (to quote my dad) with gallstones. So they operated and removed it. Pretty routine but still it's surgery. Anyway, she's resting and everything seems to be going fine now. Big relief.

Through all of that, I was able to do 6 miles today since the Hospital is right across the street from the park I walk at. Still no situps or pushups, but I'll do double tomorrow.

See y'all later!

You guys aren't going to believe this....
You know how in hospitals, they won't let you have cell phones. Well, because of this I left my phone in the car. When I got back to the car, I had a missed call from a strange number (00000123456) and a voice mail. Guess who the v-mail was from. That's right, Jonathan and Bryan. Yes, I missed their call AGAIN!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!! I'm so mad at myself right now!

Jonathan and Bryan- If you reading this, I am SO Sorry! Please try one more time!

Finally, It's Over!

Let me just go ahead and say it. This month SUCKED! I know it's my fault for not doing things the way I should or not training everyday or eating the wrong things, but I have to blame something, so I'm going to blame the month of June. June... you STINK!

Ok now the damage. This month I did not complete either Team Voice challenge like I thought I was. I only did 78 miles, which was not even close to the Advanced challenge like I wanted to complete and I'm pretty sure that I didn't make the middle challenge either. I did however complete the push/situp challenge at 3000 and the Juneathon, so I guess that's something.

As far as why... I really can't say. Like I said earlier, I can only blame myself. Alot of it has to do with my traveling, but that wasn't everything. My mind has been elsewhere (life,moving, school, etc.) and I just haven't been motivated like I should be. But enough excuses. Like the old saying goes, Excuses are like [insert body part here], everyone has one.

With that out of the way, I'm ready to start July off right! No more cheating and No more Skipping!

Nothing Much Here...

Hey guys. There isn't much to report on today. I'm still feeling a little under the weather. It's not that I'm sick I just feel kind of blah, you know? I don't know what it is. My leg is feeling a little better though.

I did go out for a stroll but it was only about a 1/2 mile. No situps or pushups.

Diet went ok today. I didn't keep up with points, but it was ok.

Did you guys hear that Jonathan and Bryan called me while I was away? And my phone was turned off! I was SO upset with myself! Then they put the message they left on the show. Now I really feel like a total Horse's A double S! Oh well, maybe they'll call me again. This time I'll answer.

Do you guys know of any Team Voicer's or Supporters that have blogs? I'm trying to get everyone I know of with a blog over on the "List". If I've left anyone off, tell me and I'll add the ASAP.

I heard the big Team Voice News today on the show. Sounds pretty cool! I love the "Adult Beverage" in France/Illuminations in Japan Meet idea. Can't wait. Unfortuneatly, I'll have to miss out on the Dole Whip Meet at Aloha Isle on Sunday. I'll be on a plane back home. :-(

Back from "Hotlanta"

Mongello guys! I made it back from Atlanta yesterday. The conference was pretty uneventful. Mostly the competion (I didn't place), a few workshops and seminars, and a big "shindig" (which i didn't go to)

Funny story since I'm talking about the conference: I was my local chapter's voting delegate, so anytime there was a voting meeting, I had to go. Well, I when I went to the Southern Region's Meeting, I didn't know that we had to sit together by state. I ended up sitting in the Florida section. When they found out where I was from, they would either ask me "How fast can you say Mississippi?" or they would say "I can spell that!" or "I drove through there once!". It got annoying after a while. But funny now that I look back at it. Is this what I have to look forward to when I move to Florida?

Anyway, I only did two fun things while in Atlanta. I went on the "Inside CNN" Tour and I went to the World of Coca-Cola. That was really cool and was on par to a Disney operation. I even made my touring buddies try the Beverly (you know that awful tasting drink from Italy in Club Cool). I have pictures if anyone wants to see.

As far as training was concerned... Nothing went the way I had intended it.

First of all, I went for a run on the Dreadmill (I'm not about to go for a run in downtown Atlanta) and did something to my leg. So bad that I had to call a taxi to take me places that I normally would have walked. I was limping everywhere else. Still hurts a little. If it keeps up, I'm going to go get it looked at.

Second, on the second night of the trip, we all ate at Hard Rock and I ate something that didn't quite agree with me. So I spent most of that night "sick".

And on top of that, I didn't get much sleep.

Meals weren't too bad, after the Hard Rock incident, I didn't feel like eating much and when I did, it was only a little bit.

I gave myself a clean slate today. We'll see how it goes!

On the Road... Again!

No training today. I was too busy packing and getting everything ready for my trip (more in just a second). I am going to make this month's Team Voice goal and the Juneathon, but I don't think I'm going to make the "advanced" T.V. challenge. I've just been gone for too long.

I'm heading up to Atlanta for a few days for a PBL (Business honors club) Leadership Conference. I'm competing in the Business Law competion. Hopefully I can place. It would look good if I decide to go to law school.

I killed my brand spankin' new laptop yesterday (a virus fried my hard drive - DAMN YOU HACKERS!!!), so I won't have internet access while I'm gone (unless there's a business station somewhere). I'm still going to be training and dieting while I'm gone. No family and just a few friends, so I'm not expecting much damage.

I'll see you all when I get back!

P.S.
Rae- My sister loves her frame! lol!
Chris- My race doesn't look like it's going to workout, with me saving up for school and the marathon. Hopefully, I'll find a local race to go to.

Random, Yet Cool Pictures of D.C.

We're almost done! These are just some random things that I took pictures of in D.C.

FTC Headquarters

The Old Post Office - I've been up there before. It's really cool and has one of the best views of the city

The National Archives - Just in case you didn't see National Treasure, this is where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and several other historical documents are kept.

A cool shot of the Washington Monument and the Rotunda of the Natural History Museum

The Navy Memorial

Yay! We're done with D.C.! There is only one more trip report left (from Yorktown, VA).

Rae- I got the frame today. Thank you so much!!! I love it! ....... So does my sister. She stole it from me and it's in her room now!

The National Gallery of Art

I had never really cared for art before this trip. Mostly because I had never been to an art museum before. Now I love it! I still don't like modern art though. It just doesn't make sense to me. I'm more of a fan of classic art.

He's ugly as sin, but still funny. He is in the Sculpture Garden

The Houses of Parliment, Sunset by Monet, 1903

Self-Portrait by Van Gogh, 1889

The Artist's Garden in Argenteuil

(A corner of the Garden with Dahliahs)

by Monet, 1873

This one is my favorite. I have a print hanging in my "office".

Spring by Manet, 1881

Pont Neuf, Paris by Renoir, 1872

The Approching Storm by Troyon, 1849

The Gallery's Rotunda - It reminds me of the Pantheon in Rome (another place that I would LOVE to visit someday)

The Rotunda Fountain

The Washington Monument

Again, in all of the years that I've been going to D.C., this was the first time that I had ever been inside of the Washington Monument. Here are some views of the city from above.

The Pentagon

The American History Museum and the National Gallery of Art Buildings