 |
Inside Steve's Head
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy Belated New Year
Mood:
 special
Now Playing: Kings of Leon
These weeks around the holidays are always strange. I lose track of what the heck day it is. It's nice to have a few days off but then reality hits when you go back to work for the first full work week of the year. But that's OK. Once the Christmas stuff comes down, I have spring locked and loaded in my scope. I had 4 great running days over the Christmas weekend but then picked up a cold thing and had a couple of crappy ones. FROZE my face off on New Year's Day!! Bailed on a group run this morning but will probably try to pull together an 8-miler this afternoon. I think (there I go again) I am on the rebound. All things considered, I am in GREAT running shape right now. The bike and the swim? They are different stories all together, but they too will be addressed now that January is upon us. I am thinking about a yoga class too this winter. I think about a lot, don't I?? haha. So what are the resolutions? I was thinking (go figure) long and hard about this on the way into work the other day and I came to the realization that I live my life constantly trying to find ways to better myself or make things better for those around me: and complete strangers for that matter. So that sort of makes the concept of a New Year's resolution a little moot, don't you think? So in 2009, I will continue on my journey to make things a little better around me, to spread some more good karma, and to look for and follow the signs as they present themselves to me. I have a hunch it will be a great year. Not sure why I say that ... just a hunch. And I am usually a pretty "hunchy" dude. For those of you who are using the LinkedIn network, don't forget to look for me here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensbrown CYA for now.
Posted by Steve Brown
at 9:43 AM EST
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Free Form Head Clutter
Mood:
 cheeky
Also referred to as the voices in your head. I don't think I'm crazy but you know how a million thoughts run through your head and they end up being "voices" or conversations with yourself? Well training seems to amplify this because you spend so much time alone in your own head. And I typically don't train with music or any distractions because I rather enjoy those conversations with myself. I just finished one of the best runs that I've had in a while. And I thought I would share (to the best of my memory) some of the more memorable fleeting thoughts that entertained me on today's run. - I really wish I had a tape running and I would have just thought outloud. Keep in mind, what you are abut to read is me thinking and talking to me. And sometimes, I'll respond to myself... which way should i run .... do the regular loop and add on if u feel up to it ..... let me cross let me cross .... merry christmas ....oh wow something smells good... this sucks, why do i have a piano on my back ... oh well, suck it up dummy...i'm cold - no i'm not. it will warm up... no i will warm up ....why does that guy have a ties on .... maybe he is a church guy ... maybe he is going to church ....... lady !!! where are u pulling over??? oh ok, dropping off a kid from a sleepover. she has all of the important things, cell phone, hair product and a brush .... yeah for you.... hey i feel pretty good .... need to cross the tracks .... ok that was easy....hey i really should speak at dennis mcnamara's memorial this year....these cops are good people .... how could anyone be a cop .......my knee hurts....... no it doesn't ... i never did like george thorogood ....where did that come from....running is awesome ... i am so happy i can feel this good ...... shut up, ur talking too much.... WOW where did that girl just come from ? (sidestreet) she is FLYING... i can't sit still for that .... well u can't catch her either hahaha. ..... i can if i cut up that street..... but no then she'll catch me again..... oh well, what can i do (break into beatles song "baby's in black and i'm feeling blue tell me oh what can i do ...) hey wait she is wearing black...where the hell did she go ??...later figment....hey jennifer had an old boyfriend who lived up that street .... his mom was goofy .....his mom was nuts .....where is that music coming ..... (horn honk) oh hey how are ya? who was that? ... no clue......let's run up to the next light.... screw you, let's not and say we did .....ok we will ..... i hate this hill ...... hey this hill feels great .... i love this hill ..... Merry Christmas
Posted by Steve Brown
at 2:09 PM EST
Updated: Thursday, December 25, 2008 3:24 PM EST
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas family, friends, and people who are complete strangers to me. haha. We had a good Chrstmas Eve and will have a nice dinner tonight. Being off from work for a few days with no hard core "to-dos" hanging over my head will be nice. I'll get in some great running. I actually went to bed feeling a little down but woke up very happy and on top of the world. It's hard not to think about my dad at Christmas. My daughter Danielle gave me a card that basically said thank you for all of the years of playing santa and the many years of memories and surprises. Well, needless to say, I almost lost it. The card will live forever in a special place somewhere and will long outlast the really cool Temple University polo shirt that came with the card. I think that will be my new gift protocol from my kids. No gifts. Just find the perfect card or write something from the heart that I can lock away in a treasure box to revisit for yours to come. That's what really matters. When I sit here banging away on my laptop, with a hot cup of coffee, dogs at my feet, roof over my head, plenty of food in the next room, and a great family, I realize that I really do have everything that i could possibly want in this world. If I had to start over and re-script my life, I wouldn't change much.
Posted by Steve Brown
at 7:54 AM EST
Updated: Thursday, December 25, 2008 8:11 AM EST
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Lance Was Right...
By Steve Remissionman Brown Lance was right on when he said "It's not about the bike". It's not about the bike as physical matter, or cycling as an activity, profession, or way of life. But what is it about? Is it about family? Is it about maintaining a sense of self love while focusing on selfless acts to others? Is it about health? Is it about kindness? Is it about humility? Is it about perseverance and triumph? When a homeless person asks you for change, what do you do? Do you walk away? Do you toss him some change? Or do you walk around the corner with him and buy him the first real breakfast he may have had in years? Or are you so moved by what you see that you make life altering decisions to help make a difference in the world by leveraging your passions and using them as super hero powers to right the wrong in the world: or in the City of Philadelphia, as Anne Mahlum has done with her organization "Back on My Feet" which gets Philly's homeless on their feet and running for a better life. Anne gets it. A lot of multisport athletes in our region "get it". I think by nature, most do in fact. They understand that their race times are really irrelevant in the big picture and what matters most is finding ways to make our sport better from the humanitarian side of things. How can we use our sport to make things better in the universe? It's not necessarily about how much faster a race director can design a bike course, it's about how a race director can design an event that in and of itself will create a fostering and empowering environment for athletes of all walks of life to have a challenging yet positive experience. An event that can change a person’s life. But at the same time, you want the mission statement of the race director to spread virally to all of the athletes so that they can turn around and use their tools, passions, and skills, to also make a difference. It trickles down and everyone plays a part. It sounds like I just described organizations like the Columbia Triathlon Association, Richmond Multisport, or the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon team. They all get it. As do many others. Like Midge and Tim Kerr. For decades Tim Kerr has used his Avalon New Jersey road race as a major charitable event which the city and athletes have embraced and are proud to be a part of. In recent years Midge's multisport events such as the Avalon Islandman, and her Youth Multisport Series have taken hold and are garnishing the same success. The Kerrs get it…. All seven of them. Is it about spreading good karma, just because? Is it about all of the above and volumes more? Yep. But how does one attempt to be all and do all of that? Is it active or a passive? Does one need to make a conscious decision to engage to do and be all of those things that matter? Or does it just happen? Is there one common denominator that, if possessed, will allow someone to not only understand what it's all about, but actually live and BE what it's all about? The short answer is yes – there is a common denominator that sets people apart. A common thread that people who "get it" have; or actually lack. It is sometimes a learned trait developed over time but a person can be born with it as well. If you have it, you can usually spot it in others in a matter of minutes. The common thread that identifies and unites these people to focus on the right things and inherently just "do what's right" is the fact that when faced with a choice or when faced with a situation forcing them to react or respond, these folks fail to ask W.I.I.F.M. (I'll explain later) Be great out there but be humble. You can be an excellent role model by never asking the question W.I.I.F.M. and by asking the questions, "What's the right thing to do"? and "How can I help"? Race and train with that mindset, live your life with that mission and the good will come back to you in triplicate and you will make a difference in the lives of many people just by "being". And oh yeah – "W.I.I.F.M." simply means "What's in it for me"? If that question is NOT in your vocabulary, you will flourish. Happy Holidays to all and safe training !
Posted by Steve Brown
at 5:06 AM EST
Updated: Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:23 PM EST
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Where the Heck is December Going?
Man this month is really getting away from me. Time just keeps on ticking. (Steve Miller right?) This is typically an energy charged time of year for me because I am training just enough to keep me sane and happy. But with no pressure. It's also the time of year that I start looking at all of the cool races that I want to do next year. And I usually have very wide eyes and a big appetite. I have an idea of what I want to do in 2009 but there are still some questions to answer and variables to consider. The year will of course include a marathon, and possibly two ironman triathlon races, (Montreal and Maryland). I will also hopefully race in the Duathlon Nationals in Richmond and speak at the USA Triathlon regional board meeting that weekend. I am also speaking at the NJ Shore Marathon dinner that my wife and I are doing in May with TEAM IN TRAINING. I've been reading more and more about a certain event that has captured my attention. I have mentioned this before and the thought went away for a while, but it's back. The event is a double ironman held in Virginia in October. I know it sounds nuts but ..... in reading the race reports and in talking to a few athletes who have done the race, it seems POSSIBLE. And if it's POSSIBLE, I'm a little interested. I think people that race ironman reach a point in their racing careers where they need to make a choice. They need more of something. They need to either race faster, race more frequently, or race longer. Racing ironman more frequently can be a costly undertaking so I'm a little leary of that one. Although if someone would comp me a few more events, I would surely do it. Racing faster in 2009 will be one of my primary goals. However, the plan for 2010 just may be that double ironman. I am having a hard time wrapping my head around a race consisting of a 4.8 mile swim, 224 mile bike, and a double marathon - 52 mile run. But that's the same reason that I am interested. Interested in exploring it anyway. That would really be the quintessential triathlon brass ring right? (yeah right). More on this subject later .... I need food now :)
Posted by Steve Brown
at 12:22 PM EST
Updated: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 12:46 PM EST
Friday, December 5, 2008
Lost?
Well I have no idea how I did that but I just blew away a few blog entries. Sorry about that. I was attempting to update a post from 11/20 and ...... poof. Gone. Here is a link to a recent article done with Kevin Patrick of Endurance Planet http://www.enduranceplanet.com/public/186.cfm Also, the third book - "50 FIT TIPS" has been released. This one as well as the others can all be purchased here: http://stores.lulu.com/irontoe "My New Race" and "The Inner Triathlete" are also available at Amazon.com and other retailers. "50 FIT TIPS" will be released to the retail world in about 6 weeks. Training is going well. It's a nice time of year because training is relatively low key and I LOVE cold weather running anyway so I am really in my element. I had a high school reunion last weekend. I had a good time and ended up hanging out with grade school friends that I had not seen in a very long time. I also connected with a few others via email and it's been great catching up with some good people that I haven't talked to in decades. Check out a few of these guys when you get a chance: www.curtisjsmith.com and www.briangast.com I've known Brian since kindergarten and Curt since first grade. Both have gone on to do some amazing stuff and I am proud to call them friends. Yes, I am nursing a goblet of Vitamin M - the juice of juices ..... MERLOT. Time to fly for now. But I'll be back when I have something interesting to say. Peace
Posted by Steve Brown
at 9:45 PM EST
Updated: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:49 PM EST
Sunday, November 2, 2008
I Drink Good Coffee
Morning gang. There is lots going on and plenty of good energy abuzz. First of all how about our Phillies? This season was really special to me. I know I have talked about having lost my father and what a fan he was. But I also felt like a 16 year old kid baseball player during these playoff games. It was strange...I was really into it and found myself wanting to go out and play. I will be blasting out a fundraising email link this week with the details on the marathon MG and I are going to do in the spring with TEAM IN TRAINING. I'm looking forward to this entire experience and can't wait to get moving. Also, my third book, entitled "50 FIT TIPS" is nearing completion. This one is a small pocked sized thing with tips, suggestions, and motivational suggestions on working out in general and just being in better shape for the health benefits. It should be ready in a week or so and hope to make a push for the Holidays. It will make a nice fun gift and will be available through my publisher Lulu as well as retailers. MSRP $14.99. (I think). One more thing. I want you to keep an eye on my friend Tom. He was diagnosed with leukemia over a year ago and reached out to me at that time. He knew of me only through my story and book and looked me up and we exchanged some good info over the past year. He has had a rough time of it and is now starting to regain some good strength and momentum. His wife Lisa has done a terrific job keeping up a BLOG of Tom's status and progress. Check it out http://lisa5369.blogspot.com/ Enjoy your Sunday and I'll catch up to you soon! And by the way, the title of this post comes from the Colin Hay song. Google it. Colin was the former front man for the 80s band Men at Work. ssb
Posted by Steve Brown
at 7:35 AM EDT
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Back to Basics and Loving Life
I guess it's safe to say that I love life even when I am not back to basics but I do have a point here. Now that my significant races are done for the year, and my knee is back to 100%, I am enjoying working out just for the pure fun of it. I am logging some decent running miles and spending time back in the weight room again. It feels good to just do your thing without worrying about what your training should be. No doubt I will pick up another race or three over the winter months but no pressure. The one thing that I have decided to do is run the NJ Shore marathon in early May with TEAM IN TRAINING. I am a TNT tri coach, and a leukemia survivor, so it's time I did an event with TNT as a participant. It will be nice getting in marathon shape so early in the year. That should really jump start my triathlon season in '09. This will be marathon number .... 16 for me. Sweet 16. The cool thing is that MG is also going to do the event with TNT. That whole concept is pretty moving for me. MG has been at all of my bigger finish lines, and sat through every chemo treatment and Dr. visit with me. And now we'll do an event together for the cause. That just flat out rocks. Well I better go take a nap so I can stay awake for another Phillies World Series win. This season has been special because my dad was such a big Phillies follower. I can't help but think of him when I watch them. I should take a rado to his memorial bench and listen to one of these last games with him. Good idea, me. Talk at ya soon.
Posted by Steve Brown
at 5:31 PM EDT
Monday, October 6, 2008
Blood Work Today
Had my periodic blood work check up today. Everything was spot on perfect. (Not surprised) I don't need to be seen again for another 6 months! This will be my longest stretch between visits thus far. That's great stuff. All is groovy.
Posted by Steve Brown
at 7:10 PM EDT
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
ChesapeakeMan Ultra Tri Race Report
ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon 2.4 mile swim/112 mile bike/26.2 mile run September 27th, 2008
Well, the ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon is in the books. It was yet another memorable day, as ironman always is. I have recapped a few of the highlights and lowlights for your reading pleasure. Race day was Saturday, September 27. I was once again fortunate enough to be able to “borrow” the home of a friend, fellow Team in Training coach and athlete for race weekend. Her house is gorgeous and sits right on the bike course. I cruised down to the Cambridge Maryland area on Thursday to help out race director Rob Vigorito and crew with registration. I can’t say enough positive things about Vigorito or the Columbia Triathlon Association. They are a stand up organization who are into this sport for all of the right reasons. I did my thing at registration, meeting some old and new friends along the way. Then pigged out at the pasta dinner at the Hyatt Resort in Cambridge. After a cold beer with my buddy Kevin Kunkel (3rd place overall – great job Kev) from Reston Virginia, I made my way back to my borrowed house. There in the driveway, about 50 yards from the house was a downed tree which blocked my way. I was forced to leave my car at that point and truck my gear through the fallen tree and up to the house. It was also pitch dark at that point so that made for an interesting little journey. Perhaps that was the first “event” of the weekend, but I did get through the jungle crawl with no problems. I made it to the front porch and stopped dead in my tracks and I stared at a bobcat – yes BOBCAT, who stared back at me and looked a little annoyed that I was on his turf. Wait, HIS turf ?? Jude is my friend, I was allowed to stay this weekend. Who was this dude and what was he doing on the porch? Fortunately, I didn’t have to answer any of those questions because my little buddy ran off into the woods. (I hope that’s where he ran). So, I passed the second event of the weekend which we’ll just call “Where the Wild Things Are”, and went to bed for the night. Friday morning I jumped out of bed and searched the garage for something that I could use to disassemble that fallen tree. I found a nice sized bow saw and went to work. I guess that was my next weekend event and a nice pre race warm up. Friday was full of more registration help, gear bag packing, prerace meeting, and meeting up with a number of friends and general miscellaneous “what can I do with myself now to take the edge off” activity. Around dinner time, my wife MG, daughter Jennifer, and her boyfriend John made it to town and we ate at our favorite pre race place for grub, The Palace. My family is the ultimate support crew. They come out to every ironman event and spend the entire day volunteering and supporting my crazy passion. They love the people and camaraderie as much as I do and really enjoy being there. Then it was time to check and recheck a few dozen things – a few dozen times, then off to bed. It took me about 30 minutes to make a decision on what time I should set my alarm for. The ultimate decision was 4:30 AM, but that didn’t really matter because my buddy Kenny Modica decided to send me a text message me at 3 AM to wish me good luck. Thanks Ken. Race morning had me up at 4:30 AM – no wait – 3 AM, that’s right. (Thanks again Kenny) But I faded in and out again until 4:30 and then threw down two cans of Ensure and a Cliff Bar and made my way to the start of the race. The plan was my family would grab a few more winks and meet me at the start. The weather forecast for the weekend was not good. A threatening tropical storm was making its way up the coast and in preparation, race director Rob Vigorito reconfigured the swim course to consist of two loops in a safer, more contained area of the river. It proved to be a good move. Shortly after the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, the rains came and stuck with us for the better part of the day.  The swim was relatively uneventful. I got wet. And stung by a few sea nettles. And felt like I was dragging an anchor in the water (and on the run), but that was simply because my training had really suffered since I had knee surgery in July. I felt good, and the knee is fine, but I just wasn’t able to get in enough work leading up to the race. At the same time, I knew I had enough in the tank and a strong enough base to get to the finish line. And that was the only real goal.
Upon finally existing the water, I wobbled up the boat ramp, kissing and high-fiving family along the way and ran into the T1 tent. The swim to bike transition was swift and I hopped on my bike and headed out for the first loop of 65 miles. It rained for most of the bike ride, but that actually seemed to help me on the first 65 mile loop. The rains kept the sun away and kept us cool. And initially, it wasn’t a hard driving rain, but manageable showers. I felt great on the first loop – which makes sense since the bike was virtually the only thing that I sufficiently trained for. I cruised into special needs and grabbed my bag and again had the chance to check in with the family. I don’t remember but I think I drank an Ensure and then headed back out for the second, shorter (47 mile) loop.  I was feeling good at that point and expected a good second loop. Bad assumption. Driving wind and harder rain picked up for the rest of that loop. It made for a challenging ride but then again, it is ironman. If it were supposed to be easy, it would be called …. Golf or something. A couple of washed out roads added a new discipline to the race which I am calling “Cycle surfing”. And a flat tire added to the fun. BUT, I managed and made it back to transition to head out for the run.
The Chessyman run is interesting. It’s a 3 loop course which is great for seeing family, friends, and competitors. But, if your legs are spent, it can be demoralizing knowing that you have to repeat those same loops three times. The best part about the multi loop set up is that each time, we are able to run towards the high school and see family. My daughter Jennifer picked me up with each loop and ran the small jug handle with me while my wife shot some video. I used those 2 or 3 minutes with Jennifer as an opportunity to catch up and fill her in on my status. I remember at one point telling her that I felt nauseas but at the same time, craved a cheeseburger. Which really does make sense if you have ever been out there. It translates to “gels and Gatorade is making me want to yak, and I need a burger”. In the dark of night, (and in the teeming rain), I concluded my final loop and headed in to the high school track to finish my day. As I entered the stadium I heard the voice of race director Rob Vigorito announcing the arrival of “Remissionman”. And with that, Jennifer ran to greet me and we crossed the finish line together. It was my 10th career ironman finish and my 5th Chessyman. Although somewhere around that second run loop, I began to question my sanity and wondered why I do what I do, by the time I crossed the tape, I knew I was coming back next year. It was another great day and great experience. Thanks to Vigo, his crew, and my family for allowing dreams to come true. This race was far from my best effort. But, the knee held up and I got it done. And all in all, it was a great time. A few post scripts . ps1 – Our younger daughter Danielle is a freshman at Temple. She wanted to be there but we urged her to do the college thing and go to homecoming weekend. That was a mistake as she was missed and homecoming was sort of a bust. We made sure we called her throughout the day to keep her dialed in to my progress. Danielle will be there next year. ps2 – Tim Durning – You are the man. I was so impressed by your support and encouragement. I can’t thank you enough. “More Stones”. ps3- George Alteri and Fred Sommer – It’s always a pleasure and an honor to hang out with you guys. Thanks for all you both do for the sport. Fred, I can’t believe you still have the IRONTOE rock from the original GFT TRIBE rock garden. ps4 – Wendy – It was great to finally meet you and your awesome husband. Sorry if I spooked you on the run. ps5 – Jeff Candyman Gura – You are my ironman brother of 8 years. It was great to see you and hang out at yet another race. ps6 – There is no doubt that I missed something or someone and for that I apologize. Thanks to everyone for a great weekend. My family rocks. 
Steve “irontoe” “remissionman” Brow, with Jennifer
Posted by Steve Brown
at 6:52 PM EDT
Updated: Sunday, October 5, 2008 8:37 AM EDT
Newer | Latest | Older
|
| « |
January 2009 |
» |
 |
| S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
|
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
| 4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
| 11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
| 18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
| 25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
|
