Ah, To Get a New Jersey...Just Stay Away From the Turnpike

Getting back into the fitness realm after a big event, and a good-sized break, can be a trying exercise in and of itself. But cross training is the key. Do something that is far away from what you were training for. If it was swimming, go run. If it was running, go swim. Go play soccer, basketball, softball, dodgeball - anything!

After thoroughly burning myself out last year around this time, I've been very careful not to let myself get crazy and go straight back into the training regimen I had before the Coolangatta Gold. But, well....I don't really know how to go at things in moderation; kind of an all-or-nothing type of person. So, after two-plus weeks off from anything resembling formal training, I decided to jump back in with two feet....both legs....torsoe...arms and head. A couple of Saturdays ago I decided to take a trip up to I. Martin Imports to see my friend Jaime (hi-may) - on my Bicycle!

I had chatted with Jaime previously about coming up to the shop. Jaime had helped my sister get fitted on her bike before her triathlon debut last month, and had given me some pointers on my riding technique, and I wanted to give him and the shop a bit of a shout out. I asked him if he had a jersey, or t-shirt, with i. martin blasted on it that I could sport while riding.

It's about a 25mile trip, one way, up to I. Martin in Beverly Hills, so I should have started early in the day. Nawp. A little sleep-in, some Watermans on the face, and I was out the door at around 1pm. A couple hours later and I was there. If you haven't had the opportunity, and you have any inclination to 2-wheeled adventures, I highly recommend a trip up (I also recommend a car, Figueroa gets pretty hectic). A treasure trove of wheeled-glory, 3-and-a-half rooms of any kind of bike you want or need. And, once in a while you see some recognizable people.

There was a movie...they made a couple of them...about these guys on boats....they dressed kinda funny....ummm...pirates?...Yeah, Pirates of the Caribbean! That's it! Mr. Orlando Bloom stopped by to pick-up a full suspension mountain bike to make use of the Santa Monica Mountain trails.

It was an interesting break in the day, but I was losing daylight and needed to bite the bullet and head back out. I picked up some nutrition and supplements, and looked for a jersey. Jaime pointed me to the back wall and told me to try one on (cycling gear is sized for little euro-guys, so you can't buy stuff without trying it on based on size). I threw the Sunkist Orange long-sleeved jersey on. Zipped it up. Wiggled around. Arms over the head. A few shadow-box punches. Yeah, it fit alright.

Then I heard a fantastic thing. "The jersey's yours, don't worry about it". A sponsor? A Sponsored rider? Me? EPIC!!! (I guess that means I have to start getting more rides in).

I rode home floating - elated from the experience - with only one hiccup along the way - La Brea Blvd. If you've never driven over the hill on La Brea, as it goes along side Kenneth Hahn Park, then you know what I'm talking about - there were no big gears used on this climb. But, after a 10minute ascent, it was 37mph descent on the other side. Its fun when you keep pace with, or pass, cars in traffic.

A 50mile round trip and I was back home. Just a nice little Saturday to break it back in. I was rooted on Sunday. Maybe next week I'll do a ROOT Ride.

For the Swimming Community

I graduated from Arizona State University in 2006 with a BA degree in Sociology and Education. My unofficial program of study, however, was swimming. As a member of the ASU Men's Swimming and Diving Team I endured countless hours of torture and pain - regularly receiving beatings from my teammates. However, these experiences of pain and suffering culminated in personal best performances in and out of the pool. I am a Sun Devil, and always will be. It is part of who I am.

So it goes without saying that when the ASU Athletic Director, Lisa Love, and the Athletic Department (ICA), announced that the Men's Swimming Team would be cut (without warning), I felt as though my heart had been ripped from my chest and beat upon with a bat by a guy named Guido.

But the Team would not be done away with so easily.

A foundation was started, and through continuous fundraising and educational efforts, the team was reinstated. However, funds still need to be raised to maintain OUR reinstatement.

On November 22nd at the Scottsdale Plaza Hotel, the Sun Devil Swimming Association will host the First Annual ASU Swimming Gala Dinner. The event will feature key note speaker Jason Lezak, and other prominent swimming personalities.

Please go to http://www.saveasuswimming.com/ for More information