This weekend, those of us in Chicago were given a nice surprise: temperatures in the 30s and40s. For a brief moment we were treated to temperatures above the freezing point. After a long unwanted stay, the ice and snow were forced to relent. It gave us a glimpse into what Spring and Summer could bring once again.
It's amazing how things that were once mundane and taken for granted suddenly transform into being fresh and appreciated after a long absence. I mean after having to endure a temperature of -15 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 degrees Fahrenheit really doesn't feel so bad. So 40 degrees Fahrenheit felt awesome. I suppose this is what people mean by relativity. I guess going through the worst of extremes makes you realize how well you had it in the first place.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, December 12, 2008
Coach Tiller
It was a cold Thursday in Chicago. Cowboy Joe was standing on the grass of Soldier Field taking a picture for the press. He was smiling and a flanked by his two greatest proteges, Drew Brees and Kyle Orton. Joe Tiller had made a postseason stop in Chicago to watch his two star pupils go head to head as NFL starting quarterbacks. He was just stopping by before he rode off into the Montana sunset.
Coach Tiller had just completed his final season as Purdue's football coach after 12 seasons. This last season had been a disappointing losing season, but Tiller went out a winner in his last game with a smashing victory over intrastate rival Indiana.
It's hard to fully appreciate the impact that coach Tiller had upon Purdue and the Big Ten. He came to a Purdue program in 1997 that had been a losing program for 13 years. He completely changed Purdue's offense from a running based attack to his fabled "basketball on grass" spread assault. This offensive makeover was seen by other coaches in the Big Ten as ridiculous. The Big Ten played in harsh weather conditions and most teams followed the "three yards and a cloud of dust" mold popularized by Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler. The coaches thought Joe was crazy and that the spread would never work.
The other coaches look silly now. Boy were they wrong about Joe and his offense. After falling flat against MAC school Toledo in his first game, Purdue came out and beat out traditional power Notre Dame (Purdue had been ND's punching bag for many years) in a program changing victory. They went on in that first year to post a winning record of 8-4 and then win the Alamo Bowl. It was the first bowl game for Purdue in 13 years.
Joe furthered his success in the next few years. With little known, undersized Drew Brees as his quarterback, Tiller coached the Boilermakers to more winning seasons making the Alamo and Outback bowls. However, his crowning accomplishment came in 2000. That year Purdue beat Big Ten powers, Ohio State and Michigan, going on to become Big Ten co-champions and earning a berth to the prestigious Rose Bowl. Brees also did well that year. He was a Heisman finalist and won the Maxwell Award as Football's most outstanding player.
When Brees graduated, Tiller made tall, rocket armed Kyle Orton his quarterback. With Orton, Purdue continued to have winning seasons. They went to the Sun Bowl multiple times as well as the CapitalOne Bowl. However, they suffered a heart breaking, program changing loss against Wisconsin in 2004.
The next few years would be tough for Coach Tiller. Without a superb quarterback to lead his attack, he suffered 2 losing seasons in 4 years. He also had problems keeping players under control as many legal troubles and attitude issues ate away at his team. It was clearly the decline of his success with Purdue Football. As the pressure on him mounted, Joe agreed 2008 would be his last season before retirement. He then picked former assistant, Danny Hope, to succeed him and serve as his apprentice during the 2008 season.
Tiller left the Big Ten having opened some eyes. He had made Purdue a respectable Football team that was accustomed to winning and bowl games. In 4 seasons, he took Purdue from Big Ten cellar dweller to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl berth. Also in 2008, it was noted that the stodgy Big Ten had changed a lot too. 8 teams of 11 (including powers Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State) now ran some form of the wide open spread offense. He was now known as an offensive innovator within the Big Ten conference.
As coach Tiller eases into fly fishing and retirement, I give my sincere thanks. He practically made something out of nothing with Purdue Football. He also coached many players who would go on to NFL success. Cowboy Joe will always be known as a good and beloved coach to his players and fans.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Picture Perfect
It's funny to note how people react when you tell them their picture will be taken. They usually get nervous and self conscious. The reactions span from people putting on serious faces, taking off glasses, primping and preening their hair beforehand, and even displaying real live action poses haha. Many people ask to see the picture and want another one if they feel it doesn't put their best foot forward. In a way it shows how many people are very self conscious (we all are to an extent). It also shows how we are often our own worst critics (it's not as bad as you think, really). However, the importance we put on pictures also belies the fact that in our society, perception is very key when it comes to making a favorable impression on others.
When I had my picture taken today, I am sure it wasn't ideal. However, I never think of it being that big of a deal anymore. I know that if I flash my smile, it will be good enough to represent me.
When I had my picture taken today, I am sure it wasn't ideal. However, I never think of it being that big of a deal anymore. I know that if I flash my smile, it will be good enough to represent me.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tough as Nails: David Goggins
A few weeks back I received the latest issue of "Runner's World" in the mail. The most interesting feature of the magazine was a section entitled "Running Heroes." The section consisted of one page write ups for various running figures like distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie and Olympic sprint phenom Usain "Lightning" Bolt. Among these heroes was a person I had never heard of before. His name was David Goggins.
David Goggins is a US Navy SEAL. After experiencing the loss of a few friends in missions gone awry in Afghanistan, he decided to dedicate part of his life to raising money for the children of his fallen comrades. A highly motivated individual, David googled the "10 hardest things to do in the world" and decided he wanted to complete the Badwater ultramarathon for himself and for his charity cause.
There were a few kickers about this situation. First of all, the Badwater ultra is known as one of the toughest endurance events in the world. It's a 135 mile race held in the July heat that begins in Death Valley, California and rises in elevation up to the portal of Mount Whitney. Secondly, although David Goggins is a Navy SEAL, he had never ran a marathon, let alone an ultramarathon.
David asked the race director to let him enter the race. The director told him he needed ultramarathon experience first. So David looked quickly for his first ultramarathon race. He soon entered the San Diego 24 hour 100 miler. Despite breaking metatarsal bones in both feet and suffering kidney failure (he urinated blood), David managed to finish the 100 mile race in about 19 hours. Ten days later, he amazingly ran the Las Vegas marathon in 3:08. His career as an endurance athlete and philanthropist had begun.
David went on to place well in many races including the vaunted Badwater ultra. He even placed second in the 2006 Ultraman Championships, a double ironman race held over the course of a few days. All the while, David has raised around $200,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which provides college scholarships to the children of fallen special operatives.
A few things are evident from reading David's story and website. First of all, David is obviously extraordinary in his ability to endure and tolerate pain. He is motivated by discovering how far he can push his limits. To me, he is definitely one of the most inspiring individuals because of his toughness and his commitment to his cause.
If you would like to read more about David, check out these links:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/content/content.jsp?contentId=content3808
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-408--12944-0,00.html
http://the100mileman.com/davidgoggins/
Here's a link to David's charity cause, Special Operations Warrior Foundation:
http://www.specialops.org/
David Goggins is a US Navy SEAL. After experiencing the loss of a few friends in missions gone awry in Afghanistan, he decided to dedicate part of his life to raising money for the children of his fallen comrades. A highly motivated individual, David googled the "10 hardest things to do in the world" and decided he wanted to complete the Badwater ultramarathon for himself and for his charity cause.
There were a few kickers about this situation. First of all, the Badwater ultra is known as one of the toughest endurance events in the world. It's a 135 mile race held in the July heat that begins in Death Valley, California and rises in elevation up to the portal of Mount Whitney. Secondly, although David Goggins is a Navy SEAL, he had never ran a marathon, let alone an ultramarathon.
David asked the race director to let him enter the race. The director told him he needed ultramarathon experience first. So David looked quickly for his first ultramarathon race. He soon entered the San Diego 24 hour 100 miler. Despite breaking metatarsal bones in both feet and suffering kidney failure (he urinated blood), David managed to finish the 100 mile race in about 19 hours. Ten days later, he amazingly ran the Las Vegas marathon in 3:08. His career as an endurance athlete and philanthropist had begun.
David went on to place well in many races including the vaunted Badwater ultra. He even placed second in the 2006 Ultraman Championships, a double ironman race held over the course of a few days. All the while, David has raised around $200,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation which provides college scholarships to the children of fallen special operatives.
A few things are evident from reading David's story and website. First of all, David is obviously extraordinary in his ability to endure and tolerate pain. He is motivated by discovering how far he can push his limits. To me, he is definitely one of the most inspiring individuals because of his toughness and his commitment to his cause.
If you would like to read more about David, check out these links:
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/content/content.jsp?contentId=content3808
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-408--12944-0,00.html
http://the100mileman.com/davidgoggins/
Here's a link to David's charity cause, Special Operations Warrior Foundation:
http://www.specialops.org/
Monday, October 13, 2008
Chicago Marathon 2008
After a disastrous outing last October, I ran the Chicago Marathon again.
This year we were hoping for better conditions compared to the oppressive heatwave and humidity of last year. However, the race day temperature was still high since it pushed up into the 80s.
Luckily, the race organizers learned much from last year and decided to take extra precautions. For example, they increased the number of water stations from 15 to 20. This helped out a lot for dealing with the heat.
I also was smarter this year. Last year we didn't stick with a consistent pace and ended up burning out early. So this year my plan was to hang around the 4 hour 30 minute pacers. I ran with a friend from my training group and tried to stay steadily ahead or with the pacers.
My plan worked out well. Through most of the race we were a minute or two ahead of 4:30 pace. It wasn't until mile 20 or 21 that my friend had to slow down. A little bit after that I started to slow and saw some of the pacers pass me. This immediately inspired me to catch up with them. I tucked behind the pacers for most of the last 6 miles knowing if I stayed with them I would beat my goal. They only built a slight lead on me as I hit the last 2 or 1.5 miles of the race. However, I knew at that point if I could keep them in sight and run this out, I would best 4:30.
The last 2 miles were particularly brutal. I concentrated by looking at my shadow in front of me and imagining that I was keeping the shadow man running. All around me I heard people calling my name and cheering me on (I had a good marathon shirt with my name on it this year), but all I could focus on was finishing out a distance that is usually a routine run. Eventually, I turned on to Roosevelt and felt like I was running in concrete due to the slight incline. Finally I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line. That's all I needed to see. I ran out the last stretch.
I looked down at my watch and saw I finished shortly after 4:29. I had beaten 4:30, I was happy with that performance.
I want to thank all those who came to watch me on the course. I would also like to thank those who wished me well and tracked me at home. Finally I would like to thank my training group leaders and teammates. Your support means a lot to me. I couldn't accomplish this without you guys.
Thanks.
This year we were hoping for better conditions compared to the oppressive heatwave and humidity of last year. However, the race day temperature was still high since it pushed up into the 80s.
Luckily, the race organizers learned much from last year and decided to take extra precautions. For example, they increased the number of water stations from 15 to 20. This helped out a lot for dealing with the heat.
I also was smarter this year. Last year we didn't stick with a consistent pace and ended up burning out early. So this year my plan was to hang around the 4 hour 30 minute pacers. I ran with a friend from my training group and tried to stay steadily ahead or with the pacers.
My plan worked out well. Through most of the race we were a minute or two ahead of 4:30 pace. It wasn't until mile 20 or 21 that my friend had to slow down. A little bit after that I started to slow and saw some of the pacers pass me. This immediately inspired me to catch up with them. I tucked behind the pacers for most of the last 6 miles knowing if I stayed with them I would beat my goal. They only built a slight lead on me as I hit the last 2 or 1.5 miles of the race. However, I knew at that point if I could keep them in sight and run this out, I would best 4:30.
The last 2 miles were particularly brutal. I concentrated by looking at my shadow in front of me and imagining that I was keeping the shadow man running. All around me I heard people calling my name and cheering me on (I had a good marathon shirt with my name on it this year), but all I could focus on was finishing out a distance that is usually a routine run. Eventually, I turned on to Roosevelt and felt like I was running in concrete due to the slight incline. Finally I rounded the last corner and saw the finish line. That's all I needed to see. I ran out the last stretch.
I looked down at my watch and saw I finished shortly after 4:29. I had beaten 4:30, I was happy with that performance.
I want to thank all those who came to watch me on the course. I would also like to thank those who wished me well and tracked me at home. Finally I would like to thank my training group leaders and teammates. Your support means a lot to me. I couldn't accomplish this without you guys.
Thanks.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Pretty Little Hype Machine
In this day of multiple 24 hour news channels and 6 hour Super Bowl previews, one thing becomes clear to me. We live in an age where we are constantly bombarded by the modern day equivalent of "Barnum and Bailey." The media would have you believe that the hype and hoopla that surrounds an event is greater than the event itself. They try to create an environment where the slightest downturn is transformed into the deepest despair and pessimism. Meanwhile a solidly good thing is dressed up into being the greatest phenomenon since Jesus.
They like to create this roller coaster among the masses because the drama and sensationalism sells while gathering tons of viewers. This wild ride is further exacerbated due to the fact that the media holds great creditability as an official, accepted, and convenient authority about happenings in our world.
In my experience, I have found most of the jokers in the media to be pretty clueless when it comes to interpreting events or forecasting the future. In my mind, they live to stroke the flames of the herd mentality.
There is no better place to look in regards to this than the fortunes of the stock market. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, technology stocks were all the rage. Analysts, commentators, and hot shot fund managers told everyone that tech stocks were the only ones to own. They projected recent annual 50 percent returns well past 10 years into the future. Jim Cramer was telling everyone that the tried and true stock principles of Benjamin Graham were dead and that tech stocks were the only ones worth owning. It suddenly became fashionable to load up on fast rising stocks of companies that didn't have profitability or a good business case. The public eagerly bought in, not wanting to miss the tremendous gains. The bubble grew and grew with many people never expecting it to end. Then all the sudden, it popped. Leaving in its wake a vast destruction of wealth.
Today, we are faced with a similar situation. The housing bubble recently burst and suddenly everyone was calling in their debts. The chain reaction shut down respected brokerages like Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. It threatened to topple giant companies like Citibank and still is a concern for the big three US automobile manufacturers. The entire market tumbled and everyone went into a panic. People were selling like crazy and were dumbfounded by their losses. Pessimism set in.
In reality, I don't believe the situation to be as bad as people or the media make it out to be. If you think things today are dire then think back to 1930s. The world was going through a Great Depression where people drifted through the countryside exchanging a day's work just for food. We haven't reached that point.
Also you must look back in history to when market crashes occurred. Eventually the market rose again to prosperity. In time people once again believed the hot streak would continue forever. It's not as though these things haven't happened before. They appear to be somewhat cyclical.
You must think for yourself and not be carried away by the torrent of hype that others have sold you. Despite the cries of panic and despair, there is another perspective to adopt in regards to this situation. It is the viewpoint of optimism. The attitude that despite all of the bad things that happen, there is always an opportunity to be had. This opportunity is that market securities are now trading at a discount and will most likely ride high again. Much as they did after the Great Depression.
In the end, remember what Public Enemy said, "Don't Believe the Hype."
They like to create this roller coaster among the masses because the drama and sensationalism sells while gathering tons of viewers. This wild ride is further exacerbated due to the fact that the media holds great creditability as an official, accepted, and convenient authority about happenings in our world.
In my experience, I have found most of the jokers in the media to be pretty clueless when it comes to interpreting events or forecasting the future. In my mind, they live to stroke the flames of the herd mentality.
There is no better place to look in regards to this than the fortunes of the stock market. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, technology stocks were all the rage. Analysts, commentators, and hot shot fund managers told everyone that tech stocks were the only ones to own. They projected recent annual 50 percent returns well past 10 years into the future. Jim Cramer was telling everyone that the tried and true stock principles of Benjamin Graham were dead and that tech stocks were the only ones worth owning. It suddenly became fashionable to load up on fast rising stocks of companies that didn't have profitability or a good business case. The public eagerly bought in, not wanting to miss the tremendous gains. The bubble grew and grew with many people never expecting it to end. Then all the sudden, it popped. Leaving in its wake a vast destruction of wealth.
Today, we are faced with a similar situation. The housing bubble recently burst and suddenly everyone was calling in their debts. The chain reaction shut down respected brokerages like Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers. It threatened to topple giant companies like Citibank and still is a concern for the big three US automobile manufacturers. The entire market tumbled and everyone went into a panic. People were selling like crazy and were dumbfounded by their losses. Pessimism set in.
In reality, I don't believe the situation to be as bad as people or the media make it out to be. If you think things today are dire then think back to 1930s. The world was going through a Great Depression where people drifted through the countryside exchanging a day's work just for food. We haven't reached that point.
Also you must look back in history to when market crashes occurred. Eventually the market rose again to prosperity. In time people once again believed the hot streak would continue forever. It's not as though these things haven't happened before. They appear to be somewhat cyclical.
You must think for yourself and not be carried away by the torrent of hype that others have sold you. Despite the cries of panic and despair, there is another perspective to adopt in regards to this situation. It is the viewpoint of optimism. The attitude that despite all of the bad things that happen, there is always an opportunity to be had. This opportunity is that market securities are now trading at a discount and will most likely ride high again. Much as they did after the Great Depression.
In the end, remember what Public Enemy said, "Don't Believe the Hype."
186 and Holding
Awhile back I was listening to a morning talk radio on one of the popular FM stations. During this show, they usually take topic suggestions given by the listeners. They then take calls from listeners who want to talk about or comment on a particular topic. One topic was about motorcyclists in Chicago and how they were upset about almost being killed by crazy motorists.
One local guy called in about this topic. After briefly acknowledging that he hated Chicago drivers for almost blindsiding him, this guy went on to talk about a more interesting point. He described to the radio show how he liked to take his motorcycle out on Interstate 290 during the day and proceed to accelerate up to 186 MPH while swerving in and out of traffic. He then went on to say how his high speed exploit was on YouTube and how everyone should check it out. The radio hosts viewed the video and decided to post it up on their webpage. Immediately, the pleased guest blurted out his gratitude. Even going as far to say "this will help get me hits man!." Wow what a display of shameless self promotion.
Of course, the topic couldn't die there. The radio show decided to take other callers on the topic. The next caller was a semi truck driver who operated in Chicago. The man had a very confrontational and angry tone, but he had a few interesting points.
The truck driver went on to challenge the motorcyclist claiming that his high speed exploits were a danger to other motorists around him. The motorcyclist then responded that he was a skillful driver and would be careful not to crash into other people. The motorcyclist went on to say that his actions were fine because he would be the only person who would be hurt or killed in case of an accident. The truck driver countered with a hypothetical. He said that if the motorcyclist crashed in front of his truck at that speed, there would be no time to react and avoid running over the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist once again reiterated that the crash would only kill him. However, the truck driver made perhaps the most poignant point. He said that because the motorcyclist was engaging in this dangerous behavior, he was not only harming himself. He would be placing the burden and guilt of his death upon the truck driver since there would be nothing the truck driver could do. For that reason, the truck driver believed that burning up I290 at 186 MPH was wrong and dangerous.
After the heated exchange, the radio host had a change of heart. He decided to remove the video of the motorcyclist. He did not wish to promote his dangerous behavior. I believe this was the correct decision.
The whole discussion evoked one key thought within me. This was the fact that no matter how much we believe ourselves and our actions to be isolated, we do affect others in many undesired and unseen ways. No man is truly an island.
One local guy called in about this topic. After briefly acknowledging that he hated Chicago drivers for almost blindsiding him, this guy went on to talk about a more interesting point. He described to the radio show how he liked to take his motorcycle out on Interstate 290 during the day and proceed to accelerate up to 186 MPH while swerving in and out of traffic. He then went on to say how his high speed exploit was on YouTube and how everyone should check it out. The radio hosts viewed the video and decided to post it up on their webpage. Immediately, the pleased guest blurted out his gratitude. Even going as far to say "this will help get me hits man!." Wow what a display of shameless self promotion.
Of course, the topic couldn't die there. The radio show decided to take other callers on the topic. The next caller was a semi truck driver who operated in Chicago. The man had a very confrontational and angry tone, but he had a few interesting points.
The truck driver went on to challenge the motorcyclist claiming that his high speed exploits were a danger to other motorists around him. The motorcyclist then responded that he was a skillful driver and would be careful not to crash into other people. The motorcyclist went on to say that his actions were fine because he would be the only person who would be hurt or killed in case of an accident. The truck driver countered with a hypothetical. He said that if the motorcyclist crashed in front of his truck at that speed, there would be no time to react and avoid running over the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist once again reiterated that the crash would only kill him. However, the truck driver made perhaps the most poignant point. He said that because the motorcyclist was engaging in this dangerous behavior, he was not only harming himself. He would be placing the burden and guilt of his death upon the truck driver since there would be nothing the truck driver could do. For that reason, the truck driver believed that burning up I290 at 186 MPH was wrong and dangerous.
After the heated exchange, the radio host had a change of heart. He decided to remove the video of the motorcyclist. He did not wish to promote his dangerous behavior. I believe this was the correct decision.
The whole discussion evoked one key thought within me. This was the fact that no matter how much we believe ourselves and our actions to be isolated, we do affect others in many undesired and unseen ways. No man is truly an island.
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