In training...

Mini-Marathon is in four weeks...here are some thoughts...

-The best part about running...is when it's over! So why run? It's a goal...something that drives my competitive side...
-Got some new running shoes last week...after running ten miles on Saturday I came to the conclusion that buying the shoes was EXACTLY what I needed. Feet didn't hurt afterward, knees felt great...good money spent!
-Running shoes last anywhere between 300-600 miles.
-After Saturday's run my calves are still on fire!
-Saturday I ran with my buddy Jon...running buddies are a good thing...that encouragement part was pretty huge for me, especially trekking up a steep, long hill.
-PROUD of my wife Hollybird...she's been rocking the training. Did I mention I was PROUD of her!
-Right now I'm averaging a 10:30 - 11:00 minute per mile...would love to make that a solid 10 minute mile.
-My goal for the mini is too finish in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The Cuse goes down!

Here's a little video I found online that recaps Saturday's game between the Cards and Syracuse. If you missed the game...you missed a great game (even if you are a cat fan!).

There could not have been a better way to end a 50+ year era at Freedom Hall...really wanted to be there, but loved watching at home with Holly.


Hopefully the Cards will continue on with Saturday's high as they play Cincinnati tonight in the Big East Tournament.

The "new" Karate Kid?

I am a BIG time fan of the original Karate Kid (1984)...the first one that is, not Karate Kid 2, 3, 4...was there a four?? Anyhoo...loved the first one, thought Ralph Macchio was great, but Pat Morita was even better as Mr. Miyagi.

So when I saw this I thought...nah, can't touch the original...after watching the trailer I thought...hmmmmmmm...maybe! Enjoy...comes out this summer!

Constructive Criticism and American Idol

I like to think I'm a fan of Constructive Criticism. I try to welcome this and again I think most folks would SAY they want that, but do we really?

First off CC is simply to critique an individual so they will benefit or improve. Sounds simple and nice, but not all people are receptive to it.

I like and really try to welcome CC...my biggest fan that I look to for this is my wife Holly, because she is honest and straightforward, yet gentle. Typically after I may preach or teach I'll ask her, "okay give me some constructive criticism..." For me...that's how I grow and learn. If someone just continues to "tickle" my ears I'll never benefit or improve.

Again, there are certain people who give me this and I hold on to their comments and allow them to help me improve. Notice I said certain people! Some of you who read this blog are some of those certain people.

The other night I was watching American Idol. One of the guys did his thing and waited to hear from the panel. The first three judges did not care for his performance, thought he missed it, didn't deliver...BUT when it was Simon's turn, he said, "I disagree with the others and think you hit a home run." You could see this guys face, demeanor, energy...every thing changed about him at that moment of one man's comment. It was like the other comments that were made...didn't matter! Oohh...that's powerful and I think there's a lesson in that.

Now I'm not advocating that we act and brutally criticize like a Simon...but I bet if you ask all the contestants of all the seasons of American Idol which judge's comments do you respect the most...I bet 95% would say Simon's.

There's a lesson there...stew on that a bit...let me know what you think...

Freedom Hall

This Saturday night is a big night for Louisville Cardinal Basketball. For 54 seasons Freedom Hall has been the home of not only Cardinal basketball, but to also several Final Fours, Sweet 16's, the ABA...but to me and most importantly Cardinal Basketball. Next season the Cards will have a very nice, shiny new, palatial home in downtown Louisville. We drove by it last weekend and it is something to see!

From time to time folks ask why I am such a BIG UofL fan...lots of reasons, one, that's my hometown and most my buddies were Card fans. But the one thing that "sold" me as a fan was the night my dad took me to my very first UL game. It was 1977 and I remember my dad coming home from work...he told me he wanted to go to the UL game that night and then he said to me, "You want to go?" Of course my sister Lisa and brother Scott were a bit jealous, but they got over it.

I remember driving up to the Fairgrounds and walking up to the ticket booth, it was a cold night, and dad told the ticket man, "Give me your two best seats." We were in the end zone of Freedom Hall...the place was rocking, really don't remember who they were playing, but it didn't matter. We were watching the Cards doing warm-ups and my dad pointed out the man, the myth, the legend, Darrell "Dr. Dunkenstein" Griffith.

From that night on I was sold as a fan of the Cards. Since then I've been to plenty of Cardinal games at Freedom Hall...some really exciting games (my favorite was watching the Cards win against a highly raked Kentucky team, this is when Pitino was the UK coach and boy he was fired up in the post game show.)

I hope to see the Cards play in the Downtown Arena...maybe make some new memories there. But looking back at good ole Freedom Hall my favorite memory has to be going with dad for the first time. Thanks dad...I think you would like our UL basement!

Go Cards!