Asphalt Junkies CLOSED AND GETTING OUR FIX (Page 173)

Here's another story that probably none of you heard of but points to a general direction we are headed.  (I will say that I am a gun owner.  I have several of them.  I have hunted deer, ducks, geese, squirrels rabbits............)  People don't care in what form they take up violence.  If someone desires to take anothers life they will do so by any means they deem fit or available.  Yes, I am going to the "guns don't kill people, people kill people" bent.

Four people set on fire in Denver You won't hear of this incident for a couple of reasons; 

1. It pales in comparison to Newtown.
2. There is little to be gained on the national news about something like this.

I've been quiet on this but I too am a gun advocate.  If the teachers at the school had guns, they could have shot him before he did as many killings.  I did a research paper in college.  Switzerland has a mandatory gun law (you have to have a loaded gun in your home) and guess who has the lowest crime in the world!!!

We need to get back to spanking in the home and school, enough of the pitty parties.  Instead of someone being on death row for 20 years or longer, how about a day or so.  My grandpa showed me a pic of a court house hanging when a man raped a lady.  Lets get back to the old ways.  And the 1st thing we need to do is anyone who wants to worship other gods, well let them go to their country of origin and anyone disrespecting the flag, ship them out too! 

We have to get God back in our society, schools, activities and so forth.  Some people the only way he hear about God is in school.  We need to quit the handouts and let people work for a living and give them some pride back.

Ok enough ranting from me.  This is supposed to be triathlon talk and I got my 8 miles of running in.  It was a beautiful run, watching the sun rise and it was 46 degrees.  Gotta get some yard work in now.

Dirk and all I don't disagree with what anybody here is saying about what happened yesterday nor am I offended by any of things anybody has said. I think there is a lot of truth in what everyone is saying. I know I was raised old school and was taught Christian values and principles so that meant having respect of others and having respect for authority. I was taught right vs. wrong and there were always consequences for when you did something wrong. I was rewarded for that it was pretty clear, black and white no gray areas. We have rules and you followed them just like we have laws which should be obeyed. It wasn't something that was optional. 

Today we've gotten so far away from morals, values and pricinples as a country it no surprise to see these things like what happened yesterday in CT. I do believe it is time to stop with all the political correctness nonsense because we don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. We can be inclusive of everyone's values and principles but that doesn't mean we have to compromise on what is right and what is wrong. I also agree that it starts at home and not with government. I think we all have this responsibilty to our children, ourselves and society in general.  Apologies for the rant just wanted to get my two cents in there.

I think we could all think of news stories which seem horrid that haven't made the national news.  Recently one woman walked into her home to find four people lying dead, shot execution style.  I recently also heard of another story in which a funeral was being held for someone at a church, and several people showed up and started killing people at the church. The latter story was gang related (the first could have been too...) but I don't think that makes it any less tragic.

Oh boy.  I might regret asking this but... are you saying everyone in the U.S. should be Christian?

I love reading everyones "rants" regarding CT.  I agree with a lot of you.

I think one thing that needs to be addressed is mental health awareness.  There is a stigma attached to seeking out mental health services.  Friends and family that witness a loved one in mental distress might balk at suggesting that that individual seek out mental health services.  We all need to take responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings and actions.  We, also, need to watch our loved ones and know when they might need to seek help.

How is this going to happen?  I don't know.

I was not raised in a religious environment.  I was raised to accept everyones beliefs.  I am a gun advocate.  I am a hunter.  I own several guns.  My son will learn how to use them properly when he gets older.

In this day and age, we need to protect our children as best we can.  The shift in society that we are all discussing will probably take a couple generations.  Dirk alluded to the downward spiral over a few generations.  It will take just as long to recover.

I'm rambling now.  Here's some news about the hit-and-run.  (Another horrible event that falls right in line with the events that have occurred in OR and CT.)

The jack@ssss has been charged with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of attempted murder, 1 count of animal cruelty, 1 count of vehicle theft, and some other stuff that I can't remember.  I'm not happy about having to pay for his sorry butt to sit in prison.

And in workout-related news:

So far this month, I have ridden 107.99 miles in 7 hours, 7 minutes, 7 seconds.

Should I go play the lottery?

I know where you're going here.  And as a staunch Christian I would not support a purely Christian nation.  One of the reason the nation was founded was for religious freedom and I couldn't back up on that one.  The Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights are very clear on this matter.  Do I agree with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, etc?  Definitely not.  I believe there is one God and one Savior but I will refuse to force that on anyone at anytime.  The freedom of choice is what makes this nation great, not the restriction of choice.  I try to portray Christian values and morals and I hope that my life is a witness that attracts others to the one I call Savior, but in the end it isn't my decision.

Joanne,  I agree with the concept of what you are saying; "God is trying to wake those of us up who don't speak up" but my opinion is that God had nothing to do with this tragedy.  God make his face known in the aftermath when people call out to him.  He is not visible in the incidents themselves because he isn't wanted until something of this magnitude occurs.  Then all of a sudden people want to know why he allowed it.  He doesn't want these things to happen but he allows us to choose for ourselves and we continue to choose to wind down this road.

Uhh!  Lottery?  Why are you asking?  I would already have had the ticket in my hand.  If you buy one because I think it's a good idea do I get a percentage?

Dirk I wasn't implying that's what you were thinking, nor did I think that's what you were thinking.  It was more I was responding to the direct quote bolded above, which I read as, "If you do not believe in my religion, then leave this country"... and I was clarifying if in fact that meant as how I read it... because frankly thoughts like those just shock me.  I am actually glad you brought up the fact that our country was built on religious freedom, because I think people often forget that.  Those first group of people who arrived on the Mayflower in what is now known as the US of A, left Europe so they could find a place to freely practice their religion.

For the record, my dad is a regular (Methodist) church goer, my mom is not all that religious.  I grew up going to a largely Shinto/Buddhist country every summer (Japan), I've lived in a country with a significant Buddhist influence for about a year (South Korea), spent 4 months in a Hindu country (India), and have been to several Muslim countries (in the Middle East and Malaysia).  I am not religious, but I am certainly not bothered by other religions. So these comments of "go back to your country of origin because of your religion" just, uh, are not what I'm used to I suppose.  Because really, the only people in this country who are even in their true country of origin are the Native Americans.

Anyway! 

I was with Detroit kids all day today as we took them around the city to a couple different sites to see Detroit's place in the Underground Railroad.  It was very cool and interesting, and things we don't really always think about as to the struggles people had to escape to freedom, among other things.

That went on longer than expected, and I didn't get a full night's sleep last night (mainly because I just HAD to get in my swim last night) so I was very sleepy when I returned.  But I rested up a little, and I now HAVE to at the very least get in my 30 minute run in today, because I can't start off the 100/100 run challenge and not run!!

Just for the record I'm all for having religious freedom as well and I think that this is what this country is all about.

Now on the training front I finished week 2 of Jorge's winter cycling program. I did the same workout from last weekend today for the long ride as called for in the plan. Last weekend I was in a world of hurt and dying after I finished. This weekend I was only in a world of hurt so I guess I am making progress.

The long ride has been HARD for me not that the shorter intervals aren't tough or hard but they are more bearable. Now on the surface the training session doesn't seem that bad it's only 90 minutes but seriously I had to work hard to do it. Now I am wondering did I lose some fitness from after the HIM at the end of Sept. or maybe I just wasn't working as hard as I thought when I was on the trainer this past season. I just don't know to be honest but I do know that if I can finish the program it will pay big dividends me. I feel like I am headed in the right direction and I can see I really am making some progress in the few weeks I have been doing it. Week 3 here I come! 

Actually I agree with what you were thinking.  I took no offense to your post and I felt that you and I had the same reaction to Karl's post.  Until He posts a clarification I will suppose he had a truly emotional reaction to the events of yesterday and posted primarily out of anger and I honestly wouldn't blame him whatsoever.  I have a lot of anger myself.

No harm. No foul.

I saw that ST tweeted that they were starting that today.  I wish I were in the right shape to be able to do this too. 

I did get all 3 disciplines in today.  It was the second day in a row I have run, 2 miles albeit, but running nonetheless.  My day was a 4k yard swim, 2 mile run and a 1 hour ride.  I was planning on a 2 hour ride but the family wanted to go to a movie and we don't get to do that much anymore with the girls always being gone with friends or something.  We had dinner afterward and then it was time to get a ride in.

You could have lost endurance if you haven't been doing long rides since your HIM but don't forget how much more mentally challenging sitting on a bike in your living room  can be.  There is a lot of mental effort that goes into riding so long without being outdoors.  I expend far more effort mentally over 2 -3 hours on the drainer than 4 hours riding outside.  Spending a couple of hours on the trainer over the winter will give you something solid to build from when the weather breaks.

I am equally certain that you will see huge cycling benefits in the spring from Jorge's program.  I know I saw some pretty big gains myself and I could credit many of my podium finishes to the gained cycling fitness from lat winter.

Dirk thanks and I agree with you. I think after the HIM my focus was on getting ready for the NYC marathon and all my riding was spins on the trainer as recovery for my running. I really just recently got started with riding hard again. I also think your point about the mental aspect is pretty true with riding indoors. I will say that I am far more focused following the plan and I think this is an excellent way to train mentally so to speak. If you can endure the workouts in the plan you definitely will build and increase your mental toughness. I see it as a win-win.

Jo, sorry about the employee! I hope you find a new one soon!

I understand about your training and being confused.  For me, I have to pick a race and that give me the direction I need to head and a goal to meet.

Remember to start slow.

Good Luck!

Jo63 - 2012-12-16 7:36 AM I have been having trouble getting back into a regular training routine, just as I was feeling like I was 100% an employee that had worked for me quit she had worked for me for almost 8years, she then turned me into the state with several wage complaints oh yeah more stress! Anyway... I received a letter from the state letting me know she had no validity in her complaints but I still have no idea why she left she never gave 2weeks and quit on a day I was not there, she obviously had issues with me and I am racking my brain trying to figure out what happened so I don't make the same mistake again. Although I must say there has been a better energy in the salon since she left. We also had put together a video for the got chocolate milk and realized cut off time was eastern time not central time and am not sure if we got it in on time it was down to the wire Right now I have no plan to train for anything, I had started a basic running program going back to building with walk/ running and my husband was actually doing this with me but we only ran once last week Iam thinking I need to go back to 5ks and sprint distances before I move forward? I am a little afraid of burning myself out again. Iam all over the place not knowing what to do, do I begin as if I never did this before or can I put a 1/2 ironman in the schedule then I see that Kentucky and Cozumel have opening s for a full and I think I want to challenge myself again? It has been since Sept since I have really done anything significant. So as you can see with my indecisions it is no wonder I don't get anything done, I was never like this and I don't like it! So a little help would be great!

On the work front it sounds like the employee that left was likely a person who was generally unhappy, probably complained a lot and was looking for a reason to leave your shop even if she had to create one.  If the shop is a better working environment now that is all the better for you.  The fact that you were cleared by the labor board should indicate to the rest of your employees that you are running a good shop.

Training?  This is simple really.  You just need to get out and do something.  There's no magical trick to this.  I would suggest you sign up for a race in the early spring so you have a target to shoot for.  I would make it a sprint or MAYBE an olympic and train to have fun and not focus on any times.  Maybe find a partner to train with to help with accountability.

If you keep the race distance short it is unlikely you will experience any burnout because your training volume will be low.  If yo can keep your husband involved that should help you stay motivated but be cautious here.  Many times trying to get your spouse out the door will become "nagging" and that will create it's own set of problems.

Try to set a schedule and keep to it.  Regardless of how you feel at the time you are scheduled to WO, go out and at least begin.  Once you have went through the effort to get ready you may change your mind and all of a sudden feel like running, this usually work out well for me.  You already know you are an athlete.  You have proven that all year long that you can train hard and perform at a high level, now you just have to commit to yourself that you believe you can do it again.

You've got this!!

I’ve largely stayed away from commenting on the CT tragedy for a variety of reasons, but there were some great points made here.  Two of the best short descriptions were from Morgan Freeman and our very own Dirk Pauley on Facebook.  They both summed up many of my feelings.  Essentially, Morgan’s main points are that we have created a society which tends to focus on the notoriety of the killer and the standing of this event in the list of American school massacres, and that is the way it is reported.  His main point “So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.”  I should say I'm not positive Morgan Freeman actually said all this, but it is attributed to him on Facebook.

As far as the religion discussion, for disclosure I am a subject of Jesus, so that makes me a Christian.  I try, with very mixed results, to live in the way that the He wants me to live.  As such, I would never force anyone to believe what I believe.  Do I agree with Islam, Buddhism, etc?  Not at all, but I can only show people what Jesus has done for me, what He promises to do for them, and then try to positively change the world in any way I can as my response.  The needs are never ending, so there's no problem finding places to help out.

In the aftermath of an event like this senseless tragedy, I focus on the helpers and heroes who show up during and after these tragedies as opposed to the evil who commit them.  From my viewpoint, THAT’S where God’s love and power shows up.  I don’t think He somehow punishes us by sending evil people to commit those atrocities.  But I do think there are always people willing to join in and show compassion and love, and that’s where the hope of the human spirit is shown.

Dirk has a more thorough blog, and it covers many of the points I would agree with.  Some he listed in a previous post in this thread.  The essential message I hear is that we need to change starting in our own house.  It reminds me when I hear people lament that we need to get Christ back into Christmas, and my response is always let’s start by getting Christ back into Christians.

As a further full disclosure, I also own guns and my sons, (not J) are learning to use them responsibly and safely.

My oldest is also about to get a black belt in weapons and self defense training, which I think will come in far more useful should he ever be in a scary situation.  I'm amazed at how he can subdue even a fairly large adult in just moments with a shockingly small amount of movement.

Jo63 - 2012-12-16 7:36 AM I have been having trouble getting back into a regular training routine, just as I was feeling like I was 100% an employee that had worked for me quit she had worked for me for almost 8years, she then turned me into the state with several wage complaints oh yeah more stress! Anyway... I received a letter from the state letting me know she had no validity in her complaints but I still have no idea why she left she never gave 2weeks and quit on a day I was not there, she obviously had issues with me and I am racking my brain trying to figure out what happened so I don't make the same mistake again. Although I must say there has been a better energy in the salon since she left. We also had put together a video for the got chocolate milk and realized cut off time was eastern time not central time and am not sure if we got it in on time it was down to the wire Right now I have no plan to train for anything, I had started a basic running program going back to building with walk/ running and my husband was actually doing this with me but we only ran once last week Iam thinking I need to go back to 5ks and sprint distances before I move forward? I am a little afraid of burning myself out again. Iam all over the place not knowing what to do, do I begin as if I never did this before or can I put a 1/2 ironman in the schedule then I see that Kentucky and Cozumel have opening s for a full and I think I want to challenge myself again? It has been since Sept since I have really done anything significant. So as you can see with my indecisions it is no wonder I don't get anything done, I was never like this and I don't like it! So a little help would be great!

JoAnne I'm sorry to hear about that employee and I don't think you should lose any sleep over that. It's sounds like she was not very happy and the fact that things seem to better after she left is probably a good thing for you. Just the fact that she quit when you were not there speaks volumes about her character.

On the training front I agree with Dirk I think you should set a few goals for yourself and get back to training and just have fun again. Maybe starting with some shorter distances early this season and then maybe looking at a longer distance "A" race if you are feeling up to doing that. Regardless of what you decide I think just getting back to training consistently should help you get back on track until you decide what you want to do.