The Nuclear Option

I've often pondered what it might be like to have a training partner.  One that would hold me accountable for each and every workout.  A partner that would make sure their were consequences if I started to slack off.  One that didn't care what kind of day I had at work.

Meet Harper.

Harper is an 8week old Red Heeler or Australian Cattle Dog.  Back in the 1840's Australian cattle ranchers needed a dog to drive and herd cattle.  George Hall bred the droving dogs of the day with dingoes resulting in the Australian Cattle Dog.  The dogs far exceeded Mr. Hall's expectations.  They have very high energy and require a lot of exercise or they can develop destructive behaviors out of boredom.

You see if I get lazy and skip workouts this training partner will eat my couch in retaliation.  This may seem like a foolish plan, and it just might be, but I think it will work.

She is still too young to take running but in the week she has been with us I have been outside with her it seems like every hour that I am home.  All that time outside while not strenuous exercise for either one of us is time off the couch and time away from mindless snacking.

See,

It's already working.

Harper and I are going to have many great adventures together.  In a couple of weeks we start obedience class, then the fun really begins!

Passion Quest

Watch the video first...I'll wait...

I've been struggling with this problem for a while now.  All of the things that I used to have a great amount of passion for have fizzled out.  The worst part is feeling like a total failure.  I had such lofty goals, I was on a path toward accomplishing great things (as much as skateboarding over 100miles can be considered a great thing).

The real problem though is not the loss of passion.  The real problem is that I stopped trying.  It's as if I expect to wake up one morning and find that everything is like it used to be.  I realize now that without at least some effort on my part that will never happen.

But what about the 100plusProject?

The answer is nebulous at best.

100plus was my great passion project, until it wasn't.  I still love the concept but right now it doesn't move me, and trying to drag it along behind me is exhausting.  So for the time being the project is dormant (unless someone else wants to give it a go, seriously contact me, we'll talk).  Maybe when I find my passion again it will become active again but for now it's time to let it go.

Hello, hello, hello... Is anybody out there?

This is a test of the emergency blogcast system...

Stand by for instructions...

Shift in Focus

If you've been wondering why I haven't posted anything here for a while it's because I have abandoned this blog for the foreseeable future.  The 100+Project has become my primary focus as it should be and maintaining two sites is too time consuming.

If you have enjoyed reading my posts please check out the 100+Project website!

Occasionally I will be guest posting over at ROCK-Racing if you are interested.

Patrick Albert: Adventures in Metaphor

This video captures a brilliant moment in the history of, well, me.

When we are presented with an obstacle or challenge, as easy as it may seem to overcome, it is necessary to maintain a proper balance in order to do so.



That's a metaphor in case it was lost on you.

The Struggle: Truth Behind the Lies

If you watched my last video you may remember that I laid out a plan for the coming week where I was going to hit the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The plan was to also clean up my diet a bit and start eating healthier.  

None of that actually happened.

When I made the video I really meant what I was saying, and at the time, in that state of mind everything seemed on track.  What happened?  I'm not sure exactly.  A combination of things I guess.
I was honest at the outset when I said I struggle with fitness.  Don't we all?  I know there are people out there who work harder, and have more stacked against them than I do, and yet they still make it to the gym or fit that run in where ever they can.

But let me tell you something about that.

Just because someone else has it worse than I do, doesn't make my struggle illegitimate.  If that argument has any validity at all then there can only be one person in the world that is worse off than everyone else and thereby gets a free pass to make all the excuses they want.  I imagine that person has never seen a gym though and their chief concern is probably where to find clean water on a daily basis.
While I meant what I said in the last video, I feel bad for not following through.

On a positive note, I have been more active in other pursuits.  I've been land paddling, SUP'ing, running, and cycling.  Although on the run last night I strained my calf again so I won't be running until it heals.  I should have known better than to push it when it was already tight.

My diet is also coming along.  It's not great but I have reduced portions, and replaced some of my go to snacks with healthier alternatives. 

Here is something I am proud of: It has been four and a half months since my last Dr Pepper.  I've been tempted a few times where it was really hard to resist.  The strongest pull was after I cut the piece of my thumb off.  Leaving the ER I really wanted to stop at QT and get myself a Dr Pepper, after all I had just been through a traumatic experience and deserved a treat.  Luckily I came to my senses, and my resolve held.  If it hadn't I'd probably back up to three or four a day by now.  

I wish I could apply that resolve to other areas of my life.

So in summary:

• Lies

• Guilt

• Struggle

• Activity

• Pride

• Hope

  Oh Yeah, I actually did make it to the gym yesterday here is proof!

Land Paddling

Yesterday I did a little Land Paddling, and decided to make a short video to show everyone what it's all about.  Land Paddling is cross training for Stand Up Paddle Boarding but it is also a fun way to get around in it own right.  It is also quite the head turner.  From their expressions I could tell that some people thought it was pretty cool, others thought I was an idiot, and some couldn't wait to tell their friends or family that they saw some weirdo pushing himself with a stick while on a skateboard.  I enjoy it quite a bit I'm thinking about getting a board more suited to land paddling from Billy Lush Brand who are on the forefront of developing land paddling into a viable fitness activity.  Their boards are wider allowing a more natural SUP stance which is easier on the body allowing for equal paddling on both sides.  In a staggered stance on a regular longboard while paddling on both sides is possible most paddling is done on the front side.  This unbalanced approach led to a little strain in my right shoulder.  I'm almost healed now but that wider BLB board is sounding better all the time.