Philco's Blogs

This week as been a good one.  I got to do something I usually don’t do – that’s work out with someone else.  More so show him some routines that I do during my physical workouts. 
My friend and high school classmate/teammate Jason came to Mahnomen on Wednesday evening to join me in a workout.  We started out with the regular warm up, close to a mile run, followed by some stretches.  That was one thing he had mentioned to me before coming that was needed to incorporate more to his routine.  Stretching and rest for the muscles are two things that are overlooked too often by people that work out it seems like.  And if you’re a first timer that’s starting out, remember to do those two things.  Don’t over do it.  Plenty of fluids, stretching to keep the muscles loose and of course rest so they can build back up stronger is just as important as running or lifting all the time.  I showed Jason the stretches I do, and there’s plenty more than what I do. 
After the stretching, we went to the upstairs portion of the gym and went through some TRX exercises which don’t look too tough when you see the equipment you’ll be using, but once you start, you get burned pretty good!
Once we were done with that, it was time for the real fun…
Jason met Chris, the retired pro boxer from Detroit Lakes that introduced me to kettle bells.  Mr. Brumwell was also introduced to these same units.  Chris went through some basics with J, and had me do them at the same time so he could see form and how I do it.  I can’t remember if it was a minute or less, but you could tell it was working wonders on him.  It’s a workout a firmly believe would help anyone, in any sport or physical activity!  Just make sure you learn how to do them right, with correct form before you plunge right into it. 
These things work EVERYTHING.  From your shoulders all the way down to your calves.  The main focus is upper legs, hips, glutes and core.  It’s the “ultimate sculpting tool” when it comes working out. 
Overall, I think Jason had a good time and learned some things that he’ll be able to take into training.  He along with a few others have told me they’ll be running with me and joining Philco’s Freedom Team from start to finish in Fargo, ND on May 22^nd.  I’m really looking forward to that.  I’ve had people tell me in the past they’re going to join me, then not show up.  Nothing to dwell on, in fact, the day of the race I didn’t even notice until they mentioned a few excuses to me a week later.  The focus you have going into a race is something pretty intense, for me anyway.  I’m never in it to win it, but just being part of any marathon event is a win for the cause I run for. 
“Run to remember” – It’s the new slogan for Philco’s Freedom Team that will be posted on the back of our running uniform. 
There has been a lot of people asking just in the last couple weeks about the training and if I’ll be carrying the flag again.  Looking back at the running routes since 2007 – six half marathons, one full, several 10K’s and a few 5K’s – all with the red, white and blue in hand.  It’s more than just an American Flag to me…it’s representation of all the fallen who have lost their lives for you and me.  The Eagle at the top of it resembles freedom.  These thousands of fallen soldiers are free of pain, free of the hell they were in while serving our country.  They did it for a purpose, to protect  us.  This is the least I can do.  It takes some sacrifice, some time, some energy and some emotion…but it will never bring those individuals back.  That’s what really gets me going.  That’s the energy buried deep inside that comes to surface during runs.  The adrenaline pumping during each race is the people on the side of the road cheering us on…getting the chance to show them why they’re free.  That’s what this team is all about.  I do work on getting contributions/donations from individuals and businesses which is definitely appreciated and will go towards Project New Hope once we get rolling, but even without any financial support, if no one wanted to jump on board moneywise, I don’t care.  I’d still do it.  It’s not about money to me and shouldn’t be to anyone else.  It’s about trying to form a mindset for everyone that sees that 3’x5’ American Flag come by at each event and taking at least a moment to reflect on the fact that there’s people fighting for them…there’s people protecting them…there’s people, dying…for them.  THAT…is what it’s about. 
Just think if Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day were celebrated five days a week.  Even once a month…That’d be tough to handle, wouldn’t it?!  Keeping the memory of a fallen soldier(s) is hard work, but that’s the way it should be.  Keeping your freedom preserved is hard work put forth by those serving today, those who served in the past (war vets) and those who lost their lives serving.    “It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”  I’ve heard that before and it’s true.  Just be thankful someone’s doing that tough job, for you and me.
If you’re training, keep working it hard!  Stick with it and don’t give up.  I heard this the other day… “What defeats your problem can also ignite it: your attitude.  A negative attitude makes the problem stronger; a positive attitude makes YOU stronger.”  Working things out means out working your problems.  Things that keep you down only do so because you let them.  Don’t ever let that happen to you. 
In closing I’d like to thank you for checking in with me periodically on this website…I appreciate the support of Philco’s Freedom Team!  I’d also like to thank the Green Bay Press-Gazette in Green Bay, WI for posting these blogs on their website in line with the Cellcom Marathon coming up May 15^th.  The first of four missions on the schedule for PFT in 2010!  Thank you and we’ll see you in Green Bay & Fargo in May!!