People who love sports...

Welcome to Super Tuesday

Good Morning and Welcome to Super Tuesday. The primaries are upon us here in CA and many other states around the country.

It's an exciting day for me as I voted for the first time as I became an American citizen last year. I've lived in the United States for almost 20 years and after 9/11 it was obvious to me that this was my home and that I wanted to have a say in it. I sat through many elections and heard my friends root, campaign and bicker about politics but never really thought I could make an impact. Once I became a Citizen my view changed and it became personal. I feel that we have an obligation to voice our opinions, challenge our leaders and vote. This is our country and we need to take ownership. I am not here to tell you about my politics but simply to get you involved.

My call to action today is two fold:

1) Get out and vote - be a part of change and make a difference.
Everyone's vote counts.
2) Get educated - take the time to learn and dig into the truth's that matter to you. Don't let the media outlets drive your vote. It's hard work but worth the discovery.

God Bless America.

RT

Happy Birthday Hampton!

Our baby Hampton is one year old today. We made it. He's trained us well. :)

Sitting nicely with his birthday present - a baby cow.

Baby H at 8 weeks.

 

Bringing home at 10 weeks.

 

Best buds!

A Goal to Motivate (26.2)

They say it's not a goal until you write it down. So I am writing it down. Las Vegas Marathon Dec. 2, 2007. There it is. I'm the kind of guy that needs a goal. Today I start training and I am 225 lbs and 23% BF for what it worth. I've let me myself go from fighting shape. Time to focus. See you in Vegas.

www.lvmarathon.com

Remembering a friend, mentor and coach - Doug Stern

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Doug Stern earlier this week. My deepest condolences to his wife Lynn and his family.

Doug lived in NYC. He was an amazing husband, father, friend and swim coach. I had the fortune of getting to know Doug and his family through his various swim programs and annual pilgrimage to Curacao for swimmers and triathletes.

For those of you don't know Doug, he was in many ways larger than life. He had such passion for swimming/triathlons, but more importantly he loved life. Although he touched the lives of all those around him and contributed to our sporting community as a whole, he especially loved working with beginner athletes to help them achieve their goals.

I have several fond memories that I would like to share.

1. Birthday Lap - Each year on Doug's birthday he would swim, and require each of his students to swim, one lap for each year of his life, and with each passing year he seemed more vibrant and full of life than the year before. He was and will remain a true inspiration, and he has instilled in me a tradition that I will certainly continue.

2. Sternisms - Doug had many sayings that captured the essence of who he was as a person. I particularly loved "Stern time, not your time" (but I was always punctual).

3. Doug's Smile - Doug loved when his students achieved their goals, both large and small. His pride was evident from the glow on his face when a student dropped his or her lap time, even if it was only by a few seconds. In 2005 I worked hard to improve my swim time, and through Doug's guidance and encouragement, I reached my goal. Doug was very proud (like my father, who passed away shortly before, would have been) and he made me feel very special.






Although there are many more memories, I'd just like to say to Doug, who I know will continue to watch over us and guide us in all of our endeavors, thank you for your support, coaching and friendship. You had an impact on my life. You will be missed.

You can find details for Doug's memorial on Slowtwitch.com.