tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29207868316127247012024-03-13T23:39:03.629-05:00Sweat Baby JamesJim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-42987209467715731042011-11-24T11:26:00.011-06:002011-11-24T16:17:53.667-06:00Happy Thanksgiving 2011<div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div align="center"><br /><font color="#993399">And when the night is falling<br />Down the sky at midnight<br />Another year is stalling<br />Far away a good bye, good night<br />All that I want., all that I want, all that I want<br />So small a turning<br />The world grows older every day<br />An ache, a yearning<br />Soften when I hear you say<br />All that I want, all that I want<br /></font><font color="#ff6600">The Weepies<br /></font><br /></div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Flc7R0-BTgJP_RvNbyxgluWBiQ0Jy1w-B4a2wrPqUpnLa3YIIrr3Vd37l7176gbYTHxjak7FjS7geQ0eB3XBFZ620szKiLefzgwzlgvUpsVYEStaOjPIjGOoGiDAmDKQm0G9e3DePWI/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678635170912520658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Flc7R0-BTgJP_RvNbyxgluWBiQ0Jy1w-B4a2wrPqUpnLa3YIIrr3Vd37l7176gbYTHxjak7FjS7geQ0eB3XBFZ620szKiLefzgwzlgvUpsVYEStaOjPIjGOoGiDAmDKQm0G9e3DePWI/s320/IMG_1284.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left">I certainly have many wonderful things to be thankful for on this fabulous holiday in 2011. I know I am not writing as often as I have in the past, but it's not due to a lack of love for you guys, it is simply that at times I struggle to find the creativity to be funny and the motivation to do what I should. That being said 2011 has just been a fabulous year with travel, wonderful old friends, amazing new friends, my family, and of course those three things that make me tick.... Sand Volleyball, Live Music, and Sports.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5iaOn8Y77enfICvDlv2rvcpewJS0UDMFlvLJw__dhkyVBrD0j3syb85shMbw3Ho3qL2hBH2A8B2EQXCbQWuefUHt1OrwBLtTPg-CE3nXzw2GQiSVdBG0QjjDkq2cYtF_SV6n-w_TWEI/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678629238050592306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5iaOn8Y77enfICvDlv2rvcpewJS0UDMFlvLJw__dhkyVBrD0j3syb85shMbw3Ho3qL2hBH2A8B2EQXCbQWuefUHt1OrwBLtTPg-CE3nXzw2GQiSVdBG0QjjDkq2cYtF_SV6n-w_TWEI/s320/IMG_1282.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5iaOn8Y77enfICvDlv2rvcpewJS0UDMFlvLJw__dhkyVBrD0j3syb85shMbw3Ho3qL2hBH2A8B2EQXCbQWuefUHt1OrwBLtTPg-CE3nXzw2GQiSVdBG0QjjDkq2cYtF_SV6n-w_TWEI/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG"></a> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I sometimes stumble across old pictures that really make me smile like this one with Santa and others that make me cringe like that two others. Ugh :-/ I have talked about regrets and I try not to have them but I don't really remember being as fat as I am in some of these pictures. Don't get me wrong I have no memories of ever being not fat, and doubt I will ever not be fat or at least feel fat, but my goodness I look like a house and a house with a whole lot of chin. Good news is I don't think I look like that anymore. Unfortunately I don't have those blond locks like I used to either, or the ability to pull off wearing a jumper like that with a turtle neck. </div><div> </div><div>My parents are moving a little further south in Florida and <img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678624983544315794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuNaNEfC_LxsgM_ZSfpqlmaZgIUz-AI4UmKweNOF7NMdzLBEA98jglfG0L5u_IpysP_uWHvioDwfJfYeeqjVIE5bsMxlmpgonv9Rj5fUmUDBqKQkSJRH-ftUIUOqNO8Nayt6YyyvZdOQ/s320/IMG_1518.JPG" />on my recent trip Mom pulled out the old baby books and it certainly made my day. Hauling them back in my suitcase wasn't as much fun. And while the pictures and notes are really cool I got to admit that having some hair from my first ever haircut is a little creepy. Anyway I am really thankful for all my old pictures, they all remind me of where I came from, even if I don't always like where I have been.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuNaNEfC_LxsgM_ZSfpqlmaZgIUz-AI4UmKweNOF7NMdzLBEA98jglfG0L5u_IpysP_uWHvioDwfJfYeeqjVIE5bsMxlmpgonv9Rj5fUmUDBqKQkSJRH-ftUIUOqNO8Nayt6YyyvZdOQ/s1600/IMG_1518.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkLB98Zr7AMxCsAtddyW3f0zS-g9iQs6lztbHa2QnRaohIWHzylDBUkQzwwZy2guRK6xPe3SqM3w18ggbGTkvzlg3GKMudMMBzG0tNk9y1L6Bhl26QxsBpLgt4MzxLfABERLK-ABczxo/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678629232376882962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkLB98Zr7AMxCsAtddyW3f0zS-g9iQs6lztbHa2QnRaohIWHzylDBUkQzwwZy2guRK6xPe3SqM3w18ggbGTkvzlg3GKMudMMBzG0tNk9y1L6Bhl26QxsBpLgt4MzxLfABERLK-ABczxo/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>My house is really full of females. 18 legs worth of them :) They are always excited when I come home be it after an hour or after a week. And only three of them make me take them out to go to the bathroom. The other one makes me take her out to dinner :) I am really thankful for the love I feel at home. I am away a lot and it always feels good to come back to Madison and feel appreciated.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIFvsyUmln3tnIcMDZnw4D4CAzaFKr_fdu7ja0obaW9XM3QLfQAJhhzLq3v9yax_ut8PCAcZurQTB4U8YSizjkephHJAq5F7zBpoOId-DnKXT9nir6UeHIPKFg8otjwU45uq9Rf_Oazo/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678628596218412514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIFvsyUmln3tnIcMDZnw4D4CAzaFKr_fdu7ja0obaW9XM3QLfQAJhhzLq3v9yax_ut8PCAcZurQTB4U8YSizjkephHJAq5F7zBpoOId-DnKXT9nir6UeHIPKFg8otjwU45uq9Rf_Oazo/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Jacky and I celebrated our 14th anniversary this year. We went bowling :) She pretty much kicks my ass on the rare occasions we bowl. I owe her a world of thanks as she has lead the really successful move of Sunshine Daydream into a bigger spot. And her, along with our staff, really have made our store the friendliest place to shop in Madison.<br /> </div><div> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eane6zzKCHR5CNJ7SrRhHtyADeA5L5nGyplu2JLAkh4Ki9mRr0JZKtEZcaHqzOkpxW75l_w3Vivp4Ds6npP9FIQZLdss-7gBJwyXlNGooFYANCJn07mbYD38MFZrhdY_L_et1ECDtMQ/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678623746636411938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eane6zzKCHR5CNJ7SrRhHtyADeA5L5nGyplu2JLAkh4Ki9mRr0JZKtEZcaHqzOkpxW75l_w3Vivp4Ds6npP9FIQZLdss-7gBJwyXlNGooFYANCJn07mbYD38MFZrhdY_L_et1ECDtMQ/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" /></a></div><div>My friends just make me smile and laugh. I have so many different groups of friends. Volleyballers, Ridgers, College, High School, Fitness Northers,Facebookers and Madison. I got to mix a whole bunch of them this summer when a whole bunch came to town to party one weekend. I just want to say thank you to them for putting up with me, and for making me feel special. I'm not all that proud that I am in need of constant amusement but having my friends makes it a whole lot easier. So thanks to these friends I got to spend time with this year: Paul, Allison, Brad, Sara, Libby, Jon, Shannon, Alex, Nicole, Tim, <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLHn6dZhFWWye9ZkDgqYm1Am7Kf_m7abgpZk-nLIW1g0N9hFAD6WrR6F6OTrIy6O9tJaHXSzJNP4ZfhsroXKhFj3cMb-XM5dMoXtwsMC6XnCBIcpZqGOGwXlDrfKF4-kD0lu33YpPE7A/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678624962439978818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLHn6dZhFWWye9ZkDgqYm1Am7Kf_m7abgpZk-nLIW1g0N9hFAD6WrR6F6OTrIy6O9tJaHXSzJNP4ZfhsroXKhFj3cMb-XM5dMoXtwsMC6XnCBIcpZqGOGwXlDrfKF4-kD0lu33YpPE7A/s320/IMG_0657.JPG" /></a></div>Tanya, Lisa, Jaime, Darlene, Merinda, Bernadine, Karen, Eric, Renee, John, Annaliese, Billy, Paul, Jay, Jeff,Danny and my twinsie Betsey.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaRJ8e9uJ_pYEjXA_fUa2t1khyphenhyphenTQMhSx5qt8CgawLW-epMRAnohJznicKslBDq7VqB557Nb0lfw2iP0eahQGtLTq8HIiOzfkkdD_0YdzSDhiS3I9q1TGgLqOcwGzU155kwWQuBD5Eg_M/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSewp_PJUIfGb-73ckUveMp5QgI-OWH40XFneEGEtV-HZYpmfdxNwIycQxQkQm7egqc5sfpYj-i4ONvtog48igz2yMRIlL6ISthjZW4zmkqegRvhFudTVZ-WIwdqONEV9rAISgHIPduwc/s1600/IMG_3112.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678661774523055362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSewp_PJUIfGb-73ckUveMp5QgI-OWH40XFneEGEtV-HZYpmfdxNwIycQxQkQm7egqc5sfpYj-i4ONvtog48igz2yMRIlL6ISthjZW4zmkqegRvhFudTVZ-WIwdqONEV9rAISgHIPduwc/s320/IMG_3112.JPG" /></a></div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaRJ8e9uJ_pYEjXA_fUa2t1khyphenhyphenTQMhSx5qt8CgawLW-epMRAnohJznicKslBDq7VqB557Nb0lfw2iP0eahQGtLTq8HIiOzfkkdD_0YdzSDhiS3I9q1TGgLqOcwGzU155kwWQuBD5Eg_M/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Two of my favorite days of the year took place as far apart from each other as you could imagine. One was in the red rocks where I did something I hadn't done before. And the second was on a hike where I saw a waterfall. Each year brings some amazing life affirming visions, and I will look back on these two days with particular joy because even though they were two places a 1.000 miles apart they showed me I could do things I didn't know I could.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jfJyljCgX98elnkqeLmeD6RwDmPKvxUFmfCPf9UElb5nuFOveWcuw1MKhMgMHhn_O2xhwZCsQSQZ3AK-L37P3-CpMPX5o4W52vvBfAl_HZ7y8AloiOeeKMXqLO_ZQUhHsDSQ-RkbKU/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678662991838046306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7jfJyljCgX98elnkqeLmeD6RwDmPKvxUFmfCPf9UElb5nuFOveWcuw1MKhMgMHhn_O2xhwZCsQSQZ3AK-L37P3-CpMPX5o4W52vvBfAl_HZ7y8AloiOeeKMXqLO_ZQUhHsDSQ-RkbKU/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" /></a></div><div>I owe a really big thanks to the staff at Fitness North. Leif, Sheryl. Jay and Kelly welcomed me into their family. They pushed me harder than I have ever been pushed. Made me do things I had never done. And built me back up after they broke me down. Plus they got me to see a very beautiful part of the country that I had never seen before. They really have an outstanding program that produces for everyone who attends. It's young and growing and will only get better. I'm happy I got there when they were so small they could take extra pleasure from kicking my ass.</div><div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaRJ8e9uJ_pYEjXA_fUa2t1khyphenhyphenTQMhSx5qt8CgawLW-epMRAnohJznicKslBDq7VqB557Nb0lfw2iP0eahQGtLTq8HIiOzfkkdD_0YdzSDhiS3I9q1TGgLqOcwGzU155kwWQuBD5Eg_M/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"></a></div></div><div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLHn6dZhFWWye9ZkDgqYm1Am7Kf_m7abgpZk-nLIW1g0N9hFAD6WrR6F6OTrIy6O9tJaHXSzJNP4ZfhsroXKhFj3cMb-XM5dMoXtwsMC6XnCBIcpZqGOGwXlDrfKF4-kD0lu33YpPE7A/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgzeQaCCsaSJK_nVyIrCnoRrLLRiCCwdrLxqvnClHpaSq9MurswaLlcMaTFkR5m5wGfXTlwDy2p8uqwjDSE0YbWvW6iUmZ1mMa_OUdvgz2aJn-WBaREKLtBuQ6KEXvhCB9nEWHrCuQWM/s1600/sarariv3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678624961946064242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgzeQaCCsaSJK_nVyIrCnoRrLLRiCCwdrLxqvnClHpaSq9MurswaLlcMaTFkR5m5wGfXTlwDy2p8uqwjDSE0YbWvW6iUmZ1mMa_OUdvgz2aJn-WBaREKLtBuQ6KEXvhCB9nEWHrCuQWM/s320/sarariv3.jpg" /></a>It has been an amazing year for me music wise, I am so thankful that I got to see just an abundance of great shows. Including a trio of icons I had never seen before. I got to see Sara twice. Both times wonderful. And perhaps the sweetest thing I have ever heard out of my friend Allison's mouth came that night when after seeing Sara for the first time she promised to never mock me again for my obsession. I got to see Paul McCartney. My first Beatle ever in concert. And he did not disappoint at all. I also got to see Stevie Nicks and Gordon Lightfoot, who both sounded a little different and came nowhere near delivering the energy of Sir Paul. I also saw 3 dog night, Jimmy Buffett, Ben Folds, Little Feat, and scores of local acts.</div><div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkWkmOy3cPGcNTmiqvGZ65azjfmLpM6cX2WrMGJrnaYPfo3klQFAQBXJdyz6SeqjGky3VG1TKEsQtkOPKJ4aNYmXQlCVXfFJnJSotOsRSTDYmk4GOhE12SPkgNhR8vXpmk0LKvYs6aX0/s1600/jb+and+jt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 272px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678623749181025122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkWkmOy3cPGcNTmiqvGZ65azjfmLpM6cX2WrMGJrnaYPfo3klQFAQBXJdyz6SeqjGky3VG1TKEsQtkOPKJ4aNYmXQlCVXfFJnJSotOsRSTDYmk4GOhE12SPkgNhR8vXpmk0LKvYs6aX0/s320/jb+and+jt.jpg" /></a></div></div><div> But my favorite concert, which also gave me my favorite picture of the year, was the night Jackson Browne came to town. He played a song for me, it doesn't get any cooler than that. Still running on empty for sure.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkWkmOy3cPGcNTmiqvGZ65azjfmLpM6cX2WrMGJrnaYPfo3klQFAQBXJdyz6SeqjGky3VG1TKEsQtkOPKJ4aNYmXQlCVXfFJnJSotOsRSTDYmk4GOhE12SPkgNhR8vXpmk0LKvYs6aX0/s1600/jb+and+jt.jpg"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pt0oTw9ZQ-XoLas-fWV4IroAPfO-R7QXi2LlhtN5XGQlBz64Zz-oCa9IJIdGvJ2GnWI0EfPX27OCalHCQPbpBCu3UKkDz5cCvm996N_YdwoO2lvhyphenhyphentwea6wf3k6udOE48OJUXtJ_LnI/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678624968147808066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pt0oTw9ZQ-XoLas-fWV4IroAPfO-R7QXi2LlhtN5XGQlBz64Zz-oCa9IJIdGvJ2GnWI0EfPX27OCalHCQPbpBCu3UKkDz5cCvm996N_YdwoO2lvhyphenhyphentwea6wf3k6udOE48OJUXtJ_LnI/s320/IMG_1520.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> I did a few races this year. 4 to be exact, including one today, my first activity ever on thanksgiving that didn't involve the use of either a fork or a remote. I still get nervous, I still worry and I still feel slow but I'm doing it. Thanks to my workout partner for making me does this, because without her push I would have watched the Macy's Day Parade in my pajamas.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkWkmOy3cPGcNTmiqvGZ65azjfmLpM6cX2WrMGJrnaYPfo3klQFAQBXJdyz6SeqjGky3VG1TKEsQtkOPKJ4aNYmXQlCVXfFJnJSotOsRSTDYmk4GOhE12SPkgNhR8vXpmk0LKvYs6aX0/s1600/jb+and+jt.jpg"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><div> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGSNzlC6N2EEyRg-xY-1ppZ-qHFJ1NJ9tZE2XSpnE9jCGCt1YioYYyl7pAozWTzdzdK8FKQOodGk1hQRPRj3UrZYz7aFJ4UVnQp3xSyps7kQnMzzMdpdvuv2mPco57uG852Kz5XR-ycc/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678623768054073634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGSNzlC6N2EEyRg-xY-1ppZ-qHFJ1NJ9tZE2XSpnE9jCGCt1YioYYyl7pAozWTzdzdK8FKQOodGk1hQRPRj3UrZYz7aFJ4UVnQp3xSyps7kQnMzzMdpdvuv2mPco57uG852Kz5XR-ycc/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Got to spend some time in Florida this past month. So thankful my parents are both around and making me smile. Over 80 everyday, hanging out in the pool, walking on the beach. I have to admit I feel somewhat stupid that I live in Wisconsin when I spend time in the Sunshine state. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQh7jcYjHob631zsh6XtWL6ICLwvvKC6rwLBPe4vFH2wUXyhDWKNdaRyQof355diVqEIH89uCB3hiTk6Lmgfr5caiHmvU5xwGOo17pucVcGLmL5pjbcz0bX59jHuZ_Uw7qGQPqlEGJ0Zk/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678682414247930594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQh7jcYjHob631zsh6XtWL6ICLwvvKC6rwLBPe4vFH2wUXyhDWKNdaRyQof355diVqEIH89uCB3hiTk6Lmgfr5caiHmvU5xwGOo17pucVcGLmL5pjbcz0bX59jHuZ_Uw7qGQPqlEGJ0Zk/s320/IMG_1500.JPG" /></a><br /> Thankful for Happy Hour with my Mom. I know she reads this so I hope she knows that I love her very much and feel like every good quality I have comes from her. As your father would always toast.... Here's looking up your address. :)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc4IXRQ4vuf13PkEGPZMAewdun8GHg46Ag13uDEST2rEPPzU8Vh0YbP4MgOzTozBsbnf5caV9__YLUMQw4aXO2iKRuAXqsJzcu49Lqb1jWQB7BBQR7WxbbfH0elvp9wq-J55kMyGZY3g/s1600/IMG_1462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678623771056281538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc4IXRQ4vuf13PkEGPZMAewdun8GHg46Ag13uDEST2rEPPzU8Vh0YbP4MgOzTozBsbnf5caV9__YLUMQw4aXO2iKRuAXqsJzcu49Lqb1jWQB7BBQR7WxbbfH0elvp9wq-J55kMyGZY3g/s320/IMG_1462.JPG" /></a>I am a pretty big fan of turtles... Never saw the dessert variety in Utah, never saw the beach variety before either. And this trip I walked off the beach and onto the boardwalk heading to the parking lot and there she was. She made her way back out to the sand and was paid a visit by a boy turtle who proceeded to bump shells with her... In case you were wondering how I knew she was a girl. So seeing two was really cool and unexpected. Go Terps :)</div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbny1e-609eHIWKXkZIyHfUoyCOduFLsA0kr3mamLD_KMIALgZ4bt1uSNeWT5CTBSlV4zLZbu8N2FCHy-8VZWtJIlvljAvDSvva87wZ4CYIaRnLJtT4xZfMP1lT1LYSGE4cpelnjq1DQ/s1600/wednesday+champs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616248456206322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbny1e-609eHIWKXkZIyHfUoyCOduFLsA0kr3mamLD_KMIALgZ4bt1uSNeWT5CTBSlV4zLZbu8N2FCHy-8VZWtJIlvljAvDSvva87wZ4CYIaRnLJtT4xZfMP1lT1LYSGE4cpelnjq1DQ/s320/wednesday+champs.jpg" /></a>There really is nothing in my life I am more thankful for than my volleyball teams. Virtually all my current friends can be traced to my volleyball teams. I played on 3 fall teams including playing on two on Wednesday night. The tie-dye team one the Wednesday night regular season and tournament championship. My Monday night team went undefeated in winning both the regular season and tournament championship. And watching my other team improve and become fabulous at sets made my fall. I love all these guys and miss them when we are not playing. </div><div><br /> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytltK7KMUiLvp_PVMbyvp-Op1paWWrLS9llcp5Ik6LzMKZLyfxp3qY082WByz5_CslVxFB0X_d3XmSdXgh6O0hyDafyfd6GaVKTAp95zDa2egMCrjk1HBmlUGneZQNIKJgfWzT-Zp4M/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 230px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616237052662306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytltK7KMUiLvp_PVMbyvp-Op1paWWrLS9llcp5Ik6LzMKZLyfxp3qY082WByz5_CslVxFB0X_d3XmSdXgh6O0hyDafyfd6GaVKTAp95zDa2egMCrjk1HBmlUGneZQNIKJgfWzT-Zp4M/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" /></a>We dressed up for our end of year tournaments including the tie-dyes above and Captain Planet and the planeteers next to this. </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytltK7KMUiLvp_PVMbyvp-Op1paWWrLS9llcp5Ik6LzMKZLyfxp3qY082WByz5_CslVxFB0X_d3XmSdXgh6O0hyDafyfd6GaVKTAp95zDa2egMCrjk1HBmlUGneZQNIKJgfWzT-Zp4M/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG"></a> </div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsytltK7KMUiLvp_PVMbyvp-Op1paWWrLS9llcp5Ik6LzMKZLyfxp3qY082WByz5_CslVxFB0X_d3XmSdXgh6O0hyDafyfd6GaVKTAp95zDa2egMCrjk1HBmlUGneZQNIKJgfWzT-Zp4M/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG"></a> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqRXgVG2ZNjJ0yen94zD1V0YR8rN4XGSdG0NJLnYn_JMFRJF1P-oDWsCaDle5WPhxJhysnJgczgGP1v2OcUnIWtYCyl9mjQGL2EzW61TmbsmCxE4lPWTrBMf2kUBvxxWUX-hahzIRC4/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616223922551778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqRXgVG2ZNjJ0yen94zD1V0YR8rN4XGSdG0NJLnYn_JMFRJF1P-oDWsCaDle5WPhxJhysnJgczgGP1v2OcUnIWtYCyl9mjQGL2EzW61TmbsmCxE4lPWTrBMf2kUBvxxWUX-hahzIRC4/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" /></a></div></div><div>My favorite night of dressing for volleyball was Monday night when I joined Eyeore, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, and Christopher Robin. nothing beats a tubby cubby kicking some butt on the sand. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SqRXgVG2ZNjJ0yen94zD1V0YR8rN4XGSdG0NJLnYn_JMFRJF1P-oDWsCaDle5WPhxJhysnJgczgGP1v2OcUnIWtYCyl9mjQGL2EzW61TmbsmCxE4lPWTrBMf2kUBvxxWUX-hahzIRC4/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47b9bldSEV9tAywA26YcBOnJlVyBMurIMvgfw1qyyMWFGIB-Ed88bwjDShwZmvI8ETi3xI4pIsuvuL_IZ35pntwS1BfwXPjEO9IfqfNkZ1VoTKrf_Z_yqSlb_HwMwxcfFBKf4L3DT2kk/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678616231322791762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47b9bldSEV9tAywA26YcBOnJlVyBMurIMvgfw1qyyMWFGIB-Ed88bwjDShwZmvI8ETi3xI4pIsuvuL_IZ35pntwS1BfwXPjEO9IfqfNkZ1VoTKrf_Z_yqSlb_HwMwxcfFBKf4L3DT2kk/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>As always so much to be thankful for, and so much to be excited about going forward. I hope everyone has a great end of the year and may your next year be colorful, festive, fruity and frosty... That's all I want. Peace and Love, Jimmy</div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45ou1yfzqREazzlbjd14_ndbjcRDAS_Jq_tPa3g_ZAV4yQByKSI4YxNJ2xCPcmDXLjM9gqTZO9i-boKiMiTyUuGSO-2n1lTnQmt1jywri_1jaTS2UZflVVBHSr3GsOme9FOsks8A8HdU/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG"></a><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-8498096589768938652011-10-26T12:11:00.002-05:002011-10-27T10:06:48.439-05:00Fitness North 2 Wrap-up<div><div align="center"><font color="#ff6600">Oh my heart is tangled</font> </div><div align="center"><font color="#ff6600">all around you.</font></div><div align="center"><font color="#ff6600">When you've got trouble,</font></div><div align="center"><font color="#ff6600">I've got trouble, too.</font></div><div align="center"><font color="#996633">Liz Longley</font></div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm-kamk3CM3nR17kSkqwTTfRQQ_OPqB6VAb5XuLpJMP7WnTJgd8wg2oBLFzvuwloesYzKD37A4cLQadfEXvlw0487H9Czxpnza0HU5J10NITbkmj3ZTpYDc_J7MeFrLTBkOWRdS8X8mU/s1600/IMG_0795.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667851470699281682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMm-kamk3CM3nR17kSkqwTTfRQQ_OPqB6VAb5XuLpJMP7WnTJgd8wg2oBLFzvuwloesYzKD37A4cLQadfEXvlw0487H9Czxpnza0HU5J10NITbkmj3ZTpYDc_J7MeFrLTBkOWRdS8X8mU/s320/IMG_0795.JPG" /></a></div><div>It was a little after noon on Thursday when I looked back over the last six hours and realized I had just finished a 6 am 5K walk, an hour long pool class built around deck push-ups and relays, a spin class, a kickboxing class, another spin class, a trx class and a 3rd spin class. But the cool part was even after all that I was going to experience something for the first time ever, that I can remember, and certainly the first time as an adult. Jimbo was headed into a gondola, and headed up the mountain the easy way. Why haven't I been on a gondola that floats through the air? I'm not afraid of heights, I'm not afraid of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqOnVyeEenVsC4318jwvVzrmEEYKPna7mS7TFO7hK1OgFRC89_1aLt6zKeR-CXLrbjb2ZSpHnmCyI4nqiNp0_hWAafB4PVEV-C5eDUB8GcF-OdA1ItoCx7mwqcGG9jEU_kbk8ivjh4VA/s1600/IMG_0801.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667850662565373634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqOnVyeEenVsC4318jwvVzrmEEYKPna7mS7TFO7hK1OgFRC89_1aLt6zKeR-CXLrbjb2ZSpHnmCyI4nqiNp0_hWAafB4PVEV-C5eDUB8GcF-OdA1ItoCx7mwqcGG9jEU_kbk8ivjh4VA/s320/IMG_0801.JPG" /></a>ski lodges although I never go to them, and I'm not afraid of riding in small compartments. I am afraid of snapping a wire, and then reading about the fat dude that snapped the wire... But I checked on the weight limit (680lbs) and while I have been in that zip code before... I have moved far away. Which doesn't mean I was willing to share my gondola ride with someone else, I'm not tempting fate :)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qh_SEZrsc78PZSMZ8LXuo7P0mZACczByC0p-4vK67T_1egMWv-2A7KUiDAmcS_PSblEE94M_t95nDy63GF0zechvUOFGMkEsP2BgUsurhVDkWB6h-fCcFerB17Ot1xh9aTEY2R0yTp0/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667850676846858498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qh_SEZrsc78PZSMZ8LXuo7P0mZACczByC0p-4vK67T_1egMWv-2A7KUiDAmcS_PSblEE94M_t95nDy63GF0zechvUOFGMkEsP2BgUsurhVDkWB6h-fCcFerB17Ot1xh9aTEY2R0yTp0/s320/IMG_0792.JPG" /></a></div><div> Trying not to move very much, rock the gondola at all, or actually breathe all that much either, I didn't do a great job of taking pictures but here is a deer that was grazing below me, or possibly by the looks of it a rhino.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f6mpx0_MPm3dkW51cfxwseA__-MusYND3RWV5kAmKyAXrKN8JaUn0sWQ4yFhumdEWidEZGhbtB_8_ReYogqtVQTHg06Nc_HICGcAVc5dqmt-7nFfw4sIzYETbFng2H5GoQ4b27s891o/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667850664454384194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f6mpx0_MPm3dkW51cfxwseA__-MusYND3RWV5kAmKyAXrKN8JaUn0sWQ4yFhumdEWidEZGhbtB_8_ReYogqtVQTHg06Nc_HICGcAVc5dqmt-7nFfw4sIzYETbFng2H5GoQ4b27s891o/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" /></a>So thanks to the fine wires at Lutsen Mountain in really northern Minnesota. I crossed another thing off my bucket list, well one that I didn't know existed until actually seeing the gondola's. But what the heck, I am going to enjoy my new found spirit of adventure.</div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7Om5lWlnT-fJi_8gTt5enXAUZFnZReeqMSuybLRpqODRsl8tW_fkOtdNVNix3sbnAAyL61rjK8VMenIV0JDUereIF-mh5PcB52_yC20pJi2R3soISpjfeOF9O6zMZZebN9yf-FeUJQM/s1600/IMG_0806.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667851478116925810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7Om5lWlnT-fJi_8gTt5enXAUZFnZReeqMSuybLRpqODRsl8tW_fkOtdNVNix3sbnAAyL61rjK8VMenIV0JDUereIF-mh5PcB52_yC20pJi2R3soISpjfeOF9O6zMZZebN9yf-FeUJQM/s320/IMG_0806.JPG" /></a>The 4 alumni of fitness north got to take this little excursion while the newbies got their lecture in. We are way up in this picture and good ways from Lake Superior way in the background. From left to right...me, Lizzie, Zach, and Camille.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__a1ywsvh-vj_ZnN-2H2xnKBhTaV8vjEz_QVBeh1I1agQGhR034gCs86MujjmSNz0iwRN6FnNNh-FbGBvWGthe0TEdreGz_tZcyC2WaQgjPWnLRK2K_KHByZmH64aVR_WbbiaPxjqiNc/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667851484508290402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__a1ywsvh-vj_ZnN-2H2xnKBhTaV8vjEz_QVBeh1I1agQGhR034gCs86MujjmSNz0iwRN6FnNNh-FbGBvWGthe0TEdreGz_tZcyC2WaQgjPWnLRK2K_KHByZmH64aVR_WbbiaPxjqiNc/s320/IMG_0816.JPG" /></a>Here is the shore and lighthouse on the tip of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Grand Marais is about 30 miles south of the Canadian border. A fishing village with lots of cool shops and a whole lot of places to eat. Not that we got to sample the famous Sven and Ole's pizza but it's nice to know pizza hut hasn't run it out of town.</div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylWIqsFIwBpebVceoaYGUMnEoz17mLbuINsFcry9EhCibu0d6llw5CO7yh8XCWNY3t3FMedIsUBDFAFxTYRq9RDKNp34Kc7CzoFpDeAptg0OKW5s3-79Woof1utZ6lygQU_VKTKLK5iE/s1600/IMG_0820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667851482833714786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylWIqsFIwBpebVceoaYGUMnEoz17mLbuINsFcry9EhCibu0d6llw5CO7yh8XCWNY3t3FMedIsUBDFAFxTYRq9RDKNp34Kc7CzoFpDeAptg0OKW5s3-79Woof1utZ6lygQU_VKTKLK5iE/s320/IMG_0820.JPG" /></a></div><div>The aptly named Beaver House for some reason had a giant fish coming out of its storefront. Which got me thinking...maybe a giant hippie coming out of the awning at Sunshine Daydream would be cool? I think I will stick with what we got. And leave the Beaver House alone to tend to their live bait and glass bottle selling. Now that is some niche marketing right there. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXHS6QSwHYGIqjJxTyUvx3n7cjpkzH9o8o7netzxg-nMDJO9b4E6LXOV7rc3-Z6zFNpOqfRWcE4wrK5DQbmH9NjcGuzmt9E5OauCvv5Em8FlhpiO0LQnrfn2dtsmNYNqKY5aEfojw6_8/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667850646519257922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXHS6QSwHYGIqjJxTyUvx3n7cjpkzH9o8o7netzxg-nMDJO9b4E6LXOV7rc3-Z6zFNpOqfRWcE4wrK5DQbmH9NjcGuzmt9E5OauCvv5Em8FlhpiO0LQnrfn2dtsmNYNqKY5aEfojw6_8/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" /></a>Friday marked the last day of full exercise for the week. Again out into the brisk morning air for a 6 am walk. I was 4 for 4 on shorts in the am and I wasn't changing now. The car said 23 degrees as we headed to the start line, the wind coming of the lake made me a little cold, but I'm not giving in. I sort of shuffled/limped/waddled through the morning hike and was happy to warm up in the pool. My plan to defeat winter and wear shorts much longer is sadly a huge underdog to Mother Nature's plan to remind me she makes the rules. We had a 3 hour mixed body circuit/ab/ relay class in the morning that I thought was the toughest one yet.<br /><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__a1ywsvh-vj_ZnN-2H2xnKBhTaV8vjEz_QVBeh1I1agQGhR034gCs86MujjmSNz0iwRN6FnNNh-FbGBvWGthe0TEdreGz_tZcyC2WaQgjPWnLRK2K_KHByZmH64aVR_WbbiaPxjqiNc/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG"></a> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARmNME0N4WXVukdlGSmpjA77zldg3cm1zOeEGd_9HzDQzJfNahJKyu-FQlbyLluVuYvNxjfIhiVUQkYfNWITQ5V3o16pknk1BqGI797tceGndHznOfBkhRDlzJcpGBqc552HBsXGF5oU/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667850643836733458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARmNME0N4WXVukdlGSmpjA77zldg3cm1zOeEGd_9HzDQzJfNahJKyu-FQlbyLluVuYvNxjfIhiVUQkYfNWITQ5V3o16pknk1BqGI797tceGndHznOfBkhRDlzJcpGBqc552HBsXGF5oU/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" /></a>The last hike of the week was at Split Rock State Park... Home of the Split Rock Lighthouse. I had been there before, but the waters kept me off the island before. I was ready this time with old shoes, and a determination that if I needed to get wet I didn't care. If I can ride in a gondola, damn it, I can get to the island. It was a school holiday and there were kids everywhere in the park. They were going to watch me get my way to that island. And they did. Of course, they were just walking next to me as the low tide made the walk out their dry, easy, and short. Still a victory in my book :)<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>You weigh out Saturday and it is certainly the way we like to measure the success of these programs. 10 people got on the scales that morning, 10 different body types, 10 different levels of fitness, and 10 different amounts of weight they wanted to lose.... And 10 people got off the scales happy. I had never seen that happen before on weigh-in day. Everyone had great losses with the smallest being 6 lbs which had to be in the 4% range for that person and 22lbs on top which was in the 6% range for that person. All told the 9 people lost a staggering total of 106 lbs in their week. They pushed themselves further and harder than they could imagine. They got the support and knowledge of the staff. They got friendship, inspiration, and understanding from each other in a small environment best suited for their needs. It was a successful week. It was hard but it was worth it. And I am certain all 9 of those other campers would agree. Peace, Love, and I love you mother nature...be nice, Jim<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-34813673839438466652011-10-21T21:36:00.005-05:002011-10-22T06:57:35.376-05:00keep on keeping on<div><div align="center"><font color="#993300">There may come a time, a time in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">everyone's</span> life<br /> where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nothin</span> seems to go your way<br /> where nothing seems to turn out right<br /> there may come a time, you just cant seem to find your way<br /> for every door you walk on to, seems like they get slammed in your face<br /> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">that's</span> when you need someone, someone that you can call.<br /> and when all your faith is gone<br /> feels like you cant go on<br /> let it be me<br /> let it be me<br /> if its a friend that you need<br /> let it be me<br /> let it be me</font></div><div align="center"><font color="#993300">Ray <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lamontagne</span></font></div><p><font color="#993300"><font color="#000000"></font></font><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PyUY7RW_b5ZGoWN_NoqkPERWCLs73hfv83ltEBtKL3K9dkRpUUzJGaSLVxMlbGx0H0GISXza3-dUmIvqY40XUAxdHS0BRkNLdPYE3jrHqXVqfBQMbC-i0zt8OWU9oTiX-jCTiBE7Sc4/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141919209651874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PyUY7RW_b5ZGoWN_NoqkPERWCLs73hfv83ltEBtKL3K9dkRpUUzJGaSLVxMlbGx0H0GISXza3-dUmIvqY40XUAxdHS0BRkNLdPYE3jrHqXVqfBQMbC-i0zt8OWU9oTiX-jCTiBE7Sc4/s320/IMG_0772.JPG" /></a>So I certainly expected to be completely wrecked for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">at least</span> two days, following my torturous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Monday</span>. But much like everyday here I was up again before dawn and heading down the road to the delightful sounds of my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ipod</span>. This picture is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tettegouche</span> Cove which is one of my favorite spots in all of Minnesota. The waves come breaking in from Lake Superior and meet the Baptism River flowing in to form a cove that is one of the most serene places on earth<font color="#993300">. </font></p><font color="#993300"><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /> </div></font><div align="left"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVCu6G90W-Qn2ZNnsiW7kRGZN5V9nzTl2A4PsY-PJv2gikBF_vrZe6yOr-WB3gcLWPbNYeWQ_rXz654PlRY_QwxyjHATjjucJBItNYb32SqvsK1oE8CvhDWqwVE1VNL3FNZ6VqtWKYq4/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141934656020450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVCu6G90W-Qn2ZNnsiW7kRGZN5V9nzTl2A4PsY-PJv2gikBF_vrZe6yOr-WB3gcLWPbNYeWQ_rXz654PlRY_QwxyjHATjjucJBItNYb32SqvsK1oE8CvhDWqwVE1VNL3FNZ6VqtWKYq4/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" /></a>The less than happy news is you walk down a ridiculous amount of steps to see it, but I know this will shock you I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I don't think I climbed more steps on this trip but still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">a lot</span> and I will let you in on a little secret.... It's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">getting</span> easier and easier and my knee hurts less.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYecQsCYPxlsZDrSMGKOWfdXAYRM_gIRbRaEVzLheuNIiFB7YawsDSJFHI572dSShssmMnDaTWokIkS_DniutdUhPoWWnRRNRwnCe7_lXVztOwdG13UZAIW4pHJIdo9CcxermeMcA4Lw/s1600/IMG_0765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666141910916503874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYecQsCYPxlsZDrSMGKOWfdXAYRM_gIRbRaEVzLheuNIiFB7YawsDSJFHI572dSShssmMnDaTWokIkS_DniutdUhPoWWnRRNRwnCe7_lXVztOwdG13UZAIW4pHJIdo9CcxermeMcA4Lw/s320/IMG_0765.JPG" /></a>Wildlife is really abundant here in the North Shore. And much like my brother the black bear I am happy to dip my paw in the cove and grab a little snack. You may laugh but if I had run across this tasty gift from the lake yesterday about three hours into the hike I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">would</span> have surely eaten it.<br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBMawTYHnALgyicdzbRqVp_JqeKkrZ4j4MuKgUiRr2E1dygMP97QPWy7cMuNvXuIwqWXy6weg8MS52URIwmlTGrcfirfszVFBAD5-1fB7ZCgxpLx7Bu3s6DgljCK1Kt6XydrGsrMY4_U/s1600/IMG_0766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 246px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666140876894164914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBMawTYHnALgyicdzbRqVp_JqeKkrZ4j4MuKgUiRr2E1dygMP97QPWy7cMuNvXuIwqWXy6weg8MS52URIwmlTGrcfirfszVFBAD5-1fB7ZCgxpLx7Bu3s6DgljCK1Kt6XydrGsrMY4_U/s320/IMG_0766.JPG" /></a>This little guy was just happily staring at the fish I was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">holding</span> and admiring my talents. Truthfully, he or she, I wasn't checking which, blends so well into the scenery that I barely could see it. I'm not exactly what species of flying animals this was. I am guessing either eagle, hawk, or flying monkey. Although my humming of tunes from the Wizard of Oz did not elicit much response so I'm guessing one of the first two. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhk0mBxrJk5cEq18biG1jMZuhE7nQRKQS_TU-Yqv2uIvndEGQUT48ApqyfnwE2Hfy1fOZUeaNZnO4y6VGOXHvs2z8n5pR37Ra3vk03LuAfJfvxRUmC6vDW3swBslg9VzYcTpA6EaddpY/s1600/jimgoldie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 258px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666140868891175202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhk0mBxrJk5cEq18biG1jMZuhE7nQRKQS_TU-Yqv2uIvndEGQUT48ApqyfnwE2Hfy1fOZUeaNZnO4y6VGOXHvs2z8n5pR37Ra3vk03LuAfJfvxRUmC6vDW3swBslg9VzYcTpA6EaddpY/s320/jimgoldie.jpg" /></a>Here is the craziest of wildlife... A shocking and rare photo of a human encounter with a golden retriever. Not often seen in the wild, and rarely off their leashes in state parks, Izzy was a friendly sort who gave me a big kiss and shared some water from my water bottle. I think he was happy with the salty taste of my face. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">After all</span>, I had spent the morning doing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-dawn 5K, and a pool class, had a bowl of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kashi</span> cereal with fruit and then did a 3 hour class with a 1.5 hour leg circuit, a 30 minute <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">ab's</span> session, relay races that included sprints with kettle bells, and then a step class. It was a legit morning for sure. Followed by a fabulous and scenic hike. I was exhausted, sweaty, tired, and pretty damn happy with my first couple days. And I sure knew that there wasn't anything they could throw at me that would kill me.... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">at least</span> I hoped so. :)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykNWPYtGuAyWDlf4Y0pySXKYOAMkdaKV2Stqg3jmYTZjQyCkG8ATE_XRZoSFEJyaQgzal5VueSa0r2aDqdyvx1BID2hUQ947T8QRUM_BR6gJ7ATDn0eXjHS62YiePjyp0vMGEFtVu4cU/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666140864186488386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykNWPYtGuAyWDlf4Y0pySXKYOAMkdaKV2Stqg3jmYTZjQyCkG8ATE_XRZoSFEJyaQgzal5VueSa0r2aDqdyvx1BID2hUQ947T8QRUM_BR6gJ7ATDn0eXjHS62YiePjyp0vMGEFtVu4cU/s320/IMG_0746.JPG" /></a></div><div>Speaking of rare pictures. Here is something you haven't seen in months and months... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jimbo</span> in pants. I know winter is coming, it makes me sad but I am ready and I swear this year will be different. I have a workout partner lined up and I'm ready to go. We have ten fabulous, fun campers this week. And one, who decided to come after reading the blog, and who has made it through a few days without yet threatening to kill me. So I am happy for that. On we go through more walks, more classes, and more adventures and knowing whats coming is making it much easier, that and the amazing inspiring group of people doing all this with me. Peace, Love and Happiness, Jim</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><div> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSHiTp87TnP8pHQXHqF3OpZLuwxikk3a_z9oEMhnb14YQ9fGBdP53CNz0j69E52a_FWn2qZn_QxtYtQ9-mW3FfaKUJYIvFc0o_XnfkEsGBkEVOZmoHga3vKwAhhplazw35uxgRF_GmhQ/s1600/IMG_0740.JPG"></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-66783055333558969922011-10-19T09:06:00.005-05:002011-10-19T23:09:56.252-05:00Hike Me<div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><font style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">The long and winding road<br />That leads to your door<br />Will never disappear<br />I've seen that road before.<br />It always leads me here,<br />Leads me to your door</font></div><div align="center"><font style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Beatles</font><br /></font><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aTOX3mhRGwGqxuBpnSL565WiZJ4dI3aG-t6R-fGuLiQSRDzMhE5H2QgT3A4xEO1bh664pcHsn3-SL1LFs_js1hv_njrmvPs-fP8YzD46ronJ_4jYhuuXM_SgAXNf04aVtJ3-ll_UzBA/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665205398509765362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aTOX3mhRGwGqxuBpnSL565WiZJ4dI3aG-t6R-fGuLiQSRDzMhE5H2QgT3A4xEO1bh664pcHsn3-SL1LFs_js1hv_njrmvPs-fP8YzD46ronJ_4jYhuuXM_SgAXNf04aVtJ3-ll_UzBA/s320/IMG_0707.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left">So, as I mentioned before, Monday was a very strange day for me. I felt really good all morning, even pushing the kettle bell while bear crawling across the floor. I was happy with my 5K and felt like I really pushed as hard as I could. I was in a good place and felt ready for the afternoon hike. I knew going in it was hard, I knew going in it was 5.5 miles. I didn't know the terrain was going to be extreme, I didn't know the ups and downs would get to me. I didn't know wobbly bridges would await me and I sure didn't ever suspect that I would be finishing in the dark.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjFYRfvx1gtbXuXZmDIjyp0bVVWTVqUTgGuPymPWodA3JYDkJ8jMkzkSyABcYkDYjnK2qM0avkE8AH2FPPOcXdxBOCehK-gMTnGqF0K3OYlvjwVyUSMcR5gTHPw8QuYJ_8Eq344P8gBw/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665205410381717522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjFYRfvx1gtbXuXZmDIjyp0bVVWTVqUTgGuPymPWodA3JYDkJ8jMkzkSyABcYkDYjnK2qM0avkE8AH2FPPOcXdxBOCehK-gMTnGqF0K3OYlvjwVyUSMcR5gTHPw8QuYJ_8Eq344P8gBw/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftLVl5hra6FHSh7WFmp0fjUg7OwVbHMhyphenhyphenJannwiIpcf962-WWbhBSWpeYHa0UBPMZ_nCFqBwr-Eb7yy0kJwbdAy0oN4rM7JTpEh2cDnfFW4GmCEnIh_xtLJHNnbjaXFbwB3EUap0nZF8/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG"></a><br /> I have done some decent sized walks in the past and been ok. I'm slow no doubt about it. I figured I would finish last of the campers who completed it. No big deal. What I have never done in the past is head out on a hike in the afternoon, after doing a 5 K in the morning and 3 .5 more hours of exercise on top of it. I remember seeing this sign and thinking that can't be right I had to have been hiking for at least two miles, no way can it be 4.6 miles back. I think I should learn to trust signs more than the faulty odometer in m mind. I was already starting to fatigue.<br /><br /><br /><br /> <div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM9CDsM8Cyu159gKH8qvTg6w-R_1DSL7TRQZ_qkLeV75eY7QXv1SJXUq6iJQMlz1JW23q-GJo6yzbKlmrLOFfnbm-sDRIeNQxHkGwWkdJyFPZAa6DLLzu2szU1-xKDB7PnpL_rH7iAeM/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665205414545920002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM9CDsM8Cyu159gKH8qvTg6w-R_1DSL7TRQZ_qkLeV75eY7QXv1SJXUq6iJQMlz1JW23q-GJo6yzbKlmrLOFfnbm-sDRIeNQxHkGwWkdJyFPZAa6DLLzu2szU1-xKDB7PnpL_rH7iAeM/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" /></a></div><br /> I saw a lot of stuff that looked like this. Steps going up, steps going down, and some that seemed to do both. I have never stepped over and around more tree roots, tree limbs, and tree branches... heck even whole trees.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM9CDsM8Cyu159gKH8qvTg6w-R_1DSL7TRQZ_qkLeV75eY7QXv1SJXUq6iJQMlz1JW23q-GJo6yzbKlmrLOFfnbm-sDRIeNQxHkGwWkdJyFPZAa6DLLzu2szU1-xKDB7PnpL_rH7iAeM/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG"></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtoL9A0jyEcFE4XDuW4eULY5SCDH4i5wwmIWhNwvF4hZggY056H8Rscq9ZFKjalBn1m93zR13smwCR8UFv9Zdisn_n3v_j5vwT-Jkq0BSvdPdHwRPvzlmQm0tf11NsRiyeHmz6pzXXFQ/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665205426880635538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtoL9A0jyEcFE4XDuW4eULY5SCDH4i5wwmIWhNwvF4hZggY056H8Rscq9ZFKjalBn1m93zR13smwCR8UFv9Zdisn_n3v_j5vwT-Jkq0BSvdPdHwRPvzlmQm0tf11NsRiyeHmz6pzXXFQ/s320/IMG_0728.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM9CDsM8Cyu159gKH8qvTg6w-R_1DSL7TRQZ_qkLeV75eY7QXv1SJXUq6iJQMlz1JW23q-GJo6yzbKlmrLOFfnbm-sDRIeNQxHkGwWkdJyFPZAa6DLLzu2szU1-xKDB7PnpL_rH7iAeM/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG"></a><br />I am not sure what is up with the wild life in upper Minnesota but it sure doesn't seem ver afraid of humans... This guy mocked me by literally posing about 10 inches from my foot.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITPzlPK2A5MdwoFNVYiyklXlgvGUtR47UhQPbe5AUz7QHDDQ6RX2imNydXiQFpsyXAwkGja6-TDmEM0Pt4bWVYAD6QmXh7s28Hyb_WCJgg7k2gPOV2lBNP4FU_ZoYEOAWfB2AW0DqO9k/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665206396040111410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITPzlPK2A5MdwoFNVYiyklXlgvGUtR47UhQPbe5AUz7QHDDQ6RX2imNydXiQFpsyXAwkGja6-TDmEM0Pt4bWVYAD6QmXh7s28Hyb_WCJgg7k2gPOV2lBNP4FU_ZoYEOAWfB2AW0DqO9k/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" /></a>Here's what the hoopla is all about. The famous split rock, that gives the river, the state park and the lighthouse its name. I know what you are thinking.... big damn deal its two rocks, I'm thinking the same thing</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftLVl5hra6FHSh7WFmp0fjUg7OwVbHMhyphenhyphenJannwiIpcf962-WWbhBSWpeYHa0UBPMZ_nCFqBwr-Eb7yy0kJwbdAy0oN4rM7JTpEh2cDnfFW4GmCEnIh_xtLJHNnbjaXFbwB3EUap0nZF8/s1600/IMG_0731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665206400431845970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftLVl5hra6FHSh7WFmp0fjUg7OwVbHMhyphenhyphenJannwiIpcf962-WWbhBSWpeYHa0UBPMZ_nCFqBwr-Eb7yy0kJwbdAy0oN4rM7JTpEh2cDnfFW4GmCEnIh_xtLJHNnbjaXFbwB3EUap0nZF8/s320/IMG_0731.JPG" /></a>The running question through most of the first half of the hike was do you see a bridge yet? The bridge was identified as the halfway point. Although my wonderful guide Kelly assured me it was past half way, I think she was just trying to be nice. If you look close you can pretty much see the twofold terror in my eyes. First off the bridge I'm standing on is not exactly steel girders and cement and seemed to make a strange noise with each step and secondly I realized I was a little over two hours into this hike. And starting to feel all that exercise, and lack of food.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerqmYzadoUJh7I-iX28jjkFgzRW4IMNYdjBYqpgoD83-laDI3PYrsm46RK2wHdSbgZurmSpyDKdlw4TpBsd1208szrfLNnFVZ64L8oHNIsTKe4FWpq_W-dNPhxUdDuyZoqWqPOMqQm2Y/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665206389123305986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerqmYzadoUJh7I-iX28jjkFgzRW4IMNYdjBYqpgoD83-laDI3PYrsm46RK2wHdSbgZurmSpyDKdlw4TpBsd1208szrfLNnFVZ64L8oHNIsTKe4FWpq_W-dNPhxUdDuyZoqWqPOMqQm2Y/s320/IMG_0729.JPG" /></a>It started to dawn on me that this was going to take me 4+ hours. I wasn't sure I had it in me. I started to worry, started to think of alternatives. There were none. I was slowing down and we were on a loop hike and I was in the middle. Most everyone else had finished. Another guide and camper backed back out to check on me. I was pretty much a wreck both physically and mentally. I was in perpetual search for somewhere to sit my weary ass, back and legs. I found one but it was not happy when I sat on it cracking, sliding and dumping me to the ground.</div><br /> I just kept walking as far as I could, assuming my bent over position and dropping F-bombs. we reached the top at late dusk and I asked how much farther. I was told about a football field. It was darkening by the second and after I walked my first football field. I didn't seem much closer. Never ask a non sports fan for an analogy. My guide was using the tiny flashlight <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SL5cAa_tn9cFRC0DhqFLzhaJ-EpZ-73dnMo3HlvZoncmm4g_LcG9HVlgzg1Ht1BSvOjVNXtDbwBdyVUhzAuJiKrNGEDrxKxW2QHX5h49k36ZrgmSWwL-EUlf5AhTop5CJ7P-NCBZu3M/s1600/IMG_0721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665205401880822754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SL5cAa_tn9cFRC0DhqFLzhaJ-EpZ-73dnMo3HlvZoncmm4g_LcG9HVlgzg1Ht1BSvOjVNXtDbwBdyVUhzAuJiKrNGEDrxKxW2QHX5h49k36ZrgmSWwL-EUlf5AhTop5CJ7P-NCBZu3M/s320/IMG_0721.JPG" /></a>on her walkie talkie and I was slowly walking down the mountain as it got back outside. I walked 4-5 football fields easy. I was happy to see the ride although felt bad that some other campers had to wait for their ride back. I came home, crawled up the stairs and climbed into bed. I wrapped myself and shook. Got lots of visitors to check on me, and congratulate me, although I felt more like the conqueree than the conquerer. I just knew I had to be wrecked for days, and was already thinking of an excuse to take tuesday off. I got up the next day and went on my 6am hike. Peace, Love and and a new foe, Jim<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITPzlPK2A5MdwoFNVYiyklXlgvGUtR47UhQPbe5AUz7QHDDQ6RX2imNydXiQFpsyXAwkGja6-TDmEM0Pt4bWVYAD6QmXh7s28Hyb_WCJgg7k2gPOV2lBNP4FU_ZoYEOAWfB2AW0DqO9k/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-28072589277456751772011-10-18T21:08:00.003-05:002011-10-18T21:14:04.584-05:00Continued<div> </div><div> </div><div>I apologize for not being able to complete the previous post... I am really having computer issues. But i did want to at least add that upon returning I had convinced myself that it was impossible for this place to dish out anything harder than they had on my previous trip. I was mistaken. My monday afternoon hike took me 5 hours to complete, was the longest hike I have ever done over never ending steps and tree roots, bridges and planks, and ended with me coming down the mountain after sundown with a flashlight. But I finished and I will give you all the details tomorrow. Peace, Love, and pure imagination, Jim</div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-59357224401800961992011-10-18T19:43:00.004-05:002011-10-18T20:13:59.433-05:00Back up North<div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">If you want to view paradise<br /> Simply look around and view it<br /> Anything you want to, do it<br /> Want to change the world, there's nothing to it<br /><br />There is no life I know<br /> To compare with pure imagination<br /> Living there, you'll be free<br /> If you truly wish to be</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#000099;">Willy Wonka</span></em></div><p><em><span style="color:#000099;"></span></em> </p><p>First off, I am having huge problems uploading pictures for some reason so you are only getting words today and hopefully pictures tomorrow. I arrived up here on Sunday, weighed in and assumed my room in the Ski Lodge... Of course sharing the lodge with 5 women. I'll give them credit it was atleast 18 minutes before I heard the word period :) I did get the best room in the lodge as a consolation prize... Amazing view, personal jacuzzi, fireplace and a king size bed.</p><p> </p><p>5:15 am comes so quickly here and it was still very dark as we undertook our first work of the day. 5K walk/run through the paths, streets, and parks of downtown Two Harbors. I felt good, actually really good, and traversed the path in my quickest time. So that made me happy. We followed that with an hour in the pool. I miss my noodle and some of the floating around in my old pools, because this is serious pool workouts. Deck Jumps where you are doing pushups on the deck, flutter kicks, relays, and laps. I love it and wish we spent more time there. </p><p> </p><p>Next comes my favorite part of the day that doesn't involve water or eating. We head to a main room where there were 16 stations set up. The 10 campers each start at a different exercise and we spend a 45 seconds to a minute at each station and move on. We did the full cycle three times. Of course we get to run stairs, we get to do all sorts of arm work and we get to sweat unmercifully. We follow up that with relay races, some pusing kettle bells on the floor, doing bear claws, some running and some hauling 20 lb dumbells around.</p><div align="center"><br /> </div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-91800516428722640772011-10-08T08:24:00.004-05:002011-10-08T09:51:12.263-05:00Fall In Wisconsin<div><br /><div><div><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </font></div><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><div align="center"><div><div align="center"><font style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Hark, now hear the sailors cry<br />Smell the sea and feel the sky<br />Let your soul </font></div><div align="center"><font style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">and spirit fly into the mystic<br /></font><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">Van Morrison</font></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It's officially fall in Wisconsin and that, of course, means the temperatures have be<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6pEZCNeLfT5PBJ6uyFXcmtNDE9qrMRh8whNbdYDhiVY-QhFQKyJI2VqdYVDt1CPBjA0Uff-1I9ZXMOa38b7Wmwak9aOLjMfkx4aGV9USLh-3gwnq4rfDfHblhOueoA7lIXk7SzaPEx4/s1600/IMG_0657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661114791746503330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6pEZCNeLfT5PBJ6uyFXcmtNDE9qrMRh8whNbdYDhiVY-QhFQKyJI2VqdYVDt1CPBjA0Uff-1I9ZXMOa38b7Wmwak9aOLjMfkx4aGV9USLh-3gwnq4rfDfHblhOueoA7lIXk7SzaPEx4/s320/IMG_0657.JPG" /></a>en in the 80's all week. After playing Volleyball a few nights in 30 degree temps last month it has been just ridiculously nice here all week. Outdoor volleyball is winding down with just a couple weeks left, one of which I will miss getting my butt kicked up north. But thankfully my fall teams have had really good seasons going undefeated on Mondays and only dropping one match on Wednesdays, which happened to coincide with my last trip north :) We held our annual once a year Badger tailgate party this past Saturday to welcome Nebraska to the Big Ten. The Badgers are awfully good this year. And although Nebraska came to town some 40,000 strong they left with a butt-kicking. And thankfully left behind some Nebraska money at the store as well.</font></div><div align="left"><em><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvW0FHuqSShN9XsHo8Y7FJ4QUFOuojvwx9g8Sb2aIj4bDn8Wxz6HgNvwb-QNOSJt2cKD9HP7jM6ONsDUCiRTXYX1-Qp8jlxxoVJ0Zs9CQoNk8ozJN0XeeZ9G-PkT_UJ9pUeiGpE8_Wno/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661119813696227378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvW0FHuqSShN9XsHo8Y7FJ4QUFOuojvwx9g8Sb2aIj4bDn8Wxz6HgNvwb-QNOSJt2cKD9HP7jM6ONsDUCiRTXYX1-Qp8jlxxoVJ0Zs9CQoNk8ozJN0XeeZ9G-PkT_UJ9pUeiGpE8_Wno/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUer5bHt1f0GGifj2E_O_pOr1p93Fh5h_NY-B-iDdsIqEt8aEk_Wiqeo6DbvBSd7PFw0kefFrj5KDT9S0sArNn30RCJU6uSvdRP7r0e9h0Za1YEtlRgxgSUo9LuNgTi5DaMTLQIDngHc/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG"></a></em></div><div align="left"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If there is one thing I have hated my entire life it is clothes shopping. Nothing ever seems to fit right, nothing in my size ever looks good and nothing makes me look decent. Well I finally broke down and bought some new clothes. Mostly because I was concerned my khaki shorts were going to fall off but also because winter is coming and I know I will need some warmer clothes. But I couldn't pass, up these shorts. You know why.... Because they fit right, they looked good, and I thought they made me look decent :) In fact I spent more money on clothes in this past week then in a very long time.</font></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"></font><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"></font></div><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUer5bHt1f0GGifj2E_O_pOr1p93Fh5h_NY-B-iDdsIqEt8aEk_Wiqeo6DbvBSd7PFw0kefFrj5KDT9S0sArNn30RCJU6uSvdRP7r0e9h0Za1YEtlRgxgSUo9LuNgTi5DaMTLQIDngHc/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG"></a></font></div></font><div align="center"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"></font></font></div><p><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"></font></font> </p><p><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"></font></font> </p><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><p align="center"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><font style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUer5bHt1f0GGifj2E_O_pOr1p93Fh5h_NY-B-iDdsIqEt8aEk_Wiqeo6DbvBSd7PFw0kefFrj5KDT9S0sArNn30RCJU6uSvdRP7r0e9h0Za1YEtlRgxgSUo9LuNgTi5DaMTLQIDngHc/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG"></a></font></font> </p><div align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZC23MlRhMkxzPSVnMD4IbPBhquIjhBoz7_NABxFCMN8nRX-8pXZSFqfvIee8gQcBebr0hoy20AmKOm1PWek6gshr4LyyJF_tThuHfjWaRiGcMjkCphhTdV0WREcVPoPvqeJHCE4VZVE/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 239px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661122963531427602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZC23MlRhMkxzPSVnMD4IbPBhquIjhBoz7_NABxFCMN8nRX-8pXZSFqfvIee8gQcBebr0hoy20AmKOm1PWek6gshr4LyyJF_tThuHfjWaRiGcMjkCphhTdV0WREcVPoPvqeJHCE4VZVE/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" /></a><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have had a really good run this past summer :) Fun, productive, and rewarding. New friends, lots of volleyball, great music, and some interesting travel. It sort of turned when I got back from out of town in April, signed up for Weight Watchers and then again when I joined the Fitness North family in August. I don't follow the Weight Watcher's plan, but I do get on that scale each week and I need that accountability. That was my star from the weigh-in the day before the tailgate. Now I haven't been able to get back to the -49 this week after a full day of tailgating, but I will. And I don't mind because I think finding balance in your life is really the most important way you can be happy. You absolutely have to spend sometime working hard, sacrificing a bit, and being accountable, but you also need fun times, good friends and the enjoyment of great nourishment. I haven't quite figured it all out but I'm getting closer.</font></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFKJp04j-Dx5AWChOSatwuUDILgPlbpueGbbV_NgskLE4P9JuEVjlEmzlkBAxpCFrrw3WqR_jGmtemjvzQazf9CSbujOXJCgTRKvedxUegHl3Yc-O8lyTOMeI-j4zmsySruPtDYB53a8/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661114797724193026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFKJp04j-Dx5AWChOSatwuUDILgPlbpueGbbV_NgskLE4P9JuEVjlEmzlkBAxpCFrrw3WqR_jGmtemjvzQazf9CSbujOXJCgTRKvedxUegHl3Yc-O8lyTOMeI-j4zmsySruPtDYB53a8/s320/IMG_0641.JPG" /></a><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This time next week I will be back in Minnesota for my second week at Fitness North. This place was so hard the first time but also so worth it. I have never worked harder. I am about 99% excited to get back up there and of course about 1% scared they are going to kick my butt even worse. But that's why I signed up and they certainly proved I can work harder than I thought and I can learn about nutrition and come home and implement what I learned. I'm also excited because I learned there will be a pretty full group this time so a few more people get to share in the adventure. They told me they have one room left for Oct. 16th through the 22nd. so feel free to grab it up and join in the fun. I can not even imagine how amazing the place will look in full fall colors. It will be peak leaf changing and if the hikes weren't spectacular enough now they are going to be unbelievably beautiful. I really feel like a part of the family here and have been so impressed with their follow up after I came home. Can't wait to see them again. They asked me to pass onto you guys a really cool opportunity if you want to undertake a big change to start your year. They are offering a special 8 week session, with daily personal training, weekly life coaching, full personalized nutritional planning and an amazing start to your 2012. This is the info on the program from them:</font></div></font><div align="left"></div></font><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>The program runs from 01-01-2011 to 2-25-2011. The guest will stay in the Executive Lodge in a Master suite along with a FN Staff person. Your meal and exercise plan is totally customized for you. One-on-one personal training sessions/classes Eight health and wellness coaching sessions with Kelly. Through your coaching sessions, you'll get to know you and learn about both your goals and frustrations, while we create a realistic meal plan to help you lose the weight as well as set you up for success once you leave our program. We will talk to you about specific foods and how to incorporate them into your newly found lifestyle. You are no longer on a diet – you are changing your whole life! You will be taught and get hands-on experience making healthy, gourmet meals. You'll also go to the grocery store to learn how to shop for health and weight loss. You'll spend a lot of time in the produce section as well as discussing packaged products and how to read labels. </em></div><em><div align="left">The cost is $2,500 per week. The cost covers everything related to the program, including the following: initial assessments, luxury accommodations; healthy meals, snacks, consultations with nutrition and fitness experts weekly health and wellness coaching sessions, ongoing evaluations; and indoor and outdoor exercise programs. </div></em><div align="left"><br /><br /><em>Fitness North is committed to helping you transform your body safely and quickly while learning habits that will promote Health fitness over the course of your lifetime. Your final weight loss journey begins here</em>.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I hope everyone has an amazing week. I have something really special planned for Tuesday... I get to see my girl Sara Bareilles in concert. And I get to take 3 people to their first Sara show. Fun times before packing to head north... Peace, Love and changing leaves and lives, Jim</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-39304111108003742222011-09-23T18:10:00.003-05:002011-09-23T21:04:43.295-05:00Wasted Time<div><div align="center"><br /><font style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">You didn't love the boy too much,<br />no, no, you just loved the boy too well.<br />So you live from day to day, and you dream about tomorrow, oh.<br /> And the hours go by like minutes and the shadows come to stay<br /> So you take a little something to make them go away<br /> And I could have done so many things, baby<br /> If I could only stop my mind from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">wondrin</span>' what<br /> I left behind and from worrying 'bout this wasted time</font></div><div align="center"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The Eagles<br /></font><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi297e_fvNY8WSOdEP9G9y_L77wwbotRSzFvVhzVJ1JZGqqcs1HpEaVZ0N09aq2za6QVUgFEt9-8FCDXs7qo31WXKHwAd7OjKBN6NGGdQZvOdfaAmmLcUpjWobS4t8EmPNpKvcuLYR6Ovw/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655697185628527378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi297e_fvNY8WSOdEP9G9y_L77wwbotRSzFvVhzVJ1JZGqqcs1HpEaVZ0N09aq2za6QVUgFEt9-8FCDXs7qo31WXKHwAd7OjKBN6NGGdQZvOdfaAmmLcUpjWobS4t8EmPNpKvcuLYR6Ovw/s320/IMG_1179.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="left">I wanted to write this week about an issue I have had to deal with over the last few years. It at times <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">debilitates</span> me, it at times drives me the exact opposite way it should, and it at times depresses the hell out of me. It also, has over the last few years, had me apologizing to a whole lot of women for actions of my gender. I assume I would hear the same thing from guys if only I had spent as much time around guys I have around girls at fitness camp. I wish there was an answer for it, because I truly think it effects virtually everybody at one time or another. I know a lot of people think about it as they get older and everybody thinks about it as they prepare for the end. Thankfully I'm not planning on preparing for the end anytime soon :) The issue is wasted time and the effect it has on you as you try to overcome the feeling that you have wasted a chunk of your life not being all you can be, not enjoying all life has to offer, not living and loving all you can, and not striving to be as happy as possible. I know there is certainly no blueprint for happiness. It's not that easy, but dwelling on the fact that some days, months or years went by without it does nothing to make today happier.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I had a really great life-coach meeting when I was at Fitness North. The life coach there is Kelly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Krcmaric</span> and the life coach session is included in your weekly session at no charge. Which is really good because otherwise I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">certainly</span> wouldn't have met with her. She knows her stuff, that much was evident to me right away. We talked about how I suffer from feelings that m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP42Rv7YN9W1Lf3GO2QvstEZ_1_P7kxWK46EmKQraFHgR2cenEQrG588DC0BlWmN87Vd43xe2yRniAPvevOOjpAG1epqFr5fMKHrF_833AE2Tyta_nWdC0RPshKM4nGtmzYG7wGguFWdE/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655697182449533346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP42Rv7YN9W1Lf3GO2QvstEZ_1_P7kxWK46EmKQraFHgR2cenEQrG588DC0BlWmN87Vd43xe2yRniAPvevOOjpAG1epqFr5fMKHrF_833AE2Tyta_nWdC0RPshKM4nGtmzYG7wGguFWdE/s320/IMG_1142.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">uch</span> of my previous decade plus had been wasted because I was unwilling to try new things, go new places, see new things. I was so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> by the way I looked, so ashamed that things 99% of the world took for granted I was petrified by. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Every time</span> I went out I was afraid someone would point, stare, mock me. It just became easier to stay home, watch TV and perpetuate what was making me miserable. No question the TV and the refrigerator didn't give a damn what I looked like. I skipped weddings, reunions, sporting events, and didn't meet friends I could have met. It bums me out. But like Kelly made me realize, having regrets is one thing, letting them haunt you is quite another. Because in reality there is nothing you can do about yesterday you can only change tomorrow. Thankfully I had the support of wonderful friends, family and my wife because I wasn't living. It still saddens me and I'm sure it always will. But with her help I promised that I would no longer let it influence me, insulate me from trying new things or influence the path I take in the future.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So by now you must be asking why exactly does that have you apologizing for your gender? Mostly because us men tend to not be the most caring, loving creatures that God created and I hear stories that make me shake my head in disbelief. And truly my one go to line when I am confronted with stories like this, is one I happily steal from The Eagles song 'Wasted <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Time'and</span> rarely ever give them credit for. So if I have said it to you in the past and you thought I was extra smart, truth is I'm extra good at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">plagiarizing</span> from those that make the big bucks coming up with with such great lines. I really love the the line " You didn't love the boy too much, no, no, you just loved the boy too well" I feel as if people fear wasted time, and they make decisions based on a fear that if they admit mistakes they are admitting wasted time. I do know that it is never a mistake to love someone with all your heart, and if they don't prove worthy of all your love you in no way wasted time loving. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">So thanks to my new life coach I am pledging to no longer regret any of my former time that has passed me by. None of it was wasted time, because it was all necessary steps to get me to today. I can't change any of it now so regretting it is just a gigantic waste of time. What I can do is to try to continue living life to its fullest. Finding the right balance between fun and working hard, the right balance between what goes in my body and what I do to work it off. And of course loving with all my heart. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSheRupcGEIFFkCgovJynj_CDu38OZVspefyskrwVFI2y-KYLw26ZYwRFlUgw3IlaH1-AEiSI7hU0juHe9qXep9PH7V_Ve7VDRgQfDZ08QWE-NKGuG_d8OHy930lYax4wyVBY0IvT6FvQ/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655697191430960578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSheRupcGEIFFkCgovJynj_CDu38OZVspefyskrwVFI2y-KYLw26ZYwRFlUgw3IlaH1-AEiSI7hU0juHe9qXep9PH7V_Ve7VDRgQfDZ08QWE-NKGuG_d8OHy930lYax4wyVBY0IvT6FvQ/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left">This is my friend Libby's horse Chance, she invited me out to meet him, Stetson and Lyric. I do really love horses and not just when they have a tiny man on them running in circles. I also want to thank my old college roommate for giving me 4 passes for the South Florida - Wisconsin volleyball match.Two things are for sure. I need to recruit some of those girls for my summer team, and volleyball on the hardwood is a much different game than sand. I had a great time and will for sure go back to see another match. Other than that more sand volleyball for me and the sand is getting colder. And I had a nice night with my friend Paul at the Gordon <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lightfoot</span> concert last week. If you could read my mind.....it would be thinking Peace, Love and Unicorns, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-87178083315671679072011-09-12T13:59:00.006-05:002011-09-16T00:04:20.525-05:00Old Man<div><div><div align="center"><br /><font style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Ah, but I was so much older then<br />I’m younger than that now<br /></font>Bob Dylan<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHkbG6dYePd7rI3wAA6zyxs63QQig52j_eUgoaVdop7LX4xnKeHd9yqDSSvLxSVNRDVZK1_VvSpDnKPEHzwnHKr9z2WWxWPzCf8yGoPXAXLSKvd4BiWLZAHbuWitPoXmNnb-TLfAU0s8/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550325195393394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHkbG6dYePd7rI3wAA6zyxs63QQig52j_eUgoaVdop7LX4xnKeHd9yqDSSvLxSVNRDVZK1_VvSpDnKPEHzwnHKr9z2WWxWPzCf8yGoPXAXLSKvd4BiWLZAHbuWitPoXmNnb-TLfAU0s8/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I celebrated another in a long line of birthdays this past Saturday. No matter what I do they just seem to keep coming year after year. The good news is I feel damn good, and I am guessing now, but I think that I am at my lowest weight that I have been at for a birthday since maybe 1987 or so. We had a wonderful fun International Pot Luck Birthday party and saw all my friends get very creative with their selections. We spanned the globe from Korea to Venezuela, Poland to Mexico and Cuba to Italy with a stop in Curacao and Ireland. We played a little trivia that shockingly consisted of questions about things like The Terps, Sara Bareilles, and horses. :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmU_ohc6tK8qWn-sy5V1m28LB9xhL_y5oCZFnrh8Eh4F5R4yx0qCYqRDSkKdAhlXJueu7Zw3NOblmxOxAl_dlPPMl9sZ_xQkKQ-t4pBOClmMXRUsDl5Xn3tJmWWKwayHRqk0JieWMEEA/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550323412513282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmU_ohc6tK8qWn-sy5V1m28LB9xhL_y5oCZFnrh8Eh4F5R4yx0qCYqRDSkKdAhlXJueu7Zw3NOblmxOxAl_dlPPMl9sZ_xQkKQ-t4pBOClmMXRUsDl5Xn3tJmWWKwayHRqk0JieWMEEA/s320/IMG_1118.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left"> I, of course, bypassed the international overworld and went with the underworld for my contribution.... Deviled eggs :)</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqbS6ON2aTYNkgWrZCv2lmNM1GpkePlLewFqEnGWYtQsz15nK3XXeMXq_ULvwFFOiUsBDKhxpA7fmXe3F4_9WXzCNqPdPMsI6O6Nt_5eL0vWUKEeIRAV643G3XtJ5T-XjYtigCOmpYIw/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550320303283522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqbS6ON2aTYNkgWrZCv2lmNM1GpkePlLewFqEnGWYtQsz15nK3XXeMXq_ULvwFFOiUsBDKhxpA7fmXe3F4_9WXzCNqPdPMsI6O6Nt_5eL0vWUKEeIRAV643G3XtJ5T-XjYtigCOmpYIw/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" /></a>Thanks to my week at Fitness North and some post program prodding from the life coach and trainer there I got to take home this little goodie from Weight Watchers. Now I have been going to WW since I was in second grade maybe. I have never picked up the trinket they give you for losing 10% of your weight. I think it is for that although it maybe after 30 some years they just felt sorry for me. The 10% is since June so not so bad. I do really owe a huge debt to the two people that take it upon themselves to put you on a plan when you leave and follow up with you regularly to make sure you are progressing Leif, the trainer and nutritionist and Kelly, the life coach. You receive a free session with Kelly when you are at the resort and two weeks of free follow up. You are also given a specific eating plan and exercise plan designed entirely for you, based on where you are with your fitness and diet. I really can't stress how different and appealing to me this difference is. It feels like you are a part of family and they truly care about you even after you have paid your fees and left the resort. I am really excited to be going back in October and will be at a new low when I get there....hopefully :)</div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK0XzAGtXf2h-lvNntXsE7SpvfUZOdmSC-IhXAPE56v5T5MOqUaMr-14feiughZsyUEG_m3H6UL9aNCGUipzXcRecs2nhgDQCpqRE40nKNHZcE5yvT3o7XZeaVFv1o2hH6cHtGafxP8s/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550314955208466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK0XzAGtXf2h-lvNntXsE7SpvfUZOdmSC-IhXAPE56v5T5MOqUaMr-14feiughZsyUEG_m3H6UL9aNCGUipzXcRecs2nhgDQCpqRE40nKNHZcE5yvT3o7XZeaVFv1o2hH6cHtGafxP8s/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" /></a></div></div><div> </div><div>Well it is that time of the year, and I look like a complete goofball clad in all red but got to support the Terps and the beautiful new flag based uniforms they unveiled in their Monday night win vs Miami. Best part about my silly outfit is the shorts I am wearing I couldn't put on 6 months ago.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqK0XzAGtXf2h-lvNntXsE7SpvfUZOdmSC-IhXAPE56v5T5MOqUaMr-14feiughZsyUEG_m3H6UL9aNCGUipzXcRecs2nhgDQCpqRE40nKNHZcE5yvT3o7XZeaVFv1o2hH6cHtGafxP8s/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJi2ZRz1GX_elxc8HDjG9w88YLESiFjrP0vrc9268rv99RRZopcBz7eqxvhdOfihu0SxkVpd2XEEMgxOBjceJvoxJd-g3swmgXpA_gc7886HyCvenVFRwBrnFaw2UQ2jag7YHVj3jTw0/s1600/296506_10150371749895016_601670015_10210029_1285064317_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 241px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550309412143810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJi2ZRz1GX_elxc8HDjG9w88YLESiFjrP0vrc9268rv99RRZopcBz7eqxvhdOfihu0SxkVpd2XEEMgxOBjceJvoxJd-g3swmgXpA_gc7886HyCvenVFRwBrnFaw2UQ2jag7YHVj3jTw0/s320/296506_10150371749895016_601670015_10210029_1285064317_n.jpg" /></a>Speaking of football, ESPN happily spread the sunshine with this short shot of Sunshine Daydream during the UW Badger game on Saturday. The Badgers look great this year with all eyes on their October 1st, welcoming of Nebraska to the Big Ten. I have to give a huge congratulations to my good friend Alex Gibson who this past week completed the Madison Ironman Triathlon. 16 hours of swimming biking and running. Or roughly about 8 back to back of the triathlon I did :) I hope everyone has a wonderful and fun weekend. Peace, Love and Turtles, Jim<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-73616829670176009332011-09-05T10:05:00.005-05:002011-09-05T12:29:05.619-05:00Celebrate Me Home<div align="center"><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Before the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">breathin</span>' air is gone<br />Before the sun is just a bright spot in the nighttime<br />Out where the rivers like to run<br />I stand alone and take back <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">somethin</span>' worth <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">rememberin</span>'</span><br /></strong><span style="color:#ffff00;"><strong>Three Dog Night<br /></strong><br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Well I promised you a complete wrap up of my week. I'm not really going to compare and contrast the two programs specifics but I will tell you all there is to know about my new program and will happily answer any questions and do any comparisons if you want to email me. I will say this. I have spent well over 1<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">oo</span> days at fitness camp in the last 3 years and I can say without a doubt the five hardest days I have ever had as far as being pushed to work as hard as I can all took place last week. There is no slacking off, there is no hiding in a sea of campers, and there are no 15 minute breaks each hour you work. It's a personal approach, they seem to be able to find your buttons and keep pushing them for you. Did I want to quit?...Damn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">straight</span>. Did I swear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Wednesday</span> that I would never come back?....Oh Yeah.... Did I get in my car Saturday and realize just how much I had done on both the scale and fitness level?...With a giant smile. Am I excited that I have 6 weeks to work on all the steps I took? .....Without a doubt. Am I heading back?... October 16<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2pagPwpYXjOJZ1otn_zBzPmAlGjzWGFG07sZBi1jIzdUqCm_ao9dEIuAZIBtkc5Ayb4-1viNidjqX6BpCw3QToU37sNiU1ibMRH0u_Is_-34nlFCSh2nGGZJzq6uWFaYNo-hgkbQGgs/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648894597883854786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2pagPwpYXjOJZ1otn_zBzPmAlGjzWGFG07sZBi1jIzdUqCm_ao9dEIuAZIBtkc5Ayb4-1viNidjqX6BpCw3QToU37sNiU1ibMRH0u_Is_-34nlFCSh2nGGZJzq6uWFaYNo-hgkbQGgs/s320/IMG_1082.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><br />The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accommodations</span> were really unique and remarkable. This is the view from our balcony. There are 5 bedrooms in each unit and a ginormous common area with a great room, flat screen, and kitchen/dining room. A balcony with a grill and an amazing view of Lake Superior. The beds are soft and comfortable and there are flat screens and ceiling fans in all the rooms. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unit</span> has a washer and dryer for free. And each unit has two whirlpool tubs in them. It is a first rate resort there is no doubt about that.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m5EF0oH_PPxprYWKr0yrM-gttOSHgd8oWNjGV0TKV8f-cNx3mCpoB-n5FR0GrOt24euNn8KdAdgwqetCweUVETtK943qZW-xJxnuP8efr_ejR5i-nHIGgBZZAxk5EWT26wSVTKRVzlo/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648893932824923170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5m5EF0oH_PPxprYWKr0yrM-gttOSHgd8oWNjGV0TKV8f-cNx3mCpoB-n5FR0GrOt24euNn8KdAdgwqetCweUVETtK943qZW-xJxnuP8efr_ejR5i-nHIGgBZZAxk5EWT26wSVTKRVzlo/s320/IMG_0518.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">You go down a couple flights of stairs to the pool and hot tub. Your key gets you access and you do not have to go outside to get entry to them. The hot tub is amazing as it is both indoor and outdoor and looks right out over Lake Superior. I might have gotten a little more use out of these if I wasn't so tired every night. But I did spend time in the pool everyday I was there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLEnzB1qAlkETCE5VOAKg0Bs7o1TN5FYGeSmp9BCCs2hjHMFL1VZaiUr1FD-kXE4GfdyIRaw4SdV_MblupjR8-SShOfIcDcZL3fYymO5qjTpA81qg6KEjasMoNayhU6V_79mImDAOhEo/s1600/IMG_1089.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648894596354392514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLEnzB1qAlkETCE5VOAKg0Bs7o1TN5FYGeSmp9BCCs2hjHMFL1VZaiUr1FD-kXE4GfdyIRaw4SdV_MblupjR8-SShOfIcDcZL3fYymO5qjTpA81qg6KEjasMoNayhU6V_79mImDAOhEo/s320/IMG_1089.JPG" /></a><br />The program is tough. I am not going to sugarcoat that at all. The alarm comes early every morning. And for a guy not used to getting up at 5:30 each day it was rough. But you're not here to relax you are here to work. They really seem to want to show you so many different ways to workout. We went to gyms, did circuit training you can easily and cheaply do at home, and even got a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">TRX</span> and spin class mixed in. There was something here for everyone and they made everyone feel involved and working no matter what their fitness level. I have never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">sweated</span> as much I wore 3 different shirts each day and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">sweated</span> through every single one of them. I thought something had died in the trunk of my car on the way home but then realized it was just a whiff of my laundry basket full of clothes.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6OBaCqYjBXeAhgjSSW6C4dc6EIOFbOM1a0lKpDenbgPqNRIiwPIL3DjDVth6j-YxDYODQsEh7d2w3A20Sj6kwKKwfLnixFYdpu-n9IfKpCvzTGh_lRGq4XYCiw0mQle0EL6EpEyDOb8/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648907511272389810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6OBaCqYjBXeAhgjSSW6C4dc6EIOFbOM1a0lKpDenbgPqNRIiwPIL3DjDVth6j-YxDYODQsEh7d2w3A20Sj6kwKKwfLnixFYdpu-n9IfKpCvzTGh_lRGq4XYCiw0mQle0EL6EpEyDOb8/s320/IMG_1091.JPG" /></a>The Food... There isn't a lot of it obviously. It's not placed down in front of you fully prepared, and there is no one there to scoop your plates off the table when you are done. Is it hard to get back at noon exhausted and dying and have to prepare your own food. Of course. But guess what? That's how it is in real life. So you adapt. I had wonderful housemates and we worked together to get the meals both tasty and prepared. I'm not the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">greatest</span> cook but did spend two nights on the deck grilling chicken for everyone. It takes a little effort but you feel good about it. They are willing to work on substitutions if you don't like something and the food get placed in your refrigerator every day so it is beyond fresh. It's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">macro nutrients</span>, consisting of lean meats, health grains, lots of veggies and some fruits. There is also a snack at before you workout in the morning and another at night. I enjoyed the meals immensely and it really felt like a family around meal time. The picture is of turkey roast, spinach salad and mashed cauliflower dinner one night.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeWOEXIGNHPd2RvfWAfMMDv8z2eJv3p5rophgXp8qiwTdO-6VYlathdlz07DOzC1zLCH1m2v2dQwULtHnfHbB_iqdfdoVKJNtkMUIdiQlKnSEJ6TIFv4FgXVOWG4Z9h-X59ZaSgvaYWI/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648893926623125874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeWOEXIGNHPd2RvfWAfMMDv8z2eJv3p5rophgXp8qiwTdO-6VYlathdlz07DOzC1zLCH1m2v2dQwULtHnfHbB_iqdfdoVKJNtkMUIdiQlKnSEJ6TIFv4FgXVOWG4Z9h-X59ZaSgvaYWI/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I missed my volleyball teammates for sure but did find time to work a little hitting into the mix. Happy to get back in the sand this week, especially since I feel lighter, quicker and a little more hungry to compete. Fitness North really tries to incorporate things you can do at home into their program. They prove you don't need to spend 1000's on equipment or gym memberships. I loved the circuit class. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">More so</span>, when I was done then when I was bent over gasping, of course. But I found that the medicine balls, bands, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">punching</span> bags, and kettle bells and the change of pace to be a little fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdwuix2h6iD-Z9mVLDzAGXv8wyjfdPYl1Ob_JpxKeWrAtmQyKZ3XdoYlEyI-EDOXuQuXgOMrtHuSZlmk7Ux2AVhrdIlkY2-o4eJ7hrQQejRnXiJWdedi_WNiQxCcJaN_hIDXH-TXyfUs/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648893917916469714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdwuix2h6iD-Z9mVLDzAGXv8wyjfdPYl1Ob_JpxKeWrAtmQyKZ3XdoYlEyI-EDOXuQuXgOMrtHuSZlmk7Ux2AVhrdIlkY2-o4eJ7hrQQejRnXiJWdedi_WNiQxCcJaN_hIDXH-TXyfUs/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>The hikes were really cool. They were harder for one reason. When you went on the hikes you already had 5 plus hours of work in your legs that day. I saw waterfalls, light houses, animals, ships, changing leaves, views of the lake, and really cool state parks. I hiked hills, and trails, steps and docks. The hikes were all diverse and the group broke up so everyone could go at their best speed. If you like to hike they will find hikes for whatever level you are at. And if you do a little investigation into the many great parks in the area they will listen to your suggestions of where you go.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJa7onxC53pFy7yVtcu807KTyAy4zk-va4iFheHxAeFTZcprYmS8RWEGo4QPQGvCDHAqGDbmh58Ac1KK_vw2Tx-FaL5_zVXFBYMtW1jx7heQ0qb6-_oL95l0IHdt7jj25L5BfK9wzFgc/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648893906969670978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJa7onxC53pFy7yVtcu807KTyAy4zk-va4iFheHxAeFTZcprYmS8RWEGo4QPQGvCDHAqGDbmh58Ac1KK_vw2Tx-FaL5_zVXFBYMtW1jx7heQ0qb6-_oL95l0IHdt7jj25L5BfK9wzFgc/s320/IMG_1101.JPG" /></a><br />It's my birthday week and I asked for a new pair of shoes. There they are at the end of the backdrop they came with. What an amazingly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pleasant</span> surprise to come home to<br />on the first day of college football. Many thanks to Mrs. T for the early gift. We accompanied my good friend Paul and his wife to see 3 Dog Night Saturday night and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">really</span> enjoyed the show. They had a non-stop 2 hour collection of hits. I really enjoyed hearing so many of their hits. And I really enjoyed my stay in Two Harbors, Minnesota. You can get more info on Fitness North at <a href="http://www.fitnessnorth.net/">www.fitnessnorth.net</a> Have a great week. Peace, Love and Joy To The World, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-38333551983250294702011-09-01T20:31:00.003-05:002011-09-01T21:36:43.352-05:004 Fifths
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">You're the cutest thing that I ever did see
<br />I really love your peaches
<br />Want to shake your tree
<br /></span><span style="color:#996633;">Steve Miller Band</span></div>
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<br />Well I am out of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Minnesota</span> musicians and Lake Superior songs so I am heading east to Wisconsin and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">UW</span> alumnus Steve Miller who has two of my most favorite song fruit references with the above song and also the crate of papaya he hoped to deliver in Jungle Love.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusat5o6S4qwWQwF9pyhb0nt3KYywv6vLiP74k4xOXHPpCViPXYHmZHBJUNiDmbxJ42JJnnCEleCNjnjPI-pZwIcWEKV9Rp1b6q56sE1AxRrgGdHnSt_Rw84Mi0fly-bJMj82fa1KZ9fw/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647572356648914562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusat5o6S4qwWQwF9pyhb0nt3KYywv6vLiP74k4xOXHPpCViPXYHmZHBJUNiDmbxJ42JJnnCEleCNjnjPI-pZwIcWEKV9Rp1b6q56sE1AxRrgGdHnSt_Rw84Mi0fly-bJMj82fa1KZ9fw/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" /></a>
<br />Thursday started at 5:15 with a weigh-in.... Don't bother asking because I don't have a clue. They didn't tell me. If it's not great I will not be happy but I'm not worried about it, it's just got to be good. I am tired of looking at the clock all night and trying to determine just how few hours I have left before the alarm goes off. It is never enough. I will later in the day realize I have already worked out 4 hours and it is only 11 in the morning and I'm not half way done.
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<br />Today's morning 5 K included a little add-on going out the sea wall to the light house on the point. And got the added bonus of getting to see the EPA boat the Lake Explorer II. This boat travels all of the Great Lakes and was recently in Lake Tahoe. The crew seemed happy to spend a few minutes answering questions from the nautically challenged guy sweating <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">through</span> his sweatshirt.
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<br />I spent a few minutes doing what I was warned not to do by the sign on the door...but I was a long way from humanity and figured one wrung for a photo op would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. I just can't get over the scenery here. So very stunning. The weather has been odd and seems to change 20 degrees in 10 minutes and the fog has been rolling in regularly. It's a little like Maine but without the sweet lobster I miss.
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<br />After our morning session we headed down to Duluth, about 26 miles south of here for a day at a boutique gym for spin class and <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">TRX</span> class. I actually enjoyed the spin class, probably because my knees and feet weren't feeling much of the pressure they have been all week. The spin class lasted just over an hour we got a 5 minute break and right into a 50 minute <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">TRX</span> class. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">TRX</span> is a body weight <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">strap</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">concoction</span> that was most likely conceived in some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">sado</span>-masochist's basement. I felt awkward, weak, tired and clueless and when it was time to slip our feet into the straps I just sat down and laughed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh48vIwbri0_i3crrnXwaY3zw9pzvSPJ2bvAFsEs9eO9TL3_0nhJ306svzDQcbbfERN2tGZoeEwBNuWmtPF9dgOq1oazzkLQo4YR17F9oB3tP-sdSaeED3R90XFZPkWZs7gRqMq26Ug_s/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647572376044208722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh48vIwbri0_i3crrnXwaY3zw9pzvSPJ2bvAFsEs9eO9TL3_0nhJ306svzDQcbbfERN2tGZoeEwBNuWmtPF9dgOq1oazzkLQo4YR17F9oB3tP-sdSaeED3R90XFZPkWZs7gRqMq26Ug_s/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" /></a>. I understand you can get a great workout with these but I'm not ready to be a fan. As evidenced by the picture they may be a fun add-on to your bathroom.
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<br />Our afternoon hike was along the water in downtown Duluth. Certainly one huge bonus was the fact that I packed my volleyball for the trip down. I have certainly missed playing this week. Can't wait to get back out there next week. And hopefully a little quicker, and a little lighter. Thanks to Life Coach Kelly for hitting with me today...I may take a couple day break from the blog as I am heading out very early Saturday morning for the long drive home and then back to the Dells for a Saturday night 3 Dog Night concert. But I promise a full blown wrap up of Fitness North as soon as possible. Happy Thursday to everyone...Peace, Love and College Football, Jim
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-83063618387609712972011-08-31T19:38:00.007-05:002011-08-31T20:38:27.614-05:00Wrecked like the Edmund Fitzgerald
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<br /><span style="color:#009900;">The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
<br />for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
<br />The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
<br />of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee."
<br />"Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead
<br />when the gales of November come early!"</span>
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<br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Gordon Lightfoot
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<br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">So I know it's Minnesota week and Gordon is from a little further north but this song is about the big Great Lake I'm looking at as I type this. So it seemed extra appropriate to use this song this week. And as an added bonus Mr. Lightfoot will be playing for me in Madison on Sept<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzxmx3DCwSretezrp_UafL3SQ6u0XapeUulBPnpVPttWbeHkAjyOi2XLBzvbJbYmfcV0meKRyHw2cRyccfKzY4QJ812vDh5vihpJAFzIiTBiSjENppp7XgyctQNiT3DkJxOqeQRp_-g/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647188848895655810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDzxmx3DCwSretezrp_UafL3SQ6u0XapeUulBPnpVPttWbeHkAjyOi2XLBzvbJbYmfcV0meKRyHw2cRyccfKzY4QJ812vDh5vihpJAFzIiTBiSjENppp7XgyctQNiT3DkJxOqeQRp_-g/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" /></a>ember 15th. Now before I recount my day I thought I would give you a little history lesson about the song.</span></span>
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<br />On November 10, 1975, an ore carrier - the Edmund Fitzgerald - sank in Lake Superior during a November storm, taking the lives of all 29 crew members. Later that month, Gordon Lightfoot, inspired by that article in Newsweek Magazine, wrote what is probably his most famous song: Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald.</div>
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<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNvWiZZBwxikroBbGGirvHFtGMBLb-gNUj4DrQEd5eyT2Z-1k_Hc2a6oMQGFaGLymOjEHMi7AiG3eCI-t8DDRsFDx-XW9m3dSjCnh5lU7PlHVPAKdcMtpbJE22_uMyioUdVVlxbK21zM/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647187367587726754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNvWiZZBwxikroBbGGirvHFtGMBLb-gNUj4DrQEd5eyT2Z-1k_Hc2a6oMQGFaGLymOjEHMi7AiG3eCI-t8DDRsFDx-XW9m3dSjCnh5lU7PlHVPAKdcMtpbJE22_uMyioUdVVlxbK21zM/s320/IMG_0610.JPG" /></a>It was a rainy wednesday on the north shore of Minnesota and that changed up our schedule a bit. I spent two hours from 6 am to 8am in the pool. Lap after lap of individual medleys and then 20 minutes of heaving the medicine ball on to the deck while shuffling around the pool. It was hard but I really enjoyed a morning without a 6 am hike. However, the trainers seemed to think that was a great excuse to wratchet up our mid morning session. The 12 circuits became 18 the relays doubled to two and the ab work doubled as well. It was 3 hours of hard ass work and I was on my way to miserable. And there was no 15 minute break each hour. I would have been happy with 5 minutes an hour. But I had it better than my friend bob-a loo. Not often I get to dwarf a bear
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<br />After lunch we reconvened for our afternoon session that was promised as a 1 hour cardio session at the local gym. I spent 10 minutes getting reaquainted with my old friend the Nu-Step :) But moved onto the bike and spent the next 45 minutes on an old school life cycle. Was glad to finish that up before learning that I was going to be doing squats and presses over in the weight room. Thankfully that ended rather quickly and I thought maybe I could get a little nap in since it was around 3:30... Found out we would all be walking back to the resort. I'm guessing in the 1.5 mile range. UGH... Jimbo was </div>
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<br /><div>not a happy camper. My legs hurt and every step only adds to it. But an hour later I grumply waddled into the resort...Was I happy that I did it?...Not really. I just wanted to put the feet up, ice the knee and shut my eyes. That lasted about a half hour before dinner and a lecture on macro-nutrients</div>
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<br /><div>My ass is kicked. If I cough my ab's cry. If I reach out my shoulder shrieks. If I climb my knee sings a tune like a bowl of rice krispees. There is literally no part of me that doesn't hurt. I have a 5:15 am weigh in tomorrow. I don't really care. I have worked as hard in these 3 days as I can. I'm really proud of all I have done and all my FN mates have done as well. No dissapointment in anything I have done. I do really miss my volleyball teammates and my time in the sand. Volleyball>>>>>>walking home from the gym....Peace, Love, and Rainy Day People, Jim</div>
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-24459891763218088772011-08-30T19:51:00.004-05:002011-08-30T20:53:40.359-05:00Forever Young
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<br /><span style="color:#009900;">May your hands always be busy
<br />May your feet always be swift
<br />May you have a strong foundation
<br />When the winds of changes shift
<br />May your heart always be joyful
<br />May your song always be sung
<br />May you stay forever young </span></div>
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<br /><div align="left">Day two is winding down and it was certainly appropriate to quote Mr Robert Zimmerman who was brought into this world a mere 26 miles down the road in Duluth, Minnesota. Considered by many the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">greatest</span> American songwriter he certainly gave me plenty of fabulous music to choose from but let's face it we are at a place like this trying to stay forever young. And with a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">birthday</span> next week I am really much more staying forever young than knocking on heaven's door</div>
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<br />5:30 arrived early as you would expect on day two. I was sore, I was tired, and I was ready to go. There is nothing I do worse than walk long distances, and by long distances I mean anything further than the fridge. I hate that I sweat more than everyone. I hate that I pant and gasp, and stop more than everyone. And I hate that I bend over to catch my breath and am always at or near the back of the pack. I'm happy I could walk 3+ miles today no matter how much those other things effected me and I am damn happy that it can only get better....I hope :)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4JBbFNDzjknmyjjDzAHLkW3Dqdj5EkER2AP56TJk-_yGjRHPKImX6mPBD1Npdwho-rlL6xaeaZsMbqwP2lAdBy66ynrMBKaAcztY4jePE-Pqwvxa3pIAHkvyTkZkFQQw9YGNOXkh5nk/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646824298861084450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4JBbFNDzjknmyjjDzAHLkW3Dqdj5EkER2AP56TJk-_yGjRHPKImX6mPBD1Npdwho-rlL6xaeaZsMbqwP2lAdBy66ynrMBKaAcztY4jePE-Pqwvxa3pIAHkvyTkZkFQQw9YGNOXkh5nk/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" /></a>This hike each morning runs along the shores of Lake Superior. You get to see the sunrise over the lake, the lighthouse, the ships loading iron ore
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<br />Speaking of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">scrumdillyicious</span>. My turkey taco tonight for dinner was just fabulous. The food here is not plentiful by any measure but it is tasty and I will certainly discuss it more as we go.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqCZ2qQB0KNGlZn7yJla6ZMh7DgFywfjikgtEVpkCJdGlxvwnHPFplMWT0dGWFNB2jg_u81Dbi3hxiPmIIOTDS7_eXtjOGNjZrsBVqPc4nKolp3lLGm8wH5vQGHYNeAJ_eRHHARq8abQ/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646818922564484002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqCZ2qQB0KNGlZn7yJla6ZMh7DgFywfjikgtEVpkCJdGlxvwnHPFplMWT0dGWFNB2jg_u81Dbi3hxiPmIIOTDS7_eXtjOGNjZrsBVqPc4nKolp3lLGm8wH5vQGHYNeAJ_eRHHARq8abQ/s320/IMG_0601.JPG" /></a>We hiked Split Rock State Park today. The highlight of this trip is meant to be the Split Rock Lighthouse. But as you can see the weather really didn't cooperate very well with lots of fog in the area. I did see this cool little island and wished I had worn worse shoes that weren't my best as it was possible to get to the island hopping some rocks and wading a bit. Alas next time. I was a little grumpy, a little sore, and very tired. I'm not sure I did all there was to do but I am damn sure I did all I could do...and maybe a little more.
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<br /><div>On to Wednesday, another upper body circuit, and more of the same...Looking forward to it but I'm not going to lie, starting to look forward to Friday night as well. I need these knees for fall volleyball. Hope everyone is happy, content and forever young... Peace, Love, and eek I'm excited, Jim
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-80657916547298411112011-08-29T18:17:00.003-05:002011-08-29T20:03:46.326-05:00Day One, Ya<div align="center">
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<br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Let's go crazy
<br />Let's get nuts
<br />Look 4 the purple banana
<br />'Til they put us in the truck, let's go!
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<br /><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">C'mon</span> baby
<br />Let's get nuts
<br />Yeah
<br />Crazy
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<br />Let's go crazy
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<br /></span><span style="color:#993300;">Prince </span></div>
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<br /><p><span style="color:#993300;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmUGrAaW5dmxuPZKNhKUmD9eXyFwdlga_iL_xLBc9C8gKeewGhveQNQwx6a_4sapsuNgQpo-BxhALkqxXR5YYG9vr7pf4l9uRzGfC0L1fj5Fq8a6Jyrz3wOzlDvd1QoKAD7NFEE4ctTo/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646422919147111394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmUGrAaW5dmxuPZKNhKUmD9eXyFwdlga_iL_xLBc9C8gKeewGhveQNQwx6a_4sapsuNgQpo-BxhALkqxXR5YYG9vr7pf4l9uRzGfC0L1fj5Fq8a6Jyrz3wOzlDvd1QoKAD7NFEE4ctTo/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" /></a></p>
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<br /><span style="color:#000000;">It's Minnesota week here on the blog as I have holed up in Twin Harbors, Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior. The first time I have ever seen the largest fresh water lake in the world. And this being Minnesota week well we have two very notable Minnesota musicians to choose from. I think some of you may be surprised by who I chose first. But the purple bedecked little man who parties like it's 1999 got my vote as the most emblematic of the state.</span>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7P6KzsjhTYUk3_dnTKBAXmLRLFb_IGIo_K0t7EY7P6zsphoYSOZ2GRGZabhbxrlvfb2KEc2QvpaTKqHulsjDy2Cs-dH0QWgCWXXPWRVGm3lJEINahuPz42kSVn0iiWLrx_o15C9CF8I/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646422911757105842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7P6KzsjhTYUk3_dnTKBAXmLRLFb_IGIo_K0t7EY7P6zsphoYSOZ2GRGZabhbxrlvfb2KEc2QvpaTKqHulsjDy2Cs-dH0QWgCWXXPWRVGm3lJEINahuPz42kSVn0iiWLrx_o15C9CF8I/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" /></a>Sunrise came early over Lake Superior, but not as early as my alarm. I was the last one up at 5:35 am. We were out the door and on the path by 6:05. A little 3.4 mile warm-up to your day and one that will be repeated every am this week. So essentially a 5K morning race. I can remember finishing my 5K's and being prepared for the day off. Amazing views on this hike. I will give you some more pictures of this hike tomorrow tomorrow. We had finished by 7:15 and were back at the resort and in the pool for pool class by 7:30. Pool was not a floating on noodles class. It was a serious circuit workout with deck <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">pushups</span> and lunges. I was officially whipped and it was around 8:15. Breakfast was thankfully next on the agenda. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kashi</span> cereal and almond milk and blueberries.. Not much rest for the weary though as next class was at 9:30 and it was a serious workout.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws-rw2RIKIk2D00KQ9DLddpaEjhyphenhyphen3TQy6uBnemzIftWzwvMM5SrGKkc7AzFihK0Gaj8hlMit3uf3pf_4JbqzV2UHj6KAwkVcjhBx3Zehn7I75BWJt_VT2U4dAlYt6wxtl3wIc5QlsUPY/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646422893720214258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws-rw2RIKIk2D00KQ9DLddpaEjhyphenhyphen3TQy6uBnemzIftWzwvMM5SrGKkc7AzFihK0Gaj8hlMit3uf3pf_4JbqzV2UHj6KAwkVcjhBx3Zehn7I75BWJt_VT2U4dAlYt6wxtl3wIc5QlsUPY/s320/IMG_0551.JPG" /></a>
<br />We started with a half hour of core work, including 5 different types of crunches, and sit-ups. Finished that section with some plank work. I have a sore elbow from that. That was only the beginning of the fun. Next up a 12 station cross-circuit training rotation. And we got to run this group three full times for 36 total stations. It was full body with today's concentration on upper body.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML5StYlUJPH3M3PdrNsvhCM7l9yNRA05thc-2e78U-knYMVF85mGTDvrq1Pno2h7vbOgsOGlFpFsj8w2-jQ456jKvy7b-DA_W1KAu4KYeIiy1pm7-c_FBE0UCoH3cyYz9GKKjKP9zXmg/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646422886166342098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML5StYlUJPH3M3PdrNsvhCM7l9yNRA05thc-2e78U-knYMVF85mGTDvrq1Pno2h7vbOgsOGlFpFsj8w2-jQ456jKvy7b-DA_W1KAu4KYeIiy1pm7-c_FBE0UCoH3cyYz9GKKjKP9zXmg/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" /></a>We used bands, medicine balls, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">jump ropes</span>, boxing gloves, and the floor to pretty much beat me up. After the first run through I was like I can do this, 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> run through it started to hurt and 3rd run through was me gasping and bending over and staring at the clock.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQB3P1_KW2dSHxlD8t6xUmyElyrTmbDq1gSZcAkH4nii48o_aOMcFcbtPeju6YrZZL6RoxIKkvQNVSQ7bB9hLfHtxMBFUwp9RvTJtGfqYm97uIa1zC27neACZ5PXE-obGxyO3O6W8ZEA/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646422899890706482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQB3P1_KW2dSHxlD8t6xUmyElyrTmbDq1gSZcAkH4nii48o_aOMcFcbtPeju6YrZZL6RoxIKkvQNVSQ7bB9hLfHtxMBFUwp9RvTJtGfqYm97uIa1zC27neACZ5PXE-obGxyO3O6W8ZEA/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" /></a>My least favorite station... Running the stairs. How is this upper body? The only people that had it worse than us were the couple eating on the deck that got to stare at us each time we came up....Which was a bunch.
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<br />It was actually fun and I much preferred it to the steady drone of a treadmill. And they made it something you could replicate at home. And they made me sweat through my second hat and second shirt of the day.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WrpqpEPPJbNcmEanIDpjQkMEv7V7-DjevNYxVdgxSTMcttDtjuR-M-DzBbRJb0GK4A68YayroL88vayQsn0ApQW8wntJpA3vsezLAluML9Gr0UHYLOYFS-cn5ElbVrPs51cTkcpjnOY/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646421985892524834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WrpqpEPPJbNcmEanIDpjQkMEv7V7-DjevNYxVdgxSTMcttDtjuR-M-DzBbRJb0GK4A68YayroL88vayQsn0ApQW8wntJpA3vsezLAluML9Gr0UHYLOYFS-cn5ElbVrPs51cTkcpjnOY/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" /></a>
<br />That ended and I was pretty sure we were done....I was mistaken. The cones came out and we spent the next 30 minutes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">running</span> suicides on the floor, just like back in high-school basketball. Sprint down touch the floor, go further repeat, and then go further and repeat. And that was the easy one. The second 5 set trip included 20lb kettle bells in our hands.You can catch me in a familiar pose in the back of this picture. We stretched after this and called it a morning. I was beat and ready to call it a day or two days.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3DHqNcZVPFFHARsdJumUVBuKfK6R3tsMsIFh5FyHW8PT1VBos46WSz8cdCk_AQg6R5T2TKM6SdoIjb5mSJR0IZBGVO2QyPJShEC3MgJoeplxe6dh2sG3kfCb2RSdrBKTpYCTMgcIdq4/s1600/IMG_0586.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646421977653630578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3DHqNcZVPFFHARsdJumUVBuKfK6R3tsMsIFh5FyHW8PT1VBos46WSz8cdCk_AQg6R5T2TKM6SdoIjb5mSJR0IZBGVO2QyPJShEC3MgJoeplxe6dh2sG3kfCb2RSdrBKTpYCTMgcIdq4/s320/IMG_0586.JPG" /></a>After Lunch we headed to Gooseberry Falls State Park. And there we hiked through much of the park, up steps, over bridges, down steps and then back up those same steps. We split into 4 different groups so that each person could hike at their best pace. Mine was slowly heading towards crawling. The falls were not running at their spring thaw speed by any stretch but they were still magnificent. Pretty much everything from the hips down hurt on both legs. Thankfully my guide showed a wee bit of pity on me and called it a day for me 15 minutes before 4pm. Spent, sweaty...again, and happy that the work part of the day was done. I am too tired to even walk to the hot tub. I'm not sure what time you are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">supposed</span> to go to bed to get enough sleep to be fresh at 5:30 am but it's not midnight like last night.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv87DB_IKuE8z9KE78nBqYexArmc3-UQP7YxQREtTiJEA8uY1SxlffhTDvkvacQh5bUZQMa6r-EyWbrvVUKPZ4WCHnakDdYXHaYz-uIYNH3lIMjg8rbj7MMYExs_He9mbkKe42Zv2QbcE/s1600/IMG_0583.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646421967916128946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv87DB_IKuE8z9KE78nBqYexArmc3-UQP7YxQREtTiJEA8uY1SxlffhTDvkvacQh5bUZQMa6r-EyWbrvVUKPZ4WCHnakDdYXHaYz-uIYNH3lIMjg8rbj7MMYExs_He9mbkKe42Zv2QbcE/s320/IMG_0583.JPG" /></a>
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<br />There are 5 campers here this week. Lots of personal attention. I believe they currently max out at 18 campers and are expecting full crowds this fall. And not too <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprising</span> I am the only guy.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1_4vRi3NFrxNRCpCnwzNIu2Mr76hnna27awrzvXjpDfOJ_jnnnkqQ5PEO8KBhHcYIUUmDmzDEp_w-wGe5k-c2nWPa8vhKS0UhVyPP8jSD8e1hDU_rLxDSamwDz89m5LwZA1NK5kbxf4/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646421955098652482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1_4vRi3NFrxNRCpCnwzNIu2Mr76hnna27awrzvXjpDfOJ_jnnnkqQ5PEO8KBhHcYIUUmDmzDEp_w-wGe5k-c2nWPa8vhKS0UhVyPP8jSD8e1hDU_rLxDSamwDz89m5LwZA1NK5kbxf4/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" /></a>It was a great first day. I am exhausted as I should be. Excited to see just how much I can do. And simply mesmerized by the beauty that surrounds me. It's is so exciting to find a new place you have never seen before and love it... A friend answered a question this week with Let's not go crazy.... I don't like that answer...Let's go crazy, run those numbers up, see new things and go to exciting new places. Peace, Love and Superior times, Jim
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-68567535872369591202011-08-24T11:55:00.005-05:002011-08-24T16:55:14.957-05:00The Landslide Will Bring You Down<div align="center">
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<br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">Well, I've been afraid of changing
<br />'Cause I've built my life around you
<br />But time makes you bolder
<br />Even children get older and I'm getting older too
<br />Oh, I'm getting older too
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<br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Stevie Nicks</span></div>
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<br />As August slowly churns to an earthquaking halt it's time to wrap up summer volleyball and get ready for the next big adventure in my life. A few times this summer we struggled to play up to our capabilities, we got pushed around on Wednesday by one team that was bigger, stronger and younger, but when all was said and done we ended up taking home the Monday championship. We finished second on Wednesday nights and are currently in a 3 way tie for first on Thursdays with 3 weeks remaining. As always Sunday's have been a whole lot of fun. Onward to fall volleyball which starts in the warmth and ends in the chill of the oncoming winter. I will miss the first week of the season, but should get most of the rest of the season in.
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<br />I have to say a really hardy thank you to this group of volleyball players that adopted me halfway through the season. I had been helping out their team rather unsuccessfully for a few weeks because they were playing short handed. They were fun, enthusiastic and appreciative. I'm not sure why they changed up their attire the last couple weeks, but it sure surprised me and was extremely sweet. I am so very humbled by the wonderful people around me. And just for kicks Team Jim picked up their first match victory ever this week...Very sweet
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMYBb_gl8Knm75YUtJx4cvZmTcD_wq-onqYr2rQfwkyl19wzh-U2Z3VX-FpXpZq3k2THfssBVeXzXSxRTIwDI2umC7LoKmfsSTyOew8Nwp9A21qVOKvSP0H37-dQahsiyBlJjZN-k8D4/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644468395094689410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMYBb_gl8Knm75YUtJx4cvZmTcD_wq-onqYr2rQfwkyl19wzh-U2Z3VX-FpXpZq3k2THfssBVeXzXSxRTIwDI2umC7LoKmfsSTyOew8Nwp9A21qVOKvSP0H37-dQahsiyBlJjZN-k8D4/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" /></a>I'm almost 4 week into to my new eating plan and pretty happy with the results. It all started with a nutrition evaluation from Leif Anderson and we were on our way. A whole bunch of foods that look like these chicken <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">avocado</span> lettuce wraps. Weekly weigh ins, nutrition and exercise evaluations, give me the accountability I need to succeed. And I know he is always available for consultations if you are are interested.
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<br />Should be an interesting week ahead for me. I leave Friday for Minnesota. I get to make a stop at Canterbury Park one of my favorite mid-west racetracks and then report to Fitness North on Sunday. Hoping for this cool room with the awesome view but really they all look awesome. Weather looks just amazing for the week. 105 degree highs in St George vs 70 degree highs in Duluth :) just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">sayin</span>' I have been getting a little more nervous each day as new things really tend to scare me, but I also am genuinely excited for this new chapter of my life. Be sure to check in all next week to read all about it.
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<br />Went and saw Stevie Nicks in concert last night. She looked amazing and sounded wonderful. She had a very energetic and receptive crowd. Loved her music I knew, just would have loved to hear a whole lot more of it... A 14 song <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">setlist</span> is underwhelming compared to what I have been seeing recently... But Dreams, Rhiannon and Landslide were worth the ticket price by themselves.
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<br />Wanted to give a very hearty congratulations to two friends who did something amazing last week. Bernadine and Karen were part of the 3 day <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Komen</span> Michigan walk. 60 miles walked in 3 days is simply amazing to me. I am very proud of you girls and all the walkers. And the pink <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tu</span>-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">tu's</span> were a very nice touch. Hope everyone had a wonderful week. My old hometown got shaken by an earthquake this week and by looks of my D.C. friends postings on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span>, it was quite the shocking event... I think it was just a warning shot to our elected officials. Peace, Love and Landslides, Jim
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-43679924274915486252011-08-09T12:45:00.004-05:002011-08-09T18:47:08.010-05:00Clothes look good on an elephant
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<br /><span style="color:#993399;">He say I know you, you know me
<br />One thing I can tell you is
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<br />Come together, right now
<br />Over me </span>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlMyNCk0xsWvpDB1LHiXRwT-jEQi8Vub8RP8kPQft3nqpv5Idk0nwBoT7uq3BOpYQueoxfDXfrEtaJseTSDs3ygMsSm8ZyttGyF2z7tTds-uniElZ_4lzShb3FfRSyZ-fmir7YQN3LX4/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638915878049252722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlMyNCk0xsWvpDB1LHiXRwT-jEQi8Vub8RP8kPQft3nqpv5Idk0nwBoT7uq3BOpYQueoxfDXfrEtaJseTSDs3ygMsSm8ZyttGyF2z7tTds-uniElZ_4lzShb3FfRSyZ-fmir7YQN3LX4/s320/IMG_0185.JPG" /></a>
<br />One thing we can all pretty much agree on is Summer is the best time of year. It seems to go by in a blink of the eye and get shorter and shorter each year. I think this has been the hottest summer ever in Wisconsin since i have lived here. Lot's of days in the 90's but you will never hear me complain. If I have to change shirts mid-way through a volleyball match it just means I'm working hard. I do really love to sweat, more so when I'm doing something where I should be sweating than just sweating to Paul McCartney, which was about a 100 on the sweat scale. I can't believe summer is ending already. But I do like fall.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0wG5hwy-JHTeeKULsDDNxWskUOrRG8XDK1r0wrehH4-xPOxLkApZS3AEGKHhLaqE8adDrgvJZ8x3y4o8-QZh0r_e8zMRdgLz6THiVXqfIHdCM9_dX2cMcM8W5pfNkxfIxbop65OkUac/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638917103910597090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0wG5hwy-JHTeeKULsDDNxWskUOrRG8XDK1r0wrehH4-xPOxLkApZS3AEGKHhLaqE8adDrgvJZ8x3y4o8-QZh0r_e8zMRdgLz6THiVXqfIHdCM9_dX2cMcM8W5pfNkxfIxbop65OkUac/s320/IMG_0906.JPG" /></a>CNBC still seems to run my little TV appearance with some regularity. They especially seem to like to run it around the end of Biggest Loser. I hadn't watched it in over a year but I did so again recently. It brings such mixed emotions to me, I realize I have come a ways from this boating picture, but at the same time I need to do more. It also leads to the very rare but often funny encounter with someone I don't know saying something to me. It happened a few weeks ago as I was sitting at the bar following a volleyball game. You're the guy that was on TV? Maybe? Doing that marathon? It was a sprint triathlon. Oh Man that's crazy Can I buy you a shot? Sure, I'm not sure that's what CNBC had in mind for me when they filmed me but who am I to say no to a stranger buying me a shot.. That's cool you still do any of that crap? Well, I still try to stay active but no one is filming me drinking this cherry bomb :)
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWeulkMYQIkquYT8huhdQKkPsVrLbi19busXsr9VSIKABNzrK1oznFTYHuK5GNHCtKlIbAdbyC6QjW12_D0-HFqHEw-qE-2AP5zF5_ZW6GsHt7CNqOwD-xVQuFD9ktUgzPO77Zq1iZZI/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638914992684705906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWeulkMYQIkquYT8huhdQKkPsVrLbi19busXsr9VSIKABNzrK1oznFTYHuK5GNHCtKlIbAdbyC6QjW12_D0-HFqHEw-qE-2AP5zF5_ZW6GsHt7CNqOwD-xVQuFD9ktUgzPO77Zq1iZZI/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" /></a>I wanted to share my new eating plan with you guys. The good news is I seem to be eating way more often then I am used to. You would think after 40 years of dieting, I would have tried it all but this is new to me. I have most often gone the simple route of calorie deprivation to achieve weight loss. Good in the short term, not so good in the long term. Skipping meals, not eating until noon, and doing stupid stuff like that. This new program, as supervised by my new fitness guru, Leif Anderson, is a diet based solely on Macro-Nutrients. Macro-nutrients are the basic foods that comprise our diets, divided into three groups, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 6 smaller meals a day made up of 7 oz. of protein, 15g of fat, and one serving of natural carbs from fruits or veggies. Although leafy green veggies are mostly unlimited. It is designed to get the body to work most efficiently or as Leif says turn me into a fat-burning, muscle building machine. You're not getting any of these meals at a drive-thru that I can assure you. There is nothing processed on this plan. You do get one free meal a week on Saturday nights following your weigh-in. I like this plan and so far so good on the scale 10 days in and 10 lbs lighter.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5l6QEpHDSAodnuyACyq7bLxn5WHSknx5Zm2JR4y5s-UDFXV0j3D6vsaEGjrXB_bODDRo9x9aoep9OpYvDp9KrL7TD6pS-vd2J98XCGMwR9g4I_PX3gzAyLWAy2J5FQoymz3lZ1AVjCQ/s1600/silvercliff.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638915005504422370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5l6QEpHDSAodnuyACyq7bLxn5WHSknx5Zm2JR4y5s-UDFXV0j3D6vsaEGjrXB_bODDRo9x9aoep9OpYvDp9KrL7TD6pS-vd2J98XCGMwR9g4I_PX3gzAyLWAy2J5FQoymz3lZ1AVjCQ/s320/silvercliff.jpg" /></a>As I mentioned previously I am heading to a new fitness camp in less than 3 weeks called Fitness North in Twin Harbors, Minnesota. I have done as much research as possible into this place and have been really surprised by the natural beauty that surrounds it. I have never been this far north before, but with average highs in the 70's for my stay and lows each night in the 50's it sounds perfect weather wise for August. And though slightly cooler in October when I plan to return I'm thinking the sight of the leaves turning will be simply breathtaking. The place hikes in a few of the many state parks that surround the area and I have seen other campers pictures from their hikes there and WOW. Who doesn't want to be standing beside a beautiful waterfall getting their picture taken? One thing I didn't see in the Utah desert was much water and here I <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAicJfeRjxMV2os7Nbny1pZ6ojTqLdsRE0w9LGEs8m9SD9ikunjWoR0_mAKfHGlPYBxYlt57Wkkx2AsyBaRCryu3wzGD2MD4HQs8wy4G3O70fBAiBBnE26dJ9fVZXUPD51ET7yDZtOgko/s1600/two-harbors.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638915000584335906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAicJfeRjxMV2os7Nbny1pZ6ojTqLdsRE0w9LGEs8m9SD9ikunjWoR0_mAKfHGlPYBxYlt57Wkkx2AsyBaRCryu3wzGD2MD4HQs8wy4G3O70fBAiBBnE26dJ9fVZXUPD51ET7yDZtOgko/s320/two-harbors.jpg" /></a>will see it everyday. Although, with a 6 am hike each morning I'm not sure I will be awake enough to fully appreciate it :) I'm sure the second hike in the afternoon will be a little more to my liking. I am really excited to go experience a new program, meet new people, and get pushed by new trainers. I'm not exactly sure where in town this lighthouse is but I can promise you you'll get to see a picture of me there. Along with the pictures of me bent over gasping for air, sweating like a fool, working out in the pool, and climbing some crazy landscape that you have grown accustomed to seeing here.
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<br />I wanted to give a few shout outs and thank you's here for some people that have been extra nice and special to me this summer. Paul Haas has let me use his box at Arlington Park so many times and there are few places in the world Jimmy enjoys more than on the finish line at the racetrack. My really good friends and exercise challenge partners Merinda, Karen, Bernadine, Betsey,Lisa, Darlene, and Jaime have kept me inspired and accountable with exercise this summer. Without you girls I'm quite certain Richard Simmons would be knocking on my door, bulldozer in tow. My volleyball teammates have to put up with my competitive nature. My extreme douchiness when I lose and don't high five my teammates, my snarkiness to the ref, and my constant cussing of myself when I mess up. I love you guys to death and I really only want to be the best teammate I can be. And we do win a heck of a lot more than we lose so I owe you guys a huge debt and love spending so many of my nights with you. My good friend Paul Schwartz has spent countless hours with me making me laugh, trying to get me to embrace women's soccer, and extolling the virtues of today's republican recall elections. And so for you Paul, for me, and for the state of Wisconsin, its fabulous underpaid teachers, and those people with some compassion for those less privileged than most I hope the democrats grab a few seats back today. To one of my all time favorite aunts, Betsy Waterman, I need to say congratulations on the breeding of Hunter's Lodge who won at first asking and paid $21.20 in the 6th race on July 15th at Calder Racecourse. Next time give your nephew the heads up before the race would ya? :) And finally to my wife Jacky who opted not to buy every leather purse in Italy, just most of them, on her trip to Barcelona, Florence, and Rome and left me just enough to afford a trip to Fitness North...thanks for the support darling :) I hope everyone is doing well. Happy 8oth birthday to my one of my all time favorite elephants. Peace, Love, and Babar, Jim</div>
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<br />Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-64212773749202478412011-08-03T09:55:00.007-05:002011-08-03T17:48:04.918-05:00Welcome Back<div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Welcome back<br />Your dreams were<br />Your ticket out<br />Welcome back<br />To that same old place<br />That you laughed about<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#996633;">Jon Sebastion<br /><br /></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I missed you guys :)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I know this is not going to come as a big shock to any of you but here's how my summer has gone. I have played a ton of sand volleyball, I have seen some amazing concerts, and I have lost weight down to my lowest number in 20+ years only to have 15 lbs come back on. I am so tired of fighting this same old 5% up and down on the scale that I needed to try something new. So I am really excited that I will be going to a place called Fitness North at the end of August... but more on that later. Lets get you caught up on what's been going on in Madison.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekT6WM6gR_nXtKXbeeo8nAvH6H5dMRxM4u_R-n71yqusf2VCKwEL_zvDcwhcA_WHRqwIdF21GeYvoXcfWS1dfH-6EPKnrjgj-SVMuW2uQnGNotws9tRPy-rz72G9hORz-dtvDiPH7zn4/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636648010312402002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekT6WM6gR_nXtKXbeeo8nAvH6H5dMRxM4u_R-n71yqusf2VCKwEL_zvDcwhcA_WHRqwIdF21GeYvoXcfWS1dfH-6EPKnrjgj-SVMuW2uQnGNotws9tRPy-rz72G9hORz-dtvDiPH7zn4/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" /></a>I bought a new car. This is the "newest" car I have ever owned. It is a 2009 Dodge Charger. I love it. It is ridiculously spacious inside. It has the one feature I wanted in a car...An ipod dock, I know I'm simple. And it looks like a beach at most times due to all the sand I drag into it. And there appears to be sweat stains and the sweet smell of 100 degree volleyball clothes in the car.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRUTFBZxKjewqnLX4iHfFyuytEKNbO6oCHLhqTk9tpCCTUIbubeFJNbk3jBoDLw9gYewUBT1q23szE76N9a6JTBtsGEGmBi0a8ZZr27XaZFmy6hxPX5Fhs25yfwLYj-K3mFL8V-NaUQs/s1600/jb+and+jt.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 272px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636645531354886322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRUTFBZxKjewqnLX4iHfFyuytEKNbO6oCHLhqTk9tpCCTUIbubeFJNbk3jBoDLw9gYewUBT1q23szE76N9a6JTBtsGEGmBi0a8ZZr27XaZFmy6hxPX5Fhs25yfwLYj-K3mFL8V-NaUQs/s320/jb+and+jt.jpg" /></a><br />Let's start with my favorite day of the summer and one of my favorite nights ever. Jackson Browne played a solo acoustic show in Madison and I had the pleasure of enjoying the show with my wonderful friend Paul and our lovely wives. We had dropped a Sunshine Daydream sweatshirt off at the tour bus early in the day with a song request. And Jackson did not disappoint playing the pretty rare 'Love Needs a Heart' for me. And no show would be complete without me stalking my all-time favorite for a picture. Gracious, friendly and so politically in line with me. Nothing but respect for, in my mind the greatest American songwriter in my life. We are still running on empty for sure.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF2ysr6o_S2_y9W76M0JVf6YC5_3iEOSOllSrd1XWcbk7fiFd3Y4aHOJKu1y_f0f6ocphanezVCjFcWqCDhtwXCDBHnP1RbhwEhCwoVZV8vax0VmK_FXqmts2KtaCFIMdnOxcEUIiooE/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636650392552894002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF2ysr6o_S2_y9W76M0JVf6YC5_3iEOSOllSrd1XWcbk7fiFd3Y4aHOJKu1y_f0f6ocphanezVCjFcWqCDhtwXCDBHnP1RbhwEhCwoVZV8vax0VmK_FXqmts2KtaCFIMdnOxcEUIiooE/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" /></a>As long as we are talking concerts I got to do something I have never done before this weekend. I got to see a Beatle live in concert. And Sir Paul did not disappoint. 3 + hours, 40 songs, a ton of Beatles tunes, and a ton of Wings songs as well. Including my all time favorite Wings tune Maybe I'm Amazed. The show was at Wrigley Field on about as sweltering a night as you could imagine. When I got in the car after midnight the thermometer still read 92. I was a sweaty happy mess. Got to hear Let It Be, Hey Jude, Live and Let Die, Eleanor Rigby, All My Loving, Something, Day in the Life, Daytripper, Drive My Car, Yesterday, and so many more. A fine night with some very happy people.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0YKrSMZEK_gdk4AfhnRZfN5H6gobjoYFa4cPM4oYG1UoX2-ngA-_S9Urx8NI_P8k0uuFQ5tZ25GXPFAlKt5QwcV4biq-t_b9t1yYsKTIyrTN67Xp2j7MtQ-7mjf7_ZYO0sev7R8v4Zs/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636645505935871506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0YKrSMZEK_gdk4AfhnRZfN5H6gobjoYFa4cPM4oYG1UoX2-ngA-_S9Urx8NI_P8k0uuFQ5tZ25GXPFAlKt5QwcV4biq-t_b9t1yYsKTIyrTN67Xp2j7MtQ-7mjf7_ZYO0sev7R8v4Zs/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" /></a><br />Wouldn't be a summer without seeing my current favorite Miss Sara Bareilles out in support of her great new CD. Road tripped down to Millikin College in Decatur, Illinois for the show. And was rewarded with some very nice seats compliments of Sara's drummer. Another great night with a good friend.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZmgNNTc6CgRon8inICD_2mWaDacLddlLaaNWrmoHXrORCMGylCFAKXPDwzOUvE_oUqJxqs5g-HvI2d9hp2xHDN1yBetezGDUZNRXvBMg29td8l67i3LbUsDtau9a5lZpc7a-1Ao8aCc/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636647978561269474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZmgNNTc6CgRon8inICD_2mWaDacLddlLaaNWrmoHXrORCMGylCFAKXPDwzOUvE_oUqJxqs5g-HvI2d9hp2xHDN1yBetezGDUZNRXvBMg29td8l67i3LbUsDtau9a5lZpc7a-1Ao8aCc/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" /></a><br />The concert itself didn't blow me away but the experience sure did. After a 30 year break I got to see Jimmy Buffett in concert again. But more importantly I got to spend sometime with some very special friends. Including my great high school friend John Kennedy holding up the palm tree. Also these fabulous women who came into Madison for the weekend. These are all Fitness Ridge girls who know how to have a very good time. Can't say enough about how fun it was to have all of them in Madison for the weekend.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1_byX8ekbUyWYyrEO5nkoqzMV5BwGSLdR41gf3jSOK1NgmGv6Iss1sZkV2pUhLz_qcnv1VpAK1zLl_PMlmAA8YN9RyiNAbGPLH6WRAg8N_wUZ67yz1RwERr-tLrEUNuhDNUtRHPax_0/s1600/IMG_0342.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636647969832021762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1_byX8ekbUyWYyrEO5nkoqzMV5BwGSLdR41gf3jSOK1NgmGv6Iss1sZkV2pUhLz_qcnv1VpAK1zLl_PMlmAA8YN9RyiNAbGPLH6WRAg8N_wUZ67yz1RwERr-tLrEUNuhDNUtRHPax_0/s320/IMG_0342.JPG" /></a>Like Springsteen and Jackson Browne, the 30 year break between shows for me is a big regret. I hate that I hid in my house for so many years and missed so much... Not any more. The parking lot is hard to describe but I have never seen so many people having such a good time tailgating like professionals. I thought I knew had to throw a tailgate but not compared to these people who brought boats, buses, bands and beaches for their parties.<br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjjdzl4v1C4s5C3gvtTEx_AP4Ts0Xrceyrrxkb9zmvEMgoDvA8GV-rhrNmvaf4kDOWNlnwpJNHdIZE9V0IcWFx2lroy0cKmdNQyC5jOfBT_zAZhWrLhQDryYnCHkUxgQuBa2lwVZHTn0/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636645552624126626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjjdzl4v1C4s5C3gvtTEx_AP4Ts0Xrceyrrxkb9zmvEMgoDvA8GV-rhrNmvaf4kDOWNlnwpJNHdIZE9V0IcWFx2lroy0cKmdNQyC5jOfBT_zAZhWrLhQDryYnCHkUxgQuBa2lwVZHTn0/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" /></a>I am certainly spending as much time in the sand as possible, playing four nights a week. I love it and can not imagine being without it. I really love to compete, but I really love to win. And my teams while not on top every night are first or second 3 out of the four nights. Mostly happy that my knee has held up really well. I had a hip issue early in the year that had me miss a couple weeks but happy to report that all seems well know<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtUWw1Y6ZEzRvVMiXP38uOWJL-5f8hXSv9l2PwlBSjmOssM67qM_SWX8xNMHOGflvExK5yvZ4fuBOCJEmBrC8oVLc-aYDTj5ABxEm1qMKTitK435VwA44PSrSnJ3s1nfi_-SZA_6wx1o/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636645545445040530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtUWw1Y6ZEzRvVMiXP38uOWJL-5f8hXSv9l2PwlBSjmOssM67qM_SWX8xNMHOGflvExK5yvZ4fuBOCJEmBrC8oVLc-aYDTj5ABxEm1qMKTitK435VwA44PSrSnJ3s1nfi_-SZA_6wx1o/s320/IMG_0308.JPG" /></a>Here's my Sunday team wearing the new Volleyball jerseys.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGwwokbTdxX0tnVgif4CI5ehc4NcrDC2614aps-R66t-1urXJoOuqLL_X4OYKoEIXxWAJzIOgctCAKzzJlg7UFukAvJPj9iv2kTm0-X7fgjAlgoH2qKeY0VYml89wQnFtvxqYau4Q8WA/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636647992539024562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGwwokbTdxX0tnVgif4CI5ehc4NcrDC2614aps-R66t-1urXJoOuqLL_X4OYKoEIXxWAJzIOgctCAKzzJlg7UFukAvJPj9iv2kTm0-X7fgjAlgoH2qKeY0VYml89wQnFtvxqYau4Q8WA/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>I have done a couple 5K's this summer, my favorite taking place on a really cold windy morning. It was the Spring Sprint for the Arb. I was slow and I didn't think I wanted to do it, but I was awfully happy with how much of it I ran. I certainly miss the support I get when I do these races with other people and I think that keeps me from doing more, but I'm always content and satisfied when I'm done no matter how small the number of people that finish behind me is. It was 2 :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoulCVvcanmDmjXY9SsIMOMwvHW66CeeTF2Pv6tI5k9aKSwCjgrhO-Ay43bTpNNNBynub4Dsc32uGsU2ClIsEEbLVLXxlH9lg3N7h78yATEhZyJn-o19F3JerfOhpvTJKHRqVnagE-pEM/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636648020481240274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoulCVvcanmDmjXY9SsIMOMwvHW66CeeTF2Pv6tI5k9aKSwCjgrhO-Ay43bTpNNNBynub4Dsc32uGsU2ClIsEEbLVLXxlH9lg3N7h78yATEhZyJn-o19F3JerfOhpvTJKHRqVnagE-pEM/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>One of my favorite Christmas gifts this summer was a Wisconsin hiking book. This was a solo hike I did at Natural Bridge, which you can see a tiny bit of behind me. I wish I had done a few more of these than I did but I really enjoyed all the ones I did. I loved the ones that wound around many of the lakes in the area. I do love walking by water. Which leads me to my next big adventure.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xwugO5K1HnFnBDHDI2m4tyxVmF25BpBPRb3m8mNZYf9OaAtym3ezNpdMa8EMno1-Iu-6kuAn53b21Am7034DfMKFxgPnsmiTHbuYSvgF2494d7DeH9E-hlqXR5TCvismPX47rHZwI2s/s1600/northshore.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 115px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636752484775762802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xwugO5K1HnFnBDHDI2m4tyxVmF25BpBPRb3m8mNZYf9OaAtym3ezNpdMa8EMno1-Iu-6kuAn53b21Am7034DfMKFxgPnsmiTHbuYSvgF2494d7DeH9E-hlqXR5TCvismPX47rHZwI2s/s320/northshore.jpg" /></a><br />I have been stuck at my current plateau for too long. I need to try something new especially nutritionally. I had heard really good things about a fairly new program that was up on the shores of Lake Superior, called Fitness North. <a href="http://www.fitnessnorth.net/">www.fitnessnorth.net</a> I spoke with the new owner and he wanted to come down to Madison to do a fitness evaluation and nutritional protocol for me in advance of coming. We also got a chance to have a long talk about their philosophy, their program and their plans. Leif Anderson kicked my butt in my gym here in Madison and I really look forward to much more of it. The facility is blow you away beautiful nestled on the shores of a gorgeous lake. There are two daily hikes, swimming classes, circuit classes and really the intense personal contact that used to exist at the ridge before the massive expansion. Each week is limited to 18 people. He seemed most proud of their follow up and family approach to their guests. He certainly impressed me by his desire to come meet with me and address my food issues. Anyone who sees "great promise" in me is the optimist and support I need. I have seen a lot of people spend a lot of money and have fabulous results in a structured on site program. I wish I had seen more who continued to keep going after they left, myself included, and it really struck me that it seemed like the number one goal of this program was to follow up after you leave and make sure you continue what you start at home. I think the small number of campers makes this much more manageable. I really can't wait to spend a week at a place I have never spent time at. I'm not going to lie I'm not sure I would survive in January, but August 28th it's going to be fabulous.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48hoI252eQDpqANibH59n4L27GiO5fKVY9_HyqewHd4l4XSZiDZFGpMQg7xecVffRuJdhzaxX3e0s9GrTH3D-gCaF0mo5_3fZpHOphEurNpIkitxPt1rCWvHrNYuJp-Grrq4gC3usdPI/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 235px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636748876768263938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48hoI252eQDpqANibH59n4L27GiO5fKVY9_HyqewHd4l4XSZiDZFGpMQg7xecVffRuJdhzaxX3e0s9GrTH3D-gCaF0mo5_3fZpHOphEurNpIkitxPt1rCWvHrNYuJp-Grrq4gC3usdPI/s320/IMG_1025.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br />Here's me and my new guru :) I have a brand new eating plan. One that makes sense, one that is supervised, one that is designed for me and I am genuinely excited. I can't wait to head the shores of Lake Superior on August 28th for a week. If you want to go I know they are offering a special now that is buy one get one half off. So feel free to join in the new adventure. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgWxAdzgFtus0Jc1S53P9UvPNS__kB4e6kntYCG0BkyCOMKDg8iiVaVeQVRX76Qb5ZCofzkGyo13IWoU0oBeYMxWO8JS4LEEi2584lfuBMXpsLnCHNAtLVpG-39BRA-2qxQdm0EcfuEE/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636645521740791234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgWxAdzgFtus0Jc1S53P9UvPNS__kB4e6kntYCG0BkyCOMKDg8iiVaVeQVRX76Qb5ZCofzkGyo13IWoU0oBeYMxWO8JS4LEEi2584lfuBMXpsLnCHNAtLVpG-39BRA-2qxQdm0EcfuEE/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br />That's your update. I will certainly be writing much more often and discussing my new protocol in much more detail. Until them Peace, Love, Lobsters, and the happy return to work of my racially offensive nicknamed NFL team. It's really time to change that name on my sweatshirt. Jim<br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgWxAdzgFtus0Jc1S53P9UvPNS__kB4e6kntYCG0BkyCOMKDg8iiVaVeQVRX76Qb5ZCofzkGyo13IWoU0oBeYMxWO8JS4LEEi2584lfuBMXpsLnCHNAtLVpG-39BRA-2qxQdm0EcfuEE/s1600/IMG_0022.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-37143449971472589652011-03-24T12:23:00.003-05:002011-03-28T11:16:30.280-05:00Hiatus<div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Close your eyes and i'll close mine</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Good night sleep tight</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Now the sun turns out his light</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Good night sleep tight</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Dream sweet dreams for me</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Dream sweet dreams for you.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Good night good night everybody </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;">Everybody everywhere Good night.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#996633;"></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">The Beatles</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">You belong among the wildflowers</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">You belong somewhere close to me</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Far away from your trouble and worries </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">You belong somewhere you feel free</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;">You belong somewhere you feel free</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"></span><span style="color:#996633;">Tom Petty </span></div><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="color:#000000;">After spending the last 3 years of my life writing about and sharing my life I feel like now is the perfect time for me to take a creative break from blogging. </span><span style="color:#000000;">It has been a wildly fun and productive run. I just need some time to push further along my journey. And I need to do that without worrying about being funny or trying to find new ways to say the same old things. So, I am going to take a break from writing. Hopefully, it will be short and I will realize I miss this form of communication. I can't promise it will be because I just dont know. I don't like that some of my friends choose to think reading my blog is communicating with me. I miss talking to those people about my life and their's. The really good news is I am very easy to keep in touch with. My email is <a href="mailto:jimgoterps@gmail.com">jimgoterps@gmail.com</a> I am active on facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jimgoterps">http://www.facebook.com/jimgoterps</a> and I am happy to talk on the phone. You can email me for that :)</span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="color:#000000;">If you are interested in Fitness Ridge and are looking for my details about the program look in February and March 2010, October and November 2010, and February 2011.</span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="color:#000000;">A quick note of thanks to everyone who read any of my blogs. What started small</span><span style="color:#000000;"> picked up a little unexpected steam along the way. A giant thank you for laughing and riding along with me. A very special thank you to those of you that took the time to comment. I always looked to see if people thought enough of the blog to post a comment and those comments would serve as an affirmation to me that my time was appreciated.</span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></p><br /><p><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="color:#000000;">Have a wonderful summer. I am excited as always for the warm weather. I have tickets in hand for Sara Bareilles, Jimmy Buffet, and Jackson Browne already. I am so looking forward to volleyball. And I even have a couple of 5K's lined up for April.</span></p><span style="color:#ff0000;">Peace, Love and happy travels until we meet again...... Keep Running on Empty, Jim</span> <br /><div align="center"></div></span>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-58940396622905579242011-03-12T07:31:00.002-06:002011-03-12T08:24:25.886-06:00Ridge wrap-up<div align="center"><span style="color:#660000;"><em>The dogs on Main Street howl<br />'cause they understand<br />If I could take one moment into my hands<br />Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man<br />And I believe in a promised land<br /><br /></em></span><span style="color:#ffcc00;">Bruce Springsteen<br /><br /></span></div><div align="left">Let me start by saying that this was one of the best, if not the best, of all my trips to the Ridge. It was fun, so productive, and invigorating. I pushed my knee and it responded fabulously. I climbed heights that were unimaginable to me when I started this program. I got pushed by my friends to go faster and harder than ever before. I learned to relax and and enjoy my surroundings. I didn't have a triathlon or a film crew changing my program. I felt like I could do things that I haven't done since back in my college days. No complaints :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8A_uosWpBRyzEM-FzughdbctjUvynGGCie43SdcLvn59UbrBp3NNI0VCigf9csEC5V-AnLtyO92oeTdBIJgihteRMihqS1Jk4t6Qt13W-p0f21SRcPjK1hpVXjp2kzCxD-DaFpbXYIo/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186302118418210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8A_uosWpBRyzEM-FzughdbctjUvynGGCie43SdcLvn59UbrBp3NNI0VCigf9csEC5V-AnLtyO92oeTdBIJgihteRMihqS1Jk4t6Qt13W-p0f21SRcPjK1hpVXjp2kzCxD-DaFpbXYIo/s320/IMG_3196.JPG" /></a><br />So let's tie up some loose ends before I settle in for some serious basketball watching, because it's March and that to me means a plethora of exciting passionate basketball. The food just keeps getting better. This is a yummy Caesar Salad Pizza. There's so many more options if you don't like what they are serving. The kitchen staff is amazing and works to make sure you get everything you need and want. They cut apples and oranges to take on the hike with you. It's been such a transformation in the dining room that I can't say enough about it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhU60kHpLlvyYwWf0w-GHSvDO0UJj68azo4aYQP8rkiXTSOXJp905fFNMX-aZmP5V8uw_ZhqLveMjSijmczm-dnJAQZCM39ZCr44gvJfbdzeIFFXv2t7YkN3Y76YxFW6DmOp2gmJ1Pc8/s1600/IMG_3161.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186632142043010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVhU60kHpLlvyYwWf0w-GHSvDO0UJj68azo4aYQP8rkiXTSOXJp905fFNMX-aZmP5V8uw_ZhqLveMjSijmczm-dnJAQZCM39ZCr44gvJfbdzeIFFXv2t7YkN3Y76YxFW6DmOp2gmJ1Pc8/s320/IMG_3161.JPG" /></a>I had a lot of fun on this trip. Played pool volleyball, spent a rainy morning playing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">racquetball</span> in town, and remembered that exercise can be fun and doesn't by any stretch have to be on a treadmill in a gym.<br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yBFR1O9wcJYuUTVQRTp1BU8hwj8rYadJ9atF8YbmCOfwJJ2NQ2oCWC3wOHjMS9glHbRnLt_cSAPO9a2f0h3rPdA_3J4SmG3ZqaQfzKUb4vqiriDPHbr3Awo8_WAvxHWt2XD5bfqzRzQ/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186300203729346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yBFR1O9wcJYuUTVQRTp1BU8hwj8rYadJ9atF8YbmCOfwJJ2NQ2oCWC3wOHjMS9glHbRnLt_cSAPO9a2f0h3rPdA_3J4SmG3ZqaQfzKUb4vqiriDPHbr3Awo8_WAvxHWt2XD5bfqzRzQ/s320/IMG_3189.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">My hikes were simply great this trip. Saddle, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span>, Hidden <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pinyon</span>, Johnson's Arch, and Jenny's Canyon. Beautiful, hard, sweaty, and humbling. I just never thought I would be someone who looked forward to conquering new hills. Saddle was so hard, but I wanted to prove that I could do all that they offered. I look back on my first 3 trips over 18 months where I never ventured off road and laugh at what I missed out on. There is no feeling like standing on the summit of a great mountain, surrounded by loving friends, and realizing you climbed it. I was never that guy. But this place makes me that guy. This picture is the pond from Butch <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cassidy,</span> and it actually had water in it for the first time on one of my trips.</div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpPFRGcvvS3FPZJHKD0ErEBvL8GrsSQOxWdYlOp4UBbcn3_5vpj-DNxk8LIi7rUlmXTF2WMikC3QIt4RJg27MTuwaAzRbeWB849_w1RSWytg6Yy1JBCKTogPwIr-QTPFc87hsYJE8vNg/s1600/IMG_3198.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186295391270978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpPFRGcvvS3FPZJHKD0ErEBvL8GrsSQOxWdYlOp4UBbcn3_5vpj-DNxk8LIi7rUlmXTF2WMikC3QIt4RJg27MTuwaAzRbeWB849_w1RSWytg6Yy1JBCKTogPwIr-QTPFc87hsYJE8vNg/s320/IMG_3198.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">There are certain classes I don't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">really</span> like to take. I find some of them really hard. In others I feel completely uncoordinated. But then I look around the class and I realize I'm no different from anyone else there. We all have our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">fears and</span> though we try to mask those fears many times by exuding confidence we still worry about what others will think about how we look or how we don't fit in. That's all self doubting crap. No one cares, you try the best you can. You laugh, you sweat, and when it's over you smile.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yBFR1O9wcJYuUTVQRTp1BU8hwj8rYadJ9atF8YbmCOfwJJ2NQ2oCWC3wOHjMS9glHbRnLt_cSAPO9a2f0h3rPdA_3J4SmG3ZqaQfzKUb4vqiriDPHbr3Awo8_WAvxHWt2XD5bfqzRzQ/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG"></a> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IT3TB152bvO-ywofeOC1ztYNgIRvqg_vNfdykOVh8AfnEOJzgD3Q53afMWKgK6wy34Ff_t2pApVQGA2asKdxsa-npqVbnldNHZBd6eqsSNOnOPjiK9E6kIJaUCuA_HPIkSt_ot6_QWw/s1600/IMG_3197.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186289607461938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5IT3TB152bvO-ywofeOC1ztYNgIRvqg_vNfdykOVh8AfnEOJzgD3Q53afMWKgK6wy34Ff_t2pApVQGA2asKdxsa-npqVbnldNHZBd6eqsSNOnOPjiK9E6kIJaUCuA_HPIkSt_ot6_QWw/s320/IMG_3197.JPG" /></a><br />The ridge has changed. I see bigger people coming for longer stays. Do me a favor no matter how big you are, no matter how much it hurts or how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> you are by how hard things are for you compared to others, get on a van every morning. Have them take you somewhere. Spend those two and a half hours moving around. Take a few more steps than you did the day before. If you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">don't</span> you are cheating yourself. I really wish they would make everyone get on the vans but they don't. So make it your number one priority to do that. It changes your life, and you are only short changing yourself if you don't. I would have chosen to stay back, pretended to get a good workout in, but nothing had the effect that going out and walking the stop sign hike repeatedly did for me. If you are coming and afraid; that is so understandable. We all are, but you took the hardest step when signing up, keep taking those steps. You can't have Paige looking over your shoulder all the time. Well I guess you can if you stand below her fathead picture on the wall :)</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuv6rB0Ss8N71lHyEV1ATdAZOgV0IYRJSqbx4IfjXW68tJJH_l9goyUea9w49Ozv9FHZaP7dYr51sYemKr0cJ-g7-QB06mQxxMlQ6NuYyUQ8ldQk1DHyQkD_uOw2-a-j2B3YItWL_jU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuv6rB0Ss8N71lHyEV1ATdAZOgV0IYRJSqbx4IfjXW68tJJH_l9goyUea9w49Ozv9FHZaP7dYr51sYemKr0cJ-g7-QB06mQxxMlQ6NuYyUQ8ldQk1DHyQkD_uOw2-a-j2B3YItWL_jU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583186305035988642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuv6rB0Ss8N71lHyEV1ATdAZOgV0IYRJSqbx4IfjXW68tJJH_l9goyUea9w49Ozv9FHZaP7dYr51sYemKr0cJ-g7-QB06mQxxMlQ6NuYyUQ8ldQk1DHyQkD_uOw2-a-j2B3YItWL_jU/s320/IMG_3181.JPG" /></a></div>One of the more surreal moments for me was coming off Saddle completely exhausted, and a lady not at the ridge, telling me she read my blog. So a shout-out to Theresa from Washington, who came back to St George on her own, wearing her polar watch to make sure she was burning the calories she burned on the program and hiking her butt up stop sign everyday. There's hikes everywhere, teams to play on and friends that want to help. take advantage of it. The Ridge is a bubble but you have to live in the real world. If you are going to book a stay here book for as many weeks as you think you need, but 4 weeks is optimal. If you want to stay 12 make plans to go home every four weeks and start to adapt. The most successful campers are those that cherish their time at the Ridge but make it work at home. And after four weeks you lose some of that cherishing your time there.The program is hard I will not lie about that. Your body gets tired, your mind wanders, and you need outside life. There seems to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">diminishing</span> returns after 4 weeks without a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">freshening</span> of some sorts.<br /><br />So in short. This place is awesome. The people in the program inspire you beyond what you could ever imagine. It's life changing. None of us are perfect and I am further away than most, but you will have perfect, jaw-dropping days here, and you will believe in yourself. And there is no greater feeling than leaving the self loathing behind and embracing life again. It's vacation time for me and the blog. Hopefully we earned it. Peace, Love and buzzer beaters, James<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuv6rB0Ss8N71lHyEV1ATdAZOgV0IYRJSqbx4IfjXW68tJJH_l9goyUea9w49Ozv9FHZaP7dYr51sYemKr0cJ-g7-QB06mQxxMlQ6NuYyUQ8ldQk1DHyQkD_uOw2-a-j2B3YItWL_jU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG"></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPuv6rB0Ss8N71lHyEV1ATdAZOgV0IYRJSqbx4IfjXW68tJJH_l9goyUea9w49Ozv9FHZaP7dYr51sYemKr0cJ-g7-QB06mQxxMlQ6NuYyUQ8ldQk1DHyQkD_uOw2-a-j2B3YItWL_jU/s1600/IMG_3181.JPG"></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-72997722772733838822011-03-08T07:36:00.004-06:002011-03-08T22:51:41.400-06:00What goes up must come down<div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Give a little bit<br />Give a little bit of your love to me<br />I'll give a little bit of my love for you<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Now's</span> the time that we need to share<br />So find yourself, we're on our way back home<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#663300;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Supertramp</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIu_LdTMLY8mFIRLm8M5-69MzaAyjw1FZMdXbVYBesLF9298nWabHL4RegR0PmaieNE7aAggCnSI365a6tMMQK0_o0TMtWwBZsnDaOhMxjpmBoz-kNU79uw2H7CG_2oE5osshVCY7-LY/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581704073761153954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIu_LdTMLY8mFIRLm8M5-69MzaAyjw1FZMdXbVYBesLF9298nWabHL4RegR0PmaieNE7aAggCnSI365a6tMMQK0_o0TMtWwBZsnDaOhMxjpmBoz-kNU79uw2H7CG_2oE5osshVCY7-LY/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div align="left">Before I begin part two of my Saddle trip I need to take some time to talk about my hiking partners. I really had the heart and soul of Fitness Ridge with me on this hike. Paige is the fitness director. She often has to play the bad cop at the Ridge which is really against her nature. She has a heart ten times the size of her body. She has made the program at the ridge what it is today. She took the groundwork that had been laid and put her spin on it. From the hikes to the classes every aspect of the ridge is better because of her. I love her to death.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWRfBUUVfqqmjUxuQovIYd-rIlZWOy74mHnD2HGyfyFZoDJ4k0oN6lQczTF9OReM05vnFq1gGhiweuFDau4ShLcos-Wl2cJzzr24oNBfSKFCNq6HG8tQ_0t49nqGV5vicDgOU6TQ3Au4/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581704068935694866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWRfBUUVfqqmjUxuQovIYd-rIlZWOy74mHnD2HGyfyFZoDJ4k0oN6lQczTF9OReM05vnFq1gGhiweuFDau4ShLcos-Wl2cJzzr24oNBfSKFCNq6HG8tQ_0t49nqGV5vicDgOU6TQ3Au4/s320/IMG_3053.JPG" /></a>Renee is the head of the Ridge marketing department. She doesn't have a ton of interaction with the guests on a daily basis, but each of them owe her for making this program <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">accessible</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">visible</span> to them. She works to bring contestants from the show to the ridge, had done so much to put this program in the national spotlight, and even got a shy boy from Wisconsin to confess many life sins on national TV to help others learn about the power of this program. I am so happy that she and I have become such good friends<br /></div><div align="left">Trevor is the head of the reservations department. The first interaction most everyone has with the ridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqfz4wrmy1w32_rr3xG6nEE9g6hO3r9iwE3t4_JH0iHk2qXTahEbrk29P-Bah2r9R_iIx2iRZAm-EMc_A9JAig_wS0qRQCo-ICIkWWCaIdeokRG0-hhCSwZuUrh070QiJIdSpbFmDoMg/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581703440132575154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqfz4wrmy1w32_rr3xG6nEE9g6hO3r9iwE3t4_JH0iHk2qXTahEbrk29P-Bah2r9R_iIx2iRZAm-EMc_A9JAig_wS0qRQCo-ICIkWWCaIdeokRG0-hhCSwZuUrh070QiJIdSpbFmDoMg/s320/IMG_3122.JPG" /></a> is with his department. He solves problems, makes the guests laugh, and smile with his calorie challenge, and has increased the professionalism of his office beyond what I ever imagined after my first trip here. He has become a dear friend of mine.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The last member of the Ridge staff to join us on the hike was Eric. As the general manager of this place his hours are long, his duties endless, and his demands encompassing. He is all of these peoples boss and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">jobs</span> they do is a complete reflection of the leadership he provides. I can't imagine this place without him and truly hope the owners appreciate all he does to make their resort all that it is. He is one of my best friends in the world and I treasure any time we spend together. If it wasn't for Eric my first trip here may very well have been my last. I could never thank <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">him</span> enough for all he has done for me and every camper that walks through the door here.</div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRtY9KLb5W33sPILhCfLiGZepGAvE7LmBgi0p8QlKF9zw4tsxAX7MnE7yxhzSbUwldx34tIEFnUYIU6w90RqpMz2yU2cJR_7yiMTLljqRXwFi_HVZ8f3aIMhbDhakaJW603-uMvOXAMQ/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581703449089082322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRtY9KLb5W33sPILhCfLiGZepGAvE7LmBgi0p8QlKF9zw4tsxAX7MnE7yxhzSbUwldx34tIEFnUYIU6w90RqpMz2yU2cJR_7yiMTLljqRXwFi_HVZ8f3aIMhbDhakaJW603-uMvOXAMQ/s320/IMG_3151.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left"><br /><br /> The last of our group wasn't a ridge member, but another guest. My dear friend Lisa, has been so successful in the year I have known her. She pushes me to to go harder and faster on the treadmill. She has the ability to make those around her feel better about themselves. She is selfless to an extreme and has raised three wonderful, intelligent and beautiful girls. She has done 3 triathlons in the last year and has signed up for 4 races in the next 6 weeks. She is a shining example of everything that is great about the ridge. And I only cussed her a few times for inspiring me to do this hike :)<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRtY9KLb5W33sPILhCfLiGZepGAvE7LmBgi0p8QlKF9zw4tsxAX7MnE7yxhzSbUwldx34tIEFnUYIU6w90RqpMz2yU2cJR_7yiMTLljqRXwFi_HVZ8f3aIMhbDhakaJW603-uMvOXAMQ/s1600/IMG_3151.JPG"></a> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfS7WpNU9g1vKcjAKysvS28fdeOB9EUnvnzi5F3tcbpBY0OQ1Jk6sZq6vy5HsEEoZ9GqG3Wl6hp4i-ekyV1DPcnS3zd974-e0k1WvL8ArIpWVqf5TPhj62hzWlHbpEaaO3KXma3Uonhg/s1600/IMG_3156.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581703436887440450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfS7WpNU9g1vKcjAKysvS28fdeOB9EUnvnzi5F3tcbpBY0OQ1Jk6sZq6vy5HsEEoZ9GqG3Wl6hp4i-ekyV1DPcnS3zd974-e0k1WvL8ArIpWVqf5TPhj62hzWlHbpEaaO3KXma3Uonhg/s320/IMG_3156.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left"> </div>I was really happy when I got to the top. It was challenging beyond what I had thought it would be. But I was unprepared for the downhill. I like to climb, I hate to come down. Momentum is a funny thing. It's great when you are playing a sport, it really sucks when you are travelling down a steep decline. I have done enough downhill to be anywhere near comfortable doing it. I'm afraid I will lose control of my momentum and just keep heading out of control. And one thing you don't want to be on a mountain with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">drop offs</span> is out of control. So I went slow, I mean really slow. I imagine it takes most people 15 minutes to do the down part of the original hill. It took me 3 times that long. I got shaky once, slipped one other time but I made it thankfully down in one piece.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQnWxYhpYij6BN8-ztGc7LqlRvs1wEtqCA_GTVgwuGjvHbEL0o9Uz2-2HKAIxRAMoK5pCaFlBbxzxaV3ny4gMb7gagLKzRlZQh5kWevHI02ipKbnGpQ1GYvSE7nAoUB3h2_ug3XKQA_U/s1600/IMG_3155.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581703432267819442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQnWxYhpYij6BN8-ztGc7LqlRvs1wEtqCA_GTVgwuGjvHbEL0o9Uz2-2HKAIxRAMoK5pCaFlBbxzxaV3ny4gMb7gagLKzRlZQh5kWevHI02ipKbnGpQ1GYvSE7nAoUB3h2_ug3XKQA_U/s320/IMG_3155.JPG" /></a><br />So after making it down on to relatively flat ground we began the trek out of the canyon. I was spent and Paige didn't sugarcoat it for me. She said I'm not going to lie we still have a long way to go. It was basically like I was starting an entire new hike after spending two plus hours going up and down. I will say that what I had seen so far was beautiful. Recent rains and snow melts had left many pools of water. There were small strange bugs in all the water. Speaking of water I was well through my water, through most of Lisa's water and starting in on Trevor's water. My normal hiking water allotment was about 25% of what I needed on this hike. I no longer had any feeling of accomplishment. I had one feeling coursing through my body and that was simply. Please let this end soon. I felt bad that I had slowed everyone else down. I was slightly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> that saddle was kicking my ass. But as I looked towards my friends I only felt compassion and support and encouragement. I kept going.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH2u9yGhisbP_SkUuy6KNKfNSH9F79TkFCvTk6q2zjS6NAJZ-Tp2s8p9A1VUtR2KqkXXHzNs0V9O9zwQfueVs7O0SrhyybaqwPjIstvQ8yMSp3Cv-LENhJUpht204skyZW66vlur5208/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581703424047940130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH2u9yGhisbP_SkUuy6KNKfNSH9F79TkFCvTk6q2zjS6NAJZ-Tp2s8p9A1VUtR2KqkXXHzNs0V9O9zwQfueVs7O0SrhyybaqwPjIstvQ8yMSp3Cv-LENhJUpht204skyZW66vlur5208/s320/IMG_3158.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqfz4wrmy1w32_rr3xG6nEE9g6hO3r9iwE3t4_JH0iHk2qXTahEbrk29P-Bah2r9R_iIx2iRZAm-EMc_A9JAig_wS0qRQCo-ICIkWWCaIdeokRG0-hhCSwZuUrh070QiJIdSpbFmDoMg/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH2u9yGhisbP_SkUuy6KNKfNSH9F79TkFCvTk6q2zjS6NAJZ-Tp2s8p9A1VUtR2KqkXXHzNs0V9O9zwQfueVs7O0SrhyybaqwPjIstvQ8yMSp3Cv-LENhJUpht204skyZW66vlur5208/s1600/IMG_3158.JPG"></a><br />Just over 3 hours in we came to the back part of Fern Gully. I have never hiked Fern Gully but I have sure heard other campers bitch about this hike and they all say one word....SAND. This was now deep sand we were walking though and we had over a mile of it in front of us. I like the beach, we all know I like the sand in my toes when playing volleyball. I didn't love this sand in any way. I was starting to feel those same feelings that I have seen bring the tears out in many newbies. Sort of what was I doing thinking I could do this. But we kept going and suddenly the sand was ending and we were heading into territory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ1rSm0Z5-EkiOsATkcoCvXhspL5gZijVkVVRGeA2jQyIn2FhiztDjKxKyQnEASfUudf_M8pfD5wX2VCOnzHd3NK6gNQCB9bI8rEfInCjSCVeL85FwYFD3951zJAgfaFGMsSNC0BpF3k/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581702797252960818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ1rSm0Z5-EkiOsATkcoCvXhspL5gZijVkVVRGeA2jQyIn2FhiztDjKxKyQnEASfUudf_M8pfD5wX2VCOnzHd3NK6gNQCB9bI8rEfInCjSCVeL85FwYFD3951zJAgfaFGMsSNC0BpF3k/s320/IMG_3159.JPG" /></a> I was familiar with. I remember the feeling I had doing the triathlon when I knew for the first time I was going to finish it. I knew for the first time since I started climbing that I was going to make it back to the cars. We hiked out the hidden <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">pinyon</span> trail that I had hiked many times before. We found ourselves finally on the stop sign path and only a quarter mile from home. Relief. The first thing I saw was a lady I had never seen before wearing a biggest loser hat. So after 4+ hours of hiking so much sweat, self doubt and loathing, the first words I hear are, "I know you, I read your blog" And there you have it, I sometimes forget that what I do has an impact on others and I am reminded of that as I finish the hardest thing I have ever done.<br /><br />I was asked what I felt by my hikers and at that moment the word that came to mind was humbled. Humbled that this mountain reminded me that I have so far to go, humbled that I could do this, humbled that I have amazing, patient friends that shared this with me, and humbled that I continue to receive the gift of love that Fitness Ridge has been for me. There wasn't a sense of accomplishment as I headed home, there was a sense of relief. But as the days have gotten away from the actual hike I do feel a sense of accomplishment. That was one bad-ass hike, and I did it. I don't have any plans to do it again anytime soon, but you better believe I have plans to find a new challenge. I hope you enjoyed the story of Saddle. I only have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">a few</span> days left in Utah and I am content that this trip has been my best ever for so many reasons. To my hiking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">partners</span>... a gigantic thank you and so much love. You have changed me and I appreciate it more than I can say. Peace, love and amazing friends, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn0BsgUTbadikWhejickH82f31r6TYhHfmmyFL9XQa9Ui1P1iQj4Hj1TXCNCJII0o1Zj8wSwsa9G6tduoxmH73lVmJAFK_w_gLNb0gSUSScbNWk0dCi7YsKBvzOZSqWFezB6l8aK83xI/s1600/IMG_3150.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581702803650538562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrn0BsgUTbadikWhejickH82f31r6TYhHfmmyFL9XQa9Ui1P1iQj4Hj1TXCNCJII0o1Zj8wSwsa9G6tduoxmH73lVmJAFK_w_gLNb0gSUSScbNWk0dCi7YsKBvzOZSqWFezB6l8aK83xI/s320/IMG_3150.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-61436399381442521272011-03-07T07:48:00.008-06:002011-03-07T21:48:01.668-06:00Saddle Up,,,,,and Up,,,,and Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxgYejte19Qsm16t15MHw47mZyjLn505bjtsuHvrFOVUL_mVcB5JrxxeZrgjSC34oycgJd7mTuVzASRvwRSI-i5VC0PjDTP_0qVUeVRDxhJJWi0tev4gXlm9bgYqUjrHQMwZAHuMrAsQ/s1600/IMG_3050.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581415004062438626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxgYejte19Qsm16t15MHw47mZyjLn505bjtsuHvrFOVUL_mVcB5JrxxeZrgjSC34oycgJd7mTuVzASRvwRSI-i5VC0PjDTP_0qVUeVRDxhJJWi0tev4gXlm9bgYqUjrHQMwZAHuMrAsQ/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#009900;">Ooo you make me live<br />Whenever this world is cruel to me<br />I got you to help me forgive<br />Ooo you make me live now honey<br />Ooo you make me live<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You're the first one<br />When things turn out bad<br />You know I'll never be lonely<br />You're my only one<br />And I love the things<br />I really love the things that you do<br />You're my best friend<br /></span></span><span style="color:#009900;">I'm happy at home<br />You're my best friend<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;">QUEEN </span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPgn4PY4impXJjuPCZ8Wrw6a-F2r4S2_HaXC6pAYnCF-3R9P5rtlcSWDkgBuqPGlqmoOScRyyRMZu970V6yjHUOCPXy6SkMJkAIyZjY-6YnYjTWbYokKnd3ZjDplWCdUFUmwZohmWSD4/s1600/IMG_3051.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581337342175127858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPgn4PY4impXJjuPCZ8Wrw6a-F2r4S2_HaXC6pAYnCF-3R9P5rtlcSWDkgBuqPGlqmoOScRyyRMZu970V6yjHUOCPXy6SkMJkAIyZjY-6YnYjTWbYokKnd3ZjDplWCdUFUmwZohmWSD4/s320/IMG_3051.JPG" /></a></span></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">Mix in a perfectly wonderful early spring day, 5 friends whom I love dearly, the most challenging, difficult hike imagineable, a ton of sweat, lots of laughs, quite a few regrets, more fear, spectacular views and scenery, and one guy trying desperately to keep up, not fall off a cliff, prove a thing or two about himself to himself and others, and you have my Friday hike. Saddle was a special hike that I wanted to do and asked if Eric would join me. We added Paige, Lisa, Renee, and Trevor to our group and headed out to the back of Tuacahn to start the ascent. </p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryn-7Ljmsj-tNYX1kwqYlzJthM_AWco7VGSiIL85rRRxxKcXVn_BNsc7mBMJP_Mw_0iutWfk51YsbSBZRBIVuVt_2DIQQ7bkctVxuA0aDWvMsZUqh1Ek3oZy5sXNR-W4-ukH3b5AWCno/s1600/IMG_3142.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581337312072163938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryn-7Ljmsj-tNYX1kwqYlzJthM_AWco7VGSiIL85rRRxxKcXVn_BNsc7mBMJP_Mw_0iutWfk51YsbSBZRBIVuVt_2DIQQ7bkctVxuA0aDWvMsZUqh1Ek3oZy5sXNR-W4-ukH3b5AWCno/s320/IMG_3142.JPG" /></a><br />Now when I was on the hike Thursday I had asked whether Saddle was comparable to Camelback and the guide said yes it was similar. That was the first lie. Saddle turned out to make Camelback look like you were walking to the mailbox to get the mail. We dropped a car off across Snow Canyon Park and then drove the 4 miles over to Tuacahn to the start of the hike. Well except for Paige, she dropped her car off early and just jogged the 4 miles over.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><div align="left"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9vF_2Nz5_NfYN6I8eXHAuXz0LSk472npD61HbMQw456Yiw9jJmZxz2T1yLayiGKhu2uNEwLxGUvuvqwgiL1JfkFlM57mzAe-MIgSWCBZJmCpliW9UvFxeoQY5s6HvQauXCbu0Vw4ydk/s1600/IMG_3077.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581337329840707090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9vF_2Nz5_NfYN6I8eXHAuXz0LSk472npD61HbMQw456Yiw9jJmZxz2T1yLayiGKhu2uNEwLxGUvuvqwgiL1JfkFlM57mzAe-MIgSWCBZJmCpliW9UvFxeoQY5s6HvQauXCbu0Vw4ydk/s320/IMG_3077.JPG" /></a><br /></span>We arrived on the trailhead at about 8:15 and I got my first look at what lie ahead. It was a daunting presence to say the least. The Stop Sign hike gains 1,000 feet of elevation in around 4 miles. This hike gains it in about 1 mile. The terrain didn't look very friendly either. Boulders, loose sand, serious dropoffs and lots of climbing. The fastest time I have ever heard anyone going top to bottom on this climb is 34 minutes. I had a feeling that number wasn't going to be in any sort of jeopardy. I had offered up the suggestion of this hike to a few of my friends coming in. We had settled on this date and I knew it meant I would have to hike everyday to get myself ready for it. And while I felt like I had done quite a lot and feel really good I wasn't ready for this hike.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqWkwUhqRYCDi4sICzwvSXJ-Mo4imOaie783hbGNrPSsHDtm_HwjvIbJqGErUHv_ZKGT_F5vs90_11EKfyKh-fS3VP9ofMgGc22pFdrWiVfImnhVYQQdubLKJ4mZLw2R_tZhCxbMC8LE/s1600/IMG_3099.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581337318621183714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqWkwUhqRYCDi4sICzwvSXJ-Mo4imOaie783hbGNrPSsHDtm_HwjvIbJqGErUHv_ZKGT_F5vs90_11EKfyKh-fS3VP9ofMgGc22pFdrWiVfImnhVYQQdubLKJ4mZLw2R_tZhCxbMC8LE/s320/IMG_3099.JPG" /></a></div><br />Did I mention this baby was up and up. I put my hands on more rocks than I have ever done hiking. I needed to boost my ass up all hike long. Even with really long legs that I could use to get high on many of the rocks I still found myself staring up trying to figure a workable path. And when I wasn't looking up I was looking down at my feet. There were areas when you would be climbing rocks in sand. Trying to get higher while holding on and then listening as the sand and pebbles you displaced tumbled a few hundred feet down into the ravine. This was not like anything I had experienced before.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2iajsya4mH9p68jH27-GzbSK44f5EJNCJmkAJl5MerlFG__Qz1kmkNA2PuhYniuvKXBW-MLJympL1G-I1Gq6ESPrbTyhCsKmQct67Pw0YHk190rLeTYGsqTIsNbNZ9IehbSqxP_MSBU/s1600/IMG_3074.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581336452539155410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2iajsya4mH9p68jH27-GzbSK44f5EJNCJmkAJl5MerlFG__Qz1kmkNA2PuhYniuvKXBW-MLJympL1G-I1Gq6ESPrbTyhCsKmQct67Pw0YHk190rLeTYGsqTIsNbNZ9IehbSqxP_MSBU/s320/IMG_3074.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>If you look way in the back in some of these pictures you can see where we started. The slight bits of civilization on the sunline were the start of this trail. I was about an hour into the hike. Seriously huffing and puffing, sweat dripping off me, and thinking this up part is about the hardest thing I have ever done. There's no turning back either. You keep going or you pitch a tent. We got passed by the advanced hiking group that was also doing this hike. I wasn't bewildered by being passed, I was actually happy because as they went up the mountain in front of me I could see that I wasn't that far from the top.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nX8jwybszzXfOYlX2a91Q8ukS8NYx2GrcpXVYlyfZKxY9mBt1dQdrMGPf2dnU9KBeANlAP_bsBiZNSvmWgz4M-x9n2d8J-9YUVlUaFsT_sj3Tr3IWIbTKiu0koItaUhNpponOkex_OU/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581336430139643922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nX8jwybszzXfOYlX2a91Q8ukS8NYx2GrcpXVYlyfZKxY9mBt1dQdrMGPf2dnU9KBeANlAP_bsBiZNSvmWgz4M-x9n2d8J-9YUVlUaFsT_sj3Tr3IWIbTKiu0koItaUhNpponOkex_OU/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" /></a><br />The scenery was really breathtaking and my photographer who had done this hike the previous week was all too happy to snap away pictures. I will give her massive kudos for this cool shot through the rocks. In fact she did a magnificent job of capturing me going up this hill. The photos dont really tell the story of the steepness but I promise you it was STEEP<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOkydENKIIsjvlsZ7GCR9hCZWz3ruw0JOU1juDJSc0Il2LTaN7xaD6dTkwnYoG2zT4v8KkHX3YzTHSvrPCGx-NDI2LQFJh3G4XwdtsPwACmaCxLC2Epq0-SrhJxsE7AcoDHgdAsbiy0Q/s1600/IMG_3075.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581335768879686866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOkydENKIIsjvlsZ7GCR9hCZWz3ruw0JOU1juDJSc0Il2LTaN7xaD6dTkwnYoG2zT4v8KkHX3YzTHSvrPCGx-NDI2LQFJh3G4XwdtsPwACmaCxLC2Epq0-SrhJxsE7AcoDHgdAsbiy0Q/s320/IMG_3075.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlqRkafuO6fQdgNbW-A4XniAJFaITMP3VPMv6YUMlDz77DnhFBqzuvKsXPq1KxdmfbTvGCiI6vQBrAIzIg_rMs5IeYOBl-UmK_mp-d0ZwAj3jbFtrp-WsMhjZSeT4SwXpHtHm8xBI2ik/s1600/IMG_3070.JPG"></a>About 1.5 hours into this I reached the summit of Saddle, I didn't feel triumphant, I felt relieved. Everyone said that the climb up is the hard part of this hike. This was lie number 2. It was hard, really hard, but we were just getting started. And like they say what goes up has to come down. And Jimbo had sort of forgotten this part when he was thinking about this hike. I am going to save the rest of this hike for tomorrow's blog. I still really can't believe that I did this. I got asked half way up the hill if I regretted my decision to do this hike. My answer was no, I regretted ever stepping foot in Utah 3 years ago. I was, of course, joking; stepping foot in Utah is easily one of the greatest moments of my life. The feeling I got when finishing this hike was another. At no time during this hike did I regret doing it. There were plenty of times where I wished we were done. But quit or not do this? That thought never crossed my mind.<br /><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-ykKD4jWN-H45jXx1FW018y29n5J9xbka670mBe7yJW-QxeuYE-nTo01SKSeZnpjh9IXkIvqPq8BTKin-o6w9J1906mNeWUYV1MjnvRt__dB4NUkGPhemlwY7Iogv4Yl8qgpLO_n0Qw/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581336459352146274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-ykKD4jWN-H45jXx1FW018y29n5J9xbka670mBe7yJW-QxeuYE-nTo01SKSeZnpjh9IXkIvqPq8BTKin-o6w9J1906mNeWUYV1MjnvRt__dB4NUkGPhemlwY7Iogv4Yl8qgpLO_n0Qw/s320/IMG_3130.JPG" /></a> I will leave you with some summit pictures. I don't think when I started this adventure 3 years ago I ever imagined I would be doing a climb like this. It took 18 months before I even attempted any off-road hikes and now I have completed the toughest hike they offer. Not bad for the non-hiking, barely walking, slob who showed up here in 2008. This place is magic for sure, but the people and friends I have met here are 100 times more magic. Peace Love, Hearts and Stars, Jim<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpt2QbtVB39I8W_4uo-NdTe-_tXhoutea1vcpb2tqYu70dlNhEG1dtrSoOoTv2hBpzr8wNIbcWXF6pqJ-HY7h1NW1Pp4HHbhx3KIWZHmHJd0HkHEIq96pL8TVRXiUHayIghJKA3N3ukI/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVByMncv3cgHjDclqlQ_XjX2kSu3fow7ZkkVj3x7gxVywoNZbhODFYBrRsqOiEfYTRnhJiAJDHtRxNfXAUSmCbWKT474V9krJbOkqhSIaU8A63JH02E8nqreQMxOB4AD2bwMx329Sl2c/s1600/IMG_3146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581335753146256178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVByMncv3cgHjDclqlQ_XjX2kSu3fow7ZkkVj3x7gxVywoNZbhODFYBrRsqOiEfYTRnhJiAJDHtRxNfXAUSmCbWKT474V9krJbOkqhSIaU8A63JH02E8nqreQMxOB4AD2bwMx329Sl2c/s320/IMG_3146.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqFItv5MoBWXQbB3n5dD5TMBF-j4saenJMRoMNZlhAY2okzjPai4QNflaqeOK27KdDZxyaw1x2Rj__6aS86xD8fTkSX7DFQL_VXaK5UBLhj3OXaZziPYn2xqlxrlSEUtwzEJGwFdmYuo/s1600/IMG_3147.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581335744104587378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqFItv5MoBWXQbB3n5dD5TMBF-j4saenJMRoMNZlhAY2okzjPai4QNflaqeOK27KdDZxyaw1x2Rj__6aS86xD8fTkSX7DFQL_VXaK5UBLhj3OXaZziPYn2xqlxrlSEUtwzEJGwFdmYuo/s320/IMG_3147.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-67153790196793714802011-03-05T07:18:00.008-06:002011-03-06T09:51:23.495-06:00Camelback<div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff6600;">Tonight I'll be on that hill 'cause I can't stop<br />I'll be on that hill with everything I got<br />Lives on the line where dreams are found and lost<br />I'll be there on time and I'll pay the cost<br />For wanting things that can only be found<br />In the darkness on the edge of town<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000099;">Bruce Springsteen<br /></span></div><span style="color:#ff6600;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAZ546L9TdLSmJqJ-Al27tQ4vPNV73xHhPz-5JHX-r7Yb8pwzpSmfdnJxaIMj9P5pS6af13uiSuTyzKNNoTd_paBh7DljSDXJw-3e32FJk2bjZwBjNEC7FDfpPrhyphenhyphenLfCXaF_DrhD4TTU/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580614378907148546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAZ546L9TdLSmJqJ-Al27tQ4vPNV73xHhPz-5JHX-r7Yb8pwzpSmfdnJxaIMj9P5pS6af13uiSuTyzKNNoTd_paBh7DljSDXJw-3e32FJk2bjZwBjNEC7FDfpPrhyphenhyphenLfCXaF_DrhD4TTU/s320/IMG_3034.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Thursday I went on a hike called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span>.</span><span style="color:#000000;"> I really like this hike. I have done it once before a little over a year ago. It was my first challenging hike I ever did. It has all of the elements you look for in a hike. Some climbing, some scrambling on the rocks, some sandy washes, water, and just fabulous views. You take a van about 25 minutes away from campus into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gunlock</span> area. We took a really big, fun group including some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span> virgins. There were also 4 really fast hikers who did the more remote <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">and</span> challenging areas of this climb. One thing I really love about the new hiking program is that they always take enough guides so that the group can split into 3 sections. One fast, one moderate, and one shall we say "not as fast."</span></div><p><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </p><p><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JTVmPZjyMo9rg-pxX0ZoS9nsG3tVSwjgI29GNeUzWzDjFUY6jlOVtXNwO_HKT-CqOs5KMtOJf4vlGDqYfY8Wjbpap0FcVgN-1V02F-FmjNC7aB9t7xxQ03YezDC_o4cRAiZ1iCh-2U/s1600/vortex2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580589924476862354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9JTVmPZjyMo9rg-pxX0ZoS9nsG3tVSwjgI29GNeUzWzDjFUY6jlOVtXNwO_HKT-CqOs5KMtOJf4vlGDqYfY8Wjbpap0FcVgN-1V02F-FmjNC7aB9t7xxQ03YezDC_o4cRAiZ1iCh-2U/s320/vortex2.jpg" /></a></span></span></p><div align="left"><br />The payoff on this hike is the two really cool things on the summit of the mountain. The first is the Vortex. It is a very steep, winding, tornado like hole in the mountain. It had a nice pool of water at the bottom for anyone who got in a little deep. It is intimidating and scary but you have got to go in. And by "got to" I certainly don't mean they make you or there is any pressure from others to do it; what I mean is you want the full experience you do the vortex. I think 2 of my group ventured in :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAiPbv5ihtaApbcP3idbKERkdJ3jid6fqrWf8eLSbWbDRTfJb0kSqZwTK3YE0kEnluVg364UugFmTGvW2uQ-p3a2YoFWPTlM_daGAZIhcHTr4QWCN6Kti0Ghv21k3KKIh9vZ-WikvePk/s1600/hump1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580588724524366690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAiPbv5ihtaApbcP3idbKERkdJ3jid6fqrWf8eLSbWbDRTfJb0kSqZwTK3YE0kEnluVg364UugFmTGvW2uQ-p3a2YoFWPTlM_daGAZIhcHTr4QWCN6Kti0Ghv21k3KKIh9vZ-WikvePk/s320/hump1.jpg" /></a><br />The second payoff is the two humps on top of the mountain that give <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span> its name. Now being in the no so fast group and taking some extra time to coerce some newbies to keep going up, we were well behind the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">alloted</span> hike time when we got to the humps. My guide, Matt, who was fabulous, informed<br />us at the base of the hump that the hike was over. Not so fast my friend. My first time up I hadn't ventured up the hump and I will be damned if I was passing it up this time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxece2UjhtPuH3LIA97LmuQQAqyyA2BQbNsuLo-HOx7g1eGnya0WkSyBWgYNRtQvDQPp3GpTcVRucBwvP0as4RkU21KgOsxJxoRSg2y5FprDUbi_Wb8sONkUB3hTdg-DqOmi7Sszi_-5s/s1600/hump2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580588722285120370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxece2UjhtPuH3LIA97LmuQQAqyyA2BQbNsuLo-HOx7g1eGnya0WkSyBWgYNRtQvDQPp3GpTcVRucBwvP0as4RkU21KgOsxJxoRSg2y5FprDUbi_Wb8sONkUB3hTdg-DqOmi7Sszi_-5s/s320/hump2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /> He informed me that I was making the decision against his better judgement. Like not all that much I do in Utah isn't against <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">someone's</span> better judgement? Usually mine. He asked me to make two promises. Not to fall and to promise that we would pick up the pace on the way back. I said I certainly I have no intention of falling, but I'm not promising anything about the pace home.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The first step on to the hump is about 4.5 feet up. So a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">little</span> leg swinging, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV0AOf-UsLJ23ni6tt5caXWuj-azwFJoBPaAhI6nMcxCAmWON40HJvuC88kYnm9GM9HL0a9I3Ng0dwc22RtZPkkxD9idXF3YaflgYXY60og2Ij3eMIq58w21Z-ZIbnH_gVtku2NKSAso/s1600/hump5.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580588720474377810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV0AOf-UsLJ23ni6tt5caXWuj-azwFJoBPaAhI6nMcxCAmWON40HJvuC88kYnm9GM9HL0a9I3Ng0dwc22RtZPkkxD9idXF3YaflgYXY60og2Ij3eMIq58w21Z-ZIbnH_gVtku2NKSAso/s320/hump5.jpg" /></a>and a slight ass <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">grab</span> and push and I was on the hump. It was steep, and high, and falling would have really sucked. But it wasn't about falling, it was, like most things at the ridge, about taking yourself to new heights, So I proudly climbed to the top, raised my hands to the sky, and proclaimed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">myself</span> the King of the F-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">ing</span> world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eac6R0B5_9hEsAtF3SfDnCP6k2N0o3hOpPp7BV2-ynIpCT-QPW-ZDu7-ogppZKh_lvKwEoC2ADhkizpD4OZXHQwKju6cVmhLIb6TKKN8bLI_KL8W_s21yWYDKixLDYc658HVpRCQ034/s1600/hump4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 124px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580588716262751250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eac6R0B5_9hEsAtF3SfDnCP6k2N0o3hOpPp7BV2-ynIpCT-QPW-ZDu7-ogppZKh_lvKwEoC2ADhkizpD4OZXHQwKju6cVmhLIb6TKKN8bLI_KL8W_s21yWYDKixLDYc658HVpRCQ034/s320/hump4.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Then it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> to me. How in the hell am I getting down off of this thing? I backed down part, flipped over and crab walked a little, and finally put my butt on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">rock</span> and kind of awkwardly slid <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">down</span> the rest of it. I'm not going to lie, I was excited and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">happy</span> to have done it. We meandered our way back to the van, resting when necessary and wrapping up the hike in a dawdling 3 hours and 10 minutes. Or basically around the same time as the fast group was coming out of their stretch class back at the ridge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakEu4wTnucqZjaWYh5F9-11QFXToMZkWxxXKl4Qb_Z1Y-i8hR_Pfeh2w0EeKXnUgwpCaNr9F81AdD1yRckFImzAoD_6XUpSQXr0oqVEuLpiaVOK-8JwG0DsaMhMYJE4m79YqJ5LT4Z4k/s1600/jim_on_top_of_hump_3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580589712792997810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakEu4wTnucqZjaWYh5F9-11QFXToMZkWxxXKl4Qb_Z1Y-i8hR_Pfeh2w0EeKXnUgwpCaNr9F81AdD1yRckFImzAoD_6XUpSQXr0oqVEuLpiaVOK-8JwG0DsaMhMYJE4m79YqJ5LT4Z4k/s320/jim_on_top_of_hump_3.JPG" /></a><br />So here is how long the self proclaimed king of the F-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">ing</span> World felt like the king. On the way out we were passed on the trail by a group of 53 seniors on a field trip from their retirement community. One of them asked, " This is an 1.5 hour hike correct?" I slumped my head and replied. Each way for me ma'am. And any shred of king feelings I dragged off that mountain were about to truly be humbled the following day. Saddle Hike awaited me and it was going to bring me to my proverbial knees. But more on that next time... Peace, Love and Humps, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakEu4wTnucqZjaWYh5F9-11QFXToMZkWxxXKl4Qb_Z1Y-i8hR_Pfeh2w0EeKXnUgwpCaNr9F81AdD1yRckFImzAoD_6XUpSQXr0oqVEuLpiaVOK-8JwG0DsaMhMYJE4m79YqJ5LT4Z4k/s1600/jim_on_top_of_hump_3.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2eac6R0B5_9hEsAtF3SfDnCP6k2N0o3hOpPp7BV2-ynIpCT-QPW-ZDu7-ogppZKh_lvKwEoC2ADhkizpD4OZXHQwKju6cVmhLIb6TKKN8bLI_KL8W_s21yWYDKixLDYc658HVpRCQ034/s1600/hump4.jpg"></a> </div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-45345949895551271622011-03-02T22:10:00.003-06:002011-03-03T07:34:14.760-06:00Three Ponds<div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;"><em>Three is a magic number,<br />Yes it is, it's a magic number.<br /><br /></em></span><span style="color:#ff6600;">Schoolhouse Rock<br /></span></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcxyO-VLZWvc3Dek2uEW5UJ-LPPBCTo3YfYcZ2a-kplyJF697_Sck4HDwOLDNaZygUlCKqkAIiVobotkOT2rO_Gvjd-x27bq5dXL7Yxz551t_EBoqqqPE-KHBUXMKLXq-xcHeDQ97dKk/s1600/IMG_3024.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579701740064603938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcxyO-VLZWvc3Dek2uEW5UJ-LPPBCTo3YfYcZ2a-kplyJF697_Sck4HDwOLDNaZygUlCKqkAIiVobotkOT2rO_Gvjd-x27bq5dXL7Yxz551t_EBoqqqPE-KHBUXMKLXq-xcHeDQ97dKk/s320/IMG_3024.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">I went on a hike today called Three Ponds. I kinda know what a pond looks like. I didn't see anything that remotely looked like a pond. I didn't see anything that even looked like a puddle. I did see a whole lot of sand, a whole lot of rocks, some hills, a few cliffs and one really cool, really tight slot cave. I went on a hike today with six first week women and myself. One first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">weeker</span> lasted about 25 steps before she said, "this is not for me" There was no judgement and no discussion, she went back to the van and was <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtVDtcqFVNDoGrJOpwYGNe40Tg7vC_LVvPje4RHV7CLzgmb-UOn_x-CCCq3hvoGkiTHzl7cuCgFVY1BdLdRjHXexthIO_yPqbKnVLk3k9qRVE2Luj9Ua1g6PwjslQWdsULEFOnKBu2gU/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579701749947223634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtVDtcqFVNDoGrJOpwYGNe40Tg7vC_LVvPje4RHV7CLzgmb-UOn_x-CCCq3hvoGkiTHzl7cuCgFVY1BdLdRjHXexthIO_yPqbKnVLk3k9qRVE2Luj9Ua1g6PwjslQWdsULEFOnKBu2gU/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" /></a>returned to camp. The other 5 women and myself trod onward.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">I really, really enjoy hiking with new first <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">weekers</span>. Especially on their first off road climbing hike. Whether they come from the big city or a small town, most have never done anything remotely like hiking the red rocks. They are scared and intimidated. I like to reassure them that all will be okay. And I figure if I can do this hike, really anyone can.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenhRIrOB-SjDNlQGswh4yhlVkY-T2zwiurZi4AVeaS3W8KVslZMfUxI4BOqNRdqrp9P2aHSF-blRSBaVYrkLuTKcimH9Yvigk5a9ho_ACusya_-RqwB3fqNMgnFsY6inPYikLvrr6wbc/s1600/IMG_3031.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579701753569622146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenhRIrOB-SjDNlQGswh4yhlVkY-T2zwiurZi4AVeaS3W8KVslZMfUxI4BOqNRdqrp9P2aHSF-blRSBaVYrkLuTKcimH9Yvigk5a9ho_ACusya_-RqwB3fqNMgnFsY6inPYikLvrr6wbc/s320/IMG_3031.JPG" /></a><br />No first off road hike is without tears and this one had its share but one thing that always happens is when it is done there are a lot of smiling faces, and a lot of people saying my family would never believe that I did this.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBMBhUrGtkDdzjyESeKROJQ-hfvSySvt6o0Zd0GXbW8qgfgskCzo49XlvBH_dDm3LMKWykuK1if1xmQyOjPBcsI3rwsTqYzTpWAharZ79oQca2A_28EJeiU0GSQlfUtTsHpuUZM_2XTQ/s1600/IMG_3033.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579701760158859938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBMBhUrGtkDdzjyESeKROJQ-hfvSySvt6o0Zd0GXbW8qgfgskCzo49XlvBH_dDm3LMKWykuK1if1xmQyOjPBcsI3rwsTqYzTpWAharZ79oQca2A_28EJeiU0GSQlfUtTsHpuUZM_2XTQ/s320/IMG_3033.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Slot caves are not for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">claustrophobic</span>. They aren't very wide. Walking sideways I pretty much had my belly rubbing one wall and my butt the other. It was my first time in this cave and I am always really happy to find new things in Snow Canyon<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhyphenhyphen0GHLLrxBNk3_iA_tx4AkCQqQxav_HtGTEqlNtoLXI1HGQQuP7qlMUOrRqeLO-_cAS0zPxSBmQNiByWJivN1gcp7mARigDePipQrXhaVZk9G6YpoADsh9qeAS3DhRUGyzrDFvFzoTs/s1600/IMG_3023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579701733763007618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhyphenhyphen0GHLLrxBNk3_iA_tx4AkCQqQxav_HtGTEqlNtoLXI1HGQQuP7qlMUOrRqeLO-_cAS0zPxSBmQNiByWJivN1gcp7mARigDePipQrXhaVZk9G6YpoADsh9qeAS3DhRUGyzrDFvFzoTs/s320/IMG_3023.JPG" /></a><br />I am going with a different group tomorrow on a hike I have done before and loved. The hike is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Camelback</span>. And Friday I will be for the first time ever hiking Saddle. Somewhat excited, somewhat terrified. Should be a fun two days. Sorry this blog is short but I need some rest for these next two days. Peace, Love, and Happiness, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-81725964915383282262011-03-01T20:20:00.005-06:002011-03-01T21:50:41.977-06:00Last Week<div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#33ff33;">You just call out my name,<br />and you know wherever I am<br />I'll come running, oh yeah baby<br />to see you again.<br />Winter, spring, summer, or fall,<br />all you have to do is call<br />and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.<br />You've got a friend.<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#993399;">Carole King<br /><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xp76vmhyphenhypheniTqCtA5pq0iqCOQdd_q8qPO32tDHVFGcTR5gQ9-RqH0owsBbsf9tHgatEKJVfYng4bPjVGO770fESEGTyP4k-JpRizOfxk-9YdrOnIg_5mA1sQtn9wT3maM9oE92dwc90A0/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579306170895529634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xp76vmhyphenhypheniTqCtA5pq0iqCOQdd_q8qPO32tDHVFGcTR5gQ9-RqH0owsBbsf9tHgatEKJVfYng4bPjVGO770fESEGTyP4k-JpRizOfxk-9YdrOnIg_5mA1sQtn9wT3maM9oE92dwc90A0/s320/IMG_3018.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">My second week was really one of my favorite weeks here ever, great old friends, fabulous new friends, fun hikes, being pushed harder in classes, and doing things I haven't done since hurting my knee. I have only put ice on my knee once. I'm back :) and just in time for volleyball that starts<br />in one short month. Here is my new friend Cheryl from California who rocked it all week in my hiking group.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY9nzN9d-CK2UTRcKuzOp1Rm9ArvfmlU5Y5X_ImV7mIRxj8O_gmmqTeFeYjvojMZItvEFx47l3s9f13894JmZgj49vvqsOkV0vqw1NGsp_LvIAxaIdf4drIyoX58wDM4tcPFWm-ucqM8/s1600/IMG_3017.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579306161230494338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY9nzN9d-CK2UTRcKuzOp1Rm9ArvfmlU5Y5X_ImV7mIRxj8O_gmmqTeFeYjvojMZItvEFx47l3s9f13894JmZgj49vvqsOkV0vqw1NGsp_LvIAxaIdf4drIyoX58wDM4tcPFWm-ucqM8/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" /></a>We did a hike called Santa Clara Riverbed. It was actually a fun, scenic, and arduous hike. As I made my way back I was happy to find a hill leading to the bluff where the vans were parked. It wasn't along the same path we came in on and we were <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">supposed</span> to go out on. I saw bulldozer tracks on this road and remembered there was a bulldozer next to the parking lot. Now Momma Trudeau didn't raise no dummy... And despite what the hiking guides may lead you to believe I know the shortest way back to the vans is really a straight line not a winding walking path. I was the first one back to the vans, and then got a phone call from the guide wondering where I was :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaUOm0qfZDIS1Af2NhqtfNiC1hsrRfJn921sHafFEyTLGMja2uONpWobOFISChtjOtaUuI8oi7oslOuql-0OJQCpoE7m3lC22FpMGn5CetBgRlo6roGq-iskZgKzo9dcg0Z-9kcjzc4g/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579306141359017010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaUOm0qfZDIS1Af2NhqtfNiC1hsrRfJn921sHafFEyTLGMja2uONpWobOFISChtjOtaUuI8oi7oslOuql-0OJQCpoE7m3lC22FpMGn5CetBgRlo6roGq-iskZgKzo9dcg0Z-9kcjzc4g/s320/IMG_3008.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div align="left">It wouldn't be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Saturday</span> night at the ridge without graduation and some fun activity. This week was my favorite...karaoke. And it wouldn't be karaoke without a duet with my best friend in Utah, Eric. After singing 'You're the one that I want' by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ONJ</span> and John Travolta we broke out the Sonny and Cher classic 'I Got You Babe.' I also sang 'Build Me Up Buttercup' and 'You've Got a Friend' I am really excited for March Madness and our Eric and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">I's</span> annual trip to Vegas for four days of basketball <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bacchanalia</span>.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErRtsXSWKZO8gGBQsREWTBcQ5dQfhYxB_J6xu9Qil1mX-zBabfbwQ1JDsGh0VrP0NuvkTMpg9Y4_XnnaTU9XbPUeZQb_-J6zhal_9yCR1rneddQn6IG3UAo8Q4lzsfojwqXnI4853EQ4/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579317286789582482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErRtsXSWKZO8gGBQsREWTBcQ5dQfhYxB_J6xu9Qil1mX-zBabfbwQ1JDsGh0VrP0NuvkTMpg9Y4_XnnaTU9XbPUeZQb_-J6zhal_9yCR1rneddQn6IG3UAo8Q4lzsfojwqXnI4853EQ4/s320/IMG_3005.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Graduation on Saturday night is really interesting. People stand up and tell a little about their week and everyone looks so different, dressed up and not sweaty and in gym clothes. People are really happy and I think it is mostly due to the success most of them have had. Me, I'm damn happy that I can wake up the following morning and not have to hike or go to the gym. Working out 6 days a week is borderline too much, working out 7 days is not healthy and you <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoDz9iJpHqm6hLYPOUyPMDe7SNauktQywJ0EDu53EzBmIjRBsU1Jveg_SILEwtHGJHTYew06GY7tBYbzCgwpkx8rdkJ3UlwavzyROZnm74w82w9-XXHaG5Fa8K9WV0b6OGZksxsf1c2E/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579305347874230978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoDz9iJpHqm6hLYPOUyPMDe7SNauktQywJ0EDu53EzBmIjRBsU1Jveg_SILEwtHGJHTYew06GY7tBYbzCgwpkx8rdkJ3UlwavzyROZnm74w82w9-XXHaG5Fa8K9WV0b6OGZksxsf1c2E/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" /></a>are really encouraged to spend the day relaxing. I don't need any encouragement.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKaUOm0qfZDIS1Af2NhqtfNiC1hsrRfJn921sHafFEyTLGMja2uONpWobOFISChtjOtaUuI8oi7oslOuql-0OJQCpoE7m3lC22FpMGn5CetBgRlo6roGq-iskZgKzo9dcg0Z-9kcjzc4g/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihR56aT6RCHsSoWbM8A4ztVTV58FGAwI-cFupG8Y9iNdU2t3vIpR31yPNPxcTsSnVbgRptJczjUHAqJOof1Q2CCwvvtsjFLCZ67ELF_5pQHhJaq0XP9V-8OLSbe8XhFqsV6OVaNOD-jAo/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p> </p><p> </p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmYf024NSsi7soYKzoM-uTcsEqv_9mPYcX8pA3AD-ul301VrNV-rXPQTUmqKp5oFXrtV9G03dU3R6e-Z6ua9pF0vprl1eE7f7I00iUJCengiY6w4_ntzjGpl9yP6kUI5OxfAOIPyE_kU/s1600/IMG_3007.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579305352334829410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmYf024NSsi7soYKzoM-uTcsEqv_9mPYcX8pA3AD-ul301VrNV-rXPQTUmqKp5oFXrtV9G03dU3R6e-Z6ua9pF0vprl1eE7f7I00iUJCengiY6w4_ntzjGpl9yP6kUI5OxfAOIPyE_kU/s320/IMG_3007.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Grabbed a picture with the super friendly, super mom, and super wife of my great friend Eric. Amie who has been nice enough to include me in family dinners and birthday parties made a special guest appearance at Karaoke.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-uURE5gyHJJ7s2DSaMAlqm43JvkJieutieJ5r0QUaOpXUet2xUTCAUA_e4D0fk1GAIxCZbtoa3Kga6yc9r1jGE5fmi6MoYfaTZrwUErRjdmr00gGXdFQm-0VcnCsEc6ZH_VUMwo24_Q/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579306156899054066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-uURE5gyHJJ7s2DSaMAlqm43JvkJieutieJ5r0QUaOpXUet2xUTCAUA_e4D0fk1GAIxCZbtoa3Kga6yc9r1jGE5fmi6MoYfaTZrwUErRjdmr00gGXdFQm-0VcnCsEc6ZH_VUMwo24_Q/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" /></a><br />Betsey and Mark hanging out after Karaoke. One old friend and one new friend. Mark did something this week I have never seen before at the ridge. Fully clothed and following a bike ride he rode the bike right into the pool. One thing you don't expect before you arrive for the first time is all the fun you experience at the ridge. This place is hard work, painful, emotional, but it is really really fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7ISLVfIItj_IGUV6AnFhUMXUEuzM4RtqXbBVTHOKqV1PVOzd4_zSjjW-avzWCb8WB6L52MM8RYVG_tSRl0v4Rm3b57a15CPxCTWcZ_jF0JMcCcjz7-yY0q8x3UF4F5Ojoq3DbfwJ5wY/s1600/IMG_3000.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579305342943573186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7ISLVfIItj_IGUV6AnFhUMXUEuzM4RtqXbBVTHOKqV1PVOzd4_zSjjW-avzWCb8WB6L52MM8RYVG_tSRl0v4Rm3b57a15CPxCTWcZ_jF0JMcCcjz7-yY0q8x3UF4F5Ojoq3DbfwJ5wY/s320/IMG_3000.JPG" /></a>And you want to know how it is easy to tell that it is fun and worthwhile. Here is a picture of 11 of us that were here these exact weeks last year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyqkjS3DsAoi5jx9CySe8-O9aLvbcHk-qR7FBGnjvz5nj9YJoUFzNh2e57C8nCmbaU7Dsch8eGKoDDvaVUXuvEO2C4xNLPmmU2NYnN6aFX_bNEsmE64CG5WfnxliD4RNVAkHhHDgik80/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579305339975882210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyqkjS3DsAoi5jx9CySe8-O9aLvbcHk-qR7FBGnjvz5nj9YJoUFzNh2e57C8nCmbaU7Dsch8eGKoDDvaVUXuvEO2C4xNLPmmU2NYnN6aFX_bNEsmE64CG5WfnxliD4RNVAkHhHDgik80/s320/IMG_2999.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Back to work for another week. Back to hiking, pool classes, 1200 calories, kick-boxing, running on the treadmill, and fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ7bIhXBFFLHA0i3dI3mIxbp4O97WbLEjy_y5ca4D2JArWX7-hYoGmD5ZWO_SaleCg_JcRDHvcElueZ7eeXTwsCbF6P75DtyvoDLCSWmBYGlw0whh15WSKSPL2hMGgDHt3jX2YZLJG-E/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579305334794953154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZ7bIhXBFFLHA0i3dI3mIxbp4O97WbLEjy_y5ca4D2JArWX7-hYoGmD5ZWO_SaleCg_JcRDHvcElueZ7eeXTwsCbF6P75DtyvoDLCSWmBYGlw0whh15WSKSPL2hMGgDHt3jX2YZLJG-E/s320/IMG_2969.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I needed to put another picture of Nancy on the blog. She is the queen of the reservation office. She works magic to get people in here. They are currently booking well into the summer here. And on the off chance you are booking here. Make sure you ask for her and make sure you tell her you like the blog :) As always... Peace, Love, and Fun, Jim<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2920786831612724701.post-17416321953670277322011-02-27T16:57:00.005-06:002011-02-27T20:04:51.457-06:00A Tale of Two Debs<div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Radio operator to the tower<br />Debbie's comin' in for a landing<br />Oh put your head between your knees<br />Caused by the vibrations of love<br />They're about to shake me to pieces<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#000099;">B-52's<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4GevzV3oLI21-9z89LlUp4DrC5Nc-iOO18wpi6TPJQlnwK4X_0Gz7hg8zqXFAvPUrIP4y84l__tkx89Lb_G8KMFsKrLoY1y8piuvA8hlLf7CxhS8U3sUP8kAKy0H_vYkrXntMzx-4BI/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578508023736214466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4GevzV3oLI21-9z89LlUp4DrC5Nc-iOO18wpi6TPJQlnwK4X_0Gz7hg8zqXFAvPUrIP4y84l__tkx89Lb_G8KMFsKrLoY1y8piuvA8hlLf7CxhS8U3sUP8kAKy0H_vYkrXntMzx-4BI/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">I wanted to talk about two of the most inspirational people<em> </em>I know and they both happened to be named Deb. One is from Indianapolis and walks with the assistance of two canes and the other just completed her 200th marathon and is in training for her first ironman triathlon. The thing I struggled to do in 30 days? she is going to knock out in a day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb54Dpx4b_vAADeUocK5u0bKDCzxapYmS_zXRhCuaPLToILPfBX2ZTxQkE6GHctrm9hr61rKJ8-3jy-osI99yunVt-iLBlJ_9ciZqxjLH6kilBSKl4DvMZLVz10bBvrsFLuor1m35Zhw/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578508015106032962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb54Dpx4b_vAADeUocK5u0bKDCzxapYmS_zXRhCuaPLToILPfBX2ZTxQkE6GHctrm9hr61rKJ8-3jy-osI99yunVt-iLBlJ_9ciZqxjLH6kilBSKl4DvMZLVz10bBvrsFLuor1m35Zhw/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" /></a>Deb, the marathone,r leads a hiking group every day at the ridge. She is smiling, funny, respectful and caring. A retired teacher and principal she knows when to treat us like kids and she knows when to treat us like adults. She has been there when I sweated, she has been there when I have scaled things I only dreamed of, and she has watched my throw a supreme hissy fit when we turned away from the vans one hike. I believe my exact quote was " Deb, WTF are we doing, the vans are that way and we are walking the other way? She smiled and said I'm not leading the hike. Besides having completed marathons all over the states and all over the world, she has done it while receiving doses of chemotherapy. She has raised a beautiful family and has taught and inspired so many ridgers. She likes to say she cusses me every afternoon when she gets on her bike to train. She likes to tell me a story about watching me do a sprint-tri and being inspired to sign up for the ironman. It's a wonderful story that makes me smile. I don't really believe it but it sure feels good that she tells me it. Here is a picture after she hiked 2.5 hours with a group that morning. Know where she is headed? Out to do a 100 mile training ride. Next time you're tired and don't want to think about giving it your all, think of this little lady and what she is doing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkWick4cPLHwrqQOwJR2WU6BOk8vn4WA-wAApwt07GLJyrobdEAf3t_WHKs5Hck3vZQ8vlujfzvZTxTVkhrNWpSy8_n8lB-Fneap-LOekBK1B8XGq9BAf52-HF-aM6AkomGEFY67INnQ/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578507668375144930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkWick4cPLHwrqQOwJR2WU6BOk8vn4WA-wAApwt07GLJyrobdEAf3t_WHKs5Hck3vZQ8vlujfzvZTxTVkhrNWpSy8_n8lB-Fneap-LOekBK1B8XGq9BAf52-HF-aM6AkomGEFY67INnQ/s320/IMG_2975.JPG" /></a> I was really happily surprised to see my friend Deb Ewing back this year after meeting her for the first time one year ago. She used a walker last year to move around and would head out on the stop sign hike or walk the neighborhoods using her walker. This year she was back for two weeks. There was no walker in sight. She had just spent many weeks on the road travelling by herself and exploring the best this country has to offer. Much like the other Deb she spent her entire life passing on the wisdom of a teacher to her students. And she continues to teach.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWYNfx5XRNez-ma6dtRUXcNtEOvv7iVIkC6qGwJ52DJYrXdma4Y1YZ9C8Gu-HnU1w1d7Dk8O2drpJSn17P19pk99mB-1SHgSD4g5IwnBm1SBBMy96arwljIo14SY43y5JpHV1Ts3YeIY/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578507658519674706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWYNfx5XRNez-ma6dtRUXcNtEOvv7iVIkC6qGwJ52DJYrXdma4Y1YZ9C8Gu-HnU1w1d7Dk8O2drpJSn17P19pk99mB-1SHgSD4g5IwnBm1SBBMy96arwljIo14SY43y5JpHV1Ts3YeIY/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" /></a></div><div align="left">She wanted to do so much more than she did last year, and she did. She got on the van every morning, rode it out the park. If the terrain was unfriendly she would walk the roads or paths of the area. She went to classes, kick-boxed, walked the treadmill at a 12% incline and just reminded everyone that there is no excuse not to get up and challenge life to give you more.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC2VLQTnwckxNjm1n8hgz_MZnMB-K5JWRaopED5xIIt6zIdjy-T4nlLiOuWdfc51gwjhXYKSKADeOiSnSyZajTzR7Tl62U_-kq3KM291SIfhuvL7SubRR_gtO6oolF8jsZY0XpXeuqSM/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578508760895482034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC2VLQTnwckxNjm1n8hgz_MZnMB-K5JWRaopED5xIIt6zIdjy-T4nlLiOuWdfc51gwjhXYKSKADeOiSnSyZajTzR7Tl62U_-kq3KM291SIfhuvL7SubRR_gtO6oolF8jsZY0XpXeuqSM/s320/IMG_2977.JPG" /></a><br />On her last day we made a special date to do some things she had never done. We went out to Snow Canyon and with two canes, and two tons of perseverance she walked up a mountain. I wanted to weep. It shows there is nothing we can't do if we want to. As my hometown continues to struggle with a political impasse, that at the heart of it threatens to severely limit benefits, salaries and bargaining power of teachers, I thought it was important to remind people that inside every teacher entrusted to teach and nurture a child, is a person that will continue to teach and inspire even when they leave the class room. These two Deb's will always motivate, teach, and inspire me. Peace, Love and Education, Jim<br /><br />P.S. Congrats to a 3rd Deb, Miss Deb Lee, ... I met her at the Ridge in November and yesterday she became Mrs. Deb Tew.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oqpX1Tms007ks9Cneoa0Bx6m9ksPphSx91TgdgB3-kWv7qpwV_vV2mkeyyrWFxYS-pal_Q-p8J-RQWVqPWsZM0dJ2Sd5sSED8jCzfkcsj8Al9qrzHJT2f6Aw31yGBLMQGx98Xr30y3E/s1600/IMG_2994.JPG"></a><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFC2VLQTnwckxNjm1n8hgz_MZnMB-K5JWRaopED5xIIt6zIdjy-T4nlLiOuWdfc51gwjhXYKSKADeOiSnSyZajTzR7Tl62U_-kq3KM291SIfhuvL7SubRR_gtO6oolF8jsZY0XpXeuqSM/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6_umyWnQqKIaiNAtBKMGO5BWFtkZzAO9VeKh2Fg_nSkhbBc_kdgBCqP_QRTCHlRhqc05rc3BUvYmgjIhObfgAKmRXjRxBhxOl8dmyUP_uQS9yQBqtIETDMDG7MoMjC1IMqDEL16amLA/s1600/IMG_2969.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Jim Trudeauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01780551940636975076noreply@blogger.com4