keep on keeping on

There may come a time, a time in everyone's life
where nothin seems to go your way
where nothing seems to turn out right
there may come a time, you just cant seem to find your way
for every door you walk on to, seems like they get slammed in your face
that's when you need someone, someone that you can call.
and when all your faith is gone
feels like you cant go on
let it be me
let it be me
if its a friend that you need
let it be me
let it be me

Ray Lamontagne

So I certainly expected to be completely wrecked for at least two days, following my torturous Monday. But much like everyday here I was up again before dawn and heading down the road to the delightful sounds of my ipod. This picture is the Tettegouche 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.

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 a lot and I will let you in on a little secret.... It's getting easier and easier and my knee hurts less.

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 would have surely eaten it.

This little guy was just happily staring at the fish I was holding 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.

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. After all, I had spent the morning doing the pre-dawn 5K, and a pool class, had a bowl of Kashi cereal with fruit and then did a 3 hour class with a 1.5 hour leg circuit, a 30 minute ab's 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.... at least I hoped so. :)

Speaking of rare pictures. Here is something you haven't seen in months and months... Jimbo 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

Wrecked like the Edmund Fitzgerald

The church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times
for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down
of the big lake they call "Gitche Gumee."
"Superior," they said, "never gives up her dead
when the gales of November come early!"

Gordon Lightfoot

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 September 15th. Now before I recount my day I thought I would give you a little history lesson about the song.


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.

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

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

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

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

Forever Young

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young

Bob Dylan

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 greatest 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 birthday next week I am really much more staying forever young than knocking on heaven's door

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 :)


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
and heading out on their journeys, tug boats and the train depot. It is a really cool, fun hike from a guy that doesn't really like walking in a circle. The hike starts on a paved path, transitions onto trails and ends in the downtown twin harbor neighborhood.

Each morning I make my last turn and head into the final 1/4 mile at the Dairy Queen. It's not open yet and it seems impossible to get much pleasure from downing the picture of the peanut busted parfait. Something about it makes me smile. Not that I really have a choice but I get a little joy out of walking past the DQ every morning.







Speaking of scrumdillyicious. 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.

I am exhausted. I'm tired, I am beat up. I have been pushed harder in these two days than I have ever been pushed before. Today way leg day. After the morning hike and pool class, we got a 30 minute step aerobics class followed by 2 12 circuit leg rotations. They included lunges, squats, step ups, lifts and wall sits. My knee is really making sound it shouldn't throughout most of this. I was glad that was over until I found out we were doing relays up the stairs....UGH.. But doing something I would never do on my own is why I am here. A little ice and I was ready for the afternoon hike.

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.

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

The Landslide Will Bring You Down

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older and I'm getting older too
Oh, I'm getting older too

Stevie Nicks

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.

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









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 avocado 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.

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 sayin' 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.





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 setlist is underwhelming compared to what I have been seeing recently... But Dreams, Rhiannon and Landslide were worth the ticket price by themselves.








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 Komen 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 tu-tu's 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 facebook, it was quite the shocking event... I think it was just a warning shot to our elected officials. Peace, Love and Landslides, Jim