The Warm Has Arrived and Other New Changes

If there was any doubt about Spring having begun in D.C., the debate is now over. The last few days have no shifted my daily running wardrobe to simply shorts, socks, and shoes. That's right folks, it's time to work on the tan out there. In addition to the weather I have other topics I would like to discuss. Below (in bullet points) are some current thoughts of mine.

- Where have I been? After the Super Bowl loss my blog concept lost serious steam. To be honest I couldn't handle writing anything for a while. I really enjoy writing about sports, but for the longest time I couldn't even look at anything Patriots related. Now, I would say that I am over it. I have put what was an amazing season behind me, and am going to move forward. By the way I am writing you would think I believe I am actually part of the team. Sometimes it feels like that.

- Do I find Blogs cliche? Yes I do, but do I think I am too good for them? Certainly not. The thing for me is to find a real purpose to having this blog. Before it was to write about sports and other things, now? (this brings me to my next point)


- What does the future hold? Dare I say, anything. I would like this to be a place where I post some stuff about my feelings on sports, my current level of training, and my experiences with film school. Will there be wild cards, of course, but when you think about it, those three topics should fill the space.

- Quick Sports Hits: The NBA playoffs start this weekend. I for one am excited. I started getting back into the NBA last season as the Celtics amassed the league's 2nd worst record. This year I was rewarded for following that dreadful squad, as they did a complete 180 and earned the league's best mark. There will be more about the NBA soon, but wow, I can't wait to see some of these games. Early prediction on my end has the Suns and Celtics in the finals. The Red Sox are just starting out so I am not ready to get into freak out mode about them. If I was home listening to WEEI everyday I would be debating whether or not we should trade Bucholz. Instead, I am taking it all in and learning to appreciate the concept of National League baseball. Last week I went to a Washington National's game at their new stadium. Unfortunately I didn't see a solid bunt or 10 sac flies, but I did see a pitcher get a hit. You have to love small ball. Also, I drafted Manny Ramirez in my fantasy keeper league. You could make an argument that was the best decision of my year. As for the Pats, time to get ready for the draft. I still have a weird feeling in my stomach about them. I don't think I can handle another last minute loss in the Super Bowl. If I had my say in the draft room I am going after a corner, because Ellis Hobbs isn't getting it done. I like Jenkins out of South Florida, but he is not top-ten pick material. Maybe they can trade down.

-Running Update: Training is going well. I have been putting in pretty decent mileage for most of the year. My totals look a little off because of some days off in the last month, but the quality is definitely there. This week I am on pace for 84 miles, which would be my second highest of the year. Some people may be aware that I recently signed up for the Vermont City Marathon (Memorial Day Weekend '08) and that it's the current focus of my training. My races this winter/spring have been excellent thus far: 31:22 - 10k in February, 24:57 - 8k in March, and a 51:02 - 10 mile just two weeks ago. Workouts have been a big part of this as I have stepped up the quality, pushing myself with more volume (28x400 in 70 w/35sec rest, 10x1000 in 3:01-03 w/ 2min rest, 4x3200 9:55-59 w/ 3min rest). Long runs have also been crucial, as 18-20 miles on Sunday is now a staple. In the coming weeks I will look to do a few more workouts, race a 10k on the roads, and do my dress-rehearsal run. I am sure to feature more posts on this and my upcoming taper for the marathon.

-Film School Update: I am currently working on my final project. I'll spare you all the details at this moment, but planning is going well. I am scheduled for two days of shooting next weekend, and I can't wait to get it off my plate. Recently I have been helping others with their final projects for the semester and working on a documentary script for my writing class. I also do some photoshop work for my digital imaging class. I'll get more into this stuff, but right now it is all up in the air.

-Returning to NH: I am flying home for my mom's graduation on the weekend of the 10th in May. I can't wait.