3...2...1...Lets rock!  I'm pumped about the New Year, excited about training and look forward to working with so many great people.  I used today for organization; new calendar, training schedule and project agenda.  My stomach problems are slowly resolving with my New Year clarity.  It's amazing how powerful the mind is... When separate from the brain!

We live in a conflicted world, torn between poles, on one hand, the human spirit and compassionate hands (light) create so much good for life and our earth. And on the other, (dark) there is unfathomable human suffering, and disregard for life and the planet which sustains us.  I believe it is up to us, right now, individuals, who stand fast in their belief, their faith, collaborating with others, to build a better future for themselves and generations to come.   In my mind I think;  If not me...Who will recover for me?  Who will help advocate the necessity of rehab?  Who will share openly and align with likeminded individuals hoping to create change?  I believe I can!  Right now!  With my network of family and friends, building bridges into the future.  We will cross many a uncharted water, but succeed none the less, because we have the inertia of the universe, a place for our positive intentions to help balance the scale.  I am surrounded by positive people who work for positive outcomes; their energy is infectious and motivates me to do more... Thank you!

Bring on the rain!  Southern California is getting soaked by a massive thunderstorm system.  Rain dumped all night and all day today flooding surface streets and freeways.  My drive to the gym this morning looked like a demolition derby, cars spun out, fender benders and flashing lights lined the freeways.  I splashed my way into Gold's Gym where I worked with Taylor one on one establishing the first steps to a 6 months plan.  Our long term goal is the cross country bike ride in 6 months.  The short term goals are the L.A. Marathon in March and charity rides.  Taylor re-impressed to me the importance of (flexibility, joint stability, power and strength), making sure I understand that in my case "less is more", don't over train! 

My recent schedule change has got me snoozing at the wrong time.  Early morning workouts, where energy is high and the sleep dust isn't fully rubbed out of my eye's has me yawning around 12:00 noon.  Like a baby, I lay down on the couch after lunch and zzzzzzz.  It's going to take a few more days to re-adjust my inner clock where mid day naps aren't a necessity.  I'm happy with my nutrition today, my body is craving food again...I love when I can eat like a pig! Healthy of course.  Its 10:30pm right now, so needless to say...Bed time!

"Speaking generally, all parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labors to which each is accustomed, become healthy and well developed and age slowly. But, if unused and left idle, they come liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly."

370 B.C. Hippocrates

Tonight I struggled with another upset stomach, Jamba juice was the only high calorie nutritional substance I could tolerate.  I know my body well and believe my digestive issues are a result of fluctuation.  I intend on proving this theory over the next few weeks as my training routine becomes more intense and precise. 

On a similar note my pal Donovan Mitchell called me tonight with excitement in his voice.  He explained to me in great detail the positive effects his current fitness, nutrition and work program are having on him physically and psychologically.  Like me, Dono is a recovering quadriplegic and has trouble with appetite.  In his words about routine I found a similarity.  We both perform optimally with a consistent schedule; most people do.  Learning and abiding by a set schedule your body responds to is easier said than done...life has a way of changing plans with no warning.  However, nutritional timing, physical training and sleep patterns when performed consistently will benefit the body greatly.  I am experiencing all the mental and physical ups and downs of starting a new fitness cycle this week, so I was glad to hear from Dono tonight.  Listening to the light in his voice about his consistent, dedicated, long-term health program and the benefits, boosted my confidence in my own.  Thanx D!

This evening I spoke with a young woman named Cheryl Costanzo whom recently suffered a spinal cord injury.  She and I spoke on many topics of SCI and the optimal care of a chronic condition.  I find that by making new connections and sharing my personal experience and process I help not only my friend but myself.  I am recalling right now what I told her before hanging up the phone; "SCI is a rollercoaster ride, so keep your hands up and ride it out"!  I'm doing just that!  Pushing myself physically is what I'm accustomed to, feeling the effects of fatigue are commonplace and expected.  Digestive issues arise infrequently when compared to other conditions and have a way of frustrating me.  Maintaining my sense of calm is important for an upset stomach and sharing tonight with Cheryl I am again helped vicariously through others adversity.  May both Cheryl and I sleep with sound minds, knowing we are doing what we need to do to Rise Above.

Establishing baseline information for a formal fitness program is vital.  Taylor's initial evaluations last well over two hours, meticulously documenting every single detail about his clients body...right down to how many moles you have on your skin...kidding!  Over the years Taylor has measured, stretched, calculated and documented every part of my bodies' recovery.  Today was no different, starting the New Year with a baseline analysis of my current weight, height, body mass index, muscle mass, spastisity, flexibility and muscle tone we will be able to chart my improvement over the next six months enroute to our cycling goals.  I have my work cut out for me; the holidays were not kind to me physically so jumping right in where I left off is proving difficult.  Right now, nutrition and cardio are what I'll be focusing on next week.  We'll be back in the saddle soon, look for us in the bike lane...

This time seven years ago I was racing my very first Supercross race held in Anaheim Ca, at the Angels stadium.  The dirt race track is built atop the usually grassy baseball field and is constructed for flight.  Rider and machine soar over a plethora of dirt jumps battling for position amongst 20 other racers.  Motocross is the sport I love and spent many of my young years honing my talent.  Over the weekend I went back to Angels stadium to watch my old friends do battle on the stadium floor.  I don't go far without recognizing faces, it seems every time I turn I run into someone I once raced against or grew up with.  I have a real love/hate relationship with racing now.  I hate to love it!  I was never a good spectator, I have to participate somehow.  I did enjoy myself though, good friends, good times.  I now train for a new race...the race of life, only this time the winner doesn't cross the finish line first.

Information: Knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance.  In recent years I have gained a tremendous amount of information about my body, the way it moves, feels and heals.  My knowledge of my body gives me a better understanding about my process of recovery.  However, I also believe ignorance has played a part in my recovery.  Too much information can have a way of limiting your mind, creating absolutes before even trying.  Early in my process, I avoided information, "Just show me physical therapy", that's all I thought about for the first 3 years.  I have accumulated important facts, implemented specialized programs and communicated my experience, slowly dissolving unintentional naivety into total body awareness.  Knowing an outcome isn't always the best way to succeed.  Focusing successful intentions, evading negative propaganda and courageously engaging your challenge will almost always promote a positive outcome.  This is how I choose to face my injury, on a daily basis I try...  Oh yeah, Einstein's speed limit sign - C is for COURAGE!

After a tired morning of rigorous passive static stretching performed by Taylor, I returned home to get to work.  Using my garage as my home gym, I clocked in to log a few hours of blood pumping exercise.  As my body adapts to the physical strains of training, demanding more fluid and calories, my appetite is slowly returning.  45 minutes before I began training I ate a second breakfast.  While working out I drank a protein shake and ate a banana.  Immediately post workout I had lunch.  A short cat-nap rested me enough to work on my projects for the rest of the afternoon.  I am satisfied with my performance today, adding another productive layer to my overall health and wellness.  "The Process is the Progress".

In today's world we have the luxury of choices, many choices, almost too many in my opinion.  Everyday we make choices that either benefit or negate our overall health and wellness.  We have the option of choosing our lifestyle which in tern and in most cases determines our death style.  Allot of times the stress of maintaining the American life has a way of provoking poor behaviors regarding health.  Everything from quick and easy food, to big lazy chairs with speakers and a telephone, cup holder and flat screen T.V. built in.  Our technology is making us lazy.  We need to make conscious decisions to avoid easier destructive choices in regards to healthier living.  Riding a bike, walking more, eating smart foods, exercise and proper rest can all be a part of ones day.  Today I felt a great sense of empowerment knowing I was making choices which will benefit me tomorrow.  Free will is a marvelous gift, but if abused can evoke great suffering.

01-13-06

Friday the 13th, a day usually shrouded by superstition, was more a day of love and honor for my beautiful mother Laquita.  This morning "Toot's" was honored by the city of Los Angeles's CBS2 news station as "Woman of the week".  I wrote an email to nominate her for this award and NOT to my surprise to me she was chosen.  She has selflessly assisted me through my entire recovery...and life for that matter, teaching me, loving and inspiring me to be my best. We make one hell of a team, together we were interviewed at the gym as we worked out and again while riding the tandem bike.  It is my great privilege to share with Toot's this most special time in our lives, to work and play together, building something amazing!  "Congratulations Toot's"!  

-Click on the picture or link above to view video

I get pretty tickled when I sit back and look around.  I look at how fortunate I am, having such wonderful people around me.  I truly am a product of my environment.  I find life absolutely amazing, in all it's realm.  From suffering to celebration, we ride the ebb and flow of the universe.  This past weekend my dad Dan and sister Arielle drove down from Sacramento for a Championship dart tournament held in Bakersfield.  Dano is quite the marks man with a set of darts and walked away triple A trio state champion.  Arielle stayed the weekend with Toot's and I and revisited an old tradition with our dearest friends.  "Taco night"!  Growing up we used to gather frequently at my moms house in Malibu for homemade tacos and fun, something we have not done in over 8 years.  Being in the company of good people is therapeutic in and of itself; quality conversation, fun loving humor and a comfortable environment bring forth healing energy.  I feel rejuvenated having shared this time and it showed today with my training.  Taylor used his time this morning to assess my knee, stretching and defacilitating, to prevent injury from my increased cycling.  I used my afternoon to train my upper body and core, ending with a moderate bout on my stationary bike.  A pleasant dinner out with my favorite girl capped off my Monday...  

Training day... I've wanted to snap a few pictures while riding back seat on the tandem, but always seem to forget the camera, until today.  The "stoker" position on a tandem bike has its pros and cons and for me was hard to get used to...not having control at all.  The upside to riding shotgun on a tandem bike is the view.  I for the most part can sight see while riding, however, my racer mentality has me barking out line choice, gear selection and braking zones more often than not...interrupting scenery.  Toots and I have formed a synchronized team on this bike, speaking to each other in code and pedaling synergistically.  The ride is allot more fun these days, not like it used to be.  Trust me when I tell you, riding the tandem has not been all peaches and cream!  We both look forward to our training rides, knowing the stronger we get, the faster we go!  Breaking the 15mph average is long coming and on the heavy bike we ride now has been hard fought.  I can't wait to ride a stream line aluminum race bike, we're gonna haul ass!

Exercising damage control... The facts are, I have muscular imbalances, meaning; some muscles are stronger than others creating compensation.  My legs are slowly developing more balanced musculature; however my right knee still suffers because of my length/tension/strength ratio.  This morning was focused on my knee, we want to prevent rather than treat my knee condition.  We know the adverse effects of continuous repetitive stress on tendons and joints, so religious stretching, defacilitation and icing are apart of my training program.  So far so good, all systems go!

Plan your work, work your plan, and then, work on perfecting your plan.  I have found that when working towards a goal you must always start with a solid foundation, "know where you stand before you take your next step"!  Something Taylor Isaacs told me when addressing my fitness program.  For the last 10 years of my life I have been working towards some sort of goal; For my career as a motocross racer it was to win races and ultimately championships, as a recovering quadriplegic, it was and still is to regain an independent life, and now as a cyclist it is to compete in marathons, ultra endurance events and ultimately ride across the country.  I use variations of the pyramid design for my fitness goals, applying pertinent information for my special needs.  All of my successes stem from this application and are highly endorsed.  Having general goals is good!  Setting those goals in motion is great!  Planning, preparing, executing and succeeding...Priceless!   

A world wide connection... Today I met a man from South Africa named Leon Hoyer.  He and his family read my story of recovery in a news article, and contacted us via email, interested in our rehabilitation program.  Determined with his recovery, Leon packed his bags, sold his home in South Africa, obtained a Visa and relocated here, in Southern California to work with Taylor Isaacs.  "If that's not commitment to recovery, then I don't know what is"!  Having the sheer guts to leave a former life and dedicate completely to an unknown process earns my utmost respect and admiration.  Leon and his adoring family are here to work, I am honored to train along side this positive energy, maximizing our potential.  Welcome Leon!

My birthday weekend of fun... Started with another visit to Anaheim stadium Saturday night to watch friends fly their dirt bikes atop the obstacle filled dirt track, "Supercross"!  I chose to leave the races early that night so I would get plenty of rest for my own race the next day.  Sunday I was joined by a large group of my close friends at Pole Position karting for some healthy competition.  I went there to win!!!  It felt good to go out and race head to head with my boy's, setting a few of the fastest laps and silencing some of my smack talking buddies.  Tonight capped off a wonderful birthday.  Stephanie and I dinned at a happening spot in downtown Hollywood, enjoying the fun scene, food and of coarse the company.  Another year in my life has ticked by, adding age to my youth and an ever growing appreciation for this miracle called "LIFE".

Train smart!  This morning was used as an opportunity to stimulate neuro muscular innovation, turning neuro pathways into super neuro highways.  Taylor designed a program for two specific muscle groups; biceps (arms) and abductors (upper/lateral legs).  We performed five 3 minute bouts of machine based exercise per muscle group.  The goal was to increase neuro innovation to these muscles through light weight (resistance) and continuous repetition (movement).  By the 5th set, my range of motion and efficiency of contraction had greatly improved, thus proving this method of training.  Energized by my workout I returned home to work on projects, spending the afternoon pecking on the computer.  A business meeting was the end all for my Tuesday and capped off my productive day.

Well, I guess that's how it goes... My restless night lead to a morning of snot rags and soup bowls, I was laid up in my bed for most of today.  Funny how just yesterday I felt great, working hard in the gym and energized throughout the afternoon and now Bam!  Just like that, I've got a head cold.  I have obviously underestimated this season's bug, thinking my body has built immunity because of already suffering the flu.  The common cold is more of an annoyance; stuffy/drippy nose, head ache and sore throat are mild when compared to the body aches, nausea and fever of the flu.  My nose is dripping on the key board as I type this entry, so I will have to pause my thoughts...  Another day of rest and I hope to be good to go.

Day two... Congestion, runny nose and headache are still hanging around my head.  I definitely feel better than I did yesterday, but still under the weather.  I will attempt to ride and workout tomorrow... my body needs to move.  My journal entry tonight is again short; my reflections are hard thought when it feels like I've got nails pounded into my head. 

I'm feeling better but not quite well.  A late morning appointment with Taylor was welcomed today, the extra sleep this morning paid off in the gym.  I managed to integrate a few machine based exercises, moving my joints through the full range of motion, stimulating both my body and mind.  I told Toot's "It feels great when I move my body", going from bed rest to active function.  The cycling today was done on the stationary spin bike at the gym, pedaling low rpm's for 20 minutes and then again for another 20 minutes after a thorough stretch.  The best part of my day was by far the moments spent watching my new friend Leon Hoyer stand up from his wheelchair with leg bracing, supported by the four wheeled walker I used to take my first steps for the second time in my life and stand tall and proud amongst us.  Leon is determined, determined to maximize his potential, no matter how difficult, or how long his road, he will work.  I admire the fire inside him and will work just the same.   

The nature of mind... Like the infinite sky, there are no limits, but also like sky, the mind becomes obscured, covered by clouds it becomes difficult to see beyond.  Thoughts, like clouds, pass through the infinite on winds of life parting sky for moments of clarity.  It is in these moments I seek to rest, releasing ego, learned thoughts and the utter chaos that is the ordinary mind.  I must admit, my consistency with meditation has waved as of late and I am most definitely suffering because of it.  As responsibility grows, relationships and business seem to consume, creating an ever loudening stir of thoughts within.  This noise is of no benefit to me, actually causing great distress and uncomfort both mentally and physically.  My resolve stems in the form of breath, I focus my intent on nothing more than a single breath.  Everything I need, to see through the clouds, is in me.  To heal my body, strengthen my relationships, and reach my goals.  With a quiet mind, I can see...

I must move, or else!  I succumb to a vicious cycle of negative effects that wreak havoc on my body.  I've shared before my issues with early satiety; my active training schedule helps stimulate my appetite and GI system.  When recovering from an illness such as this cold, I am limited to how much training I can do.  Less training...less food consumption.  Less food...less energy.  Less energy...well, you get the picture, it's a downward spiral.  So during this time of "less than optimal" I will split everything in two.  Today, I rode the stationary cycle at a very mild pace and then later in the afternoon carried out a mild upper body and core functional movement routine.  Including quiet meditation and visualization time helps me maintain a sense of calm... when all I feel is frustration from my symptoms.  I wish my body was easier to understand.

Today I began a new nutritional chart, documenting every piece of food and drink that enters my mouth.  I am struggling with my appetite lately, a detailed chart will help me reference my calories consumed, frequency of meals and help balance my protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats and fluid intake.  The demand I put on my body is far too high to suffer mal nutrition, my body resorts to a catabolic state rather quick.  My weight fluctuates in the mid 130's lbs range, missing a meal is detrimental for me and actually triggers a chain reaction of negative effects.  If I don't eat, I don't feel hungry. This is also dependent on stress and activity levels.  I am slowly increasing my exercise which usually sparks my hunger, but my belly is not co-operating with me, so my energy and weight is low, resulting in sub par training.  My priority right now is food!  Establish a baseline, total caloric consumption and then build... eat more, more frequently!