Well, week 2 sucked for me. I haven't really done anything this week. I had a golf outing on Monday in the Twin Cities, so I didn't get anything done there besides swinging for 18 holes of golf. Tuesday, I got back to North Prairie around noon and then went into school for a few hours before picking up the boys. Needless to say I was a little tired and fell asleep around 7:30pm that night. Man, I'm old. So no workout there. Wednesday, I had a work day at school for the morning, came home around 1pm and decided to power wash the house and then go out and pick up some things for my classroom. I could have worked out in the afternoon, but wanted to get those other things done first. Kind of shoved working out to the side of my priorities. Not the best decision, but I will blame it on the end of summer here. Thursday, I was in at school all day, from 8pm - 4:45pm, then I picked up the boys, came home and made them dinner, and went down to the last Rebels practice. I ran around for a little bit and took a few rounds of BP, but nothing major. Which brings us to today, Friday, during which I was home with the boys in the morning, neither of them decided to nap, had some lunch, put some clothes away, cleaned up the kitchen, and then they finally went down for a nap. I could work out right now, but I am deciding to post on here. Hmmmm. There seems to be a conflict of interest. Write vs. Workout.
I did just look at the all-time records posted on the Genesee Rebels baseball website.
http://geneseerebelsbaseball.com/stats_single_season_records.htm
I feel like those Olympic commercials in which the teenager watches a new world record or gold medal time being set and writes down their new goal. Only, I am not a teenager and there aren't any major league pitchers setting these records in the Land O' Lakes. I am up there for almost all of the pitching records, not at the top though. I noticed that in '09 I pitched the most innings of my career at 86. I threw 68 this summer and was falling apart. What should that tell me? '09 was when I was still working out regularly and had a lot more time to devote to baseball. It was also the summer I got married. Hmmm. Innings pitched has gone down each year I have been married. A very welcome change in my life. Getting married and starting a family that is. Not losing out on innings pitched!
So, here is my posting of my new goals.
Innings Pitched Next Summer: 80+
Victories: 8
WHIP (That's walks and hits per innings pitched): 1.30
ERA (Earned Run Average): 3.00
BB (Walks): 15
K (Strikeouts): 50
Opponents AVG: 2.25
Those are lofty goals, but I believe that I can accomplish them. I need to start working out, and CONTINUE working out throughout the off season. I can't continue to make excuses or put off working out until it is convenient for me. Let's face it. It will never be "convenient" for me to work out. The house will always need work, the family will always be here, school work will never be done, and the television will always be sitting there. Unless I cut the cable.
So what's the plan? Well, I know that I tried the morning workouts before and they never panned out, but maybe if I start with the beginning of the school year, I will be able to stick to it. I don't need to leave for school this year until 6:40am compared to 6:15am last year, so it will give me time to shower and get ready. The boys almost have me used to waking up at 5:30am anyways, so I can just stick with that and not be grumpy when they wake me up, but glad that they are serving as positive reinforcement for working out. I have the tools necessary for the job, such as weights, bench, bands, P90X DVD's if I am so inclined, and the space in the basement. Well, not a lot of space, but it's better than nothing.
That gives me today, tomorrow, and Sunday to make excuses for not working out, and then Monday, it begins. Setting the alarm for 5am and not allowing myself to hit the snooze when it goes off. Having the workout set up ahead of time to save time and a plan in place for what I am going to do.
I have a goal.
I have a time.
I have a place.
Do I have the perseverance?
Only time will tell.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Good First Week
Finished up the first week of my pledge to pay more attention to my body. As most first weeks go, this one went pretty well. I ended up going for 3 runs, which is more than I have done in the past 3 months, and saw my time drop each time out. I also went for a couple bike rides, pulling the boys behind which adds a few pounds of resistance, and did some band work for my elbow and shoulder along with some ab stuff. The first three weeks here I am taking it pretty low key. Just trying to get back into the workout routine. Then, the plan is to hit it strong starting up in September with the beginning of school. New school year = new routine. I can't afford to put it off till I have "time" anymore, because time will always be illusive. Especially with the boys and who knows what else the future will hold. Time to make working out a priority. Along with other things in life, but it is at least ONE of my priorities heading into the year.
My new time to beat around the Loop is 12:44. Not too shabby considering I was out in 13:32 the first time I went. New goal around the Loop = 12:30. Once I get comfortable running the Loop I'll add in the Circle to it as well. Right now though, 1.5 miles is more than enough for me to get out and run. The Circle will add another mile to it, so hopefully, at some point in the next few months. I'll be up for running a 5k. And I hate running.
Goal for week 2: at least 3 runs, a bike ride or two, continuing with the band work, add in more pushups and maybe some free weights, try some 8 minute abs (maybe shoot for 5 min abs).
I'm golfing on Monday, so not sure if I'll do anything then. Might have to add a little jog in on Sunday!
So far, so good. Operation "Play Ball" is still a go.
My new time to beat around the Loop is 12:44. Not too shabby considering I was out in 13:32 the first time I went. New goal around the Loop = 12:30. Once I get comfortable running the Loop I'll add in the Circle to it as well. Right now though, 1.5 miles is more than enough for me to get out and run. The Circle will add another mile to it, so hopefully, at some point in the next few months. I'll be up for running a 5k. And I hate running.
Goal for week 2: at least 3 runs, a bike ride or two, continuing with the band work, add in more pushups and maybe some free weights, try some 8 minute abs (maybe shoot for 5 min abs).
I'm golfing on Monday, so not sure if I'll do anything then. Might have to add a little jog in on Sunday!
So far, so good. Operation "Play Ball" is still a go.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Jog w/ the boys
Got back from my first attempt at running with the boys in the jogging stroller. Ok, I guess it's not really a jogging stroller, but it's the thing that you hook up to the back of a bike to pull them along while biking, only it comes with a front wheel so I guess it turns into a jogging stroller.
It was a little weird running with it, especially because Joe (10 months) kept screaming the whole time. Apparently he was hungry and didn't like the idea of having to wait a little for his food. I didn't know if I should push it with both hands, swing one hand and hold on with the other, push it out in front of me and then catch up to it. It was interesting. Not too bad though.
I am pretty pleased with my run though because I finished the mile and a half loop in 13:05. That's about 25 seconds faster than on Monday, AND I was pushing the boys. I think Joe's crying had a little bit to do with it. Didn't think about how much it sucked running but was focused on his annoying wails instead. Maybe I should make a recording of him crying and plug that into my iPod every time I run. Nothing gets you motivated like an annoying baby scream! Did I say annoying? I meant.....well, yeah I guess annoying! Whatever works.
Did a few minutes of bands for the shoulder and elbow and am planning on doing some abs and stretching before bed. I say planning, because we might have our "last practice" of the summer tonight for the Rebels which really insists of a Home Run Derby and then going out to the bar for wings. Not sure if I can make it though because Kelsey has a meeting that is scheduled to go until 7pm. Maybe I'll bring the boys down to practice.......
First goal for running the 1.5 mile loop. Make it around in under 13 minutes.
 |
| Kind of looks like this. Only it's blue and had two children in it, one of which was crying the whole time. |
I am pretty pleased with my run though because I finished the mile and a half loop in 13:05. That's about 25 seconds faster than on Monday, AND I was pushing the boys. I think Joe's crying had a little bit to do with it. Didn't think about how much it sucked running but was focused on his annoying wails instead. Maybe I should make a recording of him crying and plug that into my iPod every time I run. Nothing gets you motivated like an annoying baby scream! Did I say annoying? I meant.....well, yeah I guess annoying! Whatever works.
Did a few minutes of bands for the shoulder and elbow and am planning on doing some abs and stretching before bed. I say planning, because we might have our "last practice" of the summer tonight for the Rebels which really insists of a Home Run Derby and then going out to the bar for wings. Not sure if I can make it though because Kelsey has a meeting that is scheduled to go until 7pm. Maybe I'll bring the boys down to practice.......
First goal for running the 1.5 mile loop. Make it around in under 13 minutes.
Workout # 2
Tuesday, August 14th
My legs were S-O-R-E today. Pretty sad that they are that beat up after just one little run. I need work.
Went for a bike ride today dragging the boys behind. Felt ok, but still work to pull them back there. Did some more abs and a few different push ups. Again, nothing major, but getting back into condition to push the body.
My legs were S-O-R-E today. Pretty sad that they are that beat up after just one little run. I need work.
Went for a bike ride today dragging the boys behind. Felt ok, but still work to pull them back there. Did some more abs and a few different push ups. Again, nothing major, but getting back into condition to push the body.
Workout # 1
Monday, August 13th
Run - 1.5 miles. It sucked, but I did it in 13:32. That's not fast, but it's good for the first run of the off season.
Abs - a mixture of different ab workouts I've done over the years. Nothing intense, but prepping.
Bands - solid 15-20 mins of band workouts getting the arm loosened up.
Stretch
It was a good first workout. Nothing special, but these first few weeks are just about getting back into workout shape.
Run - 1.5 miles. It sucked, but I did it in 13:32. That's not fast, but it's good for the first run of the off season.
Abs - a mixture of different ab workouts I've done over the years. Nothing intense, but prepping.
Bands - solid 15-20 mins of band workouts getting the arm loosened up.
Stretch
It was a good first workout. Nothing special, but these first few weeks are just about getting back into workout shape.
Summer 2012 Stats
This summer I threw a lot of innings and it took its toll on my body.
After 61 2/3 innings, my elbow keeps screaming "Tommy John" at me, but I refuse to believe that I need surgery. My shoulder, for the first time ever, took longer to recover than usual and would wake me up at nights falling asleep and tingling as a reminder that I threw over 120 pitches on Sunday.
I experienced my first "knee" injury, which was more of a hamstring issue I think when I found the back of my knee giving out towards the end of the season which caused me to miss a start.
My abs, or I should say "lack of abs" slowed down my rotation and my hip flexors decided that all that exploding was just too much.
I'm not trying to complain, but I want to put this here to remind myself in October, November, December, and January how much it hurt towards the end of the year. How it wasn't as easy as it used to be and that my body needs work. Maybe not p90X work, but work nonetheless.
I found my curveball this year and my changeup towards the end. I can't rely on my fastball anymore, not that I ever could, but I need to keep hitters guessing. My best games came when I pitched backwards and was able to throw 4 pitches for strikes. Need to continue working on the curve and the change to go with the cutter which has been my go-to-pitch for the past few seasons.
ERA .496
Hits 77
Runs 42
ER 34
BB 19
K's 31
AVG .285
WHIP 1.56
Not stellar stats by any means, but they are still serviceable. If I want to continue being the #1 pitcher for the Rebs, I need to get going.
So, Matt, when you read this in late fall or early winter, get your butt off the couch, quit making excuses about kids and work getting in the way and do some work.
After 61 2/3 innings, my elbow keeps screaming "Tommy John" at me, but I refuse to believe that I need surgery. My shoulder, for the first time ever, took longer to recover than usual and would wake me up at nights falling asleep and tingling as a reminder that I threw over 120 pitches on Sunday.
My abs, or I should say "lack of abs" slowed down my rotation and my hip flexors decided that all that exploding was just too much.
I'm not trying to complain, but I want to put this here to remind myself in October, November, December, and January how much it hurt towards the end of the year. How it wasn't as easy as it used to be and that my body needs work. Maybe not p90X work, but work nonetheless.
I found my curveball this year and my changeup towards the end. I can't rely on my fastball anymore, not that I ever could, but I need to keep hitters guessing. My best games came when I pitched backwards and was able to throw 4 pitches for strikes. Need to continue working on the curve and the change to go with the cutter which has been my go-to-pitch for the past few seasons.
ERA .496
Hits 77
Runs 42
ER 34
BB 19
K's 31
AVG .285
WHIP 1.56
Not stellar stats by any means, but they are still serviceable. If I want to continue being the #1 pitcher for the Rebs, I need to get going.
So, Matt, when you read this in late fall or early winter, get your butt off the couch, quit making excuses about kids and work getting in the way and do some work.
Summer of 2012
Well, I just finished up my 6th season playing Land O' Lakes baseball with the Genesee Rebels. The Lakes league is made up of a bunch of guys, some young and playing college ball, some old and hanging on to past glory, and a lot in the middle, like me, who like to think they are still in the prime of their career. I'd like to THINK that I am in the prime of my career, but my body is starting to tell me that I am not as young as I used to be. At 27 years old, I'm still considered a young buck, but even my pre-30 body needs to be paid attention to if I want to last six more years in the league.
I love playing ball with the Rebels. It gives me a chance to get out and do something for me. It allows me to compete and feed the competitive beast that isn't quite ready to fade into the twilight. It lets me hang out with the guys and get away from "real life". It's what gets me through the winter knowing that, once the snow dissipates and the dirt firms up, the cleats can be laced up, the bats dusted off, and the echo of "Play Ball" once again rings out across the diamond.
I'm not sure exactly what this blog is going to hold for me. Maybe it will be a chance for me to write down stories of the ridiculous and mundane that shouldn't be forgotten or wouldn't be believed unless backed up by fact. Maybe it will turn into nothing but a chance for me to record me off-season workouts in an attempt to keep my body going. I am hoping that it will serve as a reminder to me that, even though Lakes baseball isn't the big leagues and I won't ever find myself jogging out to the mound in front of thousands of fans under the lights of Wrigley or Fenway, it is still baseball and a chance for me to participate in the game that has captivated millions upon millions of fans since its conception in the late 1800's. Baseball is a glorious game that I hope to continue playing for many years. It is a new goal of mine to play lakes ball until Christopher is old enough to play on the same team as me. Chris is 2 years old and I am 27. The minimum age for participation in Lakes ball is 16, so that means I need to last until I am 41. Wow. That sounds old. It starts now though. I won't last that long on hopes and prayers. I need to take care of my body year round so that it can handle the stress of the season.
Only 8 months until I hear "Play Ball" again, so I better get moving!
http://geneseerebelsbaseball.com/index.htm
I love playing ball with the Rebels. It gives me a chance to get out and do something for me. It allows me to compete and feed the competitive beast that isn't quite ready to fade into the twilight. It lets me hang out with the guys and get away from "real life". It's what gets me through the winter knowing that, once the snow dissipates and the dirt firms up, the cleats can be laced up, the bats dusted off, and the echo of "Play Ball" once again rings out across the diamond.
I'm not sure exactly what this blog is going to hold for me. Maybe it will be a chance for me to write down stories of the ridiculous and mundane that shouldn't be forgotten or wouldn't be believed unless backed up by fact. Maybe it will turn into nothing but a chance for me to record me off-season workouts in an attempt to keep my body going. I am hoping that it will serve as a reminder to me that, even though Lakes baseball isn't the big leagues and I won't ever find myself jogging out to the mound in front of thousands of fans under the lights of Wrigley or Fenway, it is still baseball and a chance for me to participate in the game that has captivated millions upon millions of fans since its conception in the late 1800's. Baseball is a glorious game that I hope to continue playing for many years. It is a new goal of mine to play lakes ball until Christopher is old enough to play on the same team as me. Chris is 2 years old and I am 27. The minimum age for participation in Lakes ball is 16, so that means I need to last until I am 41. Wow. That sounds old. It starts now though. I won't last that long on hopes and prayers. I need to take care of my body year round so that it can handle the stress of the season.
Only 8 months until I hear "Play Ball" again, so I better get moving!
http://geneseerebelsbaseball.com/index.htm
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