4 Weeks Away...Thoughts

It's funny how something so far away can still make you nervous. I'm already nervous for these things, but it's only pushing me to work harder. It's a tough time of year, with tons of schoolwork and other things going on, but you better believe I'm hitting it hard.

I started this site to sort of chronicle this journey of mine, and looking back, I don't think I really have done that effectively. I think that once I started actually writing it, I really felt uncomfortable talking about MYSELF all the time. With working for the Syracuse Football team last semester preventing me from commenting on SU sports, I haven't had a ton of material to put out there, and this idea has certainly suffered.

That said, it's been a nice outlet throughout this process, and more importantly, it's been yet another thing to light a fire under my ass. When you know people are watching and reading, it helps you run that extra minute on the treadmill, do that last rep, etc....because you know that if you're out there talking, you had better be able to back it up.

Not that I've talked a whole bunch of game here about how I'm going to be good or anything- I've just sorta made fun of myself for 7 months straight. And I will stand by that- I will probably not be good. Doesn't mean I wont try like hell TO BE good.

I WILL BE POSTING my NFL Draft top 50, so stay tuned for that. Also, more favorite books and other observations to come in these final weeks before tryouts. Mostly I'll just be busting my ass physically, but I'm sure I'll find time for this. You keep reading, I'll keep writing.

TRYOUTS!!!

The day is upon us...Tryouts are in one month. 4 weeks to finish up the hard work that I've put in for the last 7+ months. Haven't missed a workout. I've worked harder at this thing than anything else that I've ever tried.

ONE MONTH...I am pumped. Win or lose, I'll be ready and in shape. Pray for me, I'm gonna need it.

Back From Break, Random Notes

Back from spring break. It was a crazy time over spring break, things got pretty out of control...no, no, wait, yeah, they didn't. I went home to the Philly 'burbs and basically worked out, hung out with a few friends, read a lot, and watched a few movies. Did a little shopping for some new sneakers, found nothing I like, but DID come up with a very lifelike Randy Moss figurine in a clearance bin for 5 DOLLARS! I only had 4 dollars in my pocket, and wouldn't you believe the man took it. Now ol' Randy sits on my desk and keeps an eye on things.

I played some ball this weekend in cleats and all, and felt really good. Didn't go quite 100% but didn't totally half-ass it either, and I think I'm coming along really well at this point. I played Sunday and the ankle is still pretty sore, but nothing like it used to be. I squatted today and it's even doing well. I could cut actually pretty well.

Hoping that all is going well for the SU football team in the beginning of spring practices, which according to Syracuse.com started on Monday. I hope to be with them someday, and will continue to work towards that goal. I do not know when tryouts or that sort of thing are, but when they do come- I will be ready. At this point, with cardio and all I'm working out 6 or 7 days a week, depending on the week, and am really coming along. I've said it before- if I don't make this team, it certainly won't be for lack of effort. I will control what I can control, and that is what I put into it.

I'll be updating a lot more soon! I'm also on the radio on 88.3 WAER in Syracuse on the post game shows for basketball and lacrosse. More so lacrosse at this point, but the occasional basketball show as well. Tune in after the games for my ...analysis? Uh oh...

You can also go to http://www.waer.org/ and listen live. Happy Tuesday and back to work.

Update on Yesterday

It was better today- see? SOME good can come from being an idiot and pushing yourself too hard. It's pretty sore now, but no complaints- I could cut a whole lot better today. Played some football in a light rain and had a blast.

Kicked a couple 40+ yard field goals too...maybe some added value there...

Tomorrow begins a new week, getting better everyday.

Just tried out the ankle with cleats...

Strapped on cleats for the first time since the old snap crackle pop occurred. Truth be told, I was sort of expecting everything to just be completely fine, and I guess to some extent it was.

I ran some routes at like 70% speed and it definitely hurt, and definitely still felt weak. I was really disappointed, but I dunno...I guess this is to be expected. I don't know. I basically feel like s--t about the whole thing.

So, (and I know Josh will get a kick out of this) I'll be trying it again tomorrow. Because I'm an idiot. And because I dunno, maybe I just need to be more warmed up first. I mean I warmed up, but maybe...not enough. Maybe I just...maybe the ground was too hard. I'm sure I'm fine. Yes, I am totally fine.

So things are good. I'll update you all tomorrow on how it goes, most likely from the ER.

Back On The Horse Tomorrow

Back to the weights tomorrow- looking forward to it. I'm going to bed in a few minutes and going to wake up early to go before class. I've felt at times lost and confused this week without having a steady gym schedule- my goal has become the center of my life, it seems. Not that anyone that has been near me over the past several months would not agree, but I guess I'm just continuing to notice.

The ankle is finally starting to have some burst in it. I really started to notice this week with all the basketball and stuff. It's starting to show a little life, which is exciting. God, it has been a long, long time I feel like since it was just normal to run, jump, or cut without pain. It's nice. Let's hope it continues, as I still haven't put on cleats and really beat it up, but basketball is a pretty decent indicator I feel like.

As always, I'll keep you updated on how things go...Go 'Cuse in the Big East Tournament.

Hilarity

IT'S ME!!!!! Only in Nebraska...

A Week "Off"

Just finished another 6 week program, and with my body breaking down, I'm taking a week off the weights.

Still doing cardio and core stuff, I played some basketball tonight and will be doing that throughout the week. My ankle swells up at turns kinda purple at spots after playing, but the pain level is down.

As tryouts get closer, as I've mentioned, I'll be cranking up the cardio. I figure the one thing I can control about my chances is my conditioning and weight room stuff, so you better believe I'm hedging my bets the best I can by being in impeccable shape when these tryouts roll around.

Which brings me to my next point, no I don't know when tryouts are. I've received a few emails about this and people have asked me in person as well, and to be real I don't even really know when tryouts are or what. Hopefully I'll find out that information this week, I'm going to ask around because I'm sure that time is coming up at some point in the somewhat near future.

Listen this Saturday to Sportsnight on 88.3 WAER, where I'll be on talking about the state of the NFL in relation to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the uncapped year. I'll have some not-so-often talked about points about the state of negotiations and all that crap that very few really care about.

Congrats to SU Basketball on their win on Saturday against my hometown Nova Wildcats. I was there and it was as electric a scene as I've ever seen at a sporting event. We definitely showed 'em who was boss, as we have all season pretty much. That is one unbelievable squad.

More updates to come soon so tell your friends and come back often!