Guest’s Blog

The Sickest Athletes, and the Most Altruistic Sport You Never Heard of

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:29:52 -0400

Chris Johnson is a freak! Nasty fast! He deserves all the endorsements, Twitter followers (@chrisJohnson28 - plenty of good reads!), and media credit he receives. On the field, his legs cash all the checks his mouth has written. He’s both accepted and handed out race challenges to Rajon Rondo, Chad Ochocinco, and even the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt. None of these races ever came to fruition. My guess is his opponents realized what they agreed to and promptly bowed out to save face. You know who he’s not challenging to a race? Answer: Geoff Roes, Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, or any other Ultra Runner.

Never heard of them? Neither has anyone else who didn’t read Christopher McDougal’s best seller, Born to Run. Truthfully, Chris Johnson would probably smoke them in the 40, but these guys fart longer than 40 yards. Forty yards would not qualify as a warm up, before their warm up. Ultra Runners, runners that run races 2 to 5 times longer than a typical 26.2 mile marathon, are some of the sickest athletes on earth. They run a marathon before breakfast, and on Saturdays, they clock 75 miles before you wipe the sleep out of your eyes. The typical ultra runner is a scrawny white guy that wears an unkempt beard and a hemp necklace that his girlfriend, Moonbeam, made for him after an inspiring journey in meditative bliss. They look like they couldn’t bust a grape in a fruit fight (thanks, Jay-Z), and more importantly, would not want the negative karma associated with using that grape as a weapon. What most of these guys are not wearing is apparel from their sponsors. That’s probably because there is more endorsement money in the sport of curling. Despite the fact that 99.9% of the athletes that compete on the ultra circuit will not receive any fame, power, riches, or even be able to parlay a win into scoring some talent at the local bar after a race, these men, and women, run. They run for the joy of the sport that rewards its competitors with joy instead of fat contracts and fringe benefits.

Earlier this summer, in a usually scorching hot 100 mile stretch of mountainous terrain from Squaw Valley, CA to Auburn,CA a few hundred “lucky” ultra-runners ran the annual Western States 100. I say “lucky,” because every participant was selected from a lottery they entered for a shot at the privilege of being one of the few hundred racers that attempt this feat; a 100 mile trail race. The check points on the Western States 100 trail earned ominous nicknames like, Dead Wood, Miller’s Defeat, and Rucky Chucky. Alright, so maybe Rucky Chucky sounds like a 1950’s doo-wop artist, but you get the point. The Boston Marathon has a dreaded hill somewhere around mile 21 that climbs about 80ft. In the Western States 100, runners climb a total of 18,000 ft up, and 22,000 ft down. The Boston Marathon starts at about 490ft above sea level, where the air is teaming with oxygen. The Western States 100 starts at about 6,000 ft, where the air is thinner and dryer than Jeremy Piven’s hair plugs. In 1955, Wendel T Robie and 5 other horsemen traversed this trail to prove that a horse could still do 100 miles in a day. In 1974, Gordy Ainsleigh, joined the race, but without a horse. He wanted to prove a human could complete the course on foot in under a day, and 23 hours, and 42 minutes later, he did that very thing.

Fast Forward to 2004, with horses no longer in the picture for quite a few years, Scott Jurek, vegan, holistic healer, ultra-runner demigod, and all around rad guy, won his 6th of 7 consecutive wins at the Western States 100 with a record setting time of 15 hours, and 36 minutes; one of his numerous records. Many thought this mark would withstand the test of time, but it did not. Thanks partially to the mild temperatures which never climbed above the mid 80’s, Geoff Roes of Alaska crossed the finish line with a time of 15 hours, 7 minutes, and 4 seconds. At one point he was about 16 minutes behind the leader. Around the half way point, he wasn’t sure he would finish. At mile 62, he submerged himself in the cold waters of a river and resurfaced a new man. Mile 90 saw him passing the leaders, and never looking back.

Runners know watching a televised race would be about as exciting as the WNBA. If Scott Van Pelt cut to clips of some hippy rounding mile 34 of a 100 mile race on SportsCenter, even the Favre sycophantical ESPN loyalists would change the channel. However, these athletes deserve some recognition whether they want it, or not. Scott Jurek is the sport’s most recognizable and valuable figure. More often than not, he spends his time after races cheering on, and encouraging all the runners finishing after him. Ultra-runners compete at an insane level purely for the love of the sport, the camaraderie, and the clarity of mind and body, that endurance running provides. Someone should package up these qualities, and Fed-Ex them to “Revis Island.”

Written by:
Steve Johnson

Freestyle Soccer: Highlight Reel vs. Substance

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:24:53 -0400

With the 2010 World Cup now behind us I’ve found myself needing other outlets of Soccer entertainment until the EPL, La Liga (insert your favorite league here) starts. I stumbled across this guy performing the “around the world” trick all over the world.

I’m more of a soccer purist. I grew up playing the sport and also played in high school and throughout college. I was never the flashiest guy on the field and was force-fed tactics and structure rather than creativity and showmanship. I tend to think people who can do tricks all day long are similar to a circus act and not focused on the purpose of the sport which is to put the ball in the back of the net.

Although, besides goals being scored, soccer is not a highlight reel type of sport and you have to love (and understand) the natural build up of an attack or an aggressive tackle that sends a guy flying. Sure, it’s exciting to see a Ronaldinho dance around the ball and make a fool out of a defender or some other type of acrobatic move but those type of players are few and far between.

On the other hand, there are times where I get caught up in the hoopla like everyone else with such an awe inspiring ability and just want to see the replay repeatedly. What I’ve come across here is someone that has perfected his craft to the point of jaw dropping. I’m asking myself, did he really just do that?

I’ll give in this one time and share this artist with the rest of you. It’s just good old-fashioned entertainment and creativity. I’ll be still looking for forty-yard laser shots and bone crushing tackles for my everyday enjoyment in soccer but I have plenty of respect for the other side as well. Take a look at the video below and search for Palle on YouTube or Google to find more clips of him doing amazing tricks.

Written by:
Jeff Autenrieth

Beach Season is Here!

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 15:33:51 -0400

Memorial Day started off the unofficial beach season around the country. Unfortunately for some around the country, they don't know what the pristine white sand and clear blue water beaches of Florida look like. Have no fear though, we'll make them jealous enough to come down and experience what Florida has to offer.

Daytona Beach is the most well known beach of Florida due to spring breakers. MTV and Vh1 have both held spring break specials at Daytona, as well as the E! Channel.

Daytona is a popular beach with the young crowd throughout the year, but young bodies of all shapes converge most during Spring Break. Daytona for the most part is very crowded throughout the year, but you can rent a beach house for a bit of money to enjoy your stay here. Convince a few of you friends (like that will be hard to do) to split the cost of a beach house rental for a week to enjoy the beautiful beaches and nightlife of Daytona. Just stay away from the beaches closer to the race track. You'll see what I mean if you travel past the beautiful cities of South Daytona, Daytona Beach Shores, Ormond Beach, Ponce Inlet and Port Orange.

If you are looking for waves in Florida, the best place to go is Cocoa Beach. This is where surfers around the Central Florida area head to when the waves are sweet and the ultimate Florida wave is just a set away.

Stay off the beaten path and rent a little beach house closer to the locals and the mom and pop restaurants. This will enable you to get to know the locals and find the little known sweet spots to surf and enjoy the area. You can also find some really awesome food this way instead of chain restaurants. Just don’t snake another surfer’s wave they are very territorial.

Madeira Beach in Tampa Bay is a well known popular spot with both families and young adults. The beach is beautiful and is a short ride away from Tampa International Airport. Other than the beautiful beach, there are some great owner owned restaurants and local chain restaurants. Check out the Daiquiri Deck for some good food and obviously, a daiquiri. If you go here, pick up a little souvenir for the ‘rents and fam at one of the souvenir shops. You’ll be popular with the fam that way.

One of the Travel Channel’s constantly highlighted beach every year is Siesta Key. Siesta Key is known for their pristine white sand beaches with clear blue water and private, quiet spots. You can go to the popular beach spot in Siesta Key or go to a smaller free access parking lot that you would pass if you didn’t look closely. Look closer to the private condos and look for the public access parking lots. This is where the less crowded beach can be found. Great for going with your latest crush and not have the distraction of other beach goers ogling said current crush.

For a lesser known beach that is more of a locally known spot, check out Lido Beach in Sarasota. Lido Beach’s main beach Coolidge Park is better known for enjoying the Gulf. They have lifeguards and duty and you can enjoy some snorkeling within their waters and soaking up the sun. A great beach for both the younger and older crowd.
A little way up is North Lido Beach where you can enjoy birdwatching and beach combing.

Down a bit is South Lido Beach which is a natural wildlife preserve. This spot is great for families wanting a picnic or to take in the local wildlife. There are picnic tables and grills to make you picnic a fun grill out, so be prepared to go early to snag a table and grill.

There is some great shopping and restaurants due to the more affluent neighborhood of Lido and St. Armand's. Be prepared to spend a little more. The extra cash is worth it though.

Weather you go to one of Florida's beaches for sun, surf, or wildlife, be prepared. We have some of the best bathing suit bodies around. Wear a swimsuit that flatters your body. And please, guys, no banana hammocks.

Grab your suit, suntan lotion and special drinks (beer in a Solo cup, alcohol is not allowed on most Florida beaches) and enjoy some of the best beaches Florida has to offer.
Comment below to add your favorite beach and why you like it.

Written by:
Vanessa Spelling

Other things to see and do in Tampa Bay:
Gasparilla
Tampa Bay Rays

The Big O Series: Part One of the Multi-Orgasmic Woman

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:10:49 -0400

Many men have heard of the myth. That a woman can have multiple orgasms. And some men have even been with a woman that has had multiple orgasms. But not many. So how does a guy help a woman achieve the status of having multiple orgasms?

The average man lasts 15 minutes in bed. It takes a woman roughly 20 minutes to have an orgasm. You do the math. Only a small percentage of women have had orgasms. And out of that small percentage, an even smaller percentage has had multiple orgasms.
For a woman to have multiple orgasms, she must be stimulated in all her pleasure spots. Taoists call these the Three Gates.

The First Gate: Clitoral Stimulation

Foreplay is the key to clitoral stimulation. A woman should be nice and relaxed to be ready for clitoral stimulation. Get her ready by kissing her erogenous zones. Start off with her neck, the inside of her thighs, all the juicy spots. And if you don't know what the juicy spots are, well, maybe I'll write an article about that.

The clitoris is the key to a woman screaming your name and having the orgasm of her life and telling her friends all about it to have them turn green with envy.
The clitoral orgasm is different from the G-spot orgasm or the intercourse orgasm. And before you ask, yes, they are all different. The clitoral orgasm is her sensory orgasm. She feels everything and is on a different plane. This is what will get her endorphins working overtime and will ultimately get you to both of your goals. The ultimate multi-orgasmic woman.

Tease your girl slowly and watch her unfold for you. It is best to pull back the hood of the clitoris and work around your tongue or moistened finger in circular motions. Watch her signals, to see if she likes what you are doing. Vary your speed and pressure. Change your area of contact and the surface of the contact. The tip of your tongue, the flat of your tongue, your whole mouth, are all different stimulations for her. Find out which works for her and then vary it. Listen for her signals. Is she moaning with pleasure and pushing your face into her more, or is she pulling away from you?
If she is pushing away from you, she might have a very sensitive clitoris, so take it gently for her. Tease around the area more rather than working with the clitoris specifically. Then work your way to her nub and stroke around it instead of directly on it. If she says it is okay, than start on her sensitive part and ask her what feels good and what doesn't. She'll unfold for you eventually, and the payoff will be greater.

Some women take some time to reach their orgasm this way, so be prepared to be at it for a little while. You'll know when she is ready if she is writhing and arching her back off the bed, or angling her pelvis up. Word to the wise though, some girls are not into porno clitoral slapping, so don't ruin what you worked so hard for by doing this unless she asked for it.

By getting your woman to orgasm this way, it further lubricates her for easier access once you are both ready for intercourse. And that is after all what you want to happen other than just making her orgasm multiple times.
So go at it and remember, practice makes perfect, so keep on practicing.

Written by:
Vanessa Spelling
Girl Next Door

*Always practice safe sex.

Parts two and three to come soon.

Bi-Sexuality: The Trend in Women?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:00:38 -0400

Many women today are following a trend. The trend is to be bi-sexual. Bi-sexuality in women used to be elusive, something done behind closed doors and rarely admitted in public.
Why is bi-sexuality so popular now as opposed to the years past? When did it stop becoming taboo and instead become fashionable?

On any given night, in any metropolitan city around the nation, ask any bartender at a popular, hip joint what they think the ratio of bi-curious or bi-sexual women are in the bar at that time. You would be surprised to find out what drunk women will tell bartenders. Or maybe not.

The answer given from anonymous bartenders in the Tampa Bay area at the beginning of the night was fifty percent. Toward the middle of the night, the percentage rose to sixty percent. And at almost closing time, the percentage rose to ninety to one hundred percent depending on the bartender. The last percentage was the late night stragglers of 21-25 year olds still looking to find their identity.

Then when a patron was asked the ratio at the same time, the answer was about the same. The patron was nowhere near the bartenders for them to answer the same amount. Are these women following the trend, or are they really bi-sexual?

The 2003 Video Music Awards' onstage kiss between Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera may have opened the door for the trend today. The on screen kiss between the three ladies caused a big controversy and the kiss was blacked out for replays. This also opened the doors to the Katy Perry's and Lady GaGa's of the world.
With Katy Perry's song "I Kissed A Girl" and Lady GaGa's "Just Dance" many women in the age group 18-30 have somehow become bi-curious all of a sudden. With the emergence of bi-sexuality in the form of celebrities, women are experimenting more to play catch up to the new trend.

With this said, are more men looking for more women that are bi-sexual because of the trend? Is that one of the questions that crosses a guy's mind now, when looking to hook up with a woman?

What about the bi-curious female? What happens to her once she decides she is going to try and find out if she really is bi-sexual and she finds she isn't? Will the trend die out after all the bi-curious females out there experiment and find it is not all they thought it would be? How long will this trend last?

When the bi-sexual trend is over, will the bi-sexual women of the trend stop being bi-sexual? We have to wait and see. For now though, the bi-sexuality trend might as well be enjoyed by men throughout the nation. Suggest a girl kiss another girl, make sure they are drunk enough first though so you don’t get slapped, and see what they do. Tell them you are conducting a survey.

Bi-sexual women can sometimes be out in the open, but in most cases the ones that are comfortable in their own skin don't feel the need to advertise. They are today's wives, mothers and sisters.

Comment and let me know what your thoughts are, I’m interested to see what your views are on the trend.

Written by:
Vanessa Spelling
Girl Next Door

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