Visual Inspiration

Stuff like this is very inspiring for me. I'm actually completely turned off by a lot of what they consider "fitness models" where they look more like fashion models in my eyes, but visually, body-builders hold a lot more appeal to me. Then again, power-lifters and Olympic lifters are usually nowhere as ripped-looking as body-builders even if they tend to be a whole heck of a lot stronger. I'll take the strength of the more active lifters first, but if I can actually look good while I'm at it, why not? My training isn't optimized for either type of lifting at this point ... or much of anything for that matter, but at least it's buying me time before I have to become the human pincushion (tm) or the human pharmacy (tm).

One of my favorite exercises...

Either click here or the title for one of my favorite exercises. I always thought of burpees as the exercise that made me *almost* burp up whatever I ate before the workout. Definitely not an exercise to do after a big meal unless you savor the flavor of your last meal mixed in with some stomach acids!

I first got exposed to this exercise at GHFC, courtesy of two truly awesome floor instructors, who I refer to as M and C, particularly C, who had ways of increasing the "torture" factor, usually with a good sized weight or two. I used to dread them (and my guts certainly dread them) but now I'd consider them to be a staple of my own workouts, at least if I'm doing them on a relatively empty stomach!

SoCal Showdown Recurve vs Compound

Any bets who's going to win? Brady Ellison (recurve) vs Roger Willett Jr (compound) at Chula Vista, filmed by a fellow archer here in Gainesville who was fortunate enough to shoot at the SoCal Showdown.

Buggering Hot TBoF 2011

It was buggering hot, humid, and buggy but I survived the shoot in one piece. I think the bug spray may've gotten to me on Saturday, but I came out in one piece. I took 3rd in women's longbow, shot the open traditional division, and didn't attempt primitive. I've been focusing mostly on FITA-type rounds so my 3D has taken quite a hit, but given that I only shoot 3D when the other half really wants to and target is my real passion, it's not too much of an issue. All of my arrows also survived intact, which is pretty darned good!

As always, either click on the title of here to see the rest of the pictures.

Fun with an Olympic Recurve

66" Hoyt Nexus recurve that I borrowed from Coach Rob to test-shoot. It feels pretty good even though it is slightly on the long side. I also forgot to put the plunger in but it shot fine without one.

Me at about full draw with the Hoyt Nexus. I think I got most of my form right, although I still have a bit of trouble keeping my head consistently aligned. Note to self: test-shooting Olympic recurves immediately after a boot-camp style circuit training class does NOT feel very good...

The other bow (well, riser at any rate) that I test-shot and liked. This is a Hoyt Horizon, also a 25" riser like the Nexus... also used short limbs for a 66" bow. Both Coach Rob and Coach Bob recommend that I go with the 23" riser for a 64" bow for a little more punch, although I know the folks in Chula Vista recommend the 25" riser for a 66" bow for more stability. We'll see what the future holds, but for now, my longbow is pretty darned secure, as is my little shorty 58" recurve.

Favorite Clip from Wolf's Rain

A bit of context... Cheza the Flower Maiden is singing and puts the four wolves to sleep after two of them, Kiba and Tsume, fight. Wolves (along with their human illusory disguises) in order of appearance: Toboe the red wolf, Hige the Mexican wolf, Tsume the grey wolf, and Kiba the Arctic wolf.


Definitely one of my favorite series anywhere, animated or live-action.