In the past few months, the world has witnessed one of the greatest sport athletes be beaten down by lies, fraud, and cheating. So much, that even his best sponsors have left him to hang which will probably end up leaving him with little to no money. More disturbingly, he had to step down from the Livestrong organization. The same charity foundation Lance Armstrong started from scratch using his own personal trials, tribulations, and accomplishments to benefit those that are being ravaged by cancer(1)[This is a footnote...since I don't have a fancy website or even know how to make footnotes, I will be using this for now on. They aren't necessary to the piece but simple digressions that add to the story].
(1) The Livestrong Foundation was the first organization to promote support during remission. After cancer treatment, one can be damaged goods, always thinking they are sick or will never be able to return to the person they once were. Even Armstrong had to be convinced and begged to get back into professional cycling from his friends and family. The first group of rides after treatment, he always thought he was sick when the slightest tick in his body would occur. It made him paranoid. Therefore, a big part of The Livestrong Foundation is providing psychiatric help during remission.
After the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) pummeled Armstrong with citations, forced him out of cycling, berated him, and unconstitutionally paid old teammates to testify against (2) him, Armstrong gave up the fight. He couldn't do it anymore. The money was mounting from court fees, lawyers, and loads of research to defend his case. It was enough. He knew he couldn't win. It was the only option that he had left.
(2) I can't prove USADA did this because if there was proof out there that a government agency used fraudulent tactics to strip Lance Armstrong of his accolades, there would be a much bigger story here, but numerous resources have hinted at it and the timing of old teammates coming out was more than coincidental (Tyler Hamilton, George Hincapie, Floyd Landis and many others). It is just very fishy. Even a few judges in Armstrong's case accused USADA of using unethical and unlawful means to build evidence against the 7 time Tour de France Champion.
Now, I am not writing this because I believe Lance Armstrong is innocent. Trust me, I am not. He is guilty as they come. I know he took performance enhancing drugs whether it was EPOs or blood transfers, Armstrong done them. And he did it better than any cyclist before or after. Lance has been tested over 500 times throughout his career and has never tested positive. He just found a way to cheat better than anyone else. Any cyclist will tell you that everyone does it (I have met a few professional cyclists through my triathlon experiences). It is just apart of the sport.
Cycling is a dirty, simple as that.
However, I am merely writing this because of USADA's unconstitutional witch hunt which in turn, ended a legacy that was exponentially more benign than evil just to enhance their own image and brand.
There have been plenty worse users than Lance Armstrong. He was just the biggest name. USADA had no problem with Armstrong for years after his 2009 retirement. It wasn't until Lance decided to compete in Ironman triathlons (3) in mid-2011. He started bringing popularity to an underground sport, which was fine, but it wasn't until Lance started breaking bike course records and winning a few races that USADA decided to step in. The moment after Lance Armstrong won Ironman Texas, USADA forced the Ironman Corporation to suspend Lance Armstrong from any professional competitions until the investigation and hearings were finished.
(3) As a triathlete, this is the underrated tragedy during this whole thing. Triathlons are growing around the world and Lance would have brought a whole new market in clientele into the spectrum leading to enhancing the sport and the Livestrong Foundation. Only good things would have come from this. Now, it becomes another what if.
Lance Armstrong biggest mistake was.... (come back on Thursday for Part 2)
Thanks for reading.
Don't forget to check out the site www.triforlifefoundation.com
Monday, December 17, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Life's Daily Struggles
With work, especially in this country, it can take away what you really want to do with your life.
Everyday, we all go to work for almost half of the day, 5 days a week (sometimes more) and put ourselves in positions to support yourself, family, and provide a future for your children (if you have any). We sacrifice doing jobs most of us don't like and execute them on a repetitious basis. Through this, we lose interest (quickly) because we aren't challenging ourselves and when we get home, priorities and responsibilities is pertinent to keep everyone around you happy and content, but what about you?
It is a scientific fact that 40% of happiness is defined from what you do and only 10% is received by accolades, status, financial income, and other materialistic means (Source: Happy documentary... if you have Netflix, give this movie a try).
Why do you think the saying, "Money doesn't buy happiness" is stated so frequently? It's because it's true. Money can buy nice things, supply a healthy, comfortable lifestyle, and relieve stress when dealing with bills but it is doesn't make anyone happy. Yeah, someone buys a new car, 60" TV, or new shoes and it feels great, but how long does that satisfaction last? A few weeks, hopefully, a few months but that content quickly dissipates and then you are finding something else to purchase to fill the void. It is a self-fulfilling monster and it compounds itself.
Once one realizes they aren't happy, most look at others or outside forces besides looking at what they are doing. We all blame others before we blame ourselves, it is just the society we live in today. That's the problem. By blaming others, we create unfortunate situations with loved ones, co-workers and most importantly, ourselves besides looking at the source and making the necessary changes to better our lives.
We create constant and consistent excuses on why we can't do what we want to do. It can be work, kids, family, living situation, and significant others, it's endless.
It doesn't get you anywhere...does it?
We always talk about things we want to do and most of the time that's all it becomes...things we talk about. Then, in a flash, we are old, wondering what we did with our lives (Ever heard of the mid-life crisis... ironically, what do most people do when they go through this...they buy something...and it doesn't solve anything) leading to rash decisions that hurt others and eventually ourselves (affairs, quitting jobs, unnecessary purchases..etc.)
It's comes down to perception.
You know where the other 50% of happiness comes from? Perception. The way you view things is paramount. That's why it is so pertinent to look at what you are doing and how you see things. It can change your life for the better. There may be some bumps along the way because some unfortunate truths become relevant in your search for happiness but the end result is for the better.
We are all extremely busy with work and taking care of others, but take some time to find out what is causing that void in your life and do something about it. It not only makes thing better for you, but everyone around you. Trust me, they will know the difference.
Or you can just watch this
Everyday, we all go to work for almost half of the day, 5 days a week (sometimes more) and put ourselves in positions to support yourself, family, and provide a future for your children (if you have any). We sacrifice doing jobs most of us don't like and execute them on a repetitious basis. Through this, we lose interest (quickly) because we aren't challenging ourselves and when we get home, priorities and responsibilities is pertinent to keep everyone around you happy and content, but what about you?
It is a scientific fact that 40% of happiness is defined from what you do and only 10% is received by accolades, status, financial income, and other materialistic means (Source: Happy documentary... if you have Netflix, give this movie a try).
Why do you think the saying, "Money doesn't buy happiness" is stated so frequently? It's because it's true. Money can buy nice things, supply a healthy, comfortable lifestyle, and relieve stress when dealing with bills but it is doesn't make anyone happy. Yeah, someone buys a new car, 60" TV, or new shoes and it feels great, but how long does that satisfaction last? A few weeks, hopefully, a few months but that content quickly dissipates and then you are finding something else to purchase to fill the void. It is a self-fulfilling monster and it compounds itself.
Once one realizes they aren't happy, most look at others or outside forces besides looking at what they are doing. We all blame others before we blame ourselves, it is just the society we live in today. That's the problem. By blaming others, we create unfortunate situations with loved ones, co-workers and most importantly, ourselves besides looking at the source and making the necessary changes to better our lives.
We create constant and consistent excuses on why we can't do what we want to do. It can be work, kids, family, living situation, and significant others, it's endless.
It doesn't get you anywhere...does it?
We always talk about things we want to do and most of the time that's all it becomes...things we talk about. Then, in a flash, we are old, wondering what we did with our lives (Ever heard of the mid-life crisis... ironically, what do most people do when they go through this...they buy something...and it doesn't solve anything) leading to rash decisions that hurt others and eventually ourselves (affairs, quitting jobs, unnecessary purchases..etc.)
It's comes down to perception.
You know where the other 50% of happiness comes from? Perception. The way you view things is paramount. That's why it is so pertinent to look at what you are doing and how you see things. It can change your life for the better. There may be some bumps along the way because some unfortunate truths become relevant in your search for happiness but the end result is for the better.
We are all extremely busy with work and taking care of others, but take some time to find out what is causing that void in your life and do something about it. It not only makes thing better for you, but everyone around you. Trust me, they will know the difference.
Or you can just watch this
Sunday, December 2, 2012
The Power of the....Heart
I wanted to say power of the legs in the title but that's not how the saying goes even though it has revealancy.
Another reason is I love how soothing running is.
Even though, I hate running in the cold. Crazy enough, I'd rather run in 95 degree heat than in 35 degree winter weather. It sounds weird and stupid, but I just hate running the first two miles in the freezing, uncomfortable cold weather. Your body does warm up and sometimes you don't even sweat because of the cool brisk air relegating your body temperature. It just that first two miles that I always think about and it stops me from running.
Nevertheless, I have been putting off running for a few days until I finally pulled off a 5 miler late Thursday night after watching Rutgers choke away their best chance to win a conference title (and a BCS bid) in over 130 years. So naturally, I hated the first couple miles, however, after, it was pure bliss.
I felt great afterwards, got 5 hours of sleep and felt more enegrized and relaxed the next day at work. It's amazing how strong running is in mood elevation. It's scientifically proven to cure depression. It gets you in shape. You are outdoors. I could go on...
Backtracking a bit, in reference to this post's title, "The Power of the Heart", I traveled down to Virginia and hand delivered a check of $4500 to both of my cousins, Robb and Kathleen to help promote a healhty lifestyle and fight cancer. They were beyond shocked. None of the Kluxen family had any idea I was raising money trying to make a small difference. They were speechless and I didn't even know how to react. I guess I was to close to the situation.
During the weekend, the feeling of humility grew and the importance to continue helping others created clarity. There is much work needed to be done and I will work to help those in need.
On December 19, the Tri for Life foundation will be working along with TGIF Friday's in North Brunswick to help raise money for a Hurricane Sandy family in need. Friday's helped raise $700 for the Kluxen family and I am hoping we can produce similar results.
So if you aren't doing anything on Wednesday night, come on out to Friday's in North Brunswick and support a great cause.
Another reason is I love how soothing running is.
Even though, I hate running in the cold. Crazy enough, I'd rather run in 95 degree heat than in 35 degree winter weather. It sounds weird and stupid, but I just hate running the first two miles in the freezing, uncomfortable cold weather. Your body does warm up and sometimes you don't even sweat because of the cool brisk air relegating your body temperature. It just that first two miles that I always think about and it stops me from running.
Nevertheless, I have been putting off running for a few days until I finally pulled off a 5 miler late Thursday night after watching Rutgers choke away their best chance to win a conference title (and a BCS bid) in over 130 years. So naturally, I hated the first couple miles, however, after, it was pure bliss.
I felt great afterwards, got 5 hours of sleep and felt more enegrized and relaxed the next day at work. It's amazing how strong running is in mood elevation. It's scientifically proven to cure depression. It gets you in shape. You are outdoors. I could go on...
Backtracking a bit, in reference to this post's title, "The Power of the Heart", I traveled down to Virginia and hand delivered a check of $4500 to both of my cousins, Robb and Kathleen to help promote a healhty lifestyle and fight cancer. They were beyond shocked. None of the Kluxen family had any idea I was raising money trying to make a small difference. They were speechless and I didn't even know how to react. I guess I was to close to the situation.
During the weekend, the feeling of humility grew and the importance to continue helping others created clarity. There is much work needed to be done and I will work to help those in need.
On December 19, the Tri for Life foundation will be working along with TGIF Friday's in North Brunswick to help raise money for a Hurricane Sandy family in need. Friday's helped raise $700 for the Kluxen family and I am hoping we can produce similar results.
So if you aren't doing anything on Wednesday night, come on out to Friday's in North Brunswick and support a great cause.
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