Random Ramblings » Random

New Year

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:25:43 +0000

1. Drop to 180lb
2. 52 week project
3. Condense lens kit
4. School

I think I can handle this.

Need to use camera more….

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:39:16 +0000

Late night hookah and karaoke

Vibram Fiver Fingers KSO

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:54:02 +0000

I recently came across the Vibram Five Fingers products while reading an article about minimalist footwear. Basically, the idea is that God created man without shoes and so not wearing shoes is “more natural”. There are also many supposed health benefits to running barefoot such as strengthened calves and other muscles you wouldn’t normally use as much as if you were wearing gym shoes. Anyways, I was intrigued and ordered a pair of their black on black KSO model. My sizing chart failed me because I have super wide feet (EEE I think?) and normally wear larger normal width shoes to accommodate but the website FAQ states that the material is stretchy and should fit any width foot so sizing for length is your only concern. Still, I ordered a size too large and so the footwear is somewhat loose. Being the person that I am, I cut the tags and went running anyways. A couple thoughts:

1. Running with the KSOs are comfortable for me. Tonight was the first night I went running but I’m not reporting as much calf soreness as stated in many reviews but that’s probably because

2. I think I’ve been running incorrectly with shoes. According to many articles that I’ve read, one is supposed to run heel-toe with shoes versus stepping with the ball of your foot while barefoot. I feel like my stride has not changed much.

3. All the different models have a thick sole. Still, it hurts a bit to step on rocks and gravel so it only really protects you from getting cut and whatnot.

4. I probably should have returned these for a smaller size. I feel some blisters forming and I can only hope they’re from the novelty of the minimal footwear. I guess I’ll find out after a few more days.

5. I felt like I had more push in my stride. Running without the giant sole of a shoe does in fact force you to step with the balls of your feet and you get a peppier bounce with each step. During my final sprint before cooldown, I felt like I could run faster and push harder than I would have with shoes.

I expect to be forced to pay more attention to my form if I want to avoid weird blisters on my right foot. I twisted my knee back in highschool football and it didn’t heal correctly but that’s a story for another day. Sizing appears very precise. I’ll probably order another pair that are much more fit if blisters persist and maybe try one of the camo colors. Most online reviews all state the same thing. Calves hurt the first week, results are noticed shortly after and attempts at returning to shoe running are futile. I suspect these will replace my casual trail and beach sandals if I stop being lazy and actually go out. They’re comfortable enough to wear and forget about. As for replacing running shoes altogether, we’ll see.

New kicks

admin — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:31:36 +0000

Just playing around with some strobes

Mindset of a Gamer cont.

admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:09:01 +0000

I was thinking about writing indepth examples. I said screw it. If you can’t understand why knowing game mechanics is important, then you’re beyond help. Good players understand what you can do and what you can’t do. Great players are able to execute. But how do you beat someone who knows as much as you? You have to think ahead of them. Not one step, not two steps, but three steps ahead of them. You have to know what they’re going to do before they do it. You have to know what they think you’re going to do so you can pre-counter their counter. Chess is a great game to visualize this. Calculate all the possibilities you can think of before each step. Do this enough times and it’s like working a math problem; you’ll know what to do in each situation. Again, what do you do if you know each others moves? You have to think ahead. Now this is where some inherent physical ability may come into play. Whoever can react faster may have the upper hand. Some people are just gifted. For the rest of us, theory and practice are the way to go.

Really, it’s that simple. Think ahead. I can’t tell you how many people just don’t do this. Envision what you need to do. Discuss it with people. And then put it in practice. And repeat. You’ll be surprised how many people don’t do this.

But you know what? We’re not done yet. Now that you and your opponent are both thinking ahead, what do you do? You need to think outside the box. Be innovative. Again, how many people don’t make it to this step? It boggles my mind how so many people are content with just going through the motions. This is the step that separates the great players from the amazing.

I’m tired and that wasn’t a great writeup but the main point is there. You want to win? You want to be the best? You have to be innovative. Maybe I’ll write more later.

Welcome back!

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:56:24 +0000

It’s been a while since I last updated my blog or website for that matter. I thought I should start fresh, especially since I fubar’d my last WordPress install. Anyways, I’m finished with undergrad, working as a CNA and Unit Clerk in a hospital and have a nice and new camera to add pictures. I’ve always been a big believer that interesting content and good pictures draw viewers (barring any actual useful information) so hopefully I can adhere to those two rules and keep people coming back. Stay tuned.