Photo Finish

With 2008 coming to a close, I just couldn't help but post this famous photograph of me getting edged out by the great Michael Phelps. What a close race and a disappointment, but kudos to Michael.

Bush In Iraq

Last Sunday, I was in Iraq visiting the troops. I heard President Bush was going to be making an appearance so I stopped by to listen in. I am sure many of you have seen the video multiple times and noticed me in the background catching the shoe. What the video doesn't show is after I caught it, I threw it back at the journalist, which knocked him out, allowing Secret Service members to contain him.

Checking Out

Today I was released from the hospital and given permission to exercise lightly. I don't think the doctors appreciated me popping wheelies down the hallway. Thanks to my good friends Jim Harris and Joe Novicky for lending a helping hand.

Serious Fall

This past weekend I ran in the NEO Trail Club event URINEO held at Mill Creek Park. You can run as many 8.3 mile loops around the park as you wish. I started at 5 AM, without a light, and only the full moon to guide me. Unfortunately during the first loop, I tripped on a rock and went down hard. After examining my hand, I was surprised to see that a nail on the trail pierced through my right index finger. I knew I would need surgery, so I finished my 50K then ran over to St. Elizabeth's to get it removed!

Ouch!

These doctors were great! I didn't feel anything!!

Tailgating in Baltimore

Sorry for the long delay since my last post on here. Not too long ago I took a new job in Baltimore and have been pretty busy drinking.... ah hem.... errr... I mean working. I've done my fair share of partying though lately. The picture up above shows me tailgating with this random Ravens fan. I never did get his name but he gave me a ton of free food and beer. As you can see I've put on some weight but I'm planning on doing more running soon.

I'll Make Him An Offer He Can't Refuse

I was watching one of my favorite movies, The Godfather, the other night and it made me laugh when I saw the scene that I appeared shortly in. Some of you may have seen me in it, but I am only visible for a couple of seconds. They needed an extra in the movie so I gladly volunteered. Here's a photo clip of the scene in the movie.

Forest Fire

I haven't been posting very often on my blog because I've been in some very dangerous situations lately and haven't had time. Last week, I was on a run and as I was heading back to my car, the forest erupted into an intense inferno. I had to make some quick decisions and do a stream crossing on the way back. Luckily, I made it back to my car safe and sound! Below is a picture of me haulin' it back to the car. I hope to post more often now that everything has settled down.

To Infinity and Beyond

I was selected today by the NASA flight personnel committee to take part in the Discovery's STS-124 mission. It is slated to take off May 31st. We will be delivering components of the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station. Here's a photo of me and the crew all suited up in our gear:

Close Encounter

I went running today in a nice park around me with alot of trails to run on. It was very warm out so I decided to do a stream crossing. The current seemed to be going a little fast but still very doable. Wrong! I got swept off my feet and headed towards a waterfall. Just as I was going over it, a bear saved me and carried me to shore. I am sure glad he didn't think I was a big fish!

Long Lost Relative

I was pretty suprised yesterday to run into my relative Sean "P Diddy" Combs at a club in San Diego. You may remember seeing both of us in the music video for the 1997 hit single "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down." Here's a clip I still have from the video on BET.

Anyways, we talked for awhile reminiscing about our younger days and the fun we used to have. He told me he was going to appear on a radio show this morning and invited me to tag along. I agreed and we had a great time at the station. I even got to talk some on the air.

Flying

After visiting Warren for the weekend, I decided to use my newly acquired pilots license and fly back to San Diego myself. I found this plane at Hopkins International Airport with the keys in it, so I took off and will return it next time I come home.

Surf's Up

When I first got here in San Diego, I quickly found that the waves are amazing out here in California along the coast. You can catch a 20-footer easily and ride it all along the coastline. Here is a photo of me published this month in a local surf magazine ripping it hardcore! Cowabunga dude!!

Ronald McDonald

I stopped by the local Mickey D's in San Diego today during my lunch break. I had someone take this wicked sweet photo of me and the Ronald.

Tour of California

I was going for a little spin today on my bike and saw none other than Lance Armstrong in front of me. I sprinted up to him and said hello. Turns out, he missed the Tour of California race in February, but got a group together to do it on their own. I rode the 50 miles they had left to complete the tour before heading back to San Diego. This ride really slimmed me down from the extra pounds I gained at Spring Training! I also thought it was pretty cool that he gave me a used jersey to wear from the Tour De France.

Spring Training

Well Spring training baseball is here and the Cleveland Indians have asked me to pitch a couple games for them as a closer. I pitched a shutout 9th inning yesterday en route to a 12-2 win against the Houston Astros. I won't be the regular closer, but I will be ready whenever they need me and I will not be denied!

Jeopardy

Last week I got something in the mail asking if I wanted to be on Jeopardy. This has always been a lifelong dream of mine, so I sent it in right away. Turns out I got chosen and today I appeared on the show. I answered the final Jeopardy question correct and doubled my score to win the game. My total earnings were only $14,000 less than the highest amount ever won on the game!

Collecting trash for cash

I underestimated the cost of living out here in California and decided that I needed to get a second job. It's not the most glamorous position but it gives me a good upper body workout. As you can tell, the steroids Arnold gave me from the intense workout on Monday wore off drastically. But with my new job I am hoping to achieve a ripped body the old fashioned way.

The Governator

Sometimes you never know what or who you're going to run into. I ran an easy 10 miles today around San Diego and saw a bus with Arnold Schwarzenegger's name written across it as well as his picture. It was parked in front of the USA Fitness Center, so I went inside. Turns out Ahnold was working out. I went in to meet him. We talked for awhile, then he asked if I wanted to workout with him. I felt like a whole new person afterwards.

Snoop Dogg

I went on a little trip to Long Beach and then to Compton. I figured there would be some interesting adventure that would take place. Sure enough, I caught up with Snoop D.O. Double G while he was filming his new music video. He stepped aside and I got this sweet photo with him.

San Diego Zoo

I finally arrived in San Diego and decided to search the area. I ran to the zoo and snuck into the lions' den for a little adventure. Good thing the lion was distracted by something!

Rocky Mountain High

Once I got back on the road again I was able to meet up with a couple of my friends who were staying at a cabin in Colorado. Here's a sweet photo Bill took while I was rippin through some fresh powder...

Sunk

I was trying to do a river crossing in my Suburban and unfortunately I got stuck! Luckily, some locals pulled my vehicle out to dry land and it only suffered a little water damage.

Obama Visit

Today I arrived in Illinois after a long day of travel. I looked out my window and who did I see? Presidential hopeful and senator of Illinois, Barack Obama. I stopped to get this photo with him.

First Stop - Indianapolis

After five hours on the road and over 300 miles covered I decided it was time for a rest and a quick run. I stopped in Indianapolis and explored the city some on foot. I could see the Colts stadium in the distance and decided to do an out and back to it. As I got closer, I noticed a huge "Welcome Colts Fans" banner hanging from the entrance. I entered the stadium and realized they were having an open house for the public. What an opportunity to walk on the field of last year's Super Bowl champs!

Here's a photo of me jogging through across the field. I decided to take advantage of the occasion and do a couple 100-meter sprints on the field. Good workout: 7 miles.

Westward

My journey west begins this weekend and I will be posting updates here as I make my way across the country to my new job in San Diego. I am sure there will be many sights to see. Enjoy the days and months ahead as I embark on my expedition.

HITE!