Don't call it a Resolution, call it a Goal!

Since last week, I have not drunk any beer and staying away from the alcohol.  I worked out yesterday at the gym with Steve who gave a last going out of year workout.  Jumped rope and intensified muscle toning on shoulders, but aching very bad today and feel it in my arms and legs. I massaged my legs and thighs from some techniques Greg gave me on to how to work out the fatigue after a workout and strenuous activities.  Stomach is racked with pain also, from doing the roller.  I'm going to do this tomorrow also and possibly see if there's a Gimble ride going on.

Lotta Cardio, whew!!

Met with the big boy this morning, Steve.  Back was hurting, but after 30 minutes of doing warm up exercises, I was back to normal and concluded with with some serious cardio.  Steve would be a great task master.  Did my one hour, and still striving towards 2010.

Who would Dare on Christmas Day!!!

I would, and six others.  This morning I did the Gimbles Ride (26º starting - 41ºfinishing).  I thought no one came out and decided to do the course myself but on the way up Central Avenue, I ran into two riders repairing a flat and they said some guys were up ahead so I put in my time trialing skills and caught them after 20 minutes.  I was happy to see Otto, founding member of the ride, Big Tom, Dennis, a rider in his 60ies who have underwent a drastic change in weight.  Last time I saw him he must have weighed up to 200 lbs, but now he seems to be close to 150-160 lbs, if that much.  Then there was Sox and three other riders.  Usually there are over 50-60 riders on the holiday rides, but today it seemed that only the six of us would make up the ride.  we cruised to White Plains (16 mph avg) and Dennis veered off, Otto when another 3 miles and veered off also.  We cruised and upped the tempo to the split then when a little harder to Rt. 120 (Airport road)  This kid from the Cafeteros team  went to the front and pulled even harder.  I was there today for the roll out and didn't go with them on the sprint.  They left me at the double whammie and I went solo all the way home at: Avg. 14.4 Trip. 53.3 Time: 3:41:59.  Felt okay, strong at some points, had a little problem on the hills, but got some good advise from one of the riders: Kill the beer drinking and put in some more millage.  If this helps in my reaching my goal for June, 2010, I'm in.

Toughing it out!

It snowed Sunday all day and couldn't do anything except stretch.  I did run Monday though.  I did one & a half lap at Van Cortlandt Park 2miles.  Back seems to get warmed up after about 7 to 10 minutes of running.  Will start to put some "heat" on my back.  Pam ran with me because she has been sick also for the past week and not done anything.  Will run later on today.  Starting next week, want to start doing some speed workouts and build some stamina and get back to the gym with Steve. Pam pic below

Erica's Dance Night Out!

Hi Fam,


This Friday I was treated to a wonderful rendition of some Christmas themes at Fordham High School for the Arts. Erica and her school class put on dances and plays with very talented young people.
I however am very ashamed and angry to say that even though I video taped it and had it all set up to show, something happened and I lost the taped edition. Hopefully they will have another show and I will be able to send it out to the family. This is picture of Erica, Dayona, & Peace.

It's Only Snow!

Ran today, 3.7mls.  Today is the first day of a major snow storm, 6 to 12".  Felt good, cold, but able to do the first loop and bottom.  Have to get Greg to give me a massage on my legs.  Two points: Left - inner by knee, Right - outer by knee.  Snowing now and getting deep.  Will see if I can get some time in tomorrow or just hit the trainer.

Don't Fre@#==% PREACH if you can't follow you own advice!!

Did not run yesterday because I was playing  ball the night.  However, at 25º with a wind chill factor of 14º, the other team canceled.  Since the team was there, we played 3 3on3 games.  My back went into over drive the first game, stretetched it out, and was somewhat okay for game 2, then game 3 it loosened enough that I played okay.  Good Cardio and sweated a  lot.  Today, the back was feeling good.  I also felt like something was missing; THE running.
My psych wanted my body to run, but I had an all day meeting at the agency I consult for.  Tomorrow will not be different, I will either get up and run (chance of snow 6 to 12') or ride with the guys if possible.  Regarding the title, I am not meeting my goal of drinking eight glasses per day.  I see the difference when I drink it, I know it's good for me, but I'm lazy and falling back into bad habits.  Get your head out your Ass Eric,  LET's GO!!!!

#%º@ Brick Yesterday!!

Ran in Van Courtlandt yesterday at a blistering 28º, however there are no substitutes for getting something done that you want. Did my 3.7mls with my back feeling relatively okay.  I might have jacked it back up again today JO, but I will see.  Have a game tonight so might just do some walking .  There is this lady out there who speed walks from what I see at least 10 miles a day.  Stretching is helping also as my back seems to be becoming accustomed to the workouts.
Ate some tuna for lunch and rice, eggs, and seafood for dinner.  Feeling hungry, but not starving, had half a canalope for breakfast.
Forgot to mention that I weigh 236lbs. The goal to Harlem day race: 210 - 215lbs.

From the beginning - Looking back and forward

Back in March 12, 2009, my measurements were:
Arm: 19"   Legs: 16"
Abs: 25 30 15 = 70
Body Fat: 20%  ---  Abs: 23% (from boxing coach)
Feel sluggish and feel that I can't lose this weight, but I have to continue to strive.   Ran yesterday on Palasades Road(see pic).  Unfortunately, I walked and ran up a small incline where I felt like I was going to die,
Going running now, will get back with results.
 Just got back, felt great.  Did the Van Corthlandt lower and first loop through the hills.  Calfs were burning like hell and my back was not straining like it normally did, but I made the effort to make it back to the flats and finish strong.  Ran 3.7 miles.  Will be back tomorrow to do another.

Great Yesterday, Sucked Today

Yesterday I felt great.  I went out for 1:01.51 min, rode 12.7 miles and averaged 12.3mph on the Nashbar.  I went up to Yonkers in a blistering 28º.  I felt great and thought that tomorrow (Saturday) I would hang with the guys; (Big Tom, Jeff, Rob, and Lil Rob).
We started out at 7:45am, went across the GW Rt. 9N on the Nashbar @ 28º again, I still felt good.. I had one egg and some coconut bread to keep my energies up for breakfast:  Halfway through I stated to realize that either they were ratcheting it up, or, I bonked, both happened!  There was another rider who joined us on the Jersey side and took us out.  Big T, was feeling good, because he pulled the line for a long time. Everybody managed to hang with their group, and before I realized that they kept exploding up small inclines, (my weakness) by the time I recovered, they were already up the road.  I rode for 2:24.11sec, avged 13.9mph and rode 33.7miles. I feel my stamina is there, however today showed me I have a long way to go feeling comfortable, I have to stay with the group and ready to attack those hills.  My back was hurting bad, thank God I took 2 asprins in the morning (little good it did me).  Let's see what the new week brings.

Getting it together

This week was tough, Steve gave me a workout that consisted of;
Jumping Rope
Shadow boxing
Pushups
& Lunges
I ate just fruits today with some coconut bread.  My arms are sore as well as back.
Have not ridden in 11 days.  Last ride: 28th & 29th

• Time; 3:26:22
• Max: 37.9
• Avg: 12.5
• Trip: 43.3
  

Played basketball last night.  Sweated, but only played about 15 minutes.

Nephew Prince's Birthday and Graduation

Hi Fam,

Wanted to bring some updates for the month of November. This month was the birthday of Erica and Prince. Big man Prince have now turned 10 and growing up to be a wonderful young man, who is respectful and courteous (If not, his mother would go up beside his head), lol, only joking.
Prince is soon looking to graduate from his Charter School he attends on 123rd street, Manhattan, and hopefully moving to another. Prince enjoys skate boarding, wants to play football, basketball, and do stunts on bikes. With all that energy, we can only hope he applies some towards his lessons. Happy B'day and graduation. Good luck and be safe.

Meet Tanty Mildred from Barbados

Hi Fam,

I have to start off by saying WOW. This trip to the island of Barbados was an educational marvel when it came to my endeavor learning about my family history. Pam arranged to stay in a nice hotel, which came with our own stove and frig. So, though away from home, we cooked every night and had some wonderful dinners. Meeting tanty Mildred was great. She remembered me as a little boy when she came to the US back in the late 70's and had some pictures to prove it. Those pictures and historical notices will be posted on the website at a later date. But, until that time, enjoy some pictures from down there.
This was Pam and Tanty on the front porch. Before that, we were served some Cucu and sol fish, hmmm. Sorry you weren't there.


This was the background of our hotel where we stayed. Pam and myself took a stroll as the sun was setting. BTW, every day, I was in that sea behind her. Sorry you weren't there again. LOL.

Of course, I got the worst of it with some blind bum on the beach taking a picture of us 3 feet away, but must have zoomed out like we were 10 mile out to sea. The speck to the right is me. This one you could have been there in my place.





















Also wanted to say, while away it was Prince's Birhtday. Happy Birthday big man.

Recognition of American Express Marathoners

Morning Fam,

Wanted to post this link of an editorial piece on Pam and her marathon exploits though the magazine: MIN Online, (http://minonline.com/frontlines/businesscasual/12551.html) I for one am very proud to see my baby's name up in lights (well in print), but none the less proud.
Also, after many months of slipping and sliding, Pam and myself are going to see Daddy's last living relative alive in Barbados next week. Tanty Mildred, is the last sibling of my father, Hugo Abbott, and I hope to get all that information lost to me when he passed away at a young age. For those who have not kept up, this is in conjunction with the genealogy website: wwww.abbottlineage.com. This is more of a family field visit for me, but will also be a nice reward and relaxation for Pam's running this past weekend.
Talk to you when I get back. Oh, Erica is taking her SAT's this Saturday, wish her luck as she continues on her voyage towards college.

We have a Winner!!!

Hi Fam,
After a year of grueling workouts with her boxing coach, a year of running in cold rain and hot weather, Pam have reached the goal she set out for with this year's New York City marathon run.


Last year, she completed the race in just over 5 hours, her best PR before, (personal record) was 4:45.10. Today, all records have been smashed!!! Pam took an AMAZING 40 minutes off that time, to complete the race in a time of 4:05.04, close to just under 3 hours.

Congrats again Pam and great running.

Two Days and Counting!

Hi Fam,

Well, three more days until the day for Pam's Marathon Run. She's been training hard and I expect her to do really well. She will be building up on the carbs for the next couple of days and getting lots of rest. I will post her official time and place Sunday afternoon. Send her your good lucks via her email.
YEAH PAM

Junior Comes to Town

Hi Fam,
Sorry I haven't been up and running with the blog, but this is the reason why. Take a look at this picture!! Every time I jump on the laptop to update, Ms. Penny wants to help. Unfortunately in this household, I have to wait on ALL the women.


Now that her and her brother Scooter are off chasing each other like they stole something, here are some pics from nephew Junior's visit to the Big Apple. Picking up Junior in the morning can be an adventure, especially when he looks like he's ready to go to work on the docks.


However, he was quickly awaken by a pass-a-byer.


We went a little shopping and ended up here for his very first pedicure. If anyone of you know Junior, I can't begin to tell you the noises he was making and the remarks to the ladies, LOL.


After visiting the Barber and a change of clothes, I couldn't recognize the brother. The day he left, we stopped off to give Merlin a going away visit at Prince's school in mid Manhattan.

Lastly, Junior came and chilled out with me at the house before heading back to Brooklyn to catch his plane flight. He's been wanting to meet Pam for the longest, so I obliged him.


It was great having Junior up here these past weeks. He will be moving to Tampa soon and securing a job at the Veterans Association. Also, he will be pursuing a degree in Bio-Engineering next semester at a local college. Good luck and "keep your eyes on the prize, instead of the bamse."

Guess Who's Back in Town?

Hi Fam,

Erica is back up from her summer vacation in Dominica Republic, and stated up school again. Here she is completing a project of the United States to be handed in tomorrow. How time flies as this is her last year as a high schooler, and at the end of summer next year, She will be officially ready for college. Let's wish her and all our young ones a good school semester.
Also, nephew Junior is up in New York for the next two weeks staying in Brooklyn with pops. More on him later on in the week.

The Results Are In! and the winners are..

Hi Fam,

THE WEEK IN SPORTS,

Pam and Lisa at "The Inaugural World Trade Center Run to Remember 911" quick picture before warming up for the 5K run




















At the start of the run:





















Pam running a great time so far,





















Lisa and Pam coming back from the finish line and awaiting results (notice the people still running, that's just to let you know how fast these women ran!!!)





















And the results are in: Personal BEST TIME: 23m25s.00 AND, second place in her Age Group (30-40, the most competitive field in track and field) Lisa also took 2nd place in her age class (another competitive field)

















Before leaving: How does someone like Pam with her 4 pack get to this level, One word,
HARDWORK!!!



And how does the next generation get to this point, One word, PAIN!!
Hang in there Dmiteria LOL

Happy Birthday Lisa

Hi Fam,

This weekend, Pam and friends had a surprise party for Lisa B. (Rgt of Pam). Lisa has been a long time family member and great friend. They will be doing a race this weekend on Governor's Island and I will let you know the results.
Update: Just registered my niece Dmiteria also. This should be some race! LOL.

Putting in the Miles

Hi Fam,

Get out your pom pom and whistles, Pam is gearing up for the New York City Marathon this November, 2009. Not just because she's my wife, but she's looking thin and fit. Two more races before the big day, so I will keep everyone up to date. I have a feeling she will clock her fastest time as a marathoner.

At the starting line for a half marathon in Central Park earlier this year, 13.5 miles


Rapping with some other runners:













Streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetching those muscles
















At the finish line removing sensor; BEST TIME: 1:53:00

Getting back to the Basics

Hi Fam,
Just got back from Seattle Washington where I had one of the best vacations ever. It was very empowering and self motivating. Words can't express how much I enjoyed myself, so I'll let the pics show you: (double click pics for bigger view)


This is Pam and myself at the Annual Fair
















Tim, Dad, and Kaleb, secretly planning the building of the "Cat House" (shhhhhh, don't tell anyone, it a secret from Pam)
















Dad, Making the "Cat House" for Penny and Scooter, wait till I put it together, you will love it.

















Uncle Gerrit & Aunt Marie, Beautiful people















Brother Tim, Deb, Emma, Kaleb, and Madeline(enjoying the day)
















You think it's easy, try catching your own dinner.

















My luck wasn't any easier by the fact I had to cook this bad boy.
















Uncle Ghram, Aunt Shirley, and Pam getting ready to dig into some crabs caught earlier
















The food just kept coming!!!
















The Family; Dad, Emma, Kyler, Mom, Bethany, Madeline, and Kaleb in the back lawn
















I still had to mow the lawn, imagine this in my apartment. Beautiful day.
















Big bother Brent, (wife Deb off side) still at work though on vacation. Congrats to him on his big promotion within the county.
















Finally, how can you not love this place.

Taking it to the Hole!!!

Afternoon Fam,
Big D took it to the hole this summer in her usual style and glamor. Not wanting to quit when down and being from around the way,( Dyckman Projects)her fans, cheered and encouraged her onto a disappointing loss. However, her presence was felt and the game went on to be a nail biter to the end.

Some other aspects to her game was also on hand:

Getting back on track

Hi Fam,
It's been a while. Since losing my job, it's been hard to concentrate on things like maintaining a blog, but I've decided to do just that. I've continued working at odd jobs and for the most parts have been able to come up with some serious cash to bring my bills back down to a manageable level. However, this would not have been possible without turning over my entire financial obligations to Pam. Let's just say, I would be in a world of hurt if not for her and her financial wizardry. A recruiter have been calling and looking to place me somewhere in the Wall street area as a project manager for Bear Sterns and Citicorp. I hope to continue to use this venue to keep everyone up to date as to the events that are changing our lives.
UPDATE: Merlin have been working out for the past 3-4 months in a gym and let me tell you guys out there, she is HOT. Merlin have taken on this whole new attitude and she is looking good, I will try to get a before and after picture to post soon. See you all later.

Re-Juvenation on family history search

It's on again. I've found a spark in getting my enthusiasm back to following through on the family history. I contacted:
Marie and Carol Haynes in London.
Tanty Mildred Cox in Barbados
Robin Allen in NYC
& will be contacting Denise in NYC
Check back in 2 weeks for an update.