december 2012

As a child we have all played games. It actually was our whole existence, that and eat candy. We went to school, got through the day and looked forward to our play time after. I remember some of the games we created. Hunt, being a game where someone would put a blanket over them and crawl around trying to find everyone else in the room, probably not the safest game. This play progression is important as we grow and life brings about changes.
One form of play that I rediscovered a couple years back is the play involved in swimming. I recently got done with a swim workout and was resting on the edge when an older gentleman reached the wall in the lane next to me. He asked what swim team I was on and I was a bit taken back. He then commented positively on my stroke which I thought was weird because I feel like I'm barely staying above the water at times. That quick little interaction with that man made my month. I looked on as he continued his swim and tried picturing myself not his age but rather having his consistency and encouraging mindset. I use swimming as relaxation training most of the time. I do however use it to release anger and tension on occasions. These sessions usually involve a lot of caffeine and probably resemble a shark attacking a swimmer with all the splashing and thrashing. Sometimes the negativity and low blood sugar hits me like a shark attack and I just give up and get out of the pool. This lone stranger’s positive encouragement will hopefully help me to do the same for others. I often forget how a simple compliment can make a person’s day.
One compliment a day sounds like a good start. You can always find something to compliment someone on. I usually go with the shoes thanks to my love of running. It has to be genuine of course. I have to really like what I'm complimenting others on. I'm not very good at lying. I guess that's a good thing.
The older swimmer renewed my confidence for the day and got me thinking of confidence vs. being humble. My motto is to show Over-confidence. Being humble is what you really want to be. But sometimes being humble may seem like a weakness. It really is not but it is your perception that influences your outward display. You don’t want to seem weak to others and displaying humility is perceived by many to be just that. There is a trick to being humble. By over-confidencing (new word) yourself being humble will be easier because you won’t care what others think about you. You mind is a beautiful thing, use it for good by developing the right mindset. Having and developing this view of humility takes time to develop and in this instant gratification society and climate it can be a challenge developing the quality. Training your mind is just like training your body. You can’t go to the gym once and come out looking like a body builder. Developing and maintaining a new personality or quality takes time and training. The improvements seem to take forever to develop, especially if you are accustomed to the training. So keeping in mind that this is a lifestyle and not just a onetime lesson is needed. Learning to focus and stay on task is difficult and avoiding obstacles and pitfalls is not always possible. That’s why confidence and consistency is the key. So be “over-confident” and be humble. It’s never too late to change for the better.

Be a flower

There are so many types of flowers in existance. Some are more vibrant were as others are more unique and rare. The point is that they are all different in there own special way. We are similar to flowers in that we are all different. Just like flowers we also can bloom and show our best colors. Some will be more vibrant cause of the 'soil' or environment that they grew up in. We cant choose where our seed happened to fall and plant itself, just like we cant choose are parents or siblings. We can however choose to bloom. We can do our best with what we have been given and make the best out of our particular situation and circumstances. I usually surprise myself sometimes when I overcome something I didn't think I could. Its important to not give up on our goals. Even if we never fully accomplish them the important part is we are following the path. In continuing the pursuit of positive goals I try and cultivate the environment and make a positive atmosphere florish in every place I go. Doesn't always work but i try. Just like flowers we cant be blooming at all times so we need to accept how we are for the time being and work at making changes so we can bloom once again. Stay blooming my friends.
-Barton-

Train Wreck

So it is possible to come out somewhat unscathed from a train wreck. I say this because I finished the Hamptons marathon for thethird time but this time I was fully unprepared in my training expecting the worst for this race. Running the least amount I have ever run ever and my long run being a measly 16 mile run on saturday I was bracing myself for the crash. Surprisingly this turned out to be one of my most memorable races to date.
I think I slept between the hours of 11 pm to 12 pm and then again around 3:30 am to 4:30 am when I was woken up by what sounded like to me was the banging of pots like it was New Year's Eve in my parents kitchen. It was really only my parents getting ready for a day in the Hamptons and also being my taxi. (Note to self: don't mix white wine and whiskey before trying to fall asleep before a marathon. Not the best pre race strategy for getting a restful nights sleep.) So after feeding cadence we all were out the door off to the Hamptons, after a 7-11 run of course.
The plan was for my parents to drop me off and meet me in 5 hours, which is how long I figured it would take me due to my lack of training. I went through the usual race morning routing; wandering around aimlessly, frequent porter potty trips (if your a guy like me its the nearest bush.), and constantly looking at everyones shoes.
The race started with a loud shout of applause from the athletes sharply at 8 A.M. I started the race not really talking to anyone, on my own and in my own world until the 6 mile mark. Right after the marathoners split from the half marathoners I came into conversation with a fellow marathoner named Chuck.
I think I owe this marathon victory of mine to him as we as Adam who joined are little pack around the 10 mile mark. The three of us stayed together on and off talking, encouraging and laughing until the 25 mile mark. I always like to finish strong and push it at the end so I did what I had to. It was really motivating and comforting talking to someone who you know is going through the exact same thing you are going through. A lot of people say, " I know exactly what your going through." They then go about an relate an experience that is similar to the one you told them. But running a marathon is a little different. Being in that same moment of running we are experiencing the same act, simply putting one step in front of the other for 26.2 miles. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't run into (no pun intended) Chuck and Adam but this race really showed me the power of the mind as well as how encouragement from others can really help during the tough times to accomplish a goal. My mind has not been the greatest source of encouragement lately so it was a nice ego boast to make it to the finish line.
After completing the marathon (4:00.36) my parents were there as I turned into a zombie like I usually do after such an event. It's not your normal lack of sleep zombie,which I was. It's the kind of zombie high on endorphins that usually lasts the rest of the day and sometimes most of the night. So in the zombie world it's a zombie that just escaped for the insane asylum. So after a downed a zico and got some life back in me a congratulated chuck and met up with my parents. To date the best recovery fuel after a marathon is still hot chocolate. A long with the blueberry muffin I had with it I was in heaven. Who needs beer. I actually am drinking the special brew I always have in the fridge at home that can't be opened until after the race. Took me a week to get to it but well worth the endeavor.
I consider the race and day as a success, a great memory that goes by way to fast. One thing I will always remember about this particular race is the feeling of getting up and trying to walk after sitting for a while. Needless to say I went to a microbrewery with some friends later on that night. After conversing at length I was having the urge and it was going to be nice to use actual facilities instead of bushes for a change. My body really told me that I should have trained more. When I finally reached the table again I just stood for the remainder of the night.
Next stop is the New York City marathon (left foot allowing) on Sunday November 4, 2012. I am definitely more prepared after this race and will hopefully run into chuck around mile 6 again.
"I ❤ zombies"
-Barton

Shiraz 2012

Being a wine lover I really like a analyze the wine I am drinking. Call me a wine snob if you will. I would take that as a compliment since I am not that good at analyzing the different aromas, tastes and finishes of the different wines. It's fun to try and I love learning new things. So this month I decided to research about the Shiraz varietal and here is what I learned:
Shiraz is a dark-skinned hearty, spicy red wine that has a smooth and supple texture with smooth tannins. It is a Syrah grape that is grown in Australia. Meaning that Shiraz and Syrah are genetically identical but being from different areas are stylistically different. In Australia Shiraz is most notably grown in the Barossa valley where you have the renowned penfolds grange.
Shiraz = Syrahy

Appearance:
Ruby red - inky purple
Full bodied
Flavor's:
Bright fruit flavor characteristically: blueberries, black currants, black cherries.
other possible flavor's: raspberry, boysenberry, blackberry, plum, prune, raisin,
Fig, leather, mushroom, cinnamon, clove, allspice,
Pepper.

Secondary notes: milk or dark chocolate
Often: pepper and spicy inflections
It's the secondary characteristics that led to the full bodied texture of the wine.
In the 1990's and the early 2000's Shiraz was characterized by there super ripe taste. This was criticized as being rich and bold by some and lacking subtlety by other critics. Between 2000 and 2001 the complexity of the grape started to gain ground toward the more elegant spicy styles of the Syrah in northern Rhone.
Some good blends are also popular with this varietal. Shiraz and also Syrah are often blended with Grenache and Mourvèdre to make a meritage called GSM.
Shiraz => dark chocolate and cassis
Grenache => plummy richness
Mourvèdre => earthy, game tasting strength
The three combined offer a rich, opulent (wealthy, richly abundant) style often better than if each was drank by themselves. It's always better to drink with friends. 😺
A unique blend: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon represents a good size portion of Australian red blends.
Another major blend: Shiraz and Viognier which has a taste similar to wines of Cote Rotie. These wines can get a pretty penny in some cases.
The term Shiraz has become so popular that some countries where it should be lableled Syrah, label it Shiraz instead.
Some points of note:
Popular Blends: Shiraz-Viognier
Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz
GSM
Synonyms: Syrah, Hermitage, Scyras
Related grape varieties: Durif/Petit Sirah
Food and Wine Match: Beef Wellington, Steaks, Barbeque, Spiced Venison,
Grilled veal chops with sage, Malay Lamb
Lentil soup with smoked ham hock
Peruvian stuffed pepper, mushroom and eggplant FILO
And whatever Gruyere is... Found out that it is a type of cheese. Thanks dad.

To good wine by an autumn fire.
-Barton-

Resources:
www.wine-searcher.com/grape-1112-shiraz
http://www.wineinfo.com/wine_varietals.php?varID=22

long runs

So I recently remembered why I run. The obvious one and one I tell people is cause I can and not doing so would be a waste. But I recently experienced the low to high to low then back to high sensations that so many distance runners experience. Breaking through the negative or low state barriers is always followed by a reward, a high. I haven't gotten this sensation in a while cause of being in a rutt of running the same amount of time every saturday, which is when I do my long runs. But this particular saturday I had to increase it a little in light of events I have signed up for that are in the not too distant future.So I had to run longer, I had no chose. Funny how when you have to accomplish something that it gets accomplished. The trick is not to listen to yourself when you get in your low state. Ignore how you feel and think of the high, or reward, that you will receive once you get through the low moment. Thats what it is, 'a moment', not permanent.This applies in all areas of life but is very apparent and more pronounced when running. Having some experience in running has allowed me to recognize this internal war of balance. Instead of dreading the lows I try and welcome them. They tell me that it will only get better. I just need to have patience which as we all know can be hard in this instant gratification society. So as I continue to ride this rollercoaster of life and running I hope you all will, like me; look for the good to come, help and be a friend to others, and never give up. -Barton- "just to the next mark"

for the heros

     
     Any expert, no matter what field they are in will all agree with one thing. The key to being successful at anything is the attention to the details. It is often the case that the small things are just as important or more important than the big picture. What better way to decribe the value of the microscope and its ability to peer into even the smallest of details.

Being a Cytologist the small details are of the utmost importance. We are imperative in determining the patients health and how to proceed with treatment. Our attention is in the small details that which couldn't be seen without the microscope and a trained eye. The minute changes in a cells nucleus can only be seen and distinguished by a qualified cytologist who has gone through the training and has experience with lots of cases. I'm not putting myself on a pedestal, but rather my fellow cytologists. I like to call them all, "heros."

      Hero's come in many forms. We usually think of Firefighters and Police Officiers as heros. In my case I usually associate the word hero with Spiderman, Batman, and other comicbook superheros. My fellow Cytologists are a different kind of hero but a hero nevertheless. I still think they have superpowers but thats for another essay. We are heros in a sense that we save lives, period. With the help of caring pathologists we all really make a difference. Sometimes the difference we make goes unnoticed, which is why I am thanking all my fellow hero's I have come to know throughout my experience thus far. They have been a great source of inspiration. Besides all the guidance and help I have received from them I have also the utmost respect for what they do and have done in the past, helping and caring about people. It is not the easiest job. Focusing on the details can get to be mentally tiring at times. Having run a couple of marathons I appreciate hard physical work, but also know how hard mental work can be. The job of a Cytologists is not as physical as running a marathon, but it can be as mentally challenging at times. The mental drain that can follow a day of work can seem equal to the mental drain of running a marathon, minus the endophine high that usually proceeds after the race. One thing I learned, like in running, is to just take things one step at a time and don't get ahead of oneself. So in a way working as a Cytologist has been my mental training for the marathons I have run. Mental strength is far more important than physical strength cause without the mental strength the physical would be of no use. My fellow hero's all have mental strength beyond my capabilities so far and I thank them for influencing me and helping me develop and improve my own. In my opinion all my hero's deserve a metal for there efforts in helping others and being an inspiration to the next generation.

John B. Inglese Jr. CT(ASCP)cm

Of Interest
August 2012
Dear Reader,
So it has come to my attention that I
like a lot of things. Most likely you can
relate. Of the many interests I have
there is actually a whole week dedicated to one of them. That's right, I am
talking about shark week. The discovery channel dedicates one week every
year to these amazing creations. I'm not an advocate of sitting on the couch
and eating cheesy puffs normally, this week is the exception. At least I like to
think so. I usually only see a couple of shows despite me wanting to veg out on the couch for the entire weekend. Us laboratory techs should get the week off. Nevertheless, I still have
promoted it for the past 5 or longer years and will continue to do so. This
year, along with the past previous, it has been my tradition to watch the
movie Jaws sometime during the week. This year I didn't have anyone over,
except Cadence. But as you can see from the picture at the bottom of this
post... he doesn't appreciate it as much as I do.
It's amazing all that we don't know. We may feel like we have learned
everything we possibly could know about a particular subject, place, or
person. Undoubtably we will always find out more. It's good to refresh are
minds on our previous knowledge that we have come to know. This way we dont
forget what we learned and get it forever burned into our brains. So until next year, swim safely
everyone and may the rest of summer be a great learning experience for you all.
-Barton-
"Don't look where you don't want to go."

Change is great. I was recently asked if I like the hot weather we have been getting. I like it for a little but also like the cold for a little. Variety is the spice of life as the saying goes. In contrast to change, routine can be very comforting. It is something you know, something familiar. Being primarily a mountian biker I dont shy away from the road on occasions. Every once in a while I like to go to the north part of the island. I usually ride my fixed gear bike or put slicks on my 26 inch mountain bike and hit the road. I recently went following the usual road route to what has become my first rest stop, a bagel place. Its not even a particular good bagel place but it has that comfort factor of a familiar place. Its ironic that this 'comfort' bagel place was once new and different. Thats why its important to switch it up once in a while and do something different. You never know what new things you will discover.

-Barton-

-always searching for a new and exciting path-

May 2012

Greenbelt 2012

It never rains it pours, with the occasional thunder and lightning storm thrown in. Every year since 2009 in may I run the 25K Greenbelt trail run and it has raining every year since. I've been doing it for three years now and it always has rained. Knowing this I am actually looking forward to it. It's a mud fest and I always seem to come out bleeding for one reason or another. The year I hit the tree being the worst. Wait, no the worst was when I sprained my ankle. Then there was the time when they ran out of beer at the post race party... Yeah that one is probably the worst. There have been a lot of worsts to say the least. So why if I always get hurt am I doing it again and looking forward to it? Simple, because I can and always love a challenge.

Greenbelt trail stats
5/1/2009 - wet & drizzly - 25K = 2:45.35
5/8/2010 - wet & drizzly (injury) - 25K = 3:06.37
5/7/2011 - 25K = 3:03.29
5/12/2012 - 25K = 2:58.10

I would love to beat my time but I really just love running, especially in the woods surrounded by nature. Peace, contentment, mixed with exhilaration all rolled into one is the best way to describe it for me.
Besides the peace,contentment and exhilaration there is also a sense of adventure and purpose (purpose being to survive) every year. Every year runners get lost in the networks of trails dispute having the trail blazes mark the way. The rainy, muddy conditions don't help in staying on the rocky and gnarled path. Trying to watch where your stepping and where you have to go for over three hours can be a challenge. A challenge that I look forward to every year. I call it, "taming the owl." The owl being a metaphor for a seemingly elusive challenge that you did not think you could do at first, but just train and do it anyway. One step at a time is how we live life and also during a foot race. I've written about this before but I'm sure it's good to repeat things for emphasis. I still remember how new and exciting my first time running. And training for this race was. I still get the same feeling every year. To follow is my post race report and result.
And finished! The day started out with cadence my cat jumping on me to wake my butt up. I Went through the usual routine of eating, 7-11 coffee, all the pre race stuff. I was not in the mood to race today. It seems every time I take ibuprofen pm's before bed I always wake up feeling like crap. It's so easy to just not go but i know that once i get going I will get into the groove. I went to the back of the starting line as usual and got caught in the traditional bottle necking that occurs. Gotta remember to start in the front of the pack next time. The most interesting thing about today was the fact that the sun was shining, not even a drop of rain. This was the first time since I started this back in 2009 that it hasn't rained. Another thing that happened that was new was the fact that I didn't hurt myself. So no rain and no injury this was by far the worst green belt race to date, just kidding.

Some interesting things and observations I made include;

(1) peanut butter, jelly, and potato chips on white bread is the perfect food

(2) the older you are the better you do in this race

(3) Runners are still the most friendliest of people

(4) post race naps are the best things that were ever created

(5) watch out for runners with yellow shoes (especially if they are older)

The time on my watch was 2 hrs, 58 min, 07 secs. But it really is just being around nature that I truly enjoy not necessarily the competition. I still got beat by some of the older runners but the aid station food was amazing, it was a beautiful day, and the race turned out to be a complete success. Can't wait till next year.

april 2012

Maybe its the sound of the water drowning out all the other stresses your body and mind accumulate throughout the day. Or it could be the lack of oxygen after a really hard set, which leaves you gasping for air at the edge of the pool. It could also be the focus on when to breath so as to not be inhaling water which is not very fun. It seems that swimmingreally brings out the positive spirit inside myself and when you force yourself to go fast, for even the shortest distance, you are forced into having fun. The tired sense of accomplishment forces you to focus on the positive things. Theres so many negative things that can weigh us down and their always going to be there. Swimming forces yourself to focus on the positive, simple things such as breathing. Cause what is there to be negative about when your body is in motion in 'clean', revitilizing water. Sometimes it can be hard just to get to the pool. I've learned to tell myself that I'm a shark to get pumped up. Sounds silly but it works. A shark being a top predator oozes with confidence. Just by the way it swims it is easy to visualize the almost prideful motion of the sharks swimming. When you think your a shark, you are a shark, its a simple self-fulfilling prophecy that works.
When those negative thoughts come into your head, cause they will, you need to trick yourself sometimes to keep going. One great way is to break up the yardage into smaller parts. I like to give more effort at the 500 yard, and after every 500 yard I will start back at 100 yard in my head. So every 5th 100 I count back as if it is my first 100 yard. You still with me? Changing your speed helps you to want to keep going. Sounds weird but going faster will actually help you sometimes.Visualizing that the water is my enemy is a great motivator as well. It may not always be the smoothest or fastest way through the hydrogen and oxygen bonds but it sure fells good. except when the 60 and 70 year olds that have been doing it for years pass you cause you have no form, but thats another story.




-Washing away the stresses- Barton
Pic is from Ireland = Americano and lemon coconut muffin. Another way to reduce stress. :)

Love to write write to love

Write about what you love and love what you write. Most people have the ability to write and I feel it is very important not to let this ability go to waste. Like a olympic athlete in training for an event, if we dont keep up with our writing we could lose the skill that we have developed. By loving what we write we will be rewarded with expressing our thoughts on paper which if you never experienced the flow of writing, it is well worth the effort. I enjoy writing with ink rather then with the aid of a keyboard and computer. Or rather I should say the hinderance of it. Call me old school but its more personal and gratifing to write in that manner. The world has enough complications so ink and paper is a way to simplify things for the moment.
When I first started writing I was afraid that my grammer wasn't right and that everything I wrote would never amount to anything. I've learned to not take myself so seriously and just write for myself. I plan to improve and find ways to write things that are interesting and fun to read about. Maybe one day I'll write a book. If I ever get all my random thoughts in order.)

- I bet your more at peace since viewing the picture of Cadence sleeping. Not a bad idea.
-Barton going to bed-

I remember playing tug of war as a young boy and having the greatest fun. There usually was a give and take with both sides coming to a stand still since us youngsters were all previously matched. I have discovered that I will play this game mentally whenever I think about things too much. Solution... My goal is to stop thinking. I recently had this internal battle on the way to the pool. I kept coming up with excuses to just go home and sleep. Ideas like 'My neck is killing me, Im so tired, and it's too cold out' kept popping up in my brain. The last one didn't even make sense cause the pool is indoors. The thing I have learned to do is to not let these evil thoughts enter my head. When they do I immediately think about something else. It has been a while since I went swimming and I only did a little just to get my feet wet. I now remember the love I had for the sport and it has been to long. Water is always reguvinating and relaxing to me. Except when you haven't been in it for a while and your form is gone. I feel like I was hit in the back with a hammer... I'm gonna feel this tomorrow. But for now it feels good.
-still punching the water-
-Barton-

The Start of something good.

Being focused on doing one particular thing will bring about the greatest end goal. A great quote I've heard is, "When washing dishes, just wash dishes." Meaning that by focusing on washing the dishes and not anything else you will become absorbed in doing the dishes and wash them to your very best ability. By doing your very best in that seemingly monotomous, boring task of washing dishes you will be happy and satisfied. Whatever the task might be if you get absorbed and involved in that task the task will begin to matter. That being said its also important to switch your mind to the next task and not still have a dish washing mindset after all the dishes have been washed. Don't live in the past.

That being said, january tends to be a good month to start planning your goals for the year. Ill write my physical one on this blog to try and help keep me accountable and not back out of them. Some races that I have signed up for already include;

* Wilderness 101 MTB Race--July 28

* NYC Marathon-- November 4 ( Thats right. Finally got in it.)

Some personal goals include

* Swim 120 miles (which just happens to be approximately the length of Lake Champlain)

I encourage you all to write down some goals and tell others about them. It doesn't matter what type of goal it is. I also have a goal of finishing the painting I started along with a bunch of other goals. Don't worry if you cant accomplish them. Failure is a way to learn.
Dont keep dwelling on a matter. Think, Decide and forget. Think about the best course of action. Decide to follow through with the action, even if there may be a better way to do it, you will learn from your mistakes. Then Forget about it, just do it as the phrase goes. Don’t overthink it.

-Be the positive in a world of negativity and your world will be positive-