Creative Visualization

Over the last few months, I've found myself using creative visualization a lot given I've been training to run the Boston Marathon. However, as I've been doing this, I've realized that I've also been using this tool a lot in other areas of my life.

For example, when I used to approach a woman at a bar, I'd picture a couple of buddies firing me up with a monologue like this, imagine myself making attractive facial expressions at just the right time, envision being just charming enough, and ultimately, doing everything I could to leverage my strongest asset . . . my sense of humor (please insert any and all jokes here).

Another example: job interviews - even before a phone screen, I go beyond thinking about what I'm going to say and actually picture myself saying it. Additionally, I visualize the person on the other end giving me positive feedback, good follow-up questions, and generally sounding as if they'd like to hire me on the spot.

A third example: exercise and sport - an obvious one and especially critical for me given my marathon training; within this setting, it is probably having the biggest impact. The other day I was out on the Boston course, in the snow and the wind, running up and down the first hill over . . . and over . . . and over. At each sign, telephone pole, or other marker, I tried to picture someone or something drawing me in - first it was Mary McManus, one of my inspirations for running Boston and the consummate example of perserverance and courage - next it was my coach Jeremy with his fire and enthusiasm for my training and progress, telling me not to quit - then it was me back in 2002, laid up in a hospital bed and unable to move my leg, heavily medicated and feeling like I would never make it back to reality . . .

The reason I think creative visualization is so powerful in exercise is because it helps to manage pain. In particular, it doesn't eliminate anything I'm feeling physically when I'm on mile 16 but it helps make it a little bit more bearable from a mental standpoint. I've been told that some people can take creative visualization to a level whereby their physical pain can actually be reduced (or at least feel like it is) and this is a place I'm striving to get to.

I wonder how many others out there take advantage of creative visualization in the parts of their lives I've identified above. Even more interesting is to consider other areas of our lives where we could use it: non-romantic relationships, day-to-day activities, job performance, etc. - based on the number of books and publications I've seen on the topic, my hunch is that many people are using it throughout their lives and I certainly hope this is the case.

In fact, as funny as this scene was (Apollo Creed at the piano?!), it really does have a lot of meaning behind it and I can't think of a better way to capture it; creative visualization can be a very powerful tool and I plan on leveraging the hell out of it!

I'm signing off for the weekend but will be back on Monday with a new post so be sure to check back here next week!

Also, don't forget to tell your friends, family, and other peeps about my alter-ego (TMWDoBaJ.CrewM - http://tinyurl.com/yjvqob9) and if you haven't already, to show your love for Spaulding Rehab Hospital and Mary McManus here!: http://www.firstgiving.com/russforspaulding

J. Crew or Bust

As you may have already heard, in my latest act of shameless self-promotion, I've started a fan page for myself on FB entitled "The Man Who Dreams of Becoming a J.Crew Model" . . . I know what you're thinking: IS HE SERIOUS?! Well for starters, I am. And second, if a FB page entitled "Can this pickle get more fans than Nickelback?" can get nearly 800,000 fans, score a T-shirt deal, AND get press on Billboard . . . in just over a week's time . . . the question is: why shouldn't everyone start a fan page for themselves?

Now I'm guessing some of you probably want to punch me in the face right now and the truth is, the Russ of a few years ago would probably punch 2010 Russ in the face as well . . . but the bottom line is that this makes sense on several levels. Allow me to explain:

1. I've been a J.Crew brand champion for the past ten years, remaining incredibly loyal to their image and style, while spending countless thousands on their men's and women's clothing, accessories, and other products . . . much to the chagrin of my parents and (former) financial advisor . . . and yet I digress.
2. It looks like models have a lot of fun
3. Can there be anything more satisfying than creating a fan page for yourself on Facebook and then becoming a fan of it?
4. During each of the past two summers I've hosted a "Preppy Party" in which my primary focus (aside from drinking heavily and entertaining my ultra-preppy guests) was to try and sport  J.Crew's entire men's summer collection . . . in one evening. The shot below is from the first party when I "successfully" pulled off a seersucker, plaid, and pinstripes ensemble . . . while rocking Nantucket Red shorts . . . amazing, right?
5. After recently scoring an audition for a New Balance commercial, I feel like the timing for self-promotion couldn't be better . . . but maybe I should have waited on this until I actually got the job? . . . whatever, I'm putting the NB audition on my CV either way. 
6. I love the idea of making it into a J.Crew catalog and having countless readers see me and think things like "Really? This guy got in here?", "J.Crew must be cutting back on their sales and marketing budget . . .", and "If this guy can be a J.Crew model, Kramer should have gotten that CK gig!"

In all honesty, I've always wanted to try and get into modeling and as much fun as I think it would be to work in J.Crew's marketing organization, I'm pretty sure I'd have more fun modeling for them . . . then again, given I'm already 31 going on 81, any modeling career I can establish is likely to be a short one. Thus, I should probably start hinting at my interest in marketing the minute I get my foot in the door . . . don't you just love my confidence?

Why the swagger? Well in less than 12 hours after going live, the page already has 6 fans (including myself) with the good news being that one of those fans actually works for J.Crew so . . . at the very least, this fan and I will share some uncomfortable laughter the next time I visit her store.

Wish me luck!

The Top Ten Guys at the Gym I Can't Stand

(in no particular order)

1. The Comedian

For some reason, sometimes the gym environment will bring out the comic in a guy . . . let me paint the scene for you: two to three guys surrounding another one who's telling a story or a joke, with his "audience" erupting in loud, obnoxious and boisterous laughter every 10 to 15 seconds . . . if this were to happen once or twice with this group while I was around, I probably wouldn't give it a second thought. If it happens 20-30 times within a 45 minute workout, I'm pretty sure this guy should be on stage somewhere.

2. The Doting Boyfriend

He helps her stretch, he winks at her in the mirror while doing bicep curls, he holds her hand while escorting her to another area of the gym, he pecks her on the cheek when she comes over, he helps her up after she's completed a set on the mat, and he waits for her outside the women's locker room while she's changing . . . all with an expression that's a cross between "I'm the luckiest guy on the planet" and "FML".

3. The Homeless Man

There's a reason they have locker rooms at gyms (and as you'll see below, my feeling is that it's not for a place to rock nudity) and while I know we can't all afford locks and/or may just feel more comfortable if we keep our possessions close, does a guy really need to keep a PILE of his stuff with him at all times? Against the gym wall or by his treadmill? Next to his bench? On his bench? The next time I see this I might just ask him if he'd like to share my locker with me . . . you know, for the unintentional comedy that would ensue afterwards.

4. The Creepy Guy

Every gym has one and while they can be young or old, fit or fat, and/or with friends or a loner, they've all got one main objective: creep every decent-looking girl out (and secretly creep many of the other guys out too) . . . now it's fair to say that I probably wouldn't pick up on The Creepy Guy's activities if I wasn't looking now and then myself but prolonged staredowns, following specific girls from room to room ("subtly" of course), and eavesdropping have never been part of my gym repertoire . . . ok, well maybe the staredowns have been but the fact that I'm hearing impaired precludes any eavesdropping.

5. The Naked Guy by the Locker

I know, I know - it's a locker room and if a guy has just showered and/or is changing clothes, he has to be naked at some point, right? Well that's not this guy. This is the guy who is at total ease with his nudity while by his locker - he may sit on a stool for a few minutes while listening to his iPod (while naked) - he may pack up his bag after getting out of the shower, organizing things and making sure everything is out of his locker (while naked) - he may even try and strike up a conversation with someone nearby (while naked) . . . put some f*cking clothes on already!

6. The Naked Guy at the Urinal

If it isn't the middle of the night, you aren't in your own apartment, and you haven't fallen asleep naked after sex, there's no reason why any guy should be standing at a urinal and/or toilet and using it unless he has some clothes on . . . I'd even settle for a t-shirt!

7. The Naked Guy at the Sink

Have I ever shaved naked? A few times . . . Have I ever put product in my hair while naked? Maybe once or twice . . . Have I ever flossed, brushed my teeth, trimmed my nose hair, applied hand lotion, combed my hair, rocked some cologne, and trimmed my beard while naked? . . . at the gym sink? . . . let me check . . . NOPE!

8. The Dirty Towel Guy

Based on my experience, I'm pretty sure that ~98% of guys at the gym would fit the description of "Dirty Towel Guy" - the definition? - it's pretty simple really: this is the guy that comes into the locker room after his workout, takes off all his clothes, wraps a clean towel around his waist, walks to the shower, showers, then uses the towel he just had wrapped around his sweaty, post-workout pelvic area to dry off his face, his neck, his hands, and the rest of his freshly cleansed body . . . after years of banging my head against locker room walls, discussing this phenomenon at length with friends, and being flabbergasted in general by the behavior, I've finally stopped caring . . . but it wasn't easy.

9. The Reader

If you aren't using a piece of cardio equipment, please leave the newspapers, magazines, and books at home on your coffee table.

10. The Big Stomach Guy

We all know who this guy is: he's in pretty good shape overall and in many cases, he's got a pretty muscular physique all around . . . until you get to his stomach. I know that we're all different and that there could be any number of reasons why a Big Stomach Guy has that big stomach (genetics, diet, medical condition, a love for big stomachs, etc.) but there's just nothing more puzzling to me than a guy who will spend all his time on every other part of his body and then devote not a single rep to tightening up his abdominals . . . HIT YOUR CORE ALREADY!

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Now one must bear in mind that this list is based on my personal experiences (and the gyms at which I've been a member) however I'd be shocked if some of you hadn't run into one or more of the characters above . . . for other fun (and more in-depth) lists in which you may find several other guys (and gals) you've bumped into at the gym, click here and here.

To support my Boston Marathon 2010 fundraising campaign for Spaulding Rehab Hospital, click here!

Straight guys with cats: a bit minty?

Ever since the immortal Seth Cohen popularized the expression "minty" during The OC, it's held a special place in my vernacular. Recently, I've found myself using it more frequently after having added a new resident to my apartment: a cat.

It's funny but I never thought the topic of "guys with cats" would be such a polarizing issue . . . come to think of it, I had no idea the ownership of cats in general would be so polarizing. Upon blasting the news of my new roommate, I was receiving feedback that ranged from "OMG - so cute - love her!" to "So I take it you've decided to switch teams?" Even more striking were the comments that ranged from "OMG I HATE CATS - I HATE THEM - UGH!" to "You guys look great together! She is such a cutie! I can't wait to come visit her!"

Now I know we're all familiar with the concepts of "dog person" and "cat person" but I had no idea that there could be such passion and fire behind these identifiers. Granted, I'm working with a relatively small n here but nonetheless, people appear to be pretty much on one side of the other when it comes to cats . . .

For today, I'll refrain on discussing the idea of being for cats or against them b/c I'd like to tackle something which resonates a little more for me from a personal standpoint: can real men own cats? Now I know that the defining and/or coming to consensus on the meaning of the term "real men" in this context would require its own post (or more likely, its own room in a library) but for now let's just assume it is best captured here and here.

The topic of men with cats is by no means an unpopular one, with a quick Google search finding that even sites like About.com are compiling pieces of research and analysis on the subject. More importantly, even publications like The New York Times have written detailed articles on the topic, raising (and thankfully putting to rest in some cases) many of the questions and issues I have been wrestling with. The bottom line appears to be that while a lot of statistics, publications, and commentary support the idea that real men can own and love cats, my social circle appears a bit more divided on the subject.

Do I talk to my cat when no one else is around? Of course I do. Do I let it sit on my shoulder like a parrot, take pictures of us together and post them on Facebook, and let out a series of tweets, whistles and baby talk-type expressions when I first walk in the door so it'll come bounding right over? Yes, yes, and . . . yes. Is this all a little bit minty? Maybe . . . but given I already call the things I use for my hair "products", I have many "gays", and I cried during the climactic scene in Forever Young, should I really be called minty for owning a cat?!

Now if this blog suddenly takes the shape of something more like this, maybe there'd be reason for concern that my personal level of mint was escalating. For now however, I'm here to say that I know it's a little bit minty that a straight guy owns a cat but there shouldn't be anything wrong with that!

Execution

For awhile now, Jeremy (my running coach) has been stressing the importance of executing a plan during my long runs . . . come to think of it, he's been stressing the importance of execution with every run; every time I go out, he thinks I should have a plan of attack, goals in mind, and most importantly, means to achieve those goals. Ultimately, his stance is that these things will allow you to achieve something big once you're out on the run: execution.

For me, yesterday's run was probably the first time I put everything together and was able to fully execute. Since I've started working with Jeremy, I've become a quick believer in his philosophy but it's not an easy thing to learn and bring together unless you're really hitting on all cylinders. Pre-run nutrition, stretching, pacing, hydration, in-run fueling, posture, gait and mental focus are all key components that must all be incorporated. In fact, the overall execution is really a series of smaller executions: I hit Shaw's the night before to make sure I had everything ready for my 7 AM breakfast, I woke up on time and had everything ready to go for prep and quick consumption of my pre-run meal, I had a ride out to my starting point planned, and so on.

The most compelling part of yesterday's run was seeing the results after having focused on all of the things above. Since becoming an amateur runner, I have (to a fault) always been focused on things like total time, time per mile, total distance, and other traditional metrics used to gauge ability and/or success. Granted, these are certainly important pieces of data to consider, review, and strive for when competing, however what my coach has taught me is that if you focus on the components that go into executing, the time and distance will take care of itself. In other words, if you work hard at eating better, stretching more, focusing on form, doing the right amount of weight training, etc., you will make gains and improve no matter what.

Yesterday I ran 15 miles in 2:06 which is equivalent to an 8:24 min/mile pace. From a classical metrics perspective, this was my fastest 15 miles ever. But what I'm even more pleased about is that the satisfaction I felt before, during, and after the run had nothing to do with anticipating, experiencing, or reflecting on this result . . . the satisfaction was all about the anticipation, experience, and reflection on execution.

If you're a runner and you're ever out on the Boston course, you know that a tradition of sorts exists: you typically wave or exchange some type of greeting with other runners as you pass by them. After I'd finished my run yesterday, I was tired but pretty much beaming and standing tall, basking in the glow of my accomplishment. A couple of elite looking runners went by me going in the other direction, both giving me a nod of encouragement and a wave, probably seeing I'd just finished up my run . . . I don't know who these guys were or what they were thinking but what I do know is that it was a great feeling to have them come by at that moment and acknowledge me.

Speaking of acknowledgements, special thanks to the gentleman at the Dorset Cafe in Wellesley who lent me $5 in cash so I could get a train back to the city . . . it's the little things that make a difference and I think my coach would be proud of me because even in the post-run glow I was experiencing yesterday, I still found a way to overcome an obstacle and execute!

Help me support Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and honor Mary McManus as I prepare for Boston 2010 by clicking here!