Worst Foot Foward

I've got no choice in the matter, friends. My right foot/ankle has taken me out of commission (of sorts). You see, if anything touches just below my right ankle a shooting twitch of intense pain, as if a knife is slicing my foot from the inside out, happens and I cannot take another step until pressure is relieved and time for me to recover happens. I imagine it to be a nerve, tendon, obscurely annoying kind of injury I sustained whilst running/jumping around for work.

Thing is, this injury is a non-factor for work as long as I do not have any footwear touching that right ankle of mine. Thus, my solution:

These Sperry Top-Sider kicks are THE only kicks I can wear... at all. I mean unless I just flatten the heels of every right kick I have... this is it. Although, some might've thought it a fashionable statement to wear one wingtip and one sandal at work, I could not allow that to go on for too long.

What is going on for too long is this foot issue. I may have to visit the doctor again, but I really can't imagine what he would be able to do for me. I think I'll just let it be, hope nothing hits/rubs/touches/thinks of touching my right ankle and eventually this will get better.

What is really getting me upset about this foot/ankle issue is that I cannot ride my bike. I'm not about to try and train with one Northwave cycling shoe clipped in and a Sperry/sandal on the other foot. Nope... not gonna happen; and it sucks. I miss my bike.

But, hey! I'm a realist and a moderate optimist... it's not all that bad. I can still work and make money. I absolutely love my job and am happy with life these days. I've said it before, but feeling appreciated for the hard work that I put into my job means a lot to me and I hope to keep it up. This aforementioned issue will pass and that bike is a patient being in my life. I am making friends and doing things that I enjoy. The bike will never leave me.

I'm thinking about that tattoo I've been wanting to get.


Thanks for reading. Anyway, for those that know of my cycling goals for this next year... who knows what will happen, but the realist in me outweighs the optimist. I will do my best and ride when I can. I have a few things in my queue that I want to get after in the new year. You'll see.

Hello Again

Yeah, yeah... it's been a while. With that said, changes have happened to me and my youthful life here in NoVa.  I wouldn't imagine that these changes are anything momentous like marriage, expecting a kid, or other silly adult things. Yet, having a job that I appreciate while feeling the appreciation in return is a pretty big thing for me. I do not know what the future of it all holds, of course, but as long as I feel like I am in the right place and can continue developing myself and the things I want, I am in no rush to be anywhere else.

Where am I? Well, I am working at that J. Crew I mentioned before in Tysons Galleria and enjoying it a lot. It might be my low-key o.c.d., my personable manner and attitude, or just some good timing and luck that has me at this J. Crew, but I feel big things are happening. Some weeks, I put in over 40 hours and am happy to do it. Some days I feel so tired, but ever satisfied with how much effort I put into the work, system, organism, that is this J. Crew. I was originally trained as a men's sales associate, but have become more of the store director's assistant. When changes need to be made, when moves must happen, when cleansing is critical, I am among the go-to for those necessary actions to take place and I love it. Some days are tough, while others are a welcome respite from the hustle.

I don't suppose I have made any enemies at work, and darn-it... I sure hope I never do. The people I work with are an interesting, fun bunch. I'm not about to rate anyone here, but the faves know who they are. Anyway, like I've mentioned, changes are on the way to this store and things are going to continue their upward trend here. I may be meeting the CEO, Mickey Drexler, next week as well since apparently he will be helicoptering around the area. Now, that does mean that the store will have to look all pretty and proper. tomorrow and the next day = a hustle.

Some emerging opportunities are happening for me and I don't want to miss out. I won't allow it, but more on that later.

Thanks for reading.

Johnny Interviews; Johnny's Hired

I feel I am very much overdue for a post here. I am in the middle of some transitioning right, but in a good way. See, I have just landed a new job at J. Crew. Seriously after not even 2 minutes of an interview with the store director, I was hired on the spot and tossed into training for mens sales that night. Actually "that night" was this night (or last night, really). So, that's an interview, hiring, and 4 hour crash-course training in mens sales all in one day. This J. Crew store at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia is a very big one for J. Crew. This locations gets some exclusive pieces of the line that 99% of the other stores do not. Does that make me part of "the 1%"? I think, in some third-party way, yup.

I have been hired as a sales associate exclusively for mens clothing and am very excited at the huge leap forward my wardrobe just took. The store director that interviewed and hired me said they have never hired anyone as quickly as they did me, (1 minute interview and all) saying she recognized an attitude from me that would sell clothes well! (I don't know what she meant exactly, but I'm happy to have it.) I am trying to absorb as much as I can from the four hour crash-course training I just had and the further immersion I will have tomorrow morning. I have told them that I am available any time they need me, but hopefully I can work some time off to watch some cyclocross racing at DC Cross this Sunday, and definitely time to hit up my beloved IUP for Halloween weekend. We'll see. That means "no promises." Anyway, I've been working on a few new "channels" of blogging and have been making strides to begin more shameless "self-promotion." I don't know if I will drop any/all the details of that here just yet, but we'll see how shameless I will get you all can handle.

Here is a video from my YouTube channel (TheJohnnyBrison) and it is a step in the direction I want my videos to take. Realize that this is me putting myself out there more than I am usually comfortable as the audience I have here is not exactly the audience my videos and some of my other self-promotions are intended, but it wouldn't be shameless if I didn't just embrace it... or have you all embrace it whether you or I like it or not.

Hope you enjoyed it enough. I'm still learning how to effectively put these things together at a pretty fast pace. Feedback would be appreciated, but constructive would be best. I'm my own worst critic, and I know I'm putting myself out there more. It is what it is. I am very proud to be working not only for J. Crew, but this particular one and hope that any of you all that will be in the area and possible looking for some wardrobe additions and updating will not hesitate to visit the store! I would love to help you fide everything you need.Thanks for reading. Thanks for watching.

Off-Season '11 Thoughts and Possibilities

I wonder where writing might take me. Sure, I enjoy spilling out whatever comes to my head on here and other various medias that many don't know about, (nothing weird, just my more ways to not annoy everyone; like dividing through different ways of expressing all the things I enjoy) but I'd really enjoy making a bigger impact with what I am capable of writing. That is to say, I really do keep myself in check here and branching out or expanding it would be liberating. I want a creative project; something to put some impassioned effort into. You know, the kind that burns the night oil.

When I was making those videos (#1 & #2) for IUP's cycling club, I really had a lot of fun with them and put a lot of time and effort into them. I love that perfectionistic side of me that comes out in such instances. It really does have an impact on me that I want to get after.

This is going to be a long off-season and I want to make the best of it. At this point, I am looking to get work and though I may find some, I need to keep on top of not only my fitness, but also things that keep me enjoying life outside of cycling and striving to keep creative and pushing myself.

At this point, I think I will merely leave it at this and ponder accordingly. I'm excited to explore possibilities, but who knows what will come of this idea, if anything. (This next section you may choose to read might indeed spark that something.)

Anyway, I filled out and turned in an application to work at J. Crew today in Tysons Galleria in McLean, VA as a sales associate. Upon turning in the application that I was able to fill in at the Betsey Johnson store where a good, newly engaged friend of mine works, the initial interview with the store manager went well and, according to her, I should be having a follow-up meeting with the store director early next week while they put through my background check. I don't imagine it will be an easy job, but I was eager to point out that I was hoping to get as many hours as I could before, during and after the holiday season. I hope they are okay with a somewhat blank canvas as far as I go for selling clothes. Sure, I've had my experience in stores plenty of stores (ex gf much? amirightfellas?), and selling clothes does seem like something that I could become good at, (especially since I really like the clothes) but that'll be for them to decide. As much as I like shopping, I'm picky (some might say frugal) and never seem to have enough money to justify spending too much on clothes. However, I did drop a bit on a few J. Crew purchases investments last week. Apparently, since I can now fit into a size x-small button-up, I can take advantage of sales where others cannot and I totally showed that investment off for my first impression inside the store whilst dealing with that application. I'm rambling, but I'm excited about this prospect!

Yet, in my mind, this optimistic prospect is multifaceted for the following reasons:

• J. Crew is my favorite clothing brand,
• I enjoy clothes a lot, though I don't have enough to justify that claim,
• I need work and money from exchanging my time for that work -  redundant (this probably should have been on top of the list),
• I will have more opportunities to be social this way; new people to meet, be around, and maybe hang out with,
• If I'm going to work retail... this would be my first choice (oh yes, more so than a bike shop),
• I do enjoy fashion with a hope that I can dip myself into it with my own style (I have my opinions on what you wear),
• Employee discount, and
• It'll be a new experience.

And with new experiences come new opportunity. In my wildest dreams... I am successful in more ways than I can allow myself to share here. This job might not be a fit for me, but I'm going to give it a try if they give me a try.  And you know what... it's not lost on me that I could enjoy this job and find success. Being around clothes that I really like might lead to me accepting some of the days that will be tough, but really... I'm not finding it hard to be optimistic about this. I'm thinking there will be enough time for them to train me and get me ready for this holiday season and the craziness that will ensue. I know I lack some of that experience, but I'm young, impressionable, I've graduated college, and I kind of really want to be in that mix. Bring it on, Black Friday shoppers.

They have to hire me for any of this to make much sense. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for reading.

Jeremiah Bishop's Alpine Loop Gran Fondo

This inaugural Alpine Loop Gran Fondo was brought to the public by Cannondale Factory Racing rider, Jeremiah Bishop. This route just so happens to be his favorite training ride and there is no doubt in my mind that it gives him the kind of tough, dependably difficult ride that a competitor of his caliber needs to stay on top of his overall training. Beyond the excitement Jeremiah must have felt at the opportunity to share his favorite ride with so many fellow cyclists, the real purpose and pride of Jeremiah Bishop's Alpine Loop Gran Fondo was, and will continue to be, a ride to raise awareness and support for prostate cancer. To learn more about his and the "Prostate Cancer Awareness Project" initiative, do visit 29000men.org.

Proud of my accomplishment and my legs for that day!

Having finished the ride, I was all smiles. There was a lot about this ride that challenged me in ways I have not so acutely faced (9,300+ ft of climbing for one ride). Yet, I surprised myself in a way that I am proud to write about; suffering with 130 other riders in this challenging and rewarding event.

Overall, I finished 12th. In my age group (18-24) I finished 2nd. My legs found a rhythm on those climbs like I hadn't seen since the Morgantown Road Race and Penn State at the Nittany Cycling Classic. Those were climber's races and this was no different, except that people I was passing on the climbs gave me words of encouragement to keep pushing on and keep driving for strong finishes on each ascent. I either thanked people or tried to pop a joke to spring a smile while we ticked away to the finish.

Here's my Alpine Loop. (Missed turn much? Though, I wasn't the only one.)

The course was, of course, hilly. But what scared me the most were the descents. I am a poor descender to begin with, but at least this was not a race. Remembering this fact helped me not take any uncomfortable unnecessary risks. With hands cramping and the threat of running into the back of some cars let alone off the side of the road or smack into some oncoming cars through blind turns, I made it down those hills like everyone else, and at least I was warned before some sketchy sections. Large yellow "Danger" signs preceded those sections and though I ended up despising the sight of them, (in a "oh what could be coming next!?!" kind of way) they prove to be just an example of how well this event was thought out and supported. Through personal contributions of Jeremiah Bishop and, no doubt, many valuable volunteers, the route was well marked, the riders were well fed, and the suffering was well worth it.

My Strava profile from the ride (my first "epic") indicates how well I felt going up each of those climbs. I didn't know what to expect beyond suffering. The climbs seemed to keep going, and not knowing how far they went after the next turn or what it would feel like climb a dirt/gravel/mud ascent with a difficult average gradient could be construed as a significant disadvantage. Yet, my legs just didn't seem to mind as they slotted into a rhythm and pumped away. Even between the major ascents and descents, I was feeling strong and able. At different points I helped drive a high pace with other riders and even rode away from and passed groups out on the road driving to the finish. I was in a rhythm and did not want to wait any longer than I had to to get across that finish line.

I was careful to keep eating my Nutri-Grain and Cliff bars between rest stops as well as my bottles topped off with liquids throughout the ride. Those rest stops were great to have as fully-stocked, calorie and endurance specific refueling stations for everyone. Experience told me to make sure I left Bryan's car with enough in my pocket to fend for myself against the distance and grueling unknown. Bryan, of course was my ride, and I want to toss full props to him for lugging me back and forth with full participation in the loop; encouraging me to do it in the first place. We both really enjoyed the day and I will say we are looking forward to next year's event. Though neither of us paid too much attention to the "King Of the Mountains"(KOM) competition in preparation for the ride, we now are looking forward to putting our best legs forward in those two sections next year. I will also make sure I don't miss a turn mid-way through the ride either as Bryan and I both missed turns and added to our loop accordingly, though not at the same time.

Doing my best to finish strong after a long dirty climb. (soleport flickr)

Thanks to Jeremiah Bishop for putting on this encouraging event and all the volunteers and riders that back his part in the Prostate Cancer Awareness Project. I had the opportunity to share a few words with him during the ride as he slipped back through the field to chat and personally thank the riders that showed up for his event. After telling him how I could see this event growing from year to year, he shared the optimism in stating his hope that the ride double in size next year. His excitement throughout the event was infectious and I plan on being a part of this for years to come.

Mid Atlantic Timing results show the overall times and where the results lie (missed turns not factored).

I only wish I could train like this all the time (or for races of this nature)... I really could get used to it. Thanks for reading.

Gator(skin) Wrestling

This is pretty self-explanatory. You've all been here. Now, I don't know if it's my weak, end of season arms or that these are the toughest tires I've ever put on my wheels, but I hope you at least enjoy the music... and my boredom.

The reason I got these continental gatorskin tires is that Alpine loop Gran Fondo I'm doing this Saturday.

Song: Little Joy - No One's Better Sake

Off Season Plans

What might I be able to do now that my races have died down? I have had two offseasons in my young cycling career and each one has been has monotonous, yet rewarding as they could be. This offseason, however, may prove to be a more challenging endeavor. At IUP I had a gym, and consequently a rowing machine, at my disposal. Here, I have to figure out how I am going to get myself to a rowing machine.

If you haven't guessed, I swear by the rowing machine for my cross-training. As much as I would enjoy cyclocross... and not enjoy running or swimming, I really believe that rowing gives me the best low-impact, full-body workout that simply cannot be matched. My legs are engaged in a full range of motion work with arms, abs, back, lung and heart work that I really find painfully addictive. At IUP, I would work on that machine for up to 4 hours to build my base and keep my effort in lengthy check as I would dream of hitting the finish lines first.

That's the goal, of course. Payoff for the less than glamorous offseason work off the bike is what I'm after. I already know, pending some unforeseen disaster, that I will be stronger next season. I just need to put in the time like I have before. It's all up to me.

This bad boy glides at over $1000

That's the kind of pressure I want to put on myself. I need it. But... do I need a rowing machine?

I kind of feel like I might. Does this make me a "creature of habit," a "superstitious person," or a "real big idiot"? I'm not sure, but I think I will go with my gut on this one. Then again, I also have to go with my budget. You all should know that my summer job of riding around Fairfax County roads and neighborhoods tossing larvicide ends by mid-October and I will be needing a job to continue after that. My budget my be pressuring me to look for something more like this...

Solid.

I guess I wouldn't be sinking if I had that contraption under me, but I'm going to try and make this purchase as an investment not only for my cycling, but future offseasons as well.

I'll figure something out. In the meantime, I have some cycling to keep my legs moving. As I think about it, I believe I will have 3 events for the next 3 months that will have me challenging myself.

1. September: Jeremiah Bishop's Alpine Loop Gran Fondo. This ride is famed to be the toughest Gran Fondo in the United States as it will cover 95 miles and about 11,000 ft of climbing. It really didn't take much for me to be convinced to do this by local rider Bryan Esposito today. I am looking forward to it and I know I will feel the pain of some serious climbing September 24th.
2. October: The Florida State Road Race Championships October 30th is a real possibility for me to try and do. Reason being, I have family living in Florida that I haven't visited in a long time (not without my bike, mind you) and since my summer job will be over by then; I figure why not? I don't know what to expect other than some fast, flat road riding, but I could find good legs there too.
3. November: Pittsburgh's Dirty Dozen is something that I have wanted to do for a few years now. If you don't know about this unique race, do yourself a favor. 13 of Pittsburgh's steepest, toughest climbs will leave a mark and I want it.

I must highlight a common thread amongst each of these events. I really do not expect anything as far as results go. Sure, I would be elated if I do well at them, but that isn't the goal. The goal, as ever, is to have fun with other cyclists and to challenge myself doing events that I haven't been able to before now. I've got nothing to lose and I'm as young as I'll ever be. We'll see what happens with a lot of things that may or may not happen in the nest few months. I can do nothing but do my best and not worry about what I cannot control while enjoying and making the best of the opportunities that I am given.

Watched the ascent of this, the Alto de L'Angliru today at the Vuelta.

Clearly, I am already looking forward to next season as I plan my offseason. I've been losing weight too.

Thanks for reading.