Saipan's Beach Boy Blog

It's On Now!

2011-07-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

After eight and a half years of waiting, my Mom and Dad have finally arrived in the Marianas. Kathy and I picked them up at the airport Friday night (Saturday morning) and it's been a bur ever since.

It's wonderful to have my family here and it's great going out for drinks with my Dad. Last night we hit up Bossano Bar before what can only be described as my father's immersion into Thai culture at Wild Bill's.

By the end of the night my Dad learned a couple of Thai phrases and even more about the nightly celebrations of life by the Thai ladies. My Dad now officially has about three new Thai sisters and the official seal of approval by Nong, the bar's proprietor.

There are many places left for us to frequent, and I think that we're going to be out on the town in some way, shape or form every night they are here.

I was originally bummed out that my brother and sister won't be able to make it here for our wedding, and I still am a bit, but I received some words of wisdom from a friend of mine over scotch and cigars that put my mind at ease.

He said that I should look at it as a blessing that I will be able to focus all of my time on my parents instead of dividing my attention between the previously touted swarm of haoles who initially said that they would make it out here for our big day.

Sure, it would have been nice to spend time with my entire family but right now I am really enjoying this time with my parents. I got a little choked up while I watched my Mom holding my boy, Keoni Ryu.

She knows exactly how to make him smile and laugh, as does his Grandpa. I am so glad to see them holding our son and spending time with us as a family. It makes me wonder what it would be like should Kath and I move back to the mainland.

There is just so much that I want to cram into the next couple of weeks but I think I'd rather have them spend an additional two weeks out here so we can fully enjoy their company. I think that's something akin to using my third and final wish to wish for more wishes, and genies generally don't go for that.

Life As A Clock Watcher

2011-07-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I'm watching the clock. There are so many things that I'm waiting for these days that it almost feels like I am a puppet of time.

Two weeks from today I will be a married man, in less than a week my parents will take there footsteps on Saipan soil, and any day now I will receive my Samson microphone in the mail!

I'm excited about all three, but my future of podcasting and new blogging adventure on tumblr is on hold until that bad boy gets here.

I've already posted a couple of things on tumblr but it's nowhere near what I'd like to do.

There are so many possibilities with all of the available features on my next blogging platform. The new microphone will allow me to raise the level of quality for my news reports, and a new tablet will allow me to take that to a whole new level.

When it first hit the market, I couldn't comprehend the need for the iPad. Sure, it was cool and looked an awful lot like the electronic notepads used on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but why would that be better for me than a laptop?

All I could see when I looked at the tablet was the long list of limitations, both real and perceived. Rather than realize the practical applications, I focused on the lack memory and processing power. To me, the iPad was nothing more than a really cool toy. Oh, and an expensive toy, at that.

I'm still not interested in the iPad, although I appreciate the benefits it has to offer. While it is pretty cool, I'm a PC guy so I'd like to continue to use my cool software on one of the new iPad wannabes.

From what I've seen, they're relatively inexpensive and pack an awful lot of power and features that leaves the iPad behind a bit. I'll never win that argument with a Mac guy, but that's fine with me.

So about all of this waiting...

At least I'm not waiting to magically get in shape. That is one thing that I have been able to do something about.

I've been running every morning for the past week and enjoying just about every bit of it.

It's hard to believe how far I've slipped from the height of my fitness. Without a doubt, I am at least the furthers from my cardiovascular goals than I have been for quite some time.

It' been ages since I've run a 10km but for some reason I think that I should be able to wake up and knock out a half marathon tomorrow morning should I choose to do so.

That probably has plenty to do with my mental self-image. I still feel like I should be able to do anything, but the reality is that I need to run, bike and swim myself back into shape if I want to get to a place where I'll be truly happy.

There's a great travel opportunity for the CNMI Men's National Soccer Team this spring as we compete against Guam, Macau, and Mongolia in the EAFF Tournament. The site hasn't been determined as of yet but our Football Association is pushing to have the tournament in Mongolia.

Guess announcement of the tournament host is just one more thing I'll have to wait for.

Taking A tumblr

2011-07-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

After stumbling upon someone's page, I've decided to start one of my own on tumblr.

I've thumbed through it and from what I've seen so far it looks pretty cool.

Much like blogger, this new platform offers the ability to upload text, photos, audio and video.

I had heard of tumblr before but never looked into it because it seemed like just another blogging platform.

The audio feature alone might make this my favorite venue to voice my takes on the world. This might be where I start to post my podcasts of the local news in Saipan.

My posts will be all text, photo or video based until that darn microphone gets here. Maybe I'll get lucky and see that in my post office box this afternoon.

Chillin' With The Chills

2011-07-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Once in a while you just need to take one when you're not feeling all that well. That fits the bill for me today so I've opted to spend the day at home rather than take my unhappiness to the office.

I might have been able to soldier on through the day but the effects of spreading this to the rest of my coworkers would be unpleasant, at best.

This was definitely the right choice. I hope I'm feeling better tomorrow because there are a few things that I'd like to get accomplished this week and I want to make sure that I have enough time to make it all happen.

Sometimes, I guess there just aren't enough rocks

2011-07-11T04:26:00.000-07:00

Because of the job that I do, maintaining a presence on Facebook is a must. More than that, I've got to maintain a persona. It's not that I can't write what I want or what I truly feel, but it just works out better if everyone thinks that everything is always great all of the time.

Facebook is more than a fun way to check on the status of your friends and family. More than anything, Facebook is a marketing tool for the regular guy. Twitter is to some degree as well but people in the Marianas don't "tweet" or follow those who do in the same fashion as their counterparts in the mainland.

So aside from some very light negativity, Facebook is all rainbows and unicorns for me unless it might enhance my overall product to delve a little deeper or comment on something a little more meaningful.

I think that some, if not most, people make the mistake of posting their minute-by-minute thoughts in their status messages. Professional athletes are the worst offenders, but their spontaneous voices have left Facebook in favor of the Twittesphere.

That seems like it would be a better option. I mean, how much damage can someone do in 160 characters or less? Plenty. While the athletes face fines from leagues and teams, the damage is far worse for people who commit similar social party fouls on Facebook.

Facebook is just the wrong venue for venting. Friends are on on there, which is no big deal to the venter in question. The problems arise with the addition of family and ignite when coworkers are added to the mix. That's where people cross the threshold into the world of hurt.

Thoughts that are either understood or written off by friends and family quickly become the thing of gossip and behind-the-back talk at the office. Those who routinely enjoy grabbing drinks and light conversation during happy hour sessions with the venter begin to take issue with random musings on political or religious issues without granting the benefit of the doubt.

And then there are potential employers who either learn to love the posts in question or smartly choose to eliminate them from news feeds. There is little hope for the Internet idealist intent on changing the world in less than the 421 characters Facbook offers in a profile status message.

Past experiences and lessons learned have forced me to block certain coworkers from the ability to view my Facebook pages. The decision to do so ruffled a few feathers at the office but proved the cure for what ailed them. In one instance, a couple of them mentioned that they disapproved of my opinions and offered some advice on what and what not to post.

I eventually concluded that it might be easier just to block them altogether. At least one of them returned the favor, and that eliminated the need for future conversation on the topic of my online opinions. They also mentioned this blog as a source of their unhappiness, but they had the option of not reading or closing their eyes.

Nobody forced them to find this blog. That was years ago when there was an actual blogging community here in the Marianas.

All that remains now is a few of us who sporadically check each other for new content. That has actually given this blog new life. I prefer the relative anonymity that blogging offers now that I've let this little section of server space all but wither away.

Now I've chosen to write a little more openly about my thoughts. Since there aren't many people reading this anymore, I am free to ramble on about whatever. Well, I'm free to write about anything within reason.

Back to the matter at hand...

All of the lessons I've learned studying social media has come in handy as our company's overseer of all things social. You name it, we've got it, and I'm the one who checks it. I'm all too happy to take credit for all of the success we've achieved because I conceptualized our company's social media presence and have called all of the shots.

The problem I've recently come across is that people relatively new to social media have no idea how to use it. I've witnessed near flawless execution and I am a fan or people who do it right. The folks who I'm working for don't get it completely.

I've been asked to execute a poor social networking plan that will likely fail and sacrifice some of the momentum that I've built over the past couple of years. Were I a few notches higher on the ladder this wouldn't be an issue, but the guys who get paid to make the big bucks also get to make the big decisions...as well as the little ones.

Because I'm pretty awesome, I'm going to give a poorly conceived plan 100% of my effort. And it's a bad plan. How bad? Like invading Russia in the winter bad. Like Little Bighorn bad. Like Waterloo bad. Basically, it's just not a good plan.

I offered my opinion about the current directions received this afternoon in a significantly filtered manner but my attempt to educate the decision makers didn't go as well as I had hoped. I actually considered submitting my two weeks notice but thought better of it in lieu of taking a breath and walking away at the end of the day.

Parents On The Way

2011-07-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Eleven days from now my folks will be introduced to the heat and humidity that greets all passengers who take their first steps on the tarmac at Saipan's Francisco C. Ada Airport.

I am very excited to see my Mom and Dad next week. It's going to be great to show them where I've spent the past eight and a half years of my life. They've heard all of the stories (well, not all of them) and now they will get a chance to see the beauty firsthand.

While I am happy that they will be here, their presence has added a bit to my pre-wedding stress. I want them to enjoy the trip but there's an added pressure to have my parents understand why I've stayed in the Marianas and approve of all I've done to this point.

Maybe it's just me, but I think that parental approval is something all kids want.

You're Listening To...

2011-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

I love to talk. That's no secret.

It's been a couple of years since I last hosted "The Sports Show with Brad & Shan" on 1080AM here in the Marianas, but my love for radio hasn't diminished one bit. While I miss the relative notoriety that broadcast radio provides, the thing I miss the most is my voice.

Our show gave me the opportunity to say what I want every morning and get paid for doing so. Sure, the money was lousy but the benefits were amazing! I got to have people tune in to listen to whatever it was that Shan and I wanted to say.

Our program brought the top sporting news stories of the Marianas and the world to our listeners in Saipan and Tinian. We'd like to think Rota caught the show as well but the signal probably never made it out that far.

Going in, I knew that there would be plenty of upside brought about by the show. Notoriety, marketing potential, a cross-promotion for our sports section in the Saipan Tribune, and the ability to shape the collective sports focus in the Marianas were all but a few of the benefits in store for us.

What I didn't expect from the experience was that I would find my true calling. For years, I was told that I've had too much time on my hands to come up with some of the goofy things that come out of my mouth.

Suddenly, the things that were stupid of me to say became entertaining and engendered a following of listeners unseen in the Marianas. It might sound like I'm tooting my own horn (which I am), but we really had something special.

I often talk too much and tell stories that are too long-winded. That's perfect for radio! I never had difficulty filling air time with topic-laden chatter. Talkative people need to be in radio. The best thing is that we don't even have to be attractive!

So why do I bring all of this up in the dusty ol' blog this morning? Because I'm excited about the arrival of a microphone I bought for the purpose of podcasting. What will I talk about? Well, I enjoyed giving the Commonwealth report for the Pacific News Center, so I think I'll start with a daily review of the CNMI's top stories.

If that feels good enough then I won't get too deep into the process. I've got a few ideas in mind should I enjoy it too much, but there's no need to get carried away just now. My best case scenario would be to sell my pieces to local radio stations or for them to be picked up by the folks in Guam.

In the meantime, I need to come up with a name for my radio news idea. I want to get a something that will work well for tags at then end of my reports. My line with the Pacific News Center was, "Reporting from Saipan, Brad Ruszala, PNC News."

I always liked saying that.

While I wait for the microphone to get here I'll continue to work on the naming process.

*Thanks to Lewie Tenorio for creating our show logo and animation!

Hark, Hugo's There!

2011-07-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

How bad is the healthcare system in your country that your leader boards a plane to have a medical procedure performed in Cuba? We're talking about a country where people still drive Bel Airs that are held together with gum and paperclips as daily drivers.

I never thought all that much of Hugo Chavez or the way he leads Venezuela, but something tells me that state of the art medical care in his South American country equates to the use of a First Aid Kit in a room without as many flies as the lobby.

Cuba? Really? I've been to Guantanamo Bay and met Cubans who tried leaving the island nation on homemade rafts. They told me firsthand how bad it was at Castro Disney.

Communism? Yes!
Secret police? Yes!
Quality healthcare? Who knew?

Maybe what Cuba needs is a new marketing campaign to clean up its image.

For those who aren't ambitious:
Come for the health care, stay for the Communism!

For the economically conscious:
Come to Cuba and heal for a steal!

For those who seek adventure:
Cuba: It's like Mexico with a longer swim!

Things must be pretty bad in Venezuela if the Head of State heads to Cuba for top notch medical care. Would Barack Obama fly to Saipan to get his spleen removed? Hmm, I doubt it.

Well biba, Spain! Congratulations on setting another part of the world back 200 years due to poor colonial practices. I blame the siestas.

Scott, Julie, Weddings and Priorities

2011-07-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming but with less than a month to go before Kathy and I exchange vows, some of the details are starting to weigh a little more heavily than before.

Of course the cost of the rehearsal dinners, pre-wedding entertainment, ceremony, and reception are never too far from the forefront of my financial fixation, there are other thoughts that surface once in a while...when I let them.

The thing that's got me down is that my brother and sister won't make it out. It wasn't easy for me to get home for their respective weddings, but somehow, someway I did. I didn't want them to go through the rest of their lives with the thought that I didn't care enough to be there for them on their big day.

The cost of airfare hasn't gotten any cheaper over the years but the price to fly here for our wedding isn't much different than it was when Kathy and I flew to New York for Scott and Kristen's wedding last summer.

They both explained about the financial barriers that stand in the way of their trip, but those seemingly insurmountable walls were present when I was posed with making each of my trips to the mainland.

So how should I feel?

Angry?
Sad?
Mad?
Furious?
Resentful?
Hurt?

Should I get to work on the grudge of all grudges?

Well, I thought about all of the above and I can't really settle on any of them. I suppose that I've moved on from the "grudge of all grudges" train of thought months ago when they had all but decided that they weren't going to make it out here.

I've moved beyond anger and ferocity because the basis of both was rooted in my sincere and heartfelt disappointment that my kid brother and baby sister would even consider not making the trip.

There's a part of me that's holding out for a surprise visit from both of them, but remnants of my optimism are wavering, at best. As our family history goes, I'm the one who drops in for surprise visits.

I don't know for sure how their absence is going to affect our long-term relationship. Sadly, I guess that the family bond will seem somewhat less intact.

Seriously, how could they not make it here for my wedding? For me? Do they not see the bigger picture or did I think too much of the impact that my absence would have on their transition?

Am I taking this too far? I don't know, maybe. While I can't rate the importance that they placed on my presence at their respective weddings, I know exactly how much I want them to be there for mine.

I have such a difficult time accepting that they wouldn't make it. It's not as if I sprung this wedding on them a few months ago. I told them about our engagement in September. That's 10 months to prepare for a trip.

Granted, it's a long trip. The flight from New York to Saipan is easily the longest that anyone in my immediate family has ever taken. Perhaps my judgement is clouded because I posses an adventurous spirit that my family doesn't share.

It's not all bad.

Despite facing the same hurdles, my parents will make the trip for our wedding. I look forward to spending time with them here in Saipan and showing them why I have chosen to live on this tiny little rock in the middle of the sea.

It's a shame that they'll only be here for a couple of weeks, but I'll take what I can get. I've already worked out a full schedule for my folks, but there are a couple of days for them to discover a the island for themselves.

If I'm lucky I will be able to make it home this winter but it's a bit more realistic that I'll be in New York next summer for our high school reunion. Yeah, that's the sound of Father Time tracking me down.

Maybe that's why the absence of Julie and Scott at my wedding bothers me so much. We're getting older and each day takes us a step closer to placing our individual families ahead of our family.

I don't like it.

And I miss them.

Weddings, Meetings and Bears, Oh My!

2011-06-29T02:35:00.000-07:00

It happens. Even when things seem to be going my way there's always something that creeps up and gets on my nerves. The wedding planning has rolled along like The Comet but I've finally locked down a couple of things with the help of friends in the past couple of days.

After much ado, we've locked in our new locations for the wedding and the reception. Today I got the initial okay from the band, so we should be set. If the initial island chapel and reception area experience is any example, I'll feel much better once we're set in stone.

Oh, and there was a really cool development this morning as Congressman Kilili Sablan presented Kathy and I with a gift for our wedding! Since he won't be on-island for our wedding, Kilili gave us special wedding flutes for our reception that are etched with the House of Representatives logo.

How cool is that?

I spent a part of the morning in conversation with our Congressman and I got to hear some of his plans for the future of the CNMI. He really seems to have the right ideas that will bring about some positive change to the Commonwealth.

Well, there is still much to do but it seems like everything is coming together.

REMAINING UNTIL WEDDED BLISS!

New Inspiration

2011-06-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

If you can't get all revved up to start your fitness regimen after watching this guy's story then someone needs to check to see if you're still breathing. Check that, they should stay away from you because you're rocking some borderline zombie status.

Anthony Robles recently graduated from Arizona State University (Sun Devils in the house!) and racked up quite an impressive record on the wrestling mat. Robles wrapped up his high school career with a record of 129-15 and continued his dominance with a record of 122-23 in college.

How good was he? Robles was a three-time Pac-10 wrestling champion, a three-time All-American, and trails only seven young men for the most match wins by an Arizona State wrestler.

Oh, and did I mention that he did all of this despite being born with one leg?

This guy rocks. Check out the video and pay special attention to what his coach says at the end about his run times. One leg and a pair of crutches have him posting faster times than many healthy folks with the use of both of their legs.

Doesn't today seem like a great day to head out for a run?

Stupid Church!!!

2011-06-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

From Galileo to the Crusades to the Spanish Inquisition, the Roman Catholic church has been the cause of many headaches around the globe. I was raised Catholic and have lived under the influence of my Catholic upbringing since I can remember.

While I am happy for the moral compass that the church has hardwired into my decision making process, I loathed the Saturday morning CCD classes of my youth and the weeknight CCD classes of the final years that led to my Confirmation.

Why? Mainly because it counted as an extra day of "church" during the week. The weekly masses rarely offered anything of value to the entertainment center of my brain, but once in a while I took something away from our Noon sessions at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament that stuck with me.

That probably explains why I could count on one hand the number of times I attended mass after I left home for the U.S. Army. Were it not for Kathy and my transition from swinging single to happily involved father, that would still likely be the case.

Despite dragging my feet from the door to the pew, I take more away from mass as an adult than I ever did as a kid. In the past four years I've attended enough masses to critique the masses and form opinions of them and the people who preside over them. I think the part I like the most about the church is the sense of community.

Much like Buffalo, the majority of people in Saipan are Catholic. The locals here were assimilated into the faith by force from the Spanish who all but wiped out the indigenous population nearly 500 years ago while the folks from the mainland brought religion with them from Europe.

Now Magellan and his bible wielding conquistadors are invading my wedding plans. If wedding planning weren't already stressful enough, the change in service from non-Catholic to Catholic has upped the ante considerably.

Kathy and I went from a beautiful beach wedding plan to an apostolic nightmare, replete with an abundance of familial influence, cultural clashes between a landowner and the priest (to put it extremely kind without crucifying a certain angry woman who works for the church), and a boatload of scheduling and issues that have brought a typhoon of discontent upon us with little more than a month before we exchange our vows.

How bad is it? I am ready to scrap the church's influence from our wedding and walk away from the church forever. Seriously. Why won't I do it? Because I who would rather make Kathy happy and not add an all-out family revolt against yours truly.

The other reason is that despite all of my gripes, I would still rather raise our son with the same moral values that were drilled into my brain as a kid.

So what I'm left with is a pain in my ass the size of the Vatican and little more than a month to put it all together.

Sharkwater Saipan

2011-06-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

A few months ago Kathy's 6th Grade class had the local media spotlight when they invited Canadian director, Rob Stewart, to come to the Marianas and help save the local shark population. What they didn't expect is that he would answer them and make them the focus of his next film project!

During his visit to the Northern Marianas, Stewart spent time getting to know the kids, getting to know the sharks in Saipan's waters, and lobbying local lawmakers to change the laws to effectively ban the sale, use, and possession of all shark products in the NMI.

Thanks to the efforts of the kids, local lawmakers and Rob Stewart, the CNMI became the second place on the planet to enact a ban on shark fins. While the CNMI has received global recognition for its actions, Kathy's class has earned accolades from people here in Saipan and around the globe.

Here's a short video of Stewart's trip to the Marianas that aired on local news station KSPN 2 and wraps up the whole story in less than five minutes.

Check out the video on YouTube.

30th Flame Tree Arts Festival

2011-06-09T04:05:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year when all of Saipan's local artists come together for a weekend celebration of their creative talents. Last year I added my brand of art to the festival and enjoyed the harrowing experience of letting the public judge my work.

This was the first time that I had attempted to sell anything that resembled art, much less anything that I made. To my surprise, people validated my effort through the purchase of some of my work!

My friend Gil said that I should probably have more confidence if I hope to be taken seriously as an artist. He's got a point, I'm sure. Still was nervous that people would cast their vote on my worthiness with their feet and continue their stroll past my tent.

Lots of people stopped in for a visit, many of whom were my friends who were surprised that I had any art to display. I don't know what most people think of me (which is probably a good thing), but I'm pretty sure that none of them imagined that I produced art in any form.

The stuff I produce is the result of block printing. It's a multi-step process that involves planning the image, drawing the image, tracing the image, redrawing the image backward over carbon paper to transfer the image onto a linoleum block, carving the image into the block, applying ink to the block, transferring the ink to the paper, and framing the finished product.

It sounds like a lot of work and it is but I enjoy listening to music and creating images that represent my love of the Mariana Islands.

Well, my art will be on display once again this weekend and I've got some new pieces to unveil when I set-up shop tomorrow afternoon at booth A-29. If you find the time, stop down and check out the fruits of my labor!

*Speaking of the fruits of labor, thanks to Gus Kaipat for the use of the photo at the top of this post! I "borrowed" it from his blog post in April of 2007.

Dadstravaganza

2011-06-09T03:08:00.000-07:00

So far this little bundle of joy has dominated the Bradscape and completely spoiled my selfish life model. I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything but rather that I've gained so much meaning in my life whereas before I had no real purpose but to live and now I have every reason to provide stability for a successful life for my little boy.

Is that the meaning of life? Well, it kind of is for mine right now.

While I have changed a few things, a lot of my regular every day routine hasn't been altered one bit. The one who is shouldering most of the load is Kathy. She has been an absolute superstar mother. If they handed out an award for motherhood, Kathy would win it. Her dedication to Keoni started when we found out he was on the way and she's been a woman on a mission ever since.

I can't wait until Keoni is a little stronger and for his personality to develop so I can read his expressions as meaningful reactions instead of passing gas. That doesn't mean that I'm not enjoying the time we spend together just hanging out.

The past couple of days have brought about a change in our little man. He is no longer to eat and sleep his day away. Now it seems that he wants to "hang out," as Kathy put it this afternoon. That's what we did while Kathy ran out to do some errands today.

The little man and I went outside to look at the sky, the trees, birds, the dogs and everything that isn't on the inside of our house. The short trips outside seem to make him happy, and that makes me happy. Right now taking him into the yard is my "go to" move when it comes to cheering him up.

Actually, he usually quiets down soon after I pick him up. Kathy's family made a few jokes about the way I hold him and move around while we were int he hospital but my "moves" seem to do the trick when it comes to quelling the reb-yell-ion.

That's about where I am for now on the fatherhood front. More on that stuff later.

Dadville - Population: Me

2011-05-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

The world became a very different place for me last week as Keoni Ryu was born on Monday, May 16th. This not-so little guy weighed in at 8lbs. 12.7oz, so he came to the planet with a plan to dominate professional sports.

As newborns go, Keoni's weight was in the 95th percentile and his height/length was in the 90th percentile. I'm not saying that he's going to be the white Shaquille O'Neal, but I expect him to start dunking before he turns five.

Kathy and I have discussed a new He Said, She Said blog, but right now we're trying to get used to our new sleeping arrangements. I'm not gonna lie, she's doing most of the work at night because my nipples don't yield any milk (so far). She's not alone though because I'm there to feed her and to change diapers.

Because I'm such a "me" guy, this blog will still be mostly about what's going on in my life but I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll have a considerable amount of baby news from here on out.

Getting used to parenthood isn't easy. More than anything, I think the word that best describes the experience as surreal. We've got a little baby at our house that we actually made! This isn't a babysitting assignment that's going to end when his parents come back from a night out.

We're the parents and the two of us get to watch this child progress through a multitude of firsts on his way to manhood. It's difficult to explain but I knew that I loved Keoni unconditionally the first time we looked at each other.

Sure, I may have looked like a blur to him but he looked like the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen. It was like my life became 10 times better in an instant. I couldn't be more proud of this little man.

With some luck I'll be the kind of Dad that he deserves.

Looks like our little bundle of global domination has already made a difference in this world.

So Long, Green Shirt

2011-05-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I really, really need to update that photo of me in the green shirt. It's been there so long that I've thought of it as a monument to the me who used to be wild and free. As I struggle to mentally transition from then to now it's become more and more apparent that I've progressed from Renaissance Man to Old Man.

That kind of sucks.

While I may never comfortably accept the latter, I endeavor to bridge the gap between both in the face of a changing world and an aging body. At 36, I'm too old to be purposefully stupid and too young to write off my love of recreational sports.

Physically speaking, I've been much better off but my motivation has been as varied as my physical states over the years. As a single guy, I was driven to fitness by the thrill of the hunt on Saipan's sexual savannah. As a soccer player, I've been pushed to perform by my selfish desire for field time and to maintain my spot on the CNMI national team.

With two months until my wedding to Kathy and the lack of a major tournament in the near future, I've found myself in a motivational valley, in search of the next carrot. It seems to me that I'm driven more by my image in the eyes of people who don't matter at the cost of those who do. I wonder of that's a common condition or one unique to my mirror.

Whatever the case, a new photo that is more representative of today's Brad is up.

Time To Shine

2011-05-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

I'd like to say that I have been distracted from blogs and have been unable to return here by forces of the world, both known and unknown. I'd like to say that I'm a brilliant writer whose talents required regeneration while enlisted in the comment circuit. I'd like to say that I've spent enough time away from the "Beach" and that my triumphant return is upon you.

What I can tell you is that only one of the above is true.

Time to regain my voice and channel my inner Brad for an expositionalistic puke fest. Time to create my own bad words like a bad rapper. Time to impose my will upon this keyboard and burn my posts onto your cranial hard drive.

Status updates and Twitter have destroyed my will to read long posts, but not to compose them. From fingers to keys, every thought I transfer becomes the most important thing you will ever read. With that in mind, I'll suppress my Mastodonic ego long enough to click "PUBLISH POST" and move onto the next flash of prose in motion.

Letter To The Editor

2011-02-18T14:26:00.000-08:00

I'm no Ambrose Bennett, but once in a great while I pen a letter to the editor for our local papers. It's been years since the last time I submitted an LTE, but it was needed. This time I felt it equally so. Here's what Kathy and I submitted:

Losing a pet is not an easy thing. Last year our dog, Meatball, was attacked and poisoned outside of our home in As Lito by thoughtless cowards. As a result, she suffered renal failure and died a month before turning the age of two.

Following the attack, we brought our dog to Paradise Island Animal Hospital with no idea as to the extent of her injuries, but Dr. Tudor discovered and diagnosed them. While we hoped for the best possible outcome for our dog, Dr. Tudor managed our expectations with honesty and compassion.

Meatball had been to Dr. Tudor’s office since she was six weeks old and received all of the shots and pills necessary to keep a dog healthy and happy.

The staff at Paradise Island Animal Hospital had come to know Meaty during her regular check-ups and saw her grow from a tiny little pup to an 80lbs. behemoth.

While receiving treatment for her injuries at Paradise Island Animal Hospital, Meatball received first class care from a staff that went far beyond professional courtesy that you might expect from the only show in town. They were kind. They were caring. They genuinely felt the pain that we were going through at the time and did whatever they could to accommodate us.

Dr. Tudor allowed us to visit our ailing dog after regular hours and on days when his office was closed. While we were charged for the medicine he prescribed and services rendered, Dr. Tudor waived or reduced countless charges during the final couple of weeks of Meatball’s life.

After he exhausted every treatment available for our Meaty, short of dialysis, Dr. Tudor offered daily check-ups for Meatball free of charge, provided us with supplies for her final days, and prepared us for what to expect when the inevitable arrived.

When the end finally came, it was heartbreaking. Our dog died in our arms and we were left with a mountain of pain and medical bills. Dr. Tudor and his staff displayed compassion for both the emotional and financial costs we endured, and for that we will be forever grateful.

It’s been almost a year since Meatball lost her fight and as we prepare to welcome a new puppy into our home, we’ll gladly be back to the Paradise Island Animal Hospital to ensure the best possible care from people who genuinely do.

To Dr. Tudor and his staff, thank you so much for helping care for our dog, Meatball. You and your staff earned our trust, loyalty and respect and provided much needed support during a very difficult time.

Thank you.

Brad Ruszala and Kathy Pagapular

Read the letter for yourself in the Saipan Tribune and the Marianas Variety.

Word of the Day: Apprehension

2010-12-03T02:45:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'm a little apprehensive this evening because I am about nine hours away from racing the 100km 4th Annual Hell of the Marianas. Sure, the distance is daunting, but it's not just the length of the course that worries me.

The extreme heat of the tropics combined with the drastic change of elevation is enough to make a grown man cry. I just hope that I'm in pretty decent shape by the time I get to the 50km point at the Saipan Radar Station.

My game plan is to pasta it up tonight and freeze a water bottle or two for the midday heat. I know that they will thaw during the ride and provide some much needed heat reduction when the time comes.

I'm starting with a pair of POWERade sports bottles in my cages and a bunch of Accel Gel packs in my Bento Box. There will also be some pain killers and electrolyte tablets in a ziploc bag to help me if the going gets tough.

All things considered, it's going to be tough. The intro to climbing begins through the Papago section (don't even get me started on the state of the roads back there) and offers sweet relief and high speeds all the way to Laolao Bay Golf Resort before climbing back out of Kagman.

From there it's a familiar climb around the Capital Hill area that leads to a footloose and fancy free speed session towards the King Fisher Golf Resort. There's a short and not-so sweet climb to the turn around point that's followed by a loooooooooooooooooooooooooong climb back to Isa Drive. That is probably the most difficult part of the course.

If I'm feeling okay through that section, I'll have more confidence for the rest of the course.

After a fast and furious trip down Capital Hill, we'll head north to Marpi along a mostly flat Middle Road until we climb about two miles to the 50km point at the Saipan Radar Station. Once there, I'll know how the race will finish for me.

It's a tough climb through the Marpi hairpin to Suicide Cliff, a quick ride down to the Bird Island lookout, followed by a trip to The Grotto and the final climb of the course. Once the legs are burned to a crisp, it's roughly all downhill or flat from there and riders head back through the hairpin en route to Banzai Cliff and the 75km turnaround and aid station (powered by IT&E!!!).

After that, it's pretty much smooth sailing all the way back to the Pacific Islands Club with only exhaustion standing between the riders and the finish line. I'd like to say that I can finish the race in about four hours, but realistically I think that I will be happy with a time that's somewhere under five.

I've been working like a dog on the soccer field (tonight included) and I'm coming off of an infection that sapped my energy for the better part of two weeks. Perhaps I'll be a bit at a disadvantage heading into tomorrow's race.

Too late to turn back now. I'm all paid up so this thing is on!

We now pause for station identification

2010-11-26T23:45:00.000-08:00

I used to blog whenever I had something to say but lately it seems as though I'll either post my thought as a Facebook status update or I'll think twice about what I've typed and delete it before it goes public.

Perhaps blogging is better for developed ideas. Maybe that will be what ultimately brings me back to blogs. Facebook pilfered the skills and desire of local writers and I am no different. Currently I need to crank out a story for a sports magazine and it's got to be finished by the weekend.

All of the material is there but I'm so damn out of practice.

Time to hit it.

Ride 'Round the Ridge Course Preview

2010-10-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

Eighteen intrepid mountain bikers showed up to the abandoned Marpi Radar Station on Saturday to preview next weekend's Ride 'Round the Ridge.

When I made a couple of phone calls and sent an email about the ride on Friday afternoon, I figured that a couple people might show up on Saturday morning. As Kathy and I drove up to the top of the ridge line I figured that I might see three or four people, tops.

To my surprise, there was a massive crowd waiting for me at the summit! I couldn't have been more excited to challenge the trail with a group of fellow mountain bikers that ranged in age from 11-50ish.

I shot a bunch of video and will edit it down some time this week. Look for it here, on YouTube and on my Facebook page.

Ride 'Round the Ridge This Weekend

2010-10-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

Date: Saturday, Nov. 6,2010
Location: Marpi, Saipan
Start/Finish: Saipan Radar Station
Registration 6am
Race Start: 7am

$20 Registration Fee
$10 Students

Our local athletes are hungry for the challenge and adventure that awaits them at starting lines across our island. Our efforts to satisfy their never ending search have led to the creation of a new mountain bike course that will offer riders of every experience level in the Ride ‘Round the Ridge.

The Ride ‘Round the Ridge (nicknamed the Triple R) is a locally organized and locally supported off-road cycling event in Saipan’s scenic Marpi area that offers local and international athletes of every experience level a reason to get fit, stay fit, and live a healthy lifestyle all year long.

The adventure begins at Saipan’s mysterious radar station where bikers will rocket down the coral road from the top of the As Matuis ridge line down to the Sirena, Kalaberra Cave, and emerge from the shadows of Suicide Cliff along the double-track course at the Bird Island Lookout. A glance to the right will provide a breathtaking view of Saipan’s untouched wilderness and unrivaled beauty.

The race continues along the paved road until the riders reach the Kimikaze Trail. A left turn delivers challenging single-track and a daunting climb along the most technical section of the course. Once they reach the summit, the riders will turn left onto the paved road the leads to Suicide Cliff and zip down 300 meters of straightaway before turning left onto the coral road that follows the Marianas Country Club.

Once they reach the million-gallon water tank, the riders will turn left once again and climb towards the Radar Station. Those opting for the Sport Course will revel in their victory while those looking for the ultimate challenge will begin a second lap on the Championship Course.

The Ride ‘Round the Ridge also serves as a tune-up for local competitors preparing for the upcoming Hell of the Marianas, XTERRA and Tagaman, and provides recreational riders with an opportunity to enjoy another quality local event.

Our marketing strategy includes direct promotion to riders from Guam, Japan, Korea, Russia and the United States for the 2011 event through mailings, video, email, as well as word of mouth solicitation to create another signature event for the Commonwealth that will bring recognition and sports tourists to Saipan.

While promoting the beauty and adventure available in the heart of the Marianas is at the core of our motivation, the Ride ‘Round the Ridge offers another opportunity for local residents to witness firsthand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Promotion of the Ride ‘Round the Ridge is meant to be another weapon in the Department of Public Health’s arsenal as physicians continue to wage a war on diabetes in the Marianas. Upon completion of the race, we plan to continuously develop the Ride ‘Round the Ridge into one of Saipan’s signature events with the complete support of the local community.

Cash and prizes await the racers as well as a chance to win a Cannondale F9 mountain bike from Saipan Bike Pro!

Busy B-rad

2010-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Life has been pretty good to me and I've been busy trying to make the most of the gifts that have been bestowed upon me. I have the gift of gab and an overactive mind that was labeled hyperactive as a child.

I think that's worked out for me because I have "plenty" ideas bopping around inside head that never allow me to just kick back when I'm not mentally engaged (which reminds me of something else that I will get to later).

The POWERade Banzai Memorial Half Marathon and Fun Run entered it's fifth year when scores of runners turned out for the local sports fundraiser on Saturday, September 11th. The race started when a friend of mine thought it would be a great idea to organize a challenging event on a beautiful course.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I couldn't see this race being anything but a big time event worthy of signature status for Saipan. After cranking that race our for years, I organized my first mountain bike race in February, The Northern Passage.

Man, that was one heck of a thing!

We had a ton of riders show up and the sponsors came out in droves. The cash and prizes were right, and the course provided just the right amount of speed, challenge, and excitement to riders of every experience level.

The race was a hit, and I thought that I could come up with another couple of races before the year was out. Enter the 2010 Saipan Radar Run and the upcoming Ride 'Round the Ridge. After a bunch of planning and a scramble to the starting line, I put together the first Saipan Radar Run last weekend.

The runners turned out for a bunch of cash and prizes from our sponsors, and the volunteers were absolutely amazing! I wasn't sure how the race would go, but I had hoped that everyone would enjoy themselves and enjoy the beauty of the course. Mission Accomplished! I received a lot fo positive feedback from the participants and volunteers and there was plenty of press coverage. People seem to genuinely enjoy the events, and that's one of the reasons why I'll continue organizing athletic events on Saipan.

The other is that I like the idea of being the driving force behind re-educating the public about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. A high percentage of the children in the Marianas are diagnosed obese, and the adults here are plagued with the very preventable Type II Diabetes.

Walking, running, biking and swimming are all great ways to stay fit and fight off the disease that takes many local people well before their time. Knowing that I have a part in promoting health where I live is pretty cool, and I hope it's making a difference.

So now I'm pushing ahead with my final organizing attempt for 2010 with next month's Ride 'Round the Ridge. This is going to be a lot of work but I know that it's going to be a lot of fun for everyone involved. The volunteers should get a kick out of it, the riders should really enjoy the course, and the sponsors will get a lot of exposure out of the race.

But if I build it, will they come?

The hype machine is in full effect. I've got posters, a Facebook page, and a database of participants from the past events to contact. We'll be in the paper and on the radio, get support from private and public organizations, promote the beauty and rugged charm of Saipan, and usher in a new era of racing in the Marianas.

All in all, I'd say that this race should be a hit. Well, I hope so anyway. The logo is nothing short of pimp, the t-shirts are going to look pretty freakin' cool, and for the first time in my race organizing history I'm getting hats made for the event.

Lots to do and lots of work ahead.

In the midst of all of this, I'm training for the Hell of the Marianas, a soccer tournament, a marathon, and trying to make sense of the world. Oh yeah, and then I get a Facebook message from a guy I've never met asking me if I was ever going to start blogging again.

Ironically, I think that it was Facebook that sort of derailed me. It's far too easy to post a status message and a couple of photos on my FB page. Well Earl, here's your answer. Thanks for reaching out from Columbus, Ohio.

On Hosting

2010-09-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

The past few years in the Marianas have been very good to me. Not only have I got to meet lots of people, absorb lots of culture and eat lots of food, I've also been able to do lots of things I wouldn't have expected were I back in the mainland.

One of those things is being an event host. Last Thursday I wrapped up my third season as the host of the Pacific Wine & Spirits Wine Rally Series. Not only do I get to enjoy fine wines at some of Saipan's finest establishments, I get to socialize with the people who make the Food and Beverage departments of Saipan amazing!

Last week was the grand finale, and the staff at the Pacific Islands Club went all out to make the event something special. The lighting, the music, the layout, the food: everything was perfect at the PIC.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not afraid of taking center stage in front of groups of people. The ham in me loves the attention and I love feeding off the energy of the crowd. While there are probably schools that teach the finer points of public speaking, I learned the hard way by making my fair share of mistakes with all eyes on me.

The worst two times I remember were when I was in my teens. The first was during the senior skit back at Lancaster High School. For some reason my classmates thought I was funny enough to dream up a sketch for our pep rally.

I knew right away that it wasn't a good idea. Nothing came to mind and I had to be the glue to hold the funny stuff together. That didn't work at all. I mean, it was bad. Really bad. I'm talking embarrassing movie moment bad.

The other time was when I was in deployed to Cuba with the Army. The camp I was living in decided to put on a talent show and they thought that I could do a comedy routine (how does this keep happening to me?).

Sure, I can say some funny things at times and I do things that make people laugh at me at others. The combination of the two just don't equate to a quality comedy routine. Seriously. I like making up my own lyrics to past and present songs, and I've been able to get some hearty laughs from them (Tell Me What It Takes was one of the best).

Well, I can't play any instruments so what was I thinking when I agreed to take the stage? Nothing, that's what! I should have said no. Actually, I did say no but they talked me into it. They might not have known it at the time but they talked my into my doom.

Some of the worst hecklers were my friends, which is exactly how it should be. They gave me credit for trying it, but man, it was bad. It was so bad that I hoped that a giant hook would pull me off the stage because I had no idea how to exit.

At least I didn't pull a Milli Vanilli and go running off of the stage!

When each of those "performances" went awry, I felt about two inches tall. I remember the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins and wanting to get out of there and escape the embarrassing moments.

The most accurate time pieces in the world could not measure the length of time each second actually took between ticks. Some of those moments have never really ended, and they haunt me each time I'm about to take the stage.

Because of those memorable miseries, I have the confidence to take the stage. Why? Because the next time will never be that bad. I also have a better handle of what I can and cannot do.

Before the start of any event, I create a mental picture of myself standing at center stage in an awkward moment. I imagine everyone focused on me at a moment when I don't know what to say and try to work my way through it.

It works.

I remember doing that most effectively before the start of the Friends of the Arts production of Tony n' Tina's Wedding. I was the host, Vinny Black, and there were a couple of lines that I stumbled on in practice.

So what did I do on opening night? I imagined myself on stage at the part where I had difficulty with the script, and an awkward pause where the attention of the audience and the actors was on me. I took a breath and built a mental bridge that brought the next line into my frame of consciousness.

So what happened when the curtain went up?

I felt the moment coming as the show progressed and when my time to belt out the words arrived I nailed it. Nobody knew how I stressed over two sentences, but two lousy performances in New York and Cuba got me through once of my best in Saipan.

Mountain Bike Adventure

2010-08-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

I had a rip roarin' good time yesterday afternoon as I rocketed my two-wheeled machine from San Vicente to Kagman and back via the ruff and rugged Laolao Trail. Along the way I zoomed through mud puddles and weaved through countless potholes along the coral, dirt and mud expressway.

Did I put myself in jeopardy. No. Okay, maybe a little. I played it safe for the most part because I wasn't sure if I might come face-to-face with the grill of a dive company van or wipe out on a tight corner littered with loose gravel.

I still went pretty fast where I thought it was survivable but the climbs were anything but speedy. Holy crap, that ascent to Kagman sucks! I was huffin' and puffin' up the road that seemed as endless as it was impossible.

When it got to a point where my front tire kept popping off the ground, I leaned further forward and somehow caught a piece of a dive van in the corner of my eye. It was creeping behind me, so I let them pass.

While I normally don't stop a climb because of the mental defeat, I used the "Hey, I'm being a considerate traveler" excuse to pull over and take a breather. I took a few swigs of my sports drink and contemplated the return to my saddle. It wasn't all that pleasant 'a thought.

"I could just turn around here because it's going to get dark soon and I wouldn't want to try riding down here without ample light," said the fat guy on my left shoulder.

"Or, I could suck it up and ride to the top to see just how far up this baby goes," said the future fit guy over my right shoulder.

The guy on the right won out and I peddled my way upwards where, to my delight, I found the turn around less than 100m away. How 'bout them apples?

Seriously, Yahoo!? Seriously?

2010-08-26T22:37:00.000-07:00

Of all the stupid...

What kind of fool...

You can't seriously think that...

These are some of the intros that crossed my mind before I crossed them off of my list. While I occasionally click on the Yahoo! links that pop up ahead of my email page, I rarely have a take on them one way or another. That is to say that I don't usually invest much more than a passing glance at the headlines before checking out my inbox.

I broke with habit today thanks to one headline that struck me as absurd.

Do women really need to learn about the signs that men provide on on a website? Does a website like Yahoo! have credibility in that department? And if so, what sad, sad individuals take their lead from this electronic dissertation on twitterpation?

More on this later after I finish throwing up.

Adieu Green Machine

2010-08-24T04:50:00.000-07:00

Since I'm in the fourth year of this blog's existence, I figure that it's about time to spruce things up a bit. I've cast the reliable green background aside in search of a new look.

Now this might not be the final template for me, but I thought I'd give it a try for a day or so and see if it grows on me. In the meantime, I think the change of scenery reflects my change of pace...writing wise that is.

The new look blog is a relatively blank canvas as I take center stage in front of a vacant auditorium. Vacant, that is, but for an old friend and the random Google search.

New MTB Video

2010-08-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

So I had a blast tearing through Marpi in the rain the other day and I broke out my "Brad-proof" camera during the last little bit of it. Here's what I put together with some fine Adobe products like After Effects, Premiere Pro and Photoshop.

I'm still finding my way through all of the software, but so far I'm having a blast.

Mountain Bike Adventure

2010-08-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

Between just returning from a weekend getaway and paying for masters classes, Kathy and I were in need of something cheap and fun to do. And by cheap I mean free. After enjoying a nice dinner at the house that included some of the Chianti we brought back from New York, we rolled out of bed on Saturday morning and hopped out of bed for a little mountain bike adventure in Marpi.

We rode north past the resorts and took a quick water break at the Last Command Post before we left pavement behind for the Santa Claus Lane and The Grotto. The old Japanese railroad still makes for a pretty cool off-road ride, and the plunge into The Grotto was the perfect cure for the mid-morning heat.

The ride back took us through Cowtown (which looks like someone had recently cared for the overgrown motocross track) and the single track route past Larry Hillblom's boat and through a coral forest to Banzai Cliff.

All in all, it was a good ride with Kathy and a great reunion between my ass and my bike seat.

Time = Relative Anonymity Achieved

2010-08-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Well, that's my version of Einstein's Theory of Relativity anyway.

After a couple years of consistent blogging, I've taken some time off to catch up with the events of my life. I've missed it. Writing gave my creativity wings and allowed me to explore myself and the process.

While I welcomed readers to this little piece of me and even enjoyed the rise of readership, I felt that my writing had to fit a mold that was easily digestible for my sometimes judgmental audience. I think that after more than a year of spotty updates that I've shaken all but the occasional Google search to my blog.

That said, I think I'll start this bad boy up again. It needs a bit of a redesign, so I'll spend a little bit of time learning how to spruce up the ol' page.

Two Months In A Few Weakly Detailed Paragraphs

2010-05-09T01:22:00.000-07:00

Lots to talk about, and I doubt that I can get everything in this post. That said, I'll try to get in some kind of a decent wrap-up. Here's what's been happening:

Last month, I entered some of my artwork in the 29th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, and am just a photo submission away from becoming one of the CNMI's registered artists. Yes, we register our artists out here.

I put a variety of two of my prints on display, and sold a bunch of them during the only day I felt confident enough to show them. I wasn't sure how they'd be received, but I walked away pleased that some people liked it...enough to purchase them anyway.

Currently, I'm trying out for the CNMI Men's National Soccer Team once again in hopes of retaining my position with the squad. In the past few weeks I've trimmed off 20lbs. and I expect to burn off another 10lbs within the next month.

Part of that is could be because I've been stressed out with the health of one of our dogs, Meatball. I'd rather not get into all of the details, but the short story is that she's been fighting for her life for the past couple of weeks and we're still not sure how it's going to go.

I could write in depth about it, but I'm not interested in going for another ride on that emotional roller coaster right now.

What else? Oh, in related news, we're moving to a new house. I tell more about that once we're all moved in, but I can tell you that we're excited about the new place and its charming owner.

That's all for now.

Man!

2010-03-07T19:57:00.000-08:00

Man, it's been a long time since I've posted anything here. I'm not sure if I should fire up the engines again or put this baby to bed. I'll think about it for a little bit before making any rash decisions.

Either way, I think I've got to be writing for myself again instead of the few readers I had back in the heyday. That suits me just fine. Nothing wrong with a little obscurity to let my literary wings take flight.

It's been a busy 2010 so far. I've organized a couple of races, done a few more, started up soccer again and am looking ahead of three consecutive weekends that include the XTERRA Saipan Championship, Tagaman Triathlon, and XTERRA Guam.

March will be over before I know it, and I'll be that much closer to my brother's wedding in June. Planning for that trip is my main focus, and there's lots to do for that. Anyway, I'll think about the blog and life in general.

H1N1 finally here

2009-07-20T02:13:00.000-07:00

Well it was bound to get here sometime and the sensationalized H1N1 has finally made its way to the CNMI. This was confirmed today as the CNMI Department of Public Health confirmed that two cases of H1N1 have been treated int he CNMI.

The first was a 26-year-old female from Japan and the second was a 16-year-old local boy. According to the DOH Medical Director Dr. Richard Brostrom, both have completely recovered from their bout with the world's fastest spreading strain of influenza.

The good news is that H1N1 is far less scary than the media initially made it out to be. Every day the regular run of the mill flu kills 1,000 people worldwide. In its first three months, the H1N1 has killed roughly 400.

Nothing to get worked up about folks. We knew it would get here and it finally has.

Liberation Day!

2009-07-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking a lot of photos and posting some of the sights and sounds of this year's Liberation Day parade on Saipan. Stick around and check out the video and stills that will be here later.

The sad thing is that it's a bit rainy here today but that won't stop the parade!

Pretty Cool

2009-06-25T19:19:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I know I have a lot of time to account for but here is something I stumbled upon during my lunch break. My name was mentioned in the Honduras Weekly. Freakin' Honduras, are you kidding me?

Yep, Honduras. I was listed as one of the current members of the CNMI's National Men's Team along with the rest of the guys. Follow this link and see for yourself.

Pretty cool, huh?

UPDATES ARE COMING!!!

2009-05-11T20:47:00.001-07:00

Okay, so you've been patient enough already so I will jump back into my writing mode for all of you (or both of you?) who routinely come back here to see if there's anything new to read. Maybe that'll make you happy. Maybe that'll make you sad. Either way, you're reading this so I'll provide you with some more "stuffs" very soon.

Thanks for not burning down Brad Headquarters in the meantime.

February Century: Day Seventeen

2009-02-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

Today was fun. I woke up late but I still wanted to get a little run in before work because the coach told us to expect a little running at practice tonight. I jumped out of bed, grabbed my clothes, camera and headed out the door on a run.

Yep, I brought the camera. My goal was to get as far down the road as I could before Kathy caught me and I brought my camera in a highly advanced moisture protection device (okay, it was a ziploc bag).

Rather than explain the run, you can watch it. Enjoy!
Part One
Part Two

And the post-run wrap:

February Century: Day Sixteen

2009-02-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight I knocked out a quick 5km run to Mobil and back along Isa Drive. There are some hills to climb and some downhills to enjoy but this was basically something to keep me going on a sleepy Monday evening.

My body was asking me to take a break so the bulk of today was spent relaxing and sleeping. I guess the word of the day was recovery, and recover was exactly what I did. I know that there's a ton of running in store for us at soccer practice tomorrow but I think this little 5km was good enough after relaxing the day away.

Here's the pre-run video:

February Century: Day Fifteen

2009-02-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Today I think we broke our dog.

I didn't think it was possible but today our dog didn't have any energy to terrorize the world. That's what a little 5km run on the Banzai Loop will do to you, I guess.

Even though I had a soccer game later in the day, I knew I wanted to get a run in on Saipan to get the third week of the February Century off on the right foot. Kathy and I loaded up our energetic Energizer dog, Meatball, into the Rav and headed north to Marpi for a nice little trail run.

Well, it was nice for two out of the three of us, anyway.

I always enjoy taking the Banzai course from the cliffs to the Cowtown Raceway and back. Today was no different. I set my watch, gave Kathy a kiss and took off down the course with a big smile on my face (from the kiss, of course).

The uneven trail provided all sorts of adventure for my new running shoes that Kathy bought me for Valentine's Day. Running through the trees on the narrow dirt course quickly turns into a jaunt through the coral forest along the cave complex before letting out to an old dirt road.

Weaving through the trees makes you feel like you're running faster than you really are, and before you know it you're passing by Larry Hilbloom's abandoned boat and an old UMDA building that's been reclaimed by the jungle.

From there it's just a short uphill run to the end of the trail by the Cowtwon Raceway and back. If you turn left, you'll find your way to the sea and an old Japanese sniper observation point built into the rocks. It's pretty cool.

After Kathy and I returned to Banzai Cliff we could see that Meatball was wiped out. She was breathing harder than I've ever heard her and she was in need of some hydration. We gave her all of the Fiji water we had in our car (good stuff, by the way) and headed home.

Here's the post-run video recap:

February Century: Day Fourteen

2009-02-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that two weeks have gone by already but they have. After my run this morning, I've racked up 48.3 miles, burned a ton of calories and raised a bunch of money for charity. When I take the time to think about it, that's not all that bad for just fourteen days.

Here's the video of this morning's post-run wrap-up that I shot while driving a manual transmission beast of a ride courtesy of my friend Keith Nabors on the island of Tinian. I have to put together a follow-up video of the festival but that might be either later today or tomorrow.

While the second part of the video is under construction, the actual run was great. I knocked out the 10km run course of the brutal Tinian Turquoise Triathlon. It's basically 5km uphill followed by 5km downhill in the sweltering Marianas heat.

The hot peppers on Tinian are hot, but that mid-morning run toward Suicide Cliff and back is as hot as it gets. Half-way up the hill, I put my PowerAde bottle in a shady spot on the side of the road for the return trip.

That came in handy. The best part of the run was the strong breeze that kept me relatively cool throughout the course. It was tough to run against a couple of times, but the course is twisty and I enjoyed the wind at my back just as often as it was in my face.

This run also bolstered my confidence. I love the Tinian Triathlon but it's a serious butt kicker. The swim is amazing. You're swimming in 60' of water that's crystal clear all the way to the bottom. It's literally the closest thing you can do to flying.

The bike will almost kill you. Okay, it's not that bad but it's tough and it's followed by a brutal will-testing run. I've been to Tinian a number of times and I've cycled the course for confidence before but this was the first time I ran this particular stretch of 10km outside of race day.

I loved it. It was a challenge and I conquered that mutha! Biba running! Biba Tinian! Biba my lousy video...

More on the festival later....

February Century: Day Thirteen

2009-02-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

With everything that's happened recently at work and away, it's was too tough for me to grind out a run today. I had to knock out a video project at the office and get my gear together for a trip to Tinian for the Hot Pepper Festival.

I wasn't able to get out fo the house for a run in the morning, was going all day and I was workign until about 3am!

Needless to say (but I'm going to say it anyway), I was unable to get a run in today. I'll make up for it in the morning with something special. Tinian 10km, anyone?

February Century: Day Twelve

2009-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here's the video of last night's recap and my pre and post-run report from Day Twelve of my February Century.

This was a great little hard-charging run to the second water pump past the Kagman Mobil station and back. I was happy to knock this run out before Kathy had to go to work and it set the pace for a great day.

Nothing beats starting the day with a good run, and this morning's run was definitely a good one. All of this hill running has to pay off eventually and I can already feel the difference in my legs.

February Century: Day Eleven

2009-02-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

What a return to running!

Tonight was a blast! After relaxing yesterday, I decided to breakout and try a new running route tonight and what a great decision it was! I was ready to go and ready to run so I told Kathy my plan and took off for an evening workout to the Kingfisher Golf Resort.

After trotting down to Isa Drive, I turned left and headed toward that familiar Kingfisher Golf Resort sign. If you live or have lived on Saipan, you're likely familiar with the Kingfisher sign across from Esco's on the back island road. It's got the arrow pointing down the road and the note above it reads that there's just 2.8 miles to go.

It's a little more than a mile to the sign from my place so I figured that I'd get a good four-mile run in tonight if I took a straight shot to the resort. The key to the plan was having Kathy meet me at the end of the run so that I wouldn't overdo it on the first night back.

After turning down the Kingfisher road, I felt like I was transported to a different place. It was dark and it was quiet. It was Saipan at its finest. The smells of local plants and flowers greeted my nostrils as I headed downhill and I couldn't have feel more free.

A glance over the tops of the trees revealed one of the coolest things I've ever seen. Elementary school was a great time in my life. I remember having all sorts of time dedicated to drawing and coloring. Sure learnign was int here somewhere too, but that wasn't as much fun.

Making spooky pictures was always fun around Halloween time and tonight's moon looked exactly like some of the pictures I created as a kid. The moon was almost yellow and the dark clouds passed across it with the same type of thin lines that you see in movies. All that was missing was a witch flying by on her broom.

I received a break from the sights and sounds of solitude when Kathy pulled up alongside of me for a little conversation. She also offered some musical diversion from the Rav after the untimely death of my ipod.

As we went through the twists and turns, I came upon the hardest part of the course. It was a slow go to the top of the Kingfisher road but I plodded my way to the top and smacked the huge round Kingfisher Golf Resort sign with a big smile on my face.

While atop the hill, I was greeted by a pack of boonie dogs. Most of these dogs are wary of humans because they've either been abused or because they've been on their own for so long that they just don't trust people.

Most of these dogs were the same way, but a couple of them came over with a wagging tale in search of a little affection. I would've gladly taken any of them home were it not for the little brown quadriped of terror waiting for us.

I still felt pretty good so I bid the dogs adieu and headed back down the road for another mile (1.1 miles to be exact) before hopping in the car and returning home.

February Century: Day Ten

2009-02-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Today I listened to my body and took what I hope was a well deserved day off. After logging 31.2 miles in nine days and running all over the place during soccer practice four days a week, I decided to take a breather and enjoy a recovery day.

Everyone I know thinks that taking one day off each week is a good idea, and I agree. The only problem is that each day off takes away from my overall goal of running 100 miles this month. That said, I felt good relaxing today.

February Century: Day Nine

2009-02-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

Back In The Posting Saddle

Here's the video from my Day Nine jaunt down the Beach Road Pathway with Kathy on a moonlit Monday night. We parked at Bank Pacific in Garapan (a great bank, by the way) and loosened up on the way to the old fish market at the Garapan Fishing Base before heading south on the way to Susupe.

Kathy and ran together for the first time in a long time and it was nice. It was something I thought we needed to do and I wasn't exactly sure if I was going to be in better running shape than her or not.

She's been running a lot with Meatball (the terror) and I thought that she'd house me on the run. When we started I told Kathy that we'd start off easy to warm up. As a joke I started really running fast for a few meters before laughing and resuming the run at a normal pace.

At the beginning, I wasn't all that enthused about running along Beach Road at night. I'm not a fan of breathing exhaust fumes as the cars and truck roll by, not to mention hammering away at that rock solid sidewalk can do a number on the ol' knees.

It turned out to be great! First of all, running at night is waaaaay easier than running during the day. It's so nice and cool that running any distance feels like a dream. Without having the sun beat down on your body, your core temperature remains much lower and that's a big deal here on Saipan.

I was feeling so good that I took off like a shot with about one mile to go and carried the pace all the way to AJ's (that cool place next to World Resort Saipan that closed down a while ago). Kathy arrived soon after, and the two of us enjoyed a nice moonlit stroll on the was back to the car.

Here's the video I shot when we got back home:

UPDATES!!!

2009-02-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

The past week has been a complete blur. My friend and coworker had a heart attack, my responsibilities at work have increased as a result, I'm running whenever I get the chance, I flew off to Tinian unexpectedly, I've been practicing with the CNMI Men's National Soccer Team and now I finally have the time to update what's been going on for the February Century.

I've already started posting the videos to YouTube and will have them up and running on my blog either tonight or tomorrow. In the meantime, say a prayer for a guy you may or may not know. His name is Ed Manglona and he's only 35 years old. Right now he's fighting for his life in a hospital in the Philippines.

February Century: Day Eight

2009-02-08T03:15:00.001-08:00

Did I really breeze through the first week already? Okay, so maybe "breeze" wasn't exactly the best word available, but the past seven days sure did go by quickly.

Sure, all of the running didn't fly by, but I feel great so far. My endurance is up and so are my spirits. By the end of the day I increased my total mileage to 28.2 and my pledge/donation total to $285!

Thanks to Will Hunter's generous donation of $.20/per mile to the new PayPal account, I've only got another $465 to go to reach my goal of $750. I've known Will since my very first days on Saipan when I lived at the Aquarius Beach Tower in Chalan Kanoa.

The service at the hotel was friendly and the accommodations were amazing. It's been years since I called the tallest building in CK home, but I'm still friends with several members of the staff and grateful for the way they made me feel like family.

Thanks, Will!

Today's journey was a long one that started out with a swim just after 7am and immediately followed by a six-mile bike ride because I incorporated my February Century into Saipan's first Enticer Triathlon of the 2009 racing season!

The Enticer Series is designed to get more people involved in local multisport, and today's event was a hit. Thirty-nine participants showed up for the swim, bike and run at PauPau Beach and experienced life at its best.

Here's a little video I shot when I got to the scene:

Kathy was at the race and she took a bunch of photos of the swim and transition with my camera. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't like the wet weather and refused to cooperate toward the end or you would be able to watch a thrilling (okay, maybe not so thrilling) race to the finish between Bruce Berline and myself.

Bruce and I played basketball together this past season and he's one of the most competitive people I know. While I wasn't intent on beating him from the beginning, a little bit of that competitive spirit drove me to beat him this morning.

After the final countdown (is Europe's biggest hit playing in your head yet?), I was around the buoy and out of the water ahead of the big guy. I took too much time in T1 and he took off on his bike ahead of me to the tune of about a 100m lead.

When I looked up by Camille's Gardenia, I was surprised that he didn't pull further ahead so I made up my mind that I could catch him. Both of us were on mountain bikes so I knew we were on equal footing so I put my head down and hammered away on the pedals.

Somewhere by the Marianas Resort I cruised past him and kept going. Now I wasn't out this morning to beat Bruce. In fact, in order to help me maintain a steady pace in every race I remind myself that I'm out there for me and me alone, and that I didn't register for the race to beat the guy in front of me.

Having just passed Bruce, I knew that I had to keep my lead through to the finish or all of the hard work I'd done to catch him would be for not. When we got to the Banzai turnaround I looked back and saw that he was still close so I went hard all the way back to T2.

I had a little bit of a lead heading out of the transition, but I could hear him skidding into his area on a mission to beat me. After recovering from the brutal climb out of T2, I ran hard to the turnaround point and saw that I had a chance to hold on to beat him.

Along the course I listened to the people who took the time from their bike ride to encourage the runners. I tried to determine how close Bruce was by timing the distance from hearing "Good job, Brad" and "Good job, Bruce."

By the time we got to the old La Fiesta Mall, I could hear his footsteps echoing off of the walls. He was really picking up the pace and was getting close. Rather than turn around and sneak a peek, I picked up my pace quite a bit until I couldn't hear his footsteps quite as clearly.

Mamiko Berger was guarding the road at the final turn with about 100 feet or so to go, and she "Come on Brad" to give me a little extra push. I waited for what seemed like an eternity for her to say "Come on Bruce" but it never came.

Had I lost him with my speedy running?

As I made the turn, I snuck a peek and there he was with a big ol's grin just about 10 feet behind me.

"Let's go Ruszala," shouted Bruce.

And the chase was on! All that stood between me and the finish line was about 100 feet of wet pavement on one of the steepest grades on Saipan. All I had to do was out sprint Bruce to the finish line, but how badly did he want to beat me?

Would he really risk injury by slipping on this slick patch of road in a full-on sprint? The answer: Hell yes he would!

Bruce was moving like a freight train and I knew that I had to give ti everything I had down that hill in order to hold him off. I could see and hear the people at the bottom of the hill as they encouraged a pair of competitive racers to the finish line.

I thought I was running at full speed, but when I heard Bruce getting even closer I found another gear and held him off.

Woo hoo!

We laughed about it later and pounded knuckles while telling the tale to our fellow racers at the bottom of the hill. Man, that was a thrilling finish!

That wasn't it for me though. The run on the enticer course was only one mile long so after catching my breath and downing some water I marched up to the top of the hill and knocked out another two miles to get Week Two of the February Century started on the right foot.

February Century: Day Seven

2009-02-08T03:01:00.000-08:00

One week down, three more to go!

Today I discovered how important this whole ordeal is to me. Friday's soccer practice amounted to an almost non-stop running session and I was not looking forward to running in the morning at all. When I woke up bright and early I decided to relax a bit and head down to watch Kathy take part in the women's league down at San Antonio field.

That's where I saw the ultimate soccer warrior and awesome Mom, Brenda Schultz and her healthy bag of breakfast. What was in it? Oh, nothing less than a bag of jalapeno Cheetos and some cookies.

Delicious!

In true health nut form, I had a little of each and called it a solid breakfast. Perhaps it was even the breakfast of champions! While it hardly filled me up, it carried me through to lunch when Kathy cooked up some of the good stuff at home.

BREAK IN THE STORY:

Brenda also made my day for another reason because she donated $.30/mile to the February Century on behalf of her children. That's right, I received $.10/mile from Crosby, Kenyon and Maddie Schultz (even if they didn't know about it) to bring me another step closer to my goal! How cool is that? It's trampoline cool, that's how cool.

After gobbling that down, I could hardly think about running. It was the middle of the day and it was hooooooooooooooot! After having a pretty taxing week, the last thing I wanted to do was force something when I needed a break.

After enjoying some serious down time, Kathy and I headed north to Marpi in search of my final 5km of the week. On the way to Camille's Gardenia, the clouds opened up and let loose their supply of water.

I love running in the rain!

When I lived at Camille's Gardenia, I used to tie-up my sneakers every time it started to pour because nothing beats running in Marpi when the rain really starts coming down. It's quiet, it's peaceful and it's cool.

It was just what I needed to cap off my first week of the February Century and it got me ready for the first triathlon of the New Year. Here's the post-run and post-shower report from the kitchen:

February Century: Day Six

2009-02-08T02:47:00.000-08:00

It's funny how I tend to do things that I'm not all that excited about doing. Take Day Six's run for instance. After experiencing an absolutely depleting morning at the office, I had to squeeze in a 5km run at lunchtime.

Now where can I go knock out a 5km and shower in time for a lunch meeting? Gold's Gym, that's where. While that's great, it meant another 5km on the treadmill. Didn't I just say how much I didn't enjoy the treadmill experience the day before?

Yeah, I did.

BUT!!!!

This time it was completely different. While I would normally enjoy watching some of my favorite ESPN shows on the overhead televisions at the gym, this time around I didn't pick up the headphones to listen to them.

That was huge! I don't know if there is a big scheme by television in general that it intentionally emits a signal intent on lulling the viewer to sleep through audio cues, but I ran just fine while watching the boob tube sans the audio.

At least I got the 5km in to push my total to 22.2 miles for the week. Then I got the added bonus of heading off to soccer practice at 4:30pm. Gotta love the eternal workout!

Here's the video I shot when I returned to the office:

February Century: Day Five

2009-02-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

Today was a bit different than the rest because I took my running to Gold's Gym to make the most of their cardio equipment. Their Garapan location (the only one in the CNMI) comes complete with everything you need to get fit, but all I wanted to do was hit the treadmill and watch some ESPN this morning.

To be sure, I enjoy running outside more than indoors but Gold's offered me the opportunity to chart my time and distance while just a mile or two away from the office. That gave me plenty of time to hit the shower and recover with a healthy shake for breakfast before churning out ideas.

I brought my camera to the gym and shot a short video of the run for you to enjoy:

On the pledge front, I received a confirmation of a $20 from Glen Hunter through my PayPal account this morning. Thanks a ton, Glen! Glen's pledge of $.20/mile brought me a step closer to my goal of $750 for charity this month.

So far your generous donations have added up to $190! That leaves me with another $560, so there's still a lot of work. At least I have to do all of the sweating!

If you're interested in supporting my February Century charity fund, please do so by contacting me directly or by clicking on the "Donate" button on the right side of your screen.

Well, either that or you could just click here:

My run today brought my total to 19.2 miles. That leaves me with only a pair of 5km runs tomorrow and Saturday to stay on track for 25 miles per week.

With only four weeks in February, that's exactly where I want to be. Maybe next week I'll toss in a 10km run or two to give me a slacker day or something down the line, who knows?

What I do know is that running for charity has given me a reason to get out of bed and take care of myself as well. I'm only five days into the program but I recommend a program like this to anyone.

February Century: Day Four

2009-02-04T03:11:00.000-08:00

14.7 miles down and 85.3 to go!

After running the hills along Isa Drive yesterday morning and getting smoked in soccer practice last night, I knew that today was going to be a nice and easy run along a mostly flat surface.

I wasn't looking for any hills in my path and I wanted to take the afternoon jog for a little extra recovery so I planned to run a relaxing 5km along the beach pathway from the Fishing Base in Garapan to the Quartermaster Tank and back in time to watch the sun set below the horizon.

Somehow work got in the way of my plans and I didn't leave the office until well after dark, but I knew that I had a Plan B. I still had to head home to grab my gear so I opted for a closer course with a familiar air about it.

Rather than drive out to Garapan, I turned right at the bottom of Capitol Hill and headed to my old stomping grounds in Marpi. There's no place that offers the peace and serenity of Saipan's northern tip.

The road to some of Saipan's most historic points is perhaps the best paved on the island and if there's a more peaceful place on-island, I haven't found it.

The half moon was high and bright without a car in sight as I headed north along the sparsely lit section of Middle Road. On my way past the Marianas Resort & Spa (a must visit for all tourists and local alike), I was greeted by a family of boonie dogs.

These pups weren't at all ready to stick around to catch a glimpse of a biped and opted to run for the safety of the high grass along the side of the road, but they let their presence be known through their high-pitched barks in the shadows.

As I neared the Kan-Pacific baseball field, I saw the South Korean flag whipping in the wind. No doubt, one of the professional teams from the peninsula was wintering on Saipan.

The flag wasn't the only thing noticeable in the moonlit might as a few cows paused for a glance at the running man before returning to their evening graze on the tall grass.

There was a cool breeze rustling the tips of the Tangan tangan trees and the only other sound not generated by me was the breaking of the waves on the northern reef.

With swells of 13-15 feet today, the usual gentle rush of water sounded like Poseidon's armies waging war against the terrans. The further north I ran, the louder the ocean's roar.

Was it a warning to turn back and head for the safety of the car? Nope. It was Mother Nature reminding me that I was alive and that every day on Saipan is one to be cherished.

When I reached the 10-mile marker I circled back and headed towards the car will a little added spring in my step. On my return trip, I bid the cows and dogs a good evening and hustled down the road until I reached Camille's Gardenia once more.

What a run.

Here's a little recap of Day Four that I shot when I got home (after my shower, of course):

February Century: Donation Information

2009-02-03T15:23:00.001-08:00

I've got some great news for everyone on the donation front. As of this morning, I've received three pledges for the February Century fund raiser and I have a new and easy way for you to donate!

As mentioned before, Kelly Hucul was the first person to make a pledge in support of the Ironman's charitable fund with a sizable donation of $.25/mile. That works out to a total of $25 all the way from Washington, DC!

Thanks, Kelly!

The good news continued when local blogging beauty Tamara Hunter pledged $1.00/mile for a huge $100 donation to the cause! Holy cow, that's awesome! Thank you soooo much Tamara.

Oh, and the good continues on this morning thanks to an emailed pledge of $.25/mile from Christina Wood! Gotta love donations coming all the way from Tiger Town and Hockeytown, USA. If you don't know where that is, it's Detroit, Michigan.

So far that's a total of $150 toward my goal of raising $750 for charity this month. Now the hard part is getting all of those donations. Sure, Tamara's office is right around the corner, but it'll take a lot longer to drive to D.C. and Detroit (and it's an underwater drive at that).

Since we're getting all fancy now, I've set up a PayPal account for online donations to the February Century fund drive. Here's the new link:

There it is in all its glory, so feel free to donate away. Remember, my goal is to run 100 miles for charity in the shortest month of the year and to get pledges for each of the miles from local people and businesses in the community. Think you might be interested? Here’s how it will all shake out:

Your pledge of…
$.05/mile will work out to a $5 donation to the NASCF
$.10/mile will work out to a $10 donation to the NASCF
$.15/mile will work out to a $15 donation to the NASCF
$.20/mile will work out to a $20 donation to the NASCF
$.25/mile will work out to a $25 donation to the NASCF
$.50/mile will work out to a $50 donation to the NASCF
$.75/mile will work out to a $75 donation to the NASCF
$1.00/mile will work out to a $100 donation to the NASCF

Thanks again to all of those who have pledged and supported me so far. I can't wait to see this dream become a reality.

February Century: Day Three

2009-02-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

What a day and what a run. Here's the video I shot before starting out on my voyage:

The sun was hiding behind the clouds on the horizon and I hoped that my "musicless" run would be more entertaining than I imagined it would be as I tied my shoes and set my watch to "chrono" mode.

I took off for a hill run along the back road to San Vicente Elementary School without my trusty iPod Shuffle (rest in peace) on a relatively cool morning on Saipan. Early on, I knew it would be memorable.

As I trotted down the steep grade from Valley View, I passed by local tennis pro, Jeff Race, on his way back home from a morning jog. In true neighborly fashion, we traded salutations and hi-fives and continued on our way.

Without the companionship of my music, I wondered what might pass through my mind on this morning's run. Aside from listening to the numerous roosters sounding Saipan's wake-up call, I was acutely more aware of my environment.

Soon after turning onto the main road, I noticed a cow lounging in the grass. The same brown cow watched me run by the day before but was enjoying its rest and relaxation time too much to spend so much as a glance on me today.

When I got past Captain Jacks, I heard a toot from the horn of a passing green truck owned by teammate Dale Roberts. There's nothing like a little encouragement to keep you going, and I received plenty of it today.

The Barry's gave a wave as they passed by on their school drop-off run towards the big yellow lion statue. Not too long after that, a little blue Hyundai slowed down long enough for my neighbor and fellow IFC teammate Glenn Smith to stick his head out of the window and razz me as I passed by the Kagman Mobil station.

I got a laugh out of that, but the razzing wasn't completely over. After climbing the hill to the CUC water pump, coworker Larry Oluachel rolled down the window of the company truck to smile and say, "Hey man, move that shit,"

That gave me a laugh and provided a little extra spring in my step. From there I saw several friends and neighbors pass by. One of them told me about it later when I gave teammate Bradley Brostrom a ride home after team practice in the evening.

A little further down the road, someone driving a maroon Nissan slowed down ahead of me, rolled down their window and waved. I wasn't able to make out the driver's face in their side mirror, but I was glad for the support.

When I got up to the Saipan Botanical Gardens, the driver of a red Celica stuck his head out of the window to yell, "Go Brad!"

That was great, and it gave me the extra motivation to climb the last hill on the course by the water tank in Papago. From there is was smooth sailing down the mile-long hill and along the flat to San Vicente school.

When I got there, I grabbed the Kathy's keys and hopped in the car to drive home and get ready for a day in the office. Before leaving, I visited with Kathy's 2nd Graders and gave them the chance to introduce themselves to the world.

World, meet Miss Kathy's 2nd Grade class:

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February Century: Day Two

2009-02-02T03:46:00.001-08:00

Waking up early on Monday morning for Day Two of my February Century was a piece of cake, but it wasn't the running that got me out of bed. Why not? Because the time difference between Saipan and the mainland turns Super Bowl Sunday into Super Bowl Monday!

That's right, we watch the biggest football game of the year on Monday morning! Yeah, so the typically prime time event on the weekend back home is a workday obstacle for those of us living in paradise.

Sure, it's a trade-off, but one I'm glad to live with. As it was, I still had a great day and the game was awesome but I still had to pay the price for the plus-sized lunch after work. My plan was to run a flat 5km along Beach Road at about 5pm or so but that didn't work out the way I'd hoped.

Kathy was coming down with the flu and wanted some soup, but I still had to get my run in so I had to call an audible. After picking Kathy up from the school, I had her drop me off on back road that leads to our home.

After playing soccer the day before, I didn't want to overdo the run with a full-on back road hill run so Kathy dropped me off at the big water tank in Papago, leaving me with about 6km to go through the hills.

Here's the recap I recorded when I got back home:

Not too shabby. Actually, I felt great and was hard charging through the course. One of the things that picked me up was when I read an email from high school friend, Kelly Hucul. Ah, the power of Facebook!

After reading about my February Century, Kelly became my first official pledge! Kelly pledged $.25/mile for every mile I run this month toward the Ironman charity fund. Thanks, Kelly! How awesome is that?

Well, that's $25 down and $725 to go. Remember, every little bit helps so please contact me with your pledge. Just a reminder...

Since I need to generate $750 for charity, I plan on raising money for charity with a two-pronged plan right here on Saipan.

My goal is to run 100 miles for charity in the shortest month of the year and to get pledges for each of the miles from local people and businesses in the community. Think you might be interested? Here’s how it will all shake out:

Your pledge of…
$.05/mile will work out to a $5 donation to the NASCF
$.10/mile will work out to a $10 donation to the NASCF
$.15/mile will work out to a $15 donation to the NASCF
$.20/mile will work out to a $20 donation to the NASCF
$.25/mile will work out to a $25 donation to the NASCF
$.50/mile will work out to a $50 donation to the NASCF
$.75/mile will work out to a $75 donation to the NASCF
$1.00/mile will work out to a $100 donation to the NASCF

February Century: Day One

2009-01-31T13:55:00.000-08:00

I woke up early this morning and kicked off the first day of my charity running. I tried not making a lot of noise because i didn't want to wake Kathy, but our dog Meatball pretty much took care of that when I let her out for her pre-dawn trip to the grass.

While fussing around getting my gear together, I grabbed my camera and gave a little pre-run vlog:

Shortly after turning off the camera I ran 1.7miles down Capitol Hill, turned around and ran back home. What a smoker! At least the run back only took two minutes longer than the run down there.

That's gotta account for some hard running on the uphill section of the morning sweat. Trust me, it wasn't easy. If nothing else, that will be some great training for this November's Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.

After I got back from the run, I grabbed the camera and ended with this:

Kathy and I accomplished a lot during the day before I went to my afternoon soccer game against the team of international all-stars (which we won, 3-1), so I didn't get much time to relax on the final day of the weekend.

I plan on hitting the hay early tonight and returning for another morning run before the sunrise. I'm not sure where I'm heading out, but most likely I will run the hills on the way to the Kagman Mobil station.

If you see me tomorrow, feel free to scream out some encouraging words.

100 Miles For Charity!

2009-01-30T18:26:00.000-08:00

My journey to the Ironman Lake Placid took an interesting twist this morning when I found out some of the details about how I might gain access to the big race on Sunday, July 26th in New York.

While I’ll have to train quite a bit for the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run, there is a lot more to do before I can enter than simply sending a check or paying for the race online.

Over 2,000 people took part in the epic race last year, but some had to do a little more work to gain entry than others. While just about all of the participants paid the $550 registration fee (yes, it’s that much), another select few gained entry through the Ironman Community Fund.

After Ironman HQ closes the general registration process, it opens a few slots for people who want to prove their desire to race.

How do they make them prove it?

Aside from asking the applicants what makes their journey to the race particularly special, Ironman makes them raise an additional $750 for charity. Yep, that’s on top of the $550 entry fee. Since the general registration window is closed for the 2009 race, this is the only road available to me to accomplish my goal.

Ironman gives back hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity annually, and once all of the charity funds are submitted, the special entrants from the Lake Placid race will have raised between $25,000 - $50,000.

Since I need to generate $750 for charity, I plan on raising money for charity with a two-pronged plan right here on Saipan.

My goal is to run 100 miles for charity in the shortest month of the year and to get pledges for each of the miles from local people and businesses in the community. Think you might be interested? Here’s how it will all shake out:

Your pledge of…
$.05/mile will work out to a $5 donation to the NASCF
$.10/mile will work out to a $10 donation to the NASCF
$.15/mile will work out to a $15 donation to the NASCF
$.20/mile will work out to a $20 donation to the NASCF
$.25/mile will work out to a $25 donation to the NASCF
$.50/mile will work out to a $50 donation to the NASCF
$.75/mile will work out to a $75 donation to the NASCF
$1.00/mile will work out to a $100 donation to the NASCF

That will work out to be just about four miles a day, everyday starting on Sunday, February 1st. Sure, it’ll be a plus for fitness but it will also generate the money I need to donate to the Ironman’s Charity Fund. Not too shabby, eh?

I’ll have to run much more than 100 miles from now until July, but the maximum I’ll ask for from my pledge drive will be based on the February century mark.

If you’re interested in helping me achieve my goal, please contact me via email at brad.ruszala@gmail.com or by calling me at 287-2723. Every little bit helps, seriously.

I will announce my efforts in the local newspapers this week and everyone who helps me along the way will receive recognition for their support throughout the month. That’s right, pledge some money and you can find yourself in the paper. Oh, not to mention the Internet through the blogs.

As an added bonus, I’ll have a special thank you for everyone who helps me out when I get back from the race. I’ll be charting my progress along the way here on my blog so be sure to stop by! Oh, and pitch in if you can.

Lake Placid Ironman

2009-01-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

With five moths to go before the Lake Placid Ironman, I think that there's plenty of time for me to get tuned up into a lean, mean, multisport machine.

My original summer plan was to visit my family this summer and bring Kathy along for a little Mainland 101. I was looking forward to showing Kathy around the Buffalo, New York area and giving her the opportunity to sample some real pizza and chicken wings for a change.

*while there are plenty of amazing things on Saipan, damn good pizza and chicken wings aren't on that list

While there I hoped to take part in some of the local multisport activities in the area. Since my parents haven't made it to the CNMI yet, I wanted to bring a little of what I've been doing back home to Western New York (no, Buffalo is not, not, not "upstate").

Even better is that I hoped to race with my sister Julie, who started triathlons after hearing about my experiences with swimming, biking and running out here in the Marianas.

I checked out the Buffalo Triathlon Club online and have been trading emails with their president, Tony Garrow. He seems like a pretty cool guy and he's sending me one of the club's branded hats for me to show off while running the mean streets of Garapan.

The Quakerman Tri was first on my list along with a number of Lake Erie swims, so I emailed Julie and asked her to clear her schedule. That's about the time when I realised that the Quckerman Tri was out because Julie was entered into the Lake Placid Ironman!

I was hoping to fly out to Buffalo at the end of June and stick around through the middle of July so Kathy and I could catch a couple of shows in New York City. Now I think we might be changing gears because the Lake Placid Ironman takes place on Sunday, July 26th.

That's five months away from now to the day.

*in case you're wondering about the distances, Ironman Lake Placid boasts a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a grueling 26.2-mile run. Yep, it's a doozy.

I still want to race with my sister, but I think that I will have to race a little bit longer than expected if I want to make that happen this year. Too bad all of the slots for the race are already taken.

One of the many great things about the Ironman series is that they hold open a number of "special" slots for people with "special" situations. I thought that my story might qualify me for one of those slots so I sent a brief message to Ironman HQ and asked them to show me a little love:

Greetings fellow triathletes all the way from Saipan, CNMI,

I'll be in New York visiting family in June and would love to enter Ironman Lake Placid. My sister is currently entered in the race and I would love to race with her as I haven't seen her in years.

I live on the island of Saipan and it'll be almost 9,000 miles to get to New York. I've twice raced in the Kaike Triathlon in Japan (3km swim, 145km bike, 42.2km run against a field of 1,000), raced in three marathons, four half marathons, competed in both the XTERRA Saipan Championship and Tagaman Triathlons several times, numerous Olympic distance races and have served as the president of the Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation.

I'm no rookie to racing but this would be my first triathlon back home on the mainland. Competing in an Ironman race is the most challenging test to one's body and I hope to inspire my friends and family by racing back home.

My sister actually started triathlons when she heard about my experiences here in the Marianas.

I hope to bring more people into the world of multisport and show the community the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

This would be an incredible honor and challenge for me, and the opportunity to race with my kid sister would be memorable as I'm not sure when I'll be able to make it home again. I can bring added exposure to the Ironman tour as I will write a story about my journey in our regional newspaper (while I market the local phone company I'm also a former sportswriter) and on my blog.

As a member of the CNMI Men's National Soccer Team, I know what it takes to prepare for such a challenge. As someone who hosts a regional race (PowerAde Off-Road Half-Marathon on Saipan), I also know that you get asked for exceptions all of the time. I know they can be made and I'm asking that my name be added to the list of people who were allowed a taste of the finish line.

If you do, you'll have my eternal gratitude and a lifetime promoter of Ironman on your hands. I'm looking forward to your response.

Sincerely, Brad E. Ruszala

Within a day or so, I received a response from Ironman's Athlete Service Coordinator, Brittany Dunning, which lifted my spirits.

Mr. Ruszala,

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2009 Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid. Due to your circumstances of being back in the US and your strong desire to race with your younger sister, I would highly suggest that you look into registering for a Community Fund slot. I have posted the general information website below for Lake Placid, as well as the website that will give you information about Community Fund slots. The registration for these are down temporarily due to some internal changes, but will be up and running next week, so please check the websites frequently.

So now it's a matter of applying for the race online and hoping that all goes well. The only thing is that I have to wait for the website to get its new registration finished. At least now I have a chance, and I can't ask for much more than that.

So cross your fingers, sis. I might be out there racing with you over the summer. Tell Mom, Dad and Scott to get ready for a trip to Lake Placid!

Online Surveys & Market Research

Gotta love the kids...

2009-01-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

While leafing through the Saipan Teribune this morning I stumbled upon a refreshing Letter To The Editor that was positive all the way through. Impossible, you say? See for yourself by reading the letter from the students of San Vicente Elementary School.

Penned by the co-Presidents of the Student Council, the youngsters wrote a letter to the newly inaugurated President of the United States, Barack Obama. They invited the 44th POTUS to visit the CNMI, but read their letter to enjoy firsthand the enthusiasm of our youth.

President Barack Obama
The White House
The United States of America

Dear President Barack Obama:

We are students of the San Vicente Elementary School of the Public School System of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. Now, isn't that a mouthful? We wanted to catch your attention, since you are just starting your new job and pretty soon, the whole world will be in your In-basket. So we want to be at the head of the line.

To the point: you and your family are hereby cordially, officially and enthusiastically invited to come visit our island. You can come to our school for lunch. Miss Miller, our Vice Principal, will make sure you get a nutritious plate at our new cafetoreum; Ms. Salas, our Principal, will walk you through our hallways. She'll show you our new Kindergarten room, which we are very proud of since we are one of the few schools on island that has a kindergarten program. She'll probably tell you that we need another one and that happily the Legislature has identified and allocated funds for that purpose. You think if our PSS can get that built soon, you'll find some program funds for all the schools? Deal?

We'll give Ma'am Michelle a class period to teach us anything she wants, and we will teach Malia Ann and Natasha how to giggle the island way! And you can sit with our Social Studies teachers to make sure they got it right on government and democracy.

We are “Where America's Day Begins.” Our cousins in Guam south of us coined the phrase but we think we are slightly further east longitudinally than they are so we have since joined them in that claim. So far, federal officials have only stopped over Guam on their way somewhere. It would be a great demonstration of your pledge to be President to all of us-Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI-if sometime, you can physically and officially visit any of us. Of course, we would be honored if you keep us on top of your list.

Mr. President, we are tired of getting our mail sent to Spain, or Mauritius (because of the MP in our address), or Taiwan since it rhymes with Saipan, or, unable to trade in the Internet because there is no designation for us in the USA category unless we log in on the foreign country column, so your visit could get us into the global map in a hurry.

We just sent Representive Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan to the U.S. Congress, our first since we started electing an official Rep to the august body last November. We will send him a copy of this letter so he can help your Air Force One pilot locate us in the Western Pacific.

Oh, one of our former schoolmates and our current district legislator, Tina Sablan, attended your inauguration festivities. Like you, she has pushed for transparency and openness in government, so you might exchange notes in that department. (One of our teachers wrote in one of our local papers that she would do well to run for the presidential office in 2016.) Your example has been an inspiration for us to focus on our possibilities even as we remain clear and keep an eye on our limits. And in your and our new America, you have shown that the sky is the limit!

OK, this letter has gotten to be too long, but we are serious. MarshaRose Joyner, a long-time civil rights activist from Hawaii was at our school today as part of our Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorative celebration (we also thought she was your mother since she came from Hawaii where you lived when you were young) and she has great faith that coming over would be something you would seriously consider. So, will you come visit us?

We, too, are your new Americans!

Respectfully yours,

Vanessa Gramlich (5th Grade)
William Davis (1st Grade)
Co-Presidents, The SVES Student Council

I Need A Vacation

2009-01-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it's about that time. I actually wrote a post about it this morning but I kept it tucked away in the "Save As" file until enough time has passed for me to post it officially. It's a "Dear Diary" post that might not see the light of day for at least a year...maybe more.

That said, I think I need to take a break. I have a couple of projects I want to finish first and then I want to take a vacation. The great part about living on Saipan is that I don't even need to go anywhere.

All that I am looking forward to is enjoying some of our local tourist spots and sleeping at the beach for a night or two. Which one? Well, not the one in Puerto Rico. I want to swim, mountain bike and run all day.

I think I should wait until our soccer training is over so I don't have to do anything at all but relax, though I'm not sure I can make it until then. It's been a year and a half since my last vacation and my current plan has me waiting until the summer before taking a trip back to New York.

A summer trip will make it a solid two years since I've taken a vacation so I think a little something in the meantime is in order. If I can make it through the next week and a half, I think I'm going to take a good five days off or so.

We'll see. Something always comes up to start me off in another direction when thoughts of vacation surface, but we'll find out how everything goes in the next week or so. I love my job. There's nothing wrong there. I just think I need to get away from people for a little while and reconnect with my inner Brad.

That should prove fun and educational.

Or I'll just gut it out until I take a week off in March to represent the CNMI on the soccer field against Guam, Maccau and Mongolia. That will be great but there won't be much decompression time on that trip.

Since a bunch of us aren't drinking until we're done with the tournament, I know that last game will morph into one hell of a part regardless of the outcome.

Memo To Robert Hunter...

2009-01-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's time for you to get that bike of yours all ready for action because you're officially on notice that it's Enticer Season! For those of you who aren't familiar with Robert Hunter or Enticer Season, here's a little history.

First of all, Robert Hunter is a cool guy. Why? Well, he's the Executive Director of the NMI Museum of History and Culture and has a really cool family (same goes for me without the museum stuff, so that relegates me to lame-o status).

His brothers Will and Glen are friends of mine, as is his hot blogger sister Tamara. Oh, and Tamara (who is a punk, by the way) got her good looks from her mother, Gloria. Those are all of the family members I know, but I'm sure that if there are more then they are cool too.

Second of all, the Enticer Series is the start of the CNMI's triathlon season. The folks from Saipan like to be prepared when it comes to the big stuff. With major races like the XTERRA Saipan Championship and the Tagaman Triathlon coming up this Spring, the time for training is now.

So how did Robert get mixed up into all of this?

The short story is my blog. The long story is much better because it detaisl Robert's entire life up to this point. The medium story is that I bumped into Robert and Glen at Godfather's a couple weeks ago and Mr. Museum said that he'd been reading my blog and decided to try and race in the 2010 XTERRA Saipan Championship.

Awesome!

So I told him to forget about 2010 and get ont he bike now because there's plenty of time for him to get across the finish line in April. After a couple of ice cold Miller Lite's (nod to Glen there), Robert saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and that light was his inspiration to tackle the 2009 XTERRA Saipan Championship.

Hell yeah!

Here are the details for the kickoff to the 2009 Saipan Enticer Series

This is for everyone, especially rookies, while race veterans should appreciate the heart rate workout from doing this race.

WHAT: First Enticer Series Race
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 8th at 7AM
WHERE: PauPau Beach
EVENTS: Swim, Bike & Run
DETAILS:
-Swim: to the buoy and back
-Bike: to Banzai Cliff and back
-Run: to before Marianas Resort and back (one mile)

This is a great opportunity for ANYONE who has ever been interested in the XTERRA or Tagaman. Seriously, if you've ever thought about these races, there's plenty of time for you to prepare for the 2009 edition of the XTERRA or Tagaman.

Don't believe me? Well, you should. Thanks to the Enticer Series and the amazing triathlon folks on Saipan, I went from trying out the beginner steps to my first Ironman in eight months.

Yeah, seriously.

The XTERRA is probably one of the coolest things that ever hit Saipan and the opportunity to compete in it is incredible because we don't even have to travel to enjoy the greatest race on the XTERRA Global Tour.

Tagaman is awesome, too. The short story is that you'll enjoy an island tour of Saipan that you earn every step of the way. Our island is more beautiful than you think. Just come out and try the Enticer Series and you'll figure that out for yourself.

The cost for the Entiocer Series races are as follows:

$5 - NMITF members (Northern Marian Islands Triathlon Federation)
$10 - non-members.
$35 - NMITF membership + race

If you join the NMITF, the membership pays for itself by the time you reach the XTERRA and Tagaman, and you'll still enjoy the rest of the year of racing with a discount! Trust me, it's totally worth it.

Alright Robert, now it's your turn to get ready for racing. Just to give you a little bit of a taste of what you're in for, I'm attaching this video. Enjoy!

Best Song Opening?

2009-01-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Since sometime in the late '90s I've always felt a connection to this song, though I don't know why. I was rapt when I heard the opening lyrics of Counting Crow's "Round Here" years ago and the song continues to sing on its own without any music.

"Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog
Where no one notices the contrast of white on white"

My take:

*says something to me about walking through the world
*where people don't waste time acknowledging you save for the color of your skin
*how you're able to pass through the world unnoticed
*where people look no deeper than ones tan
*they scan only the surface, knowing nothing of the fabric which holds me together
*and why what's there lies beneath

Here are the next lyrics. Do you have any interpretation?

Oh, and here, listen to the acoustic and more soulful version of the song...

Round Here (Piano) - Counting Crows

"And in between the moon and you the angels get a better view
Of the crumbling difference between wrong and right
I walk in the air between the rain through myself and back again
Where? I don't know
Maria says shes dying through the door I hear her crying
Why? I don't know"

Saipan's Marketing Tool?

2009-01-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

When I joined the "We Love Saipan"network of bloggers, I hoped to tell people around the world about the beautiful place I call home. That opportunity happens all of the time, and it happened once again recently when Jeff Beane sent me a message on Facebook looking to "go someplace warm and race with the 50 year olds in Xterra Saipan in March."

How cool! Jeff said that he Googled "Saipan mountain bike" and in a roundabout way "connected you to Xterra and found your blog." He asked for a bit about the XTERRA Saipan Championship's killer mountain bike course, so I gave him a thorough explanation of the course.

If you've ever thought about trying the race, just do it! It's amazing! Here's what I replied to Jeff.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your interest in our race and I hope you indeed make it out here to compete in the XTERRA Saipan Championship. I'll get you any information you need to help make your trip a great one.

First off, you mentioned that you've never swam in the ocean. Holy cow, are you infor a pleasant surprise. Our water is ideal because it's crystal clear and warm. Oh, and you'll enjoy the added buoyancy of salt water as you cruise around the 1.5km or 750 swim course, depending on whether you try the full course or the sport race.

After the cannon signals the start of the race, there are two 750m laps separated by a 50m beach run to get you underway. Next, the bike course is amazing! You'll enjoy a mix of single track, rugged climbs, rugged descents, switchbacks, and speed as you climb Saipan's highest point and rocket down to seal level. When you reach the beach, you run across the grass to T1, mount up and head up Navy Hill.

Your first ascent is paved so your initial challenge allows you to warm-up without having to worry about traction. From there, it's an exhilarating zip down a grass/coral trail, through some trees and down another coral road. When you get to the bottom of the road, you've got a flat section that gives you a little time for recovery before you climb, climb and climb some more.

Okay, it's not that bad, but you'll have to dismount and throw your bike over your shoulder while you hike to the top of Dr. Tudor's house via his backyard. Another drop and climb along coral road brings you to another dismount section, but it's as steep as it is short.

You can race up the 30'-40' trail and hop back on your bike in just a few seconds before tearing off on a rarely traveled grassy road. The grass gives way to coral as you near the main road (Isa Drive aka Cross-Island Road) and head up to Wireless Ridge. Once there, you'll enjoy a very fast up and down journey along the dirt road before plunging into some intense single track and an adrenaline pumping thrill ride down to the Kingfisher Golf Course.

That's literally where the rubber hits the road as you continue your high-speed assault on asphalt in search of the hottest section on the course--and I do mean the hottest section. The best thing about zipping downhill is that you get "free air conditioning" when the wind roars past your ears, but on this course, every speedy downhill is met with another climb, and the Kingfisher Road is a perfect example.

When you get to the bottom of the paved section, it's time to climb again. While it's not terribly long in terms of distance, this climb takes a while due to its steep grade. Don't worry, you can handle it but it's better to come out a few days early and give the course a test ride to get a feel for it.

What's next is a great up and down coral section along Egigi Road. The course got a little longer last year when local triathletes added 3km of single track to this section. You'll enjoy slicing through grass that's almost 7' tall before returning to the coral road and climbing your way out to the main road.

The main road is your old friend, Isa Drive, which will take you to the next and most challenging part of the bike course: The Mountain Section! Mount Tapochau is the highest point on Saipan, and you'll enjoy a love-hate relationship with the trail as you expend blood, sweat and gears on your way to the summit. There are two climbs along the road that you'll remember.

The first one is to the Waserak Road intersection, and the second is affectionately referred to as "The Bitch." The benefit? Breathtaking views that you earn and some incredible downhill time through a family farm, single track and bamboo. You'll get plenty of climbing in along the coral roads that skirt the summit but be prepared to start "feeling it" through here. Your calves and quads will be working overtime when you climb through the muddy and rocky section, and your feet may provide your only traction heading up to the coral section.

Expect the temperature to become a factor when you get to the sun-scorched coral, as you ride up and down (but mostly up) to the Waserak Road intersection. Yup, you made one heck of a circle but it was well worth the ride.

If you decide to take the Sport Race, you would have just turned onto Waserak Road on your way up. This is where the two trails meet, and it's a lot of fun.

The first part of this single track section includes a plunge through some tall grass and trees that eventually lets out on a coral road near the top of Navy Hill (yes, Navy Hill continues well past the turnoff along the paved section at the beginning of the race).

From there it's fun because you can give your legs a rest while flying down the twisty, turny, bumpy road. It gets a little tricky because of all of the loose gravel, so be sure to stay in control lest you enjoy face-to-face meetings with our local trees.

You're almost home when the coral section of the road meets the pavement, but you still have to climb up the steep road to the Diaz family's land. That is the last climb of the course, and it's a little painful.

Despite being well-paved, it's steep and you really have to fight for the last couple hundred feet or so. The good news is that all of your climbing earned you another thrill ride! Stay in control along the grassy/rocky slope and go brake-free once you reach the pavement en route to sea level and T2.

You'll pedal past the local hospital and turn left along Micro Beach Road aka Finisher's Street, where it's about a 3/4 mile to the beach where you started the race. You will hear the announcer calling the names of the Sport Race finishers as they come through chute. All the while, you'll rack your bike, slide on your running shoes and head out to the XTERRA Series' signature run course.

Our run is quite honestly the most incredible 12km of two-legged travel in the world. Ask anyone, read anything or better yet, come and find out for yourself. The easy way to describe it is that the first half is up and the second half is down, but the details of the course are amazing.

Ducking under trees, running through family land, trekking through a bamboo forest, a cave, a passing huge rocks and plants that could have easily served as the backdrop for Jurasic Park. It would be hard to do justice to the run course with words. It's a challenge. It's beautiful. It's an adventure.

Your life will simply be better for having done it. Really. The last two sections of the run will be the hottest. After leaving the trail, you can stretch your legs along the coral road that is either flat or slightly sloping down until you jog through Garapan Central Park and down to the beach.

That's where you'll reach the final water station before the last mile and a half to the finish line along the beach. I won't kid you, it's hot. I mean it's really hot along the beach but you can totally handle it.

You'll pass three major hotels on the way (Hafa Adai Beach, Fiesta Resort & Spa and the Hyatt Regency Saipan) and you'll start to feel energized when you hear the faint sound of the PA announcer in the distance.

You're almost home! Not too far off in the distance you'll see a yellow flag on the beach. When you do, look off to the right and you'll see the party scene at the finish line. Run hard to the flag because that's where you'll start to fly as you turn right and start down the chute and through the archway as the latest XTERRA Saipan Championship finisher.

Smile and throw your hands above your head in victory because you've earned a personal victory by conquering a course that demands your very best. Now, are you ready to come out here and race or what?

I haven't even told you about all of the activities that happen that week before and after the race. Nor have I explained about the Tagaman Triathlon on the following Saturday. The week in between is loaded with events, classes and fun as part of the Saipan Sportsfest. Get the most out of your trip. Fly out here for a week or so and get two quality races!

All of my contact information is here on Facebook, so feel free to call me with any questions.

Thanks, Brad

Just another reason...

2008-12-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

I know that this isn't a major find but this afternoon I stumbled upon a Kingfisher's feather in the parking lot. Though I've been lucky enough to see and hear the majestic Kingfisher, I've never happened upon a Kingfisher's feather.

It was white, gray and blue, although the more artistic among us would quickly point out the specific shades. While I don't know exactly what hues adorn the Kingfisher, I know that one single feather brought me closer a step closer to nature today(insert tree to hug here).

This morning I rose before dawn to film the sunrise from Mt. Tapochau for a video project I'm doing. I actually did the same thing yesterday but it was too cloudy and I made the brutal trip up the coral road only to turn around and head back down.

I can't say that it was a wasted trip because there's something magical about being at the top of Saipan before dawn. It was a special feeling that I can't fully explain. In one way it was like being inside of an empty cathedral where there aren't any rules posted on the wall but you know that you shouldn't speak in a loud voice.

Why? Because something tells you that it's disrespectful. To whom? I don't have all of the answers but I just knew how I felt atop the mountain.

With a complete 360-degree view of Saipan from on high, a pair of Kingfisher's flew up the side of the mountain singing away and their flight path took them directly in front of our fortunate stationary lens. It was something special.

It was also added to the lengthy and growing list of reasons why I love Saipan.

Just thought I'd share.

Too Early For Christmas Music?

2008-12-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

This year, the first time I heard Christmas tunes on the airwaves was actually on Thanksgiving Day while I was shopping at Joeten Dandan for some last minute ingredients. I thought that was a bit too early, but maybe they were just trying to get people ready for Black Friday.

A little time has passed and now that we're actually in the month of December, I think it's just the right time for the special heartwarming holiday music that makes everyone a little bit happier this time of year.

I say that knowing that not everyone follows religious holidays, but I think that Christmas has transcended religion and become more of worldwide holiday. Sure people celebrate December 25th in different ways and for different reasons, but most people get caught up in the gift giving, holiday specials, Santa Claus, reindeer, elves and snowmen.

One of my favorite Christmas TV specials was Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love all of those Rudolph and Frosty specials as well, but Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas had it all!

It had heart, it was a hilarious, it had you rooting for the little guy. It even had the Riverbottom Nightmare Band! Here's a clip from one of the songs I remember the most.

And here's a little number from the Riverbottom Nightmare Band:

For some laughs, here are the outtakes:

Am I That Sick?

2008-12-01T00:27:00.000-08:00

So I've been sick since Friday with the whole sneezing, sneezing, coughing, runny nose and general all around crappy feeling. Now I'm starting to think that it's getting to affect my brain. Why? Because I'm thinking about doing the 2nd Annual Hell of the Marianas 100km Bike Race.

Yeah, it's crazy. I haven't been on my road bike since ever since, and I know that the HOM will be filled with all sorts of unwelcome climbs--each one more grueling than the other. Despite that, I know I need to get out and jump start my ass into training speed again.

I'm not in top shape and I haven't hopped on a bike for a 100+km ride since 2006 (holy crap!), but that might be okay. I wouldn't be going into the race to win it, just to complete it. I need to prove to myself that I can take on that challenge and finish with a somewhat respectable time.

Less than five hours would be fine with me.

If nothing else, it's a great way to start your Saturday.

If you haven't already asked the question, allow me: How can you have a 100km road bike race on an island that's only 14 miles long from tip to tip? Find the answer in the fancy map below:

Just think about how many climbs are in there. Starting from the Pacific Islands Club, riding around the back road by the airport and taking the back island road is bad enough. Then there's a cruise down to Laolao Bay. The only problem there is that you have to ride all the way back up that hill.

Then there's the never ending ride out to Kingfisher Golf Resort and back. That's got a ridiculous amount of climbing (both ways). At least when you're finished you can cruise down Capital Hill and head north to Marpi.

Then there's another grueling climb up to the old abandoned radar station. Once there, you're at the halfway point. Then you speed down to Middle Road and take a right, out to Marpi again. From there it's up to Suicide Cliff, out to Bird Island lookout and down to the Grotto.

Once you heave your way out of the Grotto and up the hill, you descend to the hairpin turn and ride out to Banzai Cliff. From there it's relatively smooth sailing for your final 25km back to the Pacific Islands Club.

Once there, you're showered with love from the millions of fans who anxiously await your return. At least that's what you'll think is happening while suffering from the dehydration and heat stroke.

Five hours? Is it makable for someone who's out of shape and been riding his mountain bike for the last year while his dependable roadie hands on the wall? And is it still makable for the same guy who has been sick for the past few days? Who knows? Maybe I'll sign up tomorrow.

Any thoughts?

Any bets?

Any incentives?

By the way, for more info about that nasty bike-car collision, follow this link. It wasn't in Saipan, so we can feel at least a little better about that.

Got Lunch Plans For Tomorrow?

2008-11-19T16:51:00.000-08:00

If not, then come out to support a family whose child is battling cancer. Here are the details:

What: Hot Lunch fundraiser for Angel Ray Guerrero

Where: Pavilion on Beach Road, Garapan

When: Friday, November 21st, Noon

Cost: $5

Angel Ray is the son of Joseph "Lee" and Vickie Guerrero, and he is fighting for his life against cancer. The family is asking for your support, prayers and that you pass the word about the special hot lunch to friends.

For more information, contact Annie Hayes at Herman's at 234-1726 or call Janpan at 483-1726 to schedule your lunch.

The family is making 200 plates and I’d like to help them sell all of them. The menu includes: Steamed Rice, Katdong Pica, Shredded Papaya Salad, Bottled Water.

For a little added motivation, read a little bit from the most recent family email:

Hafa Adai & Aloha to our familly...

Yesterday's regular check up turned into a disaster for all of us. AngelRay's blood lab came an hour late with an indication that he needed another pint of White Blood Cells with his total Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at 16. According to his doctor, his immune system at this number is not capable to fight any infection out there in the air. He is very capable of contracting any illness.

So I guess you can say that everything is on hold for now. The Family Cancer Weekend is also scratched off, and they suggested that we stay indoors this whole weekend. On another note, while receiving the pint of White Blood Cells yesterday, they had to stop the IV due to hives. His entire body was covered with reddish rash, his eyes were so red, and the nurses and doctors were on hand checking whether he would have trouble breathing, fever, and other reactions.

Thank God nothing happened after that. His doctor immediately gave him a dose of Benadryl & steroids, and in 10 minutes everything was gone. Again, this is all due to his immune system being low.

So this weekend, you can say that we will be seeing four corners, watching TV, and probably add a little dose of zzzz's in there, I mean snoozing...Well, we hope you all enjoy your weekend, and we will try to enjoy ours.

We miss you all and please continue to shower your prayers this way so AngelRay could fight to be stronger so we could come home.

Vickie

I am The Godfather

2008-11-19T01:29:00.000-08:00

Well at least I am Ashley Lynn Turbitt's Godfather. A few months ago, one of the most solid guys I've ever known asked me to take the title for his daughter. I was honored that her father and my friend, Jeff, even thought of me to play a such a role in his daughter's life.

Of course, I said yes. How could you not? Look at this adorable kid! She's seven month's old now and growing up in the mainland, but I'm hoping to see that kiddo sometime when I make it back to the good ol' U. S. of A.

Here are the photos that Jeff sent to me today:

Classic Hockey Shot

2008-11-17T16:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of our team after we won the High School Hockey Championships, known as Super Sunday VIII at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium when I was a senior. It was the first time that Lancaster High School qualified for the tournament and I was proud to be on the team.

I'm the one holding up the plaque.

This photo come courtesy of classmate Stacey Gusek Hoover, who has been adding plenty of old school photos to her Facebook account. I can't believe that I've never seen these! Thanks, Stacey.

More classic Brad

2008-11-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

So you think you saw plenty of me before? Well here's more. This one is me in Times Square during my Senior trip to New York City.

So you think you saw plenty of me before? Well here's more. This one is me in Times Square during my Senior trip to New York City.

I'm in the compound!

2008-11-15T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I don't really want to explain it, but the people who know what I'm talking about will give me some mad love about this.

Classic Brad

2008-11-13T23:06:00.001-08:00

Ah, Facebook. Thanks to the world of online social networking, some of my high school friends have posted photos of me that should have long been buried and/or burned. I present the following for your amusement:

Thanks To All Youse Guys!!!

2008-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

While I have a couple of minutes this morning, I want to thank everyone who came out to help me celebrate my birthday on Saturday night. The party was great, the drinks were plenty and the company was the best of all.

To all of my friends and local family that helped my ring in a new year of Bradness, thank you. All I ask is that you be kind with all of the incriminating photos...and there are a few.

A special thanks goes out to the person who made it all possible. Preparation began long before the first guests arrived. Coordinating the food, the drinks, the tables and chairs, the invites, the cake with my photo on it, the fun and more warmth than the bonfire all fell on the shoulders of my Kathy.

I've got to share one of the gifts she made for me when I get home and take a few photos of a card that chronicled some of my days here on Saipan. I knew it took a while to make and I absolutely loved it.

Thank you so much for making my day a special one, baby.

Kathy also got me a new pair of Twin Jet fins, so I'm all ready to try them out diving. Call me and let's take these babies out on a maiden voyage!

To everyone else who either called me (thanks Chrissie), sent me an email, a Facebook message or a MySpace message, I thank you very much for remembering me on my special day. It means a ton that you thought of me enough to reach out, so thank you.

The best of the phone calls came from my Mom last night. She and my father woke up at 6am (their time) and sang happy birthday to me. My Mom sang the more traditional version of the song while my Dad did his rendition of Captain Zoom's birthday song.

My Mom explained about my birth at 2am and how my Dad woke up everyone he knew with phone calls because he was so excited to be a first-time father. My Mom said that she felt so great that she could have ran a marathon.

Towards the end of the conversation I got the distinct impression that my Mom was starting to cry. She said it was that it was a cold and rainy night, but I don't know. She always tries to shield me from her emotions on the phone.

It started when we were talking about how far away I am from New York and how she can't kiss, hug and squeeze me on my birthday. Nothing sounds worse than hearing your Mother cry. Just knowing that she feels any pain is enough to break the toughest of tough guys.

She'd like me to come home to New York, but I can't. Well, not for good, anyway. I've already found a home in the Marianas. I hope that she can come out here one day to discover my love for the CNMI with her own eyes.

Maybe one day she will.

Yeah, I cried...

2008-11-04T23:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I cried when I heard President-Elect Barack Obama's victory speech this afternoon. I can believe in America again. I want to do something for our country right now. I want to be a part of the change. I want to be a part of the progress.

As I watched the multicultural crowd listen in awe as Obama spoke.

As I watched the people our country take to the streets in celebration.

As I felt my throat constrict and my eyes well up.

That's when I saw a bright flash of light. That's when I remembered the strength of America. That's when I felt the power of democracy in the depths of my soul.

These past eight years, I've forgotten what it was to feel national pride.

We were attacked in our home.

Our economy tanked.

The cost of everything skyrocketed.

We lost the support of our allies.

Our national outlook was bleak.

We became misguided.

Yeah, I cried when I heard President-Elect Barack Obama's victory speech this afternoon. But I cried tears of Joy. Tears of Hope. Tears of change.

History In The Making

2008-11-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

I have goosebumps. The nation has reason to hope. The nation has reason to believe. The nation will have sanity once more.

I have never felt as optimistic as I am at this moment because I know that the United States is going to move forward. It is going to be free once more. The greatest country in the history of mankind is going to be admired once again.

Too long have we been mired in two wars, two completely separate wars. On righteous, the other criminal. Now our soldiers will take the fight to Afghanistan and take leave of their shackles in Iraq.

Our economy will recover. The world will rally by our side once more.

In just a couple of hours the world will see that a country that once owned Africans as slaves has elected a African-American as the leader of its country. The world will see that anyone can truly make it to the top in the land of opportunity.

So firm is my belief in our bright future, and so badly is our country in need of this change that I am brimming with emotion, and nearly to tears of joy. As I sit here as a grown man watching the numbers roll in from around the country, I am a bit hesitant to enter full-celebration mode until I see John McCain concede the election.

As we speak, Obama has a 102-34 lead in electoral votes. Obama has won Florida. Obama has won Vermont. Obama has won New Hampshire. Obama has won Ohio. Obama has won over the nation.

For the first time in my life, I am proud and happy that a Democrat will be the next president. Eight years ago, I wanted McCain to get the Republican nomination. Given the events of September 11, 2001, I believe our country would have been far better off.

At least I know he wouldn't have kept reading "My Pet Goat."

In 2004, I didn't like either of the candidates and still would have gladly seen McCain get the nod to replace Bush. Alas, it never happens that a president hands over control of the party nod with the possibility of another term on the line.

I still respect John McCain, but eight years later I don't think he can turn us around. We need more energy. We need more hope. We need more change. We need Barack Obama.

Finally, we can be proud to be Americans again.

Obama this, McCain that

2008-10-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

As a community, we've all been too caught up in politics lately so I'll keep things nice and easy on my blog today.

Let's just talk about food. When you wake up on November 4th, what kind of cereal will you eat? Obama O's or Cap'n McCain's?

Online Surveys & Market Research

View From My Balcony Part I

2008-10-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so between moving to a new apartment, buying a dog and working like a dog, I've been so busy that I've neglected my writing. I needed to take a short break from it but I didn't want that break to last quite this long.

What I need to do is get back to posting about the wonderful things about Saipan (and the rest of the CNMI while I'm at it), and that should be an easy thing to do. As I'm writing this I am charging my camera and getting ready to shoot a couple of photos from my balcony.

I've actually thought about doing a series of shots of Mt. Tapochau from the same angle in different conditions and putting them together for probably nothing more than my personal appreciation. I love Saipan and its beauty strikes me daily.

It wasn't difficult for me to fall in love with the Northern Mariana Islands when fortune brought me to Saipan nearly six years ago, and I would like nothing more than to bring more people to our home to share in its wonder.

Blockbuster Saipan Closed!

2008-10-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well we all knew that some businesses would be closing down but I didn't think that Blockbuster would be one of them. I made it a point to drive an extra four miles to their Chalan Kanoa location for my videos because I knew that they weren't peddling counterfeits.

Companies like Movie Station, Movie Station 2, and Hollywood Video have been renting pirated copies of movies and undercutting rental prices int he local community. They are the ones to blame for Blockbuster's demise.

Well, them and the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation's high power rates.

I'll miss the store and I'll miss the selection. The good news is that Kat and I were able to keep the videos we rented. We went to drop them off last night and everything in the store (sans video games) was on sale for just $2!

Sad to see you go, Blockbuster.

DEBATE: Final Thoughts

2008-10-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

If Obama loses this election it will be because his VP isn't the brightest bulb on the tree. I think McCain got a boost out of this debate because Palin kind of spanked Biden. Sure she's an idiot, but she's got enough sass to smack Biden around. He wasn't able to come back with anything and that's why the white trash "Yo Momma" will love her.

Now what?

Who knows?

At least we won't have to worry about having George W. Bush at the helm for the next four years. That's the silver lining here.

DEBATE: On The Moderator

2008-10-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Gwen Ifill = Bad Moderator

Angry pace and everything too rushed. Not a fan of her style.

DEBATE: Frustrations

2008-10-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Palin: She will carry the white trash vote.

Biden: People really want him to do well because they like Obama.

Palin: She's going to "win" this debate even though she's an idiot.

Biden: Why can't you crush her? She's dumb as a stick!

Palin: So Anti-Gay it borders on hatred.

Biden: Can't say anything without mentioning how great Obama is.

Best Quote So Far: "Dick Cheney is the most dangerous Vice President in history."

DEBATE: First Thoughts

2008-10-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

This debate is lousy. First of all, Palin is an idiot and Biden isn't smart enough to seize on that. They're both worthless. I'm already sick of them talking about their respective running mates. Isn't this debate about them?

And what the hell is a Bosniac? (In English, they are referred to as Bosnians)

Palin isn't much better, Ms. "Nucular."