2002.05.31

"The Omega" returns from a much-needed vacation. I spent six days away from the rigors of every day life. I spent the past week in the nation's capital, Washington D.C. I have been to Washington a few times in the past. This was the longest trip to date. For the first time, I actually went sight seeing. I saw the halls of Congress and the Washington monument. We spent several hours at the Smithsonian Museums of History and Aerospace. A good time was had by all.

For many people, a vacation does not just mean leaving work behind it also means leaving workouts behind. My body could use a break. I have been working hard without more than a couple days off at any given time for almost a year. However, I chose to push myself at the gym. Even 500 miles from home, I found a gym and worked out 4 of 6 days. The 2 days I didn't lift were travel days.

Vacation is over and it now back to business. I had a good (legs) workout on Thursday evening and followed it up with a good (chest) workout on Friday morning. I set new personal records for the amount of weight I moved.

My schedule is pretty intense right now. As of writing this, I am scheduled:

• Sunday: in-ring (3-hours)
• Monday: lift (1-hour)
• Tuesday: lift (1-hour)
• Wednesday: in-ring (2-hours)
• Thursday: lift (1-hour)
• Friday: lift (1-hour)
• Saturday: lift (1-hour) / wrestle in Mansfield, Ohio.

I am now at the point where I am exercising every day of the week. I spend about 5 hours per week lifting weights and about 5 hours per week working on my ring skills. That is ten hours of exercise each and every week.

I am sure there are people working harder than I am. I am sure there are people lifting heavier weights than I am. I am sure there are better in-ring technicians than I am. Flat out, there are people bigger, better, smarter than I am. There is nothing I can do about that.

I remain focused on my personal goals. I keep moving. I keep trying to improve. I am paying my dues. It is all part of the game.