2012 is going to be GREAT

I am not necessarily the most positive thinker in the world at all times, but I am trying. I am doing my best to improve myself each day. We all have things that we want to work on: the way we treat people, our weight, being diligent of our finances. Well, all those are goals of mine as well, but in 2012 I want to be better then even I think I can be. Let me list some New Year's Resolutions and my plans to keep them (and how if you have this resolution, tips on how I think we can all keep them)

1. Improve My Family Life
We can ALL work on this. I want to be a better husband. Way too often, I have put myself above my wife. Every day, I regret this. Why didn't I do a little extra for her? Why didn't I fix dinner every once in a while? Why didn't I take her to a movie? Why didn't I spend a little extra time with the kids when she was really tired? We can't go back and change the past, but we can improve the future and make our spouse realize that they are the reason we want to better ourselves. Should you want to better you for you? Absolutely. But, if you have that special person in your life, that might push you just a little more. That might make you work a little harder, when you think you have worked as hard as you can. Same thing goes for kids. Go the extra mile. Tired? Your kids will only be this age once. Even if they don't want to spend time with you, I encourage engaging in a family activity. Play a game, read a book, do whatever it takes. Do I think my kids will love me at all times? No. I think most kids have at one point or another, told their parents "I hate you" when they don't get their way, but it is my goal to be a better parent tomorrow then I was today.

2. Become a Happier Person
This one I think is particularly important. I feel a happy person can be a productive person. I just want to be happy at all times. I am not counting on being happy 100 % of the time, but let's shoot for it (or at least 99.9). Plus, I feel that when we are unhappy, we are not productive and are letting ourselves down. I just want to be happy and see that glass half full at all times.

3. Save Money Out of Each Paycheck
I think for people of my age, this is hard. Really, with the economy the way it is right now, this is tough for any working class individual. But, even if we could just save 25 dollars out of each paycheck, I would consider that a start, because we all want to get out of a living pay check to pay check, and in today's economy, that ain't easy.

4. Run/Workout Each Day
I have become a running fool. A lot of people would already say I had 1/2 of the equation before I started running. I don't feel like I am the world's greatest runner, but I feel like I am steadily getting better. I am going to tackle a 10k in Richmond on March 31st. My goal is to cross the finish line under 1 hour and 15 minutes. Can I do it? I don't know. Am I going to bust my butt training for it? Yep. Also, when I say run/workout every day. It doesn't mean that bench pressing or running are going to be in the cards every day. Most days, I will probably be doing some real working out (running, weights, or whatever) but the point for all of us, is let's cut down on lazy days. Don't just around watching TV and eating potato chips all day. Get up. Do some cleaning. Find some activities that will make you keep moving. Going up and down stairs. Find something, let's cut down on days where we are inactive.

5. Become More Dependable and Reliable
If we aren't as good as our word, then we are nothing. Everybody breaks an engagement/promise every once in a while. However, I think our goal should be "Hey, when I call Bob, I know he's gonna be there for me." or "I don't have to check my watch because I know Bob is going to be there". Things like that I think are just some of the qualities that make one dependable and reliable. That is another thing I strive to be better at in 2012.

6. Continue to Lose Weight
Running has been a major asset in my weight loss, no doubt. However, to really make a significant change in one's weight, you have to watch the diet. That has been the hardest part. In 2012, I am really going to try hard to discipline myself to eat what I should be eating, and not always what I want to be eating. This is going to be the toughest thing for me to do. Hopefully, it will work out for me, but number 6 could be my most challenging resolution to keep.

7. Do Some Work on "The Sports Buffet Podcast" Each Day
I want to do a little something on my hobby each day. Whether it is updating my general sports blog or high school sports blog, updating the facebook site or doing some podcasting. I love interviewing coaches, going to games, just one thing each day to help my little hobby.

There you have it. Do I have some minor goals too? Yes, but those are the seven resolutions that I am going to do my best to keep.

The Four Miler Part 2

After my initial success of running the Virginia 4 Miler in 2010, I said to myself "I can't wait 'til the 4 Miler in 2011." After having times where I have stopped running, starting me back, really makes that training hard. But, I was determined to do it and I had set some goals for myself.

1. Finish
2. Don't walk. Jog/run the whole thing
3. Don't finish last (overall or in my age group)
4. Have a time 56:00 or under

I thought these goals were realistic. I had trained and ran the Blackwater Creek Trail with Todd Colinger, Lauren Compton and my running coach for this race, Marissa Wilterink (she was never compensated for having that title, but she was just given that title, because I'd always go to Marissa with my questions and she would never brush me off and always give me advice and answers. I would also run in my neighborhood which had some moderate hills, which I felt would also give me good preparation for the course.

The week of the race, Marissa, Lauren and I ran the course. Todd Densmore joined us, even though he wasn't running in the race, which was a motivating factor to me. This is somebody who hadn't even signed up for the race, who was willing to run, and did a great job on the course and is going to set the world on fire at the 2012 Virginia 4 Miler. The night we ran the course, I somewhat struggled. I don't know if it was the fact that I was confined to the sidewalk (on Saturday, I could have a decent portion of the road to do my running) or what, but I struggled. Marissa, Lauren and Todd outdistanced me quite a bit (which was fine, even when running a race, I treat it like golf. I know I am not the fastest person out there, but I am running against myself and the course) to which Marissa turned around and came back for me on the 3rd mile. I always had them in sight, but her turning around meant a lot to me, because she didn't just become running companion, she became running motivator. So, we made the turn on Rivermont and she said, "We're almost there. The finish is right up here." We were almost there about four times, because each time I knew we had a little bit more to go, but I knew she was pushing me, so I was giving it my all. I forget what my time was that night but I knew I had done pretty good. Also, I learned something when running my first 5K back in August. I ran the course along with Lauren and Todd Colinger a few nights before and I did awful. I probably did worse then awful, and I felt like I was going to run terrible on the race, but I actually ran really well clocking in at 40:01 (for me that was really good). So, I have come to the conclusion, that it is always good for me to try and run the course before the race.

I had planned on eating a good sized pasta meal on Thursday before the race. However, that day I wasn't feeling well, I had fallen asleep at 5:00 and didn't even eat dinner, so I did my pasta dinner with Todd on Friday at Vinny's on Wards Road with a helping of Baked Spaghetti. Todd and I went and road the course, just so he could get familiarized with it again. Friday night, I relaxed at home, while doing the updating of high school football scores for ABC 13's Football Friday facebook page. I got in bed about 11:30 and I would wake up around 6:30, Todd would pick me up at 7:15 and we'd head to the start line at E.C. Glass. Before the race, I chowed down on my breakfast of a granola bar and banana, so I was ready to go. Also, when I went to bed on Friday, I was a little nervous. Last year, there was no nervousness, but I think I was nervous because I really wanted to do better this year then I did last. Todd and I were going to start with Lauren Compton, and we knew we'd see her at the finish line because she was going to have a much better time then us. Well, Lauren and Carly Stephenson (a new friend, who is not only a very good runner, but a very nice person) started with us, but they got separated from us real quick, with the sea of humanity that was at the start line.

As we started, Todd commented how fast I was going, and I really wanted to slow my pace a little bit, because I wanted to stay consistent, because I didn't want to come out of the gate so quick that I wasn't going to be able to have a strong finish. We went down Langhorne and I think we both felt pretty good. Down at the bottom of Langhorne, right past the Farm Basket was the first opportunity for water, but I elected to pass on this, as I felt that it would kind of slow me down and I had practiced running without water, so I didn't need it now. I tried to keep running with Todd to encourage him and have him get a good finish. We were on the same pace for a lot of the time, but there were times where he said, he didn't know if he was going to make it and stuff like that, but my goal was to be like JJ Johnson was to me last year and be there to encourage him just as JJ had done for me the year prior. Anyways, we finally get up the hill and make the turn on Rivermont and I turn around (not stopping running) but just yelling, telling Todd that he's got it, no problems. Then, we are running down Rivermont and all of a sudden, he was next to me. My personal belief system for me is to run that last .1 or .2 miles like I have stolen something, so at that point I kind of took off, trying to pass people along the way. When I crossed the finish line, I didn't know my time because I had forgotten to wear my watch but I figured I got in a little under 56 minutes. When the results were posted on the website later that night, I found my time was 52:25. At this point, I wanted to look up my time from 2010 to see how much I had improved. My 2010 time was 58:37. I was pretty stoked to find my time had improved by 6:12.

I took Sunday off and went back to the Blackwater Creek trail and I decided to run 4 miles again and got in at 48:42. So, now my goal is just keep improving my time and my endurance, and I think as I sit here on September 27th, 2011, my goal for next year's 4 miler is 48 minutes or under.

Now, onto the Thank Yous. My biggest thank you goes to Marissa Wilterink. She was always there to answer my questions, some of them she probably even answered twice! She always was encouraging was always motivating, and never made me feel slow or an inadequate runner. She was my JJ in 2011. Also, big thank yous go out to all those people who ran with me on a consistent basis leading up to the race, Lauren Compton and Todd Colinger. Also, Heather Miller belongs in that class. We ran together one night on the trail as well, and Heather, Lauren, Todd and Marissa all deserve thanks as well for motivating me with their words and conversations as much as they did for their running companionship. Big thanks to my wife Suzanne for coming to the finish line with my 2 daughters, Anna and Katie. I couldn't wait to get across that finish line to see my precious girls (all 3 of them). Also, thanks go out to other people I ran with and people who encouraged me including Todd Densmore, my mother and father, Kyle Hoehne, JJ Johnson, Carly Stephenson and others. Also, big thank you to all those people who I knew or knew of that yelled encouraging things, or gave me a thumbs up while during the race. They include Nate Day and his sister, Elisa, Dr. Scott Garrett, and runners on the course, Jennifer Captain, Danner Morrison, Marissa Wilterink (and I think her sister) and I am sure other people who are just not coming to my mind right now. Also, thank you to Sarah Bloom. I always remember her around race time, because if it weren't for her, Marissa Wilterink and JJ Johnson, I would continue being a lazy, non running, weight gaining slob. But, because of them, I am an active, running, weight losing, stud! Also, thank you to all those all those who liked any status or commented on any status I had to do with running during my whole endeavor on Facebook.

Finally, I don't mean to brag about all my running, which it may seem like I am doing sometime on social media websites, but I do that to encourage. Because, if I can do this, anyone can run a race and I hope more people who don't think they can, will try and run a race. It's an amazing feeling you have about yourself afterwards.

Setting some policies for myself

It has been a long time, since there has been a new post in "The Blog of Bob Alvis", the last time was September 30, 2010. I have thought it's time for a few policies to be put in place.

1) I am a pretty open person, I probably share more then I should. However, if someone says to me, "Is anything wrong", or "Are you doing okay", or "How do you feel today", then accept my answer. If I say, "Nothing is wrong," or "I am fine", then accept that answer face value and don't press the issue. If I wanted you to know how I feel or if anything is wrong, then I'll volunteer that information.

2) My dad (and others) have always said "There is no such thing as a stupid question", I sometimes agree and sometimes don't. However, I have now taken an approach of how I am going to treat what I perceive to be a stupid question. I will answer it with the sounds of silence. I am subscribing to another theory, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".

Now onto the happier stuff (if anyone interpreted the prior as gruff or grumpy)

3) Always try. Try to be nice. Try to keep your word. Try to finish something you start. None of us are perfect, and we can all strive for perfection (even though we will never reach it) but we should at least always try. Maybe if you quit things on a regular basis, your goal should be trying not to quit.

4) Set goals. If we don't have goals, what are we working towards? Right now, I have many goals in my life, and if we don't have goals, what are we working towards? Status quo? Mediocrity? For instance, if (like me) you are starting to run, set running a race as a long term goal. Last year, when I ran the Virginia 10 Miler (I ran the 4 mile portion), it was one of the greatest feelings in the world when I completed that race in under a hour, because I set a goal (finish the race in under a hour).

5) Be nice. I have two types of nice. Genuine nice and fake nice. Are we going to like everyone we run across in life? Certainly not. But again, try and be nice. No matter how you feel about them, I think being civil creates a more peaceful world.

That's all I got on my mind now. Maybe I won't make it so long before blogging again.

The 4-Miler

Never did I think, I'd be a runner. I mean in high school, I was not one who was the most athletic or most physically fit (I will pause, so you can regain yourself, because I know that is very shocking) but I always tried. I don't know that I can be classified as a runner now, but I have found something that I enjoy (even though it hurts at times when you are running a long distance and you think you can't run anymore) because it is making me feel better and I think look better (or at least as good a guy like me can look).

How did me running in the 4 miler come about? I don't remember the exact day, but picture it the production headquarters at WSET, commercial production account executive Marissa Wilterink comes in, talks to me, she knows that I have been walking (as does everyone else that I am friends with on Facebook) since about March, so she says something to the extent of "Hey, why not try the four miler". I replied "I'll do it if J.J. does it" (J.J., aka McKinley Johnson Jr., a fellow production assistant of mine, J.J. responded "Okay, I'll do it." I never thought J.J. would do it and thus I wouldn't be running, but J.J's declaration meant I was going to have to step it up.

The first few times we went running was pretty much hell for me. We did in's and out's on the track at Sandusky Middle School. I never thought I'd be able to make it, just running the straightaways for a mile and walking the turns were rough on me. Anyways, we started running on break at work at the Blackwater Creek Trail when time allowed. One mile was still kicking my butt. (I should have kept a better journal of this, but I am reverting back to old Facebook posts for some info) Then came September 8th, we stated doing 2 miles. One mile was getting easier, and I thought it wouldn't be that bad but the 2nd mile kicked my tail.

September 10th was a Friday, I believe that was when another friend Todd Colinger started to run/walk with us. He had decided he was going to join the 4 miler too. That day we ran 2 miles and I decided that with Todd's declaration to run the 4 miler that I needed to step it up a little bit. I mean I had been training for like 2-3 weeks prior, and Todd was just joining our training, so I didn't want him on the first day to outperform me (call it ego). So, that day I ran (when I say ran, I mean jogged, in no way was I, nor am I now quick or fast) and didn't stop the whole 2 miles. It felt good, J.J. was with us that day and never left Todd's side wanting to motivate him, and I wasn't trying to leave anyone in dust or anything, but towards the end, I just started widening the gap. September 10th was the last day of two miles. The next day, J.J. was increasing our distance to 3 miles! I was nervous, I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. J.J. picked me up sometime around 2 or 3 and we went to Blackwater Creek Trail. We were going to run to the 1.5 mile mark, and then turn around and run back. The whole time, I never stopped to walk! I couldn't believe it. I thought "Has Suzanne or my mom slipped some performance enhancing drugs in my Egg McMuffins or did they tamper with the bananas that I had been eating?" I mean, weeks ago I was having trouble running 1 mile without stopping. Now, I did 3 miles and didn't stop to walk?

There were a few very important things that J.J. taught me. One was to go at my pace. I think I had been starting too fast and was getting winded and cramping and then I would have to walk more then I wanted to walk. The second thing, and I will use this the rest of my life, was the Old Man Shuffle. Basically, on the OMS, you just shuffle your feet and have your arms swing limp, and there you go. Granted, it's not fast, but it's not walking either. So, the Old Man Shuffle and I became good friends over the last two weeks (and we will probably continue our friendship for a while).

Last Saturday, September 18th, was the longest I had ever ran. 4.1 miles, We ran all the way up from my house up to a friend's apartment complex, back down all the way to my house and then 2 loops in the 1 mile trek we had been going. I had to stop and walk about 3 times, but the thing that encouraged me is when I was walking, my walks were getting shorter. So, after last Saturday, I knew I could do it. We didn't run Sunday or Monday. So, Tuesday I was well rested as we ran about 2 miles. It went pretty well, I was feeling good. Wednesday, we both had to work late, so we couldn't run. Thursday was going to be an easy day with a little bit of hill work to prepare for the hills that we'd be facing. Thursday, I was terrible. We ran after work at 1:00 so it was a little warm in Lynchburg on Thursday. But, I felt like I had regressed terribly. I had walked more then I walked in two weeks. I knew I was going to finish on Saturday but I wanted to finish running and doing very little walking.

The day before the race I decided not to run. I felt like I should run, but I called and talked to a good friend of mine on Thursday night and he told me he didn't think I should run. My friend, Anthony Moreno, had been a great encourager of mine on Facebook, told me he didn't think I should run, use that day as rest, and if I was going to do any activity for me to just ride a bike, take the kids for a walk, do something small. So, I did nothing. I walked a long way with J.J. to pick up our packets downtown, but other then that no physical activity. I did load up on carbs that day with some pasta (and a little pizza) at CiCi's. Suzanne, the kids and I took J.J. to lunch, our treat. I feel like I can never repay J.J. enough for sticking with me this whole way, and motivating and encouraging me, the least I could do would be treat him to a meal.

Friday night, I had to work "Football Friday", so I wasn't going to be getting out of there until about 11:00. When I left, my friends Len Stevens, Justin Feldkamp, Dennis Carter and others said good luck tomorrow, we know you can do it. I almost felt like I was going to be on the surgical table on Saturday, with everyone wishing me well on Friday night. I got home and couldn't fall asleep until about 12:05 Saturday morning. J.J. was going to pick me up at 7:15 A.M. My alarm went off a few times on Saturday and I finally rose at 7:00. I had gotten everything ready the night before, so all I needed to do was put in my contacts, shave and leave. Oh, and when I woke up at 7, it felt like I had slept for about 10 minutes. I was ready to go.

J.J. picked me up, we stopped by WSET first, so J.J. could write an e-mail and get some things done. I used that opportunity to stretch. Finally, we met our friend Todd, and talked to ABC Meteorologist Matt Ferguson (friend and fellow 4 mile runner). I knew we wouldn't see Matt for long, as we would have a much better pace then me, and he's been running much longer then me. The 10 miler started at 8, us 4 milers started at 8:15. The thing that I was most nervous about was the start. I have always run with no more then two people at a time, the start of the 4 miler was a ton of people with me at the start. So, I was worried about getting knocked down, pushed, trampled, something that would rattle me and really mess me up at the start. Thankfully, nothing like that happened. Immediately people spaced out, and I was determined to keep my pace. I was not going to get out of their like a jackrabbit, when that was not part of my plan. As we proceeded down Langhorne Road, one of my former teachers from Jefferson Forest, Troy Doss standing in front of Hardees. He spotted me and said something to the effect of "Go Bob", I said "Why don't you come run with me?", he replied he was going to get a biscuit from Hardees.

As we proceeded farther down Langhorne, we had began to split from Todd (Todd did an excellent job on his pace), I kept asking J.J., "Do you see Todd?", J.J. responded he did not, as their was a sea of yellow T-Shirts behind us. Fast forward as we proceeded up and down the hills of the 4 miler route. A couple of times, I stopped to walk for 15-20 seconds mainly to catch my breath and see if the cramp that was in my right side would go away. I had been doing a good job in the weeks leading up of not stopping to walk. I had a feeling if I did stop to walk, I'd beat myself up. I brought this concern up to my friend Anthony on Thursday night, and he told me don't beat yourself up for it, that it's not failing if you have to stop and walk. At one point, I felt like I needed to stop and walk, but J.J. said "No, Old Man Shuffle." So I OMSed it for a bit until I could regain myself. One thing I did find funny most of the way, is there were people we would pass and then we'd slow down and they'd pass us back. I just found that interesting. As we would run the 4 miler, the people were returning for the 10 miler, I saw Marissa pass us on the way back, as I did with Sarah Bloom (WSET Danville Reporter), Sallie Ford (former E.C. Glass runner whom I interviewed for my old radio show "Talking High School Sports") and George Beam (father of one of my oldest friends from back in pre school, Ashleigh Beam). There were many others I am sure that passed us, but as we got into about the 2 1/2-3 mile mark, I started focusing more on my running and breathing to the ultimate goal, Randolph College.

Finally, J.J and I reached Rivermont and were running down. J.J. would get encouragement from his friends who went to L.C. with him, where he was a true BMOC (Big Man on Campus). I hope these people didn't think J.J. was hurt or sick, because he was being a true friend, and was holding back for me. J.J. could have finished that race in probably 35 minutes if he wasn't concerned with getting me across that finish line. Anyways, we hedged onto Rivermont Avenue. As we ran, I heard someone say "Go Bob, Go J.J.", I was so focused and that person was with about 4 or 5 other people. I said to J.J. "Who was that?", J.J. responded by saying that it was Noreen (Turyn). Then as we trudged down Rivermont, I saw the Farmers, Josh and Leigh walking their dog I believe, on the sidewalk and they yelled encouragement. All the encouragement that I received before the race, during the race and after the race meant the world to me, but I'll get to that later. Finally, I could almost see the finish line, I picked up the pace like I have all the times when I have been running in m neighborhood and seeing the finish line. On the way right before turning into Randolph College, I saw one of my favorite coaches from my managerial days at Jefferson Forest, current E.C. Glass Head Coach Richard Trent, I slapped Coach Trent's hand then motored to the finish line where my mom was waiting with Suzanne, Anna and Katie. I crossed the finish line with J.J. and then walked down and grabbed a water and a banana and received a blue towel drenched in water. I have never been more proud of myself in my life when crossing that finish line.

I have been asked if I will do the 4 miler again next year, and the answer is an easy one for me. Most definitely. I feel I have become a runner now. Do I ever think I will win a race? Not unless I am racing against 90 year olds who have never ran. But, the reasons I am doing it aren't to beat others, it is to push myself and just continue to stay healthy. The only thing that I hope I can do is to motivate others and maybe inspire others. If I can run a 4 mile race (or any kind of race), then anyone can do it. I was just an overweight, out of shaped guy when I started to train and I struggled at first, but I pushed on, persevered and didn't quit!

The list of thank you's I have to give are long. First and foremost, I have to thank Marissa Wilterink. If she hadn't suggested running the 4 miler, it would have never crossed my mind. Right up there with Marissa, I have to thank my coach J.J. Johnson. I would have never been able to do this without him. He was always encouraging and positive with me, and stuck with me the whole race when he could have probably finished in the Top 10. J.J. and I were good friends before the race, but I feel the caring attitude he showed towards me has made us better friends. I also have to thank my wife, my mom and my kids for being there at the finish line for me. I have to thank our ABC-13 team captain as well, Sarah Bloom. Sarah and I are kind on opposite ends of the world (she's in Danville, I am in Lynchburg) and we don't know each other that well, but she was an inspiration for me. Just her cheery attitude and disposition and the fact that she seemed genuinely happy for me that I was able to start and complete the race. That really means a lot to me.My friend Anthony Moreno from my high school days and now living in Arizona was their for me also. His advice to me of what to eat and the pace I should start with and all that was incredibly helpful. Plus, Moreno's message of "call me anytime" really meant a lot to me. Others I have to thank for their encouragement in person that were encouraging on the race, they are Scott Garrett, Troy Doss, Noreen Turyn, Richard Trent and Leigh and Josh Farmer. There are many people that I don't know that were encouraging as well. Then the facebookers and texters, there are so many, it would also most take a separate blog to list all of them, but I just want all of you to know that all of your comments and "likes" on Facebook meant the world to me.

I am already looking ahead to Thanksgiving morning when I hope to run the "Turkey Trot", it's a 5K. I guess I am officially a "runner" now.

Return of "The Sports Buffet Podcast"

The target date has been set. "The Sports Buffet Podcast" has set the target date for the podcast portion of "The Sports Buffet" to relaunch on Monday August 3rd. The features that I mentioned in a previous post on October 24th, 2008 are still the features that you will be hearing on "The Sports Buffet Podcast".

Until then, I will be updating my blogs on a regular basis. I have three blogs, one relating to high school sports, one dealing with the general sports world (non high school sports) and one that just deals with the general world and my thoughts as a whole. Also, if you are a Facebooker, you can type in The Sports Buffet Podcast in the search box in the top right and become a fan of the podcast.

I want thoughts and suggestions from you on what you want to hear! E-Mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net or leave me a message or post on Facebook. If you haven't contacted me and volunteered to help with "The Sports Buffet" whether it be as a reporter or blogger, you can offer your services to me there as well.

Look forward to serving you up some good things on "The Sports Buffet". Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates that will be coming to "The Sports Buffet".

Updates on "The Sports Buffet"

Just a few updates on "The Sports Buffet Podcast", the page should be seeing some major updates in the next week or two. Hopefully, there will be new blogs, and the page will be updated on hopefully a more daily basis. The podcasts part of the page however will probably not be consistently updated until August. Features that will be on the website (eventually) will include (but not be limited to)

* High School Sports
* College Sports
* Professional Sports
* Podcasts
* Blogs
* Links
* Historical Info on High School and College Sports
* Schedules
* Standings
and much more.

Stay tuned to "The Sports Buffet Podcast" to fill your sports hunger.

Update on "The Sports Buffet" Podcast and More

For all you devout fans of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I just wanted to update you of the status. I have yet to meet with my webmaster yet, I will be hopefully over the winter break, or once the school year resumes after the New Year. I will be developing my own web site. The domain name has yet to be registered or decided. The reason the podcast is not active now, is the website I was using at My Podcast has really been giving me major headaches, and it has made it very difficult/near impossible to upload files. You can still check out the files that have already been uploaded at The Sports Buffet Podcast. The new site will still feature old broadcasts from "Talking High School Sports" and games that have been broadcasted on WKDE. The website will also try to have schedules/scores/results and provide somewhat of a high school sports almanac. I will also hopefully update the blogs and everything else on a more frequent basis as well.

Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and anything else, please e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

The Future of "The Sports Buffet" podcast

To all my loyal listeners of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I appreciate you first off. I would love more comments on the podcasts, what you like, dislike and so forth and so on. You can always reach me by e-mail at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

With that being said, "The Sports Buffet" is going to be on a break or hiatus until probably the first of 2009. The site I have been using for "The Sports Buffet" is just not user friendly anymore and it has been very difficult to upload files. I encourage you to still go to the site and check out some of the older podcasts, to easier search for an episode (you can search by school, name, sport, whatever, by clicking here and typing in the keyword.

There are some other sites out there, but I just want to make sure the next site I go with is long term (even though My Podcast lasted me for longer then a year). I still intend to post "older" interviews and games from my days with WKDE and more. I firmly believe people want to hear new and fresh content, but I believe honoring those and featuring those that I have interviewed in the past should be featured across the world wide web as well. The "New" site is going to feature much more then just a podcast (hopefully) with hopeful links for all high school and college and pro sports fans, as well as stats and schedules and everything else a sports fan could want. I hope to make "The Sports Buffet" one stop shopping for all sports fans.

So, if you are a coach or athlete, and see that your interview has not been posted, please be patient. No one, but no one, is more fustrated by the lack of podcasts then yours truly. I have not forgotten about anything, as well as scheduling interviews and such. Hopefully, my blogs will take a more active role while the podcast is rebuilding, and will continue to be active after the podcast is reborn.

Finally, I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches, athletes, athletic directors, sports information people, other media members and anyone else that I pester for interviews, information and requests on a random basis. Please know that I appreciate you all more then you think. Also, once again big thanks to the listeners to "The Sports Buffet". I know everyone might not be interested in every single topic I cover, but if I have conducted one interview that you have enjoyed, then I hope you will check back frequently and will tell others about an interview that you may have enjoyed.

Thanks for indulging me and any questions, comments or concerns, please address them to TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

Features to be heard on "The Sports Buffet" podcast

In case you don't know (or have been on Mars, Neptune or Uranus) I am the author, creator, producer, writer, director, host and any other superlative you'd like to throw in of "The Sports Buffet" podcast. I always look for feedback on "The Sports Buffet". If you have thoughts (what you think of current podcasts), comments or suggestions (who are your favorite teams and what guests do you want to hear), e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net. Also, I am going to be creating a mailing list to update you when new podcasts are added to "The Sports Buffet"."The Sports Buffet" features high school, college and professional sports. You will be able to hear new podcasts as well as older segments from "Talking High School Sports" and other games broadcasted throughout the years on WKDE.Here are some of the segments (most of these will be related to high school sports) that you will be hearing on "The Sports Buffet"

"The Sports Buffet" is going to be taking a lot of the segements/features that were spotlighted on "Talking High School Sports". "The Sports Buffet" (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com/) continues to add previous broadcasts from "Talking High School Sports" to the pod-cast site, however we also will be developing new ones as well. In order, to do that, Here is what you can expect in terms of segments on "The Sports Buffet"

* "Checking In": This segment features updates on former high school athletes from the Lynchburg area and beyond as they continue their athletic careers in college. You will hear from the athlete, as well as current and past teammates and coaches.

* "Where Are They Now": This is the segment where we catch up with former high school athletes, coaches, media members, officials, athletic directors, athletic trainers and more from the Lynchburg area and beyond to find out what they are doing now. You will hear from the individual as well as people that were associated with them during their time in high school sports in the Lynchburg area and beyond.

* "Teammates": This segment test two teammates from an athletic squad to see how well they know each other. With larger teams, it may become a contest to where it would feature 3 teams of 2, similar to ESPN's "Teammates", where they are competing against one another. But, with smaller teams it will feature two participants from a team to see how well they know each other with questions that pertain to questions away from the sport, i.e. favorite movie, favorite food and so forth.

* Know Your Coach...... New segment that will see how well a player knows their coach. This is very similar to "Teammates" but will instead feature 3 athletes from a team to see how well they know their coach.

* "One on One with Bob Alvis": This segement takes a personality from the sporting world and gives them 12 questions that they would not hear in their normal, everday life, such as "If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 movies would you want with you?"

* "Inside the Game": This segment is designed to take a fast pace look at a sport or conference and it's most recent happenings. The segment can also be designed to take a look at a specific night. For example, a Friday night in High School Football could be covered on one edition of "Inside the Game"

* "Bumps and Bruises": This segment is designed to allow athletic trainers to talk about a prevention, rehabilitation method, or anything they feel needs to be brought to the public's attention relating to the area of athletic training.

* Away from the Game...... Was to be known as "Off the Field" on "Talking High School Sports" but never really got off the ground. Segment is designed to highlight an athlete's good deeds away from the field. For example, an athlete that may help out at a nursing home, or tutors other students, or is just a good student and is actively involved in their school, church or another organization.

* "Coach's Corner": This is where a coach talks about a technique, strategy, or something that will allow the public insight on the game that they coach.

* "Rules of the Game": This is where a sports official talks about a rule of the sport they officiate. Nothing much more to say about that.

* "The Roundtable": This is where 3 coaches, media members, athletes or officials sit down and talk not so much strategy but more of coaching phillosphies and general sitatuions about sports.

* "Profile": Every now and again we will have a feature on a coach, player, official, athletic director, broadcaster, etc. You will hear from the person being feature, as well as other people talking about them.

You can go to the pod-cast of "The Sports Buffet" (http://thesportsbuffet.mypodcast.com/) and hear examples of the segments from the days of "Talking High School Sports" as well as the new segments that will be added to "The Sports Buffet"."The Sports Buffet" is a free pod-cast developed by Bob Alvis, a self described sports nut, as he looks to promote the great things in sports at all levels as well as to inform and entertain the general public. I do have one child (and another on the way) as well as working a 3rd shift job, so I apologize up front if I don't give as much coverage as I'd like to a certain team

Great News

Great News. "The Sports Buffet" podcast is back. All computer problems that have fixed, the recording studio has been updated and now "The Sports Buffet" podcast is ready to go again. So, what that means is this: You are going to hear new stuff, old stuff and all the stuff in between. The name and content hasn't changed, we are just back from a long sabbatical. Be sure to visit "The Sports Buffet" for all your high school, college and pro sports needs.

If there is anything you want to hear, be sure to email me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

Good-Bye Friend

I never met Tim Russert, but for the last 5-8 years, I have felt like he's been a member of the family. Russert, the host of "Meet the Press", died of a heart attack on Friday, he was 58. I became a fan of "Meet the Press" mainly because of Russert. In addition to watching "Meet the Press", I'd also watch Russert's program on MSNBC (formerly CNBC) titled "Tim Russert", where Russert would interview a guest, or guests, for a full hour. In addition to my viewership of Russert's programs, I have also read his book "Big Russ and Me", as well as listening to podcasts and watching video podcasts of "Meet the Press". You could say, I was a full fledged member of the Tim Russert fan club.


In addition to viewing "Meet the Press", TIVO helped me also watch "Face the Nation", "This Week" and "FOX News Sunday". Russert turned me into a political junkie. I guess you could say I became like Russert. Like Russert, I am a huge sports fan and a huge fan of my father. It was impossible to be a devout viewer of "Meet the Press" and not know who "Big Russ" was. The affection that Russert preached for his father and his son, Like were heartwarming. But, in the hours and days of Tim Russert tributes on MSNBC, NBC and others, you could tell Russert loved all his friends as if they were family, and obviously if you have spent 15 minutes or 15 hours watching the tributes to Russert, you know his friends felt the same way about him.


My dad had called my wife Friday, after hearing the news from his neighbor. My wife woke me and told me the news. I awoke in shock. I couldn't believe it. So, I immediately rushed to my office, where I had been recording the U.S. Open to my Direc TV DVR. I knew the NBC coverage of the U.S. Open was two hours long. My DVR recorder 1 hour and 28 minutes of it. My wife informed me of a 1 minute power outage we had. So, I immediately began fast forwarding as fast as I could because I wanted to hear the news to make sure it was true. Then Dan Hicks tossed to Tom Brokaw in New York, who delieverd the sad news. It was true, my heart dropped even more. When I hear bad news, especially that of death, I try to pass it along to someone else. Especially, if I am passing it along to someone who liked the person that is no longer with us. Dad is normally the first call, but since he called me, I couldn't call him. Mom was next in line. I think I scared her half to death. I called and said I have sad news. Then, I couldn't be understood as I was choked up with emotion and trying to fight back tears. She was saddened as well. But, I don't know that anyone in my family was as devistated as me.


In my life span of paying attention to world and national events, I can't remember a journalist being taken from their network while still in their prime. David Bloom, was a NBC reporter, but Bloom was not as recognizable as Russert. Peter Jennings was not as present of a face at ABC, when he passed. Tom Mees was recognizable at ESPN, but as widely popular as "Sportscenter" is, I don't think it nets the viewership that "Meet the Press" garners.

I am sure I will reflect more on Tim Russert later, as he will never be duplicated.

Idol Buzz

Brooke White's gotta go. This past week should have been her exit, but instead Kristy Lee Cook (who could have probably won Nashville Star with her love for country music) was bounced instead.

Predicitions for next week
Bottom 3: Jason Castro, Brooke White and possibly David Cook (even though I do think he will be the eventual winner).

Brooke White and Jason Castro fill the bottom 2, with either one being bounced (but hopefully Brooke.). It's nothing personal, I am sure she is a sweet person (anyone who can take care of kids as young as she does, is a saint in my mind) but she's just wearing on me, so she has gotta go.

My biggest pet peeve

I would say I can be an angry person. Not angry at family or anything like that, but just events that take place in what I like to call the real world. My biggest pet peeve of everything that occurs in the real world is the following.....

The 24 hour news cycle.

I don't hate the media. If I made my career in a media related job for my life, that would be wonderful. I like news and I love sports. Sports media is a dream come true. With that being said, the 24 hour news cycle has turned this country into an ambulance chasing society.

Don't even get me started on the obsession we have with entertainers. The fact that the papparazi follows Spears, Hilton and Lohan into a resturaunt, back to their cars, into the bathroom, into the pet store, etc, is ridiculous. But the fact that people are making a stink of what was in the background of a "Merry Christmas" ad from presidential hopeful, Mike Huckabee is absurd.

I don't mind the occassional worthless fluff piece on Christmas shooping, or what people do when they first wake up, but to dissect a "Merry Christmas" ad. Shameful.

24-365

Creating a Blog

It was 4:10 AM on a Monday morning/Sunday evening. Getting ready to head into work, i decided to surf the web on my wife's lap top while watching Condi Rice on Sunday's edition of "Face the NatioN" on my TIVO (which happens to be the world's greatest invention). I digress. While surfing the internet, i went to CollegeRPI.com and was reading about college basketball. All of a sudden I saw the column on the left where it says my blog. I went and read the blog by Jerry Palm and decided, 'Hey, why i don't i do one of these things'. Don't ask me why because as my radio broadcast partner, Kyle Hoehne would wonder aloud "How many people do you think want to know about your life" did reside in my brain. But, with my future desire of my own personalized web site, i said 'Hey, why not start with a blog'. I used to feel my computer knowledge was average to above. Now i feel it is below, especially when it comes to HTML, posting picutres and "uploading", "downloading".

So bare with me on my journey and eventually you will be sharing my radio broadcast partner's sentiment.