posted Feb 9, 2012 9:12 AM by Frank Madden
My latest doings following my time in Thailand all surround my Ironman endeavor. Full blown training and proper nutrition has taken over my life yet again. With temperatures still way to cold to think about swimming outdoors I am restricted to my climbing at the gym to keep up my upper body strength. Not that this is a loss since I am wanting to drastically increase my skill at climbing. But it will show its effects in the quality of my swimming this spring when I do finally make it back outside. My biking isn't all that pleasant either being hitched into my bike trainer in the basement through this frozen weather. I'm getting in some time and mileage but as I look at increasing distance it almost seems unfathomable to spend more than an hour staring at a spot on the wall or floor. Ugh, gonna just have to try and push through til better weather arrives. RUNNING RUNNING RUNNING. Even through the bitter cold I am still managing to get myself outside to run. And I'm loving every minute of it. Even the cold.
I've been doing a lot of my running actually on the evenings when I've been at the climbing gym. Which means a nice change of scenery for me since I'm running in downtown Dayton. Everyone says I'm nuts for running in Dayton with it being so dangerous and everything. I am still yet to see what's so dangerous. Between the early sun going down and the bitter cold I'm one of the only people out on the streets that late at night. Now granted my training distances are short right now, so my runs have only been 3 miles lately, but as of next week I will be increasing to 5 miles 3 times a week. Running has always been my friend through the off season and this year it was no different. At the end of my season last year I was running 8 miles twice a week at a pace of 7 minutes/mile. Best since I was playing high school soccer. Good to know that I'm staying in good shape. Right now though I'm only feeling like I'm at optimum performance. Hopefully within the next couple months I'll have brought myself up to my peak performance and be able to maintain til race time. 213 days away is still a long time, but it creeps ever closer every moment. And right now training has no longer become about finishing the race its become about living through each day's training session. "IN THE MOMENT" has become my new training philosophy, and it is slowly seeping into the way I live my life. Maybe through this mental training the series called the "The Longest Summer" will become what should be better known as "The Moment" or "The Shortest Moment" or something like that. Only time and experience will show the fruition.
But enough with that for now. To help break up the training and keep myself from burning out I'm also looking forward to other small adventures. Looking to go so the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers concert down in Atlanta at the end of April. If you haven't seen the band live you've been missing out on probably THE best rock and roll band in the past 40 years. Go see and enjoy. Maybe I'll see ya there. I'm also looking to be doing the advanced caving tour at Mammoth Cave National park hopefully in April or May. And maybe here over the next couple weeks I'll makes some time to get down to the beautiful Red River Gorge so I can finally complete my climbing project "Mid-Life Crisis" 11.c. I better anyways cause its been driving me mad lately. When I train and sleep and sit around daydreaming all I think about is all the moves on this climb. So much so that I think I've found the error of my ways and unlocked the puzzle that will finally lead to my send. So wish me luck.
That's it for now, so check back in later for more updates. |
posted Jan 17, 2012 8:43 AM by Frank Madden
Leaving Chiang Mai was a bit difficult. Multiple reasons as to why so we'll just leave it at this, It was hard to look at it in the rear view mirror. Instead of taking time on the rail though we decided to jump the planes down to Krabi in order to make our way to Tonsai Beach in the south. No plans were initially made in the trip to head to the south but after hearing all the climbers in Chiang Mai talk about Tonsai, we had just had to have a look. Thank the climbing gods we did. What a remarkable place. Shit just getting there is loads of fun. Minus the flights. Airports are never really any fun.
First we had to bus our way from the airport in Krabi to the Ao Nang pier where we were able to catch a long boat over to Tonsai. And for most people Tonsai is gonna be an unknown. And for good reason. Its not really for normal people. Most people just head to the famous Railay beaches. But for the climber inside some of us, Tonsai is the place to be. A real dirtbagger kind of place. Just where we wanted to be. The small little community that is made up of the residents and climbers of this place can make you thing the rest of the world doesn't even exist. A true climbers paradise. Sleep in beach bungalows, wake up to the beach and beautiful towers of limestone just begging to be explored with the fingertips.
After spending the first evening just exploring the shops and tasting all the lovely fresh fish (including some of the best shark I've ever tasted in my life) we dove head first into some more climbing. Was super happy to be continuing the climbing experience with my uncle. In just a couple days of climbing outside for the first time he was really getting the hang of the whole lead belaying concept. He helped keep me safe on one of the most wicked climbs I've ever completed. A gorgeous 6c. The first 10 meters or so is easy 5 plus climbing but the second part of the route digs deep into the 6c. Hugely exposed with grand views of the bay and overhung like a son of a bitch. With a bit of a sketchy section as well as far as the bolting goes. Finished strong and knocked it out of the park though. Super excited for myself.
Dabbled a bit in the deep water soloing as well well down in the Tonsai. Went with a group of climbers that far exceeded my capabilities which was not only a joy watch but made for a couple exciting moments. I didn't trust my ability to land properly though above the 30 ft mark but that's okay with me. It kind of shreds the fingers a bit as well. Soggy wet finger tips on sharp limestone equals shredded fingertips. Climbed through a slight tropical storm as well which added to the difficulty of the climbing. Wet everything in climbing equals rough fun. Also took some time to climb one of the classic routes called Groovetube. While at that krag though, had to experience yet another accident one that would most certainly ended in death if not for the almighty GRIGRI. Its ridiculous the amount of people climbing that use such poor technique when belaying. The girl that almost kicked the bucket was freaked out of her mind. As was the rest of the people in her group. So much so that the next girl that climbed had me freaking on my climb just cause she couldn't keep her breathing under control. She was hyperventilating on the wall which almost caused me to do the same.
But after enjoying some gorgeous climbing and some beach chilling had to get in a little bit of the kayaking action. Went out with my uncle on a kayak and found some more cliff jumping to do which was nice. Found some sweet cave to kayak through and then ended up having to chill in it for awhile while a storm blew through the area. Trying to paddle back to the beach through that was quite tiring to say the least. But as all trips to do the good times had to come to an end. But not without one last short trip to one of the most beautiful buddhist temples I had been to the whole time I was in Thailand.
After leaving Tonsai beach in order to be close to the Krabi airport I spent my second to last day in the city of Krabi. Rented a scooter and went to find the Tiger Cave temple. After some getting lost and all that good stuff I was able to push through the suffering of climbing the mountains 1200 plus steps the go almost vertical to the top. What a magnificent view. It makes you wonder why people would climb so high in order to build a sacred site. But not much longer after being at the top do you understand. Descriptions don't even come close. What a peaceful way to end my trip. After coming down off the top of the mountain I enjoyed walking back through a secluded valley where the monks live and meditate in the caves close by. Truly a simple life here. Leaves me in a stunned manner to think of living this way, but I gain an understanding as to how their lifestyle can help me improve my own way of life.
So hopefully after the most peaceful trip I've ever been on I will be able to use the experience to help better understand my true self as well as others and find ways to improve true reality.
And everyone knows how the rest goes. The saddest part of my trip was landing in LAX. The easiest way to know you are back stateside is to just take one look at the people. We truly are the land of OBESITY. Its sad really. Didn't see any of that why I was in Thailand. I spend 30 some plus hours in planes and airports finding my way back to the states to see severe amounts of OBESITY. Completely disgusting. But that's besides the point. 30 plus hours and I'm finally back home. Wait. Thant just doesn't seem right. Finding my way back to where I live. That works. I've found with all the traveling I've done, Home wouldn't be the correct word to use. Getting back to Ohio is just getting back to where I live and work. These people and places I go to see though, They are my home. Goodbye Thailand. Hopefully it won't be to long before I pass through again. |
posted Jan 11, 2012 4:52 AM by Frank Madden
...and the adventure continues. Chiang Mai was another place that i can feel at home in. Much more quiet than the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Which is a bit relieving after the non stop action we had down there. First day in and we made a good friend in Jin Yeong Son. She's from Korea and here to enjoy some relaxing in the Chiang Mai just like us. So after sharing a ride into town together we checked into our place and went off in search of a place for her. Enjoyed some lunch and then decided on getting some shower time in to get recovered from the train ride. Later that night we went out for some grub and enjoyment of the night bazaar just outside the old city. As per usual with the markets we had been to in Bangkok, loads of good stuff for super cheap. Good food and plenty of fruit shakes. But as all nights do, the end of the evening came and it was off to bed.
The next couple days were spent enjoying the local grub and entertainment. Also during the recovery part of this trip took the time to enjoy a cooking class. Learned to make several dishes including the all famous pad thai and green curry with tofu as well as a couple other dishes. What an evening. Learned how to make some of my favorite food and got to devour it all during the process. Nothing better. Next on the list of things to do for me was to enjoy some rock climbing at the Crazy Horse Buttress. Met some great people and enjoyed some great climbing. Was able to rock out and onsight a 6c which made me feel plenty good about my climbing ability after having had some time away from it. Tough little bastard it was and plenty long. But as usual I was able to weasel in a an awesome no hands rest which let me finish strong.
The first trip out for climbing though I had to find some climbing partners since Jim had to take advantage of the ability to get cheap medical stuff done. But after that we were able to meet up and enjoy another night out at an awesome street of pure thai food. So damn delish!!! Food at home will never be the same. And for the thai places back home. Just stop, you don't even come close. But to avoid bitching about the crappy thai food back home I'll continue on with the climbing. My uncle Jim who has been so kind enough to join me on my travels around the world the past couple years, he has also joined me in the world of climbing. With only 2 months of indoor climbing he was able to give a strong start to his outdoor climbing career. Not only that I was able to teach him his for his first lead climbing and lead belaying attempt. I was a little nervous at first but he has got the hang of it pretty well. Well enough not to let me hit the deck at least. That and he was able to get in the hardest climb to this date which I think was a 6a. (toprope) but hey thats not bad for a 58 yr old man.
The great climbers we met on those trips as well were a great influence on where we decided to go to finish my part of this trip. But more on that later. I'd like to thank Rowena, Fredrick, Conor, and Peter all for their belays, good laughs and good times. I had a blast climbing with you all and maybe one day I'll get some climbing in with you all again.
Another crazy mad part of this journey has been the renting of the scooters. This place is made for my style of driving. From the outside it almost looks like pure chaos...and who knows maybe it still is. But after diving in head first I'm in love with it. To hell with owning a car. Who needs that when you can get a scooter for a tenth of the cost and then just drive around all the cars that are stuck in traffic. Scooter equals never being stuck in traffic. That and it makes for a hell of a ride up to the top of Doi Suthep mountain. Up there I was able to enjoy one of the most amazing parts of Buddhist culture. A temple built where one of the bones of the Buddha was buried. Incredible experience. Words can't begin to describe the feeling. You have to be there.
Another place where you would have to be there to understand is on another journey up to the top of the mountain we chose to take the long way back by going down the other side of the mountain. Which is a mountain bike trail/road via the scooters we were on. In the process we were able to visit one of the hill tribe villages and experience some of things that these people have been doing for hundreds of years. On our descent of the other side of the mountain we came into a valley that would leave you in awe of the beauty of this place. Again words don't do it justice, nor do pictures. An excellent end to a second leg of my trip. Now via the advice from my awesome rock climbing friends: ON TO TONSAI BEACH!!! ...and the journey continues. |
posted Jan 8, 2012 5:50 PM by Frank Madden
Heading out from Cincinnati airport made for a cold morning after Christmas with all my gear. Had my folks drop me off and so the journey began. 1 backpack, 1 duffle bag for my climbing gear and a daypack. Had I known what I know now I probably wouldn't have brought my backpack. But oh well. Clothes here in Thailand are cheap and could just pay as you go pretty much. Anywho, flying to Thailand was long tedious trip taking just over a day and a half of traveling. Landing in Taipei was pretty sweet. Instantly was in a better airport than in Cincy, Chicago or LA. Met with my uncle Jimmy here and grabbed some grub, a nice sit down in a massage chair and chilled for the last leg of the journey into Bangkok.
Arrival in Bangkok was a tad overwhelming. Very little in English and stepping just outside the airport pretty much even less. Snagged a taxi into town to where we were gonna be staying the first two nights at the Rambuttri Village Inn. Its walking distance from Khao San Rd. But much quieter. Then it was just a matter of walking around and getting a lay of the land. Trying to describe things here is difficult and most easily summed up in a brief statement of, "Completely different from anywhere else I've ever been." Most people I know would barely make it down the street here, let alone crossing it. Such an awesome exciting nonstop place.
We learned pretty quick though that the happenings in Bangkok all go on after dark. So we arranged most of our sleeping for during the day. Wake up close to 11 PM and stay up past dawn. It works perfectly for this city. Lots of street food and good times from sunset to sunrise. During the day we got in some trips to the Giant Buddha where we had and amazing lunch with the Buddhist monks, chefs, and the temple. Amazing experience. And to think we were just trying to see what was being cooked. Next thing we know they are serving us bowl after bowl of amazing food. Couldn't walk away from such a generous offer. We also went over to visit the Reclining Buddha and the Jade Buddha. Even with all the touristy hustle and bustle there plenty of locals here for the serenity of it all. All the noise in the world becomes silenced when appreciating what is right here and now only a few feet away from you.
Spent some time heading away from the madness of Khao San Rd. by taking a boat down the river as far as we could to see what it all had to offer and ended up eating in a small shop where few outsiders probably ever go. The real Thai food experience. So good and so filling. A meal that ends up costing just over a dollar back home. The inexpensive nature of this place would easily make it possible to live here for less than half what it costs to live at home.
Then the all interesting environment of Papong. Silom rd. is a tad hectic after dark and to say the least its nothing like at home. NOTHING. The market was packed, the bars were packed and its just an experience that you'll never forget.
NEW YEARS EVE...
...hahaha, you weren't here so that's pretty much it. The equivalent maybe of being at Times Square New York City. Only with less laws restricting the madness. You could barely move. What a party. Up till past dawn, breakfast with some ladyboys and that was just icing on the evening. Broke in the new year before everyone back home with a bunch of awesome people, loads of good food, and enough beers to knock down a horse. I handled myself very well I think. HAHAHA!
After the rough recovery from new years it was on to the train station to head out to Chaing Mai. Best part of the train ride was our lovely meeting of
손진영.
Don't worry there will be more coming soon...
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posted Dec 9, 2011 7:34 AM by Frank Madden
Thanksgiving holiday equals good food, good people and good times. Dan was back in town from school and that means let the partying commence. I think its been three years now that I've been spending my Thanksgiving holiday with the Smith family. And it was yet another exciting party for 4 days. We had everyone get together for the Thanksgiving eve night out and tore up the town of Harrison. As usual. Made for a tough Thanksgiving morning, but oh well. You push on. Went home to spend some time with the mom and pops. Gorged in on some Turkey and mashed potatoes. First time eating meat in 3 months. Almost thought it was a let down then realized how delicious it was. This will be a holiday only exception though. After dinner with the family it was time for dinner with the second family. Heading back to the Smith's for second dinner and lots of drinking is always a blast. The rest of the weekend was pretty much just as much fun as well. Shopping on black Friday is always a riot to get in some people watching. Hannah's first time at Skyline. And a blackout night on Saturday. All in all a pretty solid weekend. Until next time I guess. |
posted Nov 21, 2011 7:55 AM by Frank Madden
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updated Nov 22, 2011 11:13 AM
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HOLY SHIT!!! Extemely cold. Biting cold. Frigid. Arctic. All great ways to describe the horribly cold element that this race contained. Tough Mudder. Tough yes, fun yes. If you had done the same race in June, July, or August it would be a laugh fest and a cake walk. But this race was on a day where temps barely reached mid 40s, overcast, 20-30 mph wind gusts. Getting soaking wet in muddy ice baths and running a distance that left you frozen into an ice statue was only entertaining for the most mental of people. And of course I did this. Laughing like an idiot for having done it, I understand that it was a good accomplishment. I'm happy I did it and finished well. Will I ever do a Tough Mudder again. Of course, it was an awesome race to do. Makes the Warrior Dash look like childs play. Will I ever do one in this type of weather. That's a big whopping NOPE!. It was quite the event though. Thousands of people pushing through some terrible conditions to get to the finish line. The best thing you could see throughout the race though was the camaraderie. So many people helping so many people, team mates and strangers alike. Holding out a helping hand to stranger is the best way to forging unbreakable bonds. Helping pull several people up the Everest ramp was rewarding knowing that I was helping my fellow racer finish the course. There was no finishing without help on this obstacle. I was given a hand to grab and the only thing left to do was to pay it forward to as many people as I could. Not just to my own team mates but to others as well. Always pay kindness forward.
After the race was finished we jetted out of there and got to the Hotel in Indianapolis so we can enjoy the most beautiful shower ever. Hot shower water never felt so good in my whole life. Once cleaned up the whole Tough Nutter team that I was on went out and enjoyed some dinner and drinks. All in all it made for a great exciting weekend. Now the question is which Tough Mudder event will I sign up for next. But for now, I am still a Tough Mudder finisher. |
posted Nov 17, 2011 11:27 AM by Frank Madden
Well after having a good visit to the Clark Schaefer Hackett employee summit, I decided to take last Friday off from work and head to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Everyone ended up having to bail out except for Hannah and we hit the road looking forward to some good hiking and maybe some caving. With a car accident holding the journey down on Friday afternoon we were only able to get in a little bit of hiking before we crashed for the night.
Saturday ended up being a beautiful day so we did the Historic Cave tour and spent a couple hours hiking through the beautiful underground world of Mammoth Caves. Very neat thing to do. Learned a lot of good history as to how the park came got its start. After getting some underground hiking done we decided we might as well get some above ground hiking done. Hiked out on the Sal Hollow Trail for some ways then worked our way back around to the car via the Buffalo Trail. It may of only been a few miles of hiking, but with it getting dark so early this time of year we were walking the last bit of the trail in the dark.
Then the ridiculousness kicks in. After some relaxing and chowing down on some grub, we decided to crash for the night. After getting up and double checking the fire to make sure it was settled down for the night, mother nature decided it had something else in store. The wind decided to cause some problems and ended up spreading some hot coals to some leaves. So while laying in the tent I noticed it getting a little bright. I got up to check the fire again and it was to late already. The fire started to spread cause of the leaves and wind and within a minute or two it was underneath the car and the car was starting to burn. Thank the heavens that we were able to get the car put out and the rest of the fire without anyone getting hurt.
Had to have the parents come down the next morning and pick us up and get me back up to Cincinnati. Then my buddy Josh stepped in and got me back up to Dayton and Hannah was able to get me back to Springfield. UGH!!!! A great trip ending with such a bad accident. Just had to keep thinking at least everyone was safe.
Then the beginning of this week has been spent working with tow truck people, car shop people and insurance people. Let me tell you this. I have the best insurance people ever. They have been working with me very quickly and taking car of me very well. I'll be a loyal customer for life. The company could use my incident to make a commercial probably. Love you guys. Thanks for all your help. Looks like I should have my car back within a couple weeks.
Now back to work where I have now picked up a new nickname. But we'll just keep that between me and my co-employees. |
posted Nov 8, 2011 7:06 AM by Frank Madden
Spent another couple weekends down at the wonderful Red River Gorge. My buddy Chris has had some friends from his home in Arizona come out. Climbing with them was super awesome. Got to meet and climb with some really great people. Through them I also met some great people from Washington and Australia. Hopefully I will be seeing them all again in the future. Unfortunately I didn't perform as well as I would've liked. Flashed an 11a called Return to Balance over at Slab City in Muir Valley. Got my ass kicked on on the 11c Sacred Stones. Couldn't make the start moves. Very technical. I also tried to spend some time completing Mid-Life-Crisis 11c over at Indy wall. Still falling at the last move. Its very discouraging. I will finish this climb before the season is over. Hopefully. I hopped on a 11a called Toker at the Bob Marley Crag in PMRP. Really cool climb. No send but will get it the next time I'm there. Also got on a super over hung route called Beta-vul pipeline. It's a 12a that has awesome holds and is a pumpfest at heart. Kicked my ass before the 4th bolt. One day I'll be ready to climb that stuff. Also got severely harassed by a park ranger. LOL! Crazy times in the Red. Gotta love it. The shot above is a great photo of the wonderful people that came together to get in some awesome climbing. |
posted Oct 24, 2011 6:28 AM by Frank Madden
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updated Oct 24, 2011 6:44 AM
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Another two great weekends back to back, one with the doctors and another with the family. A weekend up in Kent always goes well. Staying out til you close the bars down and then heading in for the night for some dancing on the living room table. Thank god for strobe light apps on the phones. Although the weekend workout could have been better. Google maps sure enough led me down a lovely gravel road. And sunday's workout was non existent. May be the fact that we were all up til 4am. Sunday morning became a morning for a veggie omelette and an afternoon of being a veggie on the couch watching football.
Then a weekend down in Lake Lure North Carolina to see mom's side of the family. It was awesome seeing everyone again. We staying in a stellar cabin right on the lake right smack dab in the middle of the mountains. Which evidently makes the training process a lot tougher on the body. My running legs aren't use to climbing mountain roads. A couple months training there and I'd be ready for an Ironman in no time. It was good seeing grandma and grandpa healthy and having a good time at the grill out. Uncle Phil and Didi even made it over which rocked. I am making it a must to get down there on the bike and getting in some riding with those two next spring. I've got a feeling they can show me better roads to ride than I'll find anywhere else in the country. An Eckert boy and Madden boy will ride them mountain curves like no one else can.
Uncle Jimmy was even able to make it up from Florida which was nice cause we got to chat a little about our upcoming trip. Can't wait for that to get underway.
But at last the short weekend was over and I had to peace out back to Ohio. At least I made good time and was able to swing by my place on the way to Columbus to see the Thrice show Sunday night. AMAZING as usual. Thrice proves yet again why they are one of the best bands around. After the show the lead singer Dustin put on a short acoustic set across the street as a benefit for Invisible Children. Donate please if you can. Its a good cause worth giving towards. Thrice is just one of many bands that are helping this cause.
Another great weekend for the books my friends. Hope yours was just a good.
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posted Oct 10, 2011 8:57 AM by Frank Madden
My weekend trip to Cincinnati was filled with Weddings and Old Men. It never ceases to amaze me the fun that can be had when spending time with family and friends. Started my weekend off seeing an old friend renew his vowels with his wife. A wedding of a sort really since they had gotten married privately in the first place. Lots of friends and family, short and to the point, outside, and free booze. Things don't get much better than that. I think its always a wonderful thing seeing two people make that lifetime commitment to each other. Especially when it isn't ruined by the boring ceremonial processes that are over elaborate and waste time. Life is to short.
After a little bite to eat and a tasty beer I was off to the next party. HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY MIKE. You are now officially old. HAHAHA. It was great getting a chance to spend some time with Mike on such a great day. Pretty much a second father to me. And by far the best soccer coach I ever had. I'm always around the family as it is but it was nice getting a chance to see Mike with some of his old neighborhood buddies from when he was kid. No I can get the real truth about Mike. Also with some of the other former soccer players coming to visit I got to see some people that I maybe only see once a year. So it was good to some old faces. Then after a good visit with the old men from Mike's good ole days it was back off to the wedding. I made it back for a little of the late night celebrating then had to haul off for the night. Good times just don't ever seem to end. A good long weekend was needed and a good long weekend was had. |
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