PenteKing’s BodyBlog

Those of you who read my blog know that I have a fantastic training partner. Here name is Julie, and I’d like to take this opportunity of publicly proclaiming my belief that she is the BEST training partner anyone could ever hope for. She loves biking as much as I do, and is willing (nay, enthusiastic) about accompanying me on some of my wilder jaunts around San Diego, including my trip from downtown to Oceanside and back. She was my partner during the 156 miles MS Bay-to-Bay bike ride, and was alongside me during the century ride to benefit the American Diabetes Association. She has done a double century (200 miles in one day!) and is planning on doing the 175 mile San Francisco to Napa Valley ride to benefit MS. We rode together today for what will in all likelihood be our final ride together. The movers are coming tomorrow, and as soon as the moving truck is loaded, I’m heading out. Julie promises to get up to Boston, but I don’t hold out hope. It’s not that I don’t believe her. I do. Her intentions are pure, and I know that if there is a way for her to get to Boston, she will do so. But I’m also pragmatic enough to know that getting to Boston is not high on her priority list. She’s attending school, has a full-time job, and is trying to start a new relationship. Those are all laudable goals, and I don’t begrudge her her goals one tiny bit. If she does make it to Boston, I will be the first one to welcome her with open arms. Until that happens, let me say this - Julie; I love you. Of all the people that I’ve met here in San Diego, I will miss you the most. Good health and good fortune, my friend. You will always have a place in my head and in my heart. 

This short post is intended for everyone in the bodybuilding community. It is my sincerest wish that each and every one of you has a healthy and happy Thanksgiving Day celebration. You are my brothers and sisters, and I am honored to be counted among the members of this community.

There are times when I write because I have something that I want to get off my chest and writing it down is better than complaining to my friends. Other times, I want to share an amusing story with the community. Then there are times like today when I have absolutely nothing to say, but still feel compelled to write. So rather than some mindless blather, I thought I’d put my typing digits to useful work and commend the bodybuilders in this community who are living the bodybuilding lifestyle in all its glory.

Top of the list is Fern - or as she is better known, Ms. Fitness. Her blogs are a riot, and listening to her rant and rave about that which she is passionate about is usually the highlight of my day. From her, I have learned the art of the acerbic putdown. Fern - if you read this, that is a compliment of the highest order.

Then there is Curt James. To those of you who do not know or read him, Curt is one of the most erudite individuals it has ever been my pleasure to meet. He has a very unique way of looking at the world, and I never fail to be amused and/or dazzled by his observations.

Next comes Scott - the Body Auditor. Scott is the second funniest man I know. (I would say that he is first, but I don’t want to make claims that I can’t back up with emperical evidence.) His last blog about building monster triceps is a hoot. Read it if you want to brighten your day.

Chicken Tuna continues to inspire by posting pictures that make the rest of us realize how far we must travel before achieving the ideal. She is the epitome of lean. In fact, I had a T-shirt made with the slogan "What would Chicken Tuna eat?" emblazoned across the front. I love the looks I get when I wear the shirt around town.

Maddi is another favorite. If her blogs are indicative of her personality, she is funny, forthright, brutally honest, and the most tender-hearted person on the face of the planet. It is my sincere wish that she continues to find her spiritual way in the world.

Ninja Bill inspires me by his commitment and dedication to the bodybuilding lifestyle. Here is another person who will go out of his way to help any other member of the community. I have never known him to say no to anyone who has ever asked him for help. And if that is not proof enough that he is a decent Joe, KatNap numbers him among her circle of acquaintances. What more could any man ask for?

These folks are a small representative sampling of the great members in this community. It is gratifying to me that bodybuilders (and the lifestyle it represents) has managed to bring together so many people of such diverse backgrounds in an atmosphere that is conducive to camaraderie and friendship. I am proud to be a member of this community and hope that you all feel the same.

There aren’t enough hours in the day. I have come to that sad realization after futilely trying to stay in touch with my friends and acquaintances. Originally from the East Coast, I now reside here in sunny San Diego. Trying to stay in touch with those I left behind is murder. The distance between us is enough to give you fits. And if that wasn’t bad enough, there is the time zone difference to deal with. I try to catch up on my calls and correspondence on the weekends, but I want a life as well, and I can’t (won’t) be a slave to my keyboard.

And then there are the new friends that I’ve met since landing in California. We are in the same time zone, but we lead different lives, and it’s just plain hard to keep up-to-date on those I’ve come to know and love.

And then there is this community. I started this blog as a way of keeping myself motivated, and also as a personal journal that I could return to at a later time and reflect on how I’ve changed. I didn’t count on making friends with the other members of this community, but that is exactly what has happened. Even though I’ve never met some of the people with whom I converse in person, I feel closer to them in many ways than I do with other people whom I have known for years. When I don’t reach out to them, or respond to their blogs, or fail to respond to their emails and comments, I feel lower than dirt. The guilt is oppressing. I try, but as the Bible has so incisively noted, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

I won’t make promises or commitments. I will only say that I will try and do better. That’s all you can ask of any man (or woman).