Product Review: Brooks Cascadia 11 GTX

Let me start off by saying it has been a while since I have purchased trail running shoes. I have been wearing Asic GT-2000's for a few years now and generally have loved them. After dozens of trail races, it is now time to move on. My love for all things Brooks running has led me to believe that the Cascadia line is the perfect trail running shoe. Well, that and several people have told me how amazing they are. Seeing as Brooks has now issued 11 versions of this shoe I think it is safe to say that they are both high quality and popular in the running community. Let us examine the merits.

By the way, not only have I been giving thought to what trail running shoe I wanted to buy, I also decided that I was going to make it an excursion in the process. Seeing as Brooks is my first choice for running shoes, I wanted to physically go to the source. The pacific northwest is a beautiful part of our country known for its majestic mountains, seaside towns, and pristine lakes. It is a boon for trail running. Seeing as Brooks has it's headquarters and only retail location located in Seattle (Fremont), I had to go. What a trip! Go to Washington if you can. It is well worth your time. I cannot state adamantly enough how badly Brooks needs to open additional retail stores in other markets. I buy everything online, but there are certain stores where a physical visit is worth every penny. I pitched the DC market to the sales manager at the store and HOPE that he will set into motion the wheels of progress!

Getting in the way of beauty

Running Mecca!

Made from running medals

Ok, now onto the shoes! Brooks offers two versions of the Cascadia, which is their flagship trail runner. The regular Cascadia and the GTX. I purchased the GTX. The main difference is that the GTX features a Gore-Tex upper that will definitely help keep your feet dry through the wettest conditions. I tested this and it works. Brooks offers a couple of other trail running options. The Adrenaline ASR 13's and Pure Grit series both sacrifice protection and stability for speed. I tried on both and found them to be very solid shoes that felt comfortable, but in the end when I am trail running I want as much support and stability as I can get. The Cascadia line is built with those two features in mind. The shoe is built from the ground up with the idea that anything that a trail can throw at you, it will handle.

The one sacrifice you will have to make with the GTX version is with color scheme. There is only one as you can see above. I happen to like this color scheme, but your preferences may differ. The regular Cascadia line has several color options and some of them are much brighter. The GTX is also $50 more expensive, but you are getting more shoe for your buck. This shoe features some pretty awesome specs designed to make your trail running experience better.

Let us begin with the Gore-Tex upper. It works. I ran in Seattle through a driving rain storm and my feet were dry. I cannot tell you the value of having dry feet when running long distances. Your feet tend to take a lot of abuse when running and the damage to them is exacerbated when they are wet. Plus, being wet when it is cold outside is a double whammy. I was actually worried that my feet might get too hot with the Gore-Tex, but that was not the case. This bonus spec is worth the extra money spent.

The DNA midsole cushioning and four-point pivot control is not something that I can speak to accurately as of yet. I have only run about 16 miles in these shoes, but I will say that despite being a bit narrow in the middle, the shoe is comfortable. I surmise that as I break the shoe in more, this will only get better. Brooks characterizes these features as providing "ultimate" control. While it is not going to allow you to climb trees, it will give you a sense of better stability through the twists and turns of trail running. I have found that some extra confidence with footing goes a long way when you are traversing leaf covered, moss grown trails with hidden rocks and roots underfoot.

The full-length segmented crash pad is essential. I cannot tell you the full pain that is a sharp rock hitting your mid foot as you place all your weight down. If you have not experienced it, try to avoid it. It can derail a race. Having a shield to help protect you from that pain is really important. The Cascadia shield technology works. I ran on a very rocky trail for 3.5 miles of my half-marathon and my feet felt great. No impacts from the rocks that I could feel during the run. Some may find this to numb the experience a little, so if you prefer a more minimalist running shoe, the shield is likely going to deter you from buying these.

The rugged outsole is also an outstanding feature of the shoe. Dealing with a lot of water on my run, I never felt like I was slipping or sliding around. Again, this is a huge confidence booster and can mean the difference between a PR and a just miss during a race. In addition to confidence, this feature can be key to injury prevention. Slipping on wet trail or pavement can lead to injuries as most of you know. The more traction the better off you are in my mind.

The lacing system of the shoe is a little different as the third row juts in towards the middle of the tongue. I believe this provides better stability, but I will not judge it one way the other. It will be something that some will love and others will not. However, I find that to be true for almost all running shoes. Laces and the lace points on the shoe can make a big difference in how the shoe fits and feels during a run. I did not experience any issues with it. If anything the shoe fit more snugly across the middle of the foot providing more stability. This might be uncomfortable to some though.

My overall initial impression of the Cascadia GTX is that this is the mackdaddy of trail running shoes. If you are willing to sacrifice some additional weight and rigidity, your feet will thank you. I ran a trail half-marathon in Seattle and experienced no issues with the shoes whatsoever. While I did not PR, due to the conditions with rain and high winds, I ran a very good race. The price point may be a little high for some, but the additional features and the quality of the shoe more than make up for it. Your biggest decision is going to center around paying for the regular Cascadia or the GTX with the Gore-Tex. I believe that either way you go, the money is well worth it.

RATING: 5 out of 5

Questions for comments: 

Have you ever traveled anywhere fun to run a race? If so where?

Would you do it again?

Do you prefer to run trails or on the road?

Running Past the Pain

Heading into 2016, I had no clue what to expect with my running. 2015 had been such a difficult year dealing with several injuries. I had got to the point where when I ran I was more focused on what was hurting than actually running. This is not a good mental or physical place to be in when pounding pavement or traversing trails. I gutted it out because I wanted to run so badly, but I have to admit that I was not enjoying the experience. When the calendar turned to January 1st 2016, I had mostly rehabbed my plantar fasciitis that plagued me through the entire second half of 2015. At this point I had not run a race since the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in April of 2015. So I went into 2016 with cautious hope.

My initial goal was to just get out and run pain free. I had not signed up for any races and frankly had not intention of running one until I could get 5 miles in without any pain. Due to the weather in Virginia in January running outside is difficult. So things started out slowly. Which is probably a good thing in hindsight as one of the hardest things to do when you are coming off an injury is to stay restrained early on in your return to running. I only ran 7 times in January and most of those were on the dreadmill. I stayed at 4 miles or under and my pace times were slow. However, I ran without pain. It gave me hope.

As February came around I started to mix in some cycling on the stationary bike. Up to this point in my running career I had not really cross-trained all that much. While I was injured I did some reading about how cross-training can help reduce the likelihood and impact of running related injuries as well as benefit overall fitness. I had often done yoga to help with flexibility and recovery, but very little else. The interesting thing I started to realize was that doing other activities is stimulating in that it breaks up the monotony of doing the same routine all the time. It also requires more focus as you are learning something new. In addition to the cycling I also started doing a little strength training. Obviously the cold weather is conducive to being inside and the gym fortunately provides one access to many various forms of exercise. My running improved as I reached my 5 mile goal and continued to do so without pain. There was definite joy in what is otherwise a generally bleak month.

As March got into full swing and spring was on the horizon, I began having visions of racing again. I had run the last two Cherry Blossom races and although I had been denied a lottery entry into the 2016 race, my then girlfriend had been accepted and could not run due to her own injury suffered in the Marine Corps Marathon. I decided that I had just enough time to train and she was gracious enough to give up her bib so that I could run. This gave me the motivation I needed to ramp up my running. It was also at this time that I decided to get a personal trainer to continue with my cross-training. I needed to learn some better lifting techniques and flexibility training exercises that would benefit my running. This turned out to be a great idea and in combination with my continued use of cycling I saw very fast improvements in both distance and pace. By the end of March I was up to 9 miles and feeling pretty good about the upcoming race in early April.

The Cherry Blossom is one of DC's premiere running events every year. The race has 20k+ runners and walkers and a race course that starts at the Washington Monument and runs down into the River Basin where the cherry blossom trees line the street. When they are in full bloom it is a spectacular scene. 2016 unfortunately featured some early warm weather which induced the cherry blossoms out before the race, so they were mostly gone. The weather on race morning was less than ideal. It was in the low 40's with gusting winds of 30 MPH. I was in good spirits however. I had made it back. This was my first race in one year and I was excited. I truly believe that my cross-training played a huge role in getting me back to this point and healthy. I was not quite at peak running shape, but mentally I was all in. The race went well and despite the conditions I ran a solid 10 miles. My pace was well below my previous two attempts at running it, but finishing felt really good. This was a runner's win!

The rest of 2016 has been geared towards continuing my ascent to longer race distances. I am running two half marathons before the end of the year and have already run several 5 mile and 10 mile races. My conditioning has reached a peak level that I have not seen since my 2014 marathon training and most importantly I am healthy. I have continued to cross-train, even ramping up the amount of activities each week. This really has opened up my fitness levels to a new spectrum. I also believe it has gone a long way to keeping me from getting injured. Being in my 40's means paying close attention to my body. I do not recover the same way I did in my 20's and 30's. That does not mean that I cannot achieve outstanding results, however I just cannot take the same path to greatness. I truly believe that while 2015 was a trying year filled with disappointment, the process of going through those injuries has helped me to become a better runner. Who knows, perhaps another marathon is on the horizon in 2017! Baby steps.

So what injury stories do you have?
How did you overcome them?
What did you learn?

Our greatest triumphs often arise out of our most tragic defeats.

Product Review: Brooks PureFlow 5's (Initial Impressions)

As some of you may know, Brooks is my favorite running shoe manufacturer. Brooks shoes just fit my feet right and for the price they have been my go to since 2013. I have worn a number of various lines of Brooks over the last few years and feel that I am more qualified to start speaking to the various aspects of the shoes that make them good. Since I just received my PureFlow 5's via the delivery driver today, lets begin with these new slick kicks.

The PureFlow series is described by Brooks as a neutral show that emphasizes agility and light weight feel. I would definitely agree with this description. As soon as you put them on, the weight stands out noticeably. The other thing that stands out immediately is the tongue. It seems larger and has more cushion than other Brooks shoes I have tried. I don't know why they chose to do this, but I will say that due to the larger size you will have to adjust your socks accordingly. If you wear ankle high socks like me, the tongue will rub on your leg and I had a slight abrasion after my run. Nothing significant, but the longer your run the more that will be pronounced.

I have worn the PureFlow 3's previously and enjoyed the lighter feel, but with my heavy heel striking I had some issues with the lack of heel cushion. The 5's have definitely stepped that up a little and on my first run I did not experience any issues with my heels during or after my run. The heel area also features a rounding towards the back of the sole which is designed to help with joint pain. I cannot really tell from one run if that is true or not, but I will say if you are a heavy heel striker you will have to adjust a little to the feel of the shoe on that end. It isn't a big difference, but some might notice it more than others.

One of the big changes from previous models is the flexibility of the shoe. The shoe is very bendable through the mid area and as a result you get a more natural feel while running as the shoe contours to the terrain under your feet. Brooks also added a wrap-around collar to emphasize the shoes natural feel as you run. I like the collar and would love to see that applied to some of their other shoe lines as well. While you could not describer these shoes as being stability oriented, they offer a nice middle ground. I enjoyed the more foot to the ground feel as I ran. I personally do not think I could wear these shoes for longer than 10 mile runs, but I would likely focus on speed runs with these anyhow.

The PureFlow 5's come in 4 color sets. There is a disclaimer on Brooks product page that the shoe runs a little smaller than normal. They say to adjust 1/2 size. I wear a size 10, ordered a size 10 and they fit like a size 10. Obviously if you are at the extreme of a size, then you may need to consider adjusting one way or the other, but I didn't experience any problem.

Finally, lets talk price of the shoe. Perhaps this is the best aspect. I got my pair for $55 with a coupon off Brooks website. However, right now they are listing at $72 which is still very good for a good running shoe. If you are looking for a lightweight neutral shoe for running short to mid distances, these are a good option.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (adjusted due to problem with the tongue)

11/16 Update: After logging some additional miles in the shoes I have some thoughts that may change some of your opinions. First, the tongue of the shoe is a real problem if you like to wear low cut ankle high socks. The tongue is made of a more rigid plastic material and it basically hits against the front part of your ankle while you run. Because of its rigidity this does not feel good after about 6 miles or so. I recently went to the Brooks store in Seattle and was told by one of the sales people that some have been taping the top part down, but my experience with doing that has been mixed. These shoes may require socks that extend up past your ankles. Second, the shoes feel fast. The extra flexibility in the mid section is really ideal for your sprint work outs. The lightness of the shoe feels closer to a speed shoe than a neutral, but you still get better stability especially in the heel. One thing I have noticed is that the shoe runs loud. By this I mean the sound of foot striking seems to be pronounced more so than other Brooks shoes. I am not sure if this is due to the design of the sole of the shoe or what. Just an FYI.

My thoughts on Westworld - Episode 1 (SPOILER ALERT)

I love the premise of Westworld. I want Sci-Fi to go the way of Game of Thrones, because I think Sci-Fi has so much to offer as a genre. The themes and narratives are limitless and lets face it, unlike the fantasy genre, Sci-Fi represents the possible future for humanity. I think this is infinitely more exciting. Obviously HBO is banking on this fact to fill the huge void in their programming schedule for this fall since GoT is not going to be seen again until 2017. As two of my favorite geeks on Co-Optitude would likely say, Lets talk about this f*cker!

The show begins with an interview being conducted of a woman by a man. She is sitting in a dark room on a chair, naked. There is no context given at this point, but it is clear she is not a normal human being. She is asked if she knows where she is, and she responds that she is in a dream. She is asked if she has ever questioned the nature of your reality. She responds no. And this seems to be the driving conundrum you will face as a viewer as you watch the first episode of Westworld. What is the real world vs artificial? Who is good and who is bad? What is the point of all of it?

Westworld is a show based on an original movie directed by the late Michael Crichton back in the 70's. It centers on a luxury amusement park that allows people to purchase adventure in a artificial western world. Essentially they can play cowboys and indians with lifelike androids. These hosts have routines that play out according to "narratives" that the customers choose. The show introduces you to some of these "hosts" as well as the "newcomers" who enter this world to find heroic adventure or just escape reality. You are also introduced to the creators and administrators of this world as they struggle to manage their creations and maintain the experience for the customers.

One of the main differences between Michael Crichton's version of Westworld and this one is mainly about point of view. In the 70's, film the focus is on the newcomers as they enter into an artificial reality and interact with it. In Westworld, the PoV is shifted to that of the hosts and the technicians that monitor and manage the world. The distinction is important to the feel of the show and one that I feel will lead to more questions than answers as the show's creators continue to unveil its secrets. It is easy to root for the humans right? But what if you start to feel compassion for the androids? How would that make you feel about humanity. There are some themes here we have seen before in movies like the Matrix and the Terminator. I am hoping Westworld goes beyond those movies in terms of emotional depth.

As episode one moves forward, you quickly realize that something is wrong in Westworld. The hosts are not all acting according to their narratives. Their seems to be something wrong and the technicians are not able to determine the cause or the exact problem. Obviously, this is going to be a central theme of the show moving forward. For now thought the viewer is left trying to figure out who are the protagonists and antagonists. It is really not clear, and I am okay with that.

The show is really going to evolve around the idea of what does it mean to be human. Something that Sci-Fi has touched on for decades in various forms. These android hosts look real, act real, and can provide very real fantasies to the newcomers. However, they are machines created by humans to serve a purpose. What happens though when they start to act on their own accord and form their own intentions and purpose of action? This is where the show will either fail or succeed. Can it make us care about these non-humans so that we feel compassion for what they are going through. Does it make us choose a side? Perhaps we question our own humanity.

There will be violence, sex, love and hatred. Like Game of Thrones, Westworld is going to take the viewer through the emotional spectrum and leave them at the altar of despair and then do it again. It will push the envelope of what is acceptable. Already we have seen a powerful scene that features a dark mysterious character pulling one of the main hosts into a barn for nefarious purposes. These kind of themes have been explored in GoT and the media has had a field day with it. I suspect we will see the same kind of coverage, despite the fact that the hosts are not actually real people. Or are they? Hmmmmm. The potential is limitless here for discussion and emotional response.

Needless to say I am excited. The cast for this show is really powerful with some amazing actors, Anthony Hopkins anyone?!

If the writers can take this cast and produce a powerful and coherent story line, I believe we will all be hailing Westworld as the Sci-Fi version of GoT! That is something to be very excited about indeed.

Because coffee!

Coffee is like a dream that you wake up from feeling as if something amazing actually happened. Every morning I drag myself out of bed and the first thing that comes to mind is coffee. I count down the minutes until I can taste the first caffeine loaded sip hit my mouth. It empowers me and gives me hope that the rest of my day is going to be awesome. Why is coffee so good? Let me break it down for you.

First, coffee is an abundant source of energy that can be found almost anywhere. You can simply walk or drive to your local gas station, grocery store, book store, coffee house, restaurant, friend's house, street vendor for a delicious cup of java.

Second, it is the best bang for your buck. I know, I know. Starbucks continues to raise prices every year. However, as long as you steer clear of the ridiculous quadruple pump, soy latte's that do not count in my book you can get an amazing cup of coffee from some exotic place in the world and enjoy the complex flavors that a straight cup of joe will bring to your world. Just like bourbon, beer, and wine - drink it straight up no chaser. Trust me it is worth it.

Third, coffee makes breakfast that much better. I have yet to have anything for breakfast that coffee does not enhance. You want a danish? Coffee goes with that. Pancakes you say? Coffee is the perfect complement. How about eggs over easy with some turkey sausage? Yep, coffee will make it sing. Seriously, go try any breakfast dish with a coffee and I think you will agree with me.

Fourth, coffee is a great conversation stimulant. Some of us don't really need much help. However, if you want to enhance your conversation with your good friend about the latest internet happenings, coffee is going to be your best legal option. I do have to warn you to not over do the caffeinated portion of your convo or you will make it a very one sided discussion. Nobody likes a blabber mouth.

Fifth, and this is mainly for my runner friends, coffee makes run even better. Running is amazing and stimulates your mind and body. However, having some coffee before a run will really energize you and get your body moving. Dont over do it here either and do make sure you give yourself some time for a bathroom break prior to heading out.

Sixth, coffee can be enjoyed morning noon or night. It doesn't matter. Most people prefer it in the morning, but it is great for that late afternoon lull. You know the one around 3 PM everyday when your mind starts to wander and you want to just lay your head on your keyboard and snooze. I generally prefer a nice espresso at this time of the day, but any coffee type will be of assistance to you. If you love the taste of coffee and want to enjoy a nice post dinner cafe, then do it decaffeinated. All of the great taste without staying up all night.

There you have it. Undeniable proof of coffee's amazing-ness. Many places around this great country are giving away coffee today as homage to coffee's superiority over all other beverages. Go out and enjoy yourself some java today.

Running is healthy, maybe?

Like many people I know, I started running as a way to get healthier. I also wanted to feel better. I began my journey in earnest as an obese 39 year old who desperately needed to get in shape. My driver was my son more than my own personal feelings on the subject. I wanted to be a good dad and in order to keep up with a growing young boy, I felt like I needed to shed some pounds. So I began running. Mind you this was probably the 3rd or 4th time in my life that I had tried to run. i would start, keep it going for a time, then find reasons to let it go. Perhaps I just needed the right motivation. So this time I set some goals - concrete and attainable goals that turned into a 10 mile race, several half-marathons, and eventually a full marathon. I have never looked back and running is now as much part of my life as any other activity that I enjoy.

As part of my journey to become a more committed runner I have done a lot of research on the effects of running on my body. Not surprisingly it seems that not everyone thinks running is all that good for you. I mean there are always naysayers for every topic you can imagine, from coffee to video games, sides are always formed and opinions abundant. I first ran into opposition concerning long distance running with my doctor. He advised me while getting a physical prior to my first marathon that he was sure that running marathons reduced the life span of those individuals. This alarmed me initially as I was about to run my first marathon and again I was doing it to be healthier. Perhaps live a little longer. He pointed me to some research articles to see for myself. The funny thing is that when I started digging, I found evidence on both sides of the fence. The one consideration that seemed to trump all the others was that that running long distances does not lead to shorter life spans in and of itself. A proper assessment of the individual needs to be accounted for when determining how much running is healthy.

So lets start with the basis for the bad. In 2012 there was an editorial published in the British journal Heart. It was co-authored by a cardiologist who claimed in the editorial that, "excessive running may thicken the heart tissue, causing fibrosis or scarring, and this may lead to atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat. Prolonged exercise may also lead to "oxidative stress," a buildup of free radicals that may bind with cholesterol to create plaque in your arteries." This all sounds pretty bad to me. The hypothesis here is that unless done in moderation running can be a negative health factor. The immediate question that is raised by this assertion is how can this possibly apply to everyone? People have different bio-metric elements that are not being considered in this kind of study. It seems like a no-brainer that levels of good vs bad cholesterol, history of heart diseases, blood pressure, etc. must be taken into account when determining the impact of any exercise on the body. This would apply to short term or long term studies. No such considerations were made in this case.

Fortunately, the scientific community has continued to study the effects of endurance running over the long term. In 2014 a report was published by Duk-chul Lee on the wonderful health effects that running has on the human body. That study found that even modest amounts of running can lead to a 30 percent drop in all-cause mortality risk and an average increase of three years in lifespan and that persistent runners had the most significant benefits, with 29 percent and 50 percent lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, compared with never-runners. All of that sounds good! Well at the time of the study the authors cautioned that they need to do more research to determine if there is an upper limit to the positive benefits of running.

Fast forward to 2016. The same authors of the 2014 study held a symposium titled "Optimal Dose of Running for Health: Is More Better or Worse?" There were two studies conducted as part of this symposium. Lee (yes that Lee from the prior study) concluded that more is not worse, but it may not be better either. However, in the study conducted by Paul Williams, there is evidence that runners averaging 40+ miles per week (pretty serious) were 26% less likely to to develop coronary heart disease. This certainly seems good on its face. The main difference between the two studies is purely based on number of runners studied. Williams research followed over 156,000 runners; a far larger sample size than Lee's study.

So here are some interesting effects that were seen from these studies. Runners can have up to 50% larger hearts. That is more muscle to pump blood to those working muscles. I have certainly felt the impact of this. Since my running has ventured into the 20 to 30 mile per week range I have noticed increased muscle mass and decreased recovery times from run to run. Endurance runners also tend to have more abundant capillaries to assist with circulation. I no longer am prone to some of the lower extremity circulation issues I was dealing with before taking on running more seriously. So I can attest to this fact. Also, runners resting heart rates are lower which means less stress on the heart even while resting. I don't know about you, but I like what I am reading here.

Obviously, we all must make sure to listen to our bodies. There is little question that running can have significant impacts on your body. This is especially true for the feet, ankles, knees and hips. It is important that you get sufficient rest to let your body heal, especially after hard workouts. Wearing the proper shoes and paying attention to weather conditions is a must. Runners must hydrate and make sure they are getting proper nutrition, especially when running longer distances. Ignore these tips at the risk of turning something helpful and positive into something else entirely. Just like most things in life, there is a right and wrong way to run healthy. I recommend checking with your physician before starting a running regiment as you need to at least be aware of the risks associated with your body.

That being said, when you look at the overall health benefits of running at any distance, it seems like a no-brainer. Running should be something that every able-bodied person should at least attempt. Above and beyond all the wonderful health benefits of running is the psychological benefits. I have little doubt that my self-confidence and self-awareness have been enhanced due to running. Just go for a run and you will see what I am talking about. Physically you may be tired, but your mind and attitude will be on the up and up. In fact, I love to run when I am tired or depressed. It is the best way to inject energy and better thoughts into my world.  For the love of the run, I am better!

Here are some good links to articles about the positive relationship between running (specifically endurance running) and good health. Go check it out for yourself.

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Big Wheel(s) Keep on Turning

Well I bought a bike. A real bike. So I guess its official. I am going to begin training for a triathlon. The idea for this came up when I started running with the Pacers Running Group a few weeks back. They do this cool running event called Joggers and Lagers at Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria VA. Side note: If you have not been, do make it a point to stop by. They feature a bunch of craft beers that are delicious. Over the course of these three weeks I met some folks that have completed several triathlons of various lengths and types (who knew there were different types!!!). I must look like a complete sucker to them, because now I have a $1000 bike and am looking at lap times at the local aquatic center to start swimming. What is wrong with ME?! Its actually very cool.

Back to the bike. I am pretty darn pumped about the new bike. Over the last year or so I have been riding a Mongoose mountain bike. It was a gift from some special folks (THANK YOU Big Dave and Nancy!) and it served its purpose for a while. However, it was heavy and not well situated for the type of riding I want to do. My new two wheeled ride is a Specialized Allez Sport 2017. Look at it! Its made out of space components brought back directly from Mars. At least it feels that way.

I tested it out today after picking it up from my local bike shop Spokes etc. and got a good work out in on Shirlington Hill on the way to and from the gym. Just the very fact I didn't die on the way down was promising. My feelings about the purchase were equally reinforced by being able to bike up the hill by using the proper gear ratio. Up to this point I had to walk my mountain bike up the hill and feel like a complete failure in the process. So not only does this help me physically, but also its a big boost to my self-esteem.

So the truth is I don't know much about bikes. I mean I know they have two wheels and brakes and pedals. I also know it's painful to ride long distances on a bike that is not designed for such activities. Let's hope that this bike purchase will get me into a strategic endurance exercise that will not only get me ready for a triathlon, but also help me with my running. Since I plan to run a marathon next year it would be ideal if I could plan for a triathlon a month out as a good training race. Just thinking out loud at this point, but it certainly would make for some variety in training. Variety is the spice of life or so they say. Based on my first marathon training experience, I need to do more cross training or I will likely suffer the same fate with injuries. I wish to avoid that fate at all costs.

A note about owning a competitive bike. It's expensive. I had no idea there was so much freaking equipment that was necessary to ride a bike. Seeing as I am not Donald Drumph, I will have to be incremental about buying things. I already have a good helmet and water bottle. However, I have zero cycling clothing paraphernalia. I need some diapers to alleviate the butt soreness. Can't they figure out how to make those seats more comfortable???

I will continue to update my post here as I ride more. If any of you have any suggestions for starting from scratch on a road bike in the hopes to get to 50 miles at some point, please do post some thoughts in the comments.

Update #1 - First ride planned for Sept 8 to Gravelly Point. More to follow.

Update #2 - First ride completed. It was muggy. Very glad I went in the morning as highs were expected around 100 with the heat index. I was on the commuter trail so I had to battle a bunch of stressed out riders this morning. A little crowded, but not too bad. I enjoyed the ride. I went out to 6.3 miles just past Gravelly Point and then came back through Shirlington. I was not fast, but felt like I didn't max exert either. My legs felt really good. The bike handled well. I am still getting the feel for the gears and knowing when to shift. Work in progress. I need to also learn the hand signals for turning. I get the feeling that could be important at some point. I finished my ride going up Shirlington Hill. I was slow and methodical. The legs were screaming and I was definitely huffing. Hopefully with more ride time, that will get easier. The key here is that I enjoyed it and look forward to my next ride.

Running is life

Running is the best therapy a person can want. A dose of medicine for what ails you. Over the last six plus years I have experienced the full range of F you's that life can throw at a person. From my wife passing away and leaving me a solo parent of a year old baby to my mom's painful and terminal battle with cancer last year, I have been through the emotional ringer. You learn some serious life lessons through those kinds of ordeals. It challenges you in ways you are unfamiliar with. As life is want to do, there have been some high points. I have traveled and seen many wonderful places and met many wonderful new people. I have watched my son grow up in front of my eyes into a wonderful kid. The light of my life as it turns out. No matter what good or bad things may have been thrust in my path, one constant has been running. It helps center me and give me hope that its going to be just fine. Keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other.

Running has given me something over these last six plus years that I haven't found anywhere else. A happy place. It took me a while to figure that out. I started out as a mile guy. One mile for 10 minutes. Sometimes longer than that. The distance and time didn't matter though. I was out there. In the rain, the snow, the cold, the heat - I did not care. I wasn't even really sure why I started to run initially. It eventually became about being a better father through improved health and fitness. But at first I think it was just to release some of the pent up anger and sadness I had in me. Running was the only thing that seemed to work. It made me feel good for 10-12 minutes. It was all I had. But the one thing I didn't count on was the self- confidence. It made me feel good about myself again.

Flash forward to today. I run five days a week. I generally run anywhere from 4 to 10 miles. I work on pace and hill repeats and breathing. I own multiple pairs of running shoes. I have a wall devoted to running bibs and medals. However, the joy of running is still about the time spent pounding pavement or navigating trails. My happy place. The one part of my day where I feel in control and alive. It doesn't even have to be a good run. Some of them aren't. It is never about the result. It's the act. The joy of one foot in front of the other. The simplest of things. The motion of living. Always moving forward and never looking back. There is something good about the simplicity of it. Mind resolute, sweat pouring, wind at my back or in my face - I run to be alive.

It has occurred to me that the very nature of running is the perfect metaphor for life. The very act of taking that next step is the struggle we all experience every day. Sometimes those steps come easy and free. We want to take those steps. They are joy. Other times it takes everything you have in you to take that next step. Its painful and agonizing. No matter how it feels though, you do it and when you do there is a sense of accomplishment. A sense that you broke through a barrier. You can do anything. There is no other feeling like it.

I ran a marathon in October of 2014. It was my first and to date my only marathon. I picked it as a goal in March of 2014 based on my desire to do something outrageous and running 26.2 miles fit the bill. I don't know if I truly believed I could do it. At that time I hadn't even run my original running goal of 10 miles. I had no idea how to even train for something like a marathon. All I knew was that I had a girlfriend who loved running and was training for it with me, so at least I wasn't doing it alone. The training went really well early on. I crushed my first 10 mile race, then a half-marathon, then another half-marathon. I got faster and faster and my confidence level spiked. I felt great. After my second half marathon, roughly a month before the marathon, I started to feel my IT band complaining about the mileage. Being a rookie at this, I ignored it. I was one month away from my goal. Just push through I told myself. The IT band issue got worse. No surprise right? I had to start my taper two weeks out, just hoping it would heal enough for the race. It didn't. So I ran the race of my life at less than 100%. 26.2 miles of pain every time my foot hit the pavement. I could look at this as just a painful experience - however, that race taught me as much about myself as anything else I have ever done. I summoned the strength and willpower from somewhere deep inside me to put one foot in front of other and just GO! I experienced the full gamut of emotions while running. It took everything. Crossing that finish line was one of the defining moments of my life. I felt alive. Through the pain and the sweat and the tears I accomplished something I would never have dreamed of before I began this journey. The hugs of congratulations and love that waited for me beyond the runners pen vindicated all of the hard work and hours of  training spent preparing for this moment. Isn't that what life is about? You set goals, you work towards those goals, you have people who support you and love through all of the good and bad, and when you are finished you feel a sense of accomplishment.

I plan to continue running. I don't know if I ever will stop. Running is just part of my life. It weaves its way through my days and no matter what else is going on in my life is there for me when I need it. I always look forward to the next adventure on my feet. I encourage anyone who has not considered running as a means by which to better yourself to do so. Just set aside some time, lace up some athletic shoes, and go out and put one foot in front of the other. I bet you will return with something valuable.

Long Burner or Spark Chaser - How do you romantically relate?

From time to time I receive an email from medium.com for a blog article that really grabs my attention. My initial interest is usually based on the title or the picture that appears with the title and as a result, many times I end up reading something less than satisfying. On this morning I was grabbed. I clicked on the link and found myself reading through some thoughts of one Sara Michener, who is self-described as a feminist and spitfire in her profile. Interesting for sure.  I have not previously read any of her posts on medium.com, but her thoughts on relationships struck me. I find them to be spot on.

Sara pushes the concept of knowing what kind of relationship you want. She defines two categories that one can fall into. In order to determine which category you fall into, the key is being honest about yourself based on your dating experience. This honesty thins is not as easy as it sounds. There are specific things that you need to analyze and accept about yourself. If you cannot do so, then Sara concludes that perhaps you should not be in a relationship at all.  I think being honest with yourself applies to a great many things in life, but for some reason many of us have a real problem with assessing what we want based on what has and hasn't worked. We tend to fall into the same traps over and over. Beware of peer pressure or societal norms that steer you one way or the other too as nobody is going to really know you the way you do. There are enough examples out there of people who live out their lives in terrible relationships pretending that they are happy. The goal is not to be one of those people.

So the two types of relationships Sara introduces in her post are called long-burner and spark-chaser. There is no in-between here so the honesty part discussed above plays a crucial role in making sure you pick the right one. A long-burner is essentially a monogamist at heart. This person is looking for a partner to traverse the journey of life with. The love factor of the relationship takes a back seat here. Its not that it isn't important, but a true long-burner realizes that the feeling of being "in love" will ebb and flow over time. The desire to have a companion is what drives you forward. I will add from my own experience that a long-burner must be able to weather the 'love droughts' as I like to call them. To focus on the aspects of the relationship that form the foundation and greet the return of love when it is ready to return. I have seen examples of relationships where people have placed all of their eggs into the basket of companionship and love frankly just doesn't play much of a role. Perhaps it did at some point. We are talking about the fiery intense kind of love that one expects to feel in a committed relationship. It seems weird to say but this kind of relationship is okay, because of the misplaced notions of the importance of romantic love in long term relationships. I believe that this kind of relationship is more frequently the case then the ones who have survived decades in the sublime grip of romantic love. That kind of love is not for everyone as Sara points out.

So what are the factors that make someone want to be a long-burner? Well they can be as fundamental as a sense of family, a desire of belonging, a need to care for others and a recognized importance on companionship. These are the kinds of feelings that take time to develop and as you do, the partners will come to rely on them more and more. Sara believes that this does not mean romance and concepts of love should not be fostered. I agree. In fact, those concepts are still key to making a relationship last or at least fun. They just don't need to be there all the time and take center stage. If you are seeking the love excitement akin to what it feels like when you first start dating, then you are more likely in the second category.

A spark-chaser is someone that wants that Everly Brothers loving feeling each and every day. They seek the euphoric joy of the first kiss, first orgasm, first I love you and value that over any sense of companionship or care-giving. To me this is what I call young love. This is what young people feel when they first start dating, before they know any other aspect of a real relationship. This can also be described as polyamory. Basically, you value the short term feelings of romance and are willing to end relationships with people to seek it out with new partners. Sara's primary thoughts about this form of relationship is that the involved people need to be up front about what they want. These relationships can last six months, one year, several years. It all depends on how long that feeling of love is strong. I have a friend or two who definitely fall into this category and both of them got there by trying to be a long-burner first and coming to the realization that they just don't have the emotional wellspring to make it work. They both seem much better off for their decisions now. This commentary is not meant to be a determination of value. Both categories have their pros and cons. It is more important that those of that seek out relationships with others determine which one we fall into so we are not deceiving ourselves and partners.

The most compelling aspect of Sara's blog to me is the part where she discusses ending a relationship. She talks about those people who use the rationale that they just aren't in love any longer. They are not "feeling it" anymore. To use her words,

"Certainly, there are other reasons to end a relationship that are perfectly valid. But if you’re ending it because you’re not feeling it anymore, you never felt the desire for monogamy as it actually exists in the first place. Figure out who you are, what you want, and be that. The only people who can have both are those few who are very, very good at polyamory."

I think anyone who has had those words said to them can relate to the feelings of anger and hurt that often go along with them. It feels like a cop out - like the person saying the words just doesn't know what else to say. What it means is that they weren't being honest with themselves and you. That is a difficult form of betrayal to get over. Sara would like for people to decide what they want out of relationship and be honest about it. She writes her blog as if this is a very cut and dry decision. I am of the mind that emotions and feelings of the romantic nature are not cut and dry by their very nature. I believe this choice can really only be made after years of dating and finding yourself. Perhaps the answer is to start out as poly and move towards monogamy if that constant turnover of romantic partners gets old. It can be hard to really know yourself when it comes to love and typically the best learning experiences come from the relationships that hurt the most. The key will be to know the difference and act on it.

To add on to Sara's thoughts, I have learned to believe in the concept that love is a feeling of want and not need. I know that conceptually love is portrayed in stories about a life or death kind of thing. However, I think in most cases that is not the case. Love is a strong desire for someone. It is the want of something intangible that you can't quite put into words or express materially. I can understand why people get confused and mistake it for need. It feels like a need at times. If your love goes unrequieted, you feel as if you will cease to exist. Of course physically, this isn't true. I do think a particularly difficult ending to a relationship can change a person - make them a shell of their former self. It is not the end though and for most another will come along to replace the feelings that were lost. Regardless of whether you fall into the category of a long-burner or a spark-chaser, it is best to realize the importance of love as a want and not a need. I think it will influence the actions you take in your relationship to a degree that will make a difference for the better.

Please take the time to read Sara's blog. She does a great job of distinguishing the categories and presenting a strong argument for both. She doesn't pretend one is better than the other, but makes it clear that you are better off knowing which one you belong in. I hope you find it as helpful as I did.

DC Coffee Express - La Colombe

Haha! I am back and totally caffeinated to the brain box. I ventured back into our nation's capital to find more coffee goodness yesterday and this time I chose La Colombe as my watering hole of the week. Programming note: I plan to reduce my coffee house visits to once per week. With school starting back for my son, I likely won't be making it into the city quite as often. Boooo. I am sad about this, but the facts are the facts.

Alright back to our regularly scheduled programming. La Colombe has a couple of locations in DC and I chose the 6th Street location as it was close to a scheduled lunch date in the City Center. For whatever reason, traffic that day was not just bad, but epicly bad. No seeming reason other than the usual people suck at driving and there are hundreds of cars on the same roads going to the same place at the same time. From a location stand point though, La Colombe is just down the street from the Verizon Center and Chinatown. It is walking distance to City Center and Gallery Place. So there are lots of options for fun nearby once you get your caffeine fix.

Ambiance

See! Bricks!

The facility is brick. Lots of brick. I kind of liked it. I went to a university that had brick court yards, buildings, fountain and walk ways so for me it felt a little like college (what I remember of it anyways). However, if you prefer more modern design to the more rustic brick structures then by all means go somewhere else. It has a clean and simple design that was visually appealing for me. The space is open when you walk in with the coffee bar directly in front. I was greeted warmly and quickly by the barista. The seating inside is nothing to shout about, but certainly serviceable for sitting down to get some work or reading in.
There was a very small upstairs, but it only fits a couple of people at the same table. Its kind of a cool area if you find it available. My one complaint was how cold it was inside. I mean they keep the temperature inside like a meat locker. Very refreshing when you first walk in from the heat, but after about 20 minutes you need a parka or to be a penguin. Perhaps that was just an anomaly. Note to restaurants: Temperature control is very important. The music was very upbeat featuring all kinds of rock n' roll. This was the first coffee place that played primarily this genre of music and it I LOVED it. The music was a little loud however, and at one point when it was more crowded the noise factor definitely inhibited being able to work. Fortunately this was the case only for about 30 minutes or so, and before and after this point the noise levels were fine. In all, there is a comfort factor that works. I spent two very enjoyable hours inside and enjoyed the experience.

Rating: 4.5 (only because of noise level and the AC being on permafrost)

Coffee

La Colombe features many of the same options you will find in other coffee spots in DC. They have pour overs, red eyes, cold brew to include draft lattes! I had not seen that before, but I am not much of a latte drinker so I skipped it. I noticed that many customers were ordering the drink on a hot day, so it must have some redeeming value. I decided to order a Kenyan pour over.  I am a sucker for a good pour over evidently. It featured a smooth finish with fruity overtones. There was no bitterness. It came served in a ceramic mug with interesting art work befitting of the African origin of the roast. For $6 it was a little over priced, but I am not going to deny the deliciousness. I also tried a cortado for $3. It had nice presentation in a clear glass cup, as it should be. It was not as sweet as other cortados (i.e. The Royal), but it featured a smooth and balanced flavor profile with a hint of creaminess.

Rating: 5

Kenyan Pour Over

Cortado

Food

I did not try any food, but what I saw was pretty standard pastry fare. Again, not sure why more coffee houses do not focus more on the food side of things. I won't beat that dead horse again.

Rating: NA

Overall

I thoroughly enjoyed La Colombe. From the location to the architecture and set up and definitely the coffee it is a winner. Only a couple of minor complaints about noise levels and the AC being a bit too cranked up put a blemish on the experience. To me this is primarily a coffee joint. I didn't see many folks eating and there really is nothing but carbohydrate bombs to be bought anyhow. The coffee is really good though. If you like lattes you will have to try the draft latte and let me know how it is in the comments. It would be wasted money for me to even try it. I would put this up against most coffee houses I have visited so far in terms of overall quality. Do check it out, won't you?

Final Rating: 4

Just another piece of internet dating advice...

Dating is one of those mysteries of life for most guys. Even those that claim to have it figured out have a tough time explaining it to the rest of the masses in a way that makes any sense. However, most men you talk to will tell you that they look forward to spending an evening with a beautiful lady. There is something just undeniable about attraction. When a date goes well and there is that connection through finding some common ground and laughing, you just feel euphoric. There is nothing quite like it. Getting the dating thing right can be tricky though. Even where those first few dates go really well, maintaining that momentum and keeping a relationship healthy is difficult at best. The nice thing is that the internet is ripe with "experts" to help you out. Right? Yea, right.

I recently found one such article where the author Abbie Kopf offers some pretty simple advice on dating. I know. You will believe it when you read it. Well do it. Read it. I think you will find that the advice will strike you as being honest and true in a way that might actually be helpful the next time you are trying to figure out if someone is being real or not. So let me break it down, because its pretty freaking simple. Her advice is that "if a person is into you they will find a way to be with you. No exceptions." Just think about that for a second. It seems like a no brainer, but how often do you find that someone is playing mystery games and you get can't get enough or you are pining after someone that just doesn't show any interest? It happens all the time. Sure sometimes a person playing hard to get is intriguing, but eventually it gets old and frustrating. Sometimes you just have to know when to say enough is enough. Not only is it simple, but it applies to all kinds of relationships. Whether you are hetero or gay, woman or man, young or old this piece of advice applies to you.

Let me give you a real example using my love life right now. My ex girlfriend moved out of our home five plus weeks ago. Since that time, I have literally done everything in my power to hold onto what I lost. If she took the time to look, it would be easy for her to see that I am still fully engaged and trying. However, the result of my efforts have simply been frustration, anger, and dejection. My ex has told me over and over that she just wants to live her life. That she doesn't regret her decision. All the signs point to me being put on the back-burner of her life. The problem is that I have not been listening. In my mind I keep thinking she still loves me and maybe just maybe we can work things out. It certainly seems reasonable. However, I have come to the realization recently that the article is right. She has zero interest in going back to the way things were. Yes, we have seen each other. Yes, we have even gone on a couple of dates, without calling them that of course. However, I have had to initiate almost every interaction. My ex has yet to ask me to do one thing with her. If my ex wanted to be with me, she would. Plain and simple. I of course recognize this example is based on an extreme situation where the relationship has run its course. Obviously, there are more subtle situations not involving a break up, but perhaps more about indecisiveness. That is certainly a trickier spot.

I think for most people who are dating this advice would be good to at least consider. Does the other person exhibit the signs that they want to spend time with you? I find that when I am into someone I will do almost anything to make time. I will go without sleeping, eating, give up personal activities to be with them, change plans in some cases, etc. When you see signs that these kind of efforts are not being made it may be time to cut the cord. Some caution needs to be exercised here. Look, life can be hectic. Things do not always work out the way you want them to work out despite best intentions. I don't think this advice can be looked at in purely a short term perspective. I mean everyone has tough weeks. So the bottom line is you have to evaluate these things in the broader context. Is the person your dating doing other things to show you their interest level is there when they can't physically be with you? Perhaps a phone call, Skype, a loving text, sending flowers or just a card to let you know they are thinking about you. There are a lot of ways that someone can make the effort to show you they are with you even when they are not. So don't be too quick to judge in all cases. You will have to use some common sense.

I don't know. It all seems so simple when you think it about it in these terms. If they want to be with you, they will find a way. I mean you really can't get any more cut and dry then that. If only these darn emotions wouldn't warp logic and keep us from thinking clearly. Ha, ain't love grand? Perhaps, the below article really has the answer. Give your woman an orgasm and she is yours forever. At least until someone else does.

Relationship advice is like opinions...

Cargo Pants - Should guys still be wearing them?

It is always fun to look back at old fashion styles from bygone eras. If for no other than reason to mock those that were unfortunate enough to have pictures of themselves wearing clothes from that bygone era. Fashion is one of those things that is cyclical in nature. We have seen many examples of that over time. From bell bottom jeans to skinny jeans and a host of shoe styles such as cowboy boots and wing tip dress shoes. The list can go on and on. However, there are certain fashions that probably should stay buried. Recently, I have noticed a national debate on Facebook started as a result of some articles on Inside Hook and the Wall Street Journal concerning the wearing of cargo style pants. I have somewhat strong feelings on this as I was a wearer of cargo shorts (not the long pants) back in the mid to late 90's and into the early 2000's. I loved wearing them, but even for me there came a time when that had to stop.

Lets frame the issue before we move into the analysis. Cargo pants have been around since the 1940's in one form or another and were originally made to fit a military need for more storage space that didn't involve a backpack or utility belt. Flash forward to the 1990's where teen retailers like Abercrombie and Fitch and Gap ignited a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the roomier and bulkier pants. This was primarily a style related passion for the most part, although one can make the argument that as cell phones became ubiquitous, a need for a larger pocket could be seen as a valid reason. Whatever the reasons that men started to buy them, this fad lasted well into the 2000's until about 2007 or so when the backlash in the fashion industry really started up.

The interesting thing I have learned from this debate is that cargo shorts sales declined for the first time in a decade over this past year! Hold the phone!! Seriously? How can that be? Do I see guys wearing cargo shorts still? I don't know if I have paid that close of attention. I live in an area where fashion is important to most and city life requires you to have at least some modicum of style to be accepted. So perhaps I am insulated from the areas where cargo shorts are still the norm. It is not outside the realm of possibility for those that still wear them to be clinging to a style that worked for them when younger. You see that in every generation. So this is not some new phenomenon. Guys tend to go with what they know in terms of fashion, even when what they know is so horribly out of date that they may as well wear a kick me sign on their back.

So the question is doctor, can a man wear cargo shorts/pants without the withering disapproving stares of people around them? Or perhaps a marriage ending ultimatum from their spouse? This issue has formed sides quickly and it is interesting to me how strongly people feel about this topic. Frankly, I had not thought about cargo shorts in a long time. I no longer own any. I am one of the believers that cargo shorts had their place and time in my life, but no longer. However, I can see the utility in wearing them when appropriate. So I guess I don't feel completely on one side or the other of the argument. Also it seems that today's cargo shorts are much more in line with current fashion trends. Gone are the big baggy style with the huge pockets. More current versions seem to be more slim and the pockets reasonable in size. In fact in a few examples the cargo style pockets just replace the in line pockets found in most shorts today. So its not like there is any extra storage capacity.

In my humble opinion, and by know means am I a fashion expert, but the only appropriate situation where cargo pants would be preferred is long walks where you may need easy access to certain items that you would normally carry around (keys, phone, wallet, sandwich) plus a few additional items related to your activity (bear spray, knife, cans of beer). This would include hiking, amusement park visits (especially with children which is why the need for beer is in play), and zombie apocalypse or some other world ending event where motorized transportation is no longer available. Other than that, there really is no NEED for which putting on cargo pants is acceptable. In fact, if you have any clothes that are older than 10 years in your current wardrobe cycle, you should probably get rid of them or store them in the attic until they come back into fashion. Even for a guy who is generally very fashion challenged, I understand the need to update my wardrobe every year with at least a few items of more current styling. I would not go out and buy cargo pants as part of the annual update.

Also, if you are single and ever hope to find a beautiful partner to live out your existence with, you should definitely not be wearing cargo pants. She will sense weakness and move in for the kill.

Look guys, I know. The shorts are comfortable, functional and are a better option than visiting the mall to find new shorts. However, do yourself a favor here and just put the cargo pants away. Go store them with all of the hiking gear that you always meant to use for hiking, but is actually collecting dust in the garage or attic. Furthermore, one can find many other options for carrying additional items that do not easily fit in your pockets. People have been walking around with backpacks for years. So lets leave the cargo pants in the 90's and move on to something far more serious, slim jeans! This advice could save your marriage.

Ice Tyrant goes to the movies - Suicide Squad 3D (UPDATED)

Seeing as this is my first movie review, I should likely lay out some ground rules. First, let me be quite honest and say that I don't go to many movies. Typically I will visit the movie theater only for bigger movies that I really want to see. The good news is that movie watching can be accomplished just as effectively (and more cheaply) at home. The experience is different, but not so much to impact my ability to review the film. Therefore I will review movies that I watch at home or in the theater. In order to keep the reviews concise and readable, I will review movies based on three factors that I consider to be critical to a movie's essence.

1) Story: Think plot. The what, where, why and how. Was it compelling? Did it tell a complete story? What was the intent of the story and did it accomplish its goal? The story being told through a cinematic experience is essential to determining whether it has any value. Without at least a coherent and interesting story line, most movies just do not matter. This is where the director and writers play the big role. Do they create a seamless storytelling experience?

2) Characters: In conjunction with a good story, the characters must have some appeal. They either need to be loved or hated or elicit some form of emotion from the viewers to matter. Also, the chemistry of the characters on screen is very meaningful. Do they fit in the puzzle in a way that facilitates the story being told? Each character generally serves a purpose and in some cases you may find that some of the characters do and other do not. How impacting are the performances by the actors portraying the characters? Have the characters been properly cast? Visual fit and appropriate verbal style can go a long way to making a character compelling or uninteresting.

3) Enjoy-ability: In the end, sometimes the sum of the pieces can be greater than the whole. When looked at by themselves, you may find the story or characters lacking yet you the movie was still enjoyable to watch. I call this the experience of the film. Special effects or cinematography can make up for deficiencies in other areas. This can be heightened by the type of film being watched, perhaps such as an animated film or action flick. This category is more about how you feel when you leave the theater or turn off the TV.

OK, with that out of the way, onto my first review.

_________________________________________________________________

SUICIDE SQUAD - 3D

This movie is flat out boring. Let me just get that out there right away. It has too many holes, and is a mess. Frankly all one has to do is look at the reviews to figure out that there are tons of flaws. The movie has been consistently crushed in critic reviews. Here, Here, Here, and Here. Now listen, I will be the first to tell you that critical reviews of movies that are based in the sci-fi or comic book genres are generally unreliable for the true fan of those genres. Critics tend to miss the mark as to what makes movies like these good. So I usually take bad reviews with a grain of salt. However, the reviews for Suicide Squad are so universally horrific that its hard to ignore them. I mean when you see comments written like, "Suicide Squad amounts to an all-out attack on the whole idea of entertainment", you quickly realize that this has the potential for being really bad. Another major concern is the PG-13 rating. This movie should be Rated R. Period. Think Deadpool. I have heard rumors that the original version shot by the director was a little darker and more mature in feel. Apparently the studio then got hold of it and edited it to a PG-13 rating to allow for a larger market audience. This may help explain why the film felt so dis-jointed. If true, SHAME on you Warner Bros. You shall reap what you sow.

Lets get into my review shall we?

Movie Facts:

Director: David Ayer

Cast: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Ledo, Viola Davis among others.

Duration: 123 minutes

Story: Where to begin. The story of Suicide Squad is perhaps the worst part of the entire experience. It is all over the place. You feel somewhat confused, then ultimately bored by the end of the movie. Like you really don't care what happens. There is no sense of connection from scene to scene and it feels like the director is just slapping things together to make sure each character gets their moment in the sun. The comic book Suicide Squad brings together a D list ensemble of villains that appear throughout the DC comic universe in books like Batman, The Flash, Justice League, etc. However, none of the characters by themselves are really stars of the show. They just aren't meant to be that. The Joker, while an important character in the Suicide Squad universe, is really just an accompaniment to Harley Quinn. The Joker here is actually the best part of the movie for me, but that is primarily due to the very different style given to him by Jared Ledo. He is kind of side story though and ultimately not that important.

The plot revolves around the government's plan to create a secret team of meta-humans known as Task-Force X. They are assembled to combat the potential for other meta-humans going rogue and threatening the world. This all feeds off of the Batman v. Superman movie and the fears raised in that movie concerning Superman as an all powerful being. The weird thing here is that the ultimate enemy the Suicide Squad ends up fighting is a result of this government unit being unleashed from their maximum security prison. The Enchantress, aka June Moone, is mistakenly freed to wreck shop on the world through the rather standard trope that the government thinks they can control an all powerful being hell bent on world domination. Think again. The problem ends up being that The Enchantress just isn't that compelling of final boss character. Frankly, the fight between El Diablo and The Incubus is far more interesting than what happens between Suicide Squad and the Enchantress.

vs

The story feels contrived and far too lighthearted for a movie about a squad of serial killers trying to save the world. I think the director was going for something along the lines of Deadpool, but that is a totally different character and movie. They really are not similar in style or substance. The humor woven into the dialogue between the characters is just not very funny and adds nothing to the overall movie. The story here would have been better served in a darker more sadistic humor style. DC movies have been criticized for their lack of humor recently. However, you must remain true to the universe within which you are working. These characters can have moments, but I think the attempt was a little too on the nose and forced.

Characters: I want to love all of the characters in this movie. These are not characters that most casual fans of the DC universe will know much about. As a result these characters don't lend themselves to being central stars of a movie. They are villains that battle other DC universe super heroes. They often have one book or maybe a small series of books devoted to them as part of those larger comics. We have seen this before over on the Marvel side with Guardians of the Galaxy. That movie was successful because it did a good job of tying the characters together to make them compelling as a team. Suicide Squad is not as successful with doing this. The main issue here is that it always feels like each member is out for themselves, as suicidal maniacs tend to be, and where they have moments of camaraderie it feels forced and weird.

I really want to like Deadshot. He is the de facto leader of the Suicide Squad, but Will Smith just doesn't get me there. Deadshot is a mercenary. A gun for hire. Frankly, why would he care about these other maniacs who have no values or principles? I know, he is being led like a horse to water with the promise of seeing his daughter again, but just I don't believe the character as a leader in this instance. It feels forced and of no value to the plot. Will Smith delivers a mostly good performance, but the character's role just doesn't feel right. The most redeeming part here is Deadshot's back story. Which in and of itself is not terribly unique or interesting, but does provide a sense of emotional depth to the character.

The most interesting character in the Suicide Squad is Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. The girlfriend of The Joker and nemesis of Batman. As part of her and Deadshot's back story, you do get some of Ben Affleck's Batman thrown in for brand continuity. However, if you have seen Batman vs Superman you already know that this isn't a value add. Robbie's Harley Quinn pulls off the visual aspect really well.

However, she only captures part of the crazy factor about Harley Quinn which is entirely rooted in her love for the Joker. What she really misses on is the conflicted side of Harley Quinn. The character is in love with The Joker and therefore must be slightly insane, but throughout the various story lines in the comic books, she has her moments of clarity and realization that The Joker is a cruel and wicked man who will stop at nothing to terrorize people. I do think the play between Jared Ledo's Joker and Harley Quinn is sufficient to give the viewer the flavor of their dysfunctional relationship. However, you definitely get the sense at the end that it really isn't all the important to the overall movie. It is just a side bar that pops up from time to time. Perhaps their relationship would be better fleshed out in a different movie altogether. 

The other characters are less important to the overall plot line and are played admirably by the cast of actors and actresses. Captain Boomerang, Katana, a brief appearance by Slipknot, Killer Croc, and El Diablo all have their moments. Honestly, El Diablo's character is by far the most compelling of this group. With his back story being that of a gang banger who can shoot fire out of his hands and in a fit of rage kills his family. He spends most of the movie on the sidelines as his guilt over what he has done overwhelms him. He eventually gets involved in the fighting towards the end and plays a pivotal role in the final battle in what is likely the best action sequence in the movie. Everyone else is just not very interesting. Especially in the humor department where the dialogue can just be plain bad. There were many times where a vulgar one liner was delivered and barely any laughter was heard in the theater. It was awkward in most cases. Side note: Do not bring children to movies like this. I mean what the heck is wrong with parents these days?!

The anti-hero, if you can call her that in this movie, is The Enchantress, played by Carol Delevigne.

 While the character gets some marks for style, there just isn't enough substance to the character. There is not enough time devoted to what makes her so evil and why she is doing what she is doing in the movie. The end scene where Suicide Squad faces off with her in final form could be the ending of any number of recent blockbusters, most comparably Ghost Busters. There just isn't really anything that makes you care about her defeat frankly. Even the sappy love story between Captain Flag and June Moone, the human host for The Enchantress, doesn't save this sloppy and indifferent boss battle.

All in all you really want to like these characters, but you just can't get invested. Such a shame. There is a ton of potential. But by the end of the movie it remains just potential.

Enjoy-ability: Well I think it's pretty clear that this movie just isn't that enjoyable. I actually dozed off a couple of times towards the end of the movie. This is usually when you are most invested in a movie. You want to see what happens. I really couldn't care less. The story is too much a hodge-podge and comes to end with an unsatisfying final boss battle and character wrap up. The worst part is the attempt at making the characters funny. There are only a few very funny lines or moments in this movie, despite the fact that the intent is to try and capture some of what made Deadpool and Avengers so great. The 3D aspect did nothing to save the movie or enhance it. The movie is dark and frankly at times it can be hard to tell what is happening. All it did was cost me more money which made me regret going to see the film even more. It's really a shame because I think that DC has the character base to be successful with these films, but it fails on so many levels by trying to be something it is not. Just like so many of Suicide Squad's predecessor films in the DC universe. Truly a shame.

8/8 UPDATE: So it seems that there must be a lot of people who enjoy watching bad movies. Perhaps the word hasn't gotten out yet, but Suicide Squad broke the opening weekend record at the box office for the month of August taking in an estimated $135 million. Crazy.  I assume that is largely due to the lack of any other highly anticipated movie opening this past weekend. The interesting thing will be to see how it continues to do over the next couple of weeks. My guess is that those numbers will fall fast based on reviews and word of mouth.

8/17 UPDATE: It has come out that Jared Ledo is so disappointed with the movie that he has not actually watched it nor does he plan to do so. He also claims to have been tricked into doing the movie in the first place, which seems a little disingenuous, but this is just one more nail in the coffin.