Well, 20 years from now, this will only be a bad memory……if I live – ha.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 15
Date: October 7
Day: Thursday
Weather: Cold, thunderstorm (fitting).
Training: 5 mile runs
Well, today was D day. I had to return to school with everyone either smirking at me or looking at me like I was on death row. I thought that I would have a new image when I returned to school. I kind of was hoping everyone would think I’m really tough and shouldn’t be messed with. But fighting Glenn only seemed to add fuel to the fire. I only managed to shake the bee hive. This was going to be a long day.
A period didn’t pass where someone had to tell me how bad I was going to get my butt kicked. A few people at least seemed concerned and said they would let a teacher know if I wanted them too. I told them to not worry and that I would handle it. Deep down though, I was getting more and more worried.
I couldn’t concentrate on anything. I just kept going over the scenario over and over in my head. None of my friends were in my gym class (where this was all suppose to go down), and I wouldn’t expect them to fight anyways. They are all wimps. But that’s ok, because none of them pretend to be tough and I didn’t want them involved anyways.
Part of me was really angry though. How could they think they were proving anything by fighting me three on one? To me, that is cowardly and it should’ve been one on one. Not to mention they are all pumped up football players and I’m a triathlete who works to keep my body weight to a minimum.
Maybe I should have challenged them to a swimming, biking, or running contest. Ha! Maybe I should have showed up in my bike shorts. That would have intimidated them! Or better yet, I should have showed up in my swim Speedo’s and goggles. Ha!
But this is what happened; like I said, all day people were either smirking at me or telling me to run. I knew I wasn’t the type to run, so the alternative was that I was going to have to face them. The consensus was that they were going to jump me in the locker room at the beginning of last hour gym.
I just kept telling myself that I’m used to pain and suffering from racing and training, and that I can endure a few bumps and bruises. What I didn’t want to endure was the label of being a chicken for the rest of my school years. So I decided to just do it and face them.
Last hour came and I was the last to walk in the gym. I made my way towards the locker room where this was all supposed to happen. I walked past several football players sitting on the stage near the entrance to the locker room. My guess is that they weren’t going to involve themselves and risk getting suspended or kicked off the team for fighting.
As I walked past them, one stopped me and warned me that I was going to get hurt really bad if I go down in that locker room. I’m not sure if he was actually concerned for me or just didn’t want me to go down and have his teammates get in trouble for turning me into a pretzel.
As I approached the entrance to the locker room, a student saw me and excitedly ran inside to tell everyone that I was coming - like it was a surprise birthday party or something. Thanks jerk – you could have at least warned me. However, I knew what was waiting, and there were no presents, birthday cakes, or balloons involved.
I turned the corner and two of the three football players were getting dressed at the far end of the locker room. I didn’t look at them. I wasn’t going to provoke anyone, but I also wasn’t acting like I was in a hurry to get out of there.
I was showing no fear and actually wanted them to see that I was pumped and ready. My fists were clenched and my face was red.
My plan was to take my shirt off, so they didn’t have anything to grab. I was going to stay on one side of the bench that was mounted in the middle of the locker room. That way they had to step over it to come to me and there I would start swinging.
I put my gym shoes on fast so I would have a good grip on the locker room floor. Street shoes are dirty and slippery on the smooth locker room floors. I kept my back turned to them to show a little disrespect but kept an eye on the people around me. I could read their expressions and would know if the football players were coming.
The two didn’t come after me and didn’t say a word. I was thinking they were waiting for the third. Everyone was waiting for a big fight. There was a big circle around me and I could feel the anticipation with the crowd around me. Kids were pumping their fists and looking at me like I was the main event of a boxing match.
Then finally the third showed up and I thought to myself “Ok, this is it. Once they come for you, you start punching and don’t stop. Give it your all!” The spectators got silent. So silent that I could hear the footsteps of the third player behind me (behind me, because I still had my back turned to them).
I looked at one of the spectators to read his expression and follow his eyes. I clenched my fist and got a good grip on the locker room floor with my gym shoes. I was ready like a sprinter ready to explode from his starting blocks.
But then to my amazement, nothing happened. Not a thing. The three didn’t say a word and not one of them started anything. I don’t know if they were initially trying to scare me and then realized I wasn’t going to back down, or maybe they realized this wasn’t worth getting in trouble for.
But in the end, I didn’t get my butt kicked and I stood my ground. It felt great! I think everyone expected me to run away and hide. And instead I faced them, didn’t run away, and I walked away with my dignity.
This will be a day I remember for a long time. Not to sound corny, but I’m proud of myself and I learned a little about myself today…... but mostly I’m glad I didn’t get my butt kicked.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 52
Date: December 25
Day: Saturday
Weather: Cold, Cloudy, Windy
Training: Weight lifting (CHRISTMAS DAY!)
The power went out today! On Christmas day! Only for about two hours, but long enough that the house got really cold. Mom couldn't cook any of the food and we opened our presents while huddled together on the couch.
When the electricity came back on there was a special report on the news. Apparently we weren't the only ones. Amazingly, all of North America and parts of Russia were in a black out. No explanation yet, but very weird. How does that happen?
My dad looks worried. But on a better note, I got a Mini-I Pad!
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 53
Date: December 26
Day: Sunday
Weather: Cold, Cloudy, Windy
I had a bizarre dream last night. I dreamt I was running in an off-road triathlon. I was running on a path in a thick forest. I found myself passing racers by the dozens. The racers were different people in my life – good and bad. I ran past Grandma and Grandpa, my history teacher, Jax, and many other people from my past and present.
The trail was mostly smooth with a few fallen trees I had to jump over. I was really tearing up the coarse feeling like Superman. Then suddenly the vegetation got thicker and thicker until sunlight was barely visible.
I found myself running through a tunnel of vegetation, branches, and wet vines. It got where I could barely push through. I fell to my knees and had to crawl with all my strength. I got to the point where I was on my belly squirming and pulling myself forward.
Then suddenly I came to an opening and at the opening I could finally stand up. There the trail split. There was a volunteer standing in the middle of the split paths with a bright yellow tee shirt that read volunteer.
I asked the volunteer which way to go. The volunteer said my path is determined by my own will. I didn’t understand. But I knew I had to keep going otherwise I was going to get passed. Triathlons are won by seconds and I didn’t have time to spare any seconds.
I looked down each path. One led to my family cheering me on and waving for me to come to them. The other led to beautiful girls and jocks that usually ignore me. The girls and jocks were waving me in also. Each path led to two ver
y different groups wanting me to join them.
I had to choose between my family who has always loved me and accepted me and a group of people who have always ignored me and made me feel like an outsider. But now the path with the girls and jocks were inviting me to join them also.
The side with my family gave me a feeling of warmth and love. The other side with the girls and jocks offered power and status.
I could sense my decision would decide the rest of my existence. That whichever side I chose, the other would no longer accept me ever again – ever.
The decision was easy. I chose my family.
The dream was so vivid. I woke up feeling like I made a huge decision, like I had to choose a team. Then when the time comes, the two teams will compete for a grand prize. What that prize is – I don’t know.
Most dreams I shrug off, but this one will have me thinking all day.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 62
Date: January 18
Day: Sunday
Weather: Cold, Cloudy, Windy
Training: 20 minutes steps, 20 minutes bike trainer
I did the OPC indoor triathlon yesterday and Hailey Camp was there watching her aunt race. The OPC indoor triathlon is a triathlon where it’s all indoors. You swim laps in a pool for 20 minutes while someone counts your laps, then you bike on a stationary bike for 20 minutes, and then you finish running laps around an indoor track for 20 minutes.
They have a formula for calculating how far you went and how you compare to the other racers. I’m one of the youngest racers, so it’s an easy first place for me in my age group since there usually isn’t anyone competing at my age.
A lot of beginners like doing them because the swim is in a pool and they can rest at the end of the swim lanes if they want. They are fun and help the winter months pass.
Like I said Hailey’s aunt was there doing it for fun with some of her friends from where she works. Hailey Camp is very nice. She and I have a couple classes together so we should be able to talk about this race when we see each other.
Indoor triathlons are kind of a spectator’s event where family and friends can watch and cheer you on. I know Hailey was there to cheer her aunt on, but she made a point to cheer for me every time she saw me. It was really cool having someone from my school there to see me in action.
A lot of people know I do triathlons, but no one ever has seen me. I have to admit, I pushed myself a little harder today knowing Hailey was watching. We exchange glances a few times during and after the race. Actually, it was a lot.
I hope she doesn’t think I was being creepy looking at her so much. I tried to play it cool. But actually every time I looked at her she was glancing at me with a smile. So I think I’m ok, I stayed out of the creepy zone.
She came up to me before she left and congratulated me. She had a lot of questions about triathlons and how long I’ve been doing them. I told her I could help her if she wanted to try one. She just laughed and said she knows nothing about triathlons. I told her it’s just swimming, biking, and running. Not much thinking involved. Just point yourself in the right direction and go. She laughed and said she would think about it.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 63
Date: January 19
Day: Monday
Weather: Cold, Cloudy, Windy
Training: 20 minutes steps, 20 minutes bike trainer, 20 minutes cross training
Hailey stopped by my locker today to say hi. We talked for a bit and nearly were tardy for class. But I think I would have taken the tardy to talk to her a bit more.
Later that day during lunch she sat by me and showed me some pics of me racing that she took with her phone camera. She said she hoped it wasn’t weird that she took some pics of me, but she thought maybe I would like them.
We exchanged cell phone numbers and she texted me the pics. We talked all lunch hour and I totally forgot my friends were there. They were cool though and didn’t try to embarrass me. They think she’s cool too.
Hailey is cool. She doesn’t act snobby, or full of herself like many girls do. She always has a smile and never puts people down. She’s smart, but also likes to kid around. She can take a joke just as well as she can give one.
She’s says she likes to run also, so maybe when it gets warmer, I’ll ask her to go running with me. We’ll see.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 73
Date: January 26
Day: Saturday
Weather: Doesn't matter
Training: SWIM RACE DAY!
I competed today at the Owosso swim meet and earned two first places and two seconds. Been concentrating on my form and keeping my toes pointed. My new swim suit has a reduced drag and my shoulder is finally feeling a hundred percent again.
My new coach has taught me a lot and the new technique’s she's showing me is paying off. I can't wait for triathlon season to begin.
Hailey asked if she could stop by the race to see me compete. I said sure but explained it could be a long wait. Some swim meets last up to three hours. I would hate for her to have to sit that long to see me compete for a couple minutes. I hoped I didn’t put her off and have her think I didn’t want her there.
She showed up anyways with some friends and I was very happy to see her. I kept looking at her and giving her subtle waves so she didn’t think I was ignoring her. I kind felt bad because she did end up sitting for a long time.
I went over to say hi as much as I could but the coach wanted us to stay together as a team on the deck of the pool. I hope she didn’t think I looked silly in my Speedo’s. I was flexing so much I think I tired myself out before the race! Ha!
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 88
Date: February 9
Day: Tuesday
Weather: Cold as usual
Training: 20 minutes steps, 30 minutes bike trainer (160 average heart rate)
Hailey and I are official! The guys are relentless. I get picked on every time I see them. But it's all in good fun. She's wearing my swim team pull over.
It's weird, now that we're going out, I feel "awkward" around her. Conversations were so much easier before we "committed." But I'm sure that will pass as we get used to being together.
She's coming over Saturday to watch some movies and hang out. I hope Dad doesn't embarrass me. He has a bad habit of walking around in his underwear and farting. But I'm sure Mom will prep him.
The power went out again today. This time for four hours! It wasn't just the main electricity coming from the power plants either. Cars, watches, phones, and everything else flickered on and off during the four hours like they wanted to go dead too.
There's been little "flickers" throughout the month. They only last a couple seconds, but it's enough that we have to reset our clocks every time and turn our phones and such back on.
It’s getting annoying and no one knows why. There are rumors of solar flares, and passing meteors, but no solid answers.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 97
Date: March 9
Day: Wednesday
Weather: Cold but sunny
Training: 57 minutes Rose Lake trail (162 average heart rate)
I had an incident with another student today. We were in World History discussing the migration of the paleo Indians across Michigan, when I was asked my opinion about why I felt certain people become leaders and others don't.
I gave my opinion that good leaders come from within the group and rise through the ranks acquiring experience as they move up the hierarchy of the tribe. Not bad I thought.
Another student named Donald argued that good leaders are just naturally good and experience has nothing to do with it. Donald contradicts me by saying that only an idiot would say something like that. I wasn't expecting an attack like that and didn't know how to react. So rather attack him back, I calmly explained my reasoning. I said experience and good character would prevail over Charisma.
Thankfully, others agreed with me, but some agreed with Donald.
It felt good wh
en others agreed with me. But it still stunned me to be called an idiot in front of everyone. My teacher didn't say a word to him! Isn't class supposed to be a place to express your opinion without being ridiculed?
I would never admit this to anyone, but it made me feel little and weak. But on the other side, I look at it as Donald should be embarrassed and not me. He's the one who did wrong. I just gave my opinion. But it still makes me wonder if I should have stuck up for myself.
He did it in front of Hailey too. And now I'm a little embarrassed to go near her.....Or hopefully she thinks I handled it in a mature way and Donald is nothing but a big jerk.
Oh well, I only need worry about my actions and not others.
Tyler’s Journal Entry: 107
Date: April 6
Day: Wednesday
Weather: Cool and sunny
Training: 45 minutes Rose Lake trail Mountain Bike Ride (157 average heart rate)
Weird thing happened today (other than the flickering that keeps resetting my phone!); I was mountain biking on Rose Lake Trail when I came across some teenagers (two boys and a girl). They looked terrified and were running down the trail like they were running from someone or something. The one boy jumped out in front of me and stopped me.
Will of Man - Part One Page 2
