November 26, 2008
Good Morning Everyone,
It is almost Turkey day so be sure to have that bird marinating the night before, to ensure the seasoning mixes with the bird just right. For those of you going out to eat.....WE SALUTE YOU FOR YOU ARE AT THE MERCY OF STRANGERS!!! LOL
This past weekend was a Golden Success for my teammates and I. We won all four of the America's Cup races that were held!!!
Since there were two days of 2-man racing I split the pushing responsibility with Corey Buckner another one of the push athletes on my team, meaning that he pushed one race day with our driver and I pushed the other race day. However, when it comes to racing 2-man and determining who gets to race the driver or even a brakemen will call for a race-off against another person to see who is the fastest of the two......Yeah this time me and the other two brakemen decided to use a more scientific method to determine who will race.
I called my buddies at NASA and gave them all of our weights, body measurements, heights, dietary information, lung capacity, and temperature at the top of the track. They then took this information ran it through a few supper computers that analyzed the data taking into consideration the smallest variables. This data was designed to tell us with all things being equal which one of us would be the most efficient pusher in these weather conditions. Of course you know I am joking we all just decided to flip 3 quarters and the odd man out did not race!! LOL Come on you know I got you with the NASA Story though........You all were probably like WOW NASA helps out with Bobsled! LOL I am GOOD! It's ok Dean you can laugh buddy cause I got you too!
On another note during our race it was COLD!! 4 degrees to be exact! I know I have been in a lot of colder weather but this was the first day of it being real COLD and the first day of that kind of temperature is no fun for anyone! But through Cold, Rain, Snow, Fog we will be on that heel racing if the schedule calls for it. The amazing thing is that no matter how cold it is on the hill while I am warming up once I get to the start block all that cold is somehow blocked out, the only thing that is of consequence to me is the start time and the finish time. I go in that zone where all I hear and see is myself, my teammates and the sled. Now after we cross the finish line at the bottom the cold sets in again and I can not wait to get inside a warm building and throw my warm-up gear back on.
After the races were over a medal ceremony was held on the finish dock where bot the men's and women's teams receive their medals. I was a nice sight to see three American flags been hoisted up on the poles which represent the country of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Once the flags are raised to their height according to ranking the National Anthem of the winning nation is played for all to hear and respect. STARS AND STRIPES WAS PLAYING ALL WEEKEND!!! I have posted pictures from this weekend on my web-page for you all to view www.jessebeckom3.com
Now that the races here in Lake Placid are over my team and I will continue to slide, weight train, and sprint as we prepare for World Championship Race off that will be held the first week of January.
I wish you all a Happy Holiday season and God Bless
Sincerely,
Jesse
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Race Update
November 19, 2008
Good Afternoon everyone!
I hope you all are having a great day. Even though my team will not be going over to Europe this first half we do have four America's Cup races here in Lake Placid this week. We have a 2-man race on Thursday and another one on Friday. One of my teammates will race on Thursday and I will race Friday with our Driver, then on Saturday and Sunday we will have a 4-man race. Unfortunately you will not be able to see the results live but you can see the finished results at www.fibt.com
However, these races do count towards our world ranking and can substituted for races on World Cup that we will miss. These race results will be important for my team as we go into our second round of Team Trials in January. Once we win the race-off for second half we will be eligible to race World Championships, the ranking we have going into World's will determine when what start number we have going into the race. World Championships is also the most important race of the season and is what the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) uses to determine our federations funding and individual funding as well.
I am continuing to train, working on my pushing and running technique to ensure that my and I ready to kick some butt going into World Championships! This will another chance for me to prove that I am one of the best in the world!
God Bless
Jesse
Good Afternoon everyone!
I hope you all are having a great day. Even though my team will not be going over to Europe this first half we do have four America's Cup races here in Lake Placid this week. We have a 2-man race on Thursday and another one on Friday. One of my teammates will race on Thursday and I will race Friday with our Driver, then on Saturday and Sunday we will have a 4-man race. Unfortunately you will not be able to see the results live but you can see the finished results at www.fibt.com
However, these races do count towards our world ranking and can substituted for races on World Cup that we will miss. These race results will be important for my team as we go into our second round of Team Trials in January. Once we win the race-off for second half we will be eligible to race World Championships, the ranking we have going into World's will determine when what start number we have going into the race. World Championships is also the most important race of the season and is what the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) uses to determine our federations funding and individual funding as well.
I am continuing to train, working on my pushing and running technique to ensure that my and I ready to kick some butt going into World Championships! This will another chance for me to prove that I am one of the best in the world!
God Bless
Jesse
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Joint Chiefs of Staff
November 5th 2008
Hello everyone sorry I am a little behind in my e-mails but I have been traveling a little bit. I will be sending you a couple of e-mails in the next week, don’t worry they will not be as long as the ones I sent a while back! lol
Occasionally at the bobsled track we have team sponsors, business people and or family who come up and receive bobsled rides to, in our actual race sleds. Well on this particular day we had the privilege of Meeting Admiral Mike Mullen Chairman Of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his counter parts from Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France. It was a great experience and honor to meet these men, something I never even thought of being able to say I have done.
There were security details all over the place; you had guys in really loose two piece suits (the suits are loose because it allows them to grab their guns quicker if need be) with wired ear pieces strategically placed along the track, the start and the finish dock. Also, as you drive up the road that leads to the start of the bobsled track there are little gravel side roads that maintenance trucks use on occasion. But...not on this particular day, on this day you saw black Lincoln Town cars parked off in the entrances to these roads with a federal agent sitting in them or just the empty car by itself. I understood the agent in the car but I thought it was weird that some of the cars were empty (I will tell you why later)....so I just thought oh well guess the guy is off in the woods adding to the circle of life or something! lol
My teammates and I were at the top of the hill/track talking with the security detail as we waited for the VIP's (The Joint Chief of Staffs for the various countries) to come up so they can see a full speed 4-man push-n-load into a sled. Before the VIP's came up a shuttle with members of the media arrived with about twenty reporters in it. They all get out with their cameras and note pads...they wanted to interview me, but I was like Listen People I have been doing interviews all day and my voice needs to rest.....I mean come on I am not a machine, but I signed a few autographs and they were happy! lol just playing! But the reporters were there, just not for me!
The VIP's were driven up to the track in four all black Ford or Mercury trucks with deep blacked tinted windows! I felt like I was watching a movie and the president was pulling up or something! After they watched the guys push and load into the four-man they all went down to a lower start where we could just sit them in a sled and push them off. This was do to avoid anyone from hurting themselves trying to actually load in a sled. As we place them in the sled we instructed them on how to position themselves, how to secure their head to prevent it from whipping back and forth, how to bump the driver's heading (Its usually a good thing if the driver can see where they are going), and where they can look up. We only put two people in the sled since we need a real bobsledder to drive and to pull the brakes of the sled at the end of the ride. After we had them situated in the sleds one of my teammates pushed the sled off for them.
Even though it was just a fun event, it was turned into a competition between the nations. However and surprisingly enough Admiral Mullen sled happened to have the fastest down time making him the winner! Who could have called that?!......LOL GO AMERICA!!! There was a medal ceremony set up and each country was awarded medals according to their finish. After the ceremony we had a chance to talk to the different Chief of Staffs and of course take a few pictures. Ironically the level of excitement and respect we had in meeting these men was reciprocated by their desire to meet us! Considering the world climate I could not help but think I am standing here joking and relaxing with some of the most powerful individuals on the planet as they take bobsled rides. This was probably a much needed break for these men and their staff though, and considering what they are in charge of who could really blame them.
I have posted a few pictures from the event on my site www.jessebeckom3.com under the media section if you want to take a look.
God Bless
Jesse
www.jessebeckom3.com
Hello everyone sorry I am a little behind in my e-mails but I have been traveling a little bit. I will be sending you a couple of e-mails in the next week, don’t worry they will not be as long as the ones I sent a while back! lol
Occasionally at the bobsled track we have team sponsors, business people and or family who come up and receive bobsled rides to, in our actual race sleds. Well on this particular day we had the privilege of Meeting Admiral Mike Mullen Chairman Of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his counter parts from Germany, Italy, Great Britain and France. It was a great experience and honor to meet these men, something I never even thought of being able to say I have done.
There were security details all over the place; you had guys in really loose two piece suits (the suits are loose because it allows them to grab their guns quicker if need be) with wired ear pieces strategically placed along the track, the start and the finish dock. Also, as you drive up the road that leads to the start of the bobsled track there are little gravel side roads that maintenance trucks use on occasion. But...not on this particular day, on this day you saw black Lincoln Town cars parked off in the entrances to these roads with a federal agent sitting in them or just the empty car by itself. I understood the agent in the car but I thought it was weird that some of the cars were empty (I will tell you why later)....so I just thought oh well guess the guy is off in the woods adding to the circle of life or something! lol
My teammates and I were at the top of the hill/track talking with the security detail as we waited for the VIP's (The Joint Chief of Staffs for the various countries) to come up so they can see a full speed 4-man push-n-load into a sled. Before the VIP's came up a shuttle with members of the media arrived with about twenty reporters in it. They all get out with their cameras and note pads...they wanted to interview me, but I was like Listen People I have been doing interviews all day and my voice needs to rest.....I mean come on I am not a machine, but I signed a few autographs and they were happy! lol just playing! But the reporters were there, just not for me!
The VIP's were driven up to the track in four all black Ford or Mercury trucks with deep blacked tinted windows! I felt like I was watching a movie and the president was pulling up or something! After they watched the guys push and load into the four-man they all went down to a lower start where we could just sit them in a sled and push them off. This was do to avoid anyone from hurting themselves trying to actually load in a sled. As we place them in the sled we instructed them on how to position themselves, how to secure their head to prevent it from whipping back and forth, how to bump the driver's heading (Its usually a good thing if the driver can see where they are going), and where they can look up. We only put two people in the sled since we need a real bobsledder to drive and to pull the brakes of the sled at the end of the ride. After we had them situated in the sleds one of my teammates pushed the sled off for them.
Even though it was just a fun event, it was turned into a competition between the nations. However and surprisingly enough Admiral Mullen sled happened to have the fastest down time making him the winner! Who could have called that?!......LOL GO AMERICA!!! There was a medal ceremony set up and each country was awarded medals according to their finish. After the ceremony we had a chance to talk to the different Chief of Staffs and of course take a few pictures. Ironically the level of excitement and respect we had in meeting these men was reciprocated by their desire to meet us! Considering the world climate I could not help but think I am standing here joking and relaxing with some of the most powerful individuals on the planet as they take bobsled rides. This was probably a much needed break for these men and their staff though, and considering what they are in charge of who could really blame them.
I have posted a few pictures from the event on my site www.jessebeckom3.com under the media section if you want to take a look.
God Bless
Jesse
www.jessebeckom3.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
A funny thing happened this morning
October 17, 2008
Good afternoon everyone,
A funny thing happened this morning after I sent out that e-mail letting you all know that I would not be able to race today. Yesterday Jacob, one of the guys on Mike Kohn's (USA 2 Driver after Team Trials last year) had some pretty bad back spasm's yesterday after their first training run. Jacob figured that it would go away in the morning, so he got some anti-inflammatory meds from the trainers in sports med. I guess he woke up this morning and he could barley walk, bend over let alone run and take a trip down a bobsled run in a race.
Now, my plan was to leave out at 9:30am to finish helping Todd and the rest of the guys get ready to race since I could not race today...or so I thought. At 9:10 am I get a call from Mike asking me if I was racing, I said no and he asked me if I wanted to race with him, so of course I said YES! I am thinking ok, God not sure what the plan is but I guess you meant for me to race and so here I am!! lol Its funny because I have just had a feeling that something was going to happen and some how I would be racing. I have also been trying to calm myself down by repeating the one verse in the bible that tells you "Not to worry because if God clothes the flowers in the fields with such beautiful pedals, and feeds the birds in the air, and how much important God considers us to be then those things, then how much more will he take care of us. Of course I my wording of the verse which I now know is Matthew 6:25 was not word for word in my head but hey I got the gist of in my head....and yeah that works for me! lol And I have just been trusting God to work things out for me and he continues to do so!
So I got to race today! Now keep in mind I have never practiced with this crew, the sled we used was a good 17yrs old if not older (because Mike did not do that good in 2-man last week and was allocated This Big Red Old German sled), this sled has been getting worked on for the last week by our coaches and Mike to attempt to get it race ready! Well in this sled that no one thought we had a chance in we took second behind USA 1 today and blew a lot of peoples mind today because we were fast!!!! This Big Red Clifford the DOG looking sled was fast!!! LOL it was a good day...and I was thrilled that I got to race today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The KID (yes I know I am 30yrs old but in a good story I refer to myself in the the third person as the KID! lol that's just what I do) is feeling pretty good today the BIG MAN has my back and I am going to roll with it!!!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend and God Bless
Jesse
Good afternoon everyone,
A funny thing happened this morning after I sent out that e-mail letting you all know that I would not be able to race today. Yesterday Jacob, one of the guys on Mike Kohn's (USA 2 Driver after Team Trials last year) had some pretty bad back spasm's yesterday after their first training run. Jacob figured that it would go away in the morning, so he got some anti-inflammatory meds from the trainers in sports med. I guess he woke up this morning and he could barley walk, bend over let alone run and take a trip down a bobsled run in a race.
Now, my plan was to leave out at 9:30am to finish helping Todd and the rest of the guys get ready to race since I could not race today...or so I thought. At 9:10 am I get a call from Mike asking me if I was racing, I said no and he asked me if I wanted to race with him, so of course I said YES! I am thinking ok, God not sure what the plan is but I guess you meant for me to race and so here I am!! lol Its funny because I have just had a feeling that something was going to happen and some how I would be racing. I have also been trying to calm myself down by repeating the one verse in the bible that tells you "Not to worry because if God clothes the flowers in the fields with such beautiful pedals, and feeds the birds in the air, and how much important God considers us to be then those things, then how much more will he take care of us. Of course I my wording of the verse which I now know is Matthew 6:25 was not word for word in my head but hey I got the gist of in my head....and yeah that works for me! lol And I have just been trusting God to work things out for me and he continues to do so!
So I got to race today! Now keep in mind I have never practiced with this crew, the sled we used was a good 17yrs old if not older (because Mike did not do that good in 2-man last week and was allocated This Big Red Old German sled), this sled has been getting worked on for the last week by our coaches and Mike to attempt to get it race ready! Well in this sled that no one thought we had a chance in we took second behind USA 1 today and blew a lot of peoples mind today because we were fast!!!! This Big Red Clifford the DOG looking sled was fast!!! LOL it was a good day...and I was thrilled that I got to race today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The KID (yes I know I am 30yrs old but in a good story I refer to myself in the the third person as the KID! lol that's just what I do) is feeling pretty good today the BIG MAN has my back and I am going to roll with it!!!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend and God Bless
Jesse
Friday, October 17, 2008
Lake Placid October Update
October 17, 2008
Good Morning Everyone!!!!
You all should be smiling because today is FRIDAY!!!!
These couple of weeks have been kind of crazy with the way things have been going. We are finally done with our physical performance testing, and I have attached a spread sheet of those results. The testing included a 60meter sprint with timing eyes placed at the 20m, 30m, 45m and 60m mark, a vertical jump, shot put test, and a sled pull test. The sled pull was omitted because the numbers were to erratic since earlier that day it had rained and some people had the advantage of pulling the sled on a wet track which cut down the friction/drag, while others pulled the sled on a dry track which increased the friction. This difference in friction led to a huge discrepancy in numbers making the timed data from the test irrelevant.
We also did some weight testing which involved the Squat and the Clean. To max out the squat you only had to do 220kilos (495lbs) for a set of 3, this is kind of light for me and I decided to just do it as part of my workout so I did 3 sets of 3. Yeah you have to put down a exclamation mark sometimes when you can!! lol I was like 220 THAT'S IT COACH?! are you serious!! Yeah I am going to go ahead and knock that out for you right quick!! LOL Just playing I did not say that but I was thinking it. But hey you have to think that sometime!
Now when it came to the Clean I am still working on some technique issues and I tested out at 160kilos(360lbs). The weight felt pretty light when I pulled it so I tried to go up in weight but I tend to let the weight get to far away from my body and my elbows bend a little to earlier at times so I was unable to pull the weight properly and I was unable to get the 165kilo I tried. Yeah NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!! But hey I will keep working at cause eventually I want to get 180 kilos. But the weight I got was still one of the highest weights lifted.
Now this is where things get a little bit complicated and why I am a little bit frustrated this week. After the two man race where my driver Todd Hays(2002 Olympic Silver Medalist) and Teammate Alex sprague ended up wining by more then a second 4-man sleds were allocated out to the different drivers by our coaches. These Bodyn sleds that we use range from 210kilos to 220kilos. Now the rule is that the combined four man crew can not be more than 630 kilos. After a day of training we weighed but we got the math wrong and we thought we were only a few pounds overweight, we weighed again the next day and realized that we were 20lbs over weight. At this point it is two days before the race and the possibility of us being able to loose the body weight and keep the strength we needed to push fast and hard would happen. Some guys on the team were already light and needed to gain a few pounds, but me and another guy have been sitting in the sauna and eating less to try and make weight. We tried using a different sled but the sled was to tight for our particular crew to fit in. So unfortunately for me since I was 225lbs, and my team can not afford to just take a zero for the race I will be switched out for this race ONLY with a guy who is 205lbs. My team will loose time at the start because I am not pushing I have tested above the guy that is replacing me but hopefully my driver will drive out of his mind and the crew will push well. Yeah it would have been nice if we were able to trade sleds with a lighter crew but for some reason (which I still do not understand why not) this was not done. TIB (This Is Bobsled) I guess!
Once we get to Park City, Utah next week we will have the opportunity to get into a lighter sled, plus I have already dropped down to 218 pounds and will be 215 by the time I race out there making weight no longer a factor. I also talked to my coach about the situation and he told me that when I race in Park City the fact that I did not race in Lake Placid will not be an issue, since my performance and ability is not in doubt! It was a little comforting to hear that but at the same time I would rather be racing this week!! But this is the situation and I have to make the best of if for this one day.
My training is still going GREAT with both my strength and speed increasing and I look at it this way 215lb is the weight I was when I played football and I will just rock that weight again and get the job done!!!
Have a Great Weekend and God Bless!
Jesse
www.jessebeckom3.com
www.jessebeckom.blogspot.com
Good Morning Everyone!!!!
You all should be smiling because today is FRIDAY!!!!
These couple of weeks have been kind of crazy with the way things have been going. We are finally done with our physical performance testing, and I have attached a spread sheet of those results. The testing included a 60meter sprint with timing eyes placed at the 20m, 30m, 45m and 60m mark, a vertical jump, shot put test, and a sled pull test. The sled pull was omitted because the numbers were to erratic since earlier that day it had rained and some people had the advantage of pulling the sled on a wet track which cut down the friction/drag, while others pulled the sled on a dry track which increased the friction. This difference in friction led to a huge discrepancy in numbers making the timed data from the test irrelevant.
We also did some weight testing which involved the Squat and the Clean. To max out the squat you only had to do 220kilos (495lbs) for a set of 3, this is kind of light for me and I decided to just do it as part of my workout so I did 3 sets of 3. Yeah you have to put down a exclamation mark sometimes when you can!! lol I was like 220 THAT'S IT COACH?! are you serious!! Yeah I am going to go ahead and knock that out for you right quick!! LOL Just playing I did not say that but I was thinking it. But hey you have to think that sometime!
Now when it came to the Clean I am still working on some technique issues and I tested out at 160kilos(360lbs). The weight felt pretty light when I pulled it so I tried to go up in weight but I tend to let the weight get to far away from my body and my elbows bend a little to earlier at times so I was unable to pull the weight properly and I was unable to get the 165kilo I tried. Yeah NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!! But hey I will keep working at cause eventually I want to get 180 kilos. But the weight I got was still one of the highest weights lifted.
Now this is where things get a little bit complicated and why I am a little bit frustrated this week. After the two man race where my driver Todd Hays(2002 Olympic Silver Medalist) and Teammate Alex sprague ended up wining by more then a second 4-man sleds were allocated out to the different drivers by our coaches. These Bodyn sleds that we use range from 210kilos to 220kilos. Now the rule is that the combined four man crew can not be more than 630 kilos. After a day of training we weighed but we got the math wrong and we thought we were only a few pounds overweight, we weighed again the next day and realized that we were 20lbs over weight. At this point it is two days before the race and the possibility of us being able to loose the body weight and keep the strength we needed to push fast and hard would happen. Some guys on the team were already light and needed to gain a few pounds, but me and another guy have been sitting in the sauna and eating less to try and make weight. We tried using a different sled but the sled was to tight for our particular crew to fit in. So unfortunately for me since I was 225lbs, and my team can not afford to just take a zero for the race I will be switched out for this race ONLY with a guy who is 205lbs. My team will loose time at the start because I am not pushing I have tested above the guy that is replacing me but hopefully my driver will drive out of his mind and the crew will push well. Yeah it would have been nice if we were able to trade sleds with a lighter crew but for some reason (which I still do not understand why not) this was not done. TIB (This Is Bobsled) I guess!
Once we get to Park City, Utah next week we will have the opportunity to get into a lighter sled, plus I have already dropped down to 218 pounds and will be 215 by the time I race out there making weight no longer a factor. I also talked to my coach about the situation and he told me that when I race in Park City the fact that I did not race in Lake Placid will not be an issue, since my performance and ability is not in doubt! It was a little comforting to hear that but at the same time I would rather be racing this week!! But this is the situation and I have to make the best of if for this one day.
My training is still going GREAT with both my strength and speed increasing and I look at it this way 215lb is the weight I was when I played football and I will just rock that weight again and get the job done!!!
Have a Great Weekend and God Bless!
Jesse
www.jessebeckom3.com
www.jessebeckom.blogspot.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Elmhurst Trip Intro
October 2, 2008
Helloooooooooo Bobsled Fans!!!!
Cheers to having a great weekend! Ok just as a warning this blog may be a little long so it’s ok if you need to take a bathroom, water or television break (for my gamers TV break includes all video games) LoL but just remember to finish reading the blog cause this is good stuff!!!! This Blog is actually in six parts so please continue to read all the blogs titled Elmhurst Trip.
God continues to bless me with opportunities on numerous levels. After 16 months I was finally able to make it back home to Chicago for six days (normally if I get a chance to get home it’s only for a few hour lay-over at O’Hare, so this was huge) thanks primarily to International Contractors Inc, http://www.iciinc.com/ one of my new sponsors who brought me in and Dr. John Jevitz my chiropractic friend from Elmhurst who set things up for me!
The story begins in a small town of Radiator Springs (direct reference to the movie Cars) where the evil Ogre had been attacking this village for more than a thousand years…..Oh sorry wrong story it is way to late for me to be typing this!!! LoL
Seriously now, this is how my recent trip to Elmhurst began. Every year the USA Olympic Training Centers rotate athletic trainers, massage therapist, and chiropractors, in and out of the facilities for approximately two week stints each rotation. This is actually a good learning experience for these medical professions and a sacrifice, since they are not paid to be there. On this particular rotation I had the pleasure of meeting John Jevitz (Doc Jev) a Chiropractor from Elmhurst, Illinois. Elmhurst is the Number One ranked suburb outside of Chicago (45 minutes from the city), and if you ever visit you will understand why it’s such a GREAT place!! I honestly met some really great hardworking blue collar minded people. Everyone I met welcomed me with open arms and their sincerity was true! It did not matter if I was talking to a waitress or CEO of a company there was no arrogance unwillingness to talk with me, the people I met in Elmhurst had good hearts and were quality people. But I digress, so while Doc Jev was working on the tendonitis occurring on my right patella tendon we began talking about where we were from and our background. This of course when we realized we were both from the Chicago area. We got to talking about football and how I got into bobsledding, and Doc Jev’s office and things, you know friendly convo.
Doc Jev asked me when the next time I would be in Chicago (this was Ironic cause I had been thinking of a way to get back home before team trials to see my family and friends), I informed him that the last time I was in Chicago was about 16 months ago and that was on a 18hr layover I booked just to see my family. I explained how erratic my travel/training schedule is every making it hard for me to get home and that I have to decide between the trips I want to take and the ones I need to take primarily due to funding. Doc Jev told me that he may be able to help me out but I need to get him some dates that I could come into the Chicago Area. Doc Jev thought it would be a great I deal if while I was home visiting family that I could talk at a few schools and groups in the area about bobsledding, commitment, team work, faith and work ethic. I thought that would be a great ideal especially since not many people know about the sport of bobsledding, and I liked the idea of informing people about my sport. I told Doc Jev that due to testing the only dates I could possibly be in the area were September 18-23. Doc Jev told me he would see what he could set up between now and then!
Just for the record in dealing with the level of sports that I have been in the majority of my life I have run into hundreds of people who say they want to do this, or have me do that, and this should be easy and so on and so forth! So honestly I thought this was another one of those times. Doc Jev seemed sincere enough but I was a little skeptical (sorry Doc Jev but I had my doubts). I say this with strong conviction Doctor John D. Jevitz OF ELMHURST http://www.docjev.com/ IS WORTH HIS SALT!!! THROUGH AND THROUGH. Doc Jev calls me a week later and tells me “Jesse I did not have that much time to set up things, and that he is still working on some things but this is what I have for you so far!” I am thinking ok that’s cool and expect him to say one or two things, NOT THE CASE he tells me about TEN different things in a minute as far as places that want to hear me speak and people who would like to meet me and not only that but that one of his friends Bruce Bronge President of International Contractors, Inc would be able to take care of my flight!!! Yeah that’s what I thought… I was amazed!!! I was like thanks God, you are doing your thing for me, big Time.
The next couple of weeks Doc Jev and I were on the phone every few of days confirming the schedule. I was also talking to several other people and business about appearances I was going to make!!! YEAH THAT’S RIGHT I MAKE APPERANCES NOW..LOL! I let them know what you need and I will have my people talk to your people who in turn talk to their people’s people! LoL. Seriously, though they wanted to know what I needed for my presentation and demonstrations that I would be doing, what time I would be there and so forth.
Doc Jev and I continued to talk even while I was up in Canada training just to make sure we were still on the same page. After Push Championships I was able to get in a good week of training in Colorado Springs before I needed to fly to Chicago/Elmhurst on the 17th. The flight to O’Hare went well and I landed in Chicago about 7:30pm. I then waited around for the Avis bus to come pick me up and take me to my rental car. Now I think picking up a rental car is very easy for most people. Uhm yea….I am not most people when it comes to travel and the easy things!
First of all I have two huge bags with me, a carryon bag that rolls and my laptop! Now since I am not a preferred Avis member I do not get dropped off in front of my car, instead I get dropped off at the regular car pick up. And of course when I get of the bus there are no carts for me to place my bags on, so I have to run back and forth till all my bags are together (this was really fun, I recommend it if you are bored! NOT!!) Then guess what after I get everything over I see a cart inside the building…Exactly! This is when you just smile and say “Yup that’s about right”! Ok, so now I have my cart with my bags on it, I finished up my paperwork then headed out to get my car in the sea of vehicles which is the rental lot! I began my journey to the place where my car is supposed to be. One problem there is a mini-van in the spot. (WHAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME WHAT IS THIS!!! That’s what was going through my head) I did not request a mini-van by the way. I run back to the rental counter pushing my cart of bags with me (just a little push training), they then tell me the correct number where my car…hey thank you so much now I can actually leave! No…I did not say it but I wanted to!
I leave the rental place about 9pm and head to my parents house, oh and did I mention I NEVER TOLD MY PARENTS I WAS COMING HOME! SURPRISE! LOL I ring the door bell and my father looks out he looks twice (not sure if he could not believe it was me or because it was dark out….lol I am kind of hard make see at that time of night J, I have been working on my tan). As my father is looking through the door I see he realizes it me and in the background I hear my mom asking him who’s at the door. My father says “I am not sure, I can’t see” he then lets me in; I walk up the stairs to my mother’s surprise and give her a hug! It was pretty cool actually my mom and pops were smiling from here to there! I gave my pops a manly embrace, talked a bit and went downstairs to sleep.
Helloooooooooo Bobsled Fans!!!!
Cheers to having a great weekend! Ok just as a warning this blog may be a little long so it’s ok if you need to take a bathroom, water or television break (for my gamers TV break includes all video games) LoL but just remember to finish reading the blog cause this is good stuff!!!! This Blog is actually in six parts so please continue to read all the blogs titled Elmhurst Trip.
God continues to bless me with opportunities on numerous levels. After 16 months I was finally able to make it back home to Chicago for six days (normally if I get a chance to get home it’s only for a few hour lay-over at O’Hare, so this was huge) thanks primarily to International Contractors Inc, http://www.iciinc.com/ one of my new sponsors who brought me in and Dr. John Jevitz my chiropractic friend from Elmhurst who set things up for me!
The story begins in a small town of Radiator Springs (direct reference to the movie Cars) where the evil Ogre had been attacking this village for more than a thousand years…..Oh sorry wrong story it is way to late for me to be typing this!!! LoL
Seriously now, this is how my recent trip to Elmhurst began. Every year the USA Olympic Training Centers rotate athletic trainers, massage therapist, and chiropractors, in and out of the facilities for approximately two week stints each rotation. This is actually a good learning experience for these medical professions and a sacrifice, since they are not paid to be there. On this particular rotation I had the pleasure of meeting John Jevitz (Doc Jev) a Chiropractor from Elmhurst, Illinois. Elmhurst is the Number One ranked suburb outside of Chicago (45 minutes from the city), and if you ever visit you will understand why it’s such a GREAT place!! I honestly met some really great hardworking blue collar minded people. Everyone I met welcomed me with open arms and their sincerity was true! It did not matter if I was talking to a waitress or CEO of a company there was no arrogance unwillingness to talk with me, the people I met in Elmhurst had good hearts and were quality people. But I digress, so while Doc Jev was working on the tendonitis occurring on my right patella tendon we began talking about where we were from and our background. This of course when we realized we were both from the Chicago area. We got to talking about football and how I got into bobsledding, and Doc Jev’s office and things, you know friendly convo.
Doc Jev asked me when the next time I would be in Chicago (this was Ironic cause I had been thinking of a way to get back home before team trials to see my family and friends), I informed him that the last time I was in Chicago was about 16 months ago and that was on a 18hr layover I booked just to see my family. I explained how erratic my travel/training schedule is every making it hard for me to get home and that I have to decide between the trips I want to take and the ones I need to take primarily due to funding. Doc Jev told me that he may be able to help me out but I need to get him some dates that I could come into the Chicago Area. Doc Jev thought it would be a great I deal if while I was home visiting family that I could talk at a few schools and groups in the area about bobsledding, commitment, team work, faith and work ethic. I thought that would be a great ideal especially since not many people know about the sport of bobsledding, and I liked the idea of informing people about my sport. I told Doc Jev that due to testing the only dates I could possibly be in the area were September 18-23. Doc Jev told me he would see what he could set up between now and then!
Just for the record in dealing with the level of sports that I have been in the majority of my life I have run into hundreds of people who say they want to do this, or have me do that, and this should be easy and so on and so forth! So honestly I thought this was another one of those times. Doc Jev seemed sincere enough but I was a little skeptical (sorry Doc Jev but I had my doubts). I say this with strong conviction Doctor John D. Jevitz OF ELMHURST http://www.docjev.com/ IS WORTH HIS SALT!!! THROUGH AND THROUGH. Doc Jev calls me a week later and tells me “Jesse I did not have that much time to set up things, and that he is still working on some things but this is what I have for you so far!” I am thinking ok that’s cool and expect him to say one or two things, NOT THE CASE he tells me about TEN different things in a minute as far as places that want to hear me speak and people who would like to meet me and not only that but that one of his friends Bruce Bronge President of International Contractors, Inc would be able to take care of my flight!!! Yeah that’s what I thought… I was amazed!!! I was like thanks God, you are doing your thing for me, big Time.
The next couple of weeks Doc Jev and I were on the phone every few of days confirming the schedule. I was also talking to several other people and business about appearances I was going to make!!! YEAH THAT’S RIGHT I MAKE APPERANCES NOW..LOL! I let them know what you need and I will have my people talk to your people who in turn talk to their people’s people! LoL. Seriously, though they wanted to know what I needed for my presentation and demonstrations that I would be doing, what time I would be there and so forth.
Doc Jev and I continued to talk even while I was up in Canada training just to make sure we were still on the same page. After Push Championships I was able to get in a good week of training in Colorado Springs before I needed to fly to Chicago/Elmhurst on the 17th. The flight to O’Hare went well and I landed in Chicago about 7:30pm. I then waited around for the Avis bus to come pick me up and take me to my rental car. Now I think picking up a rental car is very easy for most people. Uhm yea….I am not most people when it comes to travel and the easy things!
First of all I have two huge bags with me, a carryon bag that rolls and my laptop! Now since I am not a preferred Avis member I do not get dropped off in front of my car, instead I get dropped off at the regular car pick up. And of course when I get of the bus there are no carts for me to place my bags on, so I have to run back and forth till all my bags are together (this was really fun, I recommend it if you are bored! NOT!!) Then guess what after I get everything over I see a cart inside the building…Exactly! This is when you just smile and say “Yup that’s about right”! Ok, so now I have my cart with my bags on it, I finished up my paperwork then headed out to get my car in the sea of vehicles which is the rental lot! I began my journey to the place where my car is supposed to be. One problem there is a mini-van in the spot. (WHAT ARE YOU KIDDING ME WHAT IS THIS!!! That’s what was going through my head) I did not request a mini-van by the way. I run back to the rental counter pushing my cart of bags with me (just a little push training), they then tell me the correct number where my car…hey thank you so much now I can actually leave! No…I did not say it but I wanted to!
I leave the rental place about 9pm and head to my parents house, oh and did I mention I NEVER TOLD MY PARENTS I WAS COMING HOME! SURPRISE! LOL I ring the door bell and my father looks out he looks twice (not sure if he could not believe it was me or because it was dark out….lol I am kind of hard make see at that time of night J, I have been working on my tan). As my father is looking through the door I see he realizes it me and in the background I hear my mom asking him who’s at the door. My father says “I am not sure, I can’t see” he then lets me in; I walk up the stairs to my mother’s surprise and give her a hug! It was pretty cool actually my mom and pops were smiling from here to there! I gave my pops a manly embrace, talked a bit and went downstairs to sleep.
Elmhurst Trip Day 1
DAY 1 Thursday September 18, 2008
The next morning I woke up a 4am to arrive in Elmhurst (45 minutes away distance wise two hours away depending on Chicago traffic) by 5:45am. This is where the blitz of excitement starts! Doc Jev takes me by a morning Rotary Meeting where I meet a good bunch of business men and women. I get introduced and speak a bit about myself and bobsledding the who, what when, where and why. It went really good, everyone seemed to be really intrigued. After rotary we head over to Hawthorne Elementary where I was scheduled to speak in the school’s gym to 50 plus 4th graders. I had a power point presentation with a ton of pictures that explains the sport of bobsledding.
It was Great the way it was all set up, I was hiding in the principal’s office while the teachers brought in their fourth grade classes. The teachers had all the kids chanting USA! USA! As I come running in! There was a cameraman from Comcast Cable Company recording the whole thing. Comcast was there to record footage for a TV show I was scheduled to do with Senator Dan Cronin the following Monday. As the kids are shouting I come running in chanting USA! With them which made them shout louder! I HAD THE KIDS STAND UP AS THEY CONTINUED TO SHOUT USA! THEY WERE JUMPING UP STOMPING THEIR! FEET THEY WERE REALLY EXCITED WHICH MADE ME MORE EXCITED!! IT WAS SPECTACTULAR!! I then settle the kids down and thank them and the teachers for having me come out. I then tell the kids that before we start I will have to stretch and do a light workout before we get started. I have all the kids stand up and shake their arms and legs out. And they went Crazy Again shaking their whole body, they were jumping and laughing and having a good ole time, I could not stop laughing myself it was really amusing.
After we stretched I told the kids that I needed some help with my pushups because I am use to doing pushups with weight and asked for some volunteers that would like to help me. All the kids are raising their hands jumping up and down screaming ME! ME! ME! I picked three kids out of the crowd, I get down in the push up position and their teacher sit all three on my back while I do my pushups. While doing the pushups I am facing the rest of the kids and they are doing them with me as we count to ten and finish. The kids on my back are waving their hands up and down like they are on a rollercoaster ride. Oh by this time I have taken off my regular shirt and have a sleeveless under armor shirt on under it! (Yeah the kid broke out the GUN SHOW and Tickets Were NOT On Sale!!!! But it was a SOLD OUT SHOW! LOL) I then started picking kids out of the crowd asking them what stretches they knew and what we should do next! Whatever stretch they suggested they helped me to lead the workout, surprisingly these kids knew a lot of good stretches. I used the stretches as a lead segment into my talk informing kids that the stretches they demonstrated were actually stretches we did before practice in bobsledding. I spoke them about, maintaining their health via working out and eating healthy, doing their best in everything, having a strong work ethic, working with others, being respectful, and the importance of a strong education. Next, I began speaking about bobsledding, the places I have been blessed to travel and how it feels to represent my country all over the world!
I then passed around some of my bobsled gear for the kids to look at (my helmet, speed suit, gloves, burn vest and shoes). Their faces lit up light Christmas trees in response to everything that was going on. Next I began to pick random children out of the crowd to be a part of my bobsled team. I lined them all up in the correct position and we reenacted the bobsled start and pretended we were loading into a bobsled! We all had a good time, and they hung on to every word I said. I did this demonstration with three different groups of children. I talked for over an hour and they were still intrigued. Towards the end of my presentation I opened it up for questions, and I tell you what…fourth graders have a lot of questions to ask. I answered as many questions as I could but my time was up and the kids needed to go back to class. At the end the teachers circled the kids up around me and we gave a loud GO USA!!! Shout! As all the classes left the gym they went out in a single file line and I gave everyone a hi-Five. The little guys were funny they were trying their best to show how strong a hi-Five they could give by running up and slapping my hand as heard as they could. I had a blast and so did all the kids and even the teachers. Later all the kids made me individual thank you cards from construction paper. The cards were personalized with drawings of me, bobsleds, bobsled tracks and gold medals thanking me for coming, wished me luck and told of their favorite parts of the presentation.
From there Doc Jev dropped me off at the Metra train station so I could head to downtown Chicago to give a speech on team work to Hub International Insurance Services http://www.hubinternational.com/. From talking to fourth graders to working men and women 5 to twenty years my senior, talk about switching gears. The interesting thing about this is that it was really impromptu to speech. It came about after I spoke at the morning rotary when I was asked by David Martin to come speak to his group. I finished up talking to HUB hopped back on the train to Elmhurst and met back up with Doc Jev. We then went to another afternoon rotary where I was not scheduled to speak, but was allowed to say a few words about who I am and what I do. Afterwards I answered question and autographed pictures of myself for rotary members and their families for those who wanted them.
We then went over to Courts Plus Health Club (www. epd.org/courts/index.asp) where I worked out. During my workout the camera man from Comcast recorded segments of my workout for later use, it was an awesome feeling because as I was running around doing my warm up and my lifts the camera followed me. There were fliers of me hung up around Courts Plus promoting a talk and workout session I would be leading on Saturday. People working out on the elliptical machines were looking at me as to say HEY IT’S THE BOBSLED GUY FROM THE FLIERS!!! It just gave me chills because it feels good when people know who you are and excited that you came to see them, it just adds to your energy level. Definitely Fun!!! (Yes everyone I tend to use definitive and short statements throughout my e-mails)
From working out at courts plus we then headed over to Edison School where I spoke to 30 or more third and fourth grade students. I used the same presentation format as when I gave my presentation at Hawthorne Elementary. At this presentation they had a news reporter there; here is the link to the article http://www.pioneerlocal.com/elmhurst/news/1178070,em-WEBbeckom-092208-s1.article that was written up on my appearance. Later all the kids all signed a giant thank you card mad from construction paper. They all signed it and made drawings of bobsleds and bobsled tracks.
Doc Jev and I then headed over to talk with the Immaculate Conception High school Varsity Football Team before their game against Marian Central Catholic School. I spoke to the team about my own experiences of working hard and overcoming the odds when people expect you to fail. And how to dig deep down and to keep fighting for what is important to you no matter what the odds are against you. I went a little deep into my football mindset and as I continued to talk about playing The Game, and Playing hard!!! I tell by the look in the players and the coaches eyes that I had gotten through to them. I dapped the fellas and coaches up wishing them good luck in their game. They won their game 14-7 and this small 2A team held a bigger 5A team to -14 yds rushing for the whole game!!! They played out of their minds from what I was told by the coaches!! The coaches invited me to come speak to the team anytime I was in town.
From there we went over to Timothy Christian High School where I spoke to the men’s soccer team. I talked to them about having faith and playing sports, proper nutrition, sportsmanship, playing with intensity and how those principals crosses over to everyday life. The players responded well to what I was saying as I related stories from my personal life to things that occur as you enter manhood. I was amazed by the way parents who were just standing around heard me speaking and came closer to hear what I was saying. By the nodding of parents heads I could see that they agreed with my message.
We left timothy Christian about 5:30 pm and Doc Jev continued taking me around town to different business, and homes introducing me to a bunch of people he knows. And just for the record Doc Jev knows a lot of people….a plethora lot of people!! It was amazing how many people were looking forward to me coming and just wanted to meet me and hear my story. I was taking pictures and signing autographs all day!! It was amazing and exhausting but I was appreciative of just having the opportunity to be able to reach out to children and adults about what I have learned so far. After all was said and done we were finished at 8:30 pm.
The next morning I woke up a 4am to arrive in Elmhurst (45 minutes away distance wise two hours away depending on Chicago traffic) by 5:45am. This is where the blitz of excitement starts! Doc Jev takes me by a morning Rotary Meeting where I meet a good bunch of business men and women. I get introduced and speak a bit about myself and bobsledding the who, what when, where and why. It went really good, everyone seemed to be really intrigued. After rotary we head over to Hawthorne Elementary where I was scheduled to speak in the school’s gym to 50 plus 4th graders. I had a power point presentation with a ton of pictures that explains the sport of bobsledding.
It was Great the way it was all set up, I was hiding in the principal’s office while the teachers brought in their fourth grade classes. The teachers had all the kids chanting USA! USA! As I come running in! There was a cameraman from Comcast Cable Company recording the whole thing. Comcast was there to record footage for a TV show I was scheduled to do with Senator Dan Cronin the following Monday. As the kids are shouting I come running in chanting USA! With them which made them shout louder! I HAD THE KIDS STAND UP AS THEY CONTINUED TO SHOUT USA! THEY WERE JUMPING UP STOMPING THEIR! FEET THEY WERE REALLY EXCITED WHICH MADE ME MORE EXCITED!! IT WAS SPECTACTULAR!! I then settle the kids down and thank them and the teachers for having me come out. I then tell the kids that before we start I will have to stretch and do a light workout before we get started. I have all the kids stand up and shake their arms and legs out. And they went Crazy Again shaking their whole body, they were jumping and laughing and having a good ole time, I could not stop laughing myself it was really amusing.
After we stretched I told the kids that I needed some help with my pushups because I am use to doing pushups with weight and asked for some volunteers that would like to help me. All the kids are raising their hands jumping up and down screaming ME! ME! ME! I picked three kids out of the crowd, I get down in the push up position and their teacher sit all three on my back while I do my pushups. While doing the pushups I am facing the rest of the kids and they are doing them with me as we count to ten and finish. The kids on my back are waving their hands up and down like they are on a rollercoaster ride. Oh by this time I have taken off my regular shirt and have a sleeveless under armor shirt on under it! (Yeah the kid broke out the GUN SHOW and Tickets Were NOT On Sale!!!! But it was a SOLD OUT SHOW! LOL) I then started picking kids out of the crowd asking them what stretches they knew and what we should do next! Whatever stretch they suggested they helped me to lead the workout, surprisingly these kids knew a lot of good stretches. I used the stretches as a lead segment into my talk informing kids that the stretches they demonstrated were actually stretches we did before practice in bobsledding. I spoke them about, maintaining their health via working out and eating healthy, doing their best in everything, having a strong work ethic, working with others, being respectful, and the importance of a strong education. Next, I began speaking about bobsledding, the places I have been blessed to travel and how it feels to represent my country all over the world!
I then passed around some of my bobsled gear for the kids to look at (my helmet, speed suit, gloves, burn vest and shoes). Their faces lit up light Christmas trees in response to everything that was going on. Next I began to pick random children out of the crowd to be a part of my bobsled team. I lined them all up in the correct position and we reenacted the bobsled start and pretended we were loading into a bobsled! We all had a good time, and they hung on to every word I said. I did this demonstration with three different groups of children. I talked for over an hour and they were still intrigued. Towards the end of my presentation I opened it up for questions, and I tell you what…fourth graders have a lot of questions to ask. I answered as many questions as I could but my time was up and the kids needed to go back to class. At the end the teachers circled the kids up around me and we gave a loud GO USA!!! Shout! As all the classes left the gym they went out in a single file line and I gave everyone a hi-Five. The little guys were funny they were trying their best to show how strong a hi-Five they could give by running up and slapping my hand as heard as they could. I had a blast and so did all the kids and even the teachers. Later all the kids made me individual thank you cards from construction paper. The cards were personalized with drawings of me, bobsleds, bobsled tracks and gold medals thanking me for coming, wished me luck and told of their favorite parts of the presentation.
From there Doc Jev dropped me off at the Metra train station so I could head to downtown Chicago to give a speech on team work to Hub International Insurance Services http://www.hubinternational.com/. From talking to fourth graders to working men and women 5 to twenty years my senior, talk about switching gears. The interesting thing about this is that it was really impromptu to speech. It came about after I spoke at the morning rotary when I was asked by David Martin to come speak to his group. I finished up talking to HUB hopped back on the train to Elmhurst and met back up with Doc Jev. We then went to another afternoon rotary where I was not scheduled to speak, but was allowed to say a few words about who I am and what I do. Afterwards I answered question and autographed pictures of myself for rotary members and their families for those who wanted them.
We then went over to Courts Plus Health Club (www. epd.org/courts/index.asp) where I worked out. During my workout the camera man from Comcast recorded segments of my workout for later use, it was an awesome feeling because as I was running around doing my warm up and my lifts the camera followed me. There were fliers of me hung up around Courts Plus promoting a talk and workout session I would be leading on Saturday. People working out on the elliptical machines were looking at me as to say HEY IT’S THE BOBSLED GUY FROM THE FLIERS!!! It just gave me chills because it feels good when people know who you are and excited that you came to see them, it just adds to your energy level. Definitely Fun!!! (Yes everyone I tend to use definitive and short statements throughout my e-mails)
From working out at courts plus we then headed over to Edison School where I spoke to 30 or more third and fourth grade students. I used the same presentation format as when I gave my presentation at Hawthorne Elementary. At this presentation they had a news reporter there; here is the link to the article http://www.pioneerlocal.com/elmhurst/news/1178070,em-WEBbeckom-092208-s1.article that was written up on my appearance. Later all the kids all signed a giant thank you card mad from construction paper. They all signed it and made drawings of bobsleds and bobsled tracks.
Doc Jev and I then headed over to talk with the Immaculate Conception High school Varsity Football Team before their game against Marian Central Catholic School. I spoke to the team about my own experiences of working hard and overcoming the odds when people expect you to fail. And how to dig deep down and to keep fighting for what is important to you no matter what the odds are against you. I went a little deep into my football mindset and as I continued to talk about playing The Game, and Playing hard!!! I tell by the look in the players and the coaches eyes that I had gotten through to them. I dapped the fellas and coaches up wishing them good luck in their game. They won their game 14-7 and this small 2A team held a bigger 5A team to -14 yds rushing for the whole game!!! They played out of their minds from what I was told by the coaches!! The coaches invited me to come speak to the team anytime I was in town.
From there we went over to Timothy Christian High School where I spoke to the men’s soccer team. I talked to them about having faith and playing sports, proper nutrition, sportsmanship, playing with intensity and how those principals crosses over to everyday life. The players responded well to what I was saying as I related stories from my personal life to things that occur as you enter manhood. I was amazed by the way parents who were just standing around heard me speaking and came closer to hear what I was saying. By the nodding of parents heads I could see that they agreed with my message.
We left timothy Christian about 5:30 pm and Doc Jev continued taking me around town to different business, and homes introducing me to a bunch of people he knows. And just for the record Doc Jev knows a lot of people….a plethora lot of people!! It was amazing how many people were looking forward to me coming and just wanted to meet me and hear my story. I was taking pictures and signing autographs all day!! It was amazing and exhausting but I was appreciative of just having the opportunity to be able to reach out to children and adults about what I have learned so far. After all was said and done we were finished at 8:30 pm.
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