There’s nothing like a good road trip for chatting while traveling to build and strengthen your personal relationships.
As we approach the July 4th holiday and it’s weekend I’m reminded of my experiences over Memorial Day weekend, which was the start of the summer time vacation season here in New England. My bride and I went on a road trip to the Hudson Valley in New York State that weekend. I know…I know you’re thinking: Sarge, how did you… Continue reading
This week was about finding inspiration when totally not expecting it. I’ve been back on the bike steadily and enjoying the return in the saddle. Either alone or with the fantastic club members of our Bayou Country Cyclists, it’s great to be back.
Motivation came when I met 2 team members for a quick 20+. One of the ladies forgot her cycling shoes. Her friend offered to forgo the ride and head home. The shoeless rider refused to pack up. Despite needing clip-ins, she took off bare footed on the pegs.
After reaching a straight away, I picked up my pace and rode ahead. Reaching the turn-around I headed back and who did I see? Both cyclists and her still barefoot. She was at the +10 mile point for the out and back.
I was so proud to see her commitment that I must have smiled the whole way back. Great going!
My other motivation was seeing the… Continue reading
Today is PTSD Awareness Day and its time for those of us in law enforcement to learn more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and take a stance on how we will preserve and maintain our mental health and resilience in the face of a very toxic career.
Today’s the day and June is PTSD Awareness Month and we encourage you to learn more about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) not only to help yourself but your peers and the family members who need you by visiting the website for the National Center for PTSD which is run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
What are you doing to raise awareness about PTSD in your agency?
They invite you to “Take the STEP and Raise Awareness about PTSD“
Isn’t it time that we in law enforcement take our own step toward understanding this issue and openly talking about it in our roll-calls and other agency meetings. You can download our CopsAlive Roll-Call training guide on PTSD byCLICKING HERE or keep reading to learn about the many resources being made available by the National Center for PTSD.
Rates of PTSD in law enforcement officers vary but… Continue reading
1440 minutes – That is ALL you get
Guest Posting By Mark Sherwood
We are all well-schooled and even inundated on concepts of financial management (e.g. “spend less – save more”, “don’t spend more than you make”, “pay yourself first”, etc.).
How about the concept of time management? Do we really understand it? Do we practice, or are we even aware of, good habits in this area? I bring up this subject because I constantly hear the words, “I just don’t have time to exercise.” Let me make this statement to the readers of this article, “YOU DON’T HAVE TIME TO NOT EXERCISE!”
Let me explain. Unlike finances, in which we can always earn more or less, time is a precious commodity with… Continue reading
This week was awesome for so many more reasons than 2-a-day workouts. By regaining a level of fitness, this weekend’s searing heat was much more tolerable while spending time outdoors.
The Thibodaux Police Department kicked off it’s Jr. Police Fun Day, and despite the temps, I was able to keep up with the kids and the young officers.
I trust you Dads enjoyed your day, and today is a great opportunity to join us in Shaping UP!
Week 16
Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless.
Weight
– Don’t know. Still not worrying about these numbers.
Exercise
– Mornings with weights to lift and afternoons with miles to bike and jog.
– Lawn mowing IS crazy exercise, I just should not have started… Continue reading
This week I returned to the joy of being a multi-sport athlete. I went out for a 25 mile cycle through the sugarcane fields, and upon returning home I immediately changed into shorts and running shoes. Exiting the house while rehydrating, I immediately went to the shed and grabbed the lawnmower to cut the lawn before another evening thunder shower.
Well, it wasn’t the traditional multi-sport event, but it was two activities that independently used to leave me exhausted.
Inspired, I did cycle then run (well Jog) (actually Walked) at the high school track. It felt great… Continue reading
School’s Out For Summer!!
While this means I still report for duty Monday morning, it does mean the kiddo is out for the next few months. How does this challenge the quest to become fit? Well, the hotter it becomes, the more kiddo seems to enjoy snacks inside while watching TV. Yes, I have been known to watch a few episodes of Barney while sharing snacks from his bowl.
This week, and the wonderful Memorial Day weekend was spent cycling through the open sugarcane fields lining my city. I’ve enjoyed returning to my bike. I’ve cycled for years and always found it a great way to shred pounds while allowing for the well-timed carb load!!
I’ve finally put my ego aside and begun attending regular yoga classes. WOW! what I have missed in the way of breath and balance control. The stretching will only help my cycling and the ability to hammer the pedals longer at a higher Heart Rate.
According to the US Department of Agriculture “Eating grains, especially whole grains, provides health benefits. People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Grains provide many nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of our bodies”.
Things like wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or another cereal grains are all included in the grains category. For the purposes of this article we are going to focus on one of the more beneficial grains: brown rice.
I want you to consider adding brown rice to your diet to improve… Continue reading
I’m Shaping Up; Week 12
What happened to Week 11 you may be asking? Well, more travel equals less time to write, but well needed rest from most activities.
I have also decided to stop obsessing over the scale for a few weeks. My low-end weigh-in of 208 was so welcomed, but it made the slight bounce during travel too stressful.
It’s funny that after monitoring your caloric intake and physical output, you can tell where your body falls along the numeric tell-all.
Week 12
Here’s to holding each other accountable when the couch looks inviting and the snacks endless. Continue reading
Peace Officer Memorial Day celebrated on May 15 was first designated in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed legislation which requires the America flag to be lower to half-mast on May 15. The tradition of honoring our Law Enforcement who have died in the line of duty has grown over the past 50 years.
This year, thousands of LEO’s, supporters including many of the surviving families will descend on Washington, D.C. to honor the 19,000 LEO’s who died in the line of duty and support their loved ones.
In the past 13 months, I’ve visited this sacred place which is located in Judiciary Square twice. It is an emotional visit observing the names and the remembrance gifts decorating many of the fallen officers.
I want you to consider and join me for a few moments to also remember many more LEO’s whose names are not on this blessed wall. Continue reading
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