Ryan's Footblog: JOULUKALENTERI 2018!

[Ryan_Morris]

This is not okay. Last time I checked my weight was in February, and I was the same 155 lbs that I've been since high school. I successfully avoided the "freshman 15" and pretty much all collegiate weight gain despite four years of a horrible diet and sedentary lifestyle. But now that I'm a full-blown adult, apparently it's also time look like one. Yes, folks, I am getting pudgy. I got love handles, I got giggly gelatinous mass lingering all over my torso.

Fuck that.

Honestly, as much of a couch bum as I was in college, at least I got daily exercise. I biked to class almost every day, through all seasons, up hills as fast as I could go. On top of that, I took a jogging class last semester and outran pretty much everybody (not bragging, just sayin'...okay bragging a little). And although I am definitely playing more footbag nowadays, it just doesn't burn enough calories. Now that I'm not on such a tight budget, I can buy that family-sized box of Cheez-its, the full-fat gallon of ice cream, and the 750 calorie bag of Combos whenever I want. Then what do I do? Sit. Okay, sometimes I use my standing desk at work. But everywhere I want to go, I drive, and whenever I don't want to go anywhere, I flop.



I gotta stop this before it gets out of control. Fuck the dad bod. I have identified as a skinny lad my entire life! The trouble is, this is the first time in my life I've ever had to work for it.

I went for a run today and it was good. Far better than any of my footbag sessions lately, which is why I'm ranting about my fat instead of my game. I think I'm going to take the Ivan Iakimenko and Zach Hoffa approach––take a break from footbag so that I'm better at it when I come back. I won't be out of it long, though. My parents are visiting this weekend so I wouldn't be kicking anyway, and I figure I'll take a few extra days off after they leave. This is a good time to try to get in the habit of taking either a morning or evening run around the block. By the way, the major roads around Detroit make a grid pattern with 1 mile intervals, so "around the block" means the 4 mile permitter of a 1 square mile. If I'm being honest, I don't run that far yet. Soon, though.

On top of that, I have to not eat so much shit I've already cut off bacon, beer, ice cream, frozen pizza, and most salty/sweet/simple carb snacks until I dramatically increase my daily activity level. These are all things that I would consume not when hungry, but merely out of habit or boredom. Removing them from my diet should not leave me much hungrier, just less stuffed.

So good luck to me. I've got a bad habit of not following through on my exercise plans, but this time the fear of fat is real. They say that when faced with frightening situation, the human instinct is to either engage in combat or flee. In my case, running is fighting.

Run, Morris, run.

[Ryan_Morris]

Ugh, I don't want to post, but it's been ages...

Tuesday I had a fine session. I got butterfly > diving clipper > pdx illusion bsos and ss symp mirage b2b x6. Are your abs supposed to hurt after six symp mirages? Because mine did, and I'm wondering if it's bad form.

I don't want to talk about today's session. I don't.

[isirc10]

It's okay, you're getting better. Solo sessions are hard. I'm struggling hard as well.
My abs don't really do much on symp mirages, I think. Though I do have sessions where random muscle groups will hurt just because I'm out of shape.

[anhkhoashevakt]

Dang, it's been such a long time I almost forgot my password logging in here.

Well, you would be pleased to know that I am also suffering from almost the same thing really. I used to run in the summer, but now with all the things going on I usually don't gather enough energy to do that anymore.

My freestyle football/footbag sessions have become a little more intensive nowadays as I am training for (possibly) North American champs in December, so I guess I still have that lol.

I guess a thing I may be able to give you on the matter is:

Try to gain a little muscle, not like the fast gainz that's mentioned all the time by so called "Instagram body builders" though, but a slower, steadier climb. Muscle are like furnaces in the body, especially when you are exercising. First, they will use sugars for energy, THEN fat. The bigger the muscle, the more fat it burns. When we practice footbag, we increase hind limb muscle mass, but you still have the front limbs, and the core that could potentially be using energy but can't do much because there's not much muscle there. So one way to increase this efficiency is by practicing them.

What I did was that nowadays, I do 6 sets of push ups one day, 3 sets of crunches the other day, and repeat that for 6 days. Sunday's rest day.

In the first week, I started off with 6 push up/set (=> 36 total). In the second week, I increase the number of the first and second set by one (=> 38 total). Third week, I increase the number of the third and fourth set by one (=> 40 total). Same with the crunches.

That way, the exercise doesn't have to feel like it's destroying the body. People say all the time that "no pain no gain" and that's true. However, too much pain and you will find yourself giving up before you see any gain. I find that a gradual process is much better for me, and hopefulyl it will be better for you too.

Also, this means that you don't even have to do it a lot at all. I am at 11 push up a set and 11 crunches a set now and it takes me like 20 minutes a day.

Another benefit of crunches is that it increases your core strength, which helps with a lot of footbag tricks.

Hope that helps man! Update me on the process!

[Ryan_Morris]

Gaaaaaaah I haven't posted in ages. Me bum.

First, let me address the post above:

Thanks for the advice, man! As it happens, I have been doing push ups and leg lifts, though not nearly as much as I should be. You are 100% right about the too much pain thing. Whenever I've tried to work on my arms or abs before, I always quit after a few weeks because everything hurts too much. So I've been doing just a little upper body exercise––not enough to gain muscle, but enough to burn a few extra calories and maybe (just maybe) change my mentality about that type of exercise.

But today I ate half a can of cashews, drank a beer, and went to bed. Good night.



Hooooold on a minute! I ain't done writing yet! A couple days ago I wasn't a bum and actually had a pretty okay session. Whirls are clicking for me (I hope I didn't just jinx it). I've been drilling whirls with ducks and whirls with osis, and even trying to step out of whirl, which I can't quite do but it might happen soon. I spent a little time on paradox whirls. No success yet, but I'll try again, hopefully tomorrow.

That same session I also tried some stepping drills. Those didn't go well. I've clearly been neglecting stepping, which is stupid and frustrating because every time I make progress with that set, I somehow forget about it and lose what I learned. Stepping has been on my practice list for...what, two years now? Fuck. I still can't string with it.

Gah. Sleep now. When I dreamt of whirls, whirls got better. I shall dream of stepping then!

[Ryan_Morris]

I'm noticing a pattern in my footblog updates: make a post > have shitty sessions > get too grumpy to post > have a good session > forget to post > have more shitty sessions > feel guilty about not posting > make a post.

So here we are. I played horribly the past three days, so let's rewind all the way back to the weekend before Thanksgiving. The PSU crew plus a few gathered in Happy Valley for a marvelous mini-jam hosted by the kind and gracious Khoa and Greg. I really should have done a write up immediately afterward, because now I'm struggling to remember it all. The best I can do is a quick highlight reel:

• - Shredded with old friends (Ivan, Nick P, Khoa, Ben, Greg, Zach Hoffa)
  - Nick tried to teach me blender
  - I met David and Tyler, two off-the-radar footbaggers from Eastern PA
  - Ate at Big Bowl for the first time in months (mmmmmm....)
  - Went to see "Bridge of Spies" with Khoa

Good times, yo.

I also had a really good session the weekend after. I was back in Blue Bell for Thanksgiving, so I got to kick with Ivan, Nick, and David again, this time at the park near my parent's house. The weather was surreal. It was the end of November in PA, but we were outside in shorts and t-shirts (at most). This global warming shit is gonna be great until we all die.

Honestly, I can't remember what tricks or combos I hit. Sorry. In general, I'm getting better at whirls; I've managed to hit 5 consecutive (strong side) and I can sometimes do guiltless shred with them. I warm up with whirl > ducking clipper repeat every session, and that's been paying off. Toe whirl and paradox whirl are still a struggle, but I'm trying.

I really wanted to be able to post about a big (or small) success with stepping or pixie, but alas, despite all my efforts I am still up-time deficient.

Kbye, see ya in another month or two!

[Kylescook]

Nice whirl work. Everytime cory and I play he goes for this drill with either 3 or 5 contacts of each trick. Whirl X3>Diving Clipper X3>Whirl X3>Ducking Clipper X3>rpt. This could be a cool goal drill for you.
On the topic of uptime sets, they are hell. I've had regression on my pixie sets, I just don't do them often enough. If a particular set is giving me trouble one day, I move onto the next, there's far too many sets available to spend a session hating one, when my legs are slow and quantum isn't working I go for atomic, when stepping doesn't work, i'll go for gyro or spinning. I guess its a matter of opinion on whether one should learn a set well before moving onto the other. I've had people recommend I focus on just a few tricks that I like and really dial them in. But I have too much fun with variety. I wanna hit everything. p

Stoked to shred with ya at NYJ

[Ryan_Morris]

Agreed, gotta hit 'em all!

And yeah, I'm definitely gonna try that drill.

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

I read it a while ago and had no time to comment. I enjoyed your write up. Can't wait to shred with you at NYJ!

[Ryan_Morris]

Swiiiiiiiiirl! I hit my first swirl! That's the only trick I hit today, and it was still a better session than most I've had this month. Also I only hit it twice on one side. So close on flip! Fuck! Tomorrow! Yes! I've asked Nick Polini to do a swirl workshop at NYJ, so hopefully I will become a proficient swirler sooner rather than later.

In other news, I've been back in the Philly area for Christmas with the family. That also means kicking with Ivan, which is always fun. With this crazy-warm weather, we can wear shorts outside in the park, no problem. Merry El Niño, everybody.

Ivan and I also kicked a bit in the city last week, and something rather unexpected came of it. We had a bag out while waiting for the train, and some kid comes up and asks to join us. Of course we said yes! He could do inside kicks, toe stalls, etc. Nothing spectacular, but it's always fun to see someone interested. Ivan offered to stitch the kid a bag, and that's when we found out he was homeless. The guy looked about high-school aged. We gave him the footbag.

I'm still thinking about that kid. I have no idea what his situation was, or if there was anything I could have or should have done to help him. For all my superior education, I am still just a clueless suburbanite.

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

I'm proud of you for hitting Swirls *gives a good thumb*

We can def work on Swirls at NYJ. Swirls are that component that a lot of people just don't do. Not doing Swirls or Reverse Swirls is like eating a flavorless corn cob without putting a bit of salt or butter on it. I'm hungry.

Cool story about the homeless kid. You probably made him happy since people probably avoid him on the regular. Good job. Ivan should try to find out where he stays and visit him to kick. Hell, I'd give the kid a pair of Lavers for free.

[isirc10]

I'm proud of you for hitting Swirls *gives a good thumb*

We can def work on Swirls at NYJ. Swirls are that component that a lot of people just don't do. Not doing Swirls or Reverse Swirls is like eating a flavorless corn cob without putting a bit of salt or butter on it. I'm hungry.

Cool story about the homeless kid. You probably made him happy since people probably avoid him on the regular. Good job. Ivan should try to find out where he stays and visit him to kick. Hell, I'd give the kid a pair of Lavers for free.

The problem with homeless kids is they move around a lot. They don't exactly stay anywhere. I have been going to the same station 2-4 days a week for 8 months and only saw him that evening as he was trying to find a place to stay the night. It's a shame we couldn't do more to help.

[Add Block]

Just thought about trying some Swirls as well, this tutorial made me want to try. Give it a look
There's also a good tutorial by Nick but I'm guessing he's shown you in person

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

Just thought about trying some Swirls as well, this tutorial made me want to try. Give it a look
There's also a good tutorial by Nick but I'm guessing he's shown you in person

No, use Paul's haha Paul's taught me how to do better Flipside Swirls That "clipper set- push down" thing is so key. You can use mine with Paul's to get a really good understanding of them, though. I think both of us covered everything.

And no, Vojta, I don't think I gave Ryan any tips on Swirls at NYJ, unfortunately :/ I think the only real workshop I was able to do was with Steve Lanza doing Torques.

[F[uns]tylin' Eclectic]

Also, Ryan, if you're still having trouble with your weight, I highly advise you to get a door gym. One of those hangy pull-uppy bars you put on your door. I have one, now that I'm living on my own, and it's fucking incredible. I have lost weight living on my own now, definitely thanks to that pull up bar. Every time I wake up, I do a bunch, I come home from work, I do a bunch, and before bed, I d a bunch. It's helpful and kind of fun.

[Ryan_Morris]

Actually, I think I'd like to sign up for an actual gym. Less convenient than the door variety, but I need more ways to get myself out of the apartment.

And maybe you can coach my swirls in State College this February

Also, thanks, Vojta, for posting that swirl tutorial!

[Ryan_Morris]

And now, a belated review of New Years Jam 2016...

Before all else, I must express my gratitude toward the three heroic hosts of NYJ: Anton Britting, Zach Jahner, and Johnny Sarah. These guys went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that every aspect of the event was enjoyable and that all of the attendees felt welcome. You rock. As a newly minted Michigander, I tried to help the cause in whatever small ways I could, though my efforts paled in comparison to theirs. I did shuttle a number of footbaggers around the Detroit area, so I suppose my contribution was meaningful. I hope I can do even more next year.

The following NYJ write-up will not proceed in chronological order because time is an illusion (and space is a mirage). So let us begin with the part I enjoyed most:

The People
In total, there were about thirty of us, mostly people I already knew, but a few new faces as well. I say this completely unabashed: Rory Dawson is an awesome human being and I am so glad I met him. Never have I met someone with such an enormous capacity for witty humor and youthful tomfoolery. However, Rory is dead serious about footbag. He shreds like a dynamo, pulling out string after string with thirty+ contacts of hard tricks. One night at Anton's house, even after Evan Gatesman had enough, Rory went on to do a dropless two minutes consisting of dense shuffle with short breaks of light variety. He also has the career I used to dream of, developing advanced prosthetic limbs. Ask him about it sometime. It's epic.

Another gentleman whose acquaintance I was very pleased to make is Karel Christopherson, maker of Karibou Footbags. He's a gifted stitcher and craftsman, though fairly new to footbag. This was his first competition, and I hope the first of many.

Of course there were many old friends: Nick Polini, Matt Kemmer, Ben Babyak, and Zach Hoffa to name just a few. I also liked that there were a lot of players in attendance around my level: Kyle Cook, Steve Lanza, David Moutard, and Ben Babyak. I consider these guys my friendly competition. We had a totally fair and balanced game of P.I.G, which is rare for us newly-guiltless chaps.

On the complete opposite end of the skill spectrum, there was Evan Gatesman. I'm really pleased that I got to talk with him much more than I have at other competitions. This almost goes without saying, but he has a lot of good advice for training footbag. And besides that, he's a cool guy to hang out with.

I could probably go on for miles, writing about all these lovely people, but instead I will move onto my least favorite thing:

The Competition
Competition is simultaneously my most favorite and least favorite part of tournaments. I have a very competitive mindset, yet I have never once been pleased with my performance in competition. If any of you out there have advice on how to practice for competition, please let me know.

This was my second time competing in Open circle, and unfortunately it was worse than the first. I was not happy with any of my strings. I dropped after only a few contacts most times. I missed drills that I had been doing for months. I could not even attempt any whirls because, despite all my progress on them in the past two months, that trick now hurts my knees too much.

And if I was ready to rage after circle comp, I can barely even express my fury after requests. I got out on PLO > ss butterfly. I have no more to say about that, other than I am going to drill that link until I never miss it again.

Let's get back to the good stuff, eh?

Whirlyball
I am going to update this post later with a video of whirlyball. For those who have never experienced this unique sport, imagine basketball crossed with lacrosse played in bumper cars. I can't claim I'm good at it––not when Zach Jahner is a national champion (seriously, ask him about it)––but I totally did score two goals and made some pretty good plays, considering. I hope the whirlyballing remains an NYJ tradition.

Progress as a Footbagger
Bummed as I am to lose whirls, after NYJ I have new hope for stepping and spinning. Matt Kemmer, ever the patient instructor, helped me (finally) understand how to do a "proper" stepping set. I am a looooooong way from mastering it, but for the first time ever, I really feel like I'm practicing them the right way. Also, El Kemino spent a lot of time coaching me on gyro and spinning. Again, I'm very far away from consistency, but at least now I know the things to practice. Thank you, Matt.

Another bonus: I hit toe drifter > pdx dlo ! Awesome link for me, although I guarantee I can only hit it strong side. Nonetheless, that combo rocks so hard that I feel motivated to make flip-side mine! Goal for end of February: toe ss drifter > pdx dlo, repeat

Final Thoughts
New Years Jam 2016 was fucking epic. If anyone wasn't sure after last year, now they know for certain that NYJ is a Michigan tradition. It was a pleasure to meet such amazing new people, and to catch up with dear old friends. I learned a lot, and I've got a lot to learn, so no slacking in 2016. This is the year to be better, to achieve a level I can be proud of, no matter how many bags I must sacrifice at high speed to my basement walls. Footbag is life.

That's all for now. Cheers from the Mitten.

[Asmus]

I like this write-up. Short and to the point but still entertaining.

Vasek talks some about competition in his manual. Have you read that? Maybe it will help.
Hope to kick with you someday.

[Ryan_Morris]

Thanks, Asmus. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I have read the manual. Maybe I should read it again.

And yes, hopefully someday we will attend the same jam.

[Ryan_Morris]

Oh yeah, good session! I love saying that

ducking clipper x10 (personal best)
PLO > ss butter > pdx mirage

I wanted so badly to drill PLO > butter > pdx illusion but I only managed up to five contacts. Then my shins started hurting

That was all by myself in the apartment basement, but yesterday I got together with Rob Lucas and Brandon Beals at Eastern Michigan University. Brandon hooked us up with a sweet-ass spot, free of charge, in his dormitory commons area. Big, carpeted multi-purpose room with no one around to ask, "can you do it with a real ball?" Anton and Zach flaked out on us, but we three had a good time. I hit a string with a bunch of PLOs, so that's nice. Pixie is on the menu, folks.