Alligators, Coyotes and Bears…Oh My!

This past weekend my golf buddy “Viv” and I had the great, good fortune to spend several days near Naples, Florida.    It was with major excitement and anticipation that I packed my clubs and took my first “golf trip.”  I laughed telling people I was taking the clubs (paying the extra baggage fee, hello!) to play in another climate, as this statement gave my golf game a much greater weight than it actually deserves.  It all became too clear when we stepped up to the first tee.

Now, I need to say that this course was extremely narrow and very tricky.  And surrounded by homes.  Then there were the reported sightings of BEARS.  And COYOTES.  And ALLIGATORS.  I am not kidding about this.  Add the multiple sandtraps, and abundant water hazards and this course should have had a big red warning sign on it.

The sight of a bear trundling across the fairway – well, who wouldn’t seize up at the sight of that, sending that ball waaaaaaaay to the right. Remember my thought that the sound of a golf ball hitting a tree is one of the funniest sounds ever?  This does not apply to the sound of MY golfball hitting a house. 

Perhaps the coyote sighting could be held partially responsible for my failure to get the ball in the air until the third tee.  And the putts that came “oh soooooo close” to the cup. 

Now, if I’d actually seen a bear or a coyote as warned, I could blame these errant shots on them.  I really did see an alligator.  He was floating peacefully in one of those previously mentioned water hazards, and didn’t seem very interested in us.  But he can have all eight golf balls I lost that round, because I sure wasn’t going to fish around in his territory to retrieve them.

I had a few good moments during our golf outing, and I’ll hang onto those for now.  Time for more practice.  A lot more!  Spring is only a month away!

Chocolate Milk = Sports Drink

Before Olympian Michael Phelps was photographed inhaling,  he famously used chocolate milk (actually, Carnation Instant Breakfast) to recharge after strenuous competition.  So why chocolate milk?  Aren’t drinks specifically made for athletes a better choice?  This came to my attention through one of the personal trainers at Peak Performance in Broadview Heights.  Apparently, chocolate milk really does a body good – especially after a strenuous, resistance-based workout.

Here’s why:  Chocolate milk contains an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein (4:1) to help refuel tired muscles.  Research has proven this ratio to be most efficient at replenishing muscle glycogen stores.  Adding protein to the usual mixture of carbs, liquids and electrolytes hastens muscle recovery.    Studies in the last couple years have shown certain proteins and carbohydrates in milk mitigate exercise induced muscle damage.  EIMD occurs when protein structures in the muscle break down and reduce muscle performance.  When consumed immmediately after resistance-based muscle damaging exercise, milk actually helps preserve more muscle than sports drinks or water.  And the sugar molecules in milk seem to be fairly easily absorbed by the gut.

I feel better about the protein packed instant breakfast my son favors most mornings.  And after my next workout, I think I’ll try it myself.

Meanwhile, a few golf games are in my near future.  Very near.  I’ll have more on that next week.

Valentine’s Day

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?  A perfect occasion to demonstrate your affection for family and friends?  A made-up greeting card holiday?  Just more pressure?

It seems to me that – more than ever – a day that’s all about celebrating love is good for everyone.  It’s a great chance  in the doldrums of winter, to brighten the day for your spouse, partner, child, friends or maybe someone who is alone and lonely. 

As for how to express your love?  Any thoughtful gesture that says you really care – it doesn’t have to have $$$ attached to it.  This Friday in Five Things, I’m taking a closer look at what women ’really’ want for Valentine’s Day – with some expert advice to benefit men and women, attached or single. 

Meanwhile, for movie lovers – I’m interested in your pick for Best Movie Kiss!  Go to http://newsnet5.com/lees5things and nominate the kiss that is – for you – the most memorable, the one that makes  you melt, sigh, and want to watch again!   We were chatting about this in the newsroom today, and came up with a lot of great cinematic smooches – and it was kind of funny how the same actor/actress would come up again and again.  (Meg Ryan, for example.)

So here’s your cue to start thinking about the day reserved for love a week and a half early!