Turning 40 -AND- Turning Pro

Comfortable Chaos...

2011-11-22T11:27:00.010-06:00

For the last year I have had the greatest responsibility, nay, the privilege of staying home with my lil Irish Princess, lil miss magic. It has become a time in my life that I will never forget, not just staying home, but being able to develop a bond with my daughter that I never thought possible, it has been a true blessing from God and only recently have I sort of figured it out as to why I was meant to stay home so long with her... Besides the obvious, with the possible new employment with a great company, I will lose out on a lot of time with her and that has made me reflect and look at just what a true blessing from God this time was in the midst of a comfortable chaos in my life.

She has made me learn how to slow down, how to laugh at silly things again, and to see just how amazing she is, not just to me but the people around her. She is like a little magnet of cuteness, people, strangers, comment on how cute she looks (yes I am VERY bias in saying that lol) and how well mannered she is (although at times I NEVER see that, little DIVA...lol), Chrissie and I just tried teaching her best we knew how and so far it is working very good, Amen?...yes, AMEN!

Like I said, comfortable chaos is what life has been this last year without work, but we made it, and not without a lot of prayer and continued prayer. No complaining about the hand I was dealt since it was the one I choose to make and God made sure I learn from it and not that I will ever understand it 100%, I do know that I will never forget 2011 and more importantly that the bond between this father and this daughter will forever be locked for she makes me laugh, she makes me beam with joy. My heart smiles when I think of her, and cries knowing in a not so distant future when I am walking her down the aisle I can pull up these memories and realize that even though she will have a new hand to hold, mine was the first and she is my lil miss magic that made 2011 chaos, very comfortable...

Moll, daddy loves you, always and forever, and Molly... Thank you!

Before and After

2011-06-19T14:02:00.005-05:00

Hello it's been a while but I thought I would put something up and yes I will be fighting this coming October for Impact Fighting Championship and I start training here shortly and then I will update weekly if not daily until then here is a snap shot of before (I was 412 lbs.) I lost the weight and after (I am now 265 lbs)...

Shake the tree

2011-05-10T01:08:00.003-05:00

Feeling Good, back at it and looking to knock the dust off, shake the tree and see what falls out...

Woodshed needs to split some wood...

STAY TUNED!

Not yet

2011-03-21T12:25:00.003-05:00

Well just when I'm getting ready to prepare for surgery I got the call, and now I am apart of the great Insurance debacle... I am currently out of work and with that my insurance coverage is ZERO and my surgeon's office called to say that the date for my surgery had to be cancelled, so right now NO SURGERY! After speaking with my doctor ( Dr. Stark - The Clinic ) advised me not to fight but that I can train as if I were, and to concentrate on core strength and cardio which I have relayed to my trainer ( Grand Master Jim - Red River Tae Kwon Do ) and this week I'm back on the drawing board getting my body ready for the best possible way and in doing so when surgery time does come it will be that much more ready and will make for a better recovery time with being in shape to aid in that recovery.

Fighting is not out of the question but it has been relayed to my thick Irish Head that it would not be a good idea until AFTER my surgery, so will see how training goes and of I feel as though its ok I still may fight once before the surgery but unlikely, however I am Irish and I am the one who does things against the norm so will see how things go but for now the "Chicken Chasing" will commence! I will keep you posted on how things go and in the meantime all your positive thoughts and prayers will be greatly appreciated!

NOW, "Go Forth Onto All Nations And Spread The Gospel That is Combat Sports!"

Another Bump in the road

2011-03-14T09:50:00.004-05:00

That's all it is really is just another step up in life not a road block or oh poor me, just another chance to prove everyone that says it can't be done, wrong! about a month and a half ago my Chiropractor and Sponsor (The Clinic - Family Health & Sports Chiropractic) advised me along with my doctor to get an MRI done since I was having more pain in an old area of my back, sure enough the herniated disc had gotten worse and I was advised to have surgery. After talking with Dr. Stark at The Clinic I felt better after speaking with him knowing that there was no problem with this and my comeback would be a breeze with proper rehab and strong will so, I decided to go forward with the surgery and March 25th I will be having what is called Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery done and here is the break down; Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a procedure that fuses the anterior and posterior columns of the spine through a posterior approach. A bone graft and interbody spacer stabilize the anterior portion while the posterior is locked in place with pedicle screws, rods and bone graft. Here is a video for more if your interested TLIF>

Meaning in all this is just need to put me in a better position to be able to whoop up on the young ones out there and believe when I say it, this fall I will be itching to make that comeback and the first person I meet in the cage will not be so lucky as I will have a lot of anger waiting to be unleashed... I am so lucky in all this knowing that I am not finished and in the meantime I will not only be rehabbing but also being able to train others so I am getting to continue on with what I love and all my sponsors are so gracious and supportive I can't thank them enough so please make sure you show your support and use there products or services just like The Clinic and Dr. Stark, also a great MMA Clothing line in STEP IN gear they are above and beyond the best MMA line out there, and if your in the Fargo area you HAVE to stop by and see Paul over at 46 and 2 Tattoo the best Damn Ink Around! Also check out American MMA gear Austin and the gang will hook you up with great MMA gear as well for your every need from shorts to rash guards. Also stop in and see the best damn photographer Jess Sell at All Event Photography she is awesome when it comes to high action MMA shots and even better with your little ones or pets so top by and see All Event Photography. And for great reading in the MMA world check out MMA Torture House you won't regret it! All in All I am very luck to have great sponsors and great friends to stick by me during this lay-off and most importantly my family, my lovely wife and daughter my lil Irish princess give me tons of love and kisses which is the best medicine of all.

I will write one or 2 more blogs here before the surgery and maybe even do one the day of depending on how I feel, ok keep me and my family in you thoughts and prayers and trust me this old dwag is not done nor will I be forgotten this just makes my bite even worse!

Go Fourth Onto All Nations And Spread The Word That is Combat Sports!

Game On, Hometown

2011-02-08T01:16:00.004-06:00

That's right, the deal was made, the deal is done and yours truly will be making his Hometown Fight Debut!!!

March 19th at The HUB for MAX Fights in MAX Fights 13 Randy 'Woodshed' Thorsvig will be making his long awaited debut in front of family, friends and even those few haters out there...lol

Randy 'Woodshed' Thorsvig (40ANDTurningPro) vs. Tim Johnson (Recent MSUM Heavyweight) both will be bring new careers to the cage and both will surely bring a packed house so don't wait to long to get your tickets to this fight as it will surely be a standing room only fight card! The closer we get to that day the more information I will deal out, for now we get back to the fight at hand and that is Feb 26th at Prairie Knights Casino, Fort Yates, ND for Impact Fighting Championship against William Brown Otter, GAME ON Mr. OTTER! Lets do this!

Light the Fire, and Kick the tires!

2011-01-13T00:27:00.004-06:00

Well I started back to training tonight, WOW not as bad as I thought weight is good cardio is not AS bad but we will turning up to get ready for William Brown Otter. Also tonight was on the great MMA Gospel Radio with Gary and Amy check it out...

MMA Gospel Radio Hosts Randy Thorsvig, Discusses Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix
-MMA Gospel Radio’s Gary Friedman and Amy Barton kicked off this week’s show with an in-depth round table discussion of the upcoming Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix with MMA Gospel staff writer Cole Moorman and Rich of My Take Radio. The panel discussed each of the tournament’s eight participants as well as the brackets, and some interesting points were covered ranging from the involvement of “The Last Emperor” Fedor Emelianenko’s (31-2) infamous management team at M-1 Global to the inclusion of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion “The Demolition Man” Alistair Overeem (30-12) in the early tournament rounds.
“40 and (Turning) Pro” Randy Thorsvig (1-0) came on next to discuss his upcoming return...READ MORE>. or listen as well LISTEN TO>
Great show great group of people and we will be on from time to time, more to comelet me know what you think.

Turn on, Tune in, Turning 40 and TURNED Pro.

Ding, ding... Fight #2!~A Rolling Rock Grows NO MOSS!

2011-01-11T11:14:00.006-06:00

Ah well being lazy and sitting around can't be done to long before moss begins to grow on your arse! So I will be training once again, and yes still 40 and still PRO! My opponent has been slatted for this heavyweight bout and his name is William Brown Otter he is 2-0 you can find 1 of his fights on YOUTUBE and he also has a boxing record of 0-5, we will be fighting February 26th for Impact Fighting Championships again this time at Prairie Knights Casino out by Mandan, ND.

Working stand up again and keeping strengths solid and working all aspects of MMA to be ready for the unexpected. This time will really focus on cardio and striking technique since my weight is no longer a major concern as of right now coming in I am at 275lbs so pure training will bring the weight down no worries! OK! Let the fun begin and will see where Master Jim brings me in the training world and what Damian will add in, and whoever else pitches in this time as all are welcome, and for those that helped last time THANK YOU it was all worth it! Also this coming Wednesday night I will be back on MMA Gospel Radio with Gary and Amy to talk some MMA and whatever else comes our way so tune in to MMA GOSPEL Radio and hear the best MMA Radio show on the net! I will be sporting some new INK from 46 and 2 Tattoo one of my sponsors (Thanks PAULLEE) and will be doing a photo shoot with a new sponsor All Event Photography (Thank You Jess) and will be showing of some killer MMA Gear from the TOP MMA GEAR in the BIDNESS... STEP IN Gear (Thank you Tom). Will see who else we can line up for sponsors and or supporters it will be a fun ride with more to come as we are looking at some more fights coming up this spring and will talk about them when we finalize them but looking at April and May so will keep you posted! Enjoy the ride and remember, It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Loses An Eye, OR I knock one out, ,maybe... Turn On, Tune In, Turning 40 and TURNED PRO is BACK!

FIGHT TIME - 40ANDTurningPro Fight

2010-11-23T10:57:00.003-06:00

Phase 3 Completed, Whats Next?

2010-11-02T12:53:00.005-05:00

Well I know it has been a while since I posted anything but I did want to say it was a blast! for those that followed my twitter and facebook comments afterwards it was fast and nerve racking! I won 2:06 of the 1st round via Kimura (What is that? CHECK HERE>)The pre-fight build up was everything it was suppose to be NERVES! I'd work them out by working up a good sweat and hit the pads, ran laps back and fourth in the hall, it would then subside and I felt fine, but they kept coming back and I knew they would and I was told they would get more intense when I got into the cage and UM YEAH! I gotta say when I got in the cage it was like BAM! Ref asked to Jason Cook are ready and then asked me are you ready and it was all so strange like out of a movie everything re-wound back to the day I said 'Yeah lets do this fight' and then it fast forwarded through the summer to that very moment and ding ding it was on. It felt like an eternity but was a split second and next thing you know I was throwing out that jab I had been working on since May! I chased him down with the jab and we went up against the cage and then back towards the middle where he attempted a weakish right round house kick and I grab it and kicked out his standing leg an to the canvas we went! Next thing was he took hold of my left arm and triangled my head all at same time (was pretty tight for a bit) and then in my head rang out the voice, the voice of not who'd you would expect, it was that of my wife, earlier in the day she told me "If anything happens during the fight for pete sake at least DON'T TAP" I kid you not that is exactly what was going through my mind her words her voice, so I settled in and relaxed then wiggled out my heead and regained my arm and obtained side control (What is that? CHECK HERRE>) which I then took a much needed breather between the adrenaline dump and lack of wind since I seemed not to be breathing as I should have... Anyway after that nice lil coffee break I started throwing some hammer fists at his face and then was going to lock up his arms and really throw punches however he kept dangling that left arm out which then I decided to grab and apply that kimura which I did, mean while Mr. Ref was standing over top saying "come on guys lets go lets do something", lol, ok I felt like saying Um yes as you can see I am trying to work in this kimura which I did and slowly pulled it into place and next thing you know Mr. Cook was yelling and Mr. Ref was jumping on top of me to stop the fight as Jason Cook verbally tapped out at 2:06 of the 1st round. YEAH! I got up and was so happy I honestly don't remember everything after that, I do remember Jason Cook was very gracious in defeat and congratulated me and told he was proud to have fought me and I said the same in return. Needless to say Impact Fight Championship was FANTASTIC and I will cherish that moment and those leading up to it FOREVER!

I can't say thank you enough to Grand Master Jim Grimestad for all his time and instruction he gave me along the way along with his great off the wall "Chasing Chickens" training technique. I am happy to have him as my trainer and proud to call him my firend!

Damian Holznagel, the man is Mount Vesuvius of knowledge that helped me in my training from proper eating to proper preparations for the fight (pre-fight action was a movie! WALL STREET, love Gordon Gecko!) not to mention he is truly a great friend and would not have been able to do any of this if it weren't for him!

My Sponsors were great from American MMA for great fight shorts and rash guard for training. 46 and 2 Tattoo for great tattoo work and more to come! STEP IN Gear AWESOME Stuff fantastic fight gear and fight wear you have got to go check them out and while your at it put RANDYT10 in the discount box and get 25% discount on stuff from the best MMA Gear/Wear on earth go now to STEP IN GEAR NOW! To all my sponsors THANK YOU so much! and to those that also helped that wanted to remain nameless THANK YOU too!

To my wife and lil miss magic, I love you both so much and can never repay you the time I took away from the family, THANK YOU both so much for allwoing me to pursue this dream and being there when I came home/back to the hotel waiting to greet me with open arms and love. I am so very luck to have you both. Daddy Loves you Molly, Chrissie I love you forever!

Here below is an awesome follow up article from MMA GOSPEL as well on my post fight action!

Randy Thorsvig is a man who has overcome alcoholism, morbid obesity, and being confined to a wheelchair. He is a man that had a dream to feel the glory of fighting in a cage. He is a man who faced the odds, and won. READ MORE>

STAY TUNED TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT TO 40 AND Turning PRO! You never know!

p.s. Video and pictures will come soon as well!

Let the games BEGIN...

2010-10-22T23:55:00.004-05:00

ROCKnROLLA, Phase 1 complete and now Phase 2 is complete, I made weight baby! 264.5lbs. It has been a long yet very fast road and tomorrow it all comes to end? Or is it, I guess we will see won't we but for now we focus on WAR THOR tomorrow! I have enjoyed every minute so far, yes there has been some crappy hard bumps along the way but it would not have been the journey I would have wanted without them! I can't say thank you enough to all those that have been there for me along the way and I will list them all in the blogs to come. Right now we just ate a little bit ago and then I enjoyed the pool with lil miss magic she makes everything right for daddy, love you Molly! Ok to bed and then COFFEE in the morning, yes hotel is right next door to my fav STARBUCKS, with that I bid you all GOOD NIGHT!

Today...Tonight...Tomorrow

2010-10-22T09:15:00.005-05:00

Today I cut the last 7lbs and head to Bismarck for the weighins and then rest and relax with my family and friends with some good food and await for Saturday where I will finally make my Pro Debut at Impact Fighting Championship in Bismarck, ND. Not a whole lot on my mind right now as I am getting ready to head out to cut this weight I will be back later after weigh-ins wish me luck and THANK YOU everyone that has followed and cheering me on talk to you all soon!

The FIGHT before O-C-T 2-3-r-d~!

2010-10-20T11:46:00.003-05:00

I have been waiting for this day and now it seems as though its slowly approaching and now seems like anything that can happen will happen and is... Besides some minor road blocks, last night I was up all night sick and on top of that my lil miss magic was up keeping me company as well, so today we are both home sick! YEAH SICK! PERFECT TIMING! So, tonight I gotta sweat it out on top of sweating out the remaining few lbs which is no prob just pissed off about the timing of this cold/flu combo! Oh well it wouldn't be MY real fight unless I had every possible road block available to me to make this even more of a fight! Stay tuned more fun "sick" stuff coming your way as we get closer to Friday (weigh-ins) and Fight Day (Saturday!)

Fight Week

2010-10-19T00:55:00.004-05:00

FIGHT WEEK is always a fun time however this time is different for me as normally I am just promoting and getting ready to put things together and do last minute things, now its flipped as I am now getting ready for my own fight, my Pro Debut.

It seems like just yesterday I decided to go forward with this idea and make my debut with Impact Fighting Championship in Bismarck, ND on October 23rd. At that time I was thinking this is going to be a long summer and BAM were looking winter square in the eye. Training for the most has been tough I will admit and I have a greater appreciation of what the true professional fighter goes through day in and day out and yes it does make the fight the easy part of this whole equation, physically. Mentally, its a different animal as it takes me up and down the path where not to many travel, don't misunderstand me now as that cage door will close behind me as I Step In and the destruction will happen Jason Cook as I Rokurface and my name will forever be tattooed in your memory, but I think the mental game is far more rough. Tomorrow we will talk about the mental game and how the week is going leading into 40 AND Turning Pro!

MMA Gospel Interview

2010-10-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

The North Dakota-based Impact Fighting Championship holds its inaugural event, IFC: Inception on October 23 in Bismarck. Headlining the card is a bout between hometown heavyweight newcomer Jason Cook (0-0) and a man who was a recent guest on MMA Gospel Radio, Randy Thorsvig (0-0).

Okay, so what? Many would ask why a bout between two rookie fighters on the first card of a local show is garnering so much attention. That reason would be Randy Thorsvig. Randy battled READ MORE>

MMA Torture House Interview

2010-10-11T08:55:00.003-05:00

Randy Thorsvig is a man with an amazing story about his travel to the professional world of MMA and overcoming obstacles along the way. Randy got his start in combat sports at a young age, he wrestled in school from 1st grade till he was a senior in high school from there he got a scholarship and wrestled in college. Randy later battled with alcoholism and weight gain that took him from a walking cane to a wheel chair but that didn’t stop him. Randy overcame his obstacles by having intestinal surgery and entering rehab, he emerged sober and ready to start where he left off.

Randy went from 420 lbs to 265 lbs and has been sober for over a year , he is now training at Red River Traditional Taekwondo with Grand Master Jim Grimstead and Academy of Combat Arts with Dylan Spicer, Pablo Garza of the WEC and a member of this year’s Ultimate Fighter Dane Sayers. Randy has not been...READ MORE>

Interview on MMA Gospel

2010-10-07T09:49:00.004-05:00

Here is my recent interview with MMA Gospel (Gary Friedman i.e. @MMA_Gospel_Gary and Amy i.e. @amesbelle as well as Rich i.e. @MyTakeRadio all from Twitter.com) It was a great pleasure being a guest on MMA GOSPEL which i hope to be a return guest to such a great show for a great sport. Please enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with MMA Gospel on Blog Talk Radio

40 And Turning Pro ~ Talk Time on KBMW

2010-10-01T13:51:00.002-05:00

Radio Time

2010-09-29T08:25:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Doug and Dickerman for ALWAYS being a great support for Combat Sports and now showing an interest in my story, Thanks guys!

Impact Fighting Championship ~ TIC TOC

2010-09-28T02:29:00.006-05:00

25 days and counting until Impact Fighting Championship where I will make my Pro Debut in Bismarck, ND, here is the fight poster and commercial they put together. I want to thank my sponsors once again who helped with things and support!

American MMA - My fights shorts and rash guard for training, KILLA stuff, thanks again Austin!

Step In Gear - for some Dynamite Fight wear, gotta check their site for sweet stuff!

ROKURFACE - RockNroLla Fight wear

46 and 2 Tattoo - Whay can I say Paul and the gang ROCK and sling sweet ink stop in and get some work done I highly recommend it!

Dawn of a new day

2010-09-24T16:47:00.004-05:00

I'm starting to feel as though the dust is settling... maybe now sleepy bear can come out from hibernation and train like he ought too!

MOVE IT SOLDIER!

ACA? ~ Getting down to the brass tacks

2010-09-13T11:13:00.015-05:00

6 weeks and counting...

October 23rd is fast approaching and time is a ticking away, so, its time to step up my game and add in Fargo-Moorhead Academy of Combat Arts (ACA)so that I have all different levels of training and adding more cardio. Thanks to Dylan for letting me come in and train with the guys at ACA, and Master Jim for letting me train between both places, I feel that with Master Jim at RRTKD and now Dylan and John at ACA I have a complete set of people to help me develop a top notch game plan for DESTRUCTION over one Mr. Jason Cook. 6 weeks of the hardest training lay ahead of me as I ponder what will I be like on the other side, I think a better person, for certain a thinner person...LOL but seriously it will be hard but it will only make me stronger as a fighter and more importantly, a person or dare I say, father and husband to my family.

Swansons Health Products has been kind enough to supply me with some supplements to try out while I train and I will be doing some reviews on them throughout this training camp. I have already started taking the Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM to aid in some joint discomfort and have already felt it working. Now keep in mind it does take up to 5 weeks for this to work into your system and work effectively but I was on some before the Swanson product but have been without for about 3 weeks so just now seeing an improvement after being on the Swanson Brand for 2 weeks. I am also taking a probiotic - Ultimate Probiotic Formula which is nice to add to your regiment with a lot of supplements and aids in strengthen your immune system, I also love yogurt and right now with cutting weight, yogurt is high in sugar, so wanting the affects I take this and these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria. In the weeks to come I have a bunch more that I am taking and I will place updates and links here for you to check out. Please check out Swanson Health Products and see all the great line of products they have.

Also, I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU my newest Sponsor, STEP IN so you do need to go check them out and buy stuff, they have some KILLA MMA Wear, so suit up and show up as long as you STEP IN, because You Can't Win Until You STEP IN! Support STEP IN as they support me so its a win win, Now, OFF YOU GO TO-------------> www.stepingear.com

No Combat Sports - Today we just ~ REMEMBER ~ 9/11

2010-09-11T13:21:00.006-05:00

flight aircraft capacity passengers hijackers crew
Flight 11 Boeing 767-223ER 158 76 5 11
Flight 175 Boeing 767-222 166 46 5 9
Flight 77 Boeing 757-223 188 50 5 6
Flight 93 Boeing 757-223 182 26 4 7

The initial numbers are indelible: 8:46 a.m. and 9:02 a.m. Time the burning towers stood: 56 minutes and 102 minutes. Time they took to fall: 12 seconds. From there, they ripple out.

•Total number killed in attacks (official figure as of 9/5/02): 2,819

•Number of firefighters and paramedics killed: 343

•Number of NYPD officers: 23

•Number of Port Authority police officers: 37

•Number of WTC companies that lost people: 60

•Number of employees who died in Tower One: 1,402

•Number of employees who died in Tower Two: 614

•Number of employees lost at Cantor Fitzgerald: 658

•Number of U.S. troops killed in Operation Enduring Freedom: 22

•Number of nations whose citizens were killed in attacks: 115

•Ratio of men to women who died: 3:1

•Age of the greatest number who died: between 35 and 39

•Bodies found "intact": 289

•Body parts found: 19,858

•Number of families who got no remains: 1,717

•Estimated units of blood donated to the New York Blood Center: 36,000

•Total units of donated blood actually used: 258

•Number of people who lost a spouse or partner in the attacks: 1,609

•Estimated number of children who lost a parent: 3,051

•Percentage of Americans who knew someone hurt or killed in the attacks: 20

•FDNY retirements, January–July 2001: 274

•FDNY retirements, January–July 2002: 661

•Number of firefighters on leave for respiratory problems by January 2002: 300

•Number of funerals attended by Rudy Giuliani in 2001: 200

•Number of FDNY vehicles destroyed: 98

•Tons of debris removed from site: 1,506,124

•Days fires continued to burn after the attack: 99

•Jobs lost in New York owing to the attacks: 146,100

•Days the New York Stock Exchange was closed: 6

•Point drop in the Dow Jones industrial average when the NYSE reopened: 684.81

•Days after 9/11 that the U.S. began bombing Afghanistan: 26

•Total number of hate crimes reported to the Council on American-Islamic Relations nationwide since 9/11: 1,714

•Economic loss to New York in month following the attacks: $105 billion

•Estimated cost of cleanup: $600 million

•Total FEMA money spent on the emergency: $970 million

•Estimated amount donated to 9/11 charities: $1.4 billion

•Estimated amount of insurance paid worldwide related to 9/11: $40.2 billion

•Estimated amount of money needed to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways: $7.5 billion

•Amount of money recently granted by U.S. government to overhaul lower-Manhattan subways: $4.55 billion

•Estimated amount of money raised for funds dedicated to NYPD and FDNY families: $500 million

•Percentage of total charity money raised going to FDNY and NYPD families: 25

•Average benefit already received by each FDNY and NYPD widow: $1 million

•Percentage increase in law-school applications from 2001 to 2002: 17.9

•Percentage increase in Peace Corps applications from 2001 to 2002: 40

•Percentage increase in CIA applications from 2001 to 2002: 50

•Number of songs Clear Channel Radio considered "inappropriate" to play after 9/11: 150

•Number of mentions of 9/11 at the Oscars: 26

•Apartments in lower Manhattan eligible for asbestos cleanup: 30,000

•Number of apartments whose residents have requested cleanup and testing: 4,110

•Number of Americans who changed their 2001 holiday-travel plans from plane to train or car: 1.4 million

•Estimated number of New Yorkers suffering from post-traumatic-stress disorder as a result of 9/11: 422,000

My Wife

2010-09-10T01:09:00.009-05:00

I have been sitting here trying to think (yes I know hard to believe, haha) on what to say about my wife, how to put into words what she does for Molly and me, well, she does it all. She sacrifice's more than any of my family and has been when it comes to being my wife, not only does she work full time she is also going to school full time. Chrissie is an amazing and beautiful woman that puts aside alot so that I can pursue my hopes and dreams and sometimes in "heated" conversation with her my "hobbies"... I will never be able to repay the time she allows me to train, watch fights, go to fights, write about fights, talk about fights, buy fight memorabilia, fights, fights, fights, well you see what she puts up with, and she does it 99% of the time with pleasantries and a smile, sure there is that 1% when she has to let some steam out but do you blame her, I don't that for sure. I come home from training and I'm either down and out from having a crappy practice and she has to jump into the role of "Life Coach" to pick me up, or my "Faux Sparring Partner" as I playfully try submission holds on you (yes I know you hate it) and then you so lovingly crack me right in the ear hole, or the role of "Mother" (yes I know she is a mother already, stay with me please) when I get hurt or feel sick or tired, also while doing all this and more she is Mommy to lil miss magic (Molly) so she is multi tasking to Molly, school, me, and maybe in the end she gets a moment for free time to herself... And now to top it all off I will also be needing time away since I will be the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Red River Golden Gloves which starts up October 1st, she is anointed Super Mom for letting me pursue this as well, thank you Chrissie.

Dear Chrissie, I love you and only hope that I can support you as you have been with me in all my training and preparation for my up coming fight and those to come. I promise to be there for you when your down and need some emtional lift, I promise to rub your neck when your so stressed you have baseball size knots in your shoulders, I promise to clean the house and make supper, feed Molly and then bath her and get her ready for bed so that you can have a moment. I will be there for you when all you want is a snuggle while watching TV or a movie, and just simple things like holding hands or putting my arm around you at church. Now some may see this as well yeah that should be done normally, however I tend to get wrapped up in what I am doing and time wise I am not around a lot so this is a note stating what I want and will do for a woman that has already put up with a lot in our marriage already and now this, I will never be able to repay ever thing she does for me all I can and will do is promise to love you more and more each day as we grow old and beautiful together. Chrissie I love you and THANK YOU for being my everything and for being MY WIFE

Turning 40

2010-09-06T19:00:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was a relaxing get-a-way of all sorts, it also was the first part of the title... On Sunday the 5th I turned 40 now just waiting to turn Pro. As I turned 40 was asked if I felt different, No not really but I can look back and see the changes for certain, especially in the last few years. Time has been gentle for the most part considering all the damage I have decided to place on myself and those around me, so I am forever grateful and taking advantage of all the second chances I get this time with life, both mentally and physically because my biological fight clock is ticking man and I am winding it up every morning...

Now it's back to hardcore training and setting the rest of things in motion that will make it all worth while, in the meantime will just take a look back at the last few days of family and battery re-charging time, will get back to the right hook, left roundhouse, chasing chickens and crumpling newspaper soon, right now please enjoy past weekend, well talk soon and remember ~ Go Fourth Onto All Nations.

Pushing Through

2010-08-31T14:50:00.005-05:00

We are all bound by limits in our every day lives it just depends on what we do with those limits that helps us grow... It can be anything from sticking to the same routine day in and day out because you feel safe and it works or you limit yourself on what you can do and say to those around you because you don't want to be a burden or be a pest because you might offend someone... Well, your never going to grow as a person EVER if you sit in a rut, yes, A RUT because that's what that is you wanna grow mentally and physically CHANGE! Now for this thick headed Irish-Norwegian Boy change does bode well especially in my culture and ethnic background that word is frowned upon, CHANGE, who chages and why, why change keep doing what your doing, sure and NEVER do anything except the same thing over and over, never taking it to that next level. DING, DING Next Floor, Men's Wear, Ties, Pants... CHANGE, I will get off here please thank you!

Yeah, lets see I like that cardio exercise over there, why, well it pushes me and well I feel sick when done, well that can't be good change, oh but it is you just have to PUSH THROUGH it and once out the other side your bigger, faster, and STRONGER for it! SET GOALS!

The only thing is that mental road block that can get in the way saying, oh your tired you better slow down, or, you may pass out or get sick... Who cares, its ALL worth it once you just push through it not just for your physical well being but you just took another step in that direction of being able to make a change in your life, use it next time you feel like your sitting on your hands, or you just can't go through with it because it may upset the "balance" in your life. DO IT, you may surprise yourself, trust me, the days we have that are the worst and we bare down and push through no matter how hard in the end it is SO worth it and they actually wind up being the best days we've ever had.

SOMEONE, once told me, there is no such thing as a bad workout (your there in the gym right) no such thing as a bad prayer (your talking to God right) if your doing those things or anything else that your suppose to be doing and you push through it, you're making a change because your PUSHING THROUGH, try it, just believe in yourself, like Salt-N-Pepa say "Push It Real Good"!

Go Fourth Onto All Nations

Impact Fighting Championship Oct 23rd!....Tic Toc Jason Cook, time approaches, You hear that... I hear a train a comin, it's comin round the bend... Tic Toc Tic Toc

Rock Steady

2010-08-28T07:20:00.004-05:00

7 weeks and counting... Can't wait and as it grows closer so does the anticipation. Weight is coming along better expected only have about 23lbs to go and just now turning up the intensity so yeah gonna smoke this weight then bring down the hammer of Thor! I LOVE how things are starting to come together and how well practice has been for the most part, yeah road blocks along the way but I'm turning those into stepping stones and keep moving forward as it should be. I owe it all to my trainers and sparring partners as they are bring me along and shaping me in this journey to become a better fighter and in turn I am becoming a better person from the discipline of listening and instruction. I have also become much more appreciative of the combat sports and bigger respect of what fighters go through, far more than your average fan that has NO Clue, I know now why WE do the things we do and train the way training needs to be done, and like I have mentioned in past blogs, I have a renewed LOVE for boxing and a greater respect for combat sports as a whole.

On a side note from training I have been asked to be the Strength and Conditioning coach for Red River Golden Gloves and I of course said yes, was I excited you may ask, put it this way inside my head I was jumping up and down screaming like a little school girl... Yes, Yes, Yes! I get to do something I have wanted for so long wanted to train and be apart of a boxing organization, so can't wait for Red River Golden Gloves to get going which it will come October 1st (More to Come on that).

Go Fourth Onto All Nations.

Remember October 23rd Bismarck, ND Impact Fighting Championship

Sponsor Shout Out

2010-08-27T06:00:00.004-05:00

I want to thank one of my Sponsors----->46 and 2 tattoo

Steph did a FANTASTIC job on my newest addition of ink, and Paulie, well, he is just a ROCKSTAR! Thanks guys! If you want quality ink 46 and 2 tattoo is the place to go, Paul will get you hooked up with great SKIN ART! Steph is Frackin Picaso, however she is moving so she will be very missed, so I got lucky to get her to do some ink before she left, now looking forward to Paulie sleeving out the rest of the arm. 46 and 2 tattoo is your FARGO TATTOO hook up, get SOME!

More Turning 40 and Turning Pro coming later today! Go Fourth Onto All Nations!

8 weeks out

2010-08-24T13:01:00.004-05:00

Only 8 weeks until its time to step in that steel cage and have the door shut behind me and see if everything I know and everything I have been taught will pay off. I know that it is and I know Mr. Cook will as well. I will bring down the HAMMER of THOR in one form or another it just depends what opportunities are presented to me and how I will go about decided what to do all in the matter of a blinking eye. You can't spend time thinking while in the game you must prepare yourself for reaction and precise thought as to what and how you will do it. Improvisation is of course required because you gotta think and move on your feet because things change in New York minute, sure you have to go in with a game plan if not you will only get so far, I plan on going way beyond the little city of "so far" and if need be drag him into the murky depths of cardio hell. I am not sure who said it could have Ali, anyway the saying is true “Fatigue makes cowards of all men” It is so true you see all shapes and sizes that when the O2 goes so does the will of some and the perseverance of others, so you MUST have your cardio in top notch along with your skills otherwise your skills are simply useless and doesn't matter how hard you punch or kick or how slick you can apply a rear naked choke, arm bar or Triangle choke, if you don't have that cardio inplacement to counter the "Fatigue Factor" you are screwed and pure guts only get you so far the rest is heart and that you either have or don't, becasue can't be learned. 8 weeks out... GOT CARDIO!?

Being Randy Thorsvig

2010-08-21T14:45:00.010-05:00

So you want to know what its like inside me head... ok so some of you are like UM NO ya freak or who cares but then there are friends, family, ,Coaches, AND WIFE that are like what the frick is going on in your head. Well, play the video below, just music, buts its basically what it feels like BEING RANDY THORSVIG--->Push Play Now Read...

I want to do this and I want to do that, I hit this and I hit that, run, dash, sprint, hit the bag, drop and give me 20, climb that rope backwards while knitting a stocking cap, oh and by the way you need to stop and get a quart of milk, a stick of butter and a loaf of bread... Breath... REPEAT step 1... OK back to SOME normalcy...now 50 burpies, 10 wind sprints, and 200 crunches while I throw 75lbs bag on your stomach, Shur yesh shur! mean while in my head, I hate you, I wanna walk out, I wanna do it my way... AH HA! there it is do it my way, now has that ever worked before?------>NO! So I shove that annoying little person away and get to work and stick to it, push harder, push longer, think about my opponent Jason Cook is he doing this at 5AM... is he chasing chickens, is he cutting the weight, lifting the weights, is he "Tote dat barge! Lift dat bale!----->Wait this is Ole Man River! Any ways NO HE IS NOT, and even if he was he is not doing as long and as hard as me and I tell ya what this is what will sit in my head and until MY HAND is raised will stay in my head...Here are the words the video is below, this is my mind set going in for he is my enemy and until our battle is done, I must dot the i's and SWEEP THE LEG!--->Karate Kid, had to say it :)

There's a passage I got memorized. Ezekiel 25:17. The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you. I been sayin' that crap for years. And if you ever heard it, that meant your a$$. I never gave much thought to what it meant. I just thought it was a cold-blooded thing to say, but I saw some stuff this mornin' made me think twice. See, now I'm thinkin': maybe it means you're the evil man. And I'm the righteous man. And Mr. Right Hand here, he's the shepherd protecting my righteous a$$ in the CAGE. Or it could mean you're the righteous man and I'm the shepherd and it's the world that's evil and selfish. And I'd like that. But that stuff ain't the truth. The truth is you're the weak (jason cook). And I'm the tyranny of evil men(RANDY THORSVIG). But I'm tryin', man. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.

p.s.The Benny Hill Theme is actually the ring tone I have set for when Master Jim calls me, no lie! I laugh every time, I have to, keeps me sane! OK I am off to Hankinson to watch some local fighters do good in the CAGE!

1 year

2010-08-18T06:17:00.006-05:00

Not much to say today on my training for my fight however training for life its a day of reflection and thank yous as 1 year ago today I took the first step in my life training; today is 1 year sober, and 115lbs lighter for me! It feels great and I could never made this first 365 days without lots of people in my life and to those that came and visited, those that wished me well, and the few that slapped me with reality I can NEVER repay you, so now I just say Thank You for this 1 year is yours too. You all played a role in my life and you helped a person regain some self-respect and realize that life is worth fighting for, life is the ultimate training camp. Thank you for not giving up on me, now stick around for the fun stuff as we kick this fackin party into over drive and see what comes out the other end, its sure to be something awesome and all I have to do is go at it 1 day at a time and remember where I was to know where I am going. I seem to get a late start on everything I do from getting married, having a beautiful baby, turning 40 -AND- turning pro, and getting that pink elephant out of the living room, but thing is certain I am doing it! Have a great day everyone again THANK YOU everyone that played a role in my story and still does, I just need to remember its Progress not Perfection...

Little Things Add Up

2010-08-17T12:55:00.005-05:00

This is a little mix of everything bascially and they all do ADD UP! Take last night I was working on combinations and hitting mits, I went to throw an inside leg sweep/kick and NAILED my fackin toe straight on the inside leg of my trainer who was wearing a shin guard---->DAMN that smarts! so much we thought it to be broken, taped it up and kept at it however couldn't plant or twist off at all so was limited to working arms limited combination for the rest of then night. This morning at 5am came in and did arms and abs since the toe was still being a major bitch not as bad but still acting like Zsa zsa Gabor when she slapped that cop--->ba dom bomp! Anyway taped it up again and we hit the abs good and then did a little "Chicken Chasing" again this time it was simple, arms out straight and crumple a newspaper in each hand we did a whole newspaper for each hand, sounds easy right, yeah NOT! when I was done my fackin forearms were beyond FIRE! Abs were fun as we (we meaning ME) got a 50lb mini punching bag slammed on my stomach as I arch up towards the ceiling, this was a little reverse as it sounds bad but it really wasn't so I welcome that one again...lol that may come back to haunt me oh well, I need it anyways. Training still sucks but I am actually liking it much better every day as I know I am not only closer to fight night but I am getting better, feeling better, and starting to little by little, look better which is hard for me to say, because I do want to look good physically so mentally I can look in the mirror and agree with what others are saying about me, but right now I don't agree with, but in time I will I am just VERY picking at how I want to eventually look---->I am a ball of clay waiting to be molded...lol ok that was a little gay but so what its my blog deal with it!

Other things that add up... bills! Yeah really they do or so I have been told, oh and experience! So, that is one of the many reasons Sponosors come into play to help fighters not just make a living but cover costs that come into play, fight wear, and fight gear, blood test (any commissioned state requires blood work for Hep A, B, C and HIV), a physical (not all states need this done), Fees for training which affect all fighters no matter where you live becasue you have to be able to train somewhere and you gotta pay that gym fee or training center fee so you can get top notch training to be able to step into a cage or ring, regular every day bills and placing food on the table for your family. It comes down to being able to do this while being able to take care of your family as well, otherwise you can't do it. You have to be a responsible fighter and wear many hats at once, at times your a teacher, student, father, husband, son, friend, employee, and even some times a drooling baby, no matter which ones you wear, having Sponsors help so much becasue the little things do add up! How does one go about getting Sponosrs, well Self Promotion, have a unique story and selling point, be your own salesman and make a point of being a GIANT MOUTHPIECE, becasue thats what it takes you will get 25 NO's for every 1 you get a yes, some people are better at it than others and some just have the straight up talent to speak volumes, myself, I have a story and I think its one worth sharing in the end, right now I am just building chapters to it and would love to have you on board for a wild ride and in the end hopefully this will make for a great story to share with others, the good, the bad and the what and what not's to do in life.

p.s. You (Master Jim) will be happy to know the toe seems to be fine, little to no problems, yeah me, more cardio now...

Contact me - randy@maxfights.net

Stand and bang 101

2010-08-14T10:34:00.006-05:00

Last night was a good sparring session with a variety of guys so that I got a feel of speed and blunt force trauma... I liked it, well as best as a person can like getting there melon and chops busted on. I seemed to like the give take exchange far better than the jib jab shite that was going on, plus needing to keep my head in the game so to speak, meaning when I got hit I would get pissed off and then just swing away and not stick to my combos and proper foot work. I just need to remember Progress not Perfection and to stick to what I am taught, I need to use my frustration to my advantage and use those negatives to focus on the task, basic sweet science which is exactly what boxing is and I understand it now more than ever. I used to get frustrated, now I just shake my head when I hear people who are average fans thinking they know anything about boxing and its so easy or say things like he's lazy or he should do this or that, ITS NOT, and until you've done it, shut the FRONT DOOR you don't have a FRIGGIN CLUE~! Now that I am inside the ring and learning the "ropes" I have a better understanding of what a great respect you need to have for this sport. I used to love boxing and now I have a proper respect for boxing and a greater understanding to the term "Sweet Science" and I have also regained that lost love affair I had with boxing (my wife may hate that...lol) I look forward to learning the mental aspect and the little things that add up and most people don't understand why fighters do, like simple no power jabs, fakes, pushing, mental games that really add up in a fight, they all play apart in the Stand and Bang, and class is in session and I'm taking notes.

Sponsorship: It plays its part in Combat Sports since people love to watch all forms of combat sports so it makes sense to use that chance to advertise and even more sense for a fighter to capitalize on that to make that money for his family. So,its a give and take and both sides win the fighter gets compensated and the business who advertises with him gets eyes and ears on his or her product, with that... I am looking for sponsors and I am open to all. Right now I have ROKURFACE for my walkout shirt and American MMA for my fight shorts. With my walkout shirt I have room to place your logo as well. I would love to talk with any potential sponsors so we can talk about options, thank you in advance for your consideration.

I'm Bringing Sexy Back...

2010-08-12T11:49:00.004-05:00

Ah ya gotta have a little fun when training and so I will and here is a little video break in the action/blogging... Bringing sexy back as my wife has been planting in my head and I was repeating last night and putting it on twitter and Facebook... As the weight sheds off and the training increases and the lifting intensifies then its simple I AM BRINGING SEXY BACK... Seriously though ever time I say that I chuckle and think of my favorite singer Shane MacGowan and a video on YOUTUBE that cracks me up so I will leave yo with it and I will go back to getting my SEXY ON!

p.s. I'm lucky to have a trainer/coach who loves the Pogues as much as I do and get to listen to while he crushes me, enjoy SIR, and for my love who thinks I'm bringing sexy back, right below this video is another, its her favorite Pogues/Shane Macgowan tune.

Weight Cut: Wife's Point of View

2010-08-11T08:41:00.002-05:00

Ok I would like to start this off by saying I have one sexy ass husband! Of course he has always been that way in my eyes but since the weight has come off, WOW. It is hard for me to understand how he feels about the cutting of the weight before the fight because i have seen him loose over 100 lbs and I know 35 lbs in 9 weeks is attainable, its hard to watch him beat himself up over not loosing it quick enough.

Weight Cut

2010-08-11T06:23:00.003-05:00

This is GUT check time all puns intended! I have 9 weeks and counting until I step on the official fight scale and then in the cage for some good old fashion "Denting Development Fun" however I am getting frustrated with the weight cut not happening as fast as I would, like last night I was 300.1 so I have 35lbs to go! I don't want to come into the fight in a deep cut as I would like to hold onto my strength, so it gets tough trying to dial in the correct way to shed this "baby fat" LOL yeah right lets try ADULT FAT, anyway yeah its happening just not as fast as one would like. Looking for any extra edge I can get for this to work, however if I am meant to take this cut slow and learn from it then so be it since everything so far has been a true learning experience in all aspects of life and training. I need to shed the fat man that lives inside me and at times his twin brother lazy ass.

Rocky Road to Dublin

2010-08-09T09:35:00.005-05:00

Man it is no sweet hike on that road to a fight, it's a rough and tumble journey and more than one can imagine. You don't just get to show up and say "Hey I'm a fighter" nope the journey is the true fight, the way to the cage is what builds not only your fighting ability but your soul.

It's seems different when I was just getting up in the morning to go lift and some cardio, I didn't mind it, I liked it and things were good. Now, same person, yet I am hating it at times and and feel down right pissy mad and at times depressed and that's when the true battle begins fighting through the haze of crap knowing that you will be the better for it on the other side, you just need to go through it, you have to experience it in order to appreciate it all, appreciate the fight and the battle your going to endure, because when its all said and done I'm really only going into a "fist fight" my true fight is what I am doing now, can I hack it, can I hang with it to better myself both body and mind, this is where the challenge begins and ends, the fight, that's the prize, that's the fun part, right now is when the fits gonna hit the shan and will see if I can develop into a TRUE FIGHTER and take that Rocky Road to Dublin...12345~!

Darkness Of The Game

2010-08-05T11:07:00.007-05:00

Mind games, aches, pains, self doubt, all those and more contribute to entering "The Game". The Game is everything you could imagine from fun to evil self disgust, for me its like this is what I have to go through to get to where I wanna go not because its a apart of the game more so because its what I have built up in my head and because these things have to happen. I am not sure if it's self testing or what because some of this shit I hate and can't stand yet I go through and allow it to happen and when through it I feel that much better to have survived it, so yeah maybe it is but then again maybe its not.

Weight and Life has always been an issue with me causing my own self-disgust as well, from early on being called the big blue marble in elementary to being bullied, then only realizing that I would have to do something to keep that shit at bay so I got into wrestling and lifting it slowly disappeared and there was my entrance into sports, but I was the big guy so I had a "persona" to up hold one that of the BIG GUY. I started wrestling varsity as a freshman at heavyweight so never really having to cut weight. I left high school on a college wrestling scholarship to Valley City State again as heavyweight at that time weighing 230lbs after a football injury (football scholarship as well) I was only at Valley for 2.5 years left VCSU to come home at this time weighing 260lbs I needed to stay within the sports world so I found power lifting which I loved and at times now hate because it (more me, since it was my choice) introduced me to steroids and as my personality is I went full boar into them and heavily abused them as I have done with all altering substances in my life and I went from 260 to 330 inside a year and at the deepest point reached 375lbs and serious roid rager who hated everything in my path, so what came next, the booze, well it didn't come next it was always there I just moved it to the front of the line (lines don't even get me started on "lines) and started self-medicating so I wasn't feeling all that crap, that's I what I thought at the time of course I didn't want to face it so I masked it as best I knew how because hell I am Norwegian/Irish so not only do I not share my feelings I drink and drink well. Well I was a champion "power drinker" for a good 7 years before I had to face myself in the mirror and decided I needed to make a drastic change and I entered my first stint at rehab and its where I learned I needed to share what was going on inside and not to keep playing the game with only one player, ME. At this point I was still sitting "top" heavy at 380+ and I dabbled back in lifting but really faded away from all sports for a good 4-5 years I had nothing but me and life and sometimes life won and sometimes I won, but I was always playing the game. It was in this time I was able to meet the woman who would keep me grounded today and always even after totally messing things up she drove me back into my second stint of rehab and this time not only was I 412lbs, herniated back, a beautiful child and my family slowly disappearing away from me because I didn't want to face life on life's terms but I hated myself more than I hated the world. Most people blame everything around them I knew all things that were happening to me were of my own doing and I still didn't care. This time was rough I did 91 days in treatment and Chrissie and I almost never made it back but only through God and determination of working the program was it able to happen that today I can say I am becoming more happy with myself and the way I look and feel, now mind you I am not even close to being completely comfortable with myself and I still struggle on a daily bases but its easier now, its much more doable now when I work it and except life on life's terms.

Now you've read this trying to figure out what the frick I was trying to say, nothing I am just letting the raw meat fall out of my head onto the table so I can deal with life better and let others see this crap, the good, the bad, the Darkness Of The Game!

I love you Chrissie, Daddy loves you Molly!

Go Fourth Onto All Nations,
Randy!

Torn in Two

2010-08-03T09:27:00.003-05:00

Last night Randy came home feeling sick, He had worked overtime at the gym last night. He was up every hour throughout the night last night and this morning he looked ill. As a wife I want to make sure he is ok and take care of him, as a part of his training team (i am now the food Nazi) I want to tell him to "suck it up China Doll this is what you wanted to do". I am finding that a middle ground between the two is not as easy as I once thought. He has plenty of people who are on his ass, like Master Jim and Damien, Do I really need to be too?

AM Cardio

2010-08-02T06:19:00.003-05:00

Where is cardio, where is cardio, HERE I AM, here I am... That's what I feel like singing at times when it comes to AM Cardio, and trust me its not a nice tune in my head... Ah but when its done, and done right when finished I feel like a million bucks, winded but ten times better knowing I got it done and I am one step closer to where I want to be. Where is it I want to be, not just at fight weight, but in fight shape, and in my head and heart I want to not only feel the part I want to look the part! Lots of work ahead of me and I need all the positive reinforcement I can get as well as pushing myself through the times I don't want to get up, or don't want to finish that last set those are the true championship rounds, those are the ones that will pay off in the end.

Today, Argh! rough but awesome cardio and brief run through of combinations and hit abs. Master Jim was driving the plow today as I was the "water buffalo" pulling the plow down and back with punches at end doing 4 sets great gosh almighty that was FUN...**wink wink** Its what I want though, those are the tough DEEP lung breathing exercises I want and MAN that did it! OK, for now off to awake lil miss magic and start our day.

Go Fourth Onto All Nations,
Randy

Thank you's and Sponsor Plugs

2010-07-30T14:34:00.008-05:00

I need to plug and plug heavy the people and sponsors that are backing me because they give me that extra boost one needs at times when you need it. My trainer Grand Master Jim Grimestad of Red River Tae Kwon Do, the man is more than just a 7th degree Black Belt he has knowledge that go beyond Tae Kwon Do and he is truly my Mr. Miyagi, the man is PURE Genius, I may have to do some funky leg exercise that will make me feel like I have nails in them the next day for saying this but its worth it, THANK YOU SIR for being my trainer and at times psychologist and more importantly my friend.

American MMA is one of my sponsors, they are providing me with some great fight shorts, so you gotta stop by and check out the stuff Austin Judge and the guys from American MMA put out. It's a great line and they are Minnesota boys so you can't go wrong with that, Thank you Austin, thank you American MMA.

ROKURFACE is my other MMA sponsor, gotta love that name ROKURFACE, says it all! They will be providing me with my walk shirt and a whole line of ROKURFACE gear which is the NEXT BIG THING! You will start seeing ROKURFACE all over, Scheels in Bismarck has become one of the locations that will carry the ROKURFACE brand so check it out. Thank you Luke and ROKURFACE.

I also HAVE to give a shout out to my partner in MMA Crime Damian Holznagel for being my Jiminy Cricket so to speak, since he gives me the input I need on health, lifting, fighting, skill, strategy, fight management, you name it. The man is a vault of combat sports and health information, besides that a great friend, Thank you Damian....and Katherine ;)

Thank you to Chad Kurle the newest ND MMA Promoter with Impact Fighting Championship (yeah I know but he had it before Australia) for letting me fight in his debut card October 23rd, 2010 in Bismarck gonna be a ROCKnROLLA time can't wait

Also one more who wishes to remain nameless will just call him PHLAW23... He is there in the early mornings putting me through the cardio I hate and listening to me whine, he sticks it out through thick and thin. He was one of the driving forces that got me back into combat sports about 5 years ago, he introduced me to Damian, he is a loyal friend thank you PHLAW23 your a rock star even though sometimes I want to throttle you ;) Thanks bud!

What you didn't mention others like lil Miss Magic and Momma, well this whole blog in a way is my THANK YOU to them so I can leave a record of something behind of when I did all this crazy stuff.

Well a little on trainging now as well, was over at MSUM last night for some grappling, was nice to get in some grappling with other people and get a feel for it outside my comfort zone so all went well got chewed up and spit out so I am still here, tonight some more grappling and then some cardio and lifitng tomorrow morning and then off to Mahnomen, MN for some KOTC to see some local boys throw down!

p.s. MORE SPONSORS are welcome, so give me a holla... And Thank you in advance!

Sports Widow

2010-07-28T16:34:00.005-05:00

When Randy and I got together 7 years ago, (man it feels like it has been 70) he was a football fanatic. Every college or NFL game that was on TV he watched it, if he could not watch it he would listen to it on the radio. During the football season I would be single again, Randy would plan his weekends around football at one point he would be rushing us out of church if it was getting close to game time. After a few years of this he mellowed and i became more important than football. THEN CAME THE BOXING AND THE MMA. Now I am a combat sports widow, this time around it sucks because it is always in season and I never get a break. Every televised event we watch or he goes out somewhere to watch, basically everything MMA he watches. While I too like watching combat sports it does get a little old. Especially for this spoiled city girl who pouts when she does not get loved on by her man. This is my life, at least he is happy, he could be watching football.

Self Sabotage?

2010-07-26T21:41:00.002-05:00

I am pulling my head out of my ass, well its still half way up there anyways, although I don't think its ever been completely out. I started out strong from the gates finished up last week "OK" took weekend off to try regroup was feeling torn down shoulders chopped up mind gone... SABOTAGE! MIND GAMES, you know what, nut up! I was sore so what, I was tired, so what, if you want this a little soreness and aches is NOTHING SO, stop the poor me, can I do this, should I do this BS! OK, so picking myself up off the sabotage canvas and wiping up the pity me blood and getting self back into gear. Will it be tough, hell yeah, will I quit, hell no. In the end I fight, so right now, well, I fight but I fight the worse kind, "Self-Sabotage Guy" because he is always there and he's very patient and he knows the right time to chime in and just when you think he's gone he sucker punches you to the kidneys just to let you know, hey dumb ass I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere so pay attention. Which is what you have to do because you let your guard down and get cocky he will drop you to the canvas, and with him there are no rules so you better be at your best! Corney or not it means a lot... Fight the good Fight, do your best and learn from others and always, always keep your chin down and continue to move forward.

Go Fourth Onto All Nations,
Randy

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Chasing a Chicken

2010-07-23T14:14:00.005-05:00

One thing I love about my trainer/coach is some of things he makes me do are not typical training styles so-to-speak, reminds me a lot like the movie Rocky when Mick had Rocky chasing around a chicken, obviously that was to work on his quickness and Agility, but again unconventional at best. Like the other day my trainer had me place bean bag frogs on knees while in a squatting position and start walking the length of the gym (about 30 yards) if they slipped off you start over. Well, for starters I started over so many times we eventually did this first run without so I could get used to it and I didn't feel to bad when done, HA! the next day I rolled out of bed and my hamstrings gave me a look (well if hamstrings could look) like are you crazy we ain't moving, so I did and they (my hamstrings) decided to make me beg for mercy, I did but I kept on going, so I seen the result, working those hamstrings. I know not to question anything he does as I know he not only knows what he is doing but he truly has my best interest at heart and wants to see me succeed, so if its punching a newspaper or chasing chickens I will be doing it knowing I am bettering myself in the end for the fight and life.

Go Fourth Onto All Nations.
Randy

The Suga Shack: Why we do this

2010-07-23T08:49:00.000-05:00

Very good article on why fighters fight and what some of it means to us and the ones we love. Later today the one that loves me will be posting her first entry like I had mentioned as I want her (Chrissie my wife) to put her point of view in. She asked last night "can it be no holds-bar/anything goes?" At first I was like no if it's going to make me look bad I don't want it, however I thought about it more and told her I won't censor as I want it to be raw in your face truth, both good and bad, all the things that come with living with me and putting up with my shite and mood swings etc... So for now check out this site for a great article and check back on Chrissie's first posting.

Go Fourth Onto All Nations,
Randy

The Suga Shack: Why we do this

Fighting It The Movie - "Fighting It" The Movie

2010-07-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

Fighting It The Movie - "Fighting It" The Movie

I just stumbled across this, yeah they are women boxers but I totally relate to it. It's something inside, I'm not sure what it is, some could say machismo, some could say mid-life crisis, I don't think it's any of those to be honest well maybe a little machismo, but really it's something inside and maybe along this journey I figure it out and when I do i let you know or if you do let me know...

Wiring Problem

2010-07-20T12:24:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure why it is but I seem to have a "wiring problem", I seem to ALWAYS want to do the opposite of what I am told or should do, someone says go right I go left, someone says go down I go up. Take training right now I am a natural righty, hand and foot, but with my wiring I decided to go with southpaw and its pissing me off! Don't get me wrong I am sticking with it, just trying to figure out why I ALWAYS choose the path that's going to piss me off. I bet I know who had a hand in it Mr. Perfection, he did it, he tried some "re-wiring" and now I am paying the price, bastard!

2 days in with the 2 a-day sessions and I feel in my head I am doing what my 2 year old lil miss magic has been doing lately; flopping around on the floor and throwing shit when she doesn't get what she wants... What is it that I want, for it to be week 14...LOL really, yeah that's the mind of an addict for ya! NOW NOW NOW! So, with the right people around me this slow process is not only helping my training but its also working on me which is what I need to be a better fighter, a better husband, and a better father to lil miss magic.

Go Fourth Onto All Nations,
Randy

Step Work

2010-07-19T13:02:00.000-05:00

The great quote rang through my head this morning as I lethargically rolled out of bed at 430 in the AM! "I hated every minute of training, but said, Don't quit, Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a Champion!" ~Muhammad Ali

Cardio, OH SO FUN, NOT!

I am not sure how I will be doing this, it more than likely will be like everything else a work in progress which reminds me of another great quote from some BIG BLUE BOOK... Progress not Perfection, which gets me all the time as I hate when things aren't perfect and I know they can't be and never are but some how in my mind I find a way to rationalize that it can be and should be. Getting back to what I mean, not sure if I will do a single wrap up at end of the day or just do it whenever it strikes me (no pun intended...lol) oh well, guess will all find out.

Starting this journey at a robust weight of 305lbs needing to drop to 265lbs, now keep in mind about 9 months ago I was sitting at 405lbs and as out of shape as a fat man can be. Today I'm feeling better and doing things I haven't done since my power lifting days or even back in college wrestling so that feels good however that "perfect man" inside wants to dig deep and say things are not that good so I have to ignore the big jerk, and with my chin down, continue moving forward, even if its only an inch.

Tomorrow it begins...

2010-07-18T20:57:00.001-05:00

Well it actually has been on going the past 39 years but tomorrow officially starts my "training camp". October 23rd I will make my mark in the professional world of mma (mixed martail arts). Some will say your crazy, some will say your stupid, some will even say he ain't gotta prayer but I say sit back and enjoy the ride and will see come October 24th... I will share my time with you from training to life. My wife Chrissie will chime in from time to time with her point of view and some Boston attitude to boot!

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