Ever have one of those mornings where you suddenly wake up, roll over to look at clock, and while for a split second you hold onto that smidgeon of hope that you’ll have at least another hour to sleep in, that feeling quickly dissipates once you realize the actual time and you can do nothing but resist the urge to throw your clock through the window?

Yeah, I had tha kind oft morning.  And yeah, that was probably a run-on sentence above, but whatever.

So, I took the bus back to Boston from Manhattan last night, Lisa picked me up at the bus station, and once we were home, I essentially catapaulted myself into bed.

What can I say:  I had an AWESOME weekend in New York City attending the Peak Training and Diet Program Design seminar hosted by both Joe Dowdell and Dr. Mike Roussell (what goes on in NYC, stays in NYC, right?).  Two days of straight up knowledge bombs – with Joe discussing everything and anything relating to program design, and Dr. Mike doing much of the same with regards to nutrition.

All told there were roughly 90+ fitness professionals in attendance (the biggest turn-out in Peak Performance history), and I think I can speak for everyone who attended that the Peak staff did an oustanding job at organizing such an outstanding event.

I actually started writing down a few thoughts about the event on my way home last night while on the bus, so rest assured, I’ll be posting that up at some point this week.  But, in the meantime, just know that:

1.  Joe left no stone un-turned with regards to program design.  The guy has read everything and been everywhere (even sharing a story of how he slept on the late Dr. Mel Siff’s basement floor for four days) during the past 17 years of his carreer, and the depth of knowledge he has is freaking impressive!  He’s like the Gandalf of strength and conditioning.  Except, in his case, he has bigger biceps, and dates a Russian model.

Joe Dowdell:  2, Gandalf:  0

I’m not kidding when I say the binder of information he gave all the attendees would rival the phone book of most small U.S cities in terms of thickness.

2.  Likewise, Dr. Mike Roussell, who I’ve been friends with for a while but have never seen speak in person, was just as impressive with his presentations.  In a field that, for lack of a better term, is one major cluster****, he has an uncanny ability to “keep it real” and help people to get their heads out of their ass and step away from the stupid.

3.  John Romaniello is pretty.  And, the guy is an absolute maverick when it comes to internet marketing (done correctly).

Needless to say, I do have A LOT more to say on my experiences over the weekend, but those will have to wait until sometime later this week.  I promise I’ll fill you in on all the details:  stuff I learned, stuff I ate, people I met, and whether or not I got into any knife fights for wearing my Red Sox hat.

But, before I go I have a small favor to ask.

I realize in advance that this is a complete shot in the dark, but I figured I’d try nonetheless.

My girlfriend, Lisa, is in the process of finishing up her dissertation for her PhD in sports psychology.  She’s been working her tail off for the past seven years, and things are coming down to the wire.

In a nutshell, she’s doing her research on inner city, school-aged (14-17), FEMALE athletes and motivation.  Basically, Lisa wants to find out what factors drive that population to either participate (or even stop participating) in sports and/or being physically active.

There’s been very little research done on this demographic and Lisa is trying to be the first!

Thing is, she’s looking to have at least 150 “subjects” fill out surverys, and while she’s in the homestretch, to say that it’s been a slow process would be an understatement.  She needs 40 more.

Sooooooooo, if there happens to be ANYONE in the city of Boston who’s reading this (I know you’re out there) who knows of a summer camp or school that Lisa could contact, could you please, please, please let me know?  You can either leave a comment in the comments section below, or shoot me an email.  Or bust out the Bat Signal.  No worries, I’ll come to you.

Anyways, I’ll be your BFF forever.  And Lisa will make you a meatloaf!  Totally not kidding.  Thanks!