Staying busy, having fun

Now that we've established I won't be doing many races in 2014, both my body and my mind have been coming to grips with what that looks like. Even though my waistline is a little fuller now (I can't blame the holidays either), I am actually doing a pretty good job of eating well and managing my portions. It's a sure bet I'll partake in some cookies, pie and/or chocolate but the good news is that I'm not stuffing my face like I used to during race season.

Mentally, the transition from race training to running-for-fitness is taking a bit more time to adjust to. Having a race (actually, paying for a race) has always been my motivator but now with nothing on the horizon, motivation has to come from other sources.

Source #1 - Having fun with my kids

Hadley and Carvor coveting their new Aravaipa pints.

Thanks to Aravaipa Running, I was able to take the family up to the McDowell Mountains so they could participate in the Youth Run a couple weeks ago. I was able to volunteer at the Gate aid station for a short time before the youth run started. Holy hell was it cold out! It hadn't warmed up much for the youth run so we were all bundled up in pants and jackets for the start.

They had a great time on the 1.6 mile loop. It's the first time they've ever been in a race environment so it was a proud-poppa moment to be able to share the trails with them and have fun while doing it.

Source #2 - Group runs
I have an informal running group on Facebook for folks who live in the East Valley. It's been a pretty loose commitment on my side just because...well, because I've been lazy. I've kicked this up a notch lately because it give me a schedule and a little more public accountability knowing there are others who are going to join me. Basically no more excuses.

Even cooler, I just got asked to lead a new trail running series for Cadence Running Company on Saturdays starting December 21. I'm not only excited to work with Dan and Mary at Cadence but getting out to the park, meeting new people or introducing folks to trail running helps fulfill my passions on a number of levels. I hope you can join us.


Source #3 - Informal 'coaching'
I'm always humbled when people approach me asking for help reaching their running goals. I know I don't have all the answers but I think I know enough to help folks achieve their marathon or half-marathon goals. At this moment, I'm working with several friends who are running their first 1/2 marathons to ensure they're sticking to the training plan, that they have the right equipment and feel confident with their race strategies.

Bottom line is that their success is my success and I love seeing them reach milestones they never thought possible. Remember the first time you ran a 10k or a half-marathon? The elation, freedom and confidence takes over and begins to percolate to other parts of your life...I love watching others transform because of their success.

I'm not sure you'll see another post from me for a while so here's to a fantastic and memorable 2013.

Searching for a second wind

It's been 4 days since my race in Lake Stevens and I still have this lingering sense that my body is not right. I'm not sure how to describe it but the only symptom is fatigue. I get tired throughout the day and have gone to bed  around 9 for the last couple days. I blame it on the Penicillin but who really knows.

I have missed all my workouts this week - simply too tired and unmotivated to get out of bed @ 4:30 am for that bike ride, swim or run. Wish I knew what was going on.

On one hand, I'm elated that I pulled through last week's race but it's almost as if my psyche reached that pinnacle and decided that I was done (for a while). On the other hand, I know that these next 3 months are going to be some of the hardest training I have ever endured. Perhaps that is where the mental block is coming from. I've proven I can take on the 70.3 distance but conquering the next phase - doubling this distance is a feat that will take dedication, strength and the ability to break down those mental barriers week by week.

I've heard that an Ironman is not twice as hard as the 70.3 distance...it's exponentially harder. Looks like I have my work cut out for me.

I plan to ride the rest of this week out - reflecting on why I committed to the Arizona Ironman in the first place. Inspiration comes from many places. For some, it's a goal. Others do it for the sake of a loved one lost. Some, because someone said they can't. I'd like to think that my inspiration is more deeply rooted than just something on my bucket list.

What is your inspiration?

Rainy, unmotivated week

It's been a tough week to get motivated. Aside from not having a very good training outline, it's been cold and rainy they entire week. I freely admit that I'm a fair-weather athlete these days - it has to be at least 65 before I even consider riding or running.

Aside from the weather, I feel like I'm in this rebuilding stage - yet it's a bit more work than I remember it being when I was first training for my first 70.3. Amazing the stamina and endurance you lose in 6 months time.

Part of my rebuilding involves learning to swim better. I've been reading (and following) the Total Immersion book - it has completely changed my perception of swimming and makes it easy to see the many things I've been doing wrong with my swim technique.

Before, I was using all muscle and force to power through swims - my mind set on doing a distance no matter what the technique or pain. This book 'resets' your mind to realize that power and shear force is NOT the way to swim efficiently. I have yet to put enough drills and practices together to actually swim with these techniques but I can already tell that my attitude towards swimming has changed and I'm sure this effort will pay off.

I looked back at my training schedule last year when I first started - it's blotchy too. Missed morning swims, X'ed out afternoon runs and shortened rides...I don't feel bad (yet). I know my body and mind are slowly making the adjustment to all this effort. In time, I'll be back to racing form...in time.