UTMB 2010

Wow,  imagine lining up for the biggest event of your life and having it canceled 20k into the race due to a landslide in Italy..the mental let down and disappointment was unmeasurable. As I entered the Saint-Gervais aid station (20k) there where runners everywhere on their phones standing around in the pouring rain?  I went [...]

Source: http://mountainrun.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/utmb-2010/

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Resilience or Something Else?

It has often been said that endurance athletes are cut from a different mold.  Come to think of it, if you ask any other athlete involved in any other sport, I am sure that they would tell you the same thing; they too, are cut from a different mold.

However, not being an athlete in any other sport, I have become a student of the endurance sports, specifically Triathlon.  One thing that seems to be a common denominator amongst all triathletes is that we thoroughly believe that what we do, day in, day out, has no rival.  Hence, we are cut from a different mold. This is in no way intended to disrespect any other athlete in any other sport.

Yesterday, I had a fifty mile bike ride, followed by a fifteen minute brick on my training schedule.  As I went to bed on Friday night, it was my intention to wake up early enough to be out on the road by 6am since the heat and humidity was to be intense early in the day.

Unbeknown to me, those plans changed as I slept for when the alarm went off at 5:15am, I could hardly move.  My bulging disk (L3-L4) and my herniated disk (L4-L5) decided that it was time to remind me who was in charge... or so they thought.

It was a struggle to get out of bed and move around, I must admit.  For anyone who suffers from this kind of issues, it is a common occurrence.  Some days are good, others are bad, others like yesterday are really bad.  With each step I took I saw my chances of riding/running today diminishing fast.

I have been here before.  I know what to do.  Stretching is the key.  By doing this, I can help push the discs back in place reducing or totally eliminating the pain.  Most of the time this works. Most of the time the pain is not so intense however.  What this means today is that the discs bulged out more than normal.  But stretching I did.

Slowly but surely I started feeling relief.  As time passed I began to notice that the pain had become manageable, so I began to make plans to go ahead and get on my bike.  And so I did.

Around 10am I felt like I had to give this a try.  I wouldn't venture to far from the house just in case I got in trouble while on the road.  And so I went.

The ride started with no consequence and as the miles added up, I was feeling great.  I made it to a park near my house that has a mile loop.  I practiced my aero position, practiced my pedal stroke working on a smooth rotary movement as opposed to a piston like motion.  I also worked on gear management to help increase cadence.  This I did for about fifteen miles.  And then a very familiar sharp pain shot all the way from my lower back all the way down my left side.  I remember thinking, "now I've done it."

So I headed back home.

When I finished the ride, I had completed 2 hours with some 26 miles of pedaling.  There was no sign of pain so I thought I would give the brick a try.  Fifteen minutes was on the plan, so fifteen minutes I did.

I felt good, physically.  Mentally I felt great.  I had overcome an obstacle that could have been devastating for my training plan.  The rest of the day my back was tight.  Last night I had a good night, woke up this morning sore and in slight pain but no where near what it was yesterday.  Today I think I will take it easy.

So, was this an exercise in resilience or something else?  Only time will tell.  But, if history is a teacher, I know that all will be good and I shall go on.

Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/06/resilience-or-something-else.html

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P90X ~ Week 5 ~ YES, I'm Still Doing This!

One of the most surprising things about the P90X program is how many people doubt others' ability or resolve to stick to it.

Most everyone I talk to, besides those that know me well enough to know better and those that follow me closely on Facebook or DailyMile want to know if  "I'm still doing P90X".

I have talked to several folks that have started but did not finish.  Most find a way to stop somewhere around week two or three.  I'm not sure I understand why.

I didn't jump into this without first doing the research.  I knew exactly what kind of commitment was required, both physical and mental.  Not to mention the time; it takes a lot of time!

So, how's it going?  I'm not sure I can see much of a physical change.  I have not developed any "guns" and a "six pack" still long ways away, but this was and is not my goal. I cannot afford to put on muscle mass, for if I did, I would have to carry that with me when swimming, cycling and running.

I feel stronger, leaner, tighter.  I can do more push ups, pull ups and more reps with heavier weights.  But the biggest, most noticeable change is that I can run longer, smoother and more efficient.  This I have enjoyed!

I am having some trouble with my diet.  I have never been one to count calories, much less protein or carb grams, but I understand how important this is, so I have recruited the help of my brother to come up with easy to fix, well balanced meals.  If you have any suggestions please send them my way.  Keep in mind that I cannot eat shell fish...

Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/11/p90x-week-5-yes-im-still-doing-this.html

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Tag! You're It!

I do not want my blog to turn into a commercial enterprise.  I do not, as a rule, give out reviews much less endorsements.  I have to thoroughly believe and be convinced of a product and it worthiness or service and their usefulness before I stick my neck out and talk about it here.


This is why I have only done it a couple of time before.  And why I am about to talk about Tag! You're It!

For most that know me you understand how I use daily inspiration and motivation to get things done.  My mantra for most of this season has been: "Faith. Focus. Finish."  I have found ways to stamp that across my daily routine to help keep the motor going.

Purely by accident (or maybe it was meant to be), I ran across a product produced and offered by a stay-at-home mom:  "Tag! You're It!"  You have seen similar articles at expo's throughout.  You have seen people wear them.  Perhaps you wear one as well.

So what made this one different.  I was able to get my mantra stamped on a dog tag.

According to the website, "each sterling silver disc or dog tag is handstamped, one character at a time, with the lettering of your choice, oxidized t turn the letters black, and then buffed and polished."

When the item arrived I was truly amazed at the simplicity of the design.  "This is something I can see myself wearing through my Ironman training and beyond."  I have been wearing it on my training runs since.
Because of the quality of the material used, sterling silver, it has tarnished a bit but this is to be expected.  Easily cleaned, however.

I could go on all day talking about this product but I'll let you explore it for yourself.  Please visit their website and look around.  www.tagyoureitdesigns.com  While you're there, register for a GiveAway.  Click on the link located on the navigation bar.  The GiveAway will run for two weeks.  Under Key Word, type: "Triathlonat55".

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Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/10/tag-youre-it.html

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How To Push Past the Pain, As Champions Do (NY Times)

The NY Times had a great article yesterday called "How To Push Past the Pain, As Champions Do", with a little insight on those spit-coated elites and how far they push themselves. My favorite quote:

?Mental tenacity ? and the ability to manage and even thrive on and push through pain ? is a key segregator between the mortals and immortals in running,? Ms. [Mary] Wittenberg said.

In that case, every 100-miler I know is immortal! ;-)

Here's another good quote:

?We have towels at marathon finish to wipe away the spit on the winners? faces,? she said. ?Our creative team sometimes has to airbrush it off race photos that we want to use for ad campaigns.?


Yummy!

- SD

Source: http://runtrails.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-push-past-pain-as-champions-do.html

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Boston Bound? Congratulations and Good Luck!

In just 8 short days, you my friend, will be running in the world's greatest race: The Boston Marathon.  You didn't get there by chance.  You earned your right to be there.  Your determination, perseverance and drive along with your dream, belief and faith were your driving force necessary for you to punch your ticket to Boston.

This to you is your Super Bowl, your World Series, Your World Cup. Your Masters. Your goal may be to pursue a pr, to enjoy the experience or just simply to cross the finish line.  Whatever that may be, I wish you luck.

As you leave for this venture, please take with you the knowledge that you leave behind a mass of supporters and admirers.  We will follow your progress throughout the race and as you cross that finish line rest assured that that roar you hear is us cheering with pride as we celebrate your success.

So, without any further to do... It is my best desire and wish that you find in Boston everything you have been expecting and then a little more.

Source: http://www.triathlonat55.com/2010/04/boston-bound-congratulations-and-good.html

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Find More Time and Energy

Once the busy month of December hits, my excuses for not running flip-flop between no time and no energy. One day I'm busy working, shopping, running errands, or getting ready for company, and the next day I'm so wiped out, just the thought of running requires too much energy. I know I'm not alone - lack of time and energy are the two most common reasons why people skip workouts, especially during the holidays. But, ironically, regular exercise can improve your energy level so you can run and still get everything else done.

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Source: http://running.about.com/b/2010/12/01/find-more-time-and-energy.htm

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Shop Smart for Running Clothes

If you're shopping for runners on your holiday gift list, don't assume you have to hit the running specialty shops to find quality, technical-fabric running clothes. There are lots of deals online. Search sites such as Sierra Trading Post and Road Runner Sports for bargains on running clothes, running shoes and gear.

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Source: http://running.about.com/b/2010/11/24/shop-smart-for-running-clothes.htm

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