Friends in New Places

My trip to beautiful Colorado has been everything I hoped for and more. I have managed scenic 25 plus mile bike rides every day since arriving...evening being able to ride from the park at which we are staying all the way to Denver. Along the way I have made new friends in new places.

Take Joe here for instance. I walked into the a local bike shop near Littleton, CO and struck up a conversation with Joe like we were old buddies reminiscing over times past. We talked about bikes, memories of racing, the wonders of riding across the Western plains with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, and good places to eat.

As I left the shop and hopped on my bike for the return trip to the park I thought about how important it is to remember friends and make new friends every chance you get. Some will argue that our life path is predetermined and no matter what we do we only encounter that which is in our path.

Maybe so...but I think we are more like the water that flows through the Rocky Mountain rivers. Our path has been set. Our water stays within the boundaries of the banks, but we can move freely within those banks and by doing so we cross paths with those who can make our day a bit brighter, life a bit better, or help us see something a bit clearer which might have been a little foggy at first.

The next time you are traveling down your own river and you get a chance to call an old friend or make a new one, don't hesitate...don't put it off to think that you will do it later. If you are presented with the moment, make the most of it. Because I can tell you that my life is richer because of Joe. One look at our pic provides solid evidence that if only for a moment our connection was a high point in our lives...and the memories of that moment will be with Joe and I forever. Plus you never know when the water of our rivers will cross paths again.

Childrens' Heros

Recently my little boy was watching Chicken Little. Without becoming a movie spoiler it is about a little boy (a.k.a Chicken Little) who has a "piece of sky" fall on his head. As the story goes it becomes apparent that nobody believes him...or worse yet believes in him. Even CL's dad directs doubt and critism towards his own son.

As I stood there for a brief moment, I quickly found myself emersed in the movie...introspectively wondering why so many parents do this very thing to their own children. I glanced across the room and saw my five year old son...beautiful, full of life and wonder, and new to all the world has to offer.

Realizing I am to be his sherpa of life I found myself making plans to show him the world, to be there when he decides to test his own skills...and to always provide support and encouragement...despite the inevitable obstacles and failures on the road of life.

Recently he participated in his first triathlon. Like life, the obstacles were set. It was cold (40 degrees), raining, and windy. The rain fell with a hard sting and there was a cold north wind. They came out of a warm indoor swim into the harsh cold...rain...wind. I was there to help him in the transition area, but by the time he left transition you could see him shaking from the cold. Minutes later (what seemed like forever) he was coming into T2. His lips purple and hands red, wrinched with cold. From personal experience I knew the pain. I could see doubt in his eyes, but as he made eye contact with me I knew he was searching for certainty and that is exactly what I gave him. Like a stone pillar unwavered by the elements I stood in the rain...strong and stead fast in my confidence for him. Through clapping, cheering, and a loving connection with the eyes...in less than words I told him he could go on. It was going to be tough but he could make it.

He made T2, removed his helmet, and made his way onto the run course. Clothes soaked and hanging from his small frame he moved into a jog. Mom was there to provide support...an encouraging word. And just like that I lost sight of him. He was out there somewhere...doing something...and all I could hope was that what we had given him up to this point in his young life would be enough for him to face this challenge. Consumed by these thoughts, I was brought back by the announcer boldly stating that my little boy had made the final turn and was headed home. With a surge in my own legs I rushed to the finish line. I felt as if I was running my own race. Full of excitement I saw him...rain running down his face, shirt barely hanging from his shoulders, his eyes fix on me...and in that moment he cross the finish line. In some of the worst conditions which multisport athletes face this little 5 year old boy did it. We high-fived and I helped him warm his cold body. In a moment of silence he said..."I did it Dad. Just like you."

Being your child's favorite hero is a special privilidge. Don't deny it, accept it, and live it. All children look to their parents for guidance, hope, and inspiration. It should be no surprise that in their own moments they want to prove their worth to you. Be there for them, support them, encourage them, take pride in them, and believe in them. Whatever you do, don't take second place to Superman...be the real hero.

Stability in Changing Times

Recently, my life has been like switch backs and fast turns in the Tour De France. I am dealing with some uncertainties and pain, similar to what I have experienced in racing where I thought my legs would not carry me another mile. As life changes and I move into different chapters, I am faced with how that change is going to influence those I love the most. I worry on most nights that I will let those people down...no...that I have already let those people down. I worry that no matter what I do from here, no matter how hard I train, no matter what race I run, I ultimately can not change the course. It is set and now I run.

In times like these, I think we all search for something that provides safety and stability. Like the hug from a loving mom, a pep talk from your childhood friend, a quite moment with your favorite song. We look for those things that provide us some security...if only for the moments we are engaged.

In these turbulent storms, through the rhythm of my legs, the beating of my heart, the sound of my feet as they wisp across the ground, as I watch the sun set below the dancing trees I search for what I have done right and where I have gone tremendously wrong. I am not sure I ever really find the answer...but I do find some comfort in knowing that with each new day there is a new chance...a chance to get it right, to put together a better effort, to have a better race. At times I feel like if I can just run far enough I will run right into the answers I seek.

Right now my shoes and my legs ability to carry me across God's earth are the only things that help me see through the storm. Some might say this approach is running from your problems. I disagree...these moments of uninterrupted time help me see through the fog, to clear away the noise, and focus on what I can do to make the road more smooth with fewer bumps. Like many of you, I have those that depend on me...I have failed more than I have succeeded and desperately I hope as time passes that all my "training" helps me to fail them less and to grow stronger with each hill I face.

In time to come I will continue to run, continue to look for the answers on quite runs between dusk and dawn. They are out there...I can hear them in the swift silence of the passing ground beneath my feet. For me, this provides some stability in changing times.

Photo by BillRhodes Photo

Finding Yourself Through Fitness

Recently I had a front desk staff member ask me a somewhat personal and conceptually based question. I had just finished a great speed workout on the treadmill and sweat was still beading up on my arms as a result of the effort. As I walked into the snack bar to make myself a smoothie she looked at me almost like she was trying to visually measure my personal drive and asked a simple question..."What drives you?"

Immediately I knew she was referring to my dedication to fitness, yet some how I felt like she was trying to tap into a deeper level of my being...potentially contemplating that if I gave her the answer that she could discover that same level of "drive" for herself. Not to say that she does not have her own drive...the things that push her to achieve what she may want to achieve in life. But I knew she was curious to understand the twinkle in my eye that is evident after most of my own training sessions.

Of course my answer was less than elaborate, composed and stated like the answer of a grade school boy I said, "I'm not sure." But after some reflection over a day or two I knew it was not an honest answer. Maybe I was afraid that my answer would not be the one for which she was searching or because many people would find it as an empty promise.

But since that question was posed to me, over a month ago, it has been a reoccurring theme in my own mind. I decided to blog it. As a prelude to my answer, I will let you know that it is MY answer, MY reason for fitness, and it is something much deeper than just a swim, a bike, or a run. It has to do with my relationship with this world, with God, and with the very reason I was put on this earth. OK...so if that didn't turn you off and you might be thinking, "Hey...I can relate." Then read on!

In my childhood I struggled with health. I was a severe asthmatic and had horrible allergies. As a result I was limited in athletics and was never a top athlete. But this did not deter my efforts. I never stopped trying and never stopped fighting to achieve something that at that time was not meant for my body. Over time my health improved. I was told that I was growing out of it, but I also felt there was something besides just the simple answer of growing out if it. All through that time I was as active as I could be.

In the late 90's I discovered running. In some way I became connected with it at a deeper level. I developed a relationship with my running and improved my health. My state of condition improved beyond my greatest expectations and running provided numerous benefits. When I would run (and even still today) a sense of peace came over me. Strange as it might seem, even when running fast, things (i.e. life) slow down, they become transparent, and I "see" more clearly...understanding the simplicity of my my being, my existence. Fortunately for me this sense also translates across other realms of fitness, carrying over into swimming and biking. Honestly I have better communion with God during these moments in my life than I do when sitting in church on Sundays. As Christopher McDougall writes, "We are born to run." I take it one step farther...we are born to move.

There is nothing more beautiful than a body in movement within the world around us. Without hesistation I can say this is truly a tribute to God's creation of man and earth. Interestingly, I see this concept in motion with many endurance athletes. They are drawn to a pre-dawn run where a cool breeze brushes their face as they watch the sun rise and chase away the mist across a waking wheat field. They find their "rythym" as their heart beats in concert with each pedal stroke as they ride across the country side or through the silent woods. They find joy in the weightlessness offered when swimming through the open water, almost as if you are being held up by the water...as if it's thanking you for your presence there.

So what drives me? Probably the same thing that drives most people. The desire to find meaning in life. The difference? I believe finding meaning does not come through some book, some job, or some status among my peers. It comes through my relationship with God, my body, and how I fit into the world around me. I find myself each time I swim or bike or run. We were designed to move. Through movement in God's presence it is apparent to me what I am here to do...and that is celebrate life, to celebrate existence through movement across the face of this beautiful world.

So the next time you are out, take a look around. What do you see? What do you hear? Can you hear the voices of the world when you are out celebrating your life through swimming, biking or running? I believe it is there for every one. You just have to open your heart and let it in. If you do this your training will never be the same again!

So take time to find the love in you run...

Big Day in Clearwater!

Luke Wilson, Brad Meara, and Jenny Clark had good races today at the Foster Grant 70.3 World Championships in Clearwater, Fl. Luke Wilson lead the group with a very solid performance. Luke had a good swim at 36:00mins, moved through T1 and put together an impressive bike performance managing 22.38mph through the first 25miles...then took it up a notch and finished really strong averaging 24.99mph. Luke was able to move through T2 and hold a 7:11/mile pace to churn out an impressive 4:42:05. Although this is not Luke's best 70.3 performance...anytime you break the 5hour mark you are doing something really special! Great Job Luke.

Brad also turned in a sterling performance. During the 2010 season Brad had to take some time out of training to move his family from the KC area to the St. Louis area and took on a new role as an ER doc up near St. Louis, MO. We all know how switching jobs and moving can take away from your training time. Despite this, Brad still put together a great race. Brad was out of the water in 37:43 and like Luke had a very strong bike with 21.30mph through the first 25miles and then shot it up to 22.29mph through the second half of his ride. Off the bike Brad had good legs and was able to manage an 8:10/mile average. Brad flirted with the sub 5hr mark, coming across the FL in 5:07:09. Good job Brad!

Jenny has worked very hard to get where she is today. Just a couple of years ago Jen came to me out of foot/ankle surgery and our only real goal was to get her back into some kind of regular fitness routine...and WOW...has she done so much more than this! Jen made 2011 Team USA and World Championships. She showed up in Clearwater having to ride a brand new bike and also had to purchase a new wet suit the day before the race. But evening with this Jen was able to get out of the water in 45:50 and then also had a great bike (new frame and all) riding at 20.00mph for the first half and took it up to 22.15mph for the second half of her ride. Off the bike Jenny pulled out 8:31/mile average and had a strong finish of 5:26:03.

Great job to all three athletes. When you get to this level of competition, EVERYONE there is good. It can be hard to go there and think to yourself...well I just had a middle of the pack performance, but it is always important to keep in mind that when you make it to WCs or Kona or are doing something that not very many athletes ever get to do. So pat yourself on the back and say "job well-done!" On to next year!

Taking An Active Role In Community Health!

Many of us work really hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We get our exercise, we eat a balanced diet, try to manage our stress, and get plenty of rest. For some of us that's all it takes for us to maintain a pretty healthy lifestyle...but there is a bigger picture than this. As a health prevention & promotion specialist I believe that we also have an obligation to try and do our part to make our community and our world a healthier place to live for everyone. This can be done through many ways and I encourage you to try a take an active role in community health.

Just today I read about Shannon Tavarez, a beautiful 11-year-old actress from "The Lion King" show who lost her battle with leukemia. The Broadway theater where "The Lion King" is playing dimmed its lights Tuesday night in honor of a fallen lion cub. I went on to read her story about trying to find a bone marrow donor match, and unfortunately she was not able to find one in time. Then I thought about my own children and wondered if this happened to them would there be a superhero out there that could swoop in and help save their life? I sure hope there would be.

Her story touched my heart, and I thought..."WOW! What an easy thing for me to do to take one more step in helping my world become a healthier place to live!" So tonight I signed up to become a bone marrow donor to help fight against leukemia.

So I challenge all of you endurance athletes out there (or anyone else) who may read my blog to sign up and do the same. Show your support for living a healthy lifestyle and become an active partner in community health! For information on how to become a bone marrow donor visit http://www.dkmsamericas.org/home. I also have the website posted on my blog site under "Blogs I Read." It just takes a few minutes to fill out the required info and then just a little swab of the cheek...and that's it!

You never know who's life you might save. What an easy way to become a superhero!!! Do it today.

Football For The Off-Season

Winter quickly approaches. Here in Kansas we are seeing the last days of fall. The days are becoming gray and short and the leaves are falling at a faster rate. For me I start thinking a little more about football and less about training, but for some multisport athletes this is where they hang up the bikes, forget what the water feels like and their running shoes begin to beg for affection. Talk to any of those multisport athletes who had a successful season and they will tell you that off-season does not mean sit-on-the-couch season!

Sure..it should be somewhat easier. You can reduce your volume, have time to fit in other things (like football...or your favorite winter hobby), and take more rest. However, you NEED a plan for the off-season & more importantly you need to stick to that plan. This of course should be based on what you are gunning for in 2011.

For example, one of my athletes is focused on improving her marathon times and likewise will train through the winter to accomplish these goals. Needless to say she will reap the benefits of a big run base when multisport season rolls around and will notice a dramatic improvement in her performance.

Off-season training can be similar, different, or a mix of what you do during the build phase of your multisport season. For example, when I was racing hard, I spent many winter months working on strength training in addition to running marathons and going on long slow bike rides. This combination made me a stronger runner during the season and helped me eventually break the 3hr barrier for marathons. But this is done by having a plan and setting up goals throughout the off-season that helps you achieve season goals.

So if you are looking to throw down better times in the 2011 season make sure to include a solid off-season plan. Yeah...you can probably sit on the couch a bit more than usual, but continue to make your saddle the best place for your butt to sit. For more information on setting up an effective off-season plan, feel free to contact me.