Change

Hi all!

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas. It always seems quite the blur, then........ POOF, it's over and we wonder where it went. I always get a bit sad in the days following Christmas. Its always a reminder that another year is gone, my kids' lives are flashing before my eyes, and a rare opportunity to spend time with family went by in a blink. Some times those pain points can motivate you to make moments in the next year count even more. I didn't do a very good job last year of making the time that matters matter. There have been a lot of tragic events lately that are certainly reminding me more and more of what is truly important in life. So............ What do we DO with that? Many of us "say" that we will make drastic changes in the moments that shake us to the core, but few of us actually follow through with that and end up saying the same dern thing the next time while also regretting another year that could have been better.

We have all heard the steps before and New Year's is always a time we hear things like: Set small and tangible goals, set realistic goals, buddy up etc....... Hows all that been working for you this year? Are you still accomplishing what you set out to accomplish this time last year? Was this year better than last? Do you even remember what your resolutions were last Jan.? Reflect back on this year and think about where the majority of your time was spent. What were you DOing the majority of the time? Where you spend most of your time says a lot about who you are and what your results at the end of the day, the year, or this life will be. Your current choices, whether you admit this or not, will determine your future.

I, for one, have been the worst over the last few years about sticking to the goal, the plan, the convictions, or living the mantra "No regrets". I've been fumbling around trying to find my place, my purpose, my motivation, and at times, my mind. Its time for a change! Its time to PLAN. Its time to BE who I was meant to BE. Its time to DO the things I was created to DO. Its time to TAKE the chances. Its time to GIVE. Its time to EXPLORE. Its time to LIVE the dream. Its time to be honest with ourselves, recognize an "excuse" for what it is, and give ourselves large doses of "suck it up" pills. Its time to again say what we mean and mean what we say. Its time to not just say we will make some positive changes, but to spend each moment DOing things that will make the next moment better. We owe it to those around us, the God that created us, and to ourselves. Its TIME!

Meditate

Hi all!

I did a very rare thing this week. I went out for an "easy" run. It was my route from the club to the top of Walnut Hollow and back, but I didn't bother with a watch. I just ran, took in the scenery, and used the run as a means of meditation. Meditation is something I desperately need more of. As most of you know, I have a very hard time "relaxing". I can't sit still and have to always feel I am being productive by doing a million things at once. At times, that leads to being ineffective and drained of energy for the things that do matter. "Busy" doesn't mean productive or effective. That counts for running, working, or just plain living. Some people believe that working "long" is working "hard". I believe working hard is working hard. I thrive on working "hard". When I managed health clubs years ago I never wanted to manage a small club. I almost craved the chaos of dozens of employees and thousands of members. I didn't have time to look at a clock and 14 hour days would go by in a blur. I wasn't required to work that much. Heck, the company even made it mandatory that club managers take 2 hours to workout each day. That never worked. So why did I do that for so long? Money? Awards? Recognition? Who knows..........I didn't run. I didn't see my family. I didn't even know who I was. I defined myself by my job and stayed very "busy". A lot of people do that. Some do it to "feel" important. Some do it to run from something, towards something, or simply because they don't know what else to do. A member reminded me this week that some people stay "busy" to keep from looking within because they don't want the challenge/discomfort of dealing with whats there. We were talking about Tai Chi. He said the best room to do it is the racquetball court because the walls are bare and its completely empty. He observed that most people find places like that uncomfortable because they are uncomfortable with themselves. Many people have the same problem with running. They need music or...........(gasp...), a book to read while on the treadmill. People ask me all of the time how I could run for hours at a time with no music. "Aren't you bored?" The answer is "No, I don't find myself a boring person." Its an absolutely wonderful time with myself, God, and nature. If I have a problem that I can't solve, sometimes I go for a run and don't stop until I've figured it out.

One of the reasons for moving to Brevard was to slow the pace down and find some balance. This club was almost like stepping back in time and its slower than any club I've stepped foot in. Its what I wanted, but it drove me a bit crazy at first because I missed the fast pace. Thats why I crave training clients. It provides me the intensity I'm used to and makes me feel a little more normal. I simply traded one source of insanity for another and at times I forget that I need to slow down. If we're not careful, we'll burn ourselves right out and be of no use to anyone, including ourselves. Like a popular quote I often hear, "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." We all have to take the time to breathe, time to relax, and time to focus on the moment we are in. Stop doing things just to be doing things and start doing things with a specific purpose. Do things that will actually make an impact. Start working, running, living smarter, more efficiently, and effectively.

I came back from that run rejuvenated vs. exhausted. I came back at peace vs. stressed. I wasn't thinking about what I had to do after the run or how I could have done something better yesterday. I was in the moment. I am vowing to leave my watch on my desk for at least two runs a week and enjoy the moment of "freedom" instead of focusing on the intensity of my effort.

Christmas can also be like that with the rushing from one place to another and the stress of packing twice as much into the same 24 hour day for a few weeks. For a lot of people, this time of the year can be REALLY stressful and "busy". Don't get so "busy" with the "holiday" that you forget what its all about. Its about peace, hope, love, and giving. Isn't that what it should be about all year? Merry Christmas!

Hi all,

Bill Rodgers once said, "If you want to win a race, you have to go a little berserk." That doesn't just count for racing. I believe you have to go a little berserk if you want to accomplish anything worth accomplishing. You have to let all sense of order disappear, throw away rational thought, and go for the goal with total abandonment. You've seen that look in other people's eyes. Its a reckless craziness deep in their eyes that transforms every expression and movement. And, yes......................throwing all rational thought out the window for a bit is full of all sorts of risk. Its also very liberating. The rewards "can" be rare, but that kind of reward cannot be obtained unless you put it all on the line and get a little crazy. Most people get this, but far too often it comes in brief spurts. The risky "go all out" is quickly overtaken by self doubt, fear of failure, pain, someone else's rationalization, or any number of negative self talk/influences. At times you simply have to turn all of the other junk off, dig deep within yourself, and get in the zone of berserk until you are so focused in the moment you're in that nothing outside of that moment exists. With practice, we can tap into that craziness anytime we dig deep and actually use pain, fear, anger, or what others say as fuel.

Be honest. When was the last time you got a little crazy? When was the last time you broke into an all out sprint until your body simply shut down before your mind could talk your body into quitting? When was the last time you stepped out on the edge, risked it all, and broke down the walls of comfort just to see where it could take you?  What about your dreams?  When was the last time you persued those in "the zone" and saw them through vs. trading them for reality?

Today is the day to get a little crazy!

What motivates you?

Hi everyone!

I loaned a book to a friend a while back. I tend to read books that motivate, challenge, and educate. (No romance novels for me) When I asked him how the book was going, his response was a reminder that I needed to read more often. It was getting him "focused" and motivated. It was magnifying his passions and leading to a more specific purpose in each workout. My personal experience with motivating books, articles, and stories either get me so hyped up that I can't sleep at night or frustrated that I can't immediately jump into the type of training/racing I'm motivated and inspired to do. Its a two edged sword of hope/happiness followed by "How in the heck would I have time to do that?" Either way, motivation to "Do" will certainly get you to do more than you would have regardless of whether you have time or not. Motivation "can" do amazing things that force you to find the time to accomplish what you're motivated to accomplish. If you don't have time to read, that's another story.

What motivates YOU? Setting a goal race a few months down the road? A particular movie? Competition? An inspiring person? Or to BE an inspiration for someone that looks up to you? Or, it could be that you've gotten to a point that you're so disgusted with yourself that something has to change.

Whatever it is, act on fueling the motivation and keep doing it. Remember; the victory is not at the finish line, its in each step that got you there.

Hi all!

More than a few of you let me know I didn't send an email last Wednesday. (Happy you're paying attention)

Thanksgiving and Christmas always throw quite the monkey wrench in our routines. Its amazing what a couple of days off from training will do to you both mentally and physically. Anything more than one day off, and I find it VERY hard to be "motivated" to start back. I'm an absolute wreck if I end up with 3 days off! It takes weeks to recover from the recovery. (If that makes any sense....)

I've got a marathon coming up in January, but my heart isn't in it AT ALL. That makes it tough to force myself out of the door this time of year. It gets dark early, everybody around is obsessed with food, all of the travel, and the cold doesn't help either. I am in love with trail running. I don't get the satisfaction from road marathons I once did and certainly don't have the time for that type of training. So, I've tricked myself that this marathon will be a training run for a sequence of trail races that I "want" to do this spring. I think that's working so far and helps take some of the pressure off of feeling the need to run road miles every spare minute of the day. It also means I don't have to attempt to run 100 plus miles per week to prep for "racing" a road marathon. Some may think this is an easy way out. I have convinced myself its not, and actually a means to realizing more goals in a bigger picture. I have rarely (okay.....never) had any success doing a race that I didn't "want" to compete in, but have had success doing races I wanted to do based on DOing a lot I did NOT "want" to do.

So why in the heck would I choose to do the 26.2 in January if I don't want to? Because it will still get me out of the door with my running shoes TODAY. If I didn't, my fitness would slip to a very regrettable state by the time spring pops up with the races/activities I "want" to do.

The key point is that you don't have to "want" to do something to do something. Sometimes the feat of doing things when you don't "feel" like it equates to a better, stronger, and more prepared you for many amazing opportunities to come that you wouldn't be ready for otherwise. This can be applied on a daily basis and even on a minute to minute basis if you truly want to continue growing every single day. Eventually the day will come. Eventually that one opportunity will come that you will "want" to be ready for. Life is VERY short and the years keep on slipping by. The people that feel they have to have all their ducks in a row in order to do something miss the growth that happens by doing the things while unprepared in order to eventually BE prepared. Years keep slipping by, and before you know it, GONE. "NO REGRETS" begins with what you do TODAY.

Hi all!

A very wise young man at a race not too long ago said: "To be a good runner, you have to suck at everything else." There is a lot of truth in that with every aspect of your life. If you want to be your best in any one area, you're going to have to accept the price of being less than stellar in other areas. With that, what grows in your life is what you feed. The amount and quality of the food determines the quality of what you reap.

The people I have always admired and are drawn to are the ones that have a crystal clear picture of what is important, and everything else doesn't really matter. You know the saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff............and its all small stuff"

Early in my health club career, I was literally consumed by numbers and sales. I poured everything I had into getting to "the top". I led the company in both, but everything else in my life SUCKED. I was the "Golden Boy" of the 7 club chain, but there was no room to be "golden" in any other area of my life. My District manager became a dear friend of mine and was also a member of the same church Tammi and I attended. He pulled me to the side one day and gave me some great advice I never forget. "Trent, your family is the most important thing in this world. After this company is long gone, what will you have if you haven't invested more of your time/energy in your family?" Guess what...... After 30 years in business, the largest privately owned chain of health clubs in N.C. merged with another chain and soon all of the clubs were out of business. The plaques I won, the big monthly bonuses, the employees I invested in were gone............What was there, was my family.

Since then, I've fought to "try" and maintain some sort of balance. I now am sad for people that put stuff, status, or titles ahead of the things that are truly important. I find these people "silly" and rarely take them seriously. I've been there, done that more than a few times. I didn't get it either, but there comes a time when you simply have to get past your own ignorance and pour your time/energy/resources into what you know in your heart to be truly important. Most people don't take the time alone to think about what is truly important and simply stay "busy". Take some time today. Go for a hike today by YOURSELF and don't come back until you have a clearer picture about what is important to you. Maybe we should all do that more and stop spinning our wheels so that we can actually catch traction and move in a direction that actually matters. The rest is small stuff...........

Hi all,

(Congrats to all of you that did the Flight of the Vampire on Saturday. Sorry I wasn't there to cheer you on. I chose to do a trail race out of town that day.)

The weather is getting colder, the holidays are going to pounce on us soon, and the time is about to change. This time of year seems to spark a whole list of excuses for not staying active. I try to set a race in December or January each year in order to not allow the cold to become an excuse. I also force myself to head outside for a run on the first day the temperature drops below freezing so my head can accept that my body is not going to hibernate just because its cold.

In my quest to find a race worthy to motivate me for a long term goal, I found myself gravitating towards what I know and am "comfortable" with. The on-line search started with researching races that were Western States qualifiers. The vast majority of these type of races are in the Midwest and west. A lot are in the cold and at high altitudes. I've never been at high altitude and have no idea how my body would respond. Its also been years since tackling a race distance of 50 miles or more, so then that fear sets in. The search went from Colorado, Utah, and Oregon until I found myself back to the terrain I know here on the East Coast. Fear has a sneaky way of keeping you from expanding your comfort zone and stunting any possibility of personal growth. After catching myself drifting back to what I know, I made a commitment to take on a challenge each year that scares the crap out of me and in a place/on terrain I've never touched. Once I commit to something out of my comfort zone, I become invigorated and flooded with a sense of excitement that leaves me so excited I can't sleep at night. When you are that excited, you train whether its cold, hot, or wet. You keep the ultimate goal fresh in your mind and it makes the realization of the goal all the sweeter when its accomplished. What it also does is force you to embark on a journey, and the journey makes life amazing. Steps with purpose transform you and those around you.

Hi everyone,

More than a few thousand times I've come across people that are unhappy with their health, nutrition, weight, fitness etc... Yet, they don't seem to care too much about DOing anything about it. I am often in the same boat on this one. Many of you have heard my rants in the last few years of how out of shape I am and how I don't have time to train anymore. In reality, thats BULL SHIT! I made the comment of how out of shape I was last week at the front desk after a very brief and dinky 15 minute workout that more than humbled me. Amanda simply said, "Well...Do something about it!"

Thats as simple and as true as it can get. "DO something about it." In other words, "Stop whining. Stop complaining. Stop wishing. Simply DO." The stumbling obstacle for many people is the effort that goes into the doing. They, by definition, are doing, but the effort is a joke. By "doing", they have fooled themselves to believe they are "doing" all that they can. Think again..............

RESULTS take unwavering commitment, dedication, planning, execution, and yes.........much of the time it is NOT comfortable, convenient, or pain free. Hmmmmm......."Pain" free. We've talked about that before. Many of us are afraid to admit or think about the fact that if we've let ourselves go for 2, 10, or 30 years, its going to be a LONGGGG road of redemption. The journey doesn't have to be miserable. But, you may have to embrace discomfort. You may have to embrace a WHOLE heck of a lot of discomfort if you want to speed the process along. Don't misunderstand this email. Many of us haven't remotely tapped into what "pain" and discomfort we can endure or need to endure to accomplish what we "say" we want to accomplish. The point is the self discovery and positive transformations that can occur as a result of pushing past preconceived limits. If you don't embrace the storm, you may never see the calm and amazing beauty of the rainbow.

Life, like an ultramarathon has amazing opportunities to redeem yourself. No matter how awful things get, how searing the pain you're in, salvation awaits.

Its time to up the intensity, to break down walls, raise the bar, and transform ourselves mentally and physically.

"You only ever grow as a human being if you're outside of your comfort zone." ..........Percy Cerutty

"It's only when I get to a place where all my physical and psychological warning lights are flashing red, and then run beyond it, that I hit the sweet spot.".........Scott Jurek

"If you're not on the edge, you are taking up too much room."...........Randy Savage

Whats next?

Hi all!,

You all know Tyler and I ran the Art Loeb last Saturday. You also know I wasn't overly excited. I anticipated pain, exhaustion, and ridiculous soreness for the days that would follow. Like every long run, I learned several valuable lessons.

• Most of the time in life, what we worry about, fear, and anticipate do not happen.
• Things are rarely ever as painful as we anticipate them to be.
• The "journey" is amazing.
• It doesn't matter where the destination is or how long it takes to get there as long as you keep moving forward and are genuinely thankful for each step.
• If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.
• Your mindset is everything.
• Gummi Bears are amazing!

These are just a few lessons of a Saturday long run. Sometimes it takes jumping into something you perceive as epic in order to break down the barriers that hold you back from experiencing greater adventures. If you are not having those clarifying moments, you may not be challenging your mind/body nearly enough. If you only do the things that you "feel" you could do, then I promise you are not going to reach another level. Every once in a while, we need to take a huge bite out of something that scares the absolute shit out of us. So.... whats next? Foot Hills trail November 16 and 17 sounds about mind boggling enough. I'm in! So.......What is next for YOU?

Hi all,

At times, I wonder why we do what we do. Sometimes, I brush off the question with not much thought, and do it anyway. Often times, regretting the decision later. So, why do I continue on with the same thought processes (or lack of thought process)? I've found, if I think too much about a challenge, I have a tendency to think about all of the reasons I should not do something vs thinking about all the reasons that I should. Some of the most memorable and priceless moments in my life have come from experiences I would not remotely jump into if I would have applied any sort of "logic". I've responded so often to ridiculous proposals, I anticipate my immediate response. "Sure! Lets do it!"

Last week I was asked, "Hey, do you want to run the entire Art Loeb (33 miles of 9,000 feet vertical!) next Saturday?" Without much thought, my answer was "Sure, I'll commit to that." WHAT?! Absolutely no "logic" or thought went into my answer. "Most" people would plan something like that wellll in advance with tons of specific training leading up to the day of misery. Truth be told though, I would probably never do much of anything if I waited until I was "ready". You just have to "DO" and have the mentality that the "doing" is getting you a little more prepared for the next ridiculous challenge. "Doing" in this case, with no prep, will leave me crippled for the next few months. But, not "doing" may lead to a good chance I miss an incredible opportunity and experience at an absolutely gorgeous time of the year. Bring it on! I'm sure I'll learn/experience something new. I'll take the learning, growth, pain, emotional ups and downs over stagnant, stale, same ole same ole any day.

As a trainer, I try to encourage people to tackle new challenges all of the time. I don't care if its a 5k, a hike, a bike ride, or a full marathon. More often than not, I hear, "I'm not ready for that" Stop over thinking, and just DO it. Life is FAR too short. Take a hold of every single opportunity you can and never let go of the willingness to embrace new and different experiences. Do NOT let yourself say, "I'll do it next year" You and I both know that won't happen. Carpe Diem. We don't have that many to seize in our lifetimes. The time is NOW!

Hi all!

I went on a run with Tyler yesterday on trail for the first time in a while. Tyler and I are teaming up do a race this Sunday, so I was determined to take it easy. (If there is such a thing as an "easy" trail run up a mountain.) I did something unheard of. I stopped at the top of John's Rock to take in the scenery. Living among the beauty that we are surrounded by here in the mountains, we too often take it for granted. We simply get too "busy" to breathe. I've found that if you're too busy for a run, for quality family time, or for God, you're simply too busy. I've said this more times than I can count over the years, but fail to actually make changes that will result in a balanced life. Why? Why do we have such a hard time getting rid of the junk in our lives and saying "no"? Two of the greatest gifts we are given are time and energy. We can't afford to waste those, but we do. Two of the main reasons: 1) Fear of rejection (whose approval are you seeking? Does it really matter?) 2) Fear of missing out on good opportunities. (Opportunity should not equal obligation. There are millions of opportunities. There will always be more opportunities than there is time to pursue them.)

In my devotion yesterday, I came across a quote from Jim Collins, the author of Good to Great. "Most of us lead busy but undisciplined lives. We have ever expanding 'to do' lists, trying to build momentum by doing, doing, doing. But, it rarely works. Those who built the good to great companies made as much use of 'stop doing' lists, as 'to do' lists. They displayed a remarkable discipline to unplug from all sorts of extraneous junk and channel their resources into only one or a few areas."

Great leaders, in spite of a multitude of distractions know how to keep things focused.

Today is the day. Lets get focused!

Hi all!

I visited my parents this past weekend. That meant I got to run in my old stomping grounds. I got to hit my favorite 8 and 16 mile loops. On the 16 mile trail loop, I ran into a few old biking/triathlon training friends mountain biking that I haven't seen in years. Training partners aren't like normal friends. I haven't spoken to them in quite a while, but we all knew exactly what each other has been up to. (These kinda friends google race results every weekend) The conversations are always 100% related to training, races, and results. Those friends are friends that you can talk nutrition, interval training, injuries, etc..in a way that you can't talk to other people. We can say "Fartlek" and not crack a grin because we incorporate it into our training each week. We relate and know very well what the other person is speaking and feeling. The conversation was brief (We were in the middle of our workout for goodness sake), but it was enough for another dose of motivation. Training partners are also your competition. I was instantly ready to get back to the triathlon world just to see how I would stack up against them now. Good training partners, like teammates, want to see you succeed. They won't allow you to sabotage yourself with poor nutritional choices, excuses, or training layoffs. The reason is simple; If you're healthy, fit, and focused, you make each other better. Together, you end up making a better you than you could make on your own.

I've typed a few emails related to training partners and surrounding yourself with positive energy GIVERS. It may be time to again evaluate those around you.

Are they supportive of your goals?

Do they speak the same language?

Do they make you stronger physically?

Do they make you stronger mentally?

Do they energize you?

Do they motivate you?

Do they hold you accountable?

Do they consistently push you to levels of fitness that you would not be able to accomplish on your own?

Do they pull up your training logs on the internet and review them more than you do? Hahaha (96 miles last week total Drew? Really? DANG MAN! I gotta step it up!)

Its time for some Fall cleaning. Limit your time with the energy suckers of the world. Be an energy giver and surround yourself with "training" partner type friendships a little more.

Age is a stupid number

Hi all!

I came across an article in the last Running Times that reminded me that it is never too late. Its about a 56 year old that started a running comeback at age 44 after quitting a pack a day smoking habit.

Best times AFTER turning 50:

5k: 16:21

8k: 27:27

10k: 33:30

10m: 55:35

Half Marathon: 1:13:29

Marathon: 2:38:44

HOLY CRAP!

HOW? He trained more than he ever has and did it consistently. He "trained". I've heard and seen countless aged 50 and beyond that have done nothing more over the years than accumulate more and more excuses. They begin comparing themselves with others of their age. Some begin talking and acting like their peers more and more as time goes by. "Act your age" they'll say. Ohhh, but then there are the true standout individuals that act on how young they feel and want to truly be the person they believe they can be. Don't be the person that ages and builds a case against themselves. Don't be your worst enemy. Its all in how you SEE yourself. We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves. You can't consistently perform in a manner that is consistent with the way you SEE yourself.

Determine to multiply your commitment, divide your distractions, subtract your excuses, and add to your faith. The first key victory you must win is over yourself: "Stay out of your own way" (David Blunt)

Hi all!

Last week, I found myself staring at the calendar in my office with all of the zeros. That's how I keep up with my running. I write a number and circle it along with any notes of the route I run. A circle around a zero just doesn't sit well on the eyes, much less so in the pursuit of goals. Feeling far less than fit, I made an attempt to pull out of the Blue Ridge Relay. I shot an email to the team captain:

"I am not too thrilled about being the weak link this year. I haven't trained. My job and family responsibilities have absolutely kicked my ass this summer. If there is a sub out there in better shape than an 18 minute 5k, they can have my spot on the team." I was SERIOUS! I knew my best week of running may have been like 40 miles worth of junk when I would be racing with/against guys running a HUNDRED and forty miles a week!

Response received: "TRENT! MAN UP!"

That is exactly what I needed to hear! At times, its what we all need to hear. Next thing I know, I'm in a van headed to Virginia trying to get my head prepared for what I knew my body was not prepared for. My knees were weak. I was nauseous. My palms were sweaty. I couldn't make eye contact with anyone and barely spoke a word. Out of 150 teams of 1,500 runners a team from Knoxville, TN and ours were the last to leave Grayson State Park in Virginia at 1:30pm. It was already quite intense in the parking lot as I sensed the confidence from the Knoxville team who had just come off a 3rd place finish at the Hood to Coast relay. My first leg of the 210 mile race wasn't until 7pm or so. I was the 9th runner of the 12 on our team. That meant my anxiety continued to build as the drama unfolded between the two teams. By the time it was my turn, we had created a 2 minute lead over the Knoxville team. (VERY close when considering the distance left in this race.) My mind and body was NOT ready. I haven't raced but once this whole year! "Oh crap, here comes runner 8. Time to go!" "Just do it! Just keep pushing! WHY am I doing this!? Ohh the pain! Keep digging! Don't give an inch! Muscle is mere rubber. What I am , I am because of my mind!" 5.5 miles later foaming at the mouth and eyes rolling back in my head, I hand the baton off to runner 10. Anxiety instantly gone! My body may still not be ready for this two more times, but my mind sure is! Bring it on! "I may not be the fastest one out here, and goodness knows its been years since I remotely considered myself a runner, but my mind is ready to force my body to push beyond its current limits."

Within seconds of completing my first leg I was ashamed for having attempted to bail out of this race. Amazing things happen when you just freaking DO IT! I would have missed out on conquering my mind and an unbelievable transforming experience. I would have missed watching some of the country's best runners battle it out and literally pour all of themselves out onto the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina. I witnessed what the human body is capable of and what the human spirit can endure. I was still a weak link, but I was a link. I was still a part of something greater than myself which is always an ingredient to WANT to be better. 20 hours and 45 minutes after starting, we crossed the line as winners of the Blue Ridge Relay for the 2nd year in a row with an average pace of 5m55sec per mile for 210 miles with 27,000 feet of elevation change. We have very few moments in our journey to grab life changing experiences. Even if you're not prepared. Even if you're scared and nervous. Even if you want to crawl in a fetal position and cry for your momma. JUST DO IT! Don't back down. Don't ever back down. Ohhhhhh, its so good to be back! For the first time in 2 years, my mind is ready to train. I know my body will follow. Can't wait for the mind and body to meet at next year's race. "Man Up!" We need to take every opportunity to do just that. Thanks Frankie!

 

Just DO

Hi everyone!

Thinking back to what has typically motivated my Wednesday emails, it has usually revolved around running experiences. Labor Day allowed for a morning run in the forest. I miss my morning runs since schools started back. It was pouring rain! I loved it! It was like a cleansing of the soul. These were my thoughts on Monday.

Running, like no other physical endeavor, has taught me some amazing life lessons. Though, I've never poured my being into the sport to maximize my potential, I can't help but be consumed by it at times. I am truly not the same person if I don't begin my day with a run. Its Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. I am always struggling with the "want" to sign up for some major races months, and even years down the road. But, I am honest enough to realize that my goals simply won't happen with a full time job, kids, and constant energy suckers or a list of other "excuses". (Only endurance athletes can understand the time/energy drain of a morning 20 miler before heading to work.) I love my job, my family, and my passions. Sometimes the balance gets a bit tricky if you're the type of person that wants to be the best at whatever you do. With too much on your plate, you suck at all of it. At times, I'm okay with "trying" to do the best I can. At times, I am not. The people I respect most in life are the ones that take a stand for those things that matter and simply eliminate the things that don't.  Simplicity narrows the focus quite a bit.  A lot of us could break the chains of things we "think" we're chained to.  I question at times what example I am leading my kids to follow when I make excuses for not pursuing dreams. I certainly encourage them to do so, even if its a different path than the world is taking. Its simply not okay to give up on the things you're passionate about. God planted those passions for a reason and the things that typically get in the way are worldly. Think about it........ Dream robbers are the stress to pay a cell phone bill, cable bill, on and on meaningless crap, as well as a car payment in order to get to work to pay for all the stuff that gets in the way of the things that truly matter. Some things matter. Most do not. I could go on and on with this controversial topic.

As we continue in the "rat race", time keeps on ticking, and the things we once claimed were important are a distant memory and our kids are grown with no other example than to work "hard". Working "hard" is not the problem. Its the busy, non productive, pointless stuff that gives us the illusion we are working "hard." What happened to working smarter and more "productively"? Please understand that I am simply making a point that we, at times, lose sight while trying to keep up with a lifestyle that the majority of America deems "normal". Well, what happened to breaking away from the herd? The black sheep is far more interesting and their stories have far more depth. Their impact and experiences change lives. Its a march of a different beat, a different pace, and an observed scenery.

Its that time to run the Blue Ridge Relay this Friday, and I am again asking myself how/why I am so out of shape. I've asked myself that question FAR too often in the past few years, yet nothing changes. Its been a slow fade. Enough is enough. Its time to make a change. Practicing what I'm preaching, I will attempt to sign up for a race I've wanted to do for a LONG time. Its not that easy though. There is a list of prerequisites, qualifying races, tasks, and approval from a board. Even after all of that, there is a lottery system which means you may not get in anyway after all of the steps. Making the commitment for a goal race in 2014 means making a commitment to the journey to get there! The JOURNEY toward something worthwhile is the meat of life. I will experience more in the journey toward a goal even if the goal is never realized. I may not be perfect, and certainly don't have the pieces of the puzzle of life in order, but I commit to pursue the goal. I commit to "do".

Sometimes we need to slow down

Hi all,

I apologize for not sending this yesterday. I simply could not seem to find the time. I canceled a few appointments today in an attempt to catch up a bit. As I do so, I notice a gift one of my sons gave me sitting on my desk. It reads:

"Walk a little slower Daddy."

Said a child so small.

"I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they're hard to see.

So walk a little slower, Daddy

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be.

Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true.

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For I must follow you."

I keep this by my computer as a constant reminder of where my priorities are. Every day, I tell myself that I will do better, that I will learn to say "NO" so that I'm not so overwhelmed, stressed, and lose sight of the father I want to be. Its gotten a bit out of hand lately and I have found myself back out of control and giving my family the worst possible impatient, no fun, and zombie like leftovers at the end of the day. A lot of people regain a clear head in several ways. My way is to simply lace up my shoes and head out the door. Any run will do, but its the LONG ones that allow me to come back uncluttered, positive, hopeful, and focused. Its been too long! A lot of people use the Labor Day weekend as a time to enjoy their family and refocus. Its a long weekend. Maybe get a double dose of clarity with a long run, bike, or hike this weekend. Enjoy! And try to soak up every moment. Time is soooooooo very precious. Use it wisely. Take every step in the way you would want a child to follow.

Take a second to hear this song EVERY day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ot_vBWwE4

Test your limits

Hi all! 

 

The weather just keeps getting better and better!  Fall is in the air.  That means perfect temperatures for my outside activities.  Thats one less excuse I can make for not getting out the door.

 

I have an upcoming race that has snuck up on me.  I haven't been training.  I'm slow as an asthmatic fat kid and all around feel horrible.  Unfortunately, I can't back out of this one because I have teammates counting on me.  Due to this fact, I have to train whether I want to or not.  I began the week not very motivated and quite intimidated by recent race times of the runners I will be joining in a few weeks for a little 200 mile trek from Virginia to Asheville.  When I'm not in the "mood", and my head is simply not in it, I absolutely have to engulf myself in things that I know will motivate me.  One of those things has been to google David Goggins. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrlmLvPFdg8&feature=related  Its been a while, so I thought I was due a dose of some "suck it up" pills.  I came across one of his blogs and found a lot of insights that I once possessed more of.  He HATES running, but still does it, and to a degree that few of us can relate to.  So...... WHY does he push himself to the absolute limits of the human body and mind?  Because thats where he grows.  I too believe we learn FAR more from pain than from comfort.  I even have a tattoo between my shoulders from a passage in Romans that states "Rejoice in your suffering..........."  Too bad it not visibly where I can constantly be reminded of this.  When I ran 5ks, it was hard to imagine racing twice that with a 10k.  I've been around tons of people that have signed up for a half marathon and after completion, not fathom doubling the 13.1 distance.  I too once thought 26.2 miles was more than I could rap my brain around.  Eventually though after running a 100 miles in a day, you look at a marathon the way you once looked at a 5k.  The discomfort is relative and the growth through each experience transforms you and your way of thinking.

 

Too often we begin to grow complacent and complain if everything isn't perfect.  We want to be comfortable, have life simply glide by with our feet propped up and be completely stress free.  How quickly we forget that being out of your comfort zone is where you truly experience life.  Absolutely glorious life changing things happen in the valley.  Thats the place you learn more about yourself, others, and decipher what life is all about.  All the "junk" goes away and the focus on what truly is important becomes crystal clear.  I used to CHOOSE to put myself in those moments far more often than I do now.  Why on earth would anybody choose pain?  Because we thirst for life and all that we can suck out of it's experiences.  Thats why we're the one percent.  We keep pushing for more.  I don't want to be near the end of my earthly life wishing I had given just a little bit more.  So how can you know where your limits are if you're not challenging them on a daily basis.  When was the last time you gave it EVERYthing you had?  When was the last time you signed up for something that scared the crap out of you?  You felt unprepared, did it anyway, and came out a new person completely transformed.

 

Its that time again.  Just Do It!  I know people that have done triathlons with a borrowed or rented bike.  I witnessed the first 1/2 Ironman completed by a double amputee.  I have heard stories that still boggle my mind of mental fortitude and miraculous/inspirational feats of the human spirit.  Its time again to rediscover your spirit!  As Goggins once said: Its time to push beyond the mental/physical, and "Test the limits of the human soul"

 

Life by the horns

Hi all,

 

I want to thank those of you that have taken the August challenge seriously and those that have shared with me their success, challenges, and upcoming goals.

 

As most of you know, I have two small boys that have started back to school, and this time of year is a little more stressful than usual.  So, the August routine solidification has been tough on me as well.  I've had my slip-ups, have had my list of excuses, and have had my total loss of motivation at times. But, we better keep on rowing and adjusting the rutter.

 

I've been at a very pivotal point lately due to time constraints.  I've pulled out of races that I have already registered for, sold my mountain bike, and just recently considered selling my road bike.  I catch myself saying things like "I just don't have the time, energy, or motivation."  By the time I am home, fix dinner, and help kids with homework, its time to go to bed, wake up and do it all over again while my kids and dog look at me like I am a distant stranger.  Hahahaha,....I'm starting to speak in chunks rather than complete sentences because it takes less time.  I need to do laundry, dishes, cut grass, finish building tree house, get oil changed, clean cars, fix faucet, on and on and on and on......Where is the spare time/energy to "workout", much less "train" for anything!  "Why bother if I only have 30 minutes to run?"  Maybe its time to shift away from training and more toward staying "fit".  HOLY CRAP!  What kind of mental disease has crept into my brain?  I wish I had enough flexibility for a good swift kick to my own ass or a strong punch directly between my own warped viewing eyes.

 

If I let myself continue thinking that way, I will end up allowing life to run me vs. me running life.  Right now life is kicking the shit out of a lot of us.  Its time to take a stand and start kicking the shit out of life.  I'm pretty sick and tired of feeling run over all of the time and left for dead in the middle of the road.  Its time to jump into the drivers seat of the truck that ran you over, blare the horn and dare someone to step out in front of you as you barrel down the road toward the person you were meant to become.

 

The excuses STOP! and you GO!

 

Its amazing how many of us have a thousand reasons why we can't do something we want to do when all we really need is one reason why we can.  Excuses are the tools a person with no purpose or vision uses to build great monuments of emptiness. 

 

"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.  You don't blame on your mother, the ecology, or the president.  You realize that YOU control your own destiny"...........................Albert Ellis

 

Its time to turn that pivotal moment into a decision that you will take control of your life and LIVE it.  You and those around you will benefit far more if you're not lying dead in the middle of the road.

No excuses

How are YOU doing with your goals this month?  What effort have you, will you, make today in the pursuit? 

 

I am asking that you share with me a goal you picked for October as well as what you are doing each day to prepare.  August was to be the month to hammer down a routine and form some great habits.  I like the accountability of sharing that.  (You can simply respond to me, and not all)  Its not easy forming new habits in exchange for some bad ones that we need to drop!  But, we CAN do it.  We can push through those rough patches and come out the other side a much free-er and happier version of ourselves. 

  

In watching the Olympics, I am reminded just how much of our pursuit is mental.  It is heart breaking to see talented athletes who have devoted years of training for one event crumble under pressure because of the mind.  Weeks ago, I typed a newsletter revolving around our minds, thoughts, and self talk.  I conquered a particular trail run because I was determined to not let myself conform to negative thoughts, attitudes, or efforts.  This week, I tackled the same route and crumbled.  Why?  My head was not in the right place.  I allowed too many negative thoughts to creep in that eventually overcame my "attempt" to change my thoughts from negative to positive.  You know my feelings on "attempting" to do something.  I am a firm believer that you have to make your mind up to DO or not do.  If you give yourself too many choices, you may give in and listen to the little lying voice that says: "You can't", "Its too hot"  or "You're too tired".  When you listen to that and believe it, red flags should be flying!  Its time to take the mental preparation VERY seriously or you will become an excuse oriented person that falls way short of your potential on a daily basis minute by minute.  The preparation is where its at.  More time should be devoted to getting your head straight.  Whether that's starting your day staring at your goal in the mirror, listening to your most motivating music, prayer, video, or talking with a mentor, its got to happen.  And its got to happen more often than you think.  Don't allow a single negative thought to creep in.  Negative thoughts and actions are cumulative and can transform you into someone you were not created to be without you even recognizing its happening.  You end up in a rut.  Then the day comes that you realize you're in a rut wondering how in the heck you got there.  The only way out is to throw it in four wheel drive and sling some mud, or have a friend pull you out with a chain.

 

"Be driven by excellence.  To be driven by excellence so at the end of the day, each month, each year, and indeed at the end of life itself, we must ask one important question:  Have we demanded enough of ourselves, and by our example, inspired those around us to put forth their best effort and achieve their greatest potential?"............Richard Huseman

 

A few of you have seen this commercial a few times, but find it fitting to post.  No excuses.  Just Do It.

 

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=nike+no+excuses+commercial&mid=6416271DDACB5F73355B6416271DDACB5F73355B&view=detail&FORM=VIRE2

 

 

 

Hi all,

 

I am convinced more and more each day that the majority of our obstacles are self created and mental.  (Yes.., I understand that there ARE physical limitations, especially as we get older.)  However, I firmly believe preconceptions, narrow mindedness, negative thoughts/influences make us "think" we are less than we are and make us "think"we can't do things we CAN.  Over time, these thoughts can do some major damage to what could be our true potential.  Think about it....... Our minds are truly a battlefield.  If we're not constantly aware of this, we won't begin to equip ourselves for the battle.  No planning, no tools, and no motivation is recipe for an ass kicking and lost opportunities to be all that we could be.  Remember..... what you feed, grows.  Whether it's fruit or weeds.  Do you want to bare fruit or get overtaken by kudzu?

 

I, like all of us, have to go to war each day.  Sometimes I get my ass kicked!  (Okay...more than sometimes) When I do, I have to keep it fresh in my mind in order to not repeat it again.  As a runner, I have succumb to an ass kicking quite often.  I would also venture to say that its been mental 95% of the time.  If I let myself quit in a training run, I know I am weakening my mind.  If I can stop then, its gonna get easier to do so the next time.  Slowly, I will convince myself that its "okay" to do so.  I had a similar experience with two training runs on a section of the Art Loeb.  The first two attempts broke me.  I "couldn't" get to the top without breaking into a hike.  The 2nd time was more miserable than the first and I found myself thinking it was "okay", and how it was physical b/c I haven't been running lately.  Its sooooo easy to sell yourself to avoid pain.  Last Friday, I slammed the door in the salesman's face!  I refused to lose the mental battle again and redefined myself.  I could have ended the run deflated again and fed negativity or I could put my head down and simply not let quit, stop, walk, can't, etc. be a part of my vocabulary.  Its NOT okay to give less than your best.  Once you decide you ARE going to do it, it simplifies things.  Quitting is NOT an option anymore.  You know what door you're going to open.  You simply have to step through, and never look back.  (Yes, I also think it takes a lot of courage to "try" and have heard a lot of people give credit and say "at least he tried" Bull shit.  Do or do not.  Make your mind up and prepare to "DO" like you intend to actually "DO" Luke warm water sucks and the only thing you find in the middle of the road are dead possoms)  Trust me, I'm talking to myself here more than you all.

 

All of us are very different.  We all have different mountains to climb.  Whether its Everest or sitting up in your bed without assistance from a nurse, the battle of the mind is the same for us all.  Last Friday's run may have only lasted an hour, but the mental/physical choices I made in that hour changed who I was for an entire weekend. When you conquer fear, doubt, negative mindset, poor self image, and a slew of other psychological weapons of the mind, you become free to be all that you were meant to be.  We may not win every battle, but you better start arming yourself with positive thoughts, quotes, constant motivation, influences, and self talk to win the damn war!  Remember... "It's never too late to be who you might have been."