It's All About the People

There are many different reasons you sign up for and compete in races. It's probably different for all of us actually. Some will claim it's just for the t-shirt, a silent shout out every time they proudly wear their hard earned apparel in public. Even a quick reminder every time the laundry is done, reminiscing about their glorious battle on the race course. Other keep their race bibs, strung across the wall displayed like a nation's proud flag. I've seen maps with strings drawing medals to the location of races even (something I tried, but never found a solid way to get this done).

I've tried to find what draws me back time after time. Through the aching muscles, cramping feet, sweat soaked running clothes. For me it was always the start of the race that I could not recreate in any sport or event that I've taken part in during the years. My typical nature is not outgoing by any means, but I feel comfortable at the start of the race speaking with complete strangers. My wife would be so proud of me, a wide grin across my face, greeting all competitors and stoked that we are half an hour out from the start of the race. My wife is the relationship person, the communicator, the conversation starter and continuer usually. Give me 20 miles, half a dozen gu's and a handheld water bottle and I'll be set. No music, texting, or snapchat needed...just myself and some silence.

As I've aged, life has happened. Friends have moved away, had families, moved back again, and lost loved ones at unexpected times. This weekend I attended a funeral for a friends father, taken much earlier than he should have been, he was a rock for his children and other family members. He was a avid outdoorsman, cyclist, and sport enthusiast (primarily lacrosse, which his children all excelled at). I only had the honor of meeting and spending a short amount of time with him before this point, and it was evident from all the stories told that this is one person that brightened the lives of every person he was around.

We have great people that come into our lives and we must be bold enough not to miss these opportunities to learn from them and be a part of their lives. Don't miss these opportunities to make new friendships, even if they are short lived. You may be the one leading others. I hope you all can find your race start in your own way.

Remember, it's all about the people.

Jet Plane Pondering (a 10/13 thought)

10/13/17 Thinking

Welcome back everyone! It's Friday evening and I find myself doing some light reading and writing, occasionally dozing off for a couple of zzzzz's.....an exciting Friday night for sure!!! To be fair, there are not many options available to a center seat patron on the flight. The aisle has so much more fun.

Let's go back a few days and catch up.

Early Wednesday, myself and some colleagues boarded a plane to NYC to attend a Charter School Conference. Still trying to keep my training going, I've got to figure out some way to keep running. I've already taken two weeks off 😖  (HUGE MISTAKE!!!) so I've really got to finish strong to for my Nov 4th race. So how do you continue your training during trips?

Let's pen down a few options that are (most likely) always available.

1. Hotel Amenities every place has some type of fitness room. Now fitness a is a loose term to hotels, as many include only a treadmill, elliptical, and definitely some mirrors. Not enough room for a body weight workout or even a light set of weights limits some of the options. Still, you have a treadmill or elliptical or rowing machine. Buck up and do some type of workout.
2. The concierge know their way around . This person recommended we run over the Queensbridge right next to our hotel. What a great choice!A few brief directions and we are on our way. I wouldn't say those would be many routes I'd enjoy but there are several I'd go back and try for sure.
3. You could also ask a random person while running or before heading out. Truth be told, we got actually when we did this. Missed our turn and had no idea where we should go so a couple strangers helped direct us on our way. The bike paths were pretty established so once on it, we were on our way and having fun. 
4.  Just get out and walk (or run) and try to explore the city! This is the best option in my mind, but maybe keep your phone on you and charged so you don't end up lost. Maybe some cash too, just in case you find a place for pizza and beer! We took a couple subways in to Manhattan and put our walking shoes to good use; Central Park, Wall Street, & WTC Memorial are all able to be seen. Check out the photos below.

What a great time, randomly taking paths and completing all the NYC stuff that tourists need to do when visiting. At least I was told that. Check the pics below of iconic landmarks, sorry there are no labels. Using the east coast walk I'm sure our HR was in a great recovery zone. we did grab a slice from a local shop and caught the end of the Eagle/Panthers thriller. At the very least you can "google" some areas to run/walk/visit.

Consistency is key, so even if it is a little, just make sure it is enjoyable and adding to your trip not causing you more anxiety or stress.

Online and Training

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Colorado Sun Performance is a coaching company for those that would like a little guidance, advice, or maybe a bit more help with their triathlon needs. But it's not just triathlons...it includes running, cycling, swimming, basketball, even rugby training. But for now let's focus on the running, cause it's easier to talk about all at once.

I am currently training myself for a Half Marathon in Lone Tree, Colorado in the beginning of November. The last 13.1 miles I ran was in two hours and ten minutes. A solid performance by my standards for a 32 year old who sometimes has one too many servings at dinner or a few extra beverages out with friends. It's the enjoyment of the activity, day in and day out, that draws me back. Rain or shine (but hopefully more shine) the training runs keep coming and signal one step closer to completion of the task. Most of the runs are 5-8 miles at an easy pace, which honestly is kind of frustrating cause sometimes you just want to go FAST. But sometimes you shouldn't, and it's a mental battle to keep the heart rate down during some of these runs when it feels so good to pick up the pace.

At this point, the training is beginning. A learning curve for myself and my athletes, we are understanding each other's preferences, desired communication method, and idiosyncrasies. Between the books, podcasts, and real life training we should be able to put some good content down. I'm never opposed to learning from someone in any walk of life, so leave a comment below and let's get the discussion rollin'.

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