Motivational Monday 12/25

Motivational Monday 12/18

Can't Do It All

Can't Do It All

One of the best investments that someone can make is having a coach. I don't know if I would have made it through my Ironman without my coach. She makes sure that I don't do anything stupid and keeps me in line. While I so much appreciate my coach and her keeping me in line there are some days I wish I could do it all. 

Endurance events are my favorite and I love just being able to get out there and go. But for the upcoming racing session I told my coach that I wanted to work on being faster and try to be competitive. However, I also have a couple marathons that I would like to do in the Spring that comes with the bonus of seeing my family. These marathons though when looking at the whole race schedule conflict with the goal of wanting to go faster in my 70.3 races.

What do you do when everything you want to do conflicts with each other?

For me it came down to priorities. Out of all the goals and races I had to pick what means more to me. My A races are my two 70.3 races because at the end of the day I see myself more as a triathlete and have stronger goals in that area. Plus I am dedicated to supporting the Fetal Health Foundation! I love that piece of why I race - raising funds and awareness for fantastic organizations!

But remember that opening sentence of this blog post - a coach being a good investment. While this continues to be true because while my coach pointed out this original conflict between the marathons and the later triathlons she also helped me work through it and find a middle ground. She was able to work through the racing schedule with me to make sure I work towards my 70.3 goals but am also able to enjoy my early running season and be with my family. Instead of running three marathons, I will be racing one and the others will be half marathons. So while this isn't want I had originally pictured in the end I know that my coach was keeping my best interests in mind. She is keeping me safe!

Maybe a perspective shift is needed on my part. I can have it all it! The pieces just look a little different when put together for the better. I won't be hurting myself before my racing session really takes off and that is a win!

Motivational Monday 12/11

Coal in My Running Shoe

Coal In My Running Shoe

There are so many running related websites out there that is can make you run in circles. Many of them are great resources and have published many great articles, interviews, etc.. In fact I have several book marked and refer to them frequently. One gem of website local to Denver, CO is Running Denver TV.

Offering a one stop shop for finding local races, running locations, results, and local running groups you can find pretty much what you need.

If you aren't local don't let that discourage you from indulging in a well written blog and something pretty unique, running TV. Stories delivered to you in via video!

It is in this blog where I found out that I will be getting coal in my running shoe Christmas morning in the post Santa's Advice: 5 Presents for Runners & 3 Ways To Get Coal In Your Running Shoe Christmas Morning.

A trait, I believe, that many athletes have - knowing the dangers of pushing through possible injury and deciding to push through anyway. I would like to think that our desire to push through comes for a good place. The strength to keep going. The determination to not let pain get in the way. The passion and love of the sport. All great qualities that have helped us all succeed but there is also something to be said for wisdom.

For my past two running workouts I have run with pain in my leg so much so that if you saw me run you could tell because of my gait. It truly looks like I am limping. When I first noticed the pain a few weeks ago, I took 5 days off and felt better and then went back to training for a day or two and back to rest for a few days. So the cycled continued.

At this point I do believe I have crossed that line into needing to figure out what is going on and to not train. If I continue down this path not only do I get coal in my running shoe but a far worse fate may await - the possibility of having no race season at all. Sometimes the stronger act is knowing when to stop, rest, and get help. So maybe with a little Christmas magic and the help of Santa I can maybe change my fate and maybe skip that coal in my running shoe this year. If Scrooge can do it then there is hope for me.

Reflection on Priorities

Reflection on Priorities

The final month of the year is hear and a new year will shortly be upon us. That means my attention will shortly be shifting to thinking more about the beginnings of training for the next race season. In that spirit I was reflecting on my off season training and thinking about my dream upcoming race season. The off season is such an individualized experience and reflects what you hope to accomplish in the next racing season. So this started me thinking about how the off season cannot only reflect what you want for next season but also reflect your priorities as well.

I might be making a generalization when I write that we all sacrifice something during the training and racing season to accomplish our goals. Sometimes what is sacrificed we consciously know, but I would argue that sometimes there are things that are sacrificed unconsciously. So during the off season maybe there is time and space to take both back.

For myself I put my heart and soul into my racing and training. Not only is it my chance to raise funds for organizations that I love, but it also a place for me to find stress relief and to really dig down and find out what I am truly capable of.  It is a conscious choice that I make to make my training and racing a priority. In doing so I knowingly give up time with my family and friends. I miss events because I have a 70 mile ride that I need to knock out. I spend money that could go to things like travel or savings to make sure that I have training supplies for the season. Unconsciously though, I think I sacrifice making other things priorities and sometimes the small details fall through the cracks. Which for me is hard because I pride myself on being detail oriented and being a good friend and family member. So while I consciously know I am missing time with people what I unconsciously give up is the connection and the support that I can provide and that I receive.

I am not saying that making choices and sacrifices is a bad thing. It is how we go about making the choices. Do we go into unknowingly or with eyes wide open?

So during the off season we have choices to make as well. I love the off season because I do feel like I have the space to make choices that align with my priorities - my family and friends. So during the holiday season I am going to indulge in what the holidays have to offer and spend time with family. Don't worry training will be in there as well, but it will fit into my life a little differently.

Bring on the eggnog and cheers to family and friends!

Love Your Training and Racing Gear

Love Your Training and Racing Gear

When I was at my one of races another runner made a comment to me that made me think. Her comment focused on all the gear that goes into training and racing. She thought when she first started running, just like myself, that all you needed was a good pair of running shoes. Yes you do need a good pair of running shoes. It is super important to have that solid pair shoes that are fit properly. This post isn't going to focus on that topic, but I would remiss if I didn't acknowledge and provide a couple of resources.

How to Buy the Right Running Shoes by Runner's World
Running 101: How to Select the Best Pair of Running Shoes by Competitor Running

There are many resources out there about finding good running shoes and the best thing you can do is go to a local running store and have your shoes fit rather then ordering without trying the shoes. I acknowledge I am not expert but this I am 100% confident in saying.

Thank you for the reading the side tangent but now to the point - the other gear that sports our racing and training. To be completely honest I sometimes take all my other gear for granite because I mindlessly grab it when I get ready to head out the door. It is always there and I know that I need it. But that is the point of the gear that it is always there for you making sure that you have what you need to be successful.

Let me use an example of one of my favorite pieces of gear from Orange Mud. In the spirit of being congruent with my past post about being a discerning reader I am disclosing that I have a bias for supporting local companies. With that said the product still has to be a quality product. My favorite way to stay hydrated during my runs is Orange Mud's HydraQuiver Double Barrel Hydration Pack. This hydration pack was my go to while I was training for my Ironman and for the Boston Marathon. For me this pack worked so well because I could have a good amount of water and my Skratch mix versus having to pick one to have in a more traditional hydration system. The added bonus was that I could also have my Huma gels easily accessible on the straps while still having storage for my keys, phone, jacket etc..

After all the miles and time that I spent training my Double Barrel Hydration Pack held up fantastically and it is still going strong. It made it so easy for me to have all my supplies with me without having to worry about refueling as often which meant I had more time to stay focused. As previously mentioned, I took that for granite, but since that comment I don't think I will be taking my hydration for system for granite anymore especially with what I have in store for next season!

Finding the Courage Again

Find the Courage Again

We all have courage. The courage to face our fears. The courage to challenge ourselves. The courage to redefine what is possible. The courage to be ourselves. The courage to be vulnerable. The courage fight back.

This past racing season I was unlucky one day on a training bike ride. A white work truck decided that the laws pertaining to sharing the road and giving cyclists space didn't apply. So I was hit by that truck. The sad piece was that the driver didn't even stop to make sure that I was okay. My heart broke that day. Thankfully, I was able to ride my bike home but after I was back on my bike all I wanted to do was push and race like the wind. So I did. It was the best way I knew how to deal with my emotions about being hit and the driver not caring enough to stop and make sure I was okay. After that day I became so much more timid on when and where I road. That day I not only came back bleeding but I came back more fearful.

I have noticed it not only in the way that ride but also in the fact that I ride when I know someone is available to help and tend to stay closer to areas that I know. To be honest sharing this with the world is a vulnerable place for me. To admit that I have become more scared rather then more confident with as much training and passion that I have. But I promised that I would be honest in this journey and share the good, the bad, and the ugly so here it is.

I opened this post by talking about courage and that is what I hope to find again and take back what I lost that day.

Motivational Monday 12/4

Rudolph Ramble 2017

Rudolph Ramble 2017

How often do you have the opportunity to say that you saved Christmas by helping to find Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer?

Well the Rudolph Ramble gave me just that opportunity this year. Denver is one of Rudolph's favorite places and he was seen rambling around the city again this year. Sadly, he was not answering his Claus North Pole version red nose 1 cell phone so Santa sent out an email asking for help rounding him up in time to make sure all the prep work is done in time for Christmas. Santa Claus had received good elf intelligence that Rudolph had intentions of hanging around his namesake event.

Sure enough Rudolph and Santa both showed up to one of the most festive 5k running racing. All of us racers were graced with beautiful running weather which made spotting Rudolph all that much easier and Santa helped kick off the start of the race bringing smiles to racers of all ages.

This race kicks of the Run Denver Series timed and produced respectively by Hal Sports and BKB Limited. They not only do a fabulous job with making their events fun and exciting but also inviting for everyone whether you are out there for a PR or to just enjoy the event. Each and every participant is cared for out there.

My race was not one of my best races, but I can say that I still had a good time and was reminded of something important. I am still working through an injury. I thought after taking 5 days from doing anything over the holidays would help and by the end of the holidays I was feeling good. I was walking without limping and felt good enough to cycle and hit some yoga classes. But this weekend showed me that whatever I had done is not fully better. This race was painful. One of my friends who ran the race with me told me afterwards that she noticed my limp. Not a good sign. But....

Instead of worrying about my not so fantastic time I remembered to stop and enjoy the race environment. A running race is so much more then just the race. Each race is a chance to be with the local running community and be inspired and encouraged. Races are also a chance to be the one who encourages someone. There are vendors there giving away free samples and there are ample opportunities for photo ops. Plus, depending on the race, there are other activities to take part in and in the case of this race there was face painting!

I know for myself I sometimes get lost in worrying about my race and forget to enjoy the whole experience. For the Rudolph Ramble this year I remembered. So maybe this injury was a blessing in disguise. Timed just to make sure that I have the opportunity to enjoy all that the Christmas season has to offer rather then letting it race by. No pun intended.

And I can say that this year I helped save Christmas. Not a bad weekend at all.

Colder Bolder 2017

Colder Bolder 2017

A Colorado tradition - the Colder Bolder! This race happens the first weekend of December and for me marks the start of the running holiday season.

What I love so much about this race is that each invitational wave is organized by the times from the Bolder Boulder so that everyone is racing against people who have similar times and there are awards for the top three men and women. It is like mini races within a big race. Then at the end there is an open wave for anyone who would like to register who didn't race the Bolder Boulder. The course is run entirely on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus and finishes in the field house. At the end there is usually some pretty neat finishers food! Just a bonus to an already great event.

This year they opened with The Original Charles Dickens Christmas Carolers for each wave. It really brought the holiday spirit!

This race for was not one of my best races nor was it one of my worst races. I had not run in two weeks because of the need to take some time off from running to let my leg rest up a bit. So I had some choices about how I could approach this race and I picked the me against me option. I think remembering the me against me is a good reminder for us no matter if we race the best race of our lives or the worst race of lives.

It is so easy to compare ourselves to other in a race and feel discouraged when we come in last or even boost when we win. Neither of these reactions are "bad." They just are. It is nice to win. It lets us know that we have done our training. It hurts to lose and reminds us that we may have work to do. But at the end of the day our biggest competition is really ourselves. Did I go out there and race to the best of my ability? Did I go out there and have fun? Did I go out there and show myself of what I am capable of?

That was how I approached today's race. As racers ran by me instead of worrying about them I worried about my race. I knew I wasn't going to be the fastest out there, but I also knew that I had my running form to work on. So in the end when I didn't even come close to finishing in the top of my wave I wasn't disappointed. Instead I was proud of the fact that I had run MY race and worked on my running form. What made me the most happy was that I held myself accountable at the end of the race to keep pushing rather then letting myself off the hook. At the end of the day the only person that I am accountable for how I race is myself and I can sleep well tonight knowing that I had a good solid race. Winning isn't everything. Trust me. I know. :)

Beginner's Mind

Beginner's Mind

Beginner's Mind. I first learned about this concept when I was in school and it has stuck with me throughout the years because of the value that it brings in my training and especially in life. Beginner's Mind or Shoshin comes from Zen Buddhism and refers to one having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when learning a subject, even when having had experience and studying at an advanced level. Simply put, it means learning just as a beginner would when the mind is open and not closed off thinking that things are already done a certain way.

This concept while extremely valuable can be so much easier said then done. It is hard to approach something we may have been doing for so long with the mind of a beginner. We may finally feel like we have a sense of mastery or a semblance of competence and then asking the mind to look at something like cycling, running, or swimming as if it was the first day. Sounds scary to me and to be honest it can be. But in the end it is worth it.

Cycling is my weakest out of the three sports and I am very well aware that I have work to do. Swimming is my favorite and I learned this past season that my stoke needs tons of work. Running is the sport that is most freeing to me and I learned that my stride and running posture need so much help. So it would seem that I have a lot of work ahead of me, and it is my decision on how I approach the learning a head of me. Do I dig in and let me ego rule the roost or do I let go of all preconceptions and listen to my coach and others who are trying to help with a Beginner's Mind?

The other day when I was at bike clinic the coach in charge of the clinic was talking about cadence and suggesting drills and images to think about making the most out each pedal stroke. At that point, it would have been so easy to tune her out. We all know that we need a nice cadence and that we can derive more power from focusing on all parts of the pedal stroke. Thank you to whoever came up with the idea of being able to clip into the pedals! In that moment, I made a choice to listen to what she was suggesting and I learned something new that has helped improve my cycling. Had I not listened I might have missed the image that has made a difference and that will hopefully help me next racing session.

I'm choosing to approach my training with a Beginner's Mind and I hope that you will join me. It is the road less traveled (pun intended) and I know it will make all the difference. (Hint: This line is a play on a great poem a good friend once shared with me.)