What Moves Your Face Muscles?

Last month, while on vacation, Jen and I had a chance to do something I've wanted to do for...about 35 years. We got to see my favorite band of all time in concert. Chicago! The band that was so popular when I was in Jr. High, Sr. High and College in the 70s and 80s. I loved their musicianship. Their brass is amazing. They weren't your typical hard rock band of the 70s. All with Masters Degrees in their instruments, from DePaul University... For 2 hours and 10 minutes they performed hit, after hit, after hit. Memories flooded into my mind of my growing up years...basketball...runn'in with my high school buddies...old girfriends...my current girfriend :) We sang along, smiling. We clapped along, smiling. We looked at each other, smiling. I met Jen in 1975, just after Chicago had really exploded in popularity and becoming mainstream.

Their songs are "set in time" in my mind and bring back specific, times and places when I listened to their songs, mostly on the radio, and...yes, 8 track tapes. Yikes. I now watch them perform on Youtube. Not my favorite hit of theirs, but I was listening/watching them do "Make Me Smile" and I realized, they, make me smile. Their music makes me smile. "Beginnings" "25 Or 6 To 4" "Saturday In The Park" "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" "Just You And Me" And, the beautiful, "Color My World" There are still 4 original guys in the band who have played together for over 40 years. Wow! Youtube 'em up...you'll smile too, if, you're over 45 that is.

What else makes me smile?

Puppies. Kittens. My kids succeeding. Riding my bike on a beautiful day. Being in that "zone" in a race and feeling like I'm flying effortlessly. Standing on a poduim after a race. Feeling unlimited gratitude to God for His kindness to me and for the strength He gives me. Seeing Jen do something that makes her smile. Seeing athletes I work with accomplish what they never thought they could. All that, makes me smile.

It was a strange connection that night at the concert between Chicago's music, and my face muscles. It's like they were connected. We'd had an amazing day that day. We woke up that morning in Burlington, VT where I raced at USAT's triathlon national championships and qualified for the world championships next year in New Zealand racing for Team USA (Thank you Lord!) Then as soon as I was done we left and drove 3.5 hours to New Hampshire to the concert, and, we smiled for another 2 hours. It was one of the best days of our marriage. I LOVE that lady!

What makes you smile? Think about it. Get in touch with it. I know I'll have an eternal smile on my face once I leave this world and listen to the eternal concert in heaven. Instead of there being one band on the stage and thousands in the crowd listening, they'll be millions on the stage, singing to...an audience of One. THE One. THAT makes me smile.

Life Lessons Learned...From Racing 172 Miles for 10+ hours

1. You can always do more and endure more, than you think you can.
2. Press through times of pain
3. Stop and get aid when you need to
4. The posture you chose in life can help you slice through adversity or, it can blow you away.
5. Look to God's signs in nature for encouragement
6. Look to people who love you for encouragement - God's love often flows through them
7. Prepare before testing comes, because the testing...IS coming
8. Have a plan, test the plan, practice the plan. If it works, stick with it no matter what
9. Monitor all systems, all the time
10. Take in nutrition on a regular basis or you'll not make it.

Below, I share the story of the race. The above lessons emerge from the story.

I had trained almost 1,000 miles on my bike this Spring, in some of the coldest, windiest weather I've ever ridden in. Frozen fingers and toes...fighting headwinds for 50-60 miles...learning the bike race course by spending hours training on it...all prepared me for race day.

I'd been watching the weather carefully the week of the race and each day that went by the forecast got worse. Friday, the day before, it was cloudy, cold and rainy with 25-30mph winds from the north. Not good. Race day was supposed to be 15-25mph winds from the north with "feel like" temps in the 30s and 40s. And that, is just what it was like.

I got very little rest the night before and was up at about 3:45am, ate breakfast and started drinking lots of water. Got to the race start/finish area just north of the Gallop building in downtown Omaha at 5:25am and got ready for the 6am start. We all rolled out of town at a pretty quick pace...too fast but I just couldn't let the leaders go that soon. I had a pacing plan that I wanted to stick with and this wasn't it, so, went a bit faster than planned the first hour but felt I was OK doing so.

We rode over the 370 bridge and into Iowa, heading for Glenwood. There are a series of hills taking us up to Glenwood then, down out of that community. The lead pack took off on the hills and it was tough to just let them go...but I had a plan. I knew it was a LONG day and I had to just spin easily up every hill all day, so, I let them go. I noticed a dead bird on the side of the road and thought about how God sees every bird that falls - how much more does He care for me? I saw hawks flying overhead and remembered that "those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise up with wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk (or, ride a bike?) and not faint." Isaiah 40:31. I was blessed to be out there and I smiled and thanked God. A few miles later at the aid station in Glenwood, I caught up with the leaders as the pack stopped there. Jen was running a little late coming from Omaha and wasn't there so I just quickly refilled my bottles and took off.

At about the 30 mile mark, just before going under Interstate 29, a group of 4-5 passed me. We then headed south on a frontage road on the west side of I-29 with the group about 300 yds. ahead. They didn't stop at the 40 mile aid station. I thought that was a mistake because after that one we had 25 miles to the next one and we'd already gone 13 miles since the last one back in Glenwood. So, I stopped just long enough to have Jen hand me fresh supplies of water and Hammer Nutrition products and I took off.

Five miles down the road, at about 45 miles I passed the group and took the lead. Felt...strange, and kind of scary to be leading the solo division. There were two riders way ahead who were doing the relay so I didn't worry about them. I pressed on to Hamburg, IA at the 66 mile mark where Jen was again waiting for me. She was amazing all day, helping me and encouraging me. More fresh supplies from Jen and off I went, heading for the turn around in Rock Port, MO, 20 miles further south. I was monitoring my heart rate from time to time, keeping it in control and low where I wanted it.

Due to riding the course during training I knew that there were some bad hills the last 12 miles into Rock Port and just as I got to them, one of the riders from the pack caught me. We chatted just a bit but then he dropped me going up the first hill. I caught up some on the downhill. This repeated itself about 10 more times. He was stronger on the uphills and I caught him on the downhills. About a mile from the turn around, another solo division rider caught up. So, the three of us came into the turn around at Rock Port within 45 seconds of each other. This was getting interesting!

The difference between winning and losing often comes down to the little things. Several little things often add up to one big thing. The other riders got off their bikes and went to the food table to get some nutrition and see what was available. I, on the other hand, dropped my empty bottles, grabbed fresh, full ones from Jen, grabbed my food / nutrition, turned around and quietly took off. I knew that we were all in for a brutal 86 miles riding into that nasty headwind...plus, we got to do it for 12 miles while going up and down those same bad hills we'd just covered. I put my head down and told myself, "Linc, you've done this all Spring during training. You went 53 miles into a headwind on a training ride and 60 miles into a headwind on another ride. You can DO THIS!" I felt strong and confident though I had no idea how far behind the two challengers were. I tucked down into the "aero position" on my aero bars and started slicing through the wind.

20 miles back to Hamburg, still feeling good. On the way there, Gary Conway, a good friend pulled up in his car and greeted me. Emotional energy! He buzzed up to Hamburg and was waiting to greet me there and watch another super quick transition. Empty water bottles out, full ones in and outta there! Now, a 25 miles stretch from mile 106 to 131 landing me in Bartlett, IA and the next Aid Station. The winds were relentless. They just pounded me. I felt myself starting to get weak mentally and emotionally. My knees were starting to hurt and my neck and traps were getting tired and hurting too. A little doubt started to set in. I had no idea what was going on behind me. Didn't know if I'd opened up a nice gap or if the cyclists chasing me were just a minute or two behind.

Finally, and man it seemed like a stretch that would never end, I got to the Bartlett Aid Station. Quick transition again and an eight mile stretch right next to I-29. Wide open spaces and the wind howled in my face and through my helmet into my ears. I had a hard time hearing what Jen was saying when she'd pull over to the side to cheer when I went by. I'd asked her to do this because I was getting weaker and weaker emotionally. Sounds weird I know, but I don't know how else to say it. I needed encouragement. I was 140 miles into the race - further than I'd ever gone and, the remaining miles, the hills to come and the wind played haunting games with my mind. Jen stopped on the side of the road many more times to cheer and to encourage me.

One time, I just yelled to her from my bike, "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" I was taking in each word of encouragement from her like a starving man taking in fresh bread. I felt lonely and needed her close to me. I rolled into Glenwood at the 145 mark and the second to last Aid Station. Again, Jen and I repeated the drill with the bottles and nutrition. I told her that there were two huge hills in the next five miles and I needed to get through the next really tough section. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Got up the first one easier than I thought. I realized how Hammer Nutrition was playing a HUGE role in keeping my muscles fueled. Up to the "top" of the bluff, then some gentle rollers through Glenwood, then a big downhill that led to the huge uphill just north of Glenwood.

"OK Linc. Gear down and stay with this. Concentrate. You've done this hill before. You can do it! Agree with King David of the Old Testament, 'The Lord is the strength of my life.'" Self talk can be very useful. As I approached the top, Jen was on the side of the road and told me...that she saw someone coming up on me from behind. My heart sank. I had led for the last 60+ miles and now...I was going to be caught... I could only hope that maybe, it was a relay team rider and not one of the guys who had been chasing me. Jen said she'd find out and let me know.

Turned out it was a relay rider. Whew! But, I still didn't know how far back my competition was. With about 16 miles to go it started raining. Great. I was already getting cold and the rain made me colder. Over I-29 for the last time and over the 370 bridge - Ah, back in Nebraska, but still had 13 miles with a lot of tough hills. I'd covered 160 miles. My knees were killing me. It felt like knives were getting jabbed in them from the sides. My neck and traps were screaming and just overall weariness was wearing on me. The wind had just about wiped me out...but...there I was, still pedaling for the finish line by the strength the Lord was giving me.

Up and down the hills on 13th Street, over to 6th street, further north, under the bridges, through the Congra complex, and, I didn't know what road to take to get back to the finish line. GREAT! Are you kidding me? I went down one road only to end up at a dead end. Turned around, came back, kept looking. I realized when we rolled through there 10 hours earlier, it was kind of dark and I didn't pay attention. I knew which turns to take 80 miles away, but not 1 mile from the finish line. SO frustrated. Started to panic a little...

I had visions of the 2nd place rider flying by me, knowing where to go. I tried another turn and yes, it was correct and I could see the QWest Center. Looked back. Didn't see anyone. I was really cold! Came to the finish line with a smile on my face but it covered over one tired body inside. First place - wow, I was so happy. 172 miles covered. I handed the bike to Jen, sat down on the curb and started shaking uncontrollably. Two blankets didn't help. Got my wet clothes off and sat in car to warm up. Thought I was warm so I got out to get a massage and some pizza only to start shaking badly again.

A hot shower at home was what I needed, so we packed everything up and headed for home. That shower felt great, but then, back downtown again for the awards dinner. VERY difficult race, but SO satisfying. I had no idea how I would do at the beginning of the day. God blessed my day for sure. Scroll back up to the top and check out the 10 lessons once again. Think about your own life and how they might apply to you. They are all true and apply to all areas of life. By God's grace, I went 43 miles further than ever before and 86 of them into a headwind. I'd won a race I didn't know if I could even finish. I applied the principles outlined at the beginning of this blog and found success. I'm so grateful to God and to Jen and so many others for the encouragement and prayers that came my way that day. I'll never do that solo race again! :) Honest. But, I'm thankful for the lesson learned and the ones reinforced.

"Boldly Going Where No Man (Well, At Least THIS Man) Has Gone Before" A 172 Mile Bike Race?

It's been a very long time since I raced a distance that was so long that I'd not gone that far before. I did my longest triathlon back in '97, repeating the Ironman distance two more times. I did my first 50 mile ultra marathon back in '80, doing three more ultras after that. I swam 3 miles once back during the summer of (about) '98 in a lake in Minnesota. Longest bike ride ever was a training ride of about 120 miles for the '97 Ironman.

Everything since then has been just trying to race faster, not longer...until now. My wife, who is a Realtor for Landmark Group, www.landmarkomaha.com here in Omaha came home one day to tell that the company was going to put on a 172 mile bike race that covered three states - Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. The route goes from Omaha to Rock Port, Missouri and back. Yes, there is a 2 person relay division and a 4 person division, but...time for a new challenge I think. Check it out at www.Omaharacetorecycle.com

How do you train for a 172 mile bike race? I don't know. Ride your bike a lot I guess. How do you pace yourself for such a long race? I don't know. Go real easy the first 120 miles I guess. What kind of nutritional plan should you use? I'll stick to 300 calories/hour of Hammer Nutrition products which has always worked in other races. What about saddle sores? www.skinstrong.com offers "Slather" which works great for that potential problem.

Biggest challenge for me (besides the distance which is ridiculous, and questions about pacing) is the lack of time to train for such a race. I'll no doubt be under trained. It's May 14 but I'm out of town for a week in March so no riding, and then, two weeks in April, I'm out of the country, so no riding then. That leaves less than 8 weeks! Man, wish I had about 4 months, but I don't. So, what will I do?

I'll try to get in as many long rides on my days off, as I possibly can. I might be able to get my longest ride up to 110 miles which, seems woefully short of what is needed. But, all I can do is to do what I can, then, try to be really smart on race day. If you ride a bike but are not interested in the solo 172 or the two person relay, get three friends and do the 4 person relay - 43 miles each. Or, if that's a bit too much, do the Family Ride of 17 miles. There will be an expo and some cool stuff going on that day besides the races at Midtown Crossing which is the start and finish line for all races. So, check out the website and join in the fun if you live in eastern Nebraska or western Iowa.

Climbing The Mountains Of Life

Last weekend I was in sunny, warm Tucson, AZ for the ICTN (www.ICTriNet.com) annual camp/retreat. Besides seeing old friends, making new ones, listening to some great speakers and attending fantastic triathlon workshops, there is the annual Mt. Lemmon bike climb for those who want to tackle it. Mt. Lemmon is a 27 mile climb taking you from about 2,000 ft. above sea level where it starts, up to over 8,000 ft. It's pretty much relentless with very few reprieves from the grinding ascent.

This was the 6th year for the camp and the 3rd it's been held in Tucson. Two years ago, I approached the mountain with little respect for it. I had NEVER climbed a mountain of any type. Omaha and Phoenix, where I've lived the last 29 years, have hills, yes, but no mountains. Still, I figured, how tough can this really be? Ok, so, it was tough enough to wipe me out after 14 miles of climbing both previous years, just halfway up it. Why? Bad mindsets, bad pacing and a bad nutritional plan. Last year I took the first 8 miles WAY too fast and bonked at about 11 miles, barely hanging on up to 14 where I called it quits.

So, I was zero for two going into the climb this year. I'd had 365 days to think about this. I decided I'd climb slowly but steadily. Didn't care if anyone passed me...even an elderly women on a recumbent bike - I'd just let her go. I would ride my pace, stay very hydrated and fueled up, and know it would take me awhile so patience had to prevail.

We start up the mountain and, sure nuf, some folks started to come around me as I made my way up the first half. I was tempted to go with a couple of them but..."Don't do that," I told myself...so I didn't. 27 miles of climbing at about 9 mph means...well, you do the math. My only goal was to get to the summit, not to get there quickly. My hydration was good and by using Hammer Nutrition's products, I never had a major energy let down - emphasis on "major."

On we rode with snow on the sides of the road when, a couple of miles from the top a few buddies passed me, coming down. Man, those guys can ride. John Shelp, who I was riding with, and I keep moving upward feeling worse and worse the closer we got to the top. There is a small community at the 25 mile point called Summerhaven and we pulled in there thinking we'd grab a cookie and coffee at the shop there...but...then...John said, let's keep going. Seriously? I really didn't think I could go up two more miles to the ski lift. I was completely spent. But, the summit beckoned us, so, we made the turn and headed further up the mountain.

We made it! 27 miles of mountain climbing. Did I respect that mountain now? Yep. And, I'd climbed on a bike with gearing perfect for flatland racing, not geared to climb, which, made it even tougher, but also more satisfying. We went into a shop and ordered blueberry pie with ice cream and coffee. Man, did that taste good! Then, we bundled up cause it was cold up there and headed down. An hour or so later, after screaming down that hill, we hit the bottom and headed the last 6 miles back to the host hotel, completely exhausted and spent, but very happy.

We all face mountains in our lives. Financial, vocational, physical, relational...there are many and each season of life seems to bring new ones. We can choose to look at the mountain and not take it seriously, only to have it kick our fanny. We can try to overcome it without the necessary "nutrition" that we'll need to fuel us on our journey. Or, we can start up it with the right mindset and supplies. That ride only made me stronger after I recovered. The mountains of life can be looked at from a positive point of view.

David of the Old Testament said, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1.
God is the One who knows best how to deal with the mountains of life. Focusing on Him, we draw the help we need to make it up and over every mountain we face, or, just watch Him move it. What mountain is confronting you currently? How are you dealing with it? God is right there. He knows the way up and over. Look to Him.

Bear Grylls on "Dreams"

Bear Grylls said, "Dreams are great, but they have a price. Dreams are made possible in those dark hours...the unsung hours behind the scenes and if you want them, you have to pay that price." He said this after paragliding higher than any man - up to Mt. Everest breaking the world record by over 5,000 ft. He also raised $1.7 million for charity through his Everest effort. What dreams do you have? Are you willing to pay the price?

This was something I just posted on my facebook page. I just watched a one hour special on Bear's attemt to fly as high or higher than Mt. Everest with a retangular parachute / sail and a motor strapped to his back for power. Pretty amazing story. It was a dream that he and his buddy carried in their hearts for months and months. In 58 minutes I saw the dream fulfilled. I didn't see all those "dark hours." I didn't see those unsung hours of preparation, trial and error and training in freezing conditions to ready themselves. Bear hit the nail on the head. Dreams are made possible by all the behind the scenes stuff that...no one sees. Champions are made when no one is watching them train and practice. People watch and applaud the end result...but no one is applauding during the unsung hours.

Dream fulfillers are those who only need the dream, not the applause to move them forward. That picture of their prefered future motivates them, not man. What dream do you carry? Are you willing to pay the price to see it through the dark hours? I love that Bear raised over a million and a half dollars for charity through this event.

Bear, good for you and for all those who benefitted from your amazing effort and world record. To those reading...dream...pay the price...do something to benefit others...learn from Bear.

Fear Of Failure

Portland, Oregon - 1997. USA Triathlon National Championships. What... in... the... world was I doing there?? I'm the guy who never played a varsity sport in high school. I got crushed in my one 8th grade wrestling match in Jr. High. I scored 1 point the entire year on the 8th grade basketball team. I got in about 5 plays my entire ninth grade football season. So, again, what was I doing there?

I had done pretty well in local races in the Phoenix area, but talk about taking it up a notch! Needless to say I was pretty scared to book the tickets to fly up there. Why? Fear of failure. I needed to be in the top 16 to make Team USA and race in Germany 8 weeks later at the World Championships. Jen was going to go with me to Portland, and then my folks said they were going to fly in from Omaha to watch the race! Pressure? Yes. But much more than that...fear of failure! On steroids - the fear that is, not me. I lined up on the beach along with 60-70 of the best triathletes in my age group from around the nation. Fear of failure closed in on me. Some of these guys had been pros back in the day. One had been a great swimmer for the University of Michigan. One had won the Atlanta marathon five times! Fear of failure. For a moment, I wanted to just forget this and go home. Why? Fear of failure.

Is there anything in your life that you shrink back from attempting? Something you've always wanted to try but that you think you'd fail if you did? Got anything in that "bucket list?" Or, perhaps you did try that "something" but failed at? I once heard of a book that was titled, "Failure - The Backdoor To Success." Never read the book but always remembered the title.

Life is short. Live it to the fullest! Scripture says that God gave us all things freely to enjoy, 1 Timothy 6:17. He's given us gifts, talents, abilities and interests. We should develop them, explore them and use them. If you fail in your attempts...so what? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. You've heard this stuff before but what are you doing with it? Go for it. Superstar Michael Jordon did. Yet, check out his quote: “I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” So, go ahead, take that shot!

Portland - I came out of the water almost 2 minutes slower than I had hoped for. Lousy start. The bike/run course was super hilly - monsters! I'd trained very hard on hills and hammered that course. Later that day, with no advanced results being posted, they announced the top 10. I just wanted to be 16th. Was very scared of failing... They announced the top 10 who got to go up to the stage and recieve an award. 10th place was called out, then 9th place, then my name! Shocked. Overjoyed.

If fear had kept me from going to Portland, I would have never made it to Worlds in Germany where, by God's grace and through His strength, I finished 20th out of 99 men from almost 30 nations.

Don't fear failure. Instead, be afraid of living a dull life, imprisoned by fear, bound by being worried about something that may never happen! Be a difference maker. You'll have to risk and get out on a limb but, man, is it worth it!

So, You're An Endurance Athlete...and...Your Spouse Isn't - What To Do?

So, I've asked Jen for her input here. I've been a runner for the last 30 yrs. doing races up to 50 miles long. Been competing in triathlons for 18 yrs. Jen is one of the most amazing, talented people on the planet. She's selfless, generous and kind and I love her...but...she is not an endurance athlete.

Over the years she has put up with water bottles all around the kitchen sink drying out, sweaty running and cycling clothes laying around, my bike IN the living room for a few years (no time for that story now), listening to my woes about injuries, aches and pains, not to mention splits, pacing, race reports and how I should have beaten so and so. I once even burned a hole in the family room carpet cycling indoors (no time for that story either.)

She had been incredibly supportive of my training and racing and they've never been a sore spot in our marriage. How have things worked out this way when, the divorce rate for triathletes is much higher than that national average, which, is about 50%? Here are a few things we came up with:
1. Jen just informed me that the reason this has worked is because I'm married to an amazing women who has the patience of Job. OK. Agreed...for sure! Jen, you rock!
2. She said I was good to not let my training and racing get in the way of our children when they lived at home.
3. Based on # 2 - I've tried to always train when it doesn't effect the things in life that are really important = faith, marriage, children, work, etc.
4. I've worked hard at becoming really good at time management. I don't waste time and I multi-task whenever possible. Like doing core work on the floor while watching the news with Jen on TV (this is where her patience comes in.) OK...she's laughing right now as I just read this to her.
5. Jen understands that this is a gift and a passion that God has given me. Just as I support her in what she is "into" like real estate, so she supports me in my endeavors. I believe in her and she believes in me. We're each other's biggest fans - a mutually supportive relationship.

6. Jen just said that she thinks that due to my priorities, I'm willing to train far less than other guys that race at the same level as me. If I put in the hours some triathletes do...well...things might not be going so smoothly on the home front.
7. Jen just said that she knows that if something comes up or she needs me, I'm there - planned workout or not. I'll drop a workout in a heartbeat if she needs me - that sends an important message to her for sure.

We've been married 33 yrs. and they've not all been smooth sailing. Don't want to give that impression. Marriage is hard work. Being married to an endurance athlete...makes it even harder. But, every married person must send the genuine message that their spouse is the most important person in the world. When that message is sent...and received...training and racing can work quite well.

Finally, when Jen comes to a race I'm in, I tell her that I race faster, feeling like I'm back in high school, trying to impress my girlfriend. I think she likes that. OK, she's now telling me to get off the computer and grill some Little Red Barn Beef steaks. My response? "As you wish." (A great line guys - happy wife, happy life :)

Injuries Stink...What To Do...?

Injuries are part of sports and particularly endurance sport due to the same motions/movements taking place thousands of times. Injuries stink because they take you out of your normal training routines, which effects your racing, which messes with your mind even bringing on mild depression. If the injury is severe or long-term or reoccuring, it can take some people into more serious depression and a loss of identity.

Food for thought about injuries from a guy who's had 'em all and is now dealing with heel pain that's gone on for 9 months.
1. Let injuries help you to remember what REALLY matters in life. Running, triathlon, cycling, etc. are hobbies for 99% of us. Let's not take ourselves too seriously.
2. If an injury won't let you run, then put in extra time in the pool. If it won't let you do this...do that. Focus on some other stuff while you heal up. Volunteer at a race instead of competing.
3. If it hurts to do it...probably shouldn't do it - let it heal
4. No athletic activity or performance defines anyone. Your value isn't found in your performance even though our society says it does. Your ultimate value is found in the fact that God created you and loves you.
5. Study your injury and the best treatment for it. EASE back into things. Often, ice, ice and more ice can be a great, free therapy along with The Stick - see list on left side of blog.

Hang in there. Very few injuries last more than a few weeks or a month or two. Injuries do stink, but they can be a valuable part of our life-learning experience and can develop a gratitude for the health we do enjoy.

Winter Season - Toughest Time To Gear Back Up - Motivation?

Some athletes stay in top shape year around. Not me. Since moving back from Phoenix to Omaha two years ago, I've taken a serious "off-season" each fall. This year I gained 12 lbs. since my last race in August. Now, the tough job of starting to get that off begins. Indoor winter training for me never matches what I do outside in the Spring and Summer so it's tough to see that scale move much. Skipping workouts don't seem to matter much since my next triathlon is several months away and oh, those holiday goodies...they're still around.

Motivation - What has to motivate me from this day onward is...my goal for 2011 which is, to qualify at US Nationals in Vermont in August for the World Championships next year in New Zealand. What I do EACH day, from now on, will have either a positive or negative effect on THAT day. Each day...that day. It's how it works. The small choices we make every day, effect who and what we'll be 6 months from now or a year from now or 10 years from now. What goals do you have? How would you like to see your life change? It'll only happen day by day, choice by choice, keeping that goal in mind. You've got choices/options. I've got choices/options. What choices will we make?

I love the Kia car commercial on TV with the hamsters rapping, "You can go with this, or you can go with that, or you can go with this, or you can go with that" So true. Choose wisely today and you'll be glad you did on THAT day.