Block 2

Ironman is a process of deconstructing your deep inners, from there one can build to higher highs and to take on life with ease and enjoyment through a set of lenses few will ever wear or possibly ever understand. In essence, everything Ironman teaches me through the joy, wonderment, pain, sacrifice, frustration and disappointment are features I embrace and apply to many facets of my life. I love everything about it!

After a brief hiatus of blogging, twittering and Facebook, I decided to hit the writing process again even though I said I would not. Candidly, I originally stopped blogging because a few people who never really knew me started giving me a hard time about posting, etc. A few even said, “how can you be a good financial advisor, Dad or anything else while you pursue something so hard as the world championship”, aka Kona. Well, if you know me, I took that a little hard. I stepped back and thought about the lessons to be learned from these words and statements. After reflection, and clarity for that matter here is my response.

The short answer is: I can and do pull it off even if you think I can’t!! Like anyone who amounts to anything in this life; you cannot win a Super bowl, lead a great organization, and raise a family without a great core of special people operating as a supportive cast. Some sign-on, some don’t. I’ve always been a dreamer! At times, I am so all-out out focused on a vision and executing a dream it can be misunderstood. I’m not a victim, but I came from a modest background. I let myself be marginalized by people who took advantage of me and my kindness. I started in a profession as a broker with not a single client and about $30 to my name almost 23 years ago. I not only survived against all odds in my profession, I rose to the top 1% and there I remain. I was pushed down, doubted and made fun of. I’ve never let that deter me even at my darkest most desperate hour. I chased a vision and I execute that on a day-to-day basis with precision and a team of amazing people that I alone assembled. I practice gratitude and give all of myself to the people who love me and I of them . I’m a cowboy. I make no excuses of whom I am. I don’t operate my life by other’s rules. I’m not liked or even loved by everyone and at the tender age of 42, that’s ok too. I know who I am, what I want to do, how I want to challenge myself, who I want in my life and who I want to become. I will not step on a basketball court, lace up the sneaks or saddle up on my bike without the intent of winning each and every time. I’m fully capable of putting my ass on the line at every turn and I am unafraid of anything including death. I do not perceive limits and I could care less if I fail and I’m going to give my best effort in everything I commit myself to. Is it selfish to be flat out focused on living a dream, I don’t think so. Do you have to think like I do? No.

The last block
The last training block was completed as prescribed and I obtained all the stated goals by coach Jesse. My last race which was a 10K was completed on pace. I’ve been struggling through a really bad lower ab strain. The strain is in a spot that is annoying for a triathlete because virtually every activity engages that area (swimming, biking and running). The reality is, the volume is so intense (25 this week) that it’s pretty impossible to miss any time without missing the stated goals.

It’s really part and parcel to the whole process though. I don’t mind having the strain because it’s nothing compared to the rib issue I had for much of the end of the season. All I have to do is be healthy and fast for one-day (May 1) Mission Utah!!!

Also, I’m excited to announce that I got a sweet sponsorship deal from Newton Shoes (Newton Running). It’s mostly bragging rights, but fun just the same! More on that later!

Schedule has been daunting to say the least. Jesse has been really over the top nice in working with me. I have my kids every other weekend and I have to get my training completed in and around them and work. As a result, I have 5 days to complete what really should take 7 days. I cram 25 hours into most often 5 days early (2AM – 11PM). I love it!!!!
Here is my most recent block goals. Next up, Hyannis Half Marathon and a sub 1:26, BTT Time Trial, Oceanside 70.3. I’ve been crushing the weights and staying in my zones. Swim mechanics are getting better too!

Block 2 Comments
• The purpose of this block is to continue rebuilding a base (aerobic & strength) that will carry you throughout the season. It is very important to stay within your zone 1 during this block. Don’t be tempted to do speed work or hammer the hills. We will begin some hill work in about 8 weeks.

• I know that the HR zones feel too easy, but stick to them. It’s important that you do that to keep the energy production coming from the aerobic system. If you push it too early, you’ll promote anaerobic energy production that will undermine your long distance racing. Keeping the intensity down will also, help prevent injuries as the volume increases.

• Our second race is scheduled at the end of this block. This will be another good test on where your run fitness is. A bunch of us are planning to do a 10K in Danvers if that’s convenient for you. As we get closer to race day, I’ll develop some goals based on your performance indicators at that time.

• As discussed, keep pushing the weights as long as the moves feel safe. Don’t sacrifice form in any way to lift more weight.

• Plan on continuing lots of steady swimming this block. If possible, I’d like to get in the pool with you to asses your swim mechanics again. This will help us target any specific limiters with drill work over the next several blocks.

• As discussed, let’s schedule a date to asses your sport mechanics soon. We can do a swim analysis or run analysis on the day we meet. That will be in addition to a review of your performance indicators and progress.

• As you know, we’re still trying to increase your BMI here through the base phase. Make sure you are focusing on protein at about 220 grams of protein each day minimum.
• Now that we have rounded the new year, start to tighten up the diet A BIT. Here are the guidelines

o Go to whole grains during the post workout windows, no cake or pizza here anymore.
o Start adding 5 grams of glutamine to your post workout drinks o Have ONE cheat meal a week like pizza on Friday night o Add 300mg of GLA to your normal fish oil on the hardest workout days o 220 grams of protein every day o 4 servings of fruit and veggies each day.

“I’m really excited for your season this year. 15 months of hard work is really starting to pay off.” Jesse