Strong Journey

Take a break! Refresh, Reset, and Regroup ;-)

Training for the impossible Swimming in the open water has been a fear and something I have failed at in my attempts.  So why in the world would I ever think that a triathlon is a good idea, much less a half ironman?!  Over the past 9 weeks the focus of my workouts has been that which seems impossible.  Swimming 1.2 miles and then riding my bike for a 55 miles followed by a half marathon is beginning to seem like a bad idea. The lack of time I have to commit to the training causes me to think that maybe "I can't" do that which seems impossible.   But you know what?  I have found another life lesson in this process.  So much in life can seem beyond us, yet if we continue on we find that what has kept us from success most has been what is in our head.  Thinking of all the perceived impossible dreams I have, and have had, throughout my life I see more than once where it all worked out so much greater than I could have even imagined and was an opp...

Monday: 10 minute warm-up - full body mobility 40 minute bike - pedal at a moderate pace and then every 10 minutes go fast for 30 seconds 40 push-ups 100 sit-ups Tuesday: 10 minute warm-up 40 minute run - Every 10 minutes run fast for 30 seconds 50 walking lunges 100 scissor kicks Wednesday: 30 - 60 minutes of yoga Thursday: 10 minute warm-up 5 mile run - Stop and complete 25 squats at every mile - Try to keep a faster then slow pace ;-) 50 hollow arch holds Friday: 10 minute warm-up 40 minute bike, row, or elliptical - Choose one to stay with the entire time and try and hold a steady pace 50 bench dips 100 sit-ups Saturday: 10 minute warm-up 5 - 10 mile run at a comfortable pace

Eagerly look for what's ahead! Monday:  10 minute warm-up     Upper body, core, and cardio, stretch  5 rounds:            5 push ups.            5 dips            4 minute row or bike - 1 minute easy, 1 minute fast, 1 minute easy, 1 minute fast            25 sit-ups            25' Bear Crawl - Forward and Back            4 minute row or bike - 1 minute easy, 1 minute fast, 1 minute easy, 1 minute fast                           Cool down on bike, elipticle, or walk *7 stretches for runners Tuesday:     Run, legs, stretch         10 minute fast walk to warm up, full body mobility          2 rounds:   ...

Train to be uncomfortable I was talking to someone the other day who said that she asked an Ironman athlete how they get through the grueling process of a race, and the answer was, "I train to be uncomfortable."  As I think about this response I can't help but apply it to all aspects of life.   How often does life hit us in the face and we feel completely unprepared?  From big to small, there are times that life gets uncomfortable.  I'm sure that the person who made this statement would go on to say that the finish line is worth the misery and that the training allowed the process to be successful.   Going to a place of discomfort is not a bad thing, in fact, it is helpful.  We live in a society that wants to be comfortable and happy at all times and at all costs, but how does this help?   Physical training is a great opportunity to be uncomfortable.  In those moments you think it is hard or painful, think of the momentary disco...

"Fear is only as deep as the mind allows" Japanese Proverb Live brave this week and be strong! Monday: 10 minute warm up 5 rounds: 6 hanging knees to elbow - Hanging from the pull up bar engage your lats while pulling your knees up to your elbows.  Focus on lats and core 12 hollow holds  8 Ring Rows 20 sit-ups 30 minute bike, row, or eliptical  Cool down/Stretch Tuesday: 10 minute warm up        4 rounds: 25 squats 25 walking lunges 1 mile run           cool down/stretch Wednesday: 45 - 60 minutes of yoga. Thursday: 10 minute warm up 3-4 mile run.  Every 5 minutes run fast for 30 sec.           Cool down/stretch Friday: 10 minute warm up 5 rounds:  20 (each side) fire hydrants - While on all 4's keep your core tight and back ...

Being amazing doesn't just happen, you have to put forth the effort and... always wear your helmet!  These 4 motorcycle enthusiasts completed lap after lap on motorcycles and quads today all the while believing they were the best.  Practicing a new skill can bring defeat, but it's the continued effort that brings about success.   As you set out to complete each workout this week focus on practicing that which comes hard.  Don't allow the things you can't do stop you from trying.  Make adjustments to allow for baby steps of accomplishment and look for improvement.  I'm confident you are better and stronger today than you were a year ago and that there are moves and skills that you might not be able to do now but will in the near future! Look towards greatness! Monday: 10 minute warm up 10 rounds: 1 minute fast bike, eliptical or row 6 Up dog/ Down dog 10 hollow holds  1 minute fast bike, eliptical or row ...