Inspiration equals Motivation

By now everyone that knows me, knows I am racing in a triathlon...it is consuming. If I am not talking about it, then I am training, if I am not training I am trying to raise money, if not fundraising then I am preparing for it (nutrition, bike maintenance, researching techniques). Needless to say the triathlon has been consuming a lot of my time. But I love it. I like learning new things, pushing myself both physically and emotionally (do you know how boring it is run on a treadmill for an hour, then immediately get an on stationary bike??) and of course knowing it is for a GREAT cause.

With all that being said, I try to limit myself for talking about it too much. I don’t want to bore people with the same old discussion topic. Oddly enough, there has been one side effect of my training that I didn't expect. I was talking with Angela (wife) the other day about several different friends (that don't know each other) and how all of a sudden they are becoming more active. Several friends have started doing various activities ranging from dusting off their old bikes, to walking the dog longer, going to the gym, a boating friend wants to take up wakeboarding (because I started 2 years ago) and one friend even signed up for a triathlon (you go Sandy!). Yeah, I know it is that time of year where people try to "start the new year off right", work towards fulfilling their New Year's resolution, etc, etc. But, I can't help but fell particularly responsible for this movement.....and DAM it feels good! To know I have a positive impact on my friends, family, and colleagues at work motivates me even more to keep pushing!

Last Saturday Angela and I attended the Team in Training annual group picnic. It was the first indoor picnic I have ever attended, but yeah what the yeck right? I forgot what time it started so we were late. But we got to hear participant’s stories about why they are training, who they were training for, and how it impacted both their lives. It was AMAZING! Afterwards, we hung out and talked to several coaches, participants, and survivors. At the picnic I finally meet someone (she is actually a TNT coach, although not mine) who lives near us. Most participants live in northern Virginia. Anyway, she invited me to swim with her and one other person on Sunday where she offers coaching and instruction. EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! Sundays are an "optional" swim for us but I always try to swim anyway because I feel I really need to work on my swim.


Training stuff: This week is a "recovery week" i.e., light workout

• Saturday - Bailed on the group bike ride. It was 34 degrees outside and there was still a lot of ice on the trails. No thanks, I will ride the stationary bike.
• Sunday - instructional swimming 90 minutes
• Monday - Weights and 30 minute run
• Tuesday - Weights, 30 minute run, and a 60 minute swim
• Wednesday - Weights and 30 minute bike
• Thursday - VERY SORE! 70 minute swim only
• Friday - DAY OFF

Thanks for reading.