Why We Do What We Do: Albany Half

It's an interesting question. Why do we do what we do? I think why its such an interesting one is that its completely and utterly different for every human on this planet. I can say that with reasonable certainty that I know myself really well. I know why I do what I do in most facets of my life, yet it would be overly confident for me to say that I knew the "WHY" in all facets.

This week wasn't an ordinary one because the departure of three very close guests (I would call them family) left the walls of Hilton Head Health. Its going to be weird heading into work tomorrow and not seeing their familiar faces, but at some point every guest has to exit Hilton Head Health. I think what's different about these three is that they've clearly emulated my "Why" for showing up with a smile, positive attitude and desire everyday. Their commitment, dedication and sincere DRIVE to change themselves was and IS absolutely incredible. I think what surprised me the most though is how much I truly impacted them. I had an idea, but man am I thankful they let me know. All three expressed such gratitude for the personal training sessions, our talks and the support. Did I really do all that much?


My honest answer is I don't think I really did a whole lot, but clearly we developed deep relationships here. I think we're now all emotionally attached because they are my "WHY" for being at Hilton Head Health. These three beautiful, hardworking and caring people make it all worth it. They make working hard, taking on 10 appointments a day and going the extra mile IMPORTANT. Any extra hour I stay late in the office or any race I run these days can easily go back to these three (I can pinpoint other H3 guests as well - of course you know who you are). The fact of the matter is WOW am I grateful. 23 years old, I've found a gift in myself that positively impacts the lives of others and I'm in an environment that I can use it. Can you ask for anything more?

This weekend, I traveled to the Albany Half marathon in Georgia to defend my 1st place finish established last year. I have to note that to me it is TRULY about PRs and not the finishing place, but you do have to go back and defend right? :) Anyways, I found Saturday to be pretty memorable and unforgettable. Not because of the weather, but because of what I was thinking about the whole time...

As the 7am gun fired, It began to sprinkle and the drops quickly eased into a down pour for the first 3 miles. I hung back on the 1st mile and settled into a 5:50 pace (a little quick than I was planning). After that, I took over the lead of the pack holding 5:55 for the next 4 miles. Another runner came up and overtook me and at that point I had realized I'd gone out too fast! My pace settled back between 6:00 to 6:10 minute miles and at mile 7 two other runners zoomed by me (actually college kids who are on scholarships for running haha). Anyways, I was starting to get nervous and I thought this was the end for me. I thought it was going to be a crappy race. I mean it was raining, 70 degrees, gross humidity and to top it all off tornado sirens going off around mile 9 (what real runner is really going to stop?)!!! So as my pace continued to dwindle: 6:11, 6:17, 6:21, and another runner began to close in on me something strange happened. At mile 11, I took a mild glance at the bracelets on my right wrist. Do you know who gave me them?

Of course it was my "Why" three. One of the bracelets means courage, the other fearlessness and the third ... welll I just look at it and think BELIEVE :) I don't think I'll ever take these off because I quickly witnessed my pace drop to 6:02, 6:00, and then 5:55 for the last 1/4 mile. How did I have enough in the tank? All I was thinking is that I needed to have courage for them, I needed to be fearless even though my legs were getting tight and I needed to believe that I could finish strong because they were thinking of me. These three have such belief in me as a person that it makes me stronger. It did in this race, but it also will for the rest of my life. They have proven to me what my "Why's" really are...

I wake up at 5am with the same "Why's" that are clearer now than ever: To be a good person - To be a role model - To inspire others that anything is possible as long as you believe and pursue - To show others that they are not alone - To accomplish things I didn't even think were possible - To push my body to it's fullest capacity - To do this all for my family, friends, guests - To challenge others to change - To make others not expect anything less then their best - To show people that living healthy feels amazing - To prove to them that they can do more than they think they can ... and above all ... To live life in the positive, never saying I can't do something, and understanding that I truly can and will affect others.

That's enough "Why" for me. It's your turn...


3.03.12 - Albany Half - 1.19.55 - 4th Overall - 1st Age Group

Tybee Runfest: What PRs Really Matter?

Coming back from an injury is something I've never experienced in my early running and triathlon career, but I can happily say that the stress fracture in my left foot was the best thing that has ever happened to me. As an athlete (and coach now), I've grown in more ways than I can count on my fingers and toes ... most of which has been psychological.

I am writing this post now because its not only long over due for me to get back to this AWESOME BLOG, but in addition I am quite exhausted from waking up at 4 am to carpool down to Tybee RunFest! Today was our first Official "A" Race, which means the athletes of CrossFit Hilton Head completed their first cycle of CrossFit Endurance training since the inception of our running specific classes in November. To tell you the truth, it's been a lot for me to handle. I end up going to CFHH before my amazing day job that I am very passionate about at Hilton Head Health and I usually wind up there in the evening coaching or training. All I have to say is Day's like today make it all worth it.

Why is it all worth it? Well to start off everyone was ON TIME today :) We also legitimately looked like a team repping the CFHH Endurance Singlets for the very first time! Overall its been totally worthwhile because today I got more excitement seeing almost all my Endurance athletes PR in straight up classy fashion. The athletes trusted the training and posted 2 to 3 minute decreases in their personal records. Vlad even rested this week (Nutzzz I Know?!) For some athletes this was also their first ever 10K or HM. My take from today is that the enjoyment of others successes (when genuine) is always far greater than any self-achievements. Of course we're happy when we hit our own PR's, but its even better when you see individuals who train hard and accomplish things that they didn't think were possible.

It's also all worth it because today we were the definition of a team. The support was there on and off the race course. One of the CFHH athletes even came down just to photograph/video tape the event. He even drove us. Athletes warmed up together, watched one another and hung together post race. In a word, we were SELFLESS.

So how have I grown since the injury? Before stress fracturing my foot, I thought it was all about racing every weekend. I thought if your body is healthy why not push the limits as much as possible? The feeling in a race is like no other in the world, but what I've learned is that satisfaction and enjoyment from races can come in multiple fashions. If I never had sustained that injury I don't know if I would have taken the time to form the first official CrossFit Endurance team in all of South Carolina (had to throw that in because its pretty cool). I don't know if I would be coaching endurance classes Tues/Thurs/Sunday. I don't know if I would have gone and got my level one. The fact of the matter is that the injury gave me a different focus.

Instead of improving myself in my own training, I've been able to share with my fellow athletes a better way to train. I now have more control over how many races I decide to compete in (even though its tough to say no) and I also picked up yoga 1-2 times per week. Also, I recognized today how much 2 two guests from HHHealth really care about me. They woke up early, came down with beautifully designed signage, and provided immense support for me at the finish line. Its weird that they look at me as an inspiration, but again its a feeling far greater than any personal PR. I feel like I am getting better at recognizing the people in my life that truly matter. The people that lay it all out there on the table with you. The ones who are Selfless and at times put me before themselves. The people that treat me with such respect that I can't even imagine not doing the same. Often times in life, you have to do things that are tough and take a step back. It allows you to see the people that ultimately matter.

I may have posted a :48 Second 10K PR today and a 3rd Overall Finish (35:18); however the PRs that really matter for me today were the smiles of our athletes. The 2 selfless guests from HHHealth and above all the perspective I've been fortune enough to unravel over the last 3 months. I am stronger now than ever and I look forward to what's in store.

Journey to Jacksonville: Sportsmanship

Oh snap ... Its October!!! A bunch of races to catch up on and loads of solid training that's honestly been the best of my early career. Last month was busy at Hilton Head Health, leading all the way up to our Devin's Dash Memorial 5K which you'll hear about soon. I ended up setting a company record (so I proclaim) for personal trainings ... an astonishing 62!! That's About 1 1/2 weeks of just personal training guests. Love it.

With that said, time to get down to business on Less Miles, More CrossFit. My roommates and I headed down to Savannah September 24th for our 2nd shot at the "Heart of Savannah 5K." It was our first crack last year and we really enjoyed the race. This was pretty much our debut for running season and now there's literally a race every weekend. If your a runner you know how it is September through November. Pretty much game time.

Brian Knapp (my roommate and dude I want to someday beat) ended up placing first (as usual) running 16:10 and I ended up a close second hitting a 5K PR of 16:44. Fast for me, but we were both stoked to start the season 1-2. Especially since these were better times than last year. I also met up with my Cremator (50 mile ultra) friend Geoff Riehl and of course at breakfast he mentioned a half marathon next weekend in Jacksonville!! You all know I couldn't hold back and by the time I got back to Hilton Head Island, I had already registered for the race haha

I prefer the long distances and its honestly impossible not to register when there is a race close by. Literally anything within 4 hours, I feel compelled to go and compete. Racing is really the only place where I can see what I am made of and where I am at. How much courage do I have? I think its tough to describe, but you feel more within yourself and focused moment to moment, mile to mile.

Anyways, I ended up meeting Geoff in Savannah that Friday evening and we crushed the journey to Jacksonville. This dude price-lined us $50 hotel room so we were set to go. It was a long haul so sleep wasn't an issue. The race was the Marine Corps Half Marathon to be exact and it was also like 10th year of the half marathon really cool post race party with marines doing pull up contests and mad legit chocolate milk!! We were both super excited, especially me not even knowing this was coming until like 6 days ago haha Did you know Jacksonville is ranked in the top 10 of running cities?? I can see why after my experience this weekend...

Weather was pretty crisp and right before the race Geoff and I scrambled to find a urinal. Probably one of the most key moments is to time it right so your ready at the start line. As the gun sounded, I was pretty set on the pace I was going to hold and went out smooth towards the front of the pack. A few fellas took off cruising so decide to just hold my own and stick to what I could for that morning. That's truly what you have to do in endurance events. You'll only improve paces doing more speedwork and especially practicing technique!! As the race progressed, I began to pack up with 3 other runners, 2 girls and 1 guy so we had a good mix. What's great about bigger races is the competition. You can expect someone to be out there running the same pace as you, pushing you, and sometimes it just comes down to who will gut it out at the end.

So us four packed up and everyone was looking strong, no one really breathing that heavy yet. The one guy running with us had like these Florida Ironman arm sleeves on and was all geared up with compression ... I was like dude this is a half marathon. You can already tell I didn't want to lose to this guy. The two girls with us was a short caucasion (mad ripped) and also a Kenyan young women (I was pumped that I was hanging with her haha). As we shifted on, the Kenyan girl and I let them two take the lead and set the pace. We pretty much used them to draft off of (yess you can do this in running). With them setting a solid 6min/per mile pace I felt good, legs strong, breathing strong. Then it happened ...

Mile 7 was a TEST. You'll have miles in races where you feel something, somehting usually tough to identify, but something may come your way. What I felt this day was a little something in the knee cap (similar to patellar tendonitis). This race was only about 5 weeks after the Ironman so dang I was worried. Was my knee going to lock up? The weird thing was then it went away over a meager 1/2 a mile stretch. Whaaaaattt??? Nothing literally, that something had disappeared. As that went away my confidence grew and I was feeling really good so at about mile 9, I broke away from the pack because our pace setters began to slow. I really kicked it hard for that mile and held close to 5:50 pace if I remember correctly. Oddly enough neither of our pack's pace setters could catch up, but guess who came with???

Yes Yes the Kenyan girl!! I felt priveledged and not to stereotype, but it was just plain cool to be running with the women's leader. So her and I get to talking and its all positive. Things like: Its Only 3 more miles, your looking strong, let's keep this pace that kind of thing. So right past mile 10 there was an aid station and oh crap!! I found myself not even close to grabbing a gel ... I was way on the other side of the road!! So I said to myself screw it, I'll just gut it out. Wouldn't you know this fine runner happened to grab me a gel and no joke it was for me! Can you believe the sportsmanship?

I gratefully thanked her and we kept cruising in kicking at the end of the race and positively talking one another to the finish line. After the race, I thanked her a second time and we chatted about what a great course it was and how enjoyable of a race. What I still can't get over and will remember to this day is her sportsmanship, humbleness, and friendship on and off the course. This is what running and competing is all about. A collective crew of people who are out there only to challenge themselves. To push their limits, but at the same time, people with the same sick sort of idea that running a half marathon is fun. As I talked more with this girl after the race, it had actually been her first out right victory. She was so nonchalant about it that I said to myself this is a role model runner and a big reason of why I love competing. That's what we need to remember when we perform is:

1. Sportsmanship - go the extra mile in a race to be friendly with someone. Show them the respect they deserve because they are competing and trained for the same event. Shake hands after the race no matter the place and remember that your only out there pushing yourself.
2. Humility - remain humble. There is always a better runner out there and this is why we continue to hit the streets and race. Humility goes a long way after a victory and individuals who express it allows them to improve and excel quicker than their arrogant counter parts.
3. Friendship - not a race goes by where I don't meet someone new. Seek friendship out there. We are all connected in these events and dedicated towards the same goal. Competition is an open avenue for you to meet some of the best people on this planet.

Marine Corps Half Marathon FINISH TIME 1:18:53 (>5 PR) 8th Overall ... Mad cool Pictures to come!!!

Remember, I am aTimberman 70.3 Finisher

All I can say is dang! 70.3 half-ironman races are an entire new animal to conquer. Last Sunday, I competed in my very first 70.3 event and it was in one word incredible. If I look at all the races I've ever done, Timberman was the most humbling and an event with a myriad of takeaways. Let's cut the small talk and get down to the race experience!

I had been training for this event all summer and with 15 weeks of preparation recorded and with 4smaller distance triathlons in the books, I felt ready. The switch to training strictly CrossFit and CrossFit Endurance was scary for an event of this magnitude. In my last marathon, I was only out there for just under 3 hrs, in this event if I finished just under 5 hours (the goal), I would be completely stoked. For the preparation side of things, I successfully built up to 3 to 4 CFIT WODs and 4 - 6 CFE WODs per week. (When training only CrossFit its ideal to listen to your body from the intensity side of things... you have to build up to doing this many workouts) What's wild, is I raced almost every weekend even hitting an 8K the weekend before Sunday went down. This was the training and I felt good about it.

On race day, I woke up bright and early at my Grammie's home in Tilton, NH. I think my favorite part of races is doing them around people I care so much about. People I love. People I want to impress and inspire. I had to wake up at 330am just to make sure I got up to Gilford, NH for the 710am start. My Grammie woke up (such an incredible lady) made my patented Paleo breakfast: 4 Eggs w/1 Banana spread with almond butter. She fueled me up and as usually told me "If you feel bad just stop, be safe out there!" Knowing her and the rest of my family would be at the finish line made it all the more doable. Everyone always tells me I am nuts and I have to agree. Truly a few screws loose to put myself through such rigorous events, but man what I hobby!!

When arrived to the transition area, I had well over 2 hours to get focused. A lot of things went through my mind as I did my CFE Warm Up (Jump Squats, Pose Running Drills, Hip Mobility). I thought to myself you've been working so hard for this Jeff, "Today's Your Day." The most important thing going into every race is drawing on the voices and comments that are deep in your mind. You have to know that ever day you race is your day, ... again your out there for only yourself and my goal is always to prove to ME what I am made of. "Today was My DAY" to do so. Other thoughts came to my mind, "You can qualify for Vegas," "It's just a race" (heath), "You don't need luck, just positivity energy (Amber)," "You'll finish under 5 hours," "Trust your training, find your breathing" ... Man I think my mind is the most busy right before a race. It's really a time you can't recreate: nerves, excitement, goals in mind, and

As the time final came to head to the beach, I couldn't have felt more prepared. The water temperature was 74 degrees so wet suits were allowed. (any temp under 76) It was hilarious 5 minutes before getting into the water, I looked around the thousands and saw that I was one of two dudes out there without a wetsuit. I kid you not everyone else out there was wearing!! I was like oh man, its my first 70.3 no big deal. As we we're about to get into the water I chatted with a few of the other athletes. I told them is was my first one and what big smiles I received :) Right before we laid the goggles down Alex (one of the athletes I had talk to) said "God Speed Jeff" at that moment I knew it was on. The gun went off and from there I enjoyed a nice 1.2 mile swim. Kept a great pace and finished right at 37 minutes close to my predicted time ... Score!! And no wetsuit even better.

Popping out of the water was surreal already getting to the bike. I love to crush the transitions and literally sprint to my bike (most athletes don't haha). As you all know I am one speed. So I popped on the bike smoothly and out of the transition area no problems. I think the coolest part of this race was that it was like every other Triathlon I've done, but on STEROIDS in set up and of course distance! It was made cool every time we came back to transition.

Anyways, the bike was 56 miles - 16 miles further than I had ever gone. With CFE programming the most I ever do in one spurt is a high intensity 20 mile time trials. What's incredible is that my confidence was there as it should be in any race. Remember, "Its your day" Anyways about 6 miles in I wanted to make sure I started to fuel. Get this my water bottle filled with Paleo coconut water and SFH whey protein dropped after I got only a squirt. I hadn't anticipated transitioning the bottle back into it's holster to be a problem. Man it was! And I had lost my main fuel source only minutes into the bike. Ahh!! I knew I had to find an alternative so I grabbed a Gatorade at the next aid station. The course was rolling hills throughout, but wouldn't you know I lost the new gatorade bottle around mile 20, almost taking out a few of my competitors when it fell off. Man bad luck on the initial fueling.

Bouncing back, I took what gels I had (Chocolate #9 low GI recommended by BMAck) and just kept going, but was it enough? Solid pace throughout and maintained right where I wanted around 20mph and then get this my chain falls off down shifting up a hill at mile 42!! So I am almost done with the Bike and I start to panic. I'm thinking to myself "Why me, Why now?" There was certainly some pity going on. Quickly snapped out of it and new I had to make the adjustment on my own. You can only change the present! So I am sitting there on the hill working on the chain and just can't get it! 60 seconds go by and I am like oh snap this could cost me a chance at Vegas!! I'll never forget when this older age group athlete comes by and he yells "Are you okay?" I respond "Ya chain fell off, any tricks?" He could see my hands were covered in grease. Immediately this HERO directed me to the back trigger and instructed me to push it down. I had honestly only put a chain back on like twice before this happened!! After hearing this guys words of encouragement and advice, I got it right back on and only lost close to 2 minutes. During the final 14 miles I was pretty cautious with the shifting haha

Anyways, I was approaching the final leg! What's wild is how fast this race was going by. It always goes by fast when your out there. I hate it because I just LOVE being out there competing. I feel like I am where I am suppose to be, the rush is indescribable.

So then came the run, usually my favorite section of the Triathlon. Not today. I grabbed what gels I had left and headed out hard from the transition area. I was pulling close to 6:30's on the way out and felt strong, but I soo realized too quickly it wasn't there for me this race. From the different fueling lapses on the bike and a tight lower back from the 56 miles, I felt what's called the Wall coming on! I bonkeded on the run. My muscles were simply out of glycogen there was honestly nothing left and unfortunatetly nothing I could do. When you hit the wall you hit the wall and my splits show you what can happen. First 3 mile split: 7:04 per mile pace - 2nd 3mile split: 7:45pace - 3rd split - 8:38pace - 4th split 8:32 pace. After making some strong paces in the early miles of the half marathon, I soon realized I just didn't eat enough. I beat myself up while I was out there, but come the last mile I really snapped myself out of it. A strong older female triathlete was running by and we started chatting. At this point, I was trying to latch onto the faster runners to increase my pace for as long as I could hold it (I really couldn't believe I was being passed, it was an out of body experience.) Anyways, we discussed where we were from the obvious race small talk, and that this was are first 70.3. She was only on her first leg of the run and I was finishing up my second. What she said to me with 2 miles to go really resonated and helped me keep it together. She saved my roof from crashing and by simply telling me"Your looking so strong ... man, I hope I look as good as you on my second loop!" I was encouraged and for the first time, I snapped myself out of this self pity for not fueling correctly. I went charging into the finish line with the Ironman Banner over head and let me tell you it was INCREDIBLE. I got through the race, it may not have gone exactly accordingly to plan, but I got through it and am stronger today. I went 70.3 miles in 5 Hours 12 Minutes ... what an accomplishment.

Waiting at the finish line was my close family and unexpectedly my brother who wasn't sure if he was going to make it. To know my family was out there supporting me (for 5hrs haha) and watching the other triathletes really hits home for me. It's the best feeling knowing they think what I do is pretty cool and something they don't mind watching :) I really don't think everyone gets why I do what I do, but having this type of level of support has gotten me to where I am today. Not in races, but in the biggest race of all ... my life. What I failed to mention is that one amazing person popped out to greet me after the race. She drove up to NH out of the blue and came to see me at the finish. To know that someone would take these measures just to come see little old me felt unbelievable. It is something I will never forget and memory that will stand strong from my first 70.3 race.

So NO I didn't qualify for the 70.3 World Championships in Las Vegas, but believe me after my next race (already thinking July 2012) I will qualify in!! Check out my takeaways from the Timberman below and let me know what you think. Above all keep in mind: "Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence (Colin Powell)" You'll only find your success if you continue to learn and PERSIST.

Takeaways
1) Give yourself credit - we are our own worst critics, we can't just be incredible, we need to believe we are and allow ourselves to see an accomplishment. Never dwindle it.

2) Fuel the beast -create a regimented fueling plan, how often you'll fuel and percise times throughout your race that you'll take gels or supplement. Your body needs 200 to 300 calories per hour in an event like a 70.3.

3) Listen to the voices - the ones in your head, your CrossFit coaches, all the warm FaceBook good luck wishes, the sayings that hit close to home and never forget to drive off the people around you. I consistently say to myself "Pain is temporary, Regret Lasts a Lifetime" (huge during any race)

I could go on and on, but finally it's time to cut this one off! Above all, I am writing this post thinking of all the people who contributed to such an awesome race experience. The fact of the matter is my roots run deep because of an amazing supporting cast. I am a Timberman Finisher not just because of the hard effort towards training, but because of you.

16 HOURS

Ever complete a 16 hour haul music less? This was a new experience ... road tripping without music ... really? My car battery died about a month ago and I've just been too slammed (or lazy) to take it in and get it fixed so a ghetto boom box with D batteries is what I am working with for time being. Long story short 16 hours provided perspective...

For the first time in many many road trips from Clemson to MA and now Hilton Head to MA it felt different than simply a grueling 16+ hours stuck in the car. My Dad happened to fly down to the Island and we made the trek back together. All I could think about during this journey to the 70.3 series (this Sunday) was how grateful I am. To be where I am at in my life and to have the people around me this ride gave me a chance to really think about it and above all appreciate it. Right off the bat, I was thankful to have my Dad in the shotgun. I drove the first 6 hour leg and as he rested/napped knowing he'd be taking the graveyard shift, I just smiled as I looked over. My Dad and Mom have been a huge impact on who I am today. Throughout my life they have supported me and above all given me space. Space to grow, space to be my own person, and space to do what truly makes me happy. I owe much of my success to the many "spaces" they gave me.

As I drove more and more and across the North Carolina, I thought about my H3 family. Adam my boss and close friend happened to send a company wide email right before I peaced out to let everyone know that I would be contending this weekend in my first 70.3 Triathlon. Amber sent me a follow up email that said “Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent”!!!! Thus, you already plenty of “LUCK” b/c you give over 100%!!! If I don’t need to wish you luck, I will wish you much positive energy! Manifest it! Use it to “GO TEAR IT UP" Its people like these two and all the staff of H3 that make these events for me so special. I know that each and everyone of them is excited on my behalf ... Dot, Allison, Katie, Kelly, Amy, Bob, Beth and the rest of whole gang really make thoughtful connections before I go on Vacation and headed into races. My vacations always involve a race, but hey they are always stoked for me!!

Not only did I think about my fellow staff, but of course many of the guests of Hilton Head Health. Probably my biggest supports and as I've said in recent posts providers of so much inspiration. Lyle Orr came to mind immediately last night because he broke 45 minutes on his 5K time trial!! Kelly Bunn then came up because she is doing her first Triathlon the same day this weekend!! Of course Mark Evans because he's gearing up for another season of half marathons and his first full!! Oh yeah and Andrea Mac who did her first Beach Bum flabbergasted by her accomplishment ... and Magliochetti whose been crushing sprint triathlons since Charleston and wait what about Stacia, Jill, Wanda, Chemain and of course Debbie whose doing her first Basra Swim on Saturday (a 1 mile swim in the Bahamas). As you can see so many people came to mind and the coolest part is even though I began as their biggest supporters (and still am to life's end) they are the exact same for me. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to affect these individuals lives and so pumped to see their accomplishments flourish in the future.

My Dad took over for the graveyard shift, but once again I began driving around 4am yesterday morning and had to complete thinking about all the key people in my life. Getting closer to home, I thought about my high school friends (many of my very best), Bknapp and Sandy who I left back in HHI, the college crew, my CrossFit Coaches Craig and Heath and how could I forget my grandmother and rest of the family. As these names and images of people continued to come up all I could think about is how Lucky I am. Grateful. More Privileged is probably the best word. To have these people around me, To have this opportunity to compete with hundreds of supporters behind me. Its a blessing.

All I can say to wrap this post up is that the people in my life are amazing. Racing difficult courses, pushing yourself to the very limits will no doubt make you physically tough, but as I mentioned to Coach Craig before leaving ... "I am the most mentally prepared "F**K" (excuse my language) out there on Sunday." With the tools I've learned from marathons, CFHH Wods, the Cremator Ultra haha and NUMBER ONE the people I have behind me. I don't think anyone is more prepared than me to tackle the Timberman Ironman on Sunday August 21st 2011 7:10 AM Wave Start Eastern time.

To all of you out there who make my life so special thank you. Know that every race I get to compete at is an accumulation of your support, excitement, and love. Oh and 16 hours without music pretty enlightening haha go for it!!!

Fountain of Inspiration

Inspiration. Is it the elite basketball player who scores 25 points a game? Is it the goalie who made the final winning save to win a Stanley cup? Or is it the soccer Mom that juggles taking 3 kids to their practice, gets dinner on the table every night and takes care of her sick Mother-In-Law?

The thing is Inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes. Its not something you that you say to yourself one day "Oh I'm going to get inspired because of that!" In all honesty, it can only come with time. Come with a connection and that sudden greater power that clicks inside each of us. A big fact of the matter is that we fail to see the inspiration that's right in front of us.

Unexpectedly, Today was a reminder of my true inspiration. For all of you guessing at home, It wasn't the likes of elite marathoner Ryan Hall or even Pro Triathlete Chris McCormick, but my inspiration are the Guests of Hilton Head Health. I can't lose sight of this fact. Waking up and having the opportunity to affect others lives is a privilege and it takes the right person. I know I am that person because every day I have been at H3 I haven't had a bad day. I can't chalk any day up in that category. In my eyes, People who motivate and commit themselves to a new way of life are the biggest inspiration of all. Seeing someone give up their fears and dedicate themselves to their most precious asset is gratifying. In my mind running a marathon is straightforward; however changing what you know, paving a new path and starting over is a whole other ballgame. Its these people that inspire me.

Knowing what inspires provides you the opportunity to be successful in whatever you put your mind to. If you can link that to any event or situation that comes up it all begins to feel like a breeze. Not a race goes by where I think to myself, "I know they are going to ask me how I did ... I have to push harder for them." Like this weekend at the Paris Mountain Triathlon, I was thinking "Man, I have to get up this mountain, 7mph just isn't going to cut it! (Lyle and Laura would be killing this!" Many would say I serve as an inspiration for them because of my unwavering training and dedication to my sport, but the truth is ... it goes both ways.

I wouldn't be where I am today without a solid foundation of inspiration. I'm convinced that finding your inspiration is one thing, but having a fountain of it flowing every day you wake up can really take your game to a whole new level. What about having it as your job? I'm speachless.

On a closing note, You never know who you'll effect each day ... Keep inspiring me and I will keep inspiring you. I am with one word ... grateful.

Cremator 50 mile relay experience coming soon!!!!

Front, Middle, Back ... Its All the Same

Another triathlon in the books and now I'm closing in on 19 days until my first 1/2 Ironman. Interesting things happen at every single race and that's the beauty of being a runner and a triathlete. Each race experience is never the same. With that said, I am positive that if you ask me about any race at least one unique moment still vividly stands out.

Let's talk Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series, which was held two days ago on Sunday. The Race began in waves and as I eagerly waited to get my go ahead (the very last start wave) I saw all the other athletes already in the water and a many pumping on the bike. As the race progressed, it wasn't my best performance, but because of the wave start I was able to spend time racing with the front, middle, and back of the pack athletes. I passed a few on the swim, along with the bike and run. They weren't in my age group category, but we were one in the same.

Not just on this day, but every time I've ever entered a race my theory is that every athlete is the same. No matter what place you finish or how fast or slow your race time is ... we are all programmed with the same drive and dedication to excel. Most of us are out there for the right reasons, not to win, but to be better than we were the day before. The most important factor in life, racing, and lets not forget CrossFit is to improve. To constantly progress and to have the will power to become a better person each time we step in the box, head to work, or toe the starting line. The person in the back of the pack is just as worthy as the person in front. Here's one more event that went down in this race that proves this theory all together...

As I finished up my race, I quickly glanced towards the run portion to see if I could see a close friend finishing up. We had traveled to the race together, fueled the previous day (paleo of course) and drove to the race early with excitement (and a little fear). We both had the same expectations to finish and be better than we were the day before and don't forget fun!! As I approached this "TBNL" person (To Be Named Later) she explained to me that she had gotten DQ - disqualified. Was this for real? How could this have happened? As we chatted further, I still couldn't believe what I was hearing. No warning at all for having headphones on, just an immediate dismissal. Regardless of the decision, she planned to finish the race and conquered. Situations like this really separate and athlete from a pretender. I actually attempted to run the last leg with her; however with the stream line of emotions and dedication to finish there was no need. This TBNL person was there for the right reasons ... its unfortunate the unknowing volunteer couldn't see this. The fact is that TBNL finished strong and did it with a pool of unexpected emotions. Despite the DQ, her finish was all the same. It counts just as much as getting on the podium. TBNL was just as much a finisher as every one else out there on Sunday.

When your in a race, its tough to know why the person next to you is out there. What are they trying to prove? Have they battled back from cancer to now toe the line of a marathon? Are they completing a triathlon because a parent would have wanted them too? Are they there because when they cross the finish line their two little kids will be waiting?

Everyone has a motivation on race day or when they enter the CrossFit Box. Sometimes (like in CrossFit) less is more. The quality of the motivation is always better than quantity.

The conclusion from Sunday's race is this: that with the proper motivation, that is, a good reason for wanting to do it, your mind can overcome any sort of adversity. 95% of athletes live by this and as you show up to races remember that the Front, Middle, and Back become are one in the same.