Crushing Iron – Page 80

March 23, 2013

Intense Motivation from a Guest Blogger

I was laying around in the foggy haze last night, trying to come up with a blog post after my Badgers laid an egg against Ole Miss, and just didn’t feel like writing. Then (as if we need more proof the world works in mystical ways) I got a text message from Racer K that said, “I sent you an email.” What I found in my inbox was an explosion of inspiration that proved, not only do training teammates pick you up when you’re dragging on the swim, bike, or run, they come through when your brain needs a break from blogging. The following is an unedited piece submitted by Racer K for Crushing Iron readers.

Running the Ironman and what it means to a non-athlete- Racer K

You bother me. Yes, you- the one getting to second base with the mouse. Stop that shit. What is wrong with you? Is life not satisfactory? Do you find the need to click your way to Nirvana? Do you need to read about someone else to get you out of bed in the morning? Maybe none of the above and you sleep in late. Well, congratulations for you. Let me be the one to slowly try and convert you to a new life.

Your lack of desire and will power makes your ancestors weep. Speaking your name fills my mouth with a taste of charcoal. Harden the f up (That is a trademark I am sad to report- but I have no financial incentive to promote that company- yet?) Evaluate your life and live a little. Chase a dream. Push yourself. Bloody hell, what is wrong with you? I said I would do that slowly. I lied, didn’t I? Suck it up. Like so many others in your life, I lied.

If you made it past the first two paragraphs you have already shown that you are a notch above your peers. You don’t care what people think and you know your own strength. My berating didn’t phase you. My words didn’t offend you. Damn, I like you. We have weeded out the weak.

So… Who are you then? Maybe your life is shit now but you aren’t dead yet. Or maybe it is amazing and your peers want a piece of your pie. Or maybe, just maybe, you are one of those amazing jerks that lie somewhere in between. Somehow you have everything people want (In this case you are either a jerk or lack imagination). Whatever. Life is a roller coaster. It doesn’t stop for anyone. Get ready for the next hill.

I’m guessing that 90% of you (I didn’t do the research-, but then again I don’t care) are not in “jail”. You live a life where you decide to set the alarm clock. You wake up. You prepare. You leave for work… maybe you do a “good” job… and then you go home. You decide how much CSI you watch. (Or Matlock) Maybe you think you are the first person that can sing well in Nashville (sucker)? Maybe you think about the next fast food restraint to try. You think about the things that make you happy. We all do. We all want to be special. We all have dreams. What are they and what do they say about you?

To most people I am a mediocre individual. At this point in my life I am a doctor of mathematics who takes a long time to publish, I am an marathon runner who is well behind the average pace, and I am an Ironman that just wants to finish. For those of you who care or put stock in such crap, I am also single with no children. Am I just average? Who am I?

It took me several years to answer that. I had a family. I was settled. I had my picket fence. I had a job. But when I thought about the question I had doubts. Despite my many low points between asking the question and answering it, I am now about to build myself up a bit. And I believe in the things I am about to say. I am doing this to remind myself. If you are squeamish or will hate me for self-promotion, skip ahead. But if you skip ahead know that you are a jerk.

Ironman, marathon runner, and Doctor of Philosophy,

East Nasty, 12 South Runners, X3 Athlete, (former) AORTA member,

90% Vegetarian (locals will recognize that as a Carrie style vegetarian)

Published researcher of mathematics,

M.S. student in Strength and Human performance with an emphasis on nutrition,

former certified Cisco network associate and professional

And I’m sure some other pretty cool things I’m forgetting.

Damn my amazingness. (say it till you believe it)

If you think that is average then you clearly must be a bad ass and I want to take you to dinner. Or at least ask you out for coffee.

Even these things are in the past. The bottom line is this-

What I am is changing. I am not a single point in time. I am getting better every day.

This is what the ironman means to a non-athlete.

These have all been lofty dreams. To this point (3/22/2013) I have never raced a race that I knew I would be able to finish easily. I know my coach hates that last sentence and I do too- but there is a point. My goals are ALWAYS ahead of me. I never look back. I NEVER cut myself short. My goals guide me, change me, and improve me. Say it again- My goals are ALWAYS ahead of me. I may not be Scott Jurek or Luc Van Lierde.. or any other name that you are looking up right now to figure out what I’m talking about….

Yet… unlike so many people I haven’t stopped trying to race them. I know I am not there now, don’t laugh. But damn, I am NOT done yet. I will race and improve until I cannot walk anymore. When I cannot walk, I will pull myself. When I cannot pull myself, I will crawl, I will hobble, and when I can not hobble I will roll. (No doubt someone has said that before me, but I do not have the reference.) My goals do not slow me down. They are not comfortable or easy to achieve. I am the under dog. I am the person with no background. I am the nerd with asthma that cannot breath. I am the man who could not run a mile three years ago. Sad for you if you think I will not get better. I am also the one who will crush this race under 13 hours (what we call a 12 hour race.) That’s right, despite holding back from my friends I do have goals. And guess what- I am not done!!!!

I do not push myself towards something I know I can do- I push myself towards something a little higher. Something some people think I cannot achieve. And I love it when I prove them wrong. I love getting better.

I like knowing that I may fail.

I like knowing that I didn’t.

I like changing. I like being just a little bit better.

What else you ask? I love that Fab 5. They push me, they support me, they make me faster and I believe in them. My TEAM makes me a better person. I admit I am not that old and do not have all the answers. But I have learned this- no one makes it through this world alone. My team and the people that I love push me and support me.

I do not race for the approval of others. I do not race to compete. (Although, for the sake of friendship, I will say that I will finish a minute in front of Jim Schwan. Better get than damn ankle healed!) I race to be a better person. I race to achieve personal goals. I race to escape personal problems in my life. I race to reach Nirvana, not click. I race to see the world in ways people said I never could. I will not stop. I will not back down. I will get better. I will surprise all of you and I will thank you for the opportunity to do it.

What are your goals? What the hell holds you back? Who helps you and can they help you get past you barriers? Why do you accept the people that think you will never be on the podium? Do they deserve a place in your life? My friends helped me. They are helping me. I have never been this focused or this confidant. I have never been this alive.

The only thing that keeps you from the finish line or your time is yourself. Let that shit go. Push yourself. Pain is normal. Fear is expected. You must accept and pass over these things. Trust your friends. Trust your training. Trust your coach (or plan?) Race hard. Train smart. Prove that you are more than people think. Prove that you are more than people could think. Prove that you are changing, that you are not a fixed point.

If this seems like a combative post.. well.. tough shit. You have to be ready to fight to achieve your dreams. You have to prepare yourself for setbacks. What are you ready to fight for? For your sake I hope you have something.

In my humble opinion, fighting for something you love is the best way to improve.

– Racer K.

March 20, 2013

Hotels in Muncie?

Booking hotels used to be an entirely different experience. My first criteria always used to be nightlife and strip clubs. Now, I just want a quiet room that’s close to the race. Well, sorta. I mean, if you’re going to Muncie, you might as well “go to Muncie.”

I checked the recommended hotels on Muncie’s site, but they’re booked. They also seem to be a long ways from the swim start, and I’d prefer to sleep as long as possible and be within walking distance of karaoke after the run.

The race is Saturday, so I’m guessing we’ll live it up a little bit on the Ball State campus. Anyone have suggestions for where to stay?

March 19, 2013

Muncie Here We Come

I used to live in Indianapolis, and rarely left the city unless it was on a highway that led out of state (or to Brownsville for softball) but this July I will sink my teeth into Muncie. I’ll be joined by at least two of the other guys in the Phat 5 (recently changed because these people have already used Fab 5 in connection with Ironman Wisconsin, which bummed me out a little, but doesn’t surprise me and I’m excited to see their film).

Muncie, Indiana, home of Ball State University and 118,769 fine Hoosiers. I once worked with a guy who went to Ball State and he loved to talk about the rich basketball tradition that included high-flying stars like Chandler Thompson, silky smooth Ray McCallum, and electrifying Bonzi Wells. Maybe one or all of them will be giving back by working one of the Ironman water stations.

This will be my first plunge into an Ironman event and a great opportunity to meet the Mayor or tell the Ball Corporation founders about my mother’s love for their canning jars and how the the stench emitted from that process has left me scarred as an adult. If time permits, I’d certainly like to swing by Harrison college or take a picture under Shafer Tower.

Of course, none of this will be possible until I update my license plate tags, which will not be easy considering I failed my emissions test. Last time I checked, “Service Engine Soon,” doesn’t necessarily mean my car is dousing the environment with toxic waste . . . but I suppose it could be. Either way, I will surely have to drop another $500 on my car for the privilege of spending another $100 for a little sticker. I’m sure the Mayor of Muncie will have some wisdom on the topic.

So, what’s the goal for Muncie 70.3? Well, last year’s race distance was altered, but the year before my new Facebook friend, Ben Hoffman, won with a time of 3:48:14, which is a little ridiculous, but I’m thinking 5:48:14 is about right for me. That would be exactly two hours behind Ben.

45 minutes for the swim, 2:45 on the bike and two on the run. The rest in transition.

But, that’s all a long ways off. This weekend is the first Sprint Tri of the year and the whole team will be there trying to kick my ass, and they surely will if I keep dreaming about Muncie, Indiana.

March 18, 2013

My Plans for Mental Health Week

I know what you’re thinking. What is Mike doing to launch “Mental Health Week” in Ironman training? Let me tell you, that is a great question with some titillating answers.

RACK TIME

For one, I’m going to rest. I’ll likely get in the pool a couple times for light swims and run on Wednesday with the East Nasty crew, but for the most part, I’m taking pressure off my legs. I can feel a subtle “tiredness” lurking and it will be great to get a little spring back.

THE WORLD’S WORST CHEF

I’ll also be tweaking my diet. Over the past couple months I have been working out around two hours a day and consequently eating everything that flies by my face. I kinda think I know what it feels like to be my dog. I mean, if there’s fuel to be had, I am consuming it to the point where I’m licking pasta sauce off my plate like a little kid, then following up with a major pickle binge. Nothing is off limits, including the snack bar at work, and this week, I hope to zero in on a more nutrient packed philosophy that doesn’t include time-crunched sell-out trips to Wendy’s.

NO HAPPY ENDINGS

Seems to me a mental health week wouldn’t be complete unless you dropped a massage or two in the middle. I should really practice what I preach and get this body rubbed at least twice a month. There’s no doubt the foam roller works wonders, but human hands can turn these muscles into pliable jelly that responds like a new born baby’s skin. And I’m not really sure what that means, but think you get the point.

STRIKE A POSE

Along that lines, I will certainly be cracking open my yoga books again. I can sense a lack of flexibility creeping into my body and I am not really cool with this new trend. Yoga has always lived on the periphery of my life, but it needs to be more of a center piece and peace of my center.

FUELED BY BARLEY

I will also likely drink a ton of beer. Nah . . . that’s unlikely, but I will encourage some of my teammates to pound them like fish at the East Nashville Beer festival this Saturday, which is the day before our first Sprint Tri of the year on Sunday. And yes, I do realize this could come back to haunt me do to the “body numb factor” and fearless racing behavior that tends to shine the morning after a bunch of beers. This is especially true when mileage or heat isn’t a big concern. In other words, I am not going to let them use beer fest as a crutch, in fact, I think it gives them an advantage!

MORE BUKOWSKI THAN BURROUGHS

I’ll also do a lot of writing. I’ve known for years that you can write something into reality if you focus on it long enough. I’ve written my goals down for years, then will spend time “soul searching” in journals to figure out how I am going to bring those targets into fruition. It’s amazing, but eventually an answer will surface and suddenly you “understand.” And isn’t that the key to eliminating fear and confusion?

MOVE TOWARD STILLNESS

Meditation can also help. Nothing like shutting off the noise to help you cut through the clutter of life. I know one thing for certain. If I’m sitting at the start line and I’m worried about any number of stupid things that will pop into my head, I am not at my best. There is simply no room for distraction in a race. I mean, sure, you can say hi and talk or whatever, but I find it much more productive if you’re focused. Or, as my coach likes to say, “Hurry slowly.” These kinds of mindsets are easier when you consistently practice meditation and a calm mind.

SEE IT, BELIEVE IT

I will visualize myself in these races. I will “see” myself breaking through new time barriers in my mind. Speed happens naturally, but it can be enhanced if you believe you can move your body at certain paces. It’s like running with faster runners, but you don’t really have to run with them, because some of them can be dicks and this way you just run along with them while you lay on the coach. Frankly, it’s easier, and some of those fast runners just don’t really like talking to me about all this nonsense, so it’s a win/win.

If you’re having trouble with the “visualization process” you may want to look at this video I made to help drummers stay focused and in the groove.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkBn9VFPri0&w=560&h=315]

BE A GOOD PERSON

And lastly, I will be connecting with friends. I actually try to listen to what they’re saying instead of being preoccupied with the infamous Monogetti run lingering over my work day. I may actually stroll along a babbling brook or take my dog for more walks instead of letting her loose at the dog park. I may actually buy presents for people in my life. Sweet gifts like writing journals and running socks. Even take them out to dinner at I Dream of Weenie or the Turnip Truck.

Then again, I don’t want to get carried away, I mean it’s only one week.

March 18, 2013

How Much Ironman Training Do We Need?

Our coach sent a text last Monday and told us our training schedule was posted for the following week. He said something like, “and you might wanna check it cause it’s rough.”

I took a deep breath and clicked on the workout schedule. Other than a short message, it was blank. He’s basically given us the week off, which couldn’t have come at a better time. I was running into a wall.

And so it begins.

He said we’ve been working very hard and are ahead of schedule. We should take a week to regroup and mentally prepare for what’s ahead. Walk the dog, go hiking, sleep in . . . whatever it takes to get our mind right for the grueling road that lies in front of us.

We also have our first triathlon of the year next weekend. It’s a short Sprint in Murfreesboro, TN and the Fab 5 +1 will all be racing.

The ADP is a 300 meter swim, 10 mile bike, and 5k. Even though it’s short, I’m getting a little anxious about the race. Not because of the distance, but that for the first time I will actually be attempting to “sprint” much of this distance. There doesn’t appear to be much room for error and I have set my goal at 1 hour and ten minutes. (I’m hoping my previously discussed transition prowess bodes well in the Boro).

Anyway, there’s a good chance I may be blogging more than ever this week and the topics could take a great departure from the almighty Ironman. Gardening, hammock hanging, above ground pools . . . nothing’s off limits. So, please sit back and enjoy this prescribed week of laziness with me.

March 17, 2013

March Madness and Ironman Training

While a few of my training partners were out tackling Natchez Trace again, I was nestled in bed watching my Badgers take down the Hoosiers in the Big 10 basketball tournament. It was the 12th straight time Wisconsin has beaten Indiana.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cRP-2iLSPk&w=560&h=315]

I absolutely love Wisconsin Basketball and Football and for a while now I have been trying to figure out why. Why do I (or anyone for that matter) get so wrapped up in a sports team? It seems a little silly, but for years I have tried to loosen the connection and can’t do it.

It must have something to do with allegiance and living vicariously through what the team represents. I can definitely relate with the Badgers’ identity. They are typically referred to is scrappy, over-achievers and I am perfectly comfortable with that tag, especially when it comes to Ironman.

In sports, I think it’s important to focus on the task at hand and not get intimidated. Like in the movie Hoosiers, when Gene Hackman took a tape measure to the rim and free throw line to remind his team that the basket was the same height on the big stage as it is in their little gym back in Hinkley. The field and conditions are the same for everyone.

The other day a friend texted me in the first half of the Wisconsin/Michigan game saying, “The Badgers look terrible.” I responded with, “Yeah, until they win the game.”

Wisconsin was losing 20-17 at the half. A terrible offensive exhibition, but scored 51 in the 2nd half and won 68-59.

They key is to stick with your plan.

Swimming is swimming, biking is biking, and running is running. We do it all the time. Sure, the courses vary, but the body movements are the same. It doesn’t matter if there’s an Ironman logo on the fences and buoys, it comes down to performing. What’s in our body and mind.

The Badgers play their game no matter who they play. They work on the little things in practice, then execute them during the “race.” Are they the best team in the country, no, but they are arguably one of the most consistent over the last 10 years.

They believe in their strengths, they work on their weaknesses, and they push all the way to the finish line. It doesn’t always translate to a win, but they never go down easily.

Consider this quote from a former Michigan State player who made it to the NBA:

“People ask me what was one of the best things about going to the NBA, I laugh and joke and say I don’t have to play Wisconsin again. It’s a chess match with them. They are going to play their style. They are not deterred from what they like to do. So it’s always tough to play them. They don’t back down. They are always strong and tough and they play well together. They play within themselves. That’s what makes them a tough out whenever you see them.”
– Mateen Cleaves

Not only does that make me proud to be a Badger fan, I think there’s a great lesson there about staying true to who you are. Play within yourself, don’t back down, and you’ll be a tough out.

March 17, 2013

My New Claim To Fame

Training for an Ironman can really take a bite out of your social experience, so I guess this is how I spend my Saturday nights these days. I’ve been sitting here doing calculations for how fast I need to go to make certain times in races I have planned this year and I made an interesting discovery about my first (and only) Olympic triathlon.

The story of the race is not a pretty one, but I was trying to figure out how and where I can improve my times. My swim was absolutely horrid, 41 minutes for 1,500 meters, but the good news is, most of the swim times were 29 minutes and up, so I don’t feel quite as bad in retrospect. It really was a rough swim. Cold, rainy, and very choppy.

My bike was actually pretty strong considering it was raining the whole time and I was using cages instead of clip pedals. Time was one hour and twenty minutes for 25 miles. That’s close 19 m.p.h. I’m pretty happy with that, but think there’s a little room for improvement.

The run was very soft, but I know I can likely cut 8 minutes off of the 56 minute 10k fairly easily if I’m not such a pussy next time.

Okay, so I know you’re dying to hear the good news and why I am now thinking about giving triathlon lessons in one small, but very important niche.

As I was combing through the results for the Nashvegas triathlon, I started sorting by individual disciplines to see what the fastest times were in swim, bike, and run. That’s when it dawned on me . . . you can even sort by transition time. As I was looking at the fastest T2’s I noticed that I had the fastest transition of the day from bike to run. Thirty one seconds!

My T1 time from swim to bike was only 1:39 and it would have been much faster if I didn’t forget where my bike was.

That’s just over two minutes of transition time and if I could have just knocked a minute off that total I would have finished under 3 hours.

Note to self: let’s work on that transition, oh, and the swim and run.

Anyway, the point here is, I had a pretty crappy race, but there is a glimmer of hope in my triathlon future. And for now, I am the reigning Transition 2 King of Nashvegas Triathlon!

March 15, 2013

Thumbs Up for Daniel!

I’m kinda busy today, but every time I post something about Daniel and he shares it, I get a lot of views on my blog. So, here’s a little summary of the year to date and how great it is to have him as a teammate and a social media juggernaut.

We’ll start with one of my favorite running pictures ever. This is Daniel racing through one of Tennessee’s State Parks and I just love the fact that that guy behind him cannot believe he’s getting beat by a guy in a suit.

Below is Daniel with the rest of the crew at the X3 Christmas Party. That hair wouldn’t last much longer.This is a still shot from his first interview for Crushing Iron, a documentary. This wasn’t long after we all signed up for Ironman Wisconsin and his enthusiasm was palpable.

And just like that, his hair went away to raise over 3,000 bucks to feed people who are hungry. His sleek new look.

Here he is working out for one of the first times with his new haircut. He said he had trouble adjusting to his head being cold. This is actually Jim eating a hot dog, but I really like the shot. Below is Daniel doing an interview on the same day Jim ate that hot dog. And finally, here he is en route to setting a Fab 5 Half Marathon record of 1:33:30 at the Tom King Classic.

Thumbs up for Daniel!

March 14, 2013

Introducing the Fab . . . 6?

Well, yesterday, I noticed a cryptic post on our Crushing Iron Facebook page from our coach that simply said, “Totally forgot to mention that Coach is doing this race with you guys. Sorry. Totally slipped my mind.” Since it was so random I assumed he meant the sprint triathlon we’re doing next Sunday. Nope. All of this time, he was holding in a secret. Coach Robbie will be racing with us at Ironman Wisconsin!

My head spun a bit, then I had three reactions:

1. This dude can keep a secret!
2. Who will give me guidance and encouragement on the course?
3. I guess I will have to publicly humiliate my own coach

We’ve known all along that he would be in Madison on that fateful day as the Fab 5 scurries through the water in Lake Monona, but I’d always assumed he’d be stripping my wet suit and dishing out GU. Registration was full months ago, how could he hold that in? How will he bounce back from Ironman Louisville and tackle the farmlands of Wisconsin in two weeks? And I thought Racer K was enigmatic.

I didn’t really expect much coaching while on the course, and, if I don’t know what to do by race day, a Sergeant Carter type scream will do nothing for this lycra clad Gomer Pyle. Now, I picture his coaching on September 8th will be something along the lines of “Good luck, boys. I’ll catch you later,” as his shark-like swim techniques leave us in wake of seaweed.

Yes, he will be coming off an Ironman on August 25th and rebounding with another couple weeks of tapering. Does this make him ripe for picking off? Highly doubtful, but I know him well enough to know he’s throwing it out there as a challenge and one I will gladly accept. I’ll take anything that helps push me to my goal, which is . . . well, I’m not quite ready to reveal that one yet, but I don’t expect coach Robbie to lose any sleep.

The bottom line in all of this is . . . awesomeness. The more the merrier and I am looking forward to this experience more than ever. Our +1 Allison will be there as well, but if she surprises us with phantom entry to IMWI, I will be totally shocked. Say it’s true, Allison!

Our coach’s work will be done. It’s time for the players to execute. I anticipate dozens of people we know along the route and an entire army of cyber based Fab 6 supporters to push us up the hills and down State Street with energy we’ve never experienced. Good luck, coach. We’ll be gunning for you.

March 14, 2013

Ironman Inspiration, Kona Style

Last night after swimming, I got on the trainer for an hour or so and watched Ironman Kona 2011. It’s always an inspiration, but no matter how good training is going, watching professional triathletes collapse can knock you back a bit.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMi_j9R5VYE&w=560&h=315]
Not only is 140.6 miles an enormous challenge, it’s all relative. The pros talk about keeping fuel in reserve and it may be one of the most difficult things to do, especially if you’re feeling great.

I am still around 6 months out and I’m already trying to slow down. The swim has me especially perplexed.

When I start running too fast, it’s easy to slow down. When you’re in a murky lake in the middle of 3,000 other swimmers, keeping my heart rate under control will be no picnic. I guess the only way to combat that is to swim a boatload before the race. And that’s what I plan to do.

I sometimes get a kick out of friends or family that sort of “write off” the bike as the easy part. I even used to do it a little, but when you think about 112 miles on the bike, and racing those miles, it’s a game changer. Not only that, you have to save fuel for the run, which is ultimately the stage that will make or break your race.

On September 8th at 7 am, when the cannon sounds to start Ironman Wisconsin, I will have never run a marathon. But later that day, after swimming 2.4 miles, and biking 112, I will run 26.2 miles. For some reason, this seems logical.

To be honest, running a marathon scares me a little. Not that I don’t think I can make it, but the risk of injury seems too great. I’m sure I’ll be trained up to 18 or so, but I hear those miles after 20 are the killers.

If you don’t feel like watching the entire video above, this truncated version takes you through the end of Ironman Kona. Joy and elation from some, but excruciating pain for others. The scene at 3:00 highlights a remarkable struggle to complete this daunting dream.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J07O6dViHo&w=560&h=315]

Tonight, I prepared for the inevitable pain by skipping the scheduled East Nasty run tackling the signature “Nasty” route on my own. Six miles of hills, and I had a side stitch from the moment I started.

I tried to talk myself into quitting a dozen times, but used the pain as a testing ground for that inevitable moment when I’ll need the practice. The pain was relentless, but so was I. I hammered each hill and tried to recover on the backside. Still a pain that would have knocked me over 5 months ago, gnawed at my gut. I knew it had to leave eventually, and just as I hit mile 5, it did. I picked up steam and finished the six miles, ready for more. The whole time, Kona played in my head.