Ironman Wisconsin

July 6, 2013

One Week From Muncie

I woke up and immediately looked at my phone like everyone else in the world. What did I miss? Was it still raining? Where are all the cool people checking in this morning?

The first thing I saw was a text from my coach that included next Saturday’s forecast for Muncie, Indiana:

If this holds it’s about as close to perfect as it gets for a race in July. Last year they shortened the course due to heat, now it’s bordering on a wetsuit race.

In sort of a twisted way, I have mixed emotions about the cool temperatures and the potential of a wetsuit legal race. We’ve been doing some intense workouts in blistering heat to prepare, and while I realize that will only make for better races, part of me was looking forward to the struggle. Don’t get me wrong, if this happens at Wisconsin, I’ll be jacked, but frankly my Rev 3 race was cold and rainy, and I was ready for the challenge of a pressure cooker.

Aside from the potential of wetsuits, this cool spell will produce a major benefit starting today. We will build a better hydration base without even trying. Not that our scheduled workouts are overly intense this week, but July in Nashville normally produces buckets of sweat.

But, I guess it’s all relative. If the cool temps hold, we’ll likely push a little harder and see faster times across the board. And, in the big scheme of things, this is probably better for long term confidence as we continue to focus on the gorilla at the end of the road.

July 6, 2013

Crushing Iron: What it Means to Me

When I was contemplating this blog and what I would call it, my first choice for a name was “Chasing Iron,” but it was already in use. I was a little bummed, but thankfully Crushing Iron popped in my head. At first I thought was a little cocky, but Jim assured me it was “confident.” I usually trust Jim’s opinion, so the rest is sorta history.

I had a few things in mind when I started this blog.

1. I wanted a blog that lasted more than 10-15 entries like many in my past. To date I’ve published 222 posts. This was the first.

2. I believed that writing out my thoughts would help me focus and better understand the nuances of training. I think this is without a doubt the most underestimated benefit.

3. The blog would serve as an outline for the documentary. By the time we get to the race I will have averaged nearly a post a day and I think the words will be valuable memories.

4. I believe you have to be confident to succeed and “Crushing Iron” in the purest definition is empowering. But, it means whatever you want it to mean. I’m still not sure what “crushing” Ironman would mean to me. Some days crushing it would mean to simply finish. Other days, I dream about the perfect race that moves me through the finish line in under 12 hours. Some days even less.

I have started a zillion projects in my life and Crushing Iron is certainly one of the most “successful” simply because I am still writing, dreaming, and training. The blog and the brand began in selfish roots, but so many people have reached out and claimed they’ve been inspired that my mindset has shifted. It’s truly a lesson that everything is better when shared. I’m fortunate to have met tons of great people, both in person and online, and I hope that everyone of them gets a little something from the blog.

Crushing Iron has become a lifestyle. In many ways it has taken over my life and some of the changes have been difficult. In order to change you have to be willing to come apart, and on many occasions I have. I broke a very destructive habit of going to the local Pub more often than not after work. I have “lost” many friends on this path because I simply don’t see them. I have turned down a social lifestyle for the often isolated journey of searching on the inside.

But the nature of my challenges is changing. Going to the Pub doesn’t even cross my mind now and I’m not sure I could ever see that coming. I haven’t “quit” drinking, but I don’t use it as a crutch, and I’m not sure you can put a price on that victory, especially after 30 years of practice.

Crushing Iron started as a catchy name for training, but it has been the impetus for change. I can literally feel the sludge seeping out of my joints and a resurgence of youth that is undeniable. Hopefully you’re crushing a little iron yourself.

July 5, 2013

Dr. Oz Responds to My Blog

I certainly didn’t need more proof that Dr. Oz is legit, but recent actions have firmly cemented his place in my Rational Celebrity Hall of Fame. He started by delivering a 6 am 5K in Las Vegas, which was an iron clad excuse for me to escape Casino karma, then followed all of that by responding to my race summary:

Oz here to commend you on forcing me to risk my life in an effort to hunt you down in the blistering heat. I am proud that my pulse came back so quickly after the ferocious race, but have foresworn egg white omelets after reading your piece. Plus the yolk has all the biotin to give my hair more shine and body anyway.

Now, let me tell you why this is a big deal. I work in marketing for a local television station and half the time I can’t get a reporter to answer my email. And here’s Dr. Oz, a legend of daytime television taking time out of a busy life to respond to a hackneyed blogger who lives with his mom. (Well, not really, but she is coming to visit on Sunday with a block of 10-year-old Wisconsin Cheddar, which I am not sure would be on Dr. Oz’s preferred list, but mom says it’s fine as long as I don’t shovel it down like I used to do with her beef stroganoff, which shouldn’t be a problem because I pretty much eat tuna from a can).

Even though I had fun with the Las Vegas 5K race summary, I really did get the impression that Oz is a good and level-headed guy. Other than his jewel crested massage table, he was every man’s man. And judging by the attention he got from women, I can easily confirm he has no problem with the ladies either.

If you didn’t know better, Oz was just a normal dude out barnstorming his way through the streets of Vegas while late night gamblers staggered their way back to nowhere. Race logistics are no joke and he rolled with all the punches, including the sketch PA system someone lined up for the awards ceremony. He even followed it up with a blog post of his own that includes a few stellar pictures of his new 5K rival.

So, in between celebrity interviews and the pressures of helping turn lives around, Dr. Oz takes time to acknowledge the Fab 5 on the Crushing Iron blog. Pretty cool. And now, let me be the first to acknowledge that his hair was indeed full of shine and body.

July 3, 2013

The Power of Isolation

Occasionally I try to figure out why I’m putting so many hours into training, most in isolation. Even the group rides are replete with time for contemplation. I think the simple answer is . . . I like it that way.

My dad was a very social guy when I was growing up. We lived in a small town and he seemed to know everyone. There was always a party in progress or about to happen when my dad showed up.

I loved it when he would take me along to the cookout. The kids would run around or play baseball in the back, while the parents got drunk in the kitchen. Everyone was relaxed and free.

But the sun always sets on a party and it’s tough to see in the dark.

I’d go down to my bedroom in the basement and stare at a ceiling that wasn’t there. I’ve always had trouble falling asleep and think it’s largely because I can’t get out of my head. Eventually I figured out there’s no better place to fuel this addiction than long hours in the pool, on a bike, or a run.

When I’m at my best, I embrace the art of meditation in motion. I am completely in the moment. Focused on the next stroke, pedal, or step. I’m at one with my breath and let that take over. There is no watch, no conversation, and no finish line. I just am.

I have always been a fascinated by the power of meditation. The ability to look inward for peace is extremely powerful and the key to staying centered. But, it’s difficult to stay on course with an endless flow of distraction.

Phones fill voids like a crack pipe. We cling and hope the next message delivers the perfect high. If we’re not looking at the phone it’s the television or the tablet. We’re always “looking” . . . but for what?

I think that’s the irony of endurance training.

We go to extreme lengths to find something we can’t describe. A consistent, manageable, and peaceful state. But what we do when we find it is the real challenge. Do we accept it or climb higher for another level of stimulation? How high is high enough?

On the most elemental level, I think humans are searching for ways to feel better, but how we do that is baffling.

What part of staying inside an office for 10 hours a day while staring at numbers on a computer screen resembles natural behavior? It’s a real challenge because we have crafted a world that is driven by “more is better.” More money, more power, more fame, more sex, more highs, more stuff.

So this all comes back to basics. What do we need to be satisfied? For me, it’s typically nothing.

The most serene moments of my life are those times when I’m focused on my breath. I don’t “need” anything when I’m “awake.” Life gets more complicated when I am forced to squeeze into a box created by humans who think they’re doing what’s best for me, for us. We get dragged around the block when all we really want is to chill in the backyard.

I love to immerse myself in other people’s quest for genuine satisfaction. What does it take to be content? Where do we go off the rails?

I spend a lot of time listening and observing. I think it’s because I truly have no clue what life is all about. Then, sometimes, I genuinely think THAT is what it’s all about. Listening, learning, loving.

So many of us are tripped up by the lure of the next high. The first thought after I make a million dollars is, how can I make two million? And the list goes on. It’s never enough. But all we really want is to be comfortable, content, and free. More often than not, I find that space on long swims, bikes, and runs. The challenge is handling the rest of the day.

July 2, 2013

67 Days Until Ironman Wisconsin

I signed up 364 days before the race and nearly 300 have passed. I’m tied to the tracks and Ironman Wisconsin is pounding the rails in my direction.

For months it seemed like a mirage. I’d look at “swim start” pictures from Lake Monona and get goose bumps imagining the sound of the cannon. I still get excited, but it manifests in more of a reality because my feet are nearly wet.

I will be attempting a full Ironman in just over two months and I’ve yet to race a half. That will come in 12 days at the Muncie 70.3.

In some ways IMWI is the ultimate test of trust and patience. My training has certainly prepared me for a half, but doubling that output will take extreme faith and confidence. It’s especially crazy to me considering at this point last year I’d never even completed a sprint.

What I have learned in this relatively short period of time is that you should never doubt your potential. I have transformed from a couch potato into a spirit that believes he can complete 140.6 miles of swim, bike, and run in one day. If that’s possible, what isn’t?

And that’s what remains to be seen. Where can I take this momentum? Will I wake up that morning and Madison, Wisconsin a new man, or a nervous child? I hope it’s a little of both.

Throughout this process I have been chipping away layers of numb. I had been living in a shell, honestly dead to the world in many ways. The passion smoldered below, but I wanted a fire. I wanted to burn the masquerade. I wanted to ignite a flame that would force change.

Hitting “send” and transferring $650 into the hands of Ironman was a major step toward re-discovering myself, but this journey is just beginning. The intensity of our workouts and the relentless support of everyone training with me has pushed my limits further than I ever dreamed.

None of this has been comfortable, but that’s what I wanted. I wanted to feel the pain. The highs, the lows. I wanted to swing open the doors that were nailed shut. I wanted to push my boundaries off the map. I wanted to explore living by coming apart at the seams to find genuine purpose in this life. It’s still not clear, but I’m paying close attention and knowing that two of my close friends and training buddies just finished Ironman Coeur d’Alene inspires me to forget the bad swim I had tonight and go back for more in the morning.

July 1, 2013June 26, 2018

My 5K Face Off With Dr. Oz

Going to Las Vegas in the middle of Ironman training has its pitfalls. Asking for directions to the nearest lap pool gets a lot of strange reactions, and most suggested I opt for a lap dance.*

I was knee deep in debauchery. I was searching for a sign from above, guidance in the form of a supreme being . . . and on day 3 of the trip, my prayers were answered by Dr. Oz.

I was in Vegas for work as part of a television conference. Syndicated programming stars, like Oz, often show up to build a connection with marketing directors of local TV stations so we’ll drop loads of promotion for their shows. Some stand on a stage and talk, but our favorite TV doctor dove head-first in the murky mix by hosting a 5K. A rare opportunity fell to my lap in the form of a showdown with one of the most important television personalities of our time, and I was not about to lose.

A lot of people questioned whether or not Oz would actually “be” at his race, but those doubts were quickly erased when he emerged from the smoke of a fog machine on a custom massage table. This was more than a little intimidating, but I anticipated he’d face countless pre-race distractions to get him off his game . . . and I was right.I sat peacefully in lotus position near the “Wheel of Fortune” slot machines while he navigated countless interviews. Then, as the throng of runners (nearly 100) made their way down the escalator, I made my move. I was quite sure nothing would throw him off his game like a quick “selfy” with a strange man in black glasses.

But my tactic had zero effect on the unflappable purveyor of good health.

Oz shot off the starting line like a Vegas’ debtor running from the Mob. Suddenly I was out of my element. It was 90 degrees at 6 am and my late night did not mix well with the heat or the onslaught of television cameras. Oz defied the odds by setting a blistering pace while navigating the Las Vegas strip with the familiarity of an MGM concierge.

We darted up a flight of stairs, into a hotel, over a bridge, then down two stories of steps back to the boulevard. He was cooking with gas, but I kept him in my sights. When he reached the next corner, I saw confusion in his eyes as he contemplated the next move. There was a major obstacle right in the middle of the race course: A murder scene.

Oz gathered his bearings and swung the route to the right as naturally as baking an egg white omelet. I closed the gap, and by the time we hit a red light, I was right on his heels. We waited patiently while staring at the home stretch. For one brief moment we made eye contact. Sweat dripped from our brows, and we shared an undeniable reciprocation of tenacity. Only a tattered sidewalk and sweltering heat stood between me and a victory over Oz.

The light turned green and he left a trail of dust on fellow racers. The mood was now clear, Oz was here for one thing . . . victory.

Two other ambitious runners joined as the four of us crushed the final turn and headed toward the red tape. Oz made a hard right and turned on the jets. His arms pumped in flawless cadence and I was suddenly struck by the moment. All the fame, fortune, and accolades meant nothing. Oz was a competitor and was not going to lose to some hungover filmmaker from Nashville.

I chased with all I had, but it was not meant to be. Two other guys and Oz crossed the line while I staggered in defeated. But Oz was not there for prizes and deferred to officially declare me the 3rd Place winner. He was clearly intrigued by my unwavering passion and graciously offered this post-race interview.

AND . . . here is a video I put together that includes highlights from the race, including my internal struggle as I realized Dr. Oz meant business.

AND FINALLY . . . here is the trailer for the inspiring Crushing Iron documentary I’m working on that documents the quest of me and four other normal guys changing their lives by training for Ironman Wisconsin.

* Thanks to Frank Green for this line. And no, I did not partake . . . as far as you know.

Have you been thinking about an Ironman, half or any kind of triathlon, but don’t know how to start, please consider us for coaching. We’ve been through most every situation regarding this sport, including starting from scratch. We’ve also taken athletes from their “stuck point” and helped get them on the Ironman podium. We love working with beginners and athletes that want to push it to the next level. Check out our coaching page for more information, including philosophy and pricing.

All 170 podcast can be found on iTunes or on our podcast page.

You can always support The Crushing Iron podcast by making a small pledge here.

June 23, 2013

We Need Your Help at Ironman Wisconsin

Some of you may know we’re documenting our road to Ironman Wisconsin on video. We’ve done a bunch of interviews and some training stuff along the way, but, since I do most of the shooting, I’m getting a little anxious about how we’re going to cover Ironman weekend.

This is really like a zero-budget process and I’m looking for ideas to help an organic ground swell of phone videographers on race day. Do you know anyone who will be at the race? Have any thoughts on how we can get the word out to people we may not know yet who’d want to help document this occasion?

I would like to set up a server so that anyone who shoots video at Ironman Wisconsin could upload it for use in the film. It would be amazing if a bunch of people actually capture footage of the Fab 5, but that’s not necessary.

We’re planning to rent GPS chips so that our tracking can be in real time with Athlete Tracker’s free app. This will allow people to know exactly where we are on the course and be ready to shoot. Also, we’ll make sure our numbers and pictures, etc are readily available.

This journey has been amazing and the people involved have been the best part. That goes well beyond the guys I’m training with. People that race triathlon, along with their families and friends are the most generous and supportive humans, so I really think this can literally be an organic film made by hundreds of people. Can you help spread the word?

Feel free to contact me with ideas and any questions. [email protected].

June 5, 2013

My 200th Post and A Lot of Thank You's

As if you needed more proof that endurance training has changed me, this is my 200th post on Crushing Iron. Over the years I have started dozens of blogs on various subjects and most have ended before I wrote 20 posts. Training for an Ironman has given me energy, focus, and follow-thru I have always desired.

But, it’s far more than training alone. The people are the true motivational force, and I feel very fortunate to have so many great ones in my life. Pushing me, supporting me, commenting that my journey has inspired them on some level.

It just happens to be National Running Day, and while I typically think these kinds of holidays are a crock, the spirit of today resonates with me on a deeper level than most. When you run you are free, compassionate, and creative. Competition is with yourself and the ugliest parts of human behavior are washed away.

So, in a genuine way, today is more like Thanksgiving than the formal holiday. I’m glad to be surrounded by people who want to be better. Who understand they are not perfect and relish the quest of that opportunity. I apologize if you’re not mentioned by name on this list because so many have touched my journey, and many of you are in the groups mentioned. Plus, I’m getting old and my memory is slipping.

I’ve included a lot of links and hope it helps build some new connections.

The Fab Five

Jim Schwan – The man who covertly convinced me to get up and act on a passion he knew was lurking beneath my facade. His dedication and sacrifice to this cause has changed my life.

Kevin Gammon – I watched as he struggled for over 16 hours to finish Ironman Louisville. His toughness and determination convinced me to take a deeper look at what’s possible. I signed up for Ironman two weeks later.

Daniel Hudgins – Who knew thrashing your body for hours on end could be fun? Daniel did. He laughs in the face of challenge and knows his body and soul are a gifts to be used to their fullest. Thoughtful and compassionate like no other.

Mark Scrivner – Mark pushes himself more than most. “Want to run an extra 3 miles?” Yeah, let’s do it. He’s battled injury since we began training and he’s fought right through most of it. He kept showing up and there may not be a better lesson in life.

Robbie Bruce (my coach) – Why wasn’t he my baseball coach? I might have actually pushed myself and be writing this as a retired major leaguer. Positive, inspiring, tough. A coach has never connected with me and my goals like Robbie.

Allison Miles (+1) – She’s trained with the Fab 5 since January and blown my mind with her determination. Every time it gets tough, she seems to get even tougher. Her half ironman at Gulf Coast is further than I’ve ever traveled and she’s far from done.

John Wasky (+2) – From seemingly thin air, comes John Wasky, and an insatiable passion for triathlon, a sarcastic wit, and a natural instinct for taking it up a notch. He made a seamless transition into the Fab 5 and has pushed us all to higher places. His wife, Carolyn has also been a phenomenal ambassador of this crazy lifestyle.

Rebekah Shulman – The support I get from Rebekah is unparalleled. On every turn she has encouraged me to follow my dreams and passions. She’s listened to complaints, helped find solutions, and endorsed my crazy pursuits with unwavering conviction. She’s gotten back into running and is now turning to triathlon with her signature determination.

Roger Jokela – Roger and I met at the Village Pub and is still in my phone as “Roger Badger.” Fellow Wisconsinite and dreamer, Roger recently quit his job, moved to the Keys and became a full-time musician. We drank together, trained together, ran our first 1/2 marathon together. I have a deep appreciation for Roger and the way he lives his life.

Season Kaminski – Season is proof that humans can live in their sweet spot. I used to pepper her with endless questions about triathlon and her love for the sport flowed back to me tenfold. Rarely do you meet someone with so much passion for the pursuit of a positive lifestyle.

Hunter Lane – It would be hard to find someone with this level of sincerity when it comes to training. He is a sponge and has a tenacity about nuances that is hard to match. He’s been amazingly patient with my amateur questions from the very start.

Lee Wilson – Oregon Duck track star opens a running store in East Nashville and it just so happens to be the place that kicked off my new lifestyle. His vision has changed the landscape of my neighborhood for the better, and his anti-Badger barbs have been a great inspiration to kick ass.

The Couch to 5K Crew from Nashville Running Company – There were about 40 of us that gathered that fateful day in January, 2012 and showed up 3 times a week in preparation for a seemingly impossible 5K. Many of them still run with East Nasty and it genuinely makes me happy to see their faces. Mike Clark continues to make a great commitment to beginning runners and, to this day, I thank him for being there. Year’s ago, I wanted to be a drummer, but my first teacher didn’t resonate. I quit and have regretted it ever since. The patience and dedication of people who volunteer their time to help people get started is possibly the most important nuance in life.

Jeff Stokes – I remember him from my East Nasty “table-saving-days” and he’s always been a wild card. Injuries were keeping him from running, so he turned his energy to swimming, and recently dove in with the sharks for “Escape from Alcatraz.” His energy and dedication to the pool have given me more jolts than he knows.

Mark Miller – The thoughtful and dedicated “leader” of East Nasty whose genuine love for running has inspired so many like me along the way. I don’t know him as well as I’d like, but I really believe his mission is to help others get more out of life. The power in that cannot be ignored.

Scott Piper for being himself and wearing a tube sock as a cooking glove.

Rachel Kice – The purest artist I’ve ever known. She is a master of moving energy and her ability to transform anything (or situation) into art astounds me. She’s also one of the few people that can visualize my quest for Ironman into a spiritual and creative journey. The other is . . .

Kenny Varga – One of the most creative, conceptual, and compassionate people I know. A brilliant musician, producer, wood craftsman, and meditative runner. Kenny simply understands.

Mike Donze – I never tire of hearing Mike’s interpretation of the world. He is a true observer who listens and translates his feelings into beautiful photography, words, and music. He’s also a runner at heart who truly appreciates the beauty in the human condition.

Seth Godin – His daily posts are brilliant, concise, and inspirational. He has an uncanny way of tapping a place inside me that yearns to break free. He’s been pelting me daily for months and I am very close to a place where his insight can be put to better use.

Robert Hartline – His entrepreneurial spirit burns like a wild fire and I’ve been lucky enough to experience that passion on many occasions.

East Nasty Running Group (This is going to have to be a group hug)
Every Wednesday night 2-300 runners gather on 14th Street and take off into the night. If you live in East Nashville, you have seen them, and possibly been irritated by them crossing in front of your car. I used to understand that irritation. I wanted to get home from work and didn’t seem to have the patience to wait 15 or 30 seconds for a parade of runners. Deep down, I knew the problem wasn’t the people in motion, but me. I was mad that I wasn’t involved. The East Nasty running club is all about the good. Raising money for charity. Donating shoes to schools and less fortunate wannabe runners. Generally unleashing positive karma in what used to be dark and dank East Nashville neighborhoods. These are good people who, through community, make many people’s worlds a better place to live.

The Open Water Swim crew. Corey, Jonathan, Sandy, Melissa, Marc . . .

The people who consistently follow Crushing Iron from afar, like Chatter, Ann in Naptown, IowaTriBob, Sarah in Louisville, rchackman, Kruzmeister, Athleteagain, BgddyJim, Isaac976, UltraSwimFast, KickStart Endurance. The people who follow from near, Kristine, Sallaboutme, Loni, Gina, Kelly, David, Gwen, Lisa, William.

My Co-workers – Steven for his newfound and contagious passion for triathlon. Sylwaski for listening and pushing himself when no one is watching. Armondo for his toughness and desire to tackle whatever comes next. Justin for caring enough to mention my 1/2 marathon improvements on air. Melissa who burns more candles than anyone I know and burns for fitness. Gil, who goes the extra mile in helping his daughter live the musical dream. Steven who puts up with my bitching over lunch and gave me a great deal on his pool. Big Joe for randomly showing up at every 5k I run. Rosemary, who refers to me as “Her Ironman.”

Jennifer for her love of running. Scott for taking pride in the yellow jacket.

Kathleen for being a great friend and supporting my journey even though it means we don’t see each other as much.

Zach Layne and Heidi Wilson for publicly acknowledging the awesomeness of the Bird Walk Reservoir Weed & Feed 6k.

Andy Moss and Mark Spencer for their outlandish across-the-pond-humor and running tenacity.

The crew at Village Pub for being the best place in town and understanding I needed a little break.

Andy and Matt, who I see nearly every morning pursuing their dream in the coffee shop and inspiring me along the way.

Everyone with X3 Endurance has dished motivation. Robert, Eddie, Brad, Sarah, Meg . . . Continually blown away by the power of community in triathlon.

Several of my college buddies like Eric, Mac, Marty, Pack, Freg, Dano, Pat, Pete, and Petey who have never seen this side of me but know I have it in me.

Mike Wright who is just as jacked as me while silently building his swim, bike, run chops in Rockford, IL.

My dog, Mattie, for putting up with my crazy schedule and teaching me to be more responsible.

And, of course, my family. My cousins Jim, David, John, and Susie in the Northeast. My cousins Tim and Jeni in Wisconsin. Jeni’s husband, Phil. And my cousin, Tiffany, who I’ve never met, but has been super supportive and will be holding a video camera on the Fab 5 at Ironman Wisconsin.

My brother Chris – We’ve had more in-depth conversations about human nature that I can count. Nobody understands me better than my brother, and I’m sure that goes both ways. We have spent most of our adult years apart, but the connection is undeniable. We had incredible synergy as a double play combination on the baseball field and an unspoken bond that pushes me daily to be a better person and pursue my dreams. Oh, and one day soon I fully expect him to be a phenomenal triathlete.

My sister Amy – She’s lived in Dallas for years and we don’t see each other enough. Amy and her husband, Gary are two of the most amazing people you’d want to meet. They have three gorgeous little girls. Not long ago, Amy ran the Dallas 1/2 marathon and I really wish I could have done it with her. Geography has kept us apart for most of my life, but, like my brother, she has always been a major source of support and inspiration. She’s a teacher by trade and sometimes I feel like I’m her most challenging student.

My Dad – Ironman training seems crazy to him, but it’s kinda his fault. He’s likely the main source for my incredible determination and confidence when it comes to athletics. We haven’t talked much about my training, but I’m pretty sure, on some level, he just expects me to crush Ironman.

Mom – She doesn’t really understand Ironman either, but it’s very exciting to her. She’s a mom, so she’s worried about her son, but I’m 99% sure she will be holding some kind of creative home made sign as I bike and run by her in Madison. Something like, “My Son is Crazy, but I Love Him For It.”

And finally, anything to do with my personal inspiration always seems to have a connection to Tim. He was one of my closest friends from childhood. We had a bond that you can never define.

He could call my bluff from a mile away. We never lived in the same town after college, but talked on the phone multiple times a week (or day) like little school girls. We dealt with so many of the same problems and became each others therapists.

Nothing was off limits and our connection always grounded us in hope. We pushed and inspired each other to follow our dreams, even in the middle of nightmares. Two years ago on Halloween, Tim died. I was legitimately crushed. Every day something reminded me of him and I’d pick up the phone to call. I’d look at the screen, see his number, and resist pushing “dial” with every bone in my body. I couldn’t believe he was gone. But even though we don’t talk, I hear his voice during every race. Pushing me to be my best.

He was gone before I started my transformation, but he was a major factor in the process. It sounds corny, but I know he would be proud of me. He was a truly selfless person on so many levels. Consumed with the concept of making life a happier and more enjoyable journey for everyone.

On September 8th, I will have a lot of time to think and I’m sure everyone I’ve mentioned and more will cross my mind at least once. It has been a great ride and I don’t plan on getting off the train anytime soon.

June 3, 2013

Keeping The Band Together

Nothing can jack a guy’s pulse like the thought of being in a band. An innocent comment gets legs and the momentum spins out of control. All guys want world domination, and no form is as intriguing as idolatry from thousands of screaming fans. The simple discussion of this plan takes you to a fantasy world and gives you more energy to tackle the mundane reality.

That’s “sorta” what happened with the Fab 5. It bubbled for a couple weeks, then one fateful night after East Nasty we all agreed. We would form a band together. One that would spend hours and hours together, perfecting our craft until it paid off in front of thousands of screaming fans. And, unlike the most band talk, this became reality.

For the next few weeks, the band did everything together. We all wrote songs and brought our best ideas to the table. The big gig wasn’t for 12 months. It wasn’t quite real yet so we had time to relish in our newfound internal stardom.

We were rock stars who hadn’t played a gig. It was easy to talk about how great and how popular we would be. The 2.4 mile swim was a day at the beach, the 112 mile ride a country road cruise, and the 26.2 mile run a stroll in the park. But, eventually our record label would need to see some songs.

On January 3rd, the song writing began in earnest. The band started with 3 – 4 hour co-writes. We took raw ideas and began melding them into concrete production. The versus got tighter, the choruses offered more hooks, and it all had a better rhythm.

Once we had a few songs, it was time to rehearse. We spent hours at the studio, working on our chops until we got tired of playing, only to return the next morning. The band was tighter than ever, but time together creates tension. Suddenly, the amiable groove was disrupted by hints of individuality and the dingy studio wasn’t the glamour we expected.

The singer had his own interpretations of the songs. The drummer began to oversleep practice. The guitar player had the experience and questioned the methods. The bassist just wanted to rock. And the keyboardist thought we should put more focus on harmony.

The band sucked it up and worked through most of the differences, but some could not be overcome. Suddenly a rock n roll band, that hadn’t played one gig, had two managers and we all agreed to disagree on style. Long writing sessions became rare, but everyone kept writing great songs. Songs that would change each other and change the world.

The band played a few rehearsal shows and fans began to notice. People were inspired the Fab 5’s dedication and mission. Soon, those around the band began writing their own songs and that pushed the band harder. They realized what they were doing mattered. They were indeed changing the world and the people around them were a shot of adrenaline.

They were tired, battered and beaten. Exhaustion, tension, and injury had taken their toll. Each put their individual differences and personal issues aside to focus on the biggest show of their lives.

The late nights and long sessions returned. Each had drifted their own way, but to pull this off, they knew it had to be as one. The comradery, reflection, and support was too much to ignore. This was a not only a group, it was a band of brothers, no piece was more important than the whole.

But, rock n roll is hard. It’s nearly impossible to balance and even the greatest bands in history have had difficult moments. For the Fab 5, that moment came today when Mark called each guy individually and told them he was out. It was one of the most painful decision he’s had to make, but his body wasn’t holding up. A stadium concert wasn’t meant to be.

Everyone in the band was stunned. All those hours. All the hard work. All the focus and intensity. Done.

But Mark knows the show must go on and he will be leading the charge from the sidelines. Thousands of screaming fans can not be let down. The rest of the band will have to pick up the slack. We will have to fuse together and turn the energy of four into five. Mark will be there with us in spirit and every bit of thought, insight and support he’s given will help lift us onto the stage and pull off the biggest show of our lives.

We will lean on each other more than ever. We will pluck inspiration from +1 and +2 at every turn. We will lean on our coach. We will do it for Mark and he will be there with us as the lights go fade on the biggest show of our lives.

May 30, 2013

100 Days, 19 Hours, 30 Minutes Until Ironman Wisconsin

It was one day after Ironman Wisconsin 2012 when I anxiously sat at my computer plugging in personal information that would ignite a cataclysmic change in my life. Three hundred and sixty four days later I was planning to do Ironman Wisconsin. Now, only 100 days remain before that fateful leap into Lake Monona.

The day I signed up, the race was all I could think about. What would it feel like to be in that water with 2,700 people? How would I climb the hilly course or Bascom Hill? What would it feel like to be an Ironman? But, I can honestly say, that thought process has changed dramatically.

It’s not about the event as much as it is about the process of change. The dramatic improvements that have been going on in my body, mind, and soul. Someone told me once that, “the reality of training for an Ironman is that you will “be one” before the race even starts. You’ll have done the work and that’s really the important part.”

So true.

This journey has been amazing. I have met so many like minded and passionate people. That is, by far, the coolest part. I have been transforming the way I feel, react, and live. I understand and accept that it is a process.

There are so many invaluable lessons that go far beyond an Ironman race. Training has reminded of the importance in having a healthy and resilient body. You don’t always realize it because it happens slowly, but at times, like this morning when I was up at 6:30 without an alarm clock and watering flowers, you kinda slap yourself on the forehead and say, “Damn, this is cool.” And while I held that hose, I saw a Facebook post from Daniel that said he got his morning run in before the sun came up! I’m pretty sure Ironman training is a game changer for him.

So, as I sit here 100 days away, I’m mainly anxious about tonight’s two hour bike ride/run brick. I’ve learned to love the workout and take my body further than I ever dreamed. And tomorrow? I’ll be in the lake at 6 am, working to be even better.

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On a side note, I thought this was pretty funny. When I searched “images” for Ironman Wisconsin Swim, this picture of my pool showed up in the top fold of large image search.