#140.6 triathlon

[tripeakathlete]

Week of August 28 - September 3, 2023

[zoofitness]

Well it’s official - I signed up for my first full distance Ironman!

Come April 27, 2024 I will be attempting to swim, bike, and run a cumulative 140.6 miles under 17 hours. I fully expect to take nearly the entire allotted time 🤣

It’ll be a long road to get there but in really excited! Let’s get to it! 🏊🏻‍♀️ 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🤠

[enduraprepuk]

EnduraPrep Launches Cutting-Edge Ironman Coaching Services

EnduraPrep.co.uk, a leading name in endurance sports coaching, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Ironman coaching services. This exciting development is set to revolutionize the way athletes prepare for the grueling Ironman triathlon, offering unparalleled expertise and support for participants aiming to conquer this ultimate test of endurance.

Ironman triathlons are renowned for pushing athletes to their limits, combining a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a full marathon, totaling 140.6 miles. Endurance, strategy, and mental toughness are essential components for success in these demanding races. Recognizing the need for specialized coaching in this field, EnduraPrep.co.uk is proud to introduce its comprehensive Ironman coaching program.

Ironman coaching is not just about training harder; it's about training smarter. EnduraPrep’s team of experienced coaches understands the unique challenges that Ironman athletes face and has designed a program that covers every aspect of preparation:

Tailored Training Plans: Our coaches will create customized training plans that factor in your current fitness level, goals, and available time. These plans will include swim, bike, and run workouts, as well as strength and mobility exercises to keep you injury-free.

Nutrition and Fueling Strategies: Proper nutrition is vital for sustained energy throughout an Ironman race. Our coaching program will educate athletes on the ideal dietary choices, hydration strategies, and race-day nutrition to optimize performance.

Mental Toughness: Ironman races are as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Our coaches will provide techniques and strategies to build mental resilience and overcome the inevitable hurdles during the race.

Race Day Planning: Ironman races require meticulous race day planning. EnduraPrep.co.uk will assist athletes in creating a race strategy, including pacing, transition strategies, and gear choices.

Recovery and Injury Prevention: Our coaching program emphasizes recovery and injury prevention to ensure athletes remain healthy and strong throughout their training and racing journey.

EnduraPrep ironman coaching services are suitable for athletes of all levels, from first-time Ironman participants to seasoned triathletes aiming for personal bests. The coaching team consists of certified professionals with extensive experience in endurance sports, and they are committed to helping athletes reach their Ironman goals.

We are excited to launch our Ironman coaching services. We believe that with the right guidance, dedication, and support, anyone can complete an Ironman race. Our coaching program is designed to make that dream a reality. Whether you aspire to finish your first Ironman or are looking to improve your performance, EnduraPrep.co.uk's Ironman coaching services are here to help. Don't miss this opportunity to work with experts in the field and achieve your triathlon dreams.

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] ​Scarborough Athletic Club’s Sarah Noble completed her second 140.6-mile Full Iron Man distance event, the Outlaw Triathlon at the National Water Sports Centre, Nottingham. [ad_2]

[coachstephanieholbrook]

I found out about Ironman triathlons in 2004, and the idea was incredible: to cover the distance of 140.6 miles in one day. It seemed like a superhuman feat, making me want to do one. With the help of a coach, fellow athletes, and my family, I completed Ironman Arizona in 2007 - an experience I will never forget! Whenever people hear what I've done, they often ask, 'How did you do it?' My answer is always this: the first step is wanting it badly enough, and the second step is making the choice that you are going to train every day despite any fear or roadblocks that stand in your way. If you take these two steps, then you can achieve anything! My next goal... Gravel Cycling... Steamboat Springs, Here I come... #triathlon #trilife #triathlonlife #triathlonmotivation #ironmantriathlon #triathlonworld #triathletes #triathlons #swimbikerun #ironmantraining #tritraining #triathlete #triathlontraining # #triathloncoach #ATHLETICA_AI #growthesport #raceformore #ironmanfoundation #Athleticaambassador #growthesport #TeamAthletica #vespaambassador @athletica_ai @azwomenracing @firstwaveendurance @vespa_endurance

[behardonyourself]

Ironman Cozumel:  Six Months Out

Today is exactly 6 months until Ironman Cozumel.  I know that when I see that in writing, it seems like a while, but I also know that six months passes by extremely fast, whether you want it to or not.

While I’m 100% certain that I am Ironman ready (meaning, I could finish an Ironman race today), that in no way means that I am RACE ready.  I have some very lofty goals for this race, and it isn’t about finishing.  As I have mentioned before, I want the following times in each event:  2.4 Mile Swim: 1:20 112 Mile Bike:  5:15 26.2 Mile Run:  4:00 Transitions: 17 minutes total

And while that total adds up to substantially less, my overall goal is less than 12 hours, with a perfect effort getting me under 11 hours.  

This is going to require a monumental effort and that day is going to be a serious challenge, and I am completely ready for the fun.

Like last time, a lot of people are messaging me with support and I appreciate it more than you can imagine.  So many people also doubt themselves and say that they could never do what I’m doing, and I don’t think anything could be further than the truth.  If I can do it, anyone can.  

Remember, I’m not a runner, but I run.  I’m not a cyclist, but I do ride a bike.  I am damn sure not a swimmer, but I swim.  And while many competitors have a background in one or more of those disciplines, I had absolutely no measurable background in any endurance sport.  You don’t have to have one of those labels to earn the title of “Ironman”.  

Your focus determines your thoughts.  Your thoughts determine your actions.  Your actions determine your reality.  Make improvement in all aspects of your life a habit, and you’ll absolutely soar.

I hope that I can make this next 6 months entertaining and enjoyable :D

Boyd

[littlecondo]

Training recap: April 13 - 19, 2020

This marks week 14 of training, and a minor miracle in that I’m still blathering away over here. The plan and I did not play nicely this week, well we did for the first part but by Friday I was doing my own thing. Here’s how it looked:

Swim: nope. Pools still closed. I really miss swimming.

Bike: Killer Vo2max intervals on Monday (done as a TrainerRoad group workout) and brutal over-unders on Wednesday as per the plan. If I’d stuck to the rest of the plan, it would have been an easy ride on Friday and a tempo ride followed by a brick on Saturday, BUT. The weather for Saturday looked decent and I wanted to get out with Dan for a longer ride, so that’s what we did. It was awesome, I came home and my legs were done!

Run: “Hard” intervals on Tuesday and an easier run on Thursday. I suspected I’d be tired and not in the mood for a brick on Saturday so instead headed out on Friday. I had a route in mind and it worked out to a little over an hour of running. Good enough for me.

Row: once. 

Core/yoga: two strength-ish sessions. I’ve been doing lots of bodyweight lunges the last couple of weeks. Also some yoga because my left side seems to be tight all the time.

Swim cords: signed up for a program. I’ve done two of the three workouts for the week. Jury is still out on it.

New shoes, painted rocks, aftermath of a tough ride.

[lavender-running]

I think, finally, I’m ready. Ready to get back into serious training, get back to serious racing, and get back into real fitness!

Last night I had a dream that I had to hurdle bike racks (while carrying my bike) in order to get out of transition. I successfully hurdled everything and then executed a perfect flying mount (where you hop onto your bike while running)... so I think it’s safe to say that my subconscious is ready too HAH

THE PLAN:

Get back to daily training this week. Next week, start “real” training (generally two sessions per day). Do a couple local tris in August and September and maybe convince my husband (who’s also my coach) that I should run a half marathon in the fall for funzies. 

My goal is to be hella fit by the time we move to Florida in January for our two month training camp. I’d like to be able to train with my teammates (some of them are in this picture!), and compete comfortably in the Clermont elite development race in early March. LFG.

[mytrilife]

Heart Rate Training

Starting this season I decided to start trying out heart rate training especially because I want to do another Ironman in 2018. Yesterday was my first day and it went really well on my bike! but when I got to the run my heart rate immediately jumped up to zone 3. Like i had to run a freaking 13 minute mile to get it into zone 2. Today when I ran I stayed in zone 2 then entire time. Mile 1 was about 11:30 pace and then mile 2 was 12:55. I don’t really expect to see improvement yet but holy crap my running is just awful.

[tripeakathlete]

Week of September 11 - 17, 2023

Dear Central Florida Triathlon Club members, I hope this email finds you well and enjoying your training as we approach some exciting races in the coming weeks. We have a busy schedule ahead, with athletes tapering down for Ironman 70.3 Augusta and Cozumel in two weeks, and Ironman 140.6 and 70.3 Barcelona in three weeks. I want to emphasize the importance of staying focused and following the…

[zoofitness]

Had a great long run yesterday!

While out, I was reflecting on some things…mainly in how it has been the running and triathlon community that has always reached out their hands to pull myself up and forward instead of letting myself give up like I wanted to in the past.

Thankful for everyone I have met on my fitness journey and excited to see where my next adventure takes me.

More than anything though, I can feel that this will be the year I complete a full Ironman 140.6. While I haven’t signed up for anything, I’ve been thinking about it for weeks. And I want to do it. I’ve already been to hell and back, so what’s an Ironman to stop me?

It’ll be exciting to see what this year hold!

[by-endurance--we-conquer]

My second Washington Island 24 hour triathlon in the books. This has quickly become one of my favorite events. Just a great, low key environment with a great race course. 7 of us went up to the island and were entered in the solo division. From Friday at 1000 to Saturday at 1000 we swam, biked and ran as much as we could (minus no swimming at night). This year the added challenge was the weather- specifically the howling wind. Wow, it was strong. Then a good thunderstorm rolled through later in the evening. All in all a great time. I even managed to get a quick nap from 0430 to 0530.

Swim- 2.75 miles. Some of the toughest swim conditions I've ever experienced. Just got slammed out there. Would have liked to have done more on the second morning but the water was just as rough as Friday. Didn't see any water snakes this year but I heard there were sightings.

Bike- 120 miles. My favorite part of the race course. The route has it all. Hills, woods, lake views, lavendar fields and according to some- ghosts. Even plenty of deer running out in front of you in the middle of the night. Plus, the biggest frog I've ever seen. Then there was that time where I heard a loud crash behind me, thinking someone crashed, only to look back and see a birch tree laying across the road. Good thing I wasn't a little slower.

Run- 24.5 miles. 12 times on a 1 mile out and 1 mile back on a lakeshore, twisty turny, wooded road. You'd think it would get boring but it doesn't. Lots of stars in the sky and a curious fox who apparantly liked to keep an eye on the progress of the race. Happy with my running post Crusher. I still have a pretty sucky blister on my left foot that I felt running (and biking too) but I pushed through that discomfort. Eventually, I just kind of forgot about it.

147 miles which checked off my main goal which was to go beyond 140.6. As expected this event did light the triathlon fuse a little more but probably because it had more of the ultra feeling. Can't imagine not returning in 2020.

[mikeconphoto]

"FIT FEATURE: ALLYSON FRANCO" #WEARORANGE -BY MIKECON PHOTOGRAPHY

This is dedicated to Evan, all of the survivors and the victims of senseless gun violence.

I’ve been meaning to write this blog for a while about this phenomenal athlete, wife and mother named Allyson Franco. With current events in play, I figured that today’s that day. Before I share the interview with Allyson, let me tell you a bit about her.

Allyson and I met in 2016 at a gym in Castle Rock, Colorado. She was working there as a Personal Trainer, and I hired her to help me get back into better shape. As she trained me, we began to talk and get to know one another, and eventually became really great friends. Coincidentally, we’re both from Georgia, close in age, and appreciate family, food, and running. After some major convincing between myself and her husband we FINALLY got her to do a photo shoot with me. Allyson is a natural in front of the camera!! Not once did she ever tense up, or give up on the all day marathon shoot we did.

On May 7th 2019, the Highlands Ranch, Colorado community was forever changed when a shooting occurred at the Highlands Rance STEM School. There were 8 students hurt and 1 was killed. For me this hit pretty personal because Allyson’s one and only son is currently a student there. Living here in Germany, I rarely see the news going on in the U.S., however Allyson made this post on social media that she shared with me, and has allowed me to share with you all:

“I rarely post very personal things on Facebook, but what happened today is bigger than just my family unit. There was a shooting at Evan’s school today, STEM. He was in the classroom next door to where one of the shooters opened fired. At least 3 bullets came through the wall into his room and one grazed a boy in his class on the leg. His soccer coach was the teacher leading class at that time. One of his teammates was actually in the room where it happened (his teammate is physically ok). He knew the student that did not survive his injuries and, though not very well, he knew the 18 yr old shooter. This is a small school, everybody knows everybody on some level. Our son heard and saw things today that nobody should ever be exposed to, least of all someone his age whose biggest concern should be his upcoming game and what he’s going to do on Friday night. He heard all of the gunshots that happened in that room. He heard a student yell “He has a gun!” He heard the confrontation that happened between a shooter and an officer. He heard the confrontation stop after more gunfire. He helped gather his classmates into the area where they were supposed to be during a lockdown, including collecting two classmates who were hiding together in a deemed unsafe spot, which left him positioned on the floor in the middle of the room instead of up against the wall where, he was supposed to be because he was one of the last two people to take cover. He saw blood pools on the floor and blood on the wall as he was evacuated from the school by armed officers. To the depths of my soul I mourn what happened today. I mourn the loss of life, I mourn for those that suffered injuries, I mourn the lives of the shooters and I mourn for their parents, and I mourn for the rest of these kids that should never have been exposed to everything that happened today. I am immensely proud of how our son handled himself today. Yet I am devastated at his loss of innocence. I am an adult, yet I am unsure of how to deal with the feelings I have. How do we as parents help our kids through this who, at this age, struggle with simply processing their regular daily emotional load? 

I worry every time this boy gets in his car and leaves my sight. So much so that I make fun of myself in my head for being such a ‘mom’. Every fear came to life today when I got the text that said “don’t call me because my phone can’t ring...there is an active shooter...which is where I am...” I’m surely going to freak the eff out when he leaves home now. 

I’m not looking to be political. That’s not what this post is about. I’m heartbroken. So many children are hurting. I cannot thank God enough for the moment when I was able to hug my son after hours of  standing in a gymnasium with hundreds of other scared parents. Honestly, I don’t really know why I’m posting this other than I need a place to ‘put’ what I’m feeling (imagine how all of these students feel). And that feelings about what happened today should not be kept inside. 

Hug your kids for me. I love them all. “

As a Marine that has experience in combat zones I hate the fact that this happened to these kids, or anyone that has had to deal with this when they’re supposed to be safe on our own soil. I’m not here to politicize this, however I will bring awareness to this as the rest of the world has by wearing orange today to honor gun violence victims and survivors. Now, here’s more about Allyson. #wearorange

Describe your life before you started training. I grew up being uncomfortable in my skin. I was always the “skinny girl”. In fact, the mom of my best friend while I was growing up used to say I looked like a “refugee from Guam”. She didn’t mean any harm behind it, she loved me almost like a daughter, but it still stung and it definitely stuck. I spent some time trying out different types of dancing in my youth, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my “thing” so I didn’t stay with it as I got older. I spent my high school years trying to come to terms with myself as a whole, just like everybody else did. I feel like I didn’t really start coming into my own until after I graduated. I’d have to say that the best I’ve ever felt about myself was in my early to mid twenties. Whether it’s related or not, that’s when I began to dabble in the gym. My then fiancée and I joined Lifetime Fitness and started working out to get ready for our wedding. I wasn’t nearly at the level physically that I’ve since become, and there have been many evolutions in my fitness journey since then, but after I started that one gym membership, I haven’t stopped.

How different do you feel now compared to then? Night and day. But sprinklings of that very insecure girl still show up more often than I’d like. There are moments when being a 45 year old, pre-menopausal mom and wife catch up with me. But my time that I spend training is what helps to keep those demons at bay. I’ve learned to appreciate my strength and the feats my body has been able to accomplish over the years.

Was there is pivotal moment that motivated you to start training? If so, what was it? Not really. At the time, John and I joined a gym in preparation for our upcoming wedding. It just seemed like the thing to do. We didn’t realize that we had begun what was to become one of the biggest parts of our daily lives.

Do you remember your first training session? How different is your training today? I remember when I first joined a gym after having my son. That was more significant to me than my first time ever training in a gym was. I was a new mom and needed to get out of the house and find a community. I found it when I came back to the gym. (I’d had to give up the gym during my pregnancy due to complications.)

What has been the most rewarding aspect of training for you? Why? By far, my sense of self. I feel more confident and secure in my station when I have my outlet. I am a better wife and mother when I’m able to get my training in. My personal fitness evolution also lead me to becoming a personal trainer, which became my career passion the minute I started.

What has continued to motivate you throughout your training? Why? Setting a good example for my son is a huge motivation. I want to show him that just because we have to age, it doesn’t mean we have to get old. And also to show him that taking care of yourself is a foundation to leading a good life. Training is also my outlet. I’m a better version of myself when my training is on point. My family and my clients deserve my best.

What are your qualifications - why did you set out to achieve these? Professionally, my personal training certifications are through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. I have my Certified Personal Trainer certification, Corrective Exercise Specialist certification, Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification, Weight Loss Specialist certification, Women’s Fitness Specialist certification, and Youth Exercise Specialist certification. NASM is one of the most highly regarded institutions from which to become certified. I figured that I’d be wasting my time, and my clients’ time, if I didn’t set high standards for myself from the beginning. Each new certification I acquire makes me a more effective and  well rounded personal trainer. My clients deserve my best effort, and that includes not only my attitude, but also my knowledge. Beyond my professional certifications, I try to practice what I preach. I have tried to be accomplished both professionally and personally. I have finished multiple 30 hour adventure races, completed multiple marathons, completed a 50k ultramarathon, finished two 70.3 distance triathlons, and also crossed the finish line at the inaugural Chattanooga Ironman 140.6 triathlon.

What have you had to overcome to get to where you are today? Did that change you in any way? If so, describe how. I’ve been blessed that my road to becoming a personal trainer has been a fairly smooth one. My husband has supported me 100% since day 1, and he’s my biggest fan. He has trained along my side and in many of my personal endeavors too. We trained together and held hands as we both crossed the finish line in the Chattanooga Ironman. My son has also been consistently positive about everything I’ve done. My support system is strong.

What is the number one lesson you have learned about health and fitness through your training? Sustainability is key. Each person has to find a nutrition and training regimen that they can stick with long term. Health and fitness should be a lifelong endeavor.

What do you wish you had known when you were 16? That great things happen when I push myself outside of my comfort zone, both mentally and physically.

Describe how training makes you feel. Strong. Capable. Beautiful. Centered.

Do you have a quote that you live by? If so, why this one? “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” We all can become complacent in a blink if we aren’t paying attention. This applies to all areas of life - physical,  mental, social, professional....Nothing progresses if we are stagnant and comfortable.

What was your reason for taking health and fitness to the level you have? Why is it so important to you? It’s been an evolution for me. As I gained more confidence in what my body could do, I kept pushing my limits. Every time I completed a race, even though I was beat down and exhausted, I felt strong and accomplished. I also want to be strong and healthy for my family. I try to lead by example so they will be encouraged to be strong and healthy as well.

What advice would you give to women wanting to get into the best shape of their life? Don’t get discouraged. No one thing works for every person. Don’t be afraid to try different avenues of exercise.

What is the most important thing women need to remember when training? Why?   That it’s ok to take that time for yourself. We tend to feel that by doing something that seems like it is for us alone, we are taking away from the people that we love. That’s not the case. The truth is, this small amount of time that we take, makes us better for the people that count on us.

We all have days where motivation is low – how do you overcome these? Have you always been able to do this? I am a “doer.” I’m very task oriented. If something needs to be done, and I’m the one that is supposed to do it, I complete the task regardless of how I feel about doing it. The same principle applies for me with regard to my training. If it’s on the schedule for the day, I do it. That said, there are occasional days where I might be particularly low energy or run down. Perhaps those will turn into unscheduled rest days. I’m trying to listen to my body more. I was not very good at doing so a few years ago. My last line of defense, though, is my husband. If I’m really failing to get myself moving, he’s very good about stepping in. He’s been known to create a butt-kicking workout for me so that I don’t  have to think about it. I just show up.

Do you enjoy training alone or with a partner? Why? Really, it depends on the day and what I’m doing. There is something great about being in my fitness studio alone, my music turned up loud, and doing my thing. But I also have fun when my friend comes to join me and we help push each other. I love the times when my husband and I can get in the gym together too. My son will come workout with me sometimes as well, especially during summer vacation. Those are great opportunities for us to spend time together.

What would you like to see change in the health and fitness industry? I’d like to see some regulation on vitamins, proteins, and supplements. So many people think that all supplements are created equal. They’re under the impression that these products are all safe because they’re sold over the counter. That’s not true and it makes it difficult for the average person to make informed decisions about what they are putting in their bodies.

What would a perfect Sunday involve for you? A perfect Sunday would come at the end of a successful training week. There would be snow on the ground, I’d sleep in with my husband, stay in sweats all day, there would be a big pot of homemade spaghetti gravy on the stove, and I’d finish off my evening with a couple of glasses of red wine.

Contest history - do you have a highlight? Why? I’ve completed multiple 30-hour adventure races, several marathons, a 50k ultra marathon, two 70.3 distance Ironman Triathlons, and the Inaugural Chattanooga 140.6 Ironman Triathlon. The highlight would have to be the Chattanooga Ironman. My training had been sidelined by a few unexpected surgeries I’d had at the beginning of that year. I had come to terms with not being able to participate in this race that coming September as I hadn’t been able to train at all for the first 6 months of the year. But at the last minute, I decided to go for it. I trained hard for two months and, while my time wasn’t as good as it would have been if I’d been able to train properly, I crossed the finish line next to my husband. Running down that finisher’s chute was one of the highlights of my entire life.

Diet/Workout week:

[Please outline a typical day’s meals and your workout]

Monday

Breakfast - Isagenix IsaLean Strawberry shake, coffee

Snack - small handful of raw almonds and an apple

Later lunch/ post workout - 2 Mediterranean grilled chicken skewers, 2 tbsp hummus, cucumber slices

Dinner - roasted chicken, roasted red potatoes, and a salad

Tuesday

Breakfast - Isa shake, coffee

Snack - 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese and an apple

Later lunch / post workout - Just Shredded Chicken from Sprouts, 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot wing sauce, and baby carrots

Dinner - baked salmon, brown rice pilaf (made from scratch), steamed asparagus

Wednesday

Breakfast - Isa shake, coffee

Snack - beef jerky

Late lunch / post workout - one of the two lunches described above

Dinner - chicken stir fry with carrots, baby bok choy, and bell peppers, served over brown rice

Thursday

Breakfast - same

Snack - same

Lunch / post workout - same

Dinner - baked chicken breasts, roasted potatoes, baked Parmesan squash and zucchini “chips” (dipped in Greek yogurt ranch dressing)

Friday

Brakfast - same

Snack - same

Lunch / post workout - same

Dinner - chicken tinga tacos from Yolanda’s

Saturday

Breakfast - avocado toast on Ezekiel bread with 2 eggs and a sliced tomato, coffee

Lunch - 5 marinated mozzarella balls and a chopped tomato with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Snack - almonds or beef jerky and an apple

Dinner - sweet and spicy honey-sriracha chicken thighs with honey-soy glazed carrots served over brown rice

Sunday

Breakfast - scrambled eggs (made by my husband), Ezekiel toast, coffee

Lunch - turkey and cheddar flat sandwich from Pot Belly with all the toppings except mayo and oil

Dinner - either some form of leftovers from previous dinners, or homemade spaghetti gravy over whole wheat pasta

QUICK QUESTIONS:

Describe yourself in three words. Stubborn, dependable, feisty (Editor’s note: Allyson is half Italian and Puerto Rican, so those three words might make better sense!)

What is your favorite food to indulge on? How often do you treat yourself? I love cheese! I don’t think I’ve ever met a cheese that I didn’t like. I don’t eat it as often as I’d like. Maybe once a month I’ll put together a big tray of cheese and charcuterie and my husband and I will have that for dinner with a couple of glasses of wine.

What is your favorite non-cheat food? Tomatoes. I’ve had an obsession with them the last few months.

What is your favorite home-cooked meal? Who cooks it? Homemade spaghetti gravy with handmade ravioli. We make the ravioli by hand as a family, but I make the gravy. This is what we have for Christmas dinner every year.

What are the staples in your fridge? Just shredded chicken from Sprouts, sliced cucumbers, romaine letuce, we always have lots of veggies, Perfect Bars, Organic Valley 2% milk, Silk soy creamer, eggs.

What is your favorite body part to train? Why? Legs, because I’ve always felt that they require the most work for me. If I’m not training them hard, then they become too skinny.

What is your least favorite body part to train? Why? Chest, because I hate push-ups.

Do you prefer to train outdoors or indoors? Why? Indoors, but my training studio is in my garage so I love to have the big bay door open. I get the best of both worlds that way.

Describe the atmosphere in your favorite place to train – what can you see/feel/hear etc.? The lights are low and the rock music is loud. The vibe is strong and positive. I must have some personal space too, and be able to see outside.

Do you prefer cardio or weights? Why? I used to be a cardio junkie. I’m not like that now though, At this point, I’d have to say that I prefer weight training. I think I burned myself out running 10 miles a day, several days a week for such a long period of time. I just don’t have it in me to do that anymore. I also discovered that I prefer the way my body looks when I’m doing more lifting and HIIT training than the way it looked when I was running so much.

Do you have a favorite book? Why this one? ‘The Outlander’ series by Diana Gabaldon, because I’m a sucker for a good romance and strong lead characters.

What is your favorite feature? Why? My skin. I try very hard to take good care of it and keep it healthy and youthful looking. I was blessed with good genes. My mother and my grandmother both have beautiful skin. I have big shoes to fill in that regard.

Name five (5) things you can't live without. Other than my guys (John & Evan)? Blue jeans, boots, wine, my pets, and my workouts.

Name three (3) things most people don’t know about you. I don’t like crowds, I sang in the chorus in high school, and I love to cook.

What is on your bedside table? Water, hand lotion, Burt’s Bees lip treatment, 2 pictures of my son as a baby, and a lamp.

What is your best beauty secret? Eye cream! I’ve been using it since I was in my 20s. And serious sunscreen on my face.

Who inspires you? Why? My son. He exudes a quiet, but fierce confidence that I wish I’d had at his age. Or that I wish I had even now! The intelligence and maturity that he possesses is inspiring to watch grow.

Who is your fitness and body role model? Why? I can’t actually say that I have one. I just try to be the best version of myself that I can put out there. I spent too many years dangerously comparing myself to other people out there. I try not to do that anymore.

What do you have in store for the future? What do you want to improve on? Looking towards the future I’ll be focusing on expanding my business model and figuring out how to do that while not falling short on the daily running my household. I want to improve upon my ability to do both.

I'm currently preparing for: Nothing physical. I am working on building my brand professionally, while keeping my own training consistent.

Website? www.afitlifeforyou.com

[nickwilsonphoto]

All of my 2018 Ironman Arizona 140.6 images are live on the site: www.NickWilson.photo, link in bio as well. Can’t wait for the next one. Triathlons are freaking sweet and the community is super awesome! #GetOlympus #Ironman #IMAZ #Trek #TrekBikes #tri #swimbikerun #triathlon #triathlete #51speedshop #tempe #arizona #cycling #panshot #zipp #zippspeed (at IRONMAN Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqrHH4HF1Qo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1flt2xwqxtuey

[behardonyourself]

My Ironman Journey - August 14, 2019

This is the “Getting the Fuck After It” edition of my blog.  Today is my first day off in a week, but I was at the gym as it opened and the first person in the pool at 5:01am on the dot.  FYI - I’ve thought this for years, but I can almost guarantee you that the highest average net worth you’ll ever find at the gym is between the hours of 5-6am.  Winners get up early and get after it.

Today is the first day of 9th grade for my son Peyton.  I am having a hard time believing he is entering high school.  Hell, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was a freshman, but here we are.  I have a plethora of mixed emotions - excitement, optimism, happiness, sadness, fear, pride, and so much more that I can’t really explain, but I guess parents have felt this for years.  It has been crazy having a baby in the house, but he’s still my oldest and my baby boy, and I’m excited for this chapter.

Training is going amazing.  I have become so good at partitioning my focus that I’m able to get more done in my life than ever before.  At work, I’m killing it.  When I’m in “work mode”, it’s 100%.  Training is the same.  While something as grandiose as an Ironman requires a ton of time and focus and is always somewhere in the back of my mind, I’m not letting it hurt my professional life.  My wife would argue that my ridiculously early bedtimes are killing her, but she understands what I’m doing.  My appreciation for her is absolutely limitless, and today she welcomes a new herd of first graders into her world.  She has the patience of a saint, which is the only explanation of how she’s hung out with me for over 12 years.

Prior to this week, I made myself completely reduce volume for 2 weeks to allow myself to recover, and it was just what the doctor ordered.  I didn’t “feel” like I needed it, but somewhere about the third “easy” day, I think it all caught up with me and my body welcomed the added rest and complete lack of intensity.  The second week was a bit tougher psychologically, but I hit the pool for a 3000 yard nonstop swim (my longest nonstop to date) and I was so excited.  I followed that up with a 75 mile ride Monday, a short recovery run Tuesday, and another swim today, and today’s swim is a big reason for this post.

I’ve been so focused on becoming an excellent freestyle swimmer, I haven’t even considered training any other strokes.  I’m a decent backstroke swimmer, so I figured if I needed it to get my bearings and breath, I could flip over and do that.  After speaking to a few seasoned open water swimmers, they suggested I practice the breast and side stroke.  While I technically “know how to” do those strokes, I haven’t even considered them in training for this race, until today.  This morning’s swim was awesome.  I would swim 50 yards free, and then switch to breast stroke for 25.  I was shocked to see that a) I was completely “resting” during the breast stroke and b) I wasn’t losing a significant amount of time off of my freestyle race pace.  I then started mixing laps (half free, half breast) and was pleasantly surprised at my energy levels, heart rate, and speed.

I also did a couple of laps with a side stroke and while I’m not sure I have it done from a form standpoint, I do think it’s a viable option if I get into trouble.

Being a complete novice and mostly self-trained, little bits like this are extremely motivating and exciting.  I feel amazing comfortable right now with where I am.  I have become a serviceable swimmer, I feel that I’m really good on the bike, and I am a better than average distance runner.

Oh, and I’m SOBER.  Yeaaaaah, today is day 202 and while I’m extremely proud of how far I’ve come as a triathlete, I’m more proud of the man I’m finally becoming, although it took me a bit of time to grow up.

I’m taking my son to school here in a few minutes, and when I get home, I’m going to ride the indoor bike for an hour or so (it’s actually raining here in Texas in August.  I would be less surprised to see a chupacabra walking down the street) and then hit the row machine for some sprint work later today.  As it stands right now, I’m planning a rest day tomorrow. 

Find your why for the long term, and search for motivation everywhere you can to keep moving forward.  Someone is looking at you for motivation.