A focus on nutrition two weeks in!

This is what was waiting for me at the co-op pick up point this afternoon. A large box of fresh organic greens, fruits, and vegetables. I made some pasta tonight with marinara and veggies that was incredible. I could get used to this. I have been starting to focus on my nutrition along with the the training I have been doing for Ironman NY. I can't wait to mix up a green smoothie with some of these ingredients. I would like to lose some weight especially over the holidays since right now it is easy to gain if you aren't careful.

I have an 1800 yard swim I am looking forward to in the morning and then a run during lunch. I don't plan on eating before the swim but will probably make that smoothie to take to work and sip before the run. In 2010 I did really well knowing what I ate and how it made me feel. I felt great that year and had a real strong season. Training for an Ironman I am taking that same approach and I look forward to testing the waters and giving my body what it needs to succeed.

This week's training has gone well and I was able to complete all of my workouts. I also started the 100 runs in 100 days on slowtwitch.com. This seemed to help me out a lot last year in my running so I thought I would do it again. I asked my coach John Hirsch if it would be OK to add a 30 minute run the days I didn't have a run scheduled and he said it would be great but not to over do and keep it in zone 2. I agreed and think that it won't be a problem to get these runs in.


I think I did a good job juggling the family and training this week and I am looking forward to time off work starting this Friday coming up and enjoying the holidays with everyone. Push On!

Putting It Into Perspective

I ran across this picture while contemplating what to write about tonight. About a week into my preparation for Ironman NY with Team Continuum in August this really made me think about what I am preparing for. This picture was taken almost 2 years ago after my first and only marathon down in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. This was the bookend to my first triathlon season that I had started only in June of that same year and my first 5K was only 9 months before that. I remember saying not too long ago that if I ever did another marathon it would be at the end of an Ironman. Well, guess what?

I have to say that this whole experience even though it is in it's infancy, is very exciting and almost surreal. As I prepare for this event, in the backdrop stands something bigger than myself that I will make a difference in. Cancer patients who are enduring their disease will have resources to help them fight. I cannot describe how this feeds my discipline, determination, and desire to succeed first for them, and then for myself.

Having a coach for the first time was a bit of a challenge for me. When I first started I would find a plan stick to it exactly without much change. After my interview with the coach and my plan was ready I questioned him about the run portion. I learned quickly to let go of what I was doing at that point and trust that he would get me where I need to be. This is new territory and like most things I take on this way I know I will be successful.

I included a link below to a little video I took this morning at the gym. Excuse the lack of enthusiasm as I was getting some strange looks as I talked to myself on the treadmill. I look forward to updating everyone on my progress and until I run into you again. Push On!

Video Update #1 Team Continuum Ironman NY

Training with purpose for an outstanding goal!

As I endured the long line to the top of Rockefeller Center the day after Thanksgiving with my wife and three small boys, I didn't really know how much it would affect me. I had finished my first Half Irondistance race less than a month ago and every since then I had a taste for an Ironman. I thought about Cozumel then found out Arizona would be opening up soon and I had already started trying to talk my wife and family into the idea when something hit me. Since my start in fitness and triathlon I have believed in giving back and the importance of this journey being something above just myself. I had been following some folks on Twitter that have really guided me through my journey and found out about Team Continuum about a year ago. Something led me to their site and I realized that their cause was something I believed in. To top it off they were offering entry to Ironman New York for a commitment to raise money for their important charity. This was it, I thought, this was something that meant more than just a goal for myself. Thanksgiving day I had the privelege to get my father in-law out of the house for a simple trip to the Seven Eleven to get the paper with the Black Friday ads for my wife. You see, over a year ago he was diagnosed with cancer and it touched myself and family greatly. I talked to him about what I was thinking about doing and he thought it was commendable. He also mentioned to me how when he was in the hospital there wasn't a lot of communication and consultation about the disease for him and his family. He was really amazed how little of this support was available. I think during that conversation I made up my mind. Back at the top of Rockefeller Center where I started this blog and the view you see in the picture something changed in me and I committed to this great cause and epic event that will help those battling cancer with the non medical needs that are present as they endure their disease. I will be updating this blog as I complete my journey and I appreciate your consideration to helping me with this cause. Click the Team Continuum Athlete Page link in the top right hand corner of the page to read more.