In the beginning...

Today begins a new phase: marathon training. For the next several months or so, I will be training for the National Marathon on March 29. This will be my first, so I hope the marathon g-ds will be gentle on me. After all the turkey and fixings I ate this weekend, which included 4 separate dinners (yes FOUR), I am motivated to start. I got all those bad habits out of my system and am ready to start my marathon training today...by going to spinning. So yea, my plan says for Mondays to be cross training days, so spinning it is. Seems kind of strange, but I'm not complaining - its pouring outside! So let the countdown begin...the season has begun

Second Thoughts About Swimming in the Potomac

For those who swam in the Potomac for the Nations Triathlon, which appeared to be an excellent race, you may want to consider this. Now, I am all for having the triathlon. It was a great race. I stood by the waterfront to watch people all day and heard nothing but good things about the swim. Add to the fact that there is nothing better than being able to roll out of bed and pedal on down to a race. I'm just a little concerned about The Potomac Conservancy's concern about finding more "intersex" fish and D plus rating for the Potomac.

In need of a new game show

You know it is November sweeps...networks should take note. Check this out...words can't describe the awesomeness of this clip. You'd have to be a yoga master to make it through some of these...

Greatest game show clip ever!

Whoa, I'm Weak

Since finishing my 2007 season back in September, I've kind of been taking it easy these past couple of months to mentally and physically recover. During the peak season, I also tend to refrain from lifting weights, since there isn't much benefit at that point. So its only been recently that I started lifting again. Yesterday was the first time I went to do a leg workout and let me tell you...I. AM. WEAK. I've lifted upper body a few times in the past month and I wasn't as surprised by the muscle loss there. I guess I need to start getting back to a consistent weight program.

So here's the plan at minimum:

• 2 lifting days per week
• 1 focused on upper body
• 1 focused on legs

Deal?

Important Thoughts to Consider

In light of recent events that have taken the lives of 3 athletes during long distances running races, I think there are some lessons learned that everyone should consider. Obviously hindsight is always 20/20, but in the unfortunate case of Ryan Shay, his doctors told him that he would need a pacemaker. There are a few takeaways I have from this recent outburst of sports-related deaths.

1) Listen to your body. If you feel the slightest bit "off", don't go hard like its a race day. There is always tomorrow to push hard when you are feeling better. One day is not going to make or break your season.

2) Have regular check ups and physicals with your doctor. True many of these incidents are described as "rare" or "isolated", but with more and more people participating in endurance events, one has to expect the numbers to rise. What is important is that you have to listen to your doctors. If they warn you of something that may be of note, pay attention and do what you have to do so you don't risk further harm. Don't just ignore it and hope it gets better with time.

Due to the fact that we all tend to be Type A athletes, most people are stubborn and unlikely to alter their plans based on feel. I think these events are more of a wake up call to listen. No pain, no gain will only take you so far. A smart athlete is in line with their body and listens to those around to make sure you put yourself in the best possible situation to succeed.

A Name to Watch For

Every year, athletes come out of nowhere and discover new abilities they never thought they had. Growing up playing sports, I would never knew if that new kid on the team was going to be faster or better than me. But each year, I'd find that someone would come out of nowhere to become a star.

Mike Reneau has an opportunity to be that person at the US Olympic Trials for the marathon this weekend in New York City. Some people just don't discover their natural abilities as quickly as others.

Living the Healthy Lifestyle

Pretty much every triathlete has a reason they tri. Some people were challenged by a friend and got hooked, while others did it to test their body's physical and mental limits. But most everyone who CONTINUES to tri, does it to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I know I do. And as a perfect example, I had this conversation with my doctor yesterday when I went in for a physical:

Dr: How often do you exercise?
Me: I pretty much do something 5-7 days a week, depending on my training schedule.
Dr: Oh, what are you training for?
Me: Well, I've been competing in triathlons for the past 3 years.
Dr: That's great, I'm really happy to hear that.

After checking vitals...

Dr: Well, you are probably the healthiest person I've seen in my office in a long time.
Dr: In fact, you just made my day.

A doctor sees hundreds of patients a week. So for me, those were all the encouraging words I needed to hear...