Finally broke down and took the plunge today and bought my first wetsuit.  Been looking, reading tons of reviews and this one seemed to be the best ‘bang’ for the buck for a mid-grade wetsuit. It is a full wetsuit from Xterra; the Vector Pro.  There was a good discount on it so figured it was as good a time as any to purchase.

Will hopefully starting using sometime in April once begin some outdoor open water swimming. looking forward to getting back into the pool and water in general since it’s been a long time. Been very hard this winter overall from all aspects of training.  But lots of time right?

Should be interesting trying this on. Never put a wetsuit on before so, might be fun. Just might have to video that since it could be pretty hilarious.

"Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit. Give everything you got today for tomorrow may never come." Dan Gable

Vector Pro Suit Detail information

Details

The Vector Pro Fullsuit Wetsuit is designed for optimum speed and flexibility:
FLEXIBLE
• 5mm front and 3mm back of neoprene
• Fully coated with the slickest Super Composite Skin coating
• Maintains a 0.03 drag coefficient
BUOYANT
• Maximum legal thickness for increased buoyancy
CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
• Anatomically correct arms— each arm and shoulder is made up of 6 individually cut panels of 1.5 mm thick neoprene
• Panels follow the natural curve of the swim stroke, allowing faster and smoother swimming with less effort
• Seam-seal technology uses a triple layer of glue and double-blind stitching to ensure waterproof and long-lasting seams
*Vector Pro Fullsuits are entirely legal under the new USAT rules and are WTC legal.

So been 3 weeks into my first round of P90x2. And it’s really going well.  My health has finally turned around and I’m feeling good.  Been keeping up the consistency w/ the nutrition, the workouts and hoping to continue the success I’ve had so far. I don’t want to get back to the 11 weeks of sickness I had.

This week was pretty good with my continued training towards the Tough Mudder and the beginning of Triathlon season in 3 months.  Mapping out the events we hope to be doing and will post those soon and when we ‘officially’ sign up for them.  There is nothing like creating motivation than signing up for an event.

Run:

I got 2 runs in (2.5 mile and 3.15 mile).  I’ve had to switch over to RunKeeper for tracking my runs. Seems Nike has broken their app on my phone.  So far, really liking the features and really everything that RunKeeper provides.  Hopefully come April I’ll be able to switch over to the Garmin 910XT.  The running is as always going to be my hardest part to keep going. especially with my schedule and the cold weather. Should be able to see my profile and runs here:  http://runkeeper.com/user/krprice/activitylist

Bike:

I got in 2 shorter duration rides on the trainer.  started slowly back at that as well.  going to start again with a 6 week base plan to get the legs in shape and work on the technique.   The new seat I got for Christmas has really worked out great.  The perineal nerve is much happier and zero numbness.  I’m much more comfortable on the bike than when I first started.  Hopefully everything continues to go well.  Should be able to see my rides located here:  http://www.trainerroad.com/career/kprice2012 

I’m using a software product called TrainerRoad for tracking my rides.  They’ve done some amazing things with it so far. I’m really digging the plans that are incorporated into it, as well as the integration w/ theSufferfest Video series.  Typically I’ll just watch a video of some kind, but why not workout to a ‘real’ world ride.  can’t wait to try it out.

P90x2 (core/Strength/Performance):

P90x2 workouts are going strong.  Just finished up Round 1 – Week 3 – Phase 1.  This was the ‘core’ phase. And I’m pretty excited w/ how I am feeling after these 3 weeks.  I’ve enjoyed the workouts. Seen definite increase in my abilities from week to week.  The core is so critical in all sports, especially in all 3 disciplines that I’ll be doing in the tri, that it makes sense to focus on it and give it, the due diligence it needs.  Phase 2 , Strength, starts tomorrow. 

I’m finding the fun again with my workout programs.  The body is responding well and this looks like it’s going to be an amazing 2012!

Hope you are are finding the groove that you want to get yourself into shape this year and doing what works for you! Find your motivation!

Decide. Commit. Succeed!

So my training has been on hold for about a month.  Seems when winter hits I get hit hard w/ some sort of sickness (bronchitis, pneumonia, and whatever else came along).   Was going strong and consistent on the running and riding on the trainer.  But that came to a quick stop.   I’m nearing the end of my month long funk and hoping to get started this upcoming week.  though at a somewhat reduced rate.  I will be starting my first round of P90x2 Monday December 12th, 2012. 

So for the next 90ish days I’ll be engaged in some serious fun with Tony Horton and the gang seeing how far the new P90x2 will take me in my fitness goals.  Really hoping to get some amazing results that will filter down into my riding, running and swimming for the Tri season next Spring.  Along with getting in the right shape to tackle the Tough Mudder in April, 2012. 

Training game plan:

• 3 rides (2 short and 1 longer) a week (tracking the rides w/ TrainerRoad software)
• 3 runs a week
• Daily P90x2 workout.  
• Swimming is up in the air at the moment. but will hopefully get a game plan wrapped around this after the new year.

My Goals/Races (12 months):

• Finish Tough Mudder Michigan with the team of folks doing it with me and feeling satisfied I gave it everything I Have. It is not going to be easy but it’s not suppose to.  12.x Miles with 27 Obstacles and cold. 
• Complete my first 1/2 Ironman in late Summer 2012.  Looking at 1 of 2 potentials for the first.  will depend on how the spring season of Triathlons goes on when and where we do the first 1/2.       
• Warrior Dash again in Late July 2012.
• 2 sprint, 2 Olympic distance triathlon’s through spring/summer/fall
• Detroit Free Press 1/2 Marathon or some equivalent
• Various shorter run’s (5k / 10ks)

It will be an extremely tough training plan to accomplish all of my goals for next year. But with the right mental attitude, commitment, support, accountability and some luck it can be done.   There will be obstacles along the way, but I will do my best to overcome them and continue to move forward.   But I’m looking forward to the challenge and having some serious fun over the next 12 months.  Should be a great ride!

Decide. Commit. Succeed!

Yes, that is what the title says. P90x2.  The next revolution of workout programs from Tony Horton. Who would think that he could improve upon something already amazing.  He has gone back to the drawing board and is bringing us the next level in home fitness workout programs that will get you fit, get you healthy and in the best shape of your life.

Come late December 2011, I know what workout program I’ll be doing?  Hope to you will be there as well with me.

Let’s get down to business. The stuff that everyone wants to know about. Highlights below.

Pre-Order Starts September 1st, 2011.  This is your chance to guarantee that you get a copy of this workout program before December 25, 2011.  So don’t’ hesitate when it opens. You’ll have a mere 5 days to get your pre-order in, to lock in some of the great bonuses (free workouts, free shipping and handling, chance to get your order hand delivered by Tony Horton himself and more) they are offering for doing so. Read on to find out all the amazing details.

NOTE: Your card will NOT be charged till it ships.

On top of ensuring you get your copy by December 25th, you’ll be get 2 free Tony Horton One on One workouts.  Upper Body Balance and For Legs. I’ve done then, and they rock. You will not want to miss out on that opportunity.

Additionally by pre-ordering shipping&Handling is free. Take a look at the images at the bottom of the page to see the details laid out.

So don’t hesitate.  Head to my Coach Site and Order your Copy come September 1st (reminder, you can only pre-order through your coach through September 6th when it opens up on the beachbody site) . I look forward to working w/ you to reach your fitness goals!

Let me detail what’s we get to look forward to with the new P90x2 Program.

Workouts:

***Only in Deluxe and Ultimate Kit

Nutrition Plan:

We are looking at a complete re-write of the nutrition plan that came with the original program.  There are now going to be Vegetarian options, vegan, gluten free.  IT’s basically 27 guides in one.  How can you not eat healthy!

Equipment:

So we all know what Tony is about.  Pushup’s, pull-up’s and everything else in between. This time around though,  things are getting totally mixed up. Tony will be using many more tools at his disposal during his workouts.  You’ll be able to use foam roller, dumbbells, stability ball, medicine balls, usual power stands and pull-up bar and the standard yoga equipment (yoga block and mat).

NOTE: As always, to get an effective workout, you simply need a set of resistance bands and some other household items that we all have. Chairs or what not.  So don’t be scared off by what you see.  There is always an option in Tony’s workout programs to do something the standard way.

What type of bundles are available:

There will be 3 bundles.  The base, the deluxe and the ultimate. I’ll post the actual slides and some text about what those include. 

Base Bundle	Deluxe Bundle	Ultimate Bundle

As you can see, they are providing a DVD or Blu-Ray version now.  That is going to rock.  Tony Horton in High Definition.

The base is just that.  The workout Program, the nutrition guide, Fitness Guide, workout calendar. From there you get some add-on’s.

Deluxe: Base + Stability Ball, Basic Foam Roller, 2 8LB Medicine Balls, & 2 Extra **Workouts.
Ultimate: Base + Stability Ball, Deluxe Foam Roller, 2 8LB Medicine Balls, Tony Horton Power Stands and the 2 Extra **workouts.
** Includes DVDs (+ V-Sculpt, and X2 Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps)

There you have it.  There isn’t anything like this on the planet that offers you the diversity that P90x2 and Tony Horton can.

• Functional Training
• Strength Training
• Plyometrics Training
• Post Activation Potential

Love to join you at the start of the New Year and start it off right doing some P90x2.  Don’t forget to order from a coach, such as myself to get the pre-order benefits. As well as after it opens up, contact your coach for any questions. 

Quick Run Down of pre-order Details

So a Triathlon. What is it?  Basically you are swimming, then biking then running.  The length will vary depending on the type of event you are doing.  There are sprint, Olympic, 1/2 ironman and ironman distances.  For the first attempt, I went with the shortest of the group, the Sprint.  this is a .5 (1/2 mile) swim, 12.4 mile bike, and a 3.1 (5k) mile run.

Training:

After some issues with the knee during the winter months (IT band issue from my 1/2 marathon training last year), around April I began running again.  It was around this time that A friend of mine and myself decided that running was just that, and it was time that we tried to challenge ourselves and try something that is really going to push ourselves further. So we decided on a Triathlon. we decided that the Island Lake one would be well suited for it’s location and the course overall. it was 3 months or so out and we know that we could start to get in the right shape for it by then.

So I began running, really slow and short distances for a long while.  I was not going to re-injure my knee (IT band) and be sidelined again for any extended period of time. It was hard mentally all winter not being able to do any training that required plyometrics, running, etc.  So I went slow and steady putting in 2 – 3 days a week up until the race.  I never actually ran further than 4.01 miles on any given training day this year.  Yes, a bit over cautious but I’ve not had any reason to go any further yet this season. I noticed a considerable change in my pace from day 1 till race day. My training runs became stronger and stronger and I was pacing much faster than I had at all last year.  so was really proud and happy that I was able to do that.

The bike.  this is my weakest area.  I currently own a mountain bike and it was my training partner of choice.  I would go for rides between 10 – 25 miles 2 – 3 nights a week. trying to keep up a decent average.  My training course was relatively flat, which did put me at a disadvantage to the actual course since it was rolling hills, but I knew that going in.  I could have and will in the future take the initiative to get more hill training in.  As well as work on getting a real road bike for the next race. Already saving for it now. 

Swimming.  It’s been nearly 20 years since I have spent any significant amount of time in the pool for training.  I’ve very rarely hit any body of water unless it was like 82 degrees or higher. I’ve become a bit of a wuss when it comes to the cold water. I will say that for the very limited amount of swimming I got in, mostly 1 night a week, and missed several weeks all together I was able to swim very comfortably.  I will chalk this up to having an amazing coach back in high school Mr. Harding.  I can safely say that If I had not had that experience then I’d of never of finish or even considered doing a triathlon. Thanks to coach!

Included with all of these, I was also following a program from my P90x workouts. 3 days a week I was doing the weights, as well as mixing in cardio/Plyo/Stretching/Yoga from Insanity, Insanity Asylum, P90x, P90x One on One programs.  was an awesome 90 day super hybrid program that really did the job mixing things up.

Race:

The nerves were running pretty high. But it was nice having the family there to support me and buddy Sam who was also doing the event.   Arrived pretty early to get the transition area situated and the usual morning rituals (aka bio breaks) out of the way.  This was my first time setting up the transition area so I looked around at the various ways the others had done it and there is quite a bit of variations. So I think I have an idea for tne next one how I will proceed. My concern for this race was the rain potential.  I didn’t want my shoes/socks to be wet out the gate after the swim, so I left them in the bag to stay dry. 

So we get the cue from the race leaders that t-minus 10 minutes and need to get to the swim area.  National anthem plays and I’m looking around just absorbing some of the overall atmosphere that is going on. All these people here to push themselves, to challenge themselves, looking to see if they can persevere. Loved it.

So my biggest fear, and from all my reading is the swim.  Mainly the start.  I was nervous about the mass ‘salmon’ heading up stream effect. Luckily that wasn’t an issue. There was a nice dispersion of swimmers at the start that I actually was able to stay very calm.  So the countdown began, 10, 9 8….  the horn blows and boom I get going.   It took me about 19  minutes to do the swim.  I will say that I did some left to right swimming since I had to keep looking up to see the direction I was going.  I think that is one of the hardest parts about open swimming so far is keeping straight.  I didn’t’ always have someone to follow.  The stroke was smooth, I felt really good actually through the entire swim, taking minimal breaks to do course corrections.  Transition time.

Transition #1 to bike was long for me.  Definitely room for improvement on that one.  Get in, sit down and just felt disorganized and was trying to rush things which in the end slowed me down.  Took I think 2 minutes 40 seconds in transition.  I got my socks and shoes on pretty quick (when I get a real bike I’ll maybe do the shoes attached already thing). Anyways, I worked through things, got on the bike and made it out of transition.  Ate me a banana really quick because I k new that I needed to get something into the stomach. by this point it was now 2 hours since I ate my breakfast (my traditional breakfast before races – 2 pieces of toast w/ natural Peanut butter, banana). 

I’m heading out on the bike.  my lovely 10+ year old mountain bike.  It has done it’s job up till now to get me somewhat in shape to ride the course.   I head out with Sam and from the start I could tell this was going to be a rough ride.  I couldn’t find any momentum out there to pick up the pace.  I felt bad, because Sam was trying to be cool and stick w/ me. but I was holding him back.  I’ve rides this course a few times previously and based on my time and average speed, this was the slowest I’d ever done it.  Not sure why or what happened, but this is the greatest area for improvement for me going forward.  the worst part was getting passed by folks on bikes that clearly were even older than  mine and folks that were not anywhere near the shape I was in.  I really couldn’t figure it out.  Live and learn.  Had fun anyways.  time to transition into the run.

Transition #2 went much quicker.  ran the bike in and got to my stall.  luckily I did remember where that was at (thanks to Mr. Risner for mentioning that the day before after his first tri). The only real steps I had to do was get the bike on the Stall, get the helmet off and go.  Which went very quickly.  Met Sam 1/2 way down my isle and I got approached by a young lady who was looking to borrow a helmet.  she had forgotten hers, and by rules , she’d of been DQ’d if she didn’t have it. So I was nice and lent her mine.  Next time, I  might want to ask if she is doing the sprint or Olympic distance.  Ended up waiting an hour longer after for her to get back.  Not that I wouldn’t do it again, I think it is good sportsmanship to assist others when you can.  So transition here was like 45 seconds.

The run.  Out the gate, was a short trail run up to a small hill then onto pavement that winded through the park.  My legs were like rubber at this point.  felt like I was carrying 20lb weights on each ankle.  But luckily after the first 1/2 mile we settled into the pace we felt comfortable on.  I had come into the event with some general idea of what I wanted to accomplish in each discipline.  One of the funnier moments was when we were heading back towards the finish and this young kid, had to be late teens, had passed us up. And I blurted out “If I were your age I’d be chasing you down young pup”.   We were having some fun, enjoying the run.  we near the finish after a couple winding turns and a downhill  into the finish area.  can see the finish line, we make a b-line to it and complete the first triathlon of many more to come I hope.

Impressions and going forward:

I was really happy with the way things went. I was nervous but excited all week leading up to it, but in the end enjoyed every moment of it. I took in the atmosphere, learned, laughed and had fun. I was within my expectations for the training  I was able to do leading up to it.  There is always room for improvement and I look forward to the next event. 

speaking of the future, we have already decided we are going to do a 1/2 ironman next year. We haven’t yet decided which event, but leaning towards the Benton Harbor, MI one.  I’ve found a new love with triathlon’s.  It’s a big commitment but the rewards are there!   Game plan is to do a sprint early spring, then an Olympic distance month later then in August, 2012 a 1/2 ironman.  I look forward to the challenge, the training and the fun that is ahead to reach this goal.   Will post some training plans down the road here.  It’s going to take the next year to really get where I’d like so will really be setting the bar high in training.

Best part is that I made decision to push myself and challenge myself.  I committed to the training necessary to finish strong. And I was successful in completing my first ever Triathlon.  Who’s going take a challenge and get outside their comfort zone? I hope you will. I look forward to sharing my next adventures with everyone. Love to hear about yours.

I’ve got some video clips from the event below as well as a video of my thoughts afterwards as well. Enjoy. Can Be found on YouTube with my other videos also.

Decide.Commit.Succeed.

We had an awesome time for the Warrior Dash in Mt. Morris Michigan on Sunday July 31, 2011!  I will say off the bat that the crew and volunteers that put these events together do a top notch job.  Everything went smooth and the atmosphere was amazing. Considering how many people participate. In Michigan alone for the 2 days was 24,941.  2nd largest so far for all of their events up to date.  That is amazing. Each wave that went out every 1/2 hour consisted of 600 crazy and eager runners, adrenaline junkies, housewives, husbands, and all walks of life.

Final time: 39 Minutes 51 seconds.
Standings: 181 out of 715 Age group (35-39), 1830 out of 9774 overall for Sunday event.

There were 12 obstacles in the Michigan event.  The distance for the MI event was a 5k, aka. 3.10 miles.   Looks like this may vary depending on what the course looks like @ each event.

Some of the obstacles include names such as, Road Rage, Dead Weight Drifter, Blackout, Warrior Roast and Muddy Mayhem.

Each obstacle presented a different challenge that we as individuals must endure to overcome.  It’s a great concept. Other than the fun factor, this is a great way for people to break through those obstacles in life, face their fears and get outside that comfort zone! Love it.

Arrived around 10am with the family. the moment you make your way into the area, you can feel the energy levels running high throughout.  The band jamming, the announcer firing up the runners at the start line, the spectators cheering on the warriors as they come through the final 3 obstacles of the course.  I’m just thinking yikes, what am I getting myself into as I see all these people passing me covered in total mud and dirt, but the best part was that everyone single one of them had this HUGE smile on their faces.  As if to say, I’ve just accomplished something amazing. And I would soon find out myself that enjoyment.

So we met up with a few friend and his entourage that had done the run prior to us.  Got a few tidbits of info from after after I got my race packet.  Also met up with my Buddy Sam.  We decided to undertake this journey a few months back.  Hung out, enjoyed the atmosphere some more, watched some folks finish and decided it was time to line up at the start.  Gave the family some hugs and kisses as we made our way over.  We worked our way to the front since I heard a lot about backup’s at the obstacles. We didn’t want to have that be an additional ‘obstacle’ to making a decent time.  We were there for the challenge and fun, but still wanted to push ourselves.

The announcer began the 10 second countdown and we were off to fire blowing out the top of the start gate. Sam stuck around with me for a couple minutes the beginning, but he quickly picked up his pace (I think it might have had to do w/ a certain pretty girl that passed us).  I stuck to my current pace and let him go.  Continued going and took each obstacle at a time while enduring the heat.  That was probably my biggest nemesis overall.  On top of not having any clue what my pace was during the open stretches.  I’m a morning or evening runner that doesn’t spent a whole lot of time running in the hot hours of the day. So it was a bit different for me.  But the one thing that I did find out about myself, is that I enjoyed the trail running.  I found that to really add some fun to running overall.  Each obstacle was fun to size up as I was approaching it. I had been watching YouTube video’s and the walk through of the course prior to that day to get a feel for things, but still doesn’t compare to when your there in the thick of things.  As you approach it your thinking, ok, how is someone else doing it and is it effective. Am I going to be able to conquer this and not flop.   So you take it one obstacle at at time and enjoy the experience. 

In the end all I know is that the obstacles were fun, challenging, the mud was cold and dirty and loved every minute of it.  I highly recommend everyone to get outside their comfort zones and do something like this.  I saw all kinds of people out there.  From the fit to the way out of shape. But did it stop them? no.  It may have taken some folks 2 hours to complete it, but they didn’t give up. that is what it is about. Well, the free beer in the end might of helped some as well. 

A group of us that is growing daily has already signed up for next years Michigan event.  We will be doing the Saturday July 28th, 2012  9:00AM time slot. I’m looking forward to getting even muddier than this year. And maybe, I’ll be daring enough to do a cannonball like my son requested this year. hehe.  It was an awesome atmosphere, great friends and family there cheering us on.  Can’t wait!  The wife is joining in the fun next year which I am totally excited to see.  I know she can do it.  She is inspired, motivated and looking forward to breaking out of her comfort zone! 

Are you ready to try something new?

Decide.Commit.Succeed!

I saw someone mention this the other day in a blog post I was reading and it really hit home.  In today’s fast paced world, everyone is looking for the ‘quick’ fix and the end all of products to help them get healthy and fit right away.  Well I am here to tell you there is no such thing. 

People don’t realize sometimes, that the years spent, overeating, poor diet and nutrition, lack of exercise can’t be changed in a matter of days/weeks or even months.  It takes time, hard work, commitment, consistency, dedication and a willingness to change one’s lifestyle to become healthy. 

I myself started 2.5 years ago now and it’s been an up and down battle, but it is a long sustained pursuit to reach my fitness and health goals.  and as I reach these goals, I then set new ones and continue down the path to helping myself and others reach their goals.  it was when I found P90x and BeachBody products which allowed me to find the groove and niche for working out in my own home that gave me the freedom to do the right thing for me.  I’ve not looked back since and I’ve changed from someone who didn’t want to do anything but watch TV, play video games to someone who now enjoys looking for something to challenge myself.  Whether it is my first Triathlon this coming August, 2011, or the Warrior Dash at the end of July or the 1/2 Marathon, I completed last October in Detroit.  These options wouldn’t of been available to me if I hadn’t made the decision to take the first step.  You can to.

Take each day and focus on doing the right thing each and everyday.  You will find if you create goals, eat right, make the commitment to workout each day even if just a 1/2 hour, you will be successful in changing your life and getting in the best shape and happiest of your life. there are no shortcuts.  The tools are there to help and I would love to help as much as I can. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Decide. Commit. Succeed!

So Sam (partner in crime for this crazy adventure) and I ventured forth to Island lake this past Monday to do a test run of the actual course.  It’s still a good 40+ days away but wanted to get a kind of feel for what we are getting ourselves into.  Sam has actually done it a couple times already. So he’d had a leg up on me w/ that.

So we gear up for the swim(.5 mile swim).  Get there and get ready to go. I was pleasantly surprised at the temperature of the water.  I am NOT a cold water fan and I really was dreading this swim but, it was pretty nice.  Now am I a fan of lake water? No. that is a whole different story.  Anyways, we worked out the swim, since we don’t know the exact course, we came up with our own points to swim.  we used the buoy’s that were in the water. We later measured (nothing exact) but to our best what that distance was and so forth so we’d know how far we’d have to go to match the distance for the actual swim.   It was fun for sure.  Felt great actually. Still need to work the overall endurance so I can handle it with much greater ease. I have to work hard here since this is my only advantage currently over Sam.

We moved on to the Bike (55 minutes, 12.9 miles) portion. This is a crazy hilly course.  Pretty much you are going up or down hill through out the entire thing.  A short amount of straight stretches.  Hill’s are my enemy.  They are the nemesis of my life when it comes to riding. Now it could also be that I’m using a mountain bike.  If things go well, I continue to enjoy doing Triathlon I will get a standard street bike going forward.  Right now though Mountain it is.  Not sure if it was just us or if the swimming had an effect, but we were 10 minutes (which is huge amount) slower than what we’ve done in the past on just doing the ride.  This is showing me, the training will need to be kicked up a bit on both sides.

Finally the run (5K).  After consecutive swim/bike I was definitely feeling some heavy legs.  But, after the first portion, it got better. It was starting to get hot out as well, so it was definitely challenging. We’ll worth the effort.   Gave me a good indicator of my current progress and what I’ll need to do over the coming weeks to push things further.

I don’t’ have any real ‘expectations’ for the finish other than finishing.  Being the first one ever, I’m hoping to just be successful.

What have you decided to do to take yourself to a new level of fitness?   Doesn’t matter what you are doing, the key is doing something. We have one life to live, live it to the fullest and don’t squander this time.  Find your niche and get in there and make it your own. You can do it. Don’t ever think you can’t.  Is it going to be tough? I certainly hope so.  That means it is working!  Whatever you find that works, have fun!

Decide Commit. Succeed!

So Tuesday was another swim day. I got the opportunity to hit the pool again.  I was expecting it to be harder than the first day, just because my shoulders were still feeling it from the night before, but it went pretty good. Did 26 laps, around 1300 yards in 35 minutes.  I’m still not up to the whole 100% continuous laps and don’t expect to be anytime soon. But there was progress and I’m liking that.

Wednesday, got in a run in the early morning. Put in a 4 mile effort which was one of my longer runs in a long time.  I was happy to get 4 miles in and not having any issues.  Did it in about 39 minutes.   The effort and pace were there.  Will look to speed up that pace a bit over time, but still focusing on the slow gradual progression of the running training aspects.  I don’t want any repeats of last year during my lead up to the Detroit 1/2 marathon.   this years focus is not going that far, so not too worried about it, but I still need to be in the 6-8 mile range from an endurance standpoint.

got in the Insanity: Fast & furious workout that evening. That was fun.  Very particular moves, in a 20 minute time period.  Does a great job of getting you moving, heart rate pumping and in Shaun T. Style making you work hard and get your fitness groove on!

Thursday got in a morning ride.  12 miles. Was my fastest pace to date. Which I was happy about. Weather wasn’t so nice, but I didn’t let it deter me from my objective of completing a 12 mile ride.  Averaged around 16.70 MPH.  Took about 43 minutes.  Considering I am still using the o’ Mountain Bike for training, I was happy with the results. 

In the evening, got in some core Cardio and Balance (Insanity) from the super hybrid working doing with Briggs and co.  Love anything that has the word insanity in it. 

Friday:  In the morning, got in a 3 mile run.  One of my fastest in a long time.  27 minutes and x seconds.  Really picked up the pace in the 3rd mile which I was very happy about.  felt good, no issues and really loving where things are heading.

Afternoon got in a 30 minute swim.  Wasn’t as productive as my on on Tuesday, but still felt good to be in the pool and be productive in the water.  Key is continuing to stick to that commitment!

Each Day I continue to do the things that will help me be successful in the goals that I have set for myself.  The best is that it is fun. I’ve really come to love the tri training so far.  Mixed in w/ the favorite programs that have gotten me to where I am today just tops it all off.  You control your own destiny.  So find out what gets you motivated and do it. 

Decide. Commit. Succeed!

So I ventured out yesterday to get into the pool.  Had an ‘early’ day at work, if you can call it that since it started @ 2:30am.  But I felt it was time to get the body back into the pool and see if it will still float or not.  Well I will say that I successfully floated.  Now whether it was graceful or not is a whole different story.  I’ve been trying to find a place around the area to swim at for relatively cheap.  That has turned out to be a bit of a chore.  Most places, let me rephrase that, everyplace that I contacted required you to do their normal full memberships just to use the pool.  That isn’t what I wanted or needed. So eventually realized that the local high school and Parks and recreation host Open swim sessions year round. 

so my goal is to go 2 times per week minimally and maybe a 3rd. but with the other training going on, we shall see. I think 2 times a week over the next 2 months should be sufficient.  It’s about quality rather than pure quantity.  This is a spring we are doing initially so I have confidence I can float through it no matter what.

Additionally got in the P90x Super Hybrid workout yesterday as well.  Some Core Synergistic.  Love what Tony has done in these one on one workouts. Shame that he is done, at least for now, after volume 3.  Maybe he or someone else (Shaun T) will continue with another set of them in some fashion.  To me they add the ultimate in variety.

So whatever you are doing each day to keep yourself healthy, keep at it. It’s that day to day momentum that is important. There will always be successful days and bad days.  Just learn to weather those bad days, don’t let them side track you. Obstacles will always be there, it’s how you deal with them that counts. I know you have it in yourself to succeed!

Decide. Commit. Succeed!