by Lance on August 13, 2010
photo credit: rowens27
“I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.” ~ Maya Angelou
The road (trail, track, slope,…) we travel…it is not always easy…
Such I have found as I travel this road toward the marathon (now, less than two months away). Part of this training toward the marathon has also been to train for a half marathon, too. First, the half marathon will be a great training run toward the marathon. There's another reason, too.
A local running shop, InStep, was offering a free weekly running group/training session all throughout the summer. The primary focus would be on hill workouts and speed work at the track. All available for anyone signed up for the half marathon.
What a great way to get some extra training in! (especially since I really tend to avoid both hills and sprints!).
Meaghan and Beth, from InStep, have done an incredible job of making each week both a challenge, and at the same time – something that is very do-able.
Part of that "do-able" part has been their support (and the support of everyone there) through the whole process! There to support everyone toward their goals
Three weeks out until the half marathon.
Am I ready?
Yes!!
The road hasn't always been easy. There have been days that challenged me immensely. The thing is, there have also been people who have supported me through this whole journey, too. (big thank you, too – to my wonderful wife – for all of her support!)
Support. It can make a world of difference.
How can you support those you know, in their health and fitness goals?
And when you do…what is it that you take away from the support that you give?
by Lance on August 6, 2010
"Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced." ~ John Keats
Falmouth Triathlon: Cape Cod, MA ~ July 18th, 2010
The fear for me, going into this triathlon was the swim. It's not like I haven't been there before – at a triathlon. I've been competing the last several years.
Only this time, the difference was the water. The water, in this case…the ocean.
Fears of what this meant (i.e. "big waves" floated around in my head a bit too much leading up to this) took me to a local pool ahead of time…a lot…in preparation for the triathlon.
And how did it go?
The fears floating around in my head (did I mention them already??) were unfounded. Sure, preparation helped. Still, the concerns I had never came to be. We had a beautiful day for racing, the water felt great, and everyone involved in the event produced a top-notch day for everyone! I completed the race and felt great (and maybe a bit tired) afterward! And along with that also…a deep sense of accomplishment in competing at this event.
Stepping away from the "fears" that I've mentioned (a good lesson for me..), let's talk about one of the great things I have taken from triathlon training:
A Goal: Having a goal to work toward (in this case, July 18th) can be motivational. Knowing I had this event coming up, I was more committed and focused on my running, my biking, and my swimming. This all has proven to be a great way for me, personally, to continue working toward my fitness goals.
How about you? Do goals play a role in your fitness routine?
Goals – they come in many formats. An event (like the triathlon), a specific number (like running the mile in x minutes, etc), training with a friend x times/week, biking a certain number of times/month, etc, etc.
When we are working toward something, there is that "something" out there that keeps us motivated. And in that, we are more likely to stick with it.
*Note: The other key here is that you are also doing something you enjoy and find meaningful in some way.
Give yourself a goal, find an activity you truly DO enjoy, and HAVE FUN!!!
And don't forget…even with a goal…this is really about the journey all along the way. Savor the moments…let them really live…all the moments along this journey you are on through your life.
It is a beautiful and amazing life you are living…today!
