I knew that starting grad school and my 2010 season in the same week would be rough. I was right. I've been staying on track with all my workouts and my academics (I've read 491 pages, written 16 papers (48 total pages), and submitted work at 5am daily this week), but it is taking it's toll. I'm tired. There is a reason I recommend that students avoid 2 week accelerated winter classes.
Yesterday was the first time on the bike in a while and the 18 mile commute home was solid, 18.2 mph average speed, but it sapped what little I had left. The beer and pizza I consumed while staying up to watch the BCS Championship totally did me in for the week. I moved today's workout till this evening and WILL get it done.
Friday PM - Squats, leg press, step ups, lunges (4x12) + core work
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 4
I'm really getting back into the groove playing ultimate Frisbee. Last night's practice my throws were on target and my conditioning is rapidly improving. I can feel my balance, lateral movement, and quickness returning which I'm hoping will translate into better XTERRA performance. Racing triathlons has taught me a whole new level of listening to my body and applying that in ultimate has been fascinating in only the first week of practice.
Thursday PM - 18 mile ride home from work
I guess this is my "rest day".
Thursday PM - 18 mile ride home from work
I guess this is my "rest day".
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 3 - swimming with Bill
Bill is a retired US Navy Seal, former police officer, and husband to a wife in declining health. He is also my inspiration in the mornings when I swim at the local 24hr fitness. You see, without fail, Bill puts on his pink swim trunks, unpacks his paddles and pull buoy, and jumps in the pool every morning.
As one of the first US Navy Seals, Bill is now in his eighties and no one would fault him if he did a few laps, maybe some water walking, and then hit up the hot-tub or sauna. But this is Bill, my morning inspiration, and he cranks out 2 miles (3,200yds) every morning - then he hits up the hot-tub. Bill is always smiling, always swimming, and always says hello when we share a lane or just the pool. I was glad to kick off my first swim of 2010 in the lane next to Bill.
Wednesday AM - Swim (1,100yds)
Wednesday lunch - nap
Wednesday PM - 3hr ultimate practice + core work
As one of the first US Navy Seals, Bill is now in his eighties and no one would fault him if he did a few laps, maybe some water walking, and then hit up the hot-tub or sauna. But this is Bill, my morning inspiration, and he cranks out 2 miles (3,200yds) every morning - then he hits up the hot-tub. Bill is always smiling, always swimming, and always says hello when we share a lane or just the pool. I was glad to kick off my first swim of 2010 in the lane next to Bill.
Wednesday AM - Swim (1,100yds)
Wednesday lunch - nap
Wednesday PM - 3hr ultimate practice + core work
Day 2 - solar powered
I woke up on day two of my 2010 season to a reminder of what it feels like to really work out, and that's a good thing. Ultimate practice on Monday night was good. A decent group of guys and the right amount of plyometrics, sprinting, jumping, and intervals that I feel it, but am not totally spent. I got home late from the three hour practice, but jumped in the pool for a late night ice bath. Damn, it was cold.
Tuesday AM - slept in
Tuesday lunch - 45 minute easy run. Beautiful run through the desert with mountain views to the south and the east. It was over 70 so I took my shirt off and soaked up the rays while I ran. The sun feels so good and running outside without being bundled up is such a blessing. Almost as good as swimming outside, but I have a couple months before that is possible again.
Tuesday PM - watched the biggest loser
Tuesday AM - slept in
Tuesday lunch - 45 minute easy run. Beautiful run through the desert with mountain views to the south and the east. It was over 70 so I took my shirt off and soaked up the rays while I ran. The sun feels so good and running outside without being bundled up is such a blessing. Almost as good as swimming outside, but I have a couple months before that is possible again.
Tuesday PM - watched the biggest loser
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 - Day 1
Standing in my bathroom, shrouded by the blue glow of my laptop monitor, hitting refresh like roadie bidding on eBay for spandex. That's how day 1 of my 2010 XTERRA and Ultimate season started, and day 6 as a graduate student.
I managed to avoid waking up runnerwife, totally opening my eyes, and still took the top spot on the podium in my online class. You see, today started at 4:55am so I could submit two papers for graduate school. The first two students to write their papers on the same topic close that topic for the course. So the only way to prevent having to write additional papers for an open topic is to be one of the first two students to submit your paper. I'm a competitive SOB. Not dressed, not coherent, and not too thrilled to be awake I successfully submitted my papers (1st) at the 5am start...Welcome to 2010. Year 3.
AM - Morning weights (4x12):
PM - 3hr ultimate practice incl. abs
---
Morning weight 174 (heaviest ever)
RHR 56 bpm
I managed to avoid waking up runnerwife, totally opening my eyes, and still took the top spot on the podium in my online class. You see, today started at 4:55am so I could submit two papers for graduate school. The first two students to write their papers on the same topic close that topic for the course. So the only way to prevent having to write additional papers for an open topic is to be one of the first two students to submit your paper. I'm a competitive SOB. Not dressed, not coherent, and not too thrilled to be awake I successfully submitted my papers (1st) at the 5am start...Welcome to 2010. Year 3.
AM - Morning weights (4x12):
- pullups
- pushups
- body weight rows
- lateral DB raises
- swimmers
PM - 3hr ultimate practice incl. abs
---
Morning weight 174 (heaviest ever)
RHR 56 bpm
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Goodbye 2009
New races, new places, and new faces. That was my 2009. I trained smarter, harder, and farther than ever before. I learned more about myself through the challenges of 2009 than any other year. Adversity taught me how to persevere. Fear taught me not to be afraid. I learned to rely on what I have, and celebrate my good fortunes. I am blessed with an incredible wife - who I love more each day - a fairytale family that supports me in everything I do, and friends - new and old - all over this awesome country. 2009 was quite a year. 2009 was awesome. 2010 will be better.
How? Oh, just wait. It starts tomorrow.
How? Oh, just wait. It starts tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Goals - 2010
It isn't quite January yet so I'll save the official roll out of my 2010 goals for a couple weeks from now. I can tell you that I'm excited about a new year full of challenges. In addition to a competitive and challenging athletic career in 2010 I am also returning to school while taking on additional responsibilities at work. Now that's a recipe for success!
To all those that supported me in 2009 - thank you! I couldn't have had such a great year without all the family, friends, and new friends and inspiring people I met along the way. I look forward to more of the same in 2010.
My training lately has looked a lot like Randy Moss. I've been taking some time off. I have been hitting the gym for some laid back strength training and even hit the pool the other day for an easy 8x100, but I'm enjoying letting all the off-season sitting around drive me nuts. It only serves to make me more excited for January. I know I've been delinquent on the blog posts, but those too will pick up in the new year. Happy Holidays!
To all those that supported me in 2009 - thank you! I couldn't have had such a great year without all the family, friends, and new friends and inspiring people I met along the way. I look forward to more of the same in 2010.
My training lately has looked a lot like Randy Moss. I've been taking some time off. I have been hitting the gym for some laid back strength training and even hit the pool the other day for an easy 8x100, but I'm enjoying letting all the off-season sitting around drive me nuts. It only serves to make me more excited for January. I know I've been delinquent on the blog posts, but those too will pick up in the new year. Happy Holidays!
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