I know I've reached the bottom of the barrel when I can no longer keep my eyes open in the car on the way home. More than once, I had to jerk myself awake to keep myself from running my car into the jerk in front of me. Hee, hee. I crack myself up... I actually prefer to drive myself home rather than accidentally finding myself riding in the front seat with the person ahead of me.
The entire family is home when I arrive. Dee Dee is home early on Wednesdays. She was taking Jimmy to watch the girl's varsity play their semi final game over by Stone Mountain. I lay down in the bed exhausted, fully clothed, as Dee Dee puts on the finishing touches of her beauty in the bathroom. Somehow, I fail to hear her leave. After about twenty minutes, my internal alarms go off. I'm supposed to be riding, yet here I am, checking my eye lids for cracks. I hurriedly get out bed, gather my things and take Aerowyn out into the neighborhood. Thank God for shorter sessions. I still have time to get my ride in and get Matthew to practice.
My legs feel heavy. In my mind, I know I should be a little more diligent following the plan. Not diligent with time. I am anal about doing my time. Rather, diligent at effort. I tend to train at one pace on the bike. As I pedal up the hills and out of the neighborhood, I can feel the residual pain and stiffness in my thighs, and I hail the call of the plan and take an easy pace. I'm sure I'll get my five minutes of hard effort at SOME POINT in this hill ridden bike route.
As I climb hill after hill, I feel the tiredness, the self imposed slothness, and the pain shed my legs like the shackles that bound the legs of a young Forest Gump. I'm sure you guys have felt it too. The strength returns to your legs and all is well with the world. Now I could of pulled a patented manuever and busted tail for the remainder of my ride, but I did not. I enjoyed the envigorating feeling and stayed within the boundaries of the plan. Taper is taper after all.
I often, these days, find myself staring and pondering the wonder of my hands, and particularly my wrists. I always admired the lean and mean physique of hardened triathletes. I stare in amazement at the paddles at the ends of my arms, at the slimness of my wrists, as if, in my minds eye, I still expect to see the bloated appendages that used to hang there in days gone by. Arms and legs that were fed beer after beer, bottle after bottle of gin and bourbon until my body had no choice but store all the extra fluid in my extremeties.
These hands are mine. They propel me through the water. These arms are mine. They pull me on the swim. These legs are mine. They power me on the bike and take me places on the run. The face I admire in the mirror on the elevator? That's mine too, and it reminds me to never forget.
Wes
OCN: 12.3 miles, accidently reset bike computer
OCN: 13.6 miles, 45 minutes, ~18 mph (trainer)
ORN: 1.5 miles, 16 minutes, ~10:30 mmp
Showing posts with label philisophical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philisophical. Show all posts
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Rules of Engagement
For (this) The Everyman (Tri)Athlete
#1 Have fun
Not much needs to be said here. If at the end of the day, you aren't having fun running, swimming, cycling, tri-ing, then you need to look at yourself in the mirror and ask, "What the hell am I doing?"
#2 Do your best
A lot of people, myself included, set time goals for races. I am a firm believer in doing your best on that day for that race, and let the chips fall where they may. Doing your best entails so many options. You might try to PR. You might chase down that professional or age grouper in front of you. You might hit the pace goals for a "B" race as defined by you or your coach. What matters is that at the end of the day, you can look in the mirror and smile, because you KNOW you did your best.
#3 Worry about your time
There are thousands and thousands of athletes that never make it this far. Numbers one and two are good enough for them. Quite frankly, if you do your best, time will take care of itself.
#4 Worry about other's time
This one is on the very periphery of my consciousness. I rarely succumb to the need to compare myself to other athletes, but it does happen, for brief moments. Instead, what I find amazing is the support given by all to all. We like nothing better than getting our ass kicked by a friend of ours because it inspires us to great things.
Twelve days and counting. I guess I better haul out the rubber ducky to make sure it still holds air :-D
What 'tude do you bring to race day? Feel free to share...
Wes
Walk: 1.55 miles, 30 minutes
#1 Have fun
Not much needs to be said here. If at the end of the day, you aren't having fun running, swimming, cycling, tri-ing, then you need to look at yourself in the mirror and ask, "What the hell am I doing?"
#2 Do your best
A lot of people, myself included, set time goals for races. I am a firm believer in doing your best on that day for that race, and let the chips fall where they may. Doing your best entails so many options. You might try to PR. You might chase down that professional or age grouper in front of you. You might hit the pace goals for a "B" race as defined by you or your coach. What matters is that at the end of the day, you can look in the mirror and smile, because you KNOW you did your best.
#3 Worry about your time
There are thousands and thousands of athletes that never make it this far. Numbers one and two are good enough for them. Quite frankly, if you do your best, time will take care of itself.
#4 Worry about other's time
This one is on the very periphery of my consciousness. I rarely succumb to the need to compare myself to other athletes, but it does happen, for brief moments. Instead, what I find amazing is the support given by all to all. We like nothing better than getting our ass kicked by a friend of ours because it inspires us to great things.
Twelve days and counting. I guess I better haul out the rubber ducky to make sure it still holds air :-D
What 'tude do you bring to race day? Feel free to share...
Wes
Walk: 1.55 miles, 30 minutes
Friday, April 04, 2008
Living the Dream
In Honor of Martin Luther King
For the love of Dr. Martin Luther King, sing:
Early morning, April 4,
Shot rings out, in the Memphis sky...
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
In the name of love, once more in the name of love..
-- Pride in the Name of Love, U2
I've always prided myself on having an open mind, a willingness to listen to other people's point of view. Try to understand where they are coming from before casting my own opinion or forming my own judgments. Perhaps that's why in the real world, I make a better listener than I do a talker.
As I grow older, my beliefs and principles have taken root deeply. Some inflexibility has set in, much like the aging and loss of athleticism in these middle aged bones, muscles, and sinews. The opinions still bend, mind you. They adapt. More so than when I was younger, hard headed, and out to conquer the world, but less so when they had reached their maturity as principles upon which I have built this house.
Thusly, I have arrived at the point of despair. I do not believe that we, as a country, as a people, will ever be able to stamp out racism and religious intolerance in the world. You see, these sins, if you will, are ingrained in who we are as human beings. There is the need to feel stronger, superior, to survive. It gives us pleasure. It is, indeed, a basic instinct. Now I'm not saying that this can't be overcome. It can, and it is, but there will always be people out there who will succumb to the pleasure of feeling superior over another human being. That power is as intoxicating, addictive as any drug or spirit. Beware the coming of Satan, for he shall wrap himself in a cloth of the purest white...
The war against racism and intolerance is not going to be won on the battlefields of the Middle East. It is not going to be won on the streets of San Fransisco, New York City, or Washington D.C. It's not going to be won by standing up in front of the nation and crying "Racism" because miscreants and criminals are treated harshly by the judicial system. No... It's not. The war against racism and intolerance is going to be won at the grass roots level. It's going to be fought by each and every one of us. It's going to be won on the streets of your neighborhood, in your schools and churches. It's going to be won by treating your fellow human being with respect and dignity, by reaching your hand out to the one in need.
The next time somebody stops so you can cross the parking lot at Walmart, give'em a little wave. Hold the door open for the little old lady, even if it takes her two minutes to get there. Say thank you the next time the man holds the door open for you, even though he could easily have let it slam shut before you got there. Say "Thank you, Sir" to the teenager who got out of your way when you said, "On your left!" Every little thing you do, every day adds to the foundation of equality espoused by Dr. King.
Don't just pay lip service (to the King of King's). Live the Dream. Every day.
Have a great weekend, y'all!
Wes
OSN: 3500 meters, 1:14:00, 3x300(swim,kick,pull),3x200 (swim, kick, pull), 1x1500, 1x500(c/d)
For the love of Dr. Martin Luther King, sing:
Early morning, April 4,
Shot rings out, in the Memphis sky...
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride
In the name of love, once more in the name of love..
-- Pride in the Name of Love, U2
I've always prided myself on having an open mind, a willingness to listen to other people's point of view. Try to understand where they are coming from before casting my own opinion or forming my own judgments. Perhaps that's why in the real world, I make a better listener than I do a talker.
As I grow older, my beliefs and principles have taken root deeply. Some inflexibility has set in, much like the aging and loss of athleticism in these middle aged bones, muscles, and sinews. The opinions still bend, mind you. They adapt. More so than when I was younger, hard headed, and out to conquer the world, but less so when they had reached their maturity as principles upon which I have built this house.
Thusly, I have arrived at the point of despair. I do not believe that we, as a country, as a people, will ever be able to stamp out racism and religious intolerance in the world. You see, these sins, if you will, are ingrained in who we are as human beings. There is the need to feel stronger, superior, to survive. It gives us pleasure. It is, indeed, a basic instinct. Now I'm not saying that this can't be overcome. It can, and it is, but there will always be people out there who will succumb to the pleasure of feeling superior over another human being. That power is as intoxicating, addictive as any drug or spirit. Beware the coming of Satan, for he shall wrap himself in a cloth of the purest white...
The war against racism and intolerance is not going to be won on the battlefields of the Middle East. It is not going to be won on the streets of San Fransisco, New York City, or Washington D.C. It's not going to be won by standing up in front of the nation and crying "Racism" because miscreants and criminals are treated harshly by the judicial system. No... It's not. The war against racism and intolerance is going to be won at the grass roots level. It's going to be fought by each and every one of us. It's going to be won on the streets of your neighborhood, in your schools and churches. It's going to be won by treating your fellow human being with respect and dignity, by reaching your hand out to the one in need.
The next time somebody stops so you can cross the parking lot at Walmart, give'em a little wave. Hold the door open for the little old lady, even if it takes her two minutes to get there. Say thank you the next time the man holds the door open for you, even though he could easily have let it slam shut before you got there. Say "Thank you, Sir" to the teenager who got out of your way when you said, "On your left!" Every little thing you do, every day adds to the foundation of equality espoused by Dr. King.
Don't just pay lip service (to the King of King's). Live the Dream. Every day.
Have a great weekend, y'all!
Wes
OSN: 3500 meters, 1:14:00, 3x300(swim,kick,pull),3x200 (swim, kick, pull), 1x1500, 1x500(c/d)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Minor Epiphanies (of sorts)
Every once in a while, I look at a comment I have placed on y'all's blogs and think, where in THE HELL did that come from? LOL... It got me to thinking a bit over the last couple of days about some of the influences in my life that had a profound affect on the way I see the world. (Since I haven't been blogging, I've had extra time for leisure activities :-)
In my early days, a favorite uncle got me interested in the Civil War. My days and nights were filled with books about generals and men of valor. From there, I branched off into ancient generals and the wars of Europe. For the most part, these men where the knights and heroes of their ages. Each had their own peculiarities and motivations, but for the most part, they were men of honor, integrity, and faith.
In high school, I discovered fantasy books. I started out reading Piers Anthony and moved on from there. I have read hundreds if not thousands of fantasy and science fiction series in my lifetime. Each book was filled with tales of honor, deceit, love, and treachery. Of course, the good guys always won.
I think on a subconscious level, these books were the fertilizer for the seed of my own honor and integrity as I grew from a wayward chaotic teenager into a responsible member of society. While I realize that I can't fix all the world's problems nor make everyone see the world through my eyes, I can bring a little ray of hope, honor, and love into my circle of influence. This is a gift that I do not question.
While I was sitting at my desk yesterday, I was pondering the workouts for the day. Note that this was after I did my 2500 meters in the pool. The plan called for six half mile intervals. I gave it a lot of thought and chunked it after I realized I ran a race Sunday and basically did ten half mile splits :-) Good thing too, as I could barely run at the soccer fields last night. I eeked out 5 slow painful miles and called it a recovery run!
For the record, Monday night I opted to spin in Zone 1 for my streaking workout...
Finally, last night Dee Dee and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in a quiet way. No romantic dinner. No flowers. No gifts. No night of passionate whoopie... Just damn :-) Truth is, we were both just plain exhausted. Dee Dee worked 16 hours Monday for St. Patty's Day, and I'm still recovering from the race, the swim, and the run... Some people might consider this a "bad" anniversary or a lost one. In the grand scheme of things, it is a blip on the radar of nineteen years of marriage. Besides, we plan to make up for it this weekend. Saturday night, we'll be tearing up the town!
Bring it :-)
Wes
OCN: 7 miles, 30 minutes, 14 mph
OSN: 2500 meters, 55 minutes
ORN: 5 miles, 1 hour, 12 mmp
In my early days, a favorite uncle got me interested in the Civil War. My days and nights were filled with books about generals and men of valor. From there, I branched off into ancient generals and the wars of Europe. For the most part, these men where the knights and heroes of their ages. Each had their own peculiarities and motivations, but for the most part, they were men of honor, integrity, and faith.
In high school, I discovered fantasy books. I started out reading Piers Anthony and moved on from there. I have read hundreds if not thousands of fantasy and science fiction series in my lifetime. Each book was filled with tales of honor, deceit, love, and treachery. Of course, the good guys always won.
I think on a subconscious level, these books were the fertilizer for the seed of my own honor and integrity as I grew from a wayward chaotic teenager into a responsible member of society. While I realize that I can't fix all the world's problems nor make everyone see the world through my eyes, I can bring a little ray of hope, honor, and love into my circle of influence. This is a gift that I do not question.
While I was sitting at my desk yesterday, I was pondering the workouts for the day. Note that this was after I did my 2500 meters in the pool. The plan called for six half mile intervals. I gave it a lot of thought and chunked it after I realized I ran a race Sunday and basically did ten half mile splits :-) Good thing too, as I could barely run at the soccer fields last night. I eeked out 5 slow painful miles and called it a recovery run!
For the record, Monday night I opted to spin in Zone 1 for my streaking workout...
Finally, last night Dee Dee and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in a quiet way. No romantic dinner. No flowers. No gifts. No night of passionate whoopie... Just damn :-) Truth is, we were both just plain exhausted. Dee Dee worked 16 hours Monday for St. Patty's Day, and I'm still recovering from the race, the swim, and the run... Some people might consider this a "bad" anniversary or a lost one. In the grand scheme of things, it is a blip on the radar of nineteen years of marriage. Besides, we plan to make up for it this weekend. Saturday night, we'll be tearing up the town!
Bring it :-)
Wes
OCN: 7 miles, 30 minutes, 14 mph
OSN: 2500 meters, 55 minutes
ORN: 5 miles, 1 hour, 12 mmp
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
That Chiseled Feeling
I love that feeing you get as your muscles heal fully. You know the one I'm talking about. The body has jettisoned all the extra water its holding onto. The stomach feels flat. You no longer have that bloated feeling. The buttocks are rock solid and the legs are tingling with anticipation.
That feeling came to me quite a bit when I tapered before races, not so much during tri season. I guess the training was either harder or the taper really wasn't long enough for me to get there. Who knows? All I do know is today, I am feeling mighty fine!
There's certainly a line somewhere, kind of like the various phases of the moon. Once you cross over the line, you are going from chiseled to flab. Lucky for me, the line is blurred. I'm going to enjoy this for another day or so. Then, I'm going to get my ass out there and run, because I simply can't wait.
Yea, I luv this feeling...
Wes
That feeling came to me quite a bit when I tapered before races, not so much during tri season. I guess the training was either harder or the taper really wasn't long enough for me to get there. Who knows? All I do know is today, I am feeling mighty fine!
There's certainly a line somewhere, kind of like the various phases of the moon. Once you cross over the line, you are going from chiseled to flab. Lucky for me, the line is blurred. I'm going to enjoy this for another day or so. Then, I'm going to get my ass out there and run, because I simply can't wait.
Yea, I luv this feeling...
Wes
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A Quiet Remembrance
My blogiversary has come and gone, passing silently in the night. With all the other stuff going on, I thought it wise to wait until today to celebrate :-) Not withstanding my first forlorn post in May of last year, June was when I began my feeble attempts at this thing called "blogging". I really had no idea. I had no idea where all this was going and where I would end up at today.
On June, 29th, 2006, I had a Dream. Let's take a look at that dream and where I am today.
I dream of a healthier me, one that doesn't smoke, doesn't drink. A me that can run ten miles because I feel like it. A me that isn't 40 pounds over weight.
I am definitely healthier. Last night, while I was waiting for Dee Dee to come home from work so we could run, my heart rate, while sitting at the table, was 53. That's not even my resting heart rate and its 6 points lower than my resting heart rate I took in July 2006. I don't smoke anymore. Not even casually. I have to admit. I like to smoke, unhealthy as it is, but the insurance company and my wallet insisted, so I quit. I am definitely a recreational drinker now. I used to drink 4-5 nights a week. Now, I'm lucky to have 4-5 beers a month, and if I'm nice, I will cut loose one night on one weekend a month. I've lost that forty pounds and a little more.
I dream of a happier family life. We are so busy right now. I'm working full time. My wife is running two restaurants. My kids are entering their teen years. They need us. Life will have to settle down soon, or I'll be shedding some responsibilities.
My life hasn't really slowed down. If anything, its gotten a bit busier, with all the races and training and such. I think we've managed to get comfortable though, and that's a big deal. We still have the Sword of Democles hanging over our head, but I refuse to worry about sh*t till it happens. The boys are growing up. They seem happy, and they are staying out of trouble. Our sons. They make me proud. Let's not forget my daughter either, who has moved out and is on the path of her own life. I am so proud of her.
I dream of world where the focus is on me. Yes, that's right. Me. No, not Wes, but each and every one of you's, me :-) I believe in building a beautiful world from the inside out. It all begins within. If I've happened to comment your blog, you'll probably already know this.
This is a reflection of a personal principle of mine. Happiness and beauty starts with you. From there we spread it like an infectious disease. For those interested, this is an offshoot of Jesus' principle about not removing a spec from your neighbor's eye when you have a board in yours. I just reversed the principle. Don't try to make other's happy when you yourself are not happy.
I dream of having time to dream. It all starts here...
Never stop dreaming. Without dreams, what would there be to achieve?
So how does one celebrate a blogiversary. Hee, hee. I went ahead and hit the track with Dee Dee last night for 3.5 mile recovery run. Nothing spectacular, mind you, but a I kept my heart rate in the zone for two-thirds of my run, an unheard of achievement!! I realized this weekend that staying in Zone 2 during training doesn't mean you can't bust a gut in the race :-) Then, I got up this morning and did 3300 meters in the pool. It was wild hair day for me. I did a 300 meter warm up, then I did 2500 meters straight through, followed by a 500 meter cool down. Why did I do that? Because I could. And it felt good... No doubt inspired by my registering for the Oly in August...
Thanks my friends, for being here. It's been a fabulous year. Here's to many more. I salute you!!
Wes
ORN: 3.5 miles, 42 minutes, recovery pace, R9/W1, 12 mmp
OSN: 3300 meters, 3x100 w/u, 1x2500, 1x500 c/d, 70 minutes
On June, 29th, 2006, I had a Dream. Let's take a look at that dream and where I am today.
I dream of a healthier me, one that doesn't smoke, doesn't drink. A me that can run ten miles because I feel like it. A me that isn't 40 pounds over weight.
I am definitely healthier. Last night, while I was waiting for Dee Dee to come home from work so we could run, my heart rate, while sitting at the table, was 53. That's not even my resting heart rate and its 6 points lower than my resting heart rate I took in July 2006. I don't smoke anymore. Not even casually. I have to admit. I like to smoke, unhealthy as it is, but the insurance company and my wallet insisted, so I quit. I am definitely a recreational drinker now. I used to drink 4-5 nights a week. Now, I'm lucky to have 4-5 beers a month, and if I'm nice, I will cut loose one night on one weekend a month. I've lost that forty pounds and a little more.
I dream of a happier family life. We are so busy right now. I'm working full time. My wife is running two restaurants. My kids are entering their teen years. They need us. Life will have to settle down soon, or I'll be shedding some responsibilities.
My life hasn't really slowed down. If anything, its gotten a bit busier, with all the races and training and such. I think we've managed to get comfortable though, and that's a big deal. We still have the Sword of Democles hanging over our head, but I refuse to worry about sh*t till it happens. The boys are growing up. They seem happy, and they are staying out of trouble. Our sons. They make me proud. Let's not forget my daughter either, who has moved out and is on the path of her own life. I am so proud of her.
I dream of world where the focus is on me. Yes, that's right. Me. No, not Wes, but each and every one of you's, me :-) I believe in building a beautiful world from the inside out. It all begins within. If I've happened to comment your blog, you'll probably already know this.
This is a reflection of a personal principle of mine. Happiness and beauty starts with you. From there we spread it like an infectious disease. For those interested, this is an offshoot of Jesus' principle about not removing a spec from your neighbor's eye when you have a board in yours. I just reversed the principle. Don't try to make other's happy when you yourself are not happy.
I dream of having time to dream. It all starts here...
Never stop dreaming. Without dreams, what would there be to achieve?
So how does one celebrate a blogiversary. Hee, hee. I went ahead and hit the track with Dee Dee last night for 3.5 mile recovery run. Nothing spectacular, mind you, but a I kept my heart rate in the zone for two-thirds of my run, an unheard of achievement!! I realized this weekend that staying in Zone 2 during training doesn't mean you can't bust a gut in the race :-) Then, I got up this morning and did 3300 meters in the pool. It was wild hair day for me. I did a 300 meter warm up, then I did 2500 meters straight through, followed by a 500 meter cool down. Why did I do that? Because I could. And it felt good... No doubt inspired by my registering for the Oly in August...
Thanks my friends, for being here. It's been a fabulous year. Here's to many more. I salute you!!
Wes
ORN: 3.5 miles, 42 minutes, recovery pace, R9/W1, 12 mmp
OSN: 3300 meters, 3x100 w/u, 1x2500, 1x500 c/d, 70 minutes
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