Back to the basics

It's not how long or hard you train, it's that you always do your very best at that moment.

The last two weeks have been a blur. It is hard to stay focused on the little things in your life when there is so much going on around the world that make you feel like your day to day worries and concerns are pretty insignificant. The big picture sometimes puts everything in perspective and makes one feel grateful for everything that we take for granted everyday.

A little spring treat

The one thing that always makes me focus and get to a positive place in my life is training. There is something comforting about having a training plan and doing your best to prepare for your goals and building yourself up physically and mentally. I really feel that our main purpose in life is to become the best humans that we can. One of the best ways that I have found to move in that direction is to challenge yourself and grow out of those challenges. You become stronger, more focused, more efficient, less stressed, and get better at knowing who you really are, and what you want in life. If you get a good hold on those last two, nothing can stop you from being successful.

Turn around point of long bike ride

My triathlon training is in full effect, with a full schedule of swims, bike rides, runs, and cross training. Pair that up with a full fitness class teaching schedule and martial arts training and I am one busy guy. You know what.....I wouldn't have it any other way. Sure some days are pretty tough and it's hard to get out the door for some hill sprints or fast pool laps, but I always feel better afterwards. The body is very resilient and you start to find out that the biggest hurdle is in you mind. Once you dig deep and find that place in your mind where you believe that you can do it, you are already there!! You just can't let your mind defeat you (excuses) before you have even started.

Choose your path

Running means a lot of different things to different people, but the common ground is that it satisfies a deep desire to move and be happy.

Congrats to all the runners today enjoying the Shamrock Shuffle. It couldn't have been a more perfect day to kick off the running and training season in Chicago. I did not run the race myself, but I did get out on the lakefront to enjoy my own season kick start. Today's goal was very simple. Just enjoy the run. I pulled back to a very comfortable pace, and once set in cruise control, took in all the sights and sounds going on around me. The warm sun beating down on my face. The birds chirping and flitting around caring for their young. The kids with their parents at the park, screaming with joy on the swing-sets. The elderly couple walking hand in hand, drinking coffee, and enjoying the lake scenery.

The Lucky Dragon greets me on every run.

Each day offers us a new and completely different perspective if we are willing to see it. It is easy to feel bored in your daily routine, thinking that each day is a copy of the last. It is hard to wake up each day with new eyes to see the world, the newest and best version of your self that has yet to come.

Sand, wind, sky, and water.

It's time for you to get out there and see something new, or better yet, see something in a new way.
Always run with a smile.