The holidays were insane here. It was a constant go with seeing various family members, remember those who aren't with us, etc. I love the holidays however, because you get to see and connect with people who you haven't seen in forever. Most of my family is pretty local but some live over an hour away so we only get to see them a few times a year. When I was sitting talking with one of my relatives, she told me that she had found my blog. Now most of you know my rule, if you read this, we don't talk about it, because then I will know who reads it and I may write differently or leave things out, however I let this one slide. So she told me that she had found the page through a mutual friend. They had commented on something and as she followed the trail, she landed here. Even better, as she thumbed through the posts she thought, man this is awesome, this guy is doing great things! The kicker, she had no idea it was me!! She hadn't seen me for some time so she didn't recognize the pictures. Once she figured it out, she was amazed! I love that people can come to this page and find things that inspire them, no matter what it is in!
During the radio show and after, I received some advice from my athletic trainer to take some time off from running and cycling. At the end of last season I was battling some issues with my IT band and instead of taking it easy after the race I continued on with my training....Not the best idea on my part. So he shut it down for two weeks and I was only allowed to lift and swim. For the first few days I went insane. I walked into the gym and looked at all the people on the dreadmills and thought I could just go for a little, who would know? But I didn't and I am glad I didn't. After some rehab and lots of foam rolling, I was cleared to start easy runs again! For the first time in my life I actually missed running, I never thought I would say that. I have done a few runs since then and I am feeling good so let's hope this carries into the season because things are going to start picking up again.
During this time of no running, I knew I had to do something. One of my friends lifts everyday and since I don't have to go to school anymore, I figured I would ask him if I could join. Working out with a buddy makes everything so much better. They push you and you push them and you really leave the gym feeling like you gave it your all. Last weekend we were hitting chest and as we got started he said to me "Let's really get after it today and help each other out." This hit me, I was really helping him and he was really pushing me in order to get that edge and better myself. Having someone there to support you in whatever it is that you are doing makes all the difference in the world!
Last weekend when I was at work, one of the clients mentioned they had two tickets to the Eagles game that night. Eagles playoff game? Um yes please, but wait it gets better, not only did they have tickets but they escorted a friend and I to the game in a limo, we hit a tailgate party before hand at the ballpark and then went back home! It was an incredible experience and we saw an awesome game!
You may be thinking well why is he bringing this up? He rarely talks about his personal life...there is a method to the madness. When we were walking over to the game we got to talking. One of the guys said you know I have been working out and I am bettering myself, but I want a goal to work towards. I thought hmmmmm, that sounds familiar. So I shared with him that I started in the same place. I started with one goal and now that has transformed into much more. I find myself in the weight room trying to get stronger in order to improve my sport. I am running 400's, 800's and tempo runs in order to get better and I am holding myself accountable. I have a goal of what I want to do for next season and I know that if I don't do what I need to I will NEVER reach that goal. Once you set a goal, no matter what it is, you need to do the same. You need to fight and fight until you have no more and then....you need to fight some more. It is not going to be easy, but if you want something bad enough, you will stop at nothing until you get it!
As for now, I am just in a maintenance phase. I am building strength in the weight room thanks to the wonderful help of a friend. Today he really pushed me on the dead lift, which I haven't done in forever. He pushed me to try a weight that I was unsure of and the last thing he said was "hit it man, I got a hand on your back if you need it!" THAT'S what is is all about!!! Forget the triathlons, the training, the sweating, all of that....that is what life is all about, good friends who will have their hand on your back no matter what. I thank my friends and family for teaching me that and showing me all of the unconditional support they show me everyday. I leave you with one last thought....How are you helping the people in your life? How are you supporting the ones around you? Whose back are you putting your hand on and better yet, whose hand is on your back? Hold on to those people in your life, because you may need them when you least expect it....
All for now
Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself
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