Inspiration and Dedication

My son Simon said to me this weekend, while shopping at Sports Authority for Annie, "Man Dad, you are easily inspired..." I was looking at Speedos at the time and was explaining how I didn't want to look like an old man in skimpy shorts while working out. The day before, I purchased a the book You are an Ironman and have begun to seriously consider competing in triathlons locally this coming spring and summer. This is after completing my first half-marathon two weeks ago and planning a trip outside to compete in the San Diego Rock & Roll Half.

The statement embarrassed me. I was (and am) worried that I seem too flippant; going from one interest to another at too great a frequency. I want, at the same time, to set a positive example for my sons and to satisfy my desire to achieve a level of fitness and athletic success that I've never before achieved.

Simon assured me that his statement "wasn't a bad thing, it just was..." and that he thought it great that I could get "so into" something so easily. What he doesn't know is that this willingness to throw myself into something has taken a long time to develop--and I still do it with some (a bunch) of trepidation.

Oct. 29th and 30th 2011

Saturday morning was cold and dark.  Ann left for her market day at St. John's Methodist Church.  I spent the morning drinking coffee and debating where (and if) to run.  I fired up google earth to check the distance from my house to the mailboxes at Potter Marsh.  Four miles.  One way.  That would be just right.  It was time for a "long run" and eight miles is still long for me, especially at my speed of 10:30/mile.  I was optimistic that it would be fairly flat, but in retrospect that was a foolish assumption.  I knew better.  The mailboxes are at sea level, and I am not.  Duhh.  Ethan joined me on the run and that was a welcome surprise.  He held me back and "gave me an excuse" to run slow.  As it turns out, I was cooked by the end of the run and just as tired as Ethan.  My cardio held up fine at that pace, but my hips ached pretty bad by mile six.

I took Sunday off from running (my right shin was sore--still is today) and went to the AK club with Annie.  I swam, with difficulty, 500 yards/meters/whatever-the-hell-the-length-of-the-pool-is times 20.  Some upper body; notably three sets of five pull-ups (50 lbs) assist.  MUCH better then I can ever remember doing in the past.