Tag: performance

Transition 101

Any race requires that you get from the starting line to the finish line as fast as you can. In triathlons, this involves swimming, biking, running and TRANSITIONING between disciplines. Races can be won or lost in transition. In fact I can identify two races I WON because I transitioned …

Surround yourself with good people

The new year is a great time to do a “mental reset.”  Here’s how I approach the “mental reset” practice: I take time to reflect on the year. I like to identify the things that went well. And the things that didn’t go so well. I use this reflection to set …

Phases of Motivation – Part 2

  This is a continuation from “Phases of Motivation (part 1).  I continue to reflect on my continuing journey as an athlete.  The photo above is a picture of me getting my transition area ready next to Luke Bell at the Spirit of Racine half-Ironman.  I was definitely lining up …

Phases of Motivation – Part 1

  As I look back on my career, I can pinpoint three major motivators or, rather, “motivational phases.”  Within these phases, I had specific motivators, but these three phases encompass the general focus of that time. Motivation Phase I lasted from my athletic beginnings, 1979 (the first time I remember …

Ironman: the journey is the destination

From 2002 – 2007 I was “all in.” I ate, slept, and breathed Ironman training. I studied the science of nutrition, metabolism, and psychology. I used myself as an n=1 study. I trained hard. I raced hard. I basically gave five years of my life trying to get the most …

Training Tip: the Taper!

We obviously train so that we can get stronger, faster, and fitter.  As you have learned, the way we do this is to stress our bodies and then allow them to recover.  This balance of stress and recovery allows us to adapt and continue improving.  The goal as we lead …

2007 Ironman Florida Pre-Race Report

After Canada, I took some time to recover and recharge my mental batteries. The time and effort I put in to preparing for IM Canada totally drained me – especially when I didn’t perform as well as I was capable of on race day. I was fortunate enough to be …

Got enough iron, man?

Endurance athletes are always looking for a competitive edge; that is why we put so much time and energy in to proper training and state-of-the-art equipment. For those who are serious about their performance (or, more importantly, are serious about their health), you may want to look beyond heart rate …

Embracing pain so you can grow

We just wrapped up the 2018 ECo EPIC weekend.  From my perspective, it was a great weekend. The athletes had their fair share of challenges, but each person dealt with it in their own way and came out the other side stronger. During the weekend, I happened to read a …

eat right during the metabolic window

WHAT you eat and WHEN you eat have a huge impact on recovery. By focusing on nutrient timing you can maximize the previous workout’s effect and get yourself ready to have a great workout tomorrow.