Vancity Tri Guy

Motivation

Lately Ive been exploring the concept of motivation. Specifically, what motivates me in all aspects of my life. I suppose its just the time of year for reflection with all racing behind me and the goal races of 2012 off in the distant future.

If I could only pick one word to describe my year in sport it would be spontaneous. Initially, I came into the year with no plan of racing an iron distance race. Quite the opposite, I had intended on focusing on the shorter distance races before taking on another IM again in 2012. Well, that plan lasted only a few weeks into 2011 before I had discovered some friends were racing Ironman France and happened to have an extra spot in their condo. For some reason, months earlier I had been looking at races all over the world suffering from a bit of post-first-ironman blues and had decided that Ironman France would be on my One Day list.

Well, needless to say, it came a lot sooner than initially thought and I was elated to have the opportunity. So much for not racing an ironman in 2011! Add to this, my journey to France represented my first trip off the continent! Nothing like crossing that one off your list while packing all of the necessary toys to complete an ironman. With the flights booked and registration paid, I had a few months to get myself together. I opted to go self coached this season as a bit of an experiment of my motivation. Coming off of a tremendous first ironman with a great coach, I was curious to see if I could use this energy and motivation along with my passion for the sport and follow a plan from one of the many books on the market.

On balance, I did okay. I enjoyed planning out my weeks one month at a time and completed most workouts. What I noticed is that more often than not, I completed the specified duration or distance but I didnt really focus on the intent. As a result, most of my workouts were done at the same effort which did yield improvement, just not as much as could be realized by mixing it up both weekly and throughout the season. Lesson learned: variance in training has a purpose.

In terms of other races, here too spontaneity rang true. Throughout the season I had signed up for several races. Come race day, I ended up not racing in several due to a combination of fighting injury or, as in the case of the Oliver Half Iron, dropping due to realization that perhaps it was just too close to Ironman France and would potentially jeopardize my readiness to take on the mountains in Provence. The interesting part of all this was that I was generally okay with it. All along I continued to train but for one reason or another just didnt feel ready to toe the time or didnt want to risk longer term injury. What I realized was that I liked the training for the sake of training. Race or not, I was happy to get out there on the bike or to lace up my runners. Swimming was a completely different story. If I cant go out my door and do the sport, motivation wanes greatly. Even the short 10 minute walk to the pool was and still is enough to deter me where as on the bike or run, I open my door and Im ready to go. So here I am at the inflection point transitioning from one season to the next.

Taking the lessons from last year, I feel grateful for taking the opportunity to explore myself in the sport unguided. These are lessons that needed to be learned and looking back, I wouldnt change a thing. For 2012, I have enlisted the expertise of an excellent coach with whom I have shared many training ideas over the years. Heck, he even sold me my first road bike back in 2009! Having someone else to make the plan removes having to do it myself and adds the confidence that comes from trusting your coachs experience and ability to put the big picture together. Now I can focus on executing the plan and also benefit from having a sounding board for all of the thoughts and ideas that come to mind about training and equipment (aka – toys) although I try to keep it limited and save my questions. Sorry Doug! Other steps in the right direction are having signed up for several races already which are intentionally spaced in relation to key races throughout the season. 2012 is shaping up to be a good one!

——-

On the life front, the one descriptive word would be chance. You know when something so absolutely amazing happens that you just cant help but wonder how or why? Well that very feeling started one Saturday night at the end of March. I was at a good friends birthday hanging out with some familiar faces when my attention was almost immediately stolen by the presence of someone I had never met. She walked into the pub and immediately I noticed her. She was tall, confident and wore the girl next door demeanor that absolutely captivated me. I knew that if I didnt say hi that eventually Id be labeled as some sort of creeper that kept checking her out. Eventually, I summoned up enough nerves to go over and talk to her after exchanging enough looks from across the table. What I didnt expect was that the conversation would last most of the night. In reality, it felt like a blur.

Prior to that night, I had been quite comfortable in being single and had long since shut down my PoF profile. I had a solid career and a consuming passion for the sport of triathlon, what more could a guy want?! Its funny how one minute you can be completely complacent with an idea and the next be completely smitten. Perhaps Im a bit of a hopeless romantic. Whatever it was, it marked the beginning of the best occurrence of 2011. In the months that have followed, those same feelings persist but grow stronger with every day. It has only been a 8 but we have shared many great memories and trips which I can only hope will continue. Not wanting to expose my bleeding heart to the interwebs anymore than I already have I will leave it at this. Sometimes, things happen for a reason. Not always, but when they do, you have to be ready.

——

In terms of work, it comes down to an expression: growing pains. This year has marked the most challenging to date in my still relatively young career. After 18 months since my most recent job change, my manager was leaving on a sabbatical and I was gunning hard for the opportunity to fill her shoes. Starting in April, I was granted the opportunity to lead the group. What wasnt expected at the time however was the team would see a large amount of movement in terms of people. It was thought that we had stability in staff and that we would be hiring only to replace myself. Unfortunately, there appears to be something in he water at the office and several other departments had openings to cover maternity leaves which resulted in two people leaving the group. Add another who took an opportunity at a different company and I had to hire 4 people right off the bat. One didnt work out so it ended up being 5 hires within the first 6 weeks on the job.

Needless to say, those weeks brought a tremendous amount of stress and also a steep learning curve resulting in a few too many sleepless nights. While trying to balance my added responsibilities both on the HR front and daily operations of running the team, I was also excited to have someone new in my life while simultaneously training for an ironman. Was I crazy?! What I have learned over the past several months is to take things in stride. Work, and life for that matter, will bring challenges outside of your control. I like a certain amount of spontenaiety in my life but too much makes me feel uneasy. As a function of this experience, I feel that I more readily accept the unexpected and just roll with the punches as they come along.

With all of the above said, I look forward to 2012 and beyond. 2011 has been a year of many lessons in all facets of my life but I appreciate that I am still learning and have much to realize. With a solid support network of my family and friends I am ready for the challenges the may be waiting ahead.

Tags: France, Injury, Ironman, Ironman France, Lessons, Motivation, Oliver, race, Reflection, Season

Living the dream in Antibes

I’m here in Antibes and absolutely loving it. I booked my accommodation in what I thought was a hostel but turned out to be a crew house. It’s basically a hostel with the one exception that most everyone who is here is looking for work on a yacht. It’s been a huge eye opener to the industry and were it not for all the good things that I have back home I would definitely consider staying!

Basically, with the super yacht industry in peak swing from May to October in southern France, flocks of people come to the area to attempt to make the crew on ships and sail all over the world. It’s a bit if a networking game where most talk to agencies who have connections with privately owned and chartered boats as well as walking along the docks looking for day work. Day work usually consists of maintenance on the boat for one to many days and if you play your cards right you might just be able to work your way into a crew position if one opens up. It’s kind of one of those hurry up and wait situations and with a little luck you might be at the right place at the right time. Speaking with some of the more experienced people with several years under their belts apparently you have to work for a number of boats before you find a good one. Despite all this, it sounds completely awesome! Sailing around the world on a yacht. Over the winter, most boats head to the Caribbean. One guy had a story where he was sailing to France on a boat a few months ago and they reached a section of water in the middle of the Atlantic ocean that was completely flat where everybody jumped off and went for a swim. The water was so deep that the anchor was just hanging down in the depths.

The place that I’m staying in is owned by a couple who basically made their living as crew on ships for many years. They actually have a second place which is a similar layout as well. This one is 4 stories with a roof top patio with a cool little view of the water. Each room sleeps three with a shared bathroom in a quasi dorm style layout. Last night the owners had everyone from both houses over to their place for a BBQ which was a lot of fun! Hearing people’s stories of the places they have sailed and those who just arrived and the process of looking for work and attaining their certification. If you land it well, it can be an amazing career. Seeing some of the boats in harbor, it really seems amazing. It’s pretty common to see them with helicopters on the back as well as smaller speed boats for ripping around. The French Riviera sure lives up to the reputation as a place where to wealthy come to play.

As for Antibes itself…so far it’s my favorite by far! Each morning there is a little market where you can buy fruit and local specialties like wine, cured meats and cheeses and an amazing assortment of spices. By night, the restaurants take over the area and fill it with people and tables. Yesterday, I found a great little wine shop where I chatted with the owner for almost an hour about the different types of wine and how the region influences the flavor and characteristics. One of the things that Antibes is famous for are the gardens. I’ve come across a number of places that are completely covered in plants and flowers. That and aloe vera plants grow as tall as bushes! Royal beach is pretty amazing as well. Unlike the beaches of Nice, they actually have sand!

Just two more days and then I head to the airport for the 18 hour journey back to the 604. It’s been a great trip and is definitely ending on a good note here in Antibes.

Tags: France, Reflection, Relaxation, Travel

Gearing up for France

As seems to be the trend recently I have been a bit behind on my writing. Lots of good continues to go on with just over 8 weeks until the big day! That means just seven short weeks until I depart for France. I’m excited and a bit nervous all at the same time as I have never traveled abroad before let alone while packing all the gear that goes along with triathlon.

I have my accommodation covered for a week once I get there but before that and for the week and a half after I’m on my own. I’m debating between camping versus the hotel/hostel option as both are appealing in their own right. I’ve always loved camping as it is a great way to see an area and waking up to fresh air is always pleasant. I’m still mulling it over and will likely do a bit of both. The question will really come down to what to do with the bike while I’m not riding it.

One of my goals is to explore some of the French villages that I have always wanted to see ever since watching the Tour de France. Part of the draw of doing Ironman France has always been the bike course which is not only challenging in it’s relentless climbs but also because it takes you through many of these villages. I’m hoping to spend some time in Carpentras or Bédoin which are well known for great cycling. Perhaps a bit crazy but I’m hoping to have some time to just noodle on the bike and check out some of the sights on two wheels. After a week of recovery post ironman I may even attempt to climb Mont Ventoux.

Added to this, I’ve recently started a new role with my existing employer and I’m really enjoying the opportunity. I am learning more with each passing day. Interestingly, the lessons learned from sport have come to provide me with some added tools in managing the multitude of information and work that comes along with it. That and I’m surrounded by great people who are both knowledgable and keen to lend a hand.

On the training front, all is going well. I have really enjoyed going the self-coached route this year and have found that I am far more accountable to myself. That is, I’m more inclined to reach the targets that I set out for myself and have learned a lot in terms of assessing my personal performance and when I need to take a recovery day. It has meant spending more time researching different methodologies but by in large I have enjoyed the process and have used Joel Friel’s book “Your Best Triathlon” as the basis to my training. Admittedly, I don’t do everything by the book in an attempt to maintain some balance with the rest of life but I’m definitely the fittest that I have ever been and with 6 more weeks of the build phase prior to starting my taper I am confident that it will be a fantastic race. In combination with the training I have had a number of great rides with the fellas from Speed Theory where I have laughed until it hurts while still getting the work done. We did a long day on the north shore a few weekends ago with a combined total of 7,000 feet of climbing. It was a long day and I definitely felt it but it made my feel good knowing that IMFr has 5,000 feet. Still, I need to make sure I can run a marathon after so I intend on spending more time in the hills over the coming weeks.

That’s it for now!

Tags: France, Ironman, race, Speed Theory, Travel

A long overdue update!

It’s been far too long since my last post but it’s all for good reason. Training has been going really well for both the run and the bike. However, I could certainly use some work on the consistency front for the swim as I haven’t touched the pool in over 4 weeks! As of this week that all changes as I’ve decided to ditch the 25 yard pool at the Y and start going to the 50m at the VAC until the outdoor pools open in May. I was starting to lose my mind with some many flip turns…

In terms of volume in the two sports, a quick check on the last 28 days in Training Peaks returns a result of 31 hours on the bike and 15 hours running. 0 swimming…I wasn’t lieing! The body is holding up well and I have been able to track a noticeable improvement in form and endurance and with that SPEED!

I am excited for the next 8 weeks as I start the build phase of my program this week. Intensity goes up a bit with a little less volume overall before tapering down into the race for the last 3 weeks before the big day. If that past 16 weeks of my program have been any indication, these blocks will pass just as fast if not faster!

In terms of travel, the flight is booked with 3 weeks in France and accommodation is booked for one of the three. I want to be flexible and will likely hostel it where I can as I would like to see some of the neat villages outside of Nice.

That’s all for now, time for a run before work!

Tags: France, Ironman, Training, Travel

Ironman France – It’s Official!

Last week I made a spontaneous decision to do something that I really wanted to do.  It was something that I didn’t see myself doing for quite some time for a number of reasons.  That decision: to race Ironman France in 2011!

Ever since I became engulfed in the sport of triathlon, Ironman France was on my radar as a race that I knew I just had to do one day.  Known for being one of the most scenic courses as well as one of the toughest with its 5000 feet of climbing it had my name all over it.  One of the barriers keeping me from doing this race unfamiliarity of travelling abroad as up to this day the furthest that I have traveled is to Antigonish, Nova Scotia.  Travelling to France will open a new frontier for me in terms of cultural experiences.  The other barrier is of course the cost of travel.  The catalyst was when I ran into a friend of a few friends at the YMCA last week who happened to be going to race as well.  In conversation it came up that they had one more spot in their condo in Nice.  With the seed already planted long ago, this was the water that made it sprout as the thought of racing in a foreign place with three familiar faces made it that much more approachable as well as a means to keep the costs down.  I went home and couldn’t think of anything else as I scoured the web for information on the race.

Two days after the conversation initially took place, I had an email in my inbox confirming that I indeed did have a spot on the beach on June 26, 2011!  One of the things I like most about triathlon is the logistics of executing three different sports in succession as well as the fourth sport of nutrition.  Of course, travelling with all the gear adds to the logistical puzzle and I am all over it.  I’m watching flights to see how the prices move and have booked three weeks off work to fit it all in.  Right now, I have a roof over my head for the critical race week but I am leaving some of the vacation open to chance outside of this.

Spontaneity isn’t something that comes naturally to me so I want to be outside of my comfort zone just a bit.  Plans are still up in the air but I would like to explore Provence while I’m there and hope to see some of the villages in the area by bike.  If last year was any indication, I should be okay to ride around within a few days of the race provided that I keep the effort down to a reasonable level.

Training has already begun as I had initially planned on racing the Oliver Half Ironman which unfortunately was given the boot for this year with the opportunity to see a dream come true by racing in France!  Fortunately, base training is much the same for half and full iron-distance races so I should be in good form on race day.  Now it’s time to remain focused as the training continues to build over the next 5 months.  As I mentioned in a previous post, my goal is to improve my consistency for the 2011 season.

One of the changes that I have made in order to achieve this goal is to get up at the same time each day regardless of whether or not I have a training session before work.  Right now I’m getting up at 5:45am each day but I’ll be moving that to 5:00 next week as my ultimate goal would be to get a couple of double sessions in before work on non-tempo days.  For days when I don’t have a workout before work I’ve been using this time to read which is something I have no done much of since university.  Reading topics of personal interest is far more rewarding and I’ve really enjoyed learning again as the topics I’ve been reading about include nutrition, focus management, coaching and appreciating the smaller things in life.  It’s going to be a great year!

Tags: France, Nice, race, Triathlon