tulips

Orange Tulips symbolize energy, enthusiasm, desire, and passion.

Energy, Enthusiasm, Desire, and Passion.

I love flowers. I love sending them to Rhonda at school when she's working. Teaching second graders is a challenge. IT IS HARD WORK. I mean that. Ironman has nothing on what a teacher does. So last week I sent Rhonda orange tulips. Thinking about my selection made me feel warm--I get energy from her, in my life I'm most enthusiastic about our love, I desire to be with her always, and my passion for her friendship is impossible to describe. Orange tulips--a cool choice.


She brought them home and I was struck how that little vase containing a dozen orange tulips could make me stare. I'm serious, just beauty. Think about the complexity of a flower, any flower not just a tulip, and it can scramble the brain. Now tell me that was not created by God. Yes, I love my wife beyond expression so of course pretty flowers are a must but-It's awesome that the symbolism of what orange tulips mean fit the feeling and even that.... is a shadow of God.

Tulips are "Monocots"--One stem, one bulb, that's it. It's focus?  Make that beautiful bulb. One product, one work of art. Patience. This time of year many of us are ready to have the bulb before the stem. Base, Base, Base. Right?  The imagery or personification of that little tulip wanting a bulb before it's ready is like wanting a 145 HR at a 7 min pace, or me looking at incredible TT bikes at my first Ironman.  "Crap..that's what I want. Now. Er..but, I have not even raced."  I remember now how "un-focused" I was despite thinking the opposite.  Point here-Don't over pace/train now to race this summer, only to have the race this summer turn out to be a training day that should have been done now. (training days=races & racing days=training) We read it in mag's, online...but, it still happens. 

I saw a cool story about one of the worlds greatest Triathletes running at night. Why? Because he was so slow in his base build it caused him embarrassment. Give yourself time. 

Reading more about the tulip with the sole intent of finding ways to relate it to my training was easy. It got to the point where I had to just keep it to a point, maybe two..OK three. The first being about patience, and the second, even cooler than the first-  "broken tulips".

The father of the Dutch obsession with tulips was botanist Carolus Clusius -- he's said to have popularized the flowers in Holland. Carolus was the first to identify "broken tulips"--a viral infection that caused beautiful streaking in the petals of the flowers. Uh.....that's freaking awesome.

Not only did this make me think of being a sinful human and utilized by God, but athletically speaking, how many times I've wished to be.....not broken? Taller? Longer legs? arms? bigger lungs? Like him? Faster? Stronger? Whatever.  I've wasted so much time (even when I think I am not)- ignoring my virus and how it makes me--me. My streaks,  My stripes,  My discoloration. It's awesome!! A broken, sick, infected flower showing more beauty than a "healthy" one?! Not only did this comfort me as a broken vessel for Christ, but, again--as an athlete. 

Time. It just takes time. With hurry I miss the real teaching points of training sessions.  When a big day is planned, focus on the task.  If in the pool you are thinking about the run a few hours away-that's not good. The pool for me is where I get lost. Groceries, music, work, whatever....focus. It's a good teacher, boredom-and, soon, you will look forward to that 4k knowing you can think about "it", and absorb it all.  Make sense?

Oh...yes....One more thing about the tulip...

Vernalization. 

It's the process of the bulb needing to be exposed to cold throughout the winter so it grows properly. Tulips only gain it's ability to flower after being in the cold for a long time. The visual imagry of that bulb in the cold ground getting what it needs so that stem, can be that bulb, can be that flower, can be a dozen flames burning on a teachers desk during a Monday afternoon, put's a lump in my throat. 

that bulb....Can be a runner going slow to be fast.
                  A swimmer thinking about stroke to build speed.  
                  A sinner covered in grace.

An Ironman hoping to be an Ultraman.


Tiptoe through the window
By the window, that is where I'll be
Come tiptoe through the tulips with me

Oh, tiptoe from the garden
By the garden of the willow tree
And tiptoe through the tulips with me

Knee deep in flowers we'll stray
We'll keep the showers away
And if I kiss you in the garden, in the moonlight
Will you pardon me?
And tiptoe through the tulips with me 

Thanks Tiny Tim.

base

Things are moving....things are well.

Interview with Endurance Planet

This morning after coffee with Rhonda, bike ride and recovery, I was blessed with the opportunity to talk with Tawnee Prazak from Endurance Planet.  I've been fortunate in the past to talk with her and Ben Greenfield about stuff going on. Both have been over the top cool with supporting--what I support. Just talking about splits, races, nutrition, and swim sets would be sweet..but, amazing thing is--Endurance Planet are interested in more. Actually..they care about the things I care about. For that I am so thankful. Tawnee, great to catch up and Ben..many thanks.

Of course throughout the day I replay what I said in my thoughts-and, like a race...second guess myself a bit.

"Should I have said that? Expressed that? Stated it like this? Crap!" During my swim (post discussion)  thought of giving a preview-for those who will listen.

Even though I could have said them slower, and less words...the point's still remain and I'm certain I got them across...

1. I am SO VERY grateful for the opportunity to race Ultraman this year, and be part of More ThanSport.
2. I love my wife MORE than I will ever be able to express.
3. My sponsor-Vuelta Wheels- are amazing. I am so proud to be a part of their team.
4. I am stoked to be riding Orbea this year.
5. Living Fuel is solid.
6. I am nothing...NOTHING with out Jesus Christ.

And...some other crap for good measure. If you listen...please share your thoughts (good or bad), and let me know if you have any questions.

Training-Last 4+ weeks has been good. Very easy, very slow, very...very.....careful. Patience is the most important thing for me right now. Coming off a rejuvenation block I really just want to GO. I mean GO. But,  that would be stupid. How exactly do I know this??...Well...because I'm stupid. I've done this before and paid for it. Enthusiasm can be misplaced direction sometimes and letting (e)go--is letting go.

Base..BASE..is now. My encouragement in early season is base....for more check this out.


http://www.joefrielsblog.com/2010/10/base-1-training-part-1.html

I had the cool opportunity to talk with the men's youth group from Sonrise Church a few days ago. Solid guys. I really, really enjoyed visiting and hanging out. (Thank you Eric for this.... and thank you all who listened, shared, talked)

 For an hour I discussed and encouraged these young men to build base. In life, character, choice, relationships, family. My example of an athlete that skips this most important part of training (usually due to impatience), feels it, not in a good way. Same rolls when talking about our relationship's, decisions, life stuff... I reflect on how I've skipped base in life and sport-it sucks. When time comes to tap into 'fitness', and ....uh, it's not there-you feel lack of base. "But wait..I've been running, working, moving...I'm fit-right?" nope.

The major "non-Athletic point"about base/foundation that despite 'effort', and 'work'-- is no relationship with God driven by effort and/or religion works.  Rather-base with Jesus is understanding he LOVES me. He loves YOU.  What we think base is and what we build (when we sometimes don't even know it) is a false foundation.  Again.... usually because we (I) am/are impatient, sinful, selfish, stupid...whatever.

Example.....I tell Ian a lot now that he and I are talking about sex quite a bit (he's 12-we are dudes...it's cool)..."Guys at school will act and think they know about this Ian-they don't...build that with me littleman. That's base Ian, or "foundation". I love you enough to be uncomfortable a little when we talk-but it's your base, the fallback. Build it now. Build it right...."

Even at 12 he get's it. Base. He's got it and he's building it.

Quick video-This helps me understand about base.

Ahhh....rest.

As for the specifics of what I am doing right now, again..a very easy eleven to thirteen hours a week.  Prepping for Ultraman is a different beast, and I've got to do it correctly. I know for a fact now that my decision to take off 6 weeks after Cozumel (then have an extra two because of getting sick) was the perfect thing to do. I've been so hesitant in years past to TOTALLY unplug. I promised my family, and myself that at the end of this year it would be different-we are so happy I did.  It really helped on so many fronts. I encourage all of you-start here. Plan your season backwards. Start with what you eventually will look forward to-a break. It made sense for me to do that, and I have this year staged for the most part already with what will be another good rest. It's solid too-and, team Isakson is on board.  We all talked about it and set up the year.

On a finishing note-Today a theme came up during my interview about helping others. Working with More Than Sport, developing the idea of the Taxi Initiative, and other things I have run for made me think a bit about how humans are "wired". Why do we want to help?  Is it guilt? Is it a desire to make ourselves feel good? No sooner had I had this pop into my head, my neighbor Rod told me about his efforts to use sport to raise money for MS.  Check this out...It's awesome. Strong work Rod.

Burpees Anyone??

http://burpees4ms.com/Home_Page.html

roads....

Been a bit busy getting things in order here, but, all is well....back on the road. Training for a few weeks easy and re-setting. It's incredibly nice to do this after a little rest and re-evaluation. Also nice to loose some fitness and heal. Rebuild.  Seems like now I need a lot of discipline to stay chill during workouts and focus on base again.  I love this.

                                                          

As some may have noticed through twitter or FB,  I've been offered a spot to compete in the 2013 in Canada. Uh....Yes please.

Excited for so many reasons. I applied for this months ago after some thought and prayer.  I made sure not to jump too soon after the disappointing result in Cozumel. Weird...I actually stopped to think for a bit. (Rhonda was the biggest reason for this) -- I find most ( if not all) decisions or apparent good choices are not because I stopped to ponder-but, I stopped and listened to Rhonda. Seriously she is wise. Discussions about Ultraman went a little back and forth, & when the e-mail/invite arrived I was elated. How awesome of an opportunity?!?  I was actually fortunate enough to exchange a few e-mails with Steve King, a sport legend, he was very encouraging about me applying for a spot. I have the utmost respect for Ultraman athletes and will do my best to show up on race day prepared.  I considered it briefly a few years back but just wasn't ready. Also, able to share a few thoughts with Rich Roll on the phone (thanks Rich) a few days ago and talking to him cements the fact that it's the type of event that will change you--Show up ready.

Rhonda will be the lead on my crew for the race and I'm so stoked to spend this event together.  She's excited too, and we'll have one of our closest  friends Eric (supported me in Kentucky) and our son Ian to round out the team.  I'll also be working with Chris again developing a plan of attack, plus-my experience with training for the Epic 5 will be valuable.  I'll relay to you the events of my training leading up to the race and answer any ?'s too...it'll be fun

Sweet that I've raced Ironman Canada twice and have spent time in Pentiction training,  I feel very comfortable there. Amazing coffee at "the bench", amazing people...just an amazing place.  Can't wait.
Thanks Ultraman Canada for allowing me this great privilege.

 Look forward to meeting such great athletes from around the world.

My first time in Haiti I was assaulted with thankfulness on so many levels-but roads...actual roads that we drive on, take for granted, the vessels for so much of my life, our life...I never considered. It's easy to think about water, food, electricity, but roads??  Just thought they were...normal. Does that make sense? My trips to Haiti I am always reminded how fortunate we are to have good roads. Some of the travel in Haiti is limited due to rough roads.

Yes..there are great metaphors using roads in life..."the road of life...less traveled...fork in the"...Whatever. A road caused my wife to get in a pretty bad accident two weeks ago that totaled our car-she's fine, the car is not.  My daughter will be driving on our roads soon, and Ian soon to follow.  I see much tragedy on roads at work-just been thinking about roads....Over the last few weeks running I have been so thankful for them-really. Transporting food, supplies, school kids, employees, athletes, friends, family. Snow covered roads on Christmas Eve, roads that hold the heat into the summer night that you can feel while running in the dark.  One of my favorite roads and runs ever I ran last year on the bad-water 135 course. It was that road that made me come back 3 times in one day. 6 miles in the morning, 6 in the afternoon, and again 6 in the evening.  Roads rule (and yes-It was a road that enabled me to meet my friend Greg in Indio-told you this post was for you). I shared whispers with my daughter Evelyn on a great road to school. I remember the way the road looked on every run in every Ironman I've ever raced.  It's roads that allow me to train. We are always on them. Thank you God for the blessing of roads.

 "But what is the most important road?" I said to myself today during a run.  So many cool ways to look at this. Or..maybe this is just "runner's mind"...... able to take anything and make it into something because of hours spent running. I often miss the beauty of a road because I'm not paying close enough attention. So literal and artistically my plan is to pay more attention to the roads leading me into Ultraman.  I'll hang with this theme for a while because I do think it's valuable, and over the next few posts share some thoughts about roads. Cool??

Be looking out for updates to my website and Social media pages.  Considering changing my FB format to just one page (my actual name, not Luke920) for simplicity, and a few other reasons.  It will help going into Ultraman for one, and some other things that are getting harder for me to manage would be easier-still working on that..... I'll let you know.  I'm using one of Living Fuels recovery products and will soon pass on thoughts about -Insport Recovery. Living Fuel is such a great supporter of my desire to succeed. Thanks KC and crew.

                     Stoked about teaming up with Orbea this year also.  Details very soon about that.

This coming Sunday February 10th, I have the honor of talking to the Men's youth group from Sonrise church here in Hillsboro Oregon. Looking forward to that-Thanks Eric for the invite.

Next week a bit more about direction of travel and what road will take me there.