Marilyn Manson..really?


I find inspiration in weird places....It hit me like a hand of broken nails today--(Soundgarden reference)-- while on my trainer.  Sometimes during my warm up spin I'll log on and load a few videos to help speed the clock..Lately Chevelle, Sigur Ros, M83 and others have helped. Unfortunately I got drawn  into the new Marilyn Manson video this afternoon.  For more reasons than I'll list-my heart breaks for this guy. I'll do my best not fall into the sarcastic gutter here- afraid the point will be lost-but, poor ol Marilyn seems to be standing in the same line of post grunge, post Nitzer Ebb, post NIN, post "whatever is shocking line" at the dollar store of ideas...again.


Started to make me think-- as an athlete I've done the same. 


Continuing in cycles as we train is dangerous-especially when doing the wrong thing.  I could go on bashing Marilyn here-that's not the point. Actually-it's a good question/reflection. When do you realize your pattern is the wrong one?  That you need to re-Cycle?? Watching the Manson video made me think.."How many times is this guy going to use the Bible, a raw chicken, pale women. black ooze, dead animals, smeared lipstick, yellow teeth, dirty lingerie, Gene Simmons boots, Robert Smiths hair, Trent Reznors sacrilege...whatever.  Is it not getting old man? 


 I began to filter through things I was stubborn on in my training, racing, and performance. Bike fit, nutrition, HR, power, shoes, aero-bar placement...stuff adds up over years of pain mixed with passion.  Stuff that I think is working, but don't "feel" it's working.  I've mentioned my coaches in the past-my last coach and friend David Ciaverella from Summit Performance Coaching has said so many things that are the obvious. I realized with his direct approach, I was the oblivious. One..(of the many) that stuck went something like this..."Bro-Why do you keep doing that?  It's insecurity"... Insecurity-is exactly what it was. 


Afraid of X-when I should do Y.


This first Peak week I've MADE sure not to visit the land of over doing it--That was the hidden insecurity I was blind to. If not careful it try's to sneak back in through whispers of what others are doing, articles on Slowtwitch, or musings on blogs.  Always thinking I need to do this ______, when I should be doing it _____. 


Fill in the blanks. CRAP!!!! I thought I was doing awesome.


Yes--This is a HUGE topic of  discussion.  To the point-good coaches are worth it when honesty is a mainstay. Peer evaluation with truth helps too. I encourage you to find training partners, a coach, more experienced athletes to help you fight urges to stay in, or fall into ruts.  Heck.....e-mail me, just constantly re-evaluate where you are, and what needs to change if results are stagnant.  We can't treat our desires to grow as an athlete the same way I feel Marilyn treats rock and roll. 


New Order, Neil Young, U2, Radiohead...Chris McCormick, Craig Alexander, Mark Allen, Peter Reid...all found things to increase in success. It did not happen with continued Drop D growls and the same nutrition plan.  Bike work was needed....The Joshua Tree had to be up-rooted.  Things were fixed even though it hurt. People were honest and frank with change and direction.


 Hang in there Marilyn...maybe next go around you could use that gifted brain God has blessed you with.  You are talented man..and you know what?  I pray that you find what you need.  We all thirst...maybe your rut is drinking from the toilet instead from the fountain?  


To wrap up...Peak week one is done.  Solid, and hopeful.  Nutrition is on, Bike is dialed, tire are glued..things are a go here.


Next entry I will talk about the amazing experience I had with the company building my race kit, information about Living Water International, and Ironman Texas.


More soon....Thanks for reading.


Sweet Dreams are made of these... 

Thanks Vuelta USA for my wheels. So honored to race for you.