My new Orbea Ordu
is by far the dream bike I always wanted. On it for all of thirty seconds--I
could instantly feel a connection-it feels amazing. Really, really excited to put solid miles on it this week. I’ll keep you updated.
Thank you so much Tony and crew at Orbea. I
am so very, very, very grateful.
I just stared at it as I ate....
Want to congratulate my friend and fellow team mate Matt
Borowski for a solid race at Ironman Texas!! Not only did he push through a tough day, he has worked hard to fight
for More Than Sport and the Taxi Initiative.
Love you Matt-awesome job.
On that note BIG NEWS…The “Taxi Initiative’ is expanding. That’s all I can really say right now-sorry. Things
are in the works and it is all GOOD STUFF!!!
When I’m ready to share & let you know I hope you are as stoked as I am!!! It’s
AWESOME.
RYU made me feel like family. So grateful.
This week I was blessed to visit RYU Headquarters here in Portland. These
people are SOLID and the new line being worked on is SWEEEEEET. So proud to say I am a RYU athlete and
encourage you to see what’s brewing here.
More news on this also very soon.
Still want to encourage you to check out the Crowdrise link
to benefit Mountain Top Ministries in Haiti.
All the information and links you need can also be found here on my site. I'll have changes taking place over the
next few weeks but will give you a heads up well in advance.
Details for the nutrition classes that Rhonda and I will be
giving here in the Portland area are being worked out too and I’ll let you
know.
“Most people gaze neither into the past nor the future; they explore neither truth nor lies. They gaze at the television.” ― Radiohead
I've stared in awe at the TV more this week than I can remember in a long time. I mean really stared...like, "a thousand yard stare". Accompanying this blurry, glass eyed daze has been the sting in my heart and cramp in my stomach that something is happening. Something... What is the 'the something" though?? I know my 'something' is part total lack of understanding and grasping for answers, to the only hope I have on this earth. Psycho doctor's killing babies by snipping spines with scissors...yes, you read right. Seeing that in some states you have to be eighteen to buy spray-paint, but at fifteen can go to 'Plan-B'. People that had legs this time last month are saturated with images of those who blew them off on every news cast and magazine cover. Not to mention the lives taken. No matter your 'world view' something is going on. I'm wired to hurt when I see things like this. I think about these things often throughout the day, praying for comfort, praying for others. Just praying.... My recent workout's this week have been filled with reflections on conversations with my children about what is going on--not music, audio books or pod-casts. No matter the side of fence, line, isle, pew, desk,...whatever you are on--some of this has had to have crept in. Because we are all more than athletes, and, quite frankly.... a lot of what has happened in the last month has sucked, difficult to make sense of, and just hurt's to think about. "What!!? This can't be happening." I came back from an amazing run and was looking so forward to watching the end of Boston. "Is this for real?" My ride ended just as the news started and I saw Dr. Gosnell on TV. "C'mon! Are you serious?!" I returned from the pool elated that I just put in my biggest swim ever and grew aware of teenage kid's having to make decisions adults can't figure out. Where am I going with this? Well for one, I'm taking a media break. People do 'cleanses' all the time with food, I need a break from TV. It's been a long time coming and has grown quite easy to plop on the couch after a big session and just let the tube do the thinking for me. Especially during really big week's, like the last one. It was a solid week. I went to bat with my coach on a killer ride, and experienced progress first hand-it was good. I put in big miles climbing and running throughout & my swim splits are getting better. Things are on track. But thinking a lot on the road--when real life comes into view, I have to realize how little athletics mean, and how much more 'life' does-"Where do I really get my reality from?" is the thought that pop's in my mind when I am confronted with sadness. It's reminded me how I felt in Haiti the first time. Everything else just sloughed away, and I was forced to recognize how little my problems really are. On a positive note, this has played a big part in my decision to team up with More than Sport. Sadly it's easy to have the 'rush' of miles, meters, and yards evaporate when I sit down elated after a good training day and watch TV. No...I'm not putting my head in the sand, or morphing into a luddite. I like TV.... and, I won't turn this blog into a commentary on society, or use it like a bathroom stall to write whatever. Nor am I going to do with TV what so many do with diet. "That's it..it's gone, I'm changing everything..." Just going to be careful for a bit, that's all. I enjoy sharing training thoughts and gloating about how I love to team up with my great sponsors but, I refuse to minimize writings simply to what I'm doing in shoes, on a bike, or in a speedo. I'm also well aware even as I share thoughts and feeling's about the topics above, I run the risk of pissing off a few people. It's cool...let's talk. Bottom line-I encourage you who partake in this awesome thing called sport to think of "the something" on your next run, bike or swim. Running has always been linked to thought. On the road for hours at a time can easily be wasted with 'noise', I do it a lot. Not sure what that "something" is? You don't need a tragedy, an injustice or depressing thought, though it's not hard to find one these days....try this--It is something for real. I've come to realize every day that pace, heart-rate, shoes, cals, fuel, carbon fiber,... .is really all just crap. In 100 years from this moment it will mean nothing. But this...this will mean something. Actually it will meaneverything. And...for the victims of Boston, the babies in the garbage, and teenage girls who need to be loved, and encouraged. I am sad for you, and will be praying. You are in my thoughts. Constantly. You are all God's something. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Or this.... Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Few Quick thoughts...It's amazing when training is in full swing how time is short.....
All week been wondering what exactly to blog about? Training-yes. Latest interview-yes. But, something "new"...right? Isn't that the goal of "blogging"? To be hip, and wacky...cutting edge. Cutting edge? Razor sharp wit?
No. No it's not.
Sometimes the truth is story enough.
Yesterday's ride was riddled with three flats in a half hour. Twenty-five miles out and no repair options left. I shoved grass clippings from the side of the road into my tire to get me home and it worked. The faces in the cars passing by watching me do this was awesome. I remember thinking.."Try not to look like an idiot"....Uh, no go.
five min's to flatsville
My Vuelta's are so solid.....work horses. I rely on them and still do a lot of my training on the set I rode during the Epic 5.
Survival mode...it got me home.
While on the subject--Vuelta has played a key role in my ability to compete these past few years and for that I am so grateful. The support from them builds a desire in me to make them proud, and I'm still am so honored to be a part of their family.
Chris has me training solid,and putting in the hours.
"Turn off the brain, turn on your legs, and work this week...Get miles in the legs". He's honest with me, and I'm secure enough to be myself around him. This comes with a price for him though . He's the one sometimes victimized when I over think, over analyze, or just amp-up. His patience is awesome. Like a "friend" patient. I feel like a "fellow" athlete with him-and it helps when times get thin.
Find this in a coach. It is vital.
Lot's of cool things happened after my recent interview with FOX 12 and it's a blessing to have that viewed by so many. Thankful it shares and shows my hope for the Taxi Initiative, Haiti, and More Than Sport. I found out today that IM Talk, andUltraman Canada have featured it on their sites and for this I am grateful. Thank you so very, very much.
Please spread the word about the Taxi Initiative. I along with a fellow athlete and friend Matt Borowski are raising 10k for an team trip in August. Five, ten, fifteen bucks..it all add's up. Go to the link or look on my website. Thank you so much.
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. ~Clarence W. HallI hope you all had an amazing Easter. I've been busy, and it's been good. Last week was a thirty hour week. Big miles on the bike, decent miles running, and in the water.... I'm building. So exciting to bank fitness in a 'mini-camp', but more encouraging to absorb it without going to far into the deep. Again....So important-A good indicator of balance is being able to maintain a somewhat 'normal' attitude throughout big blocks. Rhonda told me before my big week....."Be cool, and I'll let you know if you are not. Because I love you". I've been tough to live with (despite not really thinking I am) when I've tackled large amounts of training in the past. Ian and Evelyn are amazing mirrors for that.."What the crap Dad..Quit being lame?!" Take away here-be careful with big bites. I've said this so many times...I'll say it many more. Listen to your body. Oh, and get massages. Thanks Rhonda.... vital in recovery. Spent time with our local FOX News affiliate in Portland this past week. Sunday I'll be on TV in a segment discussing Ultraman Canada, Mountain Top Ministries in Haiti, the Taxi Initiative,More Than Sport... few other things too. Yesterday a small segment was filmed at the Fire Department. I've been a Hillsboro Firefighter/Paramedic in the Portland/Metro area for a little over 10 years & FOX wanted to incorporate this aspect into the story. I was proud. I was nervous. I was humbled. Eric, Jim, Shane, Chad, Jon, and Matt....I love you guys. I was speechless when you were talking-(this is usually not the case as you well know). I meant what I said when I thanked you guys. I'm so very proud to know you all and care for each of you so much. Thank you for the kind words, and support.....My brothers. I can only hope to make you as proud of me, as I am of you guys. Thanks for being patient with me. Also..thanks to FOX. So kind of you to come to my home and make me feel comfortable....
Thanks Dan and Kevin from FOX. Great guys that made it easy to talk.
I hope to do some talks around Portland informing the public about the work Mountain Top Ministries is doing in Haiti. PLEASE take a moment to visit my site and Crowdrise page. If you feel led to donate, awesome. Know that EVERY CENT goes to Mountain Top Ministries. Food, Medical Supplies, Getting Medical Teams into Haiti to help. I am open to answer any and all questions you have. I've heard form Orbea and very soon I'll be updating you all about that. So honored to be a part of what they are doing. Thank you Tony and Team. I am honored and excited. I'll post the FOX Interview here next week and let you know about a few other media opportunities that may be coming my way. more very soon.....
New website address www.christianisakson.org is now live. Soon I will have both the ".org" and ".com", but for now..it's live on ".org". Sorry for the mix up, but it's for the best. I will have some new web-site content very soon.
Getting ready to get my training sessions done before my interview with FOX/Oregon. I will provide information when it will be on TV as soon as I know.
Big blog later this weekend on training, Easter, Orbea, and shoes.
Rhonda, Evelyn, Ian and I spend a lot of time laughing. A lot.
Despite my best intentions at keeping this blog fully engulfed in sport, it will never be that way. Swimming in experience with those I share life with--the ones I pass time with the most, and dread the feel of it fleeting, will always be here. I hope that's cool.
Laughing with my family actually slows time. Weird. Should be the other way around, but, it's not. Thinking about this blog for the past week I've again wrestled...."How can I not share this stuff? I've got to write about this new Citizens album!! My son got baptized!!!! Sweeettt!!!" Needless to say if you are at all familiar with my writing it's nothing unusual. Part ADD, part excitement and thought, and part just sharing how I feel. Here goes...
It's been a good few weeks since my last post. Busy. But really, really good. Training sucks us in, and before I know it 3 weeks have crept away. Tough training makes days crawl-but, weeks fly. As I opened in the beginning of this post, I want to share a little about time and the like later along w/ a few thoughts on nutrition, absorbing work, signs of response, swimming, and some other training crap.
But...first things first.
My son was baptized this past Sunday.
Like Evelyn, and Rhonda, it will go down as a moment I will never, ever forget. I'm proud of Ian. He get's it, and looking to God for direction and loving him with all his heart, is what he honestly desires. My 'Captain America'..awesome Ian. I can't wait to see how He uses you.
I want to be more like my son.
Also-I bought an album last week and it freaking rules. Citizens. A worship band from Mars Hill/Seattle-this is really a solid group of songs-from a solid foundation. So stoked when I discover good music-and, from what's been on the radio, it's a rare gem. Great to run to. Little entertainment for you before I get to the nitty gritty-
So sweet.
Again, the whole album is really, really solid.
Other items-The Crowdrise page associated withMore Than Sport and the Taxi Initiative is live. Please check it out and share with friends and family. My desire is to raise 10k for Mountain Top Ministries. 100% of what is donated.... will be given.
It'll pay for Food, Medicine, Tools, and even individuals, to travel into Haiti and help change lives of people in need. Not--"I need a new iphone case need either"..but, "I need to have these wounds cleaned or I could die need". I've included a photo from the last mission/team I was involved in again, I'll do this through out the year so you can see the faces and hear the stories. If any of you are interested in coming to Haiti let me know.
After a long day at the clinic I stopped to say hello. Can't speak the language, but hugs and handshakes are easy.
Also--Thank you Matt Borowski for teaming up, I love you man.
Training. It's a go here, and things are improving. Swims are getting longer, I am getting stronger, and it's still a game of patience.
With my training & response much of my mood is directly tied to food, (that's weird), more so, the recovery and fuel aspect before and after. As an example, while looking over/reading my weekly notes..... "Huh?..my mood sucks when I've not 're-fueled/recovered' as I should have?" Again..weird? How many times am I going to do this?
athletes-Watch this during big training blocks, It's easier than you think to get lazy or just ignore it. Bodies become extremely efficient at metabolizing and using fuel/recovery/fluid. When it's in short supply, so is patience & mood follows. Thankful I have become good at this--it allows absorbing workouts to be spot on. That 'fuzzy' feeling of fatigue and satisfaction has been the predominant post effect sensation after big days. This is good.
I also note things are going well when I wake in the morning for an early session/swim, and within 5 min's the fog is gone and I feel ready. The opposite--mornings when I have a harder time clearing the haze despite good rest = an early warning sign. I still get blind sometimes with data, HR, power, zones, cal's, grams..whatever...and ignore the very basics.
How am I sleeping, eating, laughing, resting, thinking..when I am not training. Seriously, these things for me are the lights on the dash. If you can carry a heavy load and function normally=good. Laughing with Ronda for instance is HUGE-and, she will notice when the lights dim. **I know other details need to be observed. I do-believe me, I'm a fanatic, just using some real basic & very vital indicators help. Seems like athletes always come back to this.
Another broad stroke is how long into a workout can I 'shake the fatigue'? These last few weeks between, BETWEEN workouts, I feel a little hammered. But as soon as the next session begins-I feel the 'shake off' and it's like I'm back to sponge mode absorbing the work. Good sign.** For more on this check out Rich Roll's podcast with his coach Chris Hauth. It really is amazing how such elite level athletes focus on basics. Makes me take a step back and review my approach. My coach Chris is amazing at feedback, direction, and honesty. He has helped whittle away things I get hung up on, even when I think I'm not.
1. Sleep
2. Eat well
3. Know if you are not doing #1 and #2
4. Track the things on your dash and pay attention.
Basic, Lame, Important. Despite me writing this, I know in the future I'll pretend everything is on, when it's not. Just be careful.
One more thing... I want to say thanks to Timex and especially Tristan Brown at Team Sports. The goodies and encouragement will go farther than you know.
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
