here we go

Headed to Pentiction today...Ultraman this week.  It's here....

I'll be sending updates as much as possible along with some interviews, videos, and pictures.

Also-for those who are interested....

twitter.com/lukeninetwenty
FB Christian Isakson
FB Luke 920
Instagram luke920


These will be great ways to check in with my progress.

Also-Ultraman Canada should also have updates.

More tomorrow from BC.....

absolute beauty....

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

Song of Solomon 4:7

30,000 feet somewhere above Chicago...

I believe in absolute beauty.  

Been thinking about this since getting picked up in Detroit by one of the greatest people in my life. Eric-feels like a brother actually, (a brother like no other. He's got soul, soul,soul sweet soul) and I love him. Eric, thank you for bending to meet me in need man.  Thank you for spending your time, money, and your brilliant mind on me. Flying out to crew me in a few weeks at Ultraman Canada will be one of the best parts about the event for me and I love you. It was awesome to catch up for a day and talk about race stragety.

Ultraman Canada crew. Good to meet up and talk.

Talking like I had been shot out of a cannon, as I usually do with anyone, not just Eric, we stumbled into a conversation about beauty.  How it's something you know when you see it. How it's not just-subjective, but can be observed. 

Example--These past few days I've been in Michigan with Rhonda and her family for a reunion on Lake Huron.  I'll try to be brief...(but won't be)

Rhonda is going to kill me when she sees I posted this picture. She just looks beautiful. 

I was in AWE staring at Rhonda throughout the week.  In her bathing suit, sun dresses, pj's....whatever, She looked stunning.  How I continue to be out done by her pure physical beauty is ground shaking. I mean it with all that I am. At 39 I feel blessed and so, so,so,so fortunate that I still get that lump in my throat, sweaty palm, butterfly in gut feeling when I'm away from her, see her in a new outfit, or just get slapped by a glance that I am frozen by. I won't even start about her soul and inside, the real amazing part..but, (transparent here)....she still rocks my world when she walks by.  It's an absolute wonder and gift of God.  To desire & grow with her is my only hope and goal in this life.  I just love her so much.  SHE is beautiful. 

Ian is beauty. Stabbed in the heart of what's brewing, I saw Ian meet a friend this week and throw rocks in Lake Huron with her.  It twisted my inside with excitement and sadness.  He will go away someday and I quake at the thought even now.  Ian again also filmed me during an open water swim in lake Huron and added a few lines of commentary that ensured he loves me as hard I as I love him.  When I heard that...I heard beauty.

Ian will also probably kill me..but, just a cool picture.

Evelyn is beauty.  Her face when I landed in Michigan and able to catch up (my family left a few days prior), gave memories of just staring at her in her crib.  She too roamed around the resort we stayed at as a woman-laughing with family, hanging out at the campfire with new friends, making me so proud.  I fear the pinch of the time I hold her before she steps out also.  So, so beautiful. My one and only "little".

My 'Little'...sleeping next to me...

I love them all so much.  The sacrifice each has made for me to get to where I am at now is an insult to even try to put into words. What they have done is beauty.  Adjusting schedules, coming to the pool and watching me swim lame lap after lap. Meeting me, with fuel halfway during a run, or waiting for me to finish with a ride to eat dinner, having ice bath's ready after a big day..whatever...they do it.  Even this trip, our vacation, has been a little muted with my final prep into Canada.  You are all the best, and I owe you all.

The real Ultraman Crew....

Just under 4 days in Michigan was put to good use.  Rhonda really ensured I did not loose any momentum and Chris worked out the training to my advantage.  The long runs and bigger open water swim's built confidence and fitness.  I'm foaming at the mouth to get my fresh legs on the bike and can feel the result of the big bike block I did prior to the little detour settling in.  Take home point--flex. 

Got some solid open water work done. Feels good.

No matter what.  Training around and with family is better than training through them.  It just does not work. 

Back to the discussion with Eric--Talking beauty.  Where will I find it when I am knee deep during the Ultraman??  It's coming I know, and so is the pain, doubt, hope, fear, joy, discomfort....it's there, right now. Waiting for me.  

I won't release my strategy for UM--Maybe after the race I will discuss my approach, but-the only people that really know are Chris, Rhonda, and myself.  It's not tough to figure out. Swim, Bike, Run. Right?? Yes and No.

I sat at the airport today and a wave of uncertainty smashed me.  Part fatigue, (part sadness that I'm leaving), I practiced working through it like I've done in races and will do in two weeks during the Ultraman.

"Ok...what is this feeling, and why is it hitting me hard right now?..I don't like this hollow sensation and worry. What can I do right now to flex? Bend? Re-set?"

Athletes have to adjust these bio-feedback signals a lot in, and out of racing. Especially during an event. If you have not been there ever-you will be. It HAS TO BE DEALT WITH AND PRACTICED BEFORE IT HAPPENS.  It's like a nutrition plan, pace plan, or race plan. 

Should I drink? Eat? Slow my pace? Quicken?  Be thinking different thoughts?  Reflect on what I did to get me ready vs.what I did not??  Know this--when your attitude changes,  something is brewing.  I don't just mean when you 'hurt' either.  It will hurt.  It should hurt. **Chris has been adamant about telling me throughout my bigger training blocks.."It should not feel good man.  You are training, building, working".  I'm talking about ATTITUDE and EMOTION. Putting in the practice of - suspending judgement, if that makes sense, during workout's is a great way to build this tool.

Studies have shown during endurance events, espically Ironman, many drops or massive swings in thought are related to a fueling issue. Many greats say when you feel good-eat/drink/fuel. When you don't.... eat/drink/fuel. ***I'm not talking overdoing it either.  I've made that mistake too many times. I made a bad habit of getting locked "into a plan" and ignoring my body's signals. Patience is sometimes the food/fuel you should eat. Bottom line again-when something is coming...deal with it early. (I'll send out a link to a great article by Dave Scoot about this)

So...Sitting here in my terminal feeling thoughts creeping in, I shot an e-mai to Chris. Shared a few things, vented, and read his response.  It worked.  Had I not, it would have festered a bit and maybe grew.  This is something I do with Rhonda all the time also. Many times the more prepared you feel the easier it is to have concern, or worry, because you/I/we know what work has gone into the training, and what expectations of ourselves are.

Ooops...Wandering here...that's what happens when I'm locked in a flying silver bus, jacked on coffee, and amped...  "Hey..I'll just pretend I'm a 'writer'...." Not good. Plus I'm on a full plane and  managed to be the only one with a row of 3 seats to my self....Talk about beauty?!?

Look....The idea behind my "beauty" thing is just this...

I feel surrounded by it, and still ignore it a lot of the time. Shame on me.  Even in races where I can't think of anything...beautiful.  When it is ugly, gross, painful..and just hurts, there is still beauty.  Even more actually.

I know God screams it and I plug my ears. He shines it and I close my eyes. He wraps me in it and I shrug it off like a spoiled  two year old refusing a nap.  Many times--heck, most times, beauty is preceded by pain.  Rhonda and I have had discomfort and fights, Yet, she is more beautiful than EVER, and our relationship is beautiful. Ian has driven me insane and Evelyn questioned my ability to be a good Dad,  yet to find something as beautiful as two sleepy eyed kids coming down the stairs wanting me to make pancakes and eat with them is a mystery, and sheer beauty. Ironman has taken me to the rivet and made me look uglier than roadkill-yet, I've been able to help many in need with racing these events in very hard places, and I see beauty.  Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior was murdered and died a horrible death-But this beauty is the most beautiful of all. Redemption=beauty. Man, what that morning must have been like when he walked out. Thank you God for all this beauty around us. Thank you for giving me the desire to worship you. 

Thank you for giving me a chance to race Ultraman.  It looks terrible at times to me, scary, and ugly.

But I know the beauty will be there. And...if it's not???  

Rhonda, Ian, Evelyn and Eric will be waiting for me.

Beautiful. 

close..waiting...

“Wait on the Lord" is a constant refrain in the Psalms, and it is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. When in doubt, do nothing, but continue to wait on God. When action is needed, light will come.” 
― J.I. Packer, Knowing God

Training and preparation has been priority number one.  "Team Isakson"is in focus mode..honestly over the past few weeks they have had to kick my butt out the door.  All that to say...Things are moving well and I am anxious to pull the trigger and go.

This week has been a heavy week but I have been able to get a few videos done and will include a few pictures here of me in training mode.

EARLY OPEN WATER WORK HAS BEEN A BIG FOCUS.

Yesterday was a solid day...Open water swim, bike, run, lap swim w/ speed work, bed late.  I woke this morning and was assured that I absorbed the day well.  During my last block this has been a common theme. Work, rest, absorb..repeat.

THANKS CHRIS. SO PROUD TO BE WITH MTS.

Thanks for the patience and understanding with the gap between posts.  Leading into Canada I will be informing my social media sites on how you can follow me during the race.  I'll be having frequent updates on FB, Twitter, and will also releasing video and interviews during race week.

Thank's for all the well wishes.

Here is another quick video talking about Living fuel and finishing up a run.

Stay tuned for other videos....and much longer blog post this week.

LIVING FUEL + TRAINING VIDEO

Never thought I would...

“any fool can be happy. It takes a man with real heart to make beauty out of the stuff that makes us weep.” 

So much going on...Let's get to it.

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to be invited to share on the ABC affiliate here in Portland--channel 2 KATU.  AM Northwest is a morning show after Good Morning America and I was excited to talk about new things happening, Ultraman Canada, and training.  Below is a link to the interview if you would like to watch it.

My daughter snapped a few photos during the show.http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/Endurance-Athlete--Ultra-Ironman-Competitor-Christian-Isakson-212504621.html

A few Sundays ago after Church our family had to 'divide and conquer'.  I was off to speak at a mens youth group at another church,  my son was dropped off at martial arts/tricking class, and my wife & daughter were headed home for a few hours to chill out. Plans were to sync up again in a few and hit the movies.  Days like this are special for us all here at team Isakson --the amount of training I'm doing now leading into Ultraman Canada is consuming-it's getting close.

What was going to be a good day.... turned out to be horrible.

Rhonda and Evelyn walked into our home and were not met with the usual tapping and prancing of our Boston Terrier's feet.  Weird??? Evelyn giggled and noticed our dog was sleeping on the floor of the living room sprawled out--her hind legs visible  from behind the couch. My wife noticed something different.

Leslie (yes, my son named the dog)...was dead.

Somehow Leslie managed to get into our recycling bin and wedge her head inside a yogurt container.  Poor little dog died what she loved doing...eating.  My daughter was hysterical. I mean it...she was devistated.  I phoned home after speaking to the youth group and could hear screaming in the background.

"Leslie is dead!!!"
"What?!..How??"

Rhonda told me what she had found, and indicated Leslie had been there a while. I hurried home knowing how sad it would be when I arrived.

I say this carefully, but..we are not 'pet' people.  For many reasons we just haven't been big on having pets. I'll keep it at that. My son had begged for 2 years straight to get a dog and we refused. Many reasons really--our schedule, time, lifestyle. I also refused to have a dog and not take care of it--just really never appealed to us.

Eventually Rhonda and I caved & circumstances led us to finding a Boston/French Bulldog mix. She was the coolest little dog ever. I started to change and we all began to love that fat little, kind, lovable dog so very much. Four years we spent with her, and grew fond of horrible breath, horrible gas, and Leslie's kind eyes. She really was a part of us. I never ever thought I would say this--but when I walked into the house to find my daughter in tears holding her lifeless body--I hurt. I was very, very sad. I knew I would miss that dog.

What a fluke occurrence. The container was big enough to cover her face and get lodged on her head behind her ears where it was hard to get air.  I could not believe it as I patted her belly and knew my son would be heart broken. 

It really, really, really......really sucked.

Picking up Ian and telling him the news was horrible.
Burying her was horrible.
The rest of the week was horrible.

It was extremely tough to see Ian and Evelyn so very sad. Rhonda and I were hurting too. Questions that would seem easy to answer-were not.  It's just a dog...right??  Nope. 

I never thought I'd feel like this--all because of that little mass of fat.  The week brought tons of sadness, discussion, tears, and reflection.  I never, ever, thought we would have a dog. I never thought I would grow to love it. I never thought it would hurt to have to dig a hole and place her in it. I never thought I would struggle, despite my faith in God, to have an answer for my twelve year old son when he asked through his uncontrollable tears and inaudible words..."Why did this have to happen Dad?"

We prayed together a lot.  Not because we couldn't handle Leslie dying, but more so how thankful we were to have had her in our life for a while and how fun she was to be with.  We prayed how thankful we were to be with each other, and how it made it less heavy.  Throughout the week during my training I kept reflecting on that sentence that was seared in my head..."Never thought I would".

I decided to make a list of ten things I "Never thought I would" and just see where it ended up. Wasn't tough, and it grew larger than ten quickly.  Decided to narrow down the ones specifically relating to 'sport', but first share a few of the others, the ones that matter the most. Plus..kinda helped through the crappy feeling of Leslie being gone.

*Never thought I would end up living with the true love of my life and honest, no kidding best friend.

*Never thought I would have a son that wants so bad to be me and ignore my failings.

*Never thought I would have a daughter more beautiful, complicated, and wonderful than a field of flowers.

*I am ashamed to admit this..but, at one time I never thought I would desire to follow Jesus Christ as much I desire now.

*Never thought I would actually enjoy a cup of coffee and walking around Target over 'going out'.

*Never thought someday I would prefer the Food Network over MTV.

*Never...ever.....ever thought I would love growing old as much as I do.

In relation to 'sport', again....narrowed down a few.

Never thought I would...

1.   Understand I do have to go slow to get fast.
2.   Realize how important sleep is and as I age, I need more. (well at least a little more)
3.   Grasp the importance of proper running form.
4.   Have to take little bites first-even though I have a big mouth.
5.   Take time to talk to athletes that are better, faster, and stronger and ask for their help.
6.   Be level headed enough to give advice back to others when I've grown faster, stronger, better.
7.   Be fortunate enough to have AMAZING SPONSORS like RYU, ORBEA, LIVING   FUEL,THE ATHLETES LOUNGE, VUELTA WHEELS. I mean that with all my heart.
8.   Race around the World, to eventually help around the world.
9.   Be an Ironman.
10. Prepare to compete in Ultraman.

**I never thought I would come to grasp the idea that sport is just that...sport.  It's not life. Funny how the death of a little dog made us all just step back and think.

If sport was taken from me tomorrow, I'll reflect on the privilege of taking part--but (this took years)  it's not everything.  Understand---I love to race, train, compete, everything that's involved, but, God help me if I place it where it should not be. Yeah, I skirt the line during big training blocks and have the support to do so. But, above family?  My relationship with Christ?...no freaking way.  

I believe the blessing of getting to be where I'm at is related to the understanding of where sport should be. Believe me...this is a struggle.

On a similar note, I get how I've been wired.  I'm SO, SO, SO,  thankful I'm built to be an Endurance Athlete, and I'll strive to be the best possible. I will NEVER quit. I won't waste a second wishing to be a golfer, b-baller, q-back.... I'm built to hurt, and to keep going. Never....ever thought I would say that.  But it's the truth. I love to push, I'm grateful for this.

Few more things here.

The Taxi Initiative is still moving forward, and this is awesome.  My fundraising for the team to Haiti and Mountian Top Ministries is still full on, so please go here to see how you can help. 

Last week Rhonda and I met with the Ameena Project. An amazing orginization that works in Kenya.  Meeting Ian and Shari was a moment I won't forget.  We hit it off and will be teaming up together for a really, really, big event.  I'll have much more information on this as the details fall into place. I'll also share a lot more about the Ameena Project. 

Farmington Gardens has been kind enough to extend an invite and allow a fundraiser to take place in the future.  More Than Sport and Chris Lieto will be involved and the idea of the Taxi Initiative 'giving lifts' is taking shape.  More very soon.

I want to say thanks to Respect Your Universe and the team that works at RYU.  These people have treated me with such kindness and support.  Not only is the gear they have (and the gear they are releasing) solid, but the company itself is incredible.  So proud to be included within their vision. 

On that note I congratulate one of their team for completing his first Triathlon!!!! Kaveh solid work man! DO NOT STOP! Way to push through and finish strong.  I'm so happy for you.

Geting to know Kaveh has been so cool and he and the team at RYU wanted me to include a few pointers for interested athletes attempting, or considering a triathlon.  Cool!!! No problem. Along with the insight from my list above I'll relay five "should do's" for new comers.  Next entry I'll do a specific article and include five more. As always if you ever have any questions just shoot me an e-mail.

So....straight forward, and to the point.  Five things you should do if new to the sport of Triathlon.  Thinking back-this is what I would tell myself...

1. RESEARCH and KNOW what you are getting into. Talk, read, surf, listen, seek out (like this) those who have the answers or direction. Locally The Athletes Lounge is a great resource. Books, Mag's, and  better yet people who can give good advice.

2. Start to keep track of what you eat. Seriously....It's not tough. Take a notebook and start on a Monday morning. Every time you eat-- note what/how much/when. Heck...even if you don't ever do a Triathlon-try this once and see what you see.

3. Go to a good running store and get a good pair of shoes.4. Write down the main reason you want to do a Triathlon-Put it on your fridge.

5. Buy a calendar. Place it next to the 'reason' on the fridge.

I'll vamp on this later.

foundation

Jimi Hendrix said in an interview once that overdoing it sometimes in a song-repetition-especially live, over, and over, and over, eventually sucks the listener in. Not because it's necessarily an amazing symphony, you just get "drawn in" and begin to wonder what happens next. I grew up listening to Hendrix-Loud. I was thinking about this over the course of the last few big training weeks. They have been big, and have kept me very busy. In part due to the length between blog posts (sorry), and ton's of other stuff going on...repetition has "drawn" me in. Actually...it has sucked me in and splattered me back out

.

Meeting at RYU HQ's Makes me smile..

Training and preparation has been spot on.  I'm happy with my progress and  still have a way to go, I realize the only way to Ultraman is through Ultraman. Which equates to repetition.

Along with my schedule of big hours, I have had AMAZING things going on that I am so excited about.  I had mentioned a fundraiser in my last post that is still in the works. The details are  being worked on and as soon as I am able-I will share.  It's really, really cool.

My next TV appearance is happening on June 21st. AM Northwest has been kind enough to offer me a chance to come and speak about a few things. Ultraman Canada, my amazing sponsors, and the growing Taxi Initiative will all be discussed. I'll keep you posted.

Speaking of sponsors...putting in a few more enjoyable sessions on my new Ordu has been a thrill.

It is an amazing machine and I am so unbelievably happy to be on team Orbea. I've never been more comfortable on a bike.

I've been fortunate enough to have a few meetings with RYU here at the Respect Your Universe Headquarters in Portland....don't even know where to begin. The kindness and interest they have expressed in my athletics and Taxi Initiative makes me feel like I'm family. Yes-as an athlete affiliated with RYU my desire to perform well is strong. I want to reflect what they believe in sport as an ambassador of a warrior, but understand this....RYU is interested in the process, desire and drive of the individual. Those who struggle hard through endless sacrifice to get to the line. Triumphs for RYU are those that push through, break thryu. How many athletes have wanted this??  Partnering with people who are not as interested in a 'podium finish' as much as 'passionate fire'.-right?

  

Not "Just do it".... "Just be it".

Things are moving at RYU and I'm just so excited and grateful to be a small part. Not to mention how incredible the gear is, and how incredible the new line that's being worked on is. Awesome. 

Thanks RYU for preparing me for battle day in, day out. Training, resting, recovering. 

The Taxi Initiative is growing. I'm encouraged to see the donations coming in to help get a medical team to Haiti this fall. Through my crowdrise page and partnering with More Than Sport I'm still focusing on reaching my goal.

On a similar note I have had many opportunities over the past few weeks to meet and dream about where I can be used and how to continue to help. The idea of establishing the Taxi Initiative as an actual Organization/Foundation is being looked into. This could be a good thing. Being able to team up with different missions, organizations, and charities to help give them a lift would be such a blessing. I've always hoped I could be in a position to help the people who are making a real difference. It's a passion I have to use sport as a way to really...Really, make change happen.

This is RYU's hope also and big news concerning them helping me in Haiti soon.

So, with potential changes moving forward, a new website is in the works, some new photos coming and a few training videos getting released in the future-I am busy. Excited about this and stoked to share with you all a few days during a big training week in video form. Should be fun. I'm also excited to be speaking this Sunday to the Sonrise Youth group about my passions and desire to serve God.

Rhonda and I are working on our future nutrition classes we will be hosting at Farmington Gardens in the fall-details when final dates set.

In opening I mentioned a reference to repetition. I've learned to appreciate this word more every day.  I've also come to understand depending on attitudes and positioning, 'what' you repeat, is just as, if not more important as the repeating itself. Training is repetition. Results are a product from correct right repetition. In the past at times, I've repeated the wrong thing so much I actually believed I was right. Not good.

My encouragement to you is that in training, ensure you are repeating the right steps, actions, pace, nutrition, whatever, so solid base is established-therefore making it easier to build upon. I know how fundamental and obvious  this is-uh, right? From business to family... My children feel me love them over and over and over and over. I do. I kiss my wife more now than ever. This repetition actually makes my son always ask me "Man Dad...why do you always want to make out with Mom? Answer-because it's foundation. Repetition is foundation. Plus she is the most beautiful thing on the planet.

Talking to a newer Triathlete this past week I suggested he start to build patterns and repeat proper form in the water.  "Practice it til it get's old..like...super old. Like-- I am sick and tired of this I don't want to do another one Old" It's tough at first...but Like Jimi said, you see whats next.  Usually it's progress, then product, followed by a solid base. Structure that is sound and strong. 

Doing the correct thing is harder than the easy thing. Swim. Bike. Run. repeat. Repetition. Over and over and over. Because ...if not, your foundation sucks. It's not built on sturdy ground, it's not even built out of sturdy materials.

It's a sand castle.

And it falls into the sea...eventually.

I had an experience happen this past week--you know who you are and what you did. It was an act of kindness and encouragement that was an answered prayer. Thank you from every part of my soul.  I mean it....it's that kind of action that get's me through uncomfortable moments in training.  I won't let you down.

Information about upcoming fundraiser, TV appearance, the Taxi Initiative, New Website, and Ultraman..next blog...

Thanks for reading.

repeat.

update

Not sure where to begin…..How about here….

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.

Bigger blog this week so stay tuned.

something

“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 mean everything. 

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."