New direction

Hey all- since being laid up with my hip, I've been deep water running - more on that later, cycling indoors and writing weekly newsletters to my athletes. I'm going to post them here moving forward to make life simplier for all


Stay in this moment. Don't worry about what tomorrow looks like, and forget yesterday. If you focus on right now, the moment you are in, great things will happen. - Guy Petruzzelli



What's up folks? The above quote is a piece of advice that I like to give my athletes and friends when they are stressing out about life in general. It hit me even harder as I was watching NBC's coverage of the Ironman World Championships from Kona this past October. I sat in awe watching Craig Alexander, at 38 years of age, torch the course, break the course record, and become the oldest winner ever of Ironman. And although he said this was his last trip to the Island, I would bet that Crowie could do it again at age 39. Same for Krissy Wellington, who, with severe road rash, and a torn pectoral muscle suffered from a bike crash 2 weeks prior to the race, calmly and methodically worked up from 21st off the bike, to winning her 4th Ironman title and become the only person who has gone 13 for 13 in Ironman distance races. For those not in the know - that's absolutely unheard of. That means from her first ever attempt at the distance, she hasn't lost.

The question asked of these two athletes is - how? How do they both get past last year - where Crowie missed the break on the bike, and even with the fastest marathon only finished 4th, and Krissy missed the race due to illness - the flu - hitting her the day before the race. The answer is simple - they are good at forgetting. That sounds odd, but think about it - In a race as important and competitive as Kona, how did Krissy, who was not the best runner in the women's field, run down a 21 minute deficient to win this year's race? Because she wasn't thinking about the swim or the bike when she hit the run. All she was focused on was the run, each moment of it, taking each moment in, and finding her strength. She won b/c she didn't start projecting in her head "Shit! I'm 21 minutes down! (That's the equivalent of a 2 touchdown lead in football) There's no way I can make it up". She looked and reacted calmly and efficiently - taking in fluid and fuel, not allowing herself to get so flustered as to forget her nutrition, and possibly blowing the race.

And Crowie? Homeboy had to forget 2010, b/c if he didn't, he would be joining the long list of other former winners who couldn't get past the loss at Kona. There is a long, sad trail of people who have won that race once, twice even, and then, went back for another win, had a bad race, didn't win, and forever considered themselves cursed, unable to win again. I watched guys like Norman Stadler, an athlete -- thought invinceable in his first 2 wins, that he was touted as the next 6 time winner, like Dave Scott or Mark Allen. But when Stormin Norman had bike trouble in 2008 and tossed his bike into the lava fields in his attempt for a 3rd win, his pysche went with his machine, as he was never the same on the island. The point - you have to focus on the moment you are in b/c that's all you can control. Yesterday, hell, 5 minutes ago is gone, its past, history. Forget it. And the next 5 minutes, it will happen, so don't stress it. If you stay focused on the moment you are in, then you are growing, you are learning.

Training is going to be tough, there are going to be moments of doubt. It happens to all of us. That's ok. Deal with what's in front of you and you will be amazed at the results. Trust me. The hardest thing I learned to do is exactly what I'm talking about. I used to ponder bad races, lost sleep over them. And for what? The race was over, there wasn't anything I could do to change the result. Then I would try to find another race immediately to get the bad taste of the bad race out of my mouth, and worked frantically to find the next one, instead of simply focusing on my training, and staying on my schedule. It was mentally and physically exhausting. And the whole time, my training wasn't focused, it was being completed at about 75% b/c I wasn't thinking about it - all I could think about was the bad race and the next race. I didn't even realize my training, the one thing that was so critical was taking a beating, and I was never putting the proper effort in to it.

Once I realized what I was doing, I took a long, hard look at myself and realized I was burning out that I got back on track. Once my training was more focused, I was more confident in myself and boom, my racing got better. I was focused and loose, b/c I knew I had put in the work. I knew my body was ready. Your mental acuity is just as critical, if not more so, than your physical. There are plenty of physical monsters out there, but they are mentally weak. They look like gods, but crack at the first sign of trouble. The workouts designed for all of you are meant to make you as mentally strong as physically strong. Think about it - if you can blast a sub 20 minute "Murph" don't you think you would be feeling unbreakable? Doesn't that make that race, that day of work, or just life seem much more manageable? Don't you think you will have discovered something amazing about yourself - something you never imagined you were capable of? You damn well better b/c that's what we are doing this for!!! I hope that each of you thinks about this - realize you deserve to hold yourselves in a higher regard, recognize you are all capable of more, much more. I know it. Its time you should too.

Last thing - BIG SHOUT OUT TO Krissy for an amazing week of training. She was feeling the focus, living in the moment and it was on display big time Wed night at Laps and Drills. She put on a clinic in the water, great form, and the signs of CF strength work paying dividends big time. She capped it off with some great work with battling ropes today and looks primed for indoor tri season. And save the date - DECEMBER 17 - The Next Level Performance Center - we are having an open house, I'm going to be teaching 2 CF classes and we will have all kinds of cool stuff to try - 200 lb tractor tires, 40 inch box jumps, rings, battling ropes, and more. Look for more details this week

Stay Strong

Guy

When the ride gets rough.......

NO F'ING WAY!!!!! - My exact -words after getting hit by a mountain biker who hit me, left me lying on limestone trail as he took off.

Where do I even begin? Most of you who read my blog already know the story - I was out for a run on October 30, just stretching my legs, as I came around a corner only to be met by a mad mountain biker, who over shot the turn, and ran smack into me at full speed. I flew in the air, and landed square on my right hip, and instantly knew this was not just a bad fall. The topper - this excellent representative of the human race, who was knocked off his bike, got up, dusted himself off and promptly took off. It was spectacularly awful and amazing at the same time. The absolute lack of acknowledgement of the damage he had done, mixed with the pain shooting through me actually prompted me to stand up. Probably not the best move, but the adrenaline was at full tilt and I knew I had to get to a hospital. Thanks to an older gentleman who came riding by had the kindness to ask if I was ok, offered his cell phone and escorted me to the street where I could be picked up. Yes, I walked a half mile on a broken right hip.

Fast forward to today, and I am fortunate to not need surgery, getting around fairly well on crutches, and feeling stronger every day. But once again, its back to the drawing board, digging deep to get to the next step, and the one after that. In the midst of the injury and the surgery for my ear, a few short words of wisdom were sent to me via email from my best friend, Brian MacKenzie. He wrote - "focus on this moment. Don't look past it, own it, handle it, and move on to the next. But for right now, focus on each moment at a time. That's how you heal, that's how you progress".

Brian knows me well enough to know I was angry, frustrated, flat out pissed. But at the same time he knows what it means to come back from an injury, more than one actually, stronger and better than before. And he knew reminding me of what I did just a little over a year ago, was the best way to keep me on track. He's right. Why? B/c being angry about what happened or dwelling on the work that lies ahead doesn't change anything. It doesn't heal my hip any faster, it doesn't make the guy who did it come forward and confess. And the same goes for anyone who suffers a set back of any kind. If you don't stay positive, then don't expect to heal fast, get healthier, etc. Stay in the moment, no matter the pain, the anger, whatever, stay in it, face it, and then move on. Otherwise, you are giving the power to people or things that don't deserve it. And that's a fact.

In the short time since the accident, my faith in humanity has been restored - members at the club who barely know me offering me rides, offering to pick up groceries, etc. Its been an amazing thing to witness. Its restored my faith in humanity. And, I'm going to get to try water running with the one and only Jennifer Conroyd, have met and started to work with Dr. Matt Peahl, and have been reunited with my good friend, Gina Pongetti who is dead set on getting me healthy again. And of course, my athlete, Moira Gilroy came to see me with a grocery bag of vitamins and minerals, wanting to see her coach back on his feet fast. So I get to take some time to focus on my athletes and clients, research more on the things I love most - improving the human body and nutrition, read, and heal.

For those of you who have reached out already - thank you. It means a great deal to me. And to those just getting caught up to speed, no worries, I'm getting stronger everyday.

Stay strong,

Guy

Riding the roller-coaster - fall racing, surgery, and career moves

Its fall in the Midwest. That means football, (which can be a frustrating process for Bears fans) changing colors, shorter days and cooler temps. For some of us, it also means the racing season is winding down, and reflection on what kind of season we had, changes to be made, sponsor hunting, and more time with family and friends. Or, if you don't mind racing in the cold, it means Du season is the way to let that pent up energy out.

Truth be told, this wasn't the season I expected to have. Out of the gate, starting this past January, things looked good. Appendicitis was dealt with and not even a speed bump. I was back in the water and my first tri in 10 years was a great hit, a 2nd overall, on a hot day. Then my ears went south on me, and 7 weeks of no racing came and went, as I watched friends and my athletes racing around the US. I went back to Du's and although its been ok, it wasn't as consistent as I had hoped and luck wasn't on my side.

So it came as no great shock to me that at my last ENT visit, my left ear drum had lost more surface area, resulting in more hearing loss, and necessitating surgery to repair it. This news came 5 days out from Powerman Muncie, a race I needed to do, yet was not a fan of the set up. This secret I kept to myself until now. Let me explain.

I love distance racing, especially in duathlon. Because its a grinder's race, and if a race comes down to sheer will and determination, I like my odds. Powerman, however, requires more planning, with both runs being equal distance, so going out too hard is extremely dangerous, but giving your competition too much rope is deadly as well, b/c you don't know who is able to sustain a brutal pace and who isn't. But with the news of surgery, I suddenly didn't mind the set up. I had nothing to lose, and could afford to go for broke. Thankfully, the weather matched the nastiness of the course, with temps only reaching the mid-40's wind gusts up to 30 mph, and no sun. My kind of weather.

There is something unique when you are at the start of a race on a particularly bad weather day, everyone huddled together, the sense that no matter your level of competition, its a shared suffering. That kind of bonding makes seeing one another on the race course that much more special, knowing its tough going for everyone.

Thankfully, I had a good day, using a patient bike and strong second run to pull out a fourth overall, my highest placing in a Powerman race, and going home with some money to show for the effort. Writing this now, I realized that had I not been on a course of antibiotics, and had better equilibrium, the day could have been even better. But hey, I'll take the result and was happy to walk away unscathed and now ready to race once more before calling it a season. I like October racing, so one more sounds like fun.

But the biggest lesson I learned this season was to endure. Endure whatever comes at you, b/c the strength and resolve you build is what makes you who you are on and off the race course. People ask me if I am angry or frustrated as to how things have gone this season. My response is always the same - I haven't given it much thought and won't b/c it starts a negative spiral of emotions and actions that I don't have time for. Instead, I focused on improving all areas of my life, passing my NASM to become a personal trainer at Midtown Athletic Club, allowing me to share my knowledge of Crossfit and Crossfit Endurance with clients and friends more consistently.

I also co-presented my first CFE certification class, and gained more insight into CFE and how it works for others. Great thing is I'll get to do it again next month in Columbus, OH, then in December with the big guns - Doug Katona and Brian MacKenzie. That promises to be extremely entertaining.

And yes, surgery. I guess a season is not complete unless it ends with surgery. Anyway, its a step in the right direction to make 2012 a truly amazing year.

What does all this mean? Well, it means that we will all go through ups and downs, that life isn't fair, and that if you let stuff get to you, that my friends, is on you. Life is going to hit all of us in the ass, sometimes repeatedly in a short span, but if you let it keep you down that isn't someone else's fault. And it sure as hell isn't life's fault. Blaming "life" is a cop out, and quite frankly, a weak excuse for throwing in the towel. This doesn't mean not to have empathy for people who are down, but the first hand you should be looking for to pull you up is your own. Some say that's harsh, but you can't help others until you can help yourself. Take a moment to acknowledge the good and bad, but don't let it define you. Be more than you think you are. At all times.

Stay strong,

Guy

The lessons learned off the bike and run

"Time means a lot to me because you see I am also a learner and am often lost in the joy of forever developing". - Bruce Lee

I know. I hear the four of you reading this say it, "Bruce Lee? Really Guy?" Well, yes. One of the things that people seem to think about athletes is that we stop searching for knowledge or improving ourselves outside the arena of sports. Nothing could be further from the truth. The athletes I know, particularly my coaches, and closest friends, are always searching, studying, yearning actually, to discover more about themselves. That constant search, the belief that we can constantly improve, even as we age, is what keeps us young, vibrant and always excited to do more. As this season has progressed, I've had my ups and downs, recently enjoying a brief winning streak that was stopped by a rather unexpected DNF at a long course Du where I had an 8 minute lead. Instead of being upset about the ridiculous blow up I had at the half way point of the second run, I took the good and the bad and then applied it this week, and weekend in my training.

What does that mean? I repeated the race, in as close as possible similar course as I could find, changing nutrition and pacing, and this time, completing the 4 mile run/56 mile bike/13.1 mile run without issue. How? Because I recognize the need to be my own guniea pig and how important that is to truly understand how your own body works.

The biggest factor, and I believe this for any level of athlete, starts with nutrition. You can have amazing talent, unbreakable spirit, a heart the size of Texas, but if you don't take care of yourself, sooner or later, the body will break down. At 38 that's the one thing I can assure you - if you eat like an idiot, don't be shocked to have health issues, and huge problems trying to keep up with training and racing. But more importantly, as I watch 2 of my uncles fight colon cancer, maintaining a proper diet is key for EVERYONE. I can't stress that enough. They are where they are because of the diet they sustained for the last 30 years. And they aren't alone.

Recognizing the health issues in my own family were just a microcosm of what is happening in the US, I dug deeper. Thanks to the good Dr. Leighton, I was introduced to the Framingham Study. In short, for the last 30 plus years researchers have spent time in the town of Framingham, MA, finding a correlation between the town's diet and the rise in diseases, like heart, Type 2 diabetes, ADD, ADHD, and cancer. The results are shocking. However, the results do show one major common denominator - high carb diets are wrecking people's health.

I know the term "Paleo Diet" has gotten thrown around recently, people believing its some dietary craze. Its not. Its a lifestyle, not a diet, and as such its effects are more lasting and beneficial to health and longevity. Proper nutrition isn't just for athletes - its meant for everyone. Check out the writings of Mark Sisson - "The Primal Blueprint" for starters. Even if you don't agree - expand your mind, see what is out there that can benefit you and the ones you love. Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Its the best way to stay young.

Stay strong,

Guy

Back to racing, gram turning 99 and the continued evolution of the athlete

"Wow, I wasn't expecting that to happen". - My Ear, Nose and Throat doctor after discovering that my left ear drum had lost 20% surface area due to my last infection.

I'm not going to even address the fact its been a while since I've written to all 4 of you who read this. This time, got to get to business, b/c there is plenty to discuss. The above comment was made to me exactly 6 days before what would have been the biggest tri of my career, the biggest pro field fighting over a decent purse, and driving distance from me. But as you can probably deduce, losing that much surface area on your ear drum (or any body part for that matter) is not a good thing. Medically speaking - I was screwed. Well, it was slightly more eloquent than that but bottom line - no swimming for at least 6 months, the Toyota Cup series out of the question, leaving me with larger lats from lots of laps, and fairly wrecked hearing on my left side. Truth was, not swimming was the least of my immediate worries. I had to face something slightly more serious - permanent hearing loss.

Its funny how in less than 2 minutes your priorities shift, your emotions rock your body physically, and yet you sit back in that hospital chair and are given a moment of clarity and grace, just enough to help you make the best decision for you. Because its incorrect to call it a "right or wrong" decision. Its what is best for you, not the person next to you or the person down the street. So I allowed my doctor to put a small paper cover over the ear drum in the hopes it would start to heal, called a race director in Michigan and decided I was going back to duathlons for the forseeable future, starting with that weekend, July 31. Yes, Brian and Jen's plan was, get Guy fast enough to make a serious run for the Games in 2012. We had put in massive work lung-searing, eye bleeding work. But there was no reason to waste it, or mire in self-pity. Sponsor obligations had me on social media outlets explaining the news, and immediately the "poor you" messages came through. I would have none of it. The decision wasn't hard, it hurt, but that doesn't make it hard. There is always another avenue, another way to compete, to use your talents and gifts in a positive way. And sometimes it takes something tragic to happen to provide you that freedom to make those decisions. Some sponsors walked, which didn't surprise me, this is a business after all, and in our volatile economic times, sponsor dollars are tight, and those who race du's, especially on the pro level, recognize you better have a plan B to make sure you can eat and keep a roof over your head.

Its been 3 weeks and I've raced twice, 2 Oly distance du's which netted me a 3rd place overall, and an overall win. They didn't come easy, they actually hurt like hell, and I had a hell of a time finding my rhythm but in this last week as I prepare to continue my "racing every other week" through November schedule, I feel stronger than ever, lighter than ever, and all that anger and frustration is left out on the race course. Yeah, I'm angry, but in the middle of these 3 weeks was a reminder why I can't ever give up. On August 3rd, my grandmother turned 99, and we celebrated in her favorite style, pizza and beer, with just a few (60) family members at Home Run Inn Pizza, her favorite spot. She stood up before dinner and with a very calm and strong voice, she thanked all of us, expressed her love for us, and her thanks for seeing what she has been so blessed to see. And then she reminded all of us, it was never easy, that b/c of her inner strength, fire and drive that lies in all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the stubborness of my grandfather (a huge Petruzzelli trait) she has reached 99 with grace, humility, optomism and hope. As I scanned the room, I saw it too, seeing my 2 year old niece trying to wrangle herself out of her high chair so she could wreak havoc on the room, as only Vive can, my cousins, fighting so many obstacles to reach new heights of professionalism, my parents, aunts and uncles, the lines of years of that same work ethic and sense of hope that a better future lies ahead etched in thier faces. And I couldn't help but smile and cry, realizing, I will never give up b/c its just not in my DNA. That may be the biggest gift I've been given by my family - that trait.

As we get older, I've realized things get taken from us, without our permission, and even in the best of health, we lose things that we took for granted. What's important to recognize is that you have the power to reclaim them. I was not going to stop being an athlete b/c I had lost some hearing and have a hole in my ear. That's nothing when considering what so many others have lost. Its a bump in the road, pushing me in a different direction. So I am back to viewing racing as "crossing one finish line is simply starting another race". And with that, I share my passion with my athletes, helping them see the potential in all of them - good kids who just need the right direction and the knowledge they aren't in this alone. I'm there for them, as any good coach should be. My rugby player came to me at the beginning of summer 20 lbs overweight, and no speed. This kid walked out of the gym last week, 25 lbs down, stronger than an ox, eating clean and had a swagger, a confidence that wasn't there before. It was obvious to others too, who were happy to see it, especially his parents. Suddenly, the idea that he "couldn't" was wiped out of his vocabulary.

It would be wrong of me to take credit for all this in solo fashion. I am where I am b/c of my "other" family. Brian, Doug, Jen, Kelly, Syn Martinez - who constantly tells me we are family, Patrica, Dr. Leighton, T.J Murphy, Richard Airey and the entire CFE Cali crew. A work in progress - that is all of us. And I am excited again to see what each new day brings, good or bad, b/c I know I will handle it, and constantly evolve into a better person and athlete. That's what it means to reclaim what's yours - never stay stagnant. Never believe you have done "enough". Mediocrity sets in, as does maliase, and then before you know it, 5 years goes by and you are not the same person, having lost years and your ability to grow. My gram isn't 99 b/c she sits around. She reads, she constantly is looking to improve herself, she is still evolving. My hope for myself, my families, and all who read this is that we all continue to evolve as she has.

Stay strong.

Guy

Mid-season musings.

Its been a bit since my last post, and I admit I have some catching up to do. June came and went so fast, and thanks to a double ear infection, I was limited to one race, The Battle of Waterloo in Michigan which went excellent, but saw me give another gift. After racing neck and neck for the first run and bike, myself and the winner came into T2 together, and I knew that the second run would be tough - hilly, some on single track, and the rest on limestone. Add wet climbs and wind, and it was an idllyc setting for a great finish. But there was a problem - the cold weather (55 degrees) left my hands numb, which gave me fits in trying to get on my running shoes. As I fussed with them, I could see the winner taking off. After a minute of the frustrating process, I finally got my shoes on and began to chase in earnest.

And for the first 2 miles of the 5.5 mile run, I was closing. Everytime the road rose, I would attack, seeing myself gaining ground. By mile 4, heading on to the single track section, I felt like I could reach out and touch the leader. But once in the forest, with the twists and turns, I lost sight of him and ran blind, trying to keep my balance traversing rocks, fallen trees, pools of water and low hung branches. Once in the open, I saw the leader, and the finish line, as he crossed it. 20 seconds later, I was there, the prize of bridesmaid waiting. Still, knowing I could push and literally get away from everyone else, that was a good feeling and one I planned to take with me into my next race.

Unfortunately, the last 3 weeks have seen me in more doctor's offices than race courses. This is typically the time of the year when athletes begin the racing once a week or every other weekend, which was my plan. But my body had other plans. With no other choice but to relieve the pressure, both ears had to be cut open and the fluid drained. If there was ever a reason to ensure you take care of your body, the pain I experienced while having my ears opened and then vacuumed out, made me beg for the pain post clavicle surgery. I swore he was cutting into my brain. It was vicious, and left me dizzy and out of sorts. And it meant more time out of the water and difficulty training on the bike and run.

So, as I read FB posts of friends who are preparing for races the last 2 weekends has been a bit bittersweet but I have discovered something else. Thanks to the words of Jenny, Brian and Doug, I've discovered that taking this time to get healthy, has renewed my passion for training, given me time to get even more fit before my next race at the end of the month, and allows me to watch my favorite race of all time, The Tour. And what a race its been. And along the way, I've enjoyed teaching kids how to swim, spend time with my nieces, and teach them about the greatest sporting event ever. But most importantly, I am learning to be patient, to recognize the importance of not racing out of anger or frustration, and the benefits of properly preparing for big races.

I know all of you type A's are like me - you miss a race or have a bad race your first reaction - find another race immediately and try to crush it. Here's why its a bad idea - you most likely aren't 100% healthy and if you have a bad race again, mentally you will be worse off. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way. Better to focus on your next big event, take some time to get healthy and things will work out. I'm suggesting you start practicing yoga or meditating, but learn to relax and enjoy the ride. You'll be suprised how much better you will feel.

Stay strong, - AND WATCH THE TOUR
Guy

Tuesday's with Dolores

"If they find a little old lady on the bottom of this pool one day, they'll know who to blame!" - My favorite swim client, Dolores's weekly warnings to me before we start every session.

I've wanted to write this blog for a while, as it is something that has brought a smile back to my face. One of the great things I get to do for a living is teach people how to swim. Young or old, petrified of the water or seasoned swimmer. Somewhere in the middle is my first ever swim client, and by far my favorite. Her name is Dolores, and she's 83 years old. She stands just over 5 feet tall, although as she likes to remind me "in my day I was a good 5'3". I've shrunk dammit! Its all those years of running wrong, they had to fuse some vertebrae in my back 9 months ago, and they robbed me of height, not to mention the hospital bill."

The few phrases above is what makes Dolores a real treat - she's sharp, witty, funny, and absolutely no-nonsense. Of course, she's also 100% Italian, which makes it easy for me to relate to her background. Above all, she has no issue telling you how she feels. There's never a question as to how she feels on a daily basis, and what she wants to do. She started to swim as a way to stay active after surgery, and while in the pool, saw all these people doing laps, moving through the water so effortlessly, it intrigued her. One of those people was me. She didn't even know I worked at the health club, but she had no problem coming up to me one day and asking if I could teach her how to swim. She was abrupt and didn't mince words, and I appreciated that. I told her we would start the following week, on a Tuesday. And that began the journey of my Tuesday mornings with Dolores.

She's in the pool practicing drills a good half hour before I get there, and she is absolutely determined to learn how to swim correctly. She gets impatient with herself, pushes herself, and openly remarks how she refuses to do the water aerobics classes with the "old ladies waiting to die." To call her a pistol is putting it mildly. But every Tuesday at 10 am, there she is, swim cap and googles, kick board, and pull bouy, ready to go. The surgery makes it hard for her to get her left arm all the way out of the water to do freestyle, but damn if she doesn't try her best. And in the last 4 months, she has turned into a legitimate swimmer, doing laps, drill work, and always critiquing herself. The best part, she wants to get better. She may joke that I'm trying to drown her, but its the smile on her face after she accomplishes another goal in the water that tells me what she really thinks.

Over time we've talked, about her life in Italy, her family, other members of the club, fitness and anything else that sparks her on her drive to the gym. There is never a dull moment, and plenty of smiles, and when I am feeling my worst, watching Dolores work so hard, I'm reminded that its never too late to try something new, to face new challenges, to look for opportunities to stay young, to keep learning. I'm reminded of my own grandmother as I guide Dolores through her workout as she shares her words of wisdom with me, solicited or not. In short, she thinks women should take better care of themselves over the age of 60 so they don't get fat, that tattoos are ok, as long as it isn't some "hussy's" name, and that running is the most exhilirating experience in the world. And before her surgery, she ran all over the globe, at all different distances. And even though I promise her that I am always careful when I run, she still warns against too much of it. " You're Italian, you can't afford to lose any height" she'll tell me with a laugh. The best part -she never tells me if she likes the way I teach. But recently I ran into her daughter who is also a club member and with tears in her eyes told me, I had brought Dolores's smile back. And I couldn't help but cry a little too, realizing that it was that stoicism of her generation that kept her from sharing her thoughts with me. And I smiled realizing that she isn't tough for tough's sake; she's just one of a different breed from a different time whose eyes say "I've seen worse."

In a year of ups and downs, the last couple months of solid training and improved racing, mixed with teaching swimming to 6 year olds with non-stop questions, to my favorite gal, Dolores reminds me every week that you can't ever stop learning. b/b once you do, life does end. Dolores embodies living "UNSCARED". She didn't know how to swim when we met, but she was determined to change that. And with everything she was able to overcome to get to this point, well, let's just say I stopped complaining when my workout didn't go as planned some days.

I hope all of you who follow my post are lucky enough to recognize your own Dolores in your lives and take the opportunity to embrace their spirit and drive. I promise once you do, your life will definitely get better, your feet lighter, and your smile will return.

Stay strong,

Guy

Maybe its me, but I doubt it - Part 2, More racing, training, life lessons, and hotels with ants

"Lock it up" - Brian MacKenzie's advice on a daily basis to me, usually prefaced with some explicit language

I didn't want to write about this again. Actually it makes me even more upset to write about it again than it did the first time. I want to write about my 83 year old swim client who amazes me every day. I wanted to write about the great knowledge gained from the recent CFE cert I took. I wanted to write about this weekend's race and how good it feels to be back in the mix for overall titles in triathlon after an 8 year absence from the sport. How finishing 2nd overall on a hot Sunday morning with more strength and speed than ever was truly gratifying. But I can't. And its not just for me, its my observations that I want to share with those who read this blog and live a similar lifestyle; some wisdom so you don't fall prey to the same mistakes I made.

Its been a couple weeks since I last posted, and life has been, well, interesting. And that's not always a good thing, but the time has provided some deeper insight both in out of the sport for me. People closest to me know I love to live life fairly fast and keep busy. So last weekend I got a chance to spend some quality time with fans of CFE at a Crossfit Endurance Cert, providing more insight into the very specific details that make CFE work. And in the process, got to feel what I had a month ago in California - a sense of family. That sentiment was felt throughout the 40 plus people in attendance, and summed up nicely on Olympic Gold Medalist and attendee Eric Wunderlich's t-shirt - "We succeed because we are family". The notion that "we are all in this together" still means something in the Crossfit and Crossfit Endurance community, and maybe that's why we respond the way we do when we sense a supposed friend showing how unsupportive they really are.

A few days after leaving on a real high from the weekend, making new friends who are like family, and feeling strong going into today's race, I got an email from an old friend that I hadn't seen in a bit. She seemed displeased that my "lifestyle" was making it difficult to see me and perhaps I wasn't a good friend after all. In a few paragraphs it became clear - people who you think get what you do, but haven't experienced the lifestyle up close and personal, really have no clue the commitment, the dedication, determination and drive involved. This is not a knock against people like that, but its a cautionary tale to those of you who are dedicated to CF, multisport, CFE, because it is a lifestyle, not just a sport. This isn't something we just show up and do on weekends. We don't book tee times, we bust ass running, biking, swimming, lifting, eating like cavemen and cave-women; and in the words of Bruce Lee "Striving for perfection even though we know we won't achieve it".

Now, moments like these are uncomfortable. Its that "moment of clarity" where you have to decide to cut bait and run, or pretend to be someone you're not, trying to make everyone happy but yourself. Here's my advice and take it for what its worth - BE YOURSELF. Will you lose some friends b/c of it? Maybe. Will that suck? Probably. But realize, those people really weren't friends to begin with. Stop letting people in your life tell you that you are "weird" or "'strange" or "following a fad". If they haven't lived it personally or watched you go through the ups and downs of racing or crossfit or cfe, really seeing you bleed for your sport, then its a wasted conversation and wasted time. And for those of you who follow CF or CFE, you understand you aren't just making new friends, your making family. Think about that. 40 complete strangers walk into a certification and in less than 48 hours, the common bond of suffering for doing what we love creates an immediate sense of togetherness, understanding and eventually trust.

Personally, I only have a few truly close friends, and we talk pretty much daily, always pushing the envelop, exploring the highest levels of fitness for ourselves and others. Because the bigger and more important part of CF and CFE is paying it forward. The knowledge you gain isn't just for you, its to share to help others achieve something greater. If you don't, you've failed at the most critical part of what we do - teaching what we know to others. And I'm not talking about raking in mad money to share the knowledge. I regularly give advice, build a program for people who need help for free. Why? B/c watching someone light up when they are no longer in pain when running, or seeing how excited they get when they can jump rope, that's payment enough. And that's what family does. We don't charge each other for what we do, we do out of passion and love for what we do.

I know, I'm rambling a bit, but here's where I come out - I like my life, and I realize I am a constant work in progress be it in the sport, training, or in life. And we all are. But as we get older, we have less time for the bs of people who don't get it. So don't get sucked in to disconnected friendships or empty relationships. Rise above. Literally and figuratively. And its ok to be angry. It can be cleansing. Just make sure to channel it in a positive fashion. I know I took my anger and did just that today. And its why I led with Brian's daily advice - what does it mean? It means constantly make sure to clean house keep your focus, live fast, live loud and don't let anyone tell you different. Lock it up - clear your life of bullshit so you can really pursue your dreams, your passions. And the few minutes of sadness of losing a so-called friend will cause will be wiped clean when you are staring at a nasty hill for some gnarly repeats. That's when you can smile wide and shake off the past for good.

Stay strong,

Guy

Bloodied, but Unbowed

As I sit here, on a Friday night, less than a week removed from Pro Du Nationals, my legs propped up, body slightly tired from a hard week of training, I realize that my head hasn't been this clear in years. However, a few close friends (and coaches) would tell you that just 4 days ago that wasn't even close to being the case. Allow me to elaborate.

A week ago, I was sitting in a hotel room in Tucson, AZ, trying to fall asleep before tackling the first really big race in over a year - Pro DU Nationals. And from the outside, everything looked to be on point. After taking 12 hours on Thursday to get to Tucson from Chicago ( a 3 hour trip) and over-coming a lost bike issue, I was well-rested, and physically ready to go. I knew it was hot, and knew we were at altitude, that the sun would be blazing on race morning, but it wasn't anything I thought would be a problem. I was tapered and should have been thinking having success the next morning. But inside, nothing could be further from the truth. And that's not an indictment against my coaches. They did everything to a tee.

But I was already talking myself out of the race, allowing all the doubt to creep in and any external factor to get magnified. The heat, the lack of oxygen, all of it, dry mouth, and within the first few minutes of the race, I let it all unravel turning a race into a tough training day and kind of an embarrassing experience. This was supposed to be an "A" race, so why did this happen? B/c from the moment I stepped on the plane at O'Hare last Thursday I was not treating this race like anything more than an inconvenience. All I could think about was getting back home. So I am admitting here and now, the poor performance was on me - and my mental lack of preparedness. Why? Well, that's the 64,000 dollar question. But one thing was for certain - all the training in the world doesn't make you mentally ready to race. You can train like an animal, but if you can't bring it out on race day, it doesn't matter. And there's the rub - you can be a beast when training, but you can't be a lamb on the race course b/c no one gets a trophy for training the hardest. I sabotaged my own race.

My lack of faith in myself has nothing to do with anyone else, coaches, friends, competition or otherwise. So two days after being home, I was fortunate to hear from my friends and coaches - Jen Garrison and Doug Katona. Both provided sage advice, and in thier own way they both said - "race UNSCARED". That's going to be different from person to person. But when things don't go well, and they won't all the time, be an adult, own it, and learn. And from that, you can grow and improve and shed those fears with each passing day. So each day since Monday, that's exactly what I've been doing, shedding fears like unwanted weight, recognizing a very honest and real feeling - I am happiest when I am suffering the most doing what I love. That's real, and that is what I need to tap into on race day. And with that knowledge, I am hungry again, hungrier than I was at 21. So I took my knocks in the desert, and what a great wake up call it was. Its made every day since that much more exciting and important. So when things don't go your way, its ok, own the bad days as much as your good ones and trust me, if you do, your training, your racing, your life, will be better.

Stay strong,

Guy

Stay

Living the dream - Training camp, Racing and enjoying the moments between

"I love you dude!" - CFE Coach Doug Katona and Bad Ass Cyclist as we approached "The Wall" on a training ride outside Foothills Ranch, CA at the CFE Endurance War Camp

As multisport athletes, we know this word all too well - Suffering. It comes in different flavors, and can refer to a variety things - hunger level, training level, race pace, etc. But sometimes, and it is rare, can we say that word while truly enjoying life. 2 weeks ago I was using that word often with a big smile on my face. The reason was simple, I was in Southern California, running and riding in the West Coast sunlight, with my best friends, and other elite athletes who braved the first ever Crossfit Endurance War Camp; the brain-child of my coach and best friend, Brian MacKenzie, and his partner in crime, Doug Katona. Part of the thrill ride included guest appearances by the famous "KStarr" Kelly Starrett, "The Whippet" Richard Airey, and the use of the awesome NLP Crossfit Gym, where Lamar, the gym owner and truly cool dude helped put together a nasty strength session on day 2.

Its been a while since I've done a legit training camp, and this was one heck of a way to do it. Aside from meeting some truly amazing athletes who were all inspirational and uber talented, the lay out for training was post-card perfect, the weather, a tad cold for the West Coast folk, was ideal for this Midwestern boy. Day 1 started with getting picked up at John Wayne Airport by Bmack, then cruising Costa Mesa for some duck tacos and Vietnamese coffee, before packing up th eWoodward Treadmill and Watt Bike, grabbing another 2 shots of homemade espresso, and meeting the rest of the campers. The firs workout, a "leg opener" run was set against the Foothills Ranch, which had a nice, gentle look from the ground, but was lung searing once you got 2 miles in. Led by Richard Airey, he and I jumped in front and I held my own as we hit the mile long climb to the top of the hill, a slog that jumped between 17-22% and took us from 600 feet elevation to 2200 feet in just that mile. Longest mile of my life, but at the top stood Bmack with water and a smile, and as I gasped for air, heard him say "I told you this is where you belong". I couldn't help but look around before descending back down hill, seeing the beauty that lay before us, and realizing once again, he was right.

Day 2 provided some insightful workshops regarding training and nutrition, as well as some quality time with Doug Katona who had a bike ready for me to attack another version of hills. As we sped along the valley roads warming up, Doug laid out the day's ride, promising some "moderate climbiing". To a flatlander - that means a few over-passes. Out there, that meant rolling hills that lasted 3 miles at a pop, with grades between 6-8%, before hitting the biggest climb of the day - a one mile leg breaker, that rose like a monster wave in front of us. Doug, knowing the hill all too well, having ridden with the likes of Chris Horner and Levi Liepheimer on this very course. And it was at the base base of this beast that Doug shouted the above phrase, as he heard me scream out something I can't repeat. But Doug knew something I didn't - that if you want it bad enough, the hill is only a hill, and like any road, can be conquered. So I set into a nice pace, switching between sitting and out of the saddle, relaxing my shoulders, between the pitches of 15%, 22% and the final kick of 300 meters at 18%. And all the while, I gained on Doug, and within seconds, the 2 of us were climbing together in the California sun on one damn fine day. Our smiles could be seen from miles around. Same thing as Chad crested a few moments later, and the 3 of us dive bombed to find a lost camp member.

That afternoon, we stopped at NLP for a insightful but grueling strength workout, capped off by a mobility workout by KStarr. As we checked the clock, I realized we had been at it for 14 hours, and I couldn't help but smile as I foreced some food down my stomach before passing out. The next day, we enjoyed some time on a new torture device, a woodward treadmill. This is one of the truly special kinds of treads that requires you to make it go. There is no "press button and start running". Nope, this bad boy was all on you, and if your form was off, God help you, b/c you were flying off that sucker. A nice 5K romp on that, a little recovery fuel and we were back on the bikes, to do hill repeats. (Apparently Doug didn't think we did enough Saturday) But again, you could see the same thing happeneing on the faces of all the participants - we were hurting, but damn if we weren't having a good time.

I left camp exhausted, but full of hope and a better awareness of my abilities, and more importantly got to share time with great people, make some new friends, and gain a bigger respect for what Doug and Brian have created. Not to mention a deep desire to move to there. As Rich took me to the airport, he couldn't have been more clear - "I'm looking for a roommate, and dude, you haven't even started to tap into your abilities. Move out here, come see what you got in your tank for real." Those words have stuck with me and trust me, the wheels are turning hard.

6 days later, I was at the starting line of my first real outdoor tri in 8 years, in 50 degrees weather and rain, in Southern Ohio. Thinking I would have been shot from the weekend, I actually felt stronger as the race progressed, climbing with more efficiency and realizing something rather critical - no one passed me. It was a time trial start, so my focus was - chase down those who started ahead of you, and don't let anyone come up from behind. And that's exactly what I did - chasing down with fury the 40 some people who started ahead of me, then running my ass off to make sure I closed down any gaps and gave no hope to anyone behind. The result - 2nd overall, 13 seconds out of first. Apparently, I didn't run everyone down, but I am hungrier now than ever. California was just the beginning, an eye-opener, really a wake up call to start believing more in my abilities, to start seeing what Brian, Doug and Jenny have been seeing and waiting for- for this Southside Chicago kid to start enjoying life, and the sport more, and to not short-change myself. All too often I've seen people, myself included, get in a rut, not sure if we are improving or not, and allowing doubt to creep in. That's nonsense. We all work hard, we push, we suffer, we keep trying to get our bodies to the point of "running through walls", doubt can't be allowed to have such power.

Brian started www.iamunscared.com, and on the back of my Crossfit Endurance hat, that word is stictched . The Art of Dealing With Fear, as he refers to it. What we do can be scary, and yes, it can hurt, to the bone, but we have all seen dark times and made it through. We are all Unscared. Its in all of us - just tap into it when times are toughest, you'll be amazed at how wide you smile.

Stay Strong,

Guy

Maybe its me......but I doubt it

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, its a good time to consider changing sides" - Mark Twain I'm writing this post, a mere 24 hours before heading out to California for what I am expecting to be a pretty amazing experience - The Endurance War Camp, hosted by Crossfit Endurance, and my friends, Brian MacKenzie, Doug Katona, and a special cameo by Kelly Starrett. Normally I would wait to post until after I had returned home from this experience, however, some interesting things have happened lately, and I don't think this recent phenomenon is particular to just me. Recently, I've reconnected with some old friends from high school, who, are a little surprised to see an old classmate competing as a pro endurance athlete. I am 38 so of course the idea that I can even walk upright is shocking. (Note - lots of sarcasm here) In all the brief, and I have to stress brief, conversations, the one word that kept coming up when they would describe my lifestyle was "crazy". Odd looks, change in tone, all sorts of machinations of disbelief and that word, constantly in conversation, had me wondering if perhaps the life of an elite endurance athlete who also utilizes crossfit, and eats Paleo was a little too out there. And then I started to notice others, like family, co-workers, the people at my local Starbucks, all having that same response when receiving my answer to the "what are you training for?" question. And for half a second, I was concerned that perhaps I had gone over the edge. Standing in my place wearing my new weighted vest, preparing to do run hill repeats, my 3rd workout of the day, the thought crept to the forefront of my thoughts. But I soon looked over at some race photos, looked at recent emails from Bmack and Jen, Dr. Leighton and others in my life who really understand and applaud this lifestyle and I smiled heading out into the night for my run with the comfort of knowing - I'm not crazy, I'm just different. Something tells me that many of you have experienced this same thing. Its one thing when someone tells friends or family that they are going to run thier first marathon, or do thier first triathlon; there is that sense of "Go Get 'Em!" and lots of "Good for You's" floating around. But once you make it your life, and take all facets of human performance seriously, changing nutrition, constantly pushing the envelop in your training, racing all over the world, and basically striving to become indestructible, you have somehow gone off the deep end. When asked what my goal was with my training, I simply stated, "I want to be able to run through a brick wall". I was completely serious. That, to me, means there is no amount of pain in a race that I couldn't handle. And in reality, what's wrong with that? I'm not even trying to be cute here. When did we get so soft as a society? When I got back from that run, I called my coaching team, and close friends. We all couldn't help but laugh at the fact that we were somehow seen as "freaks" while trying to define "normal". If normal means working 50-60 hours a week behind a desk, getting minimal exercise, staring down a host of health issues due to poor diet, and feeling winded while walking a flight of steps, then you can keep it. Endurance athletes aren't normal but we aren't crazy either. We are different; we wake early before rush hour and run in the dark, sometimes the frigid cold, or the blazing heat. We ride with power meters to measure our power to weight ratio, swim with added weight to get stronger in the water. But that's not a bad thing, its just different. And maybe its just having spent the last 8 months realizing how much the human body is capable of as I rapidly recovered from 2 major surgeries and returned to racing stronger than ever. Maybe my latest epiphany comes from studying the human body and what it can do, asking experts (see- doctors, nutrtional gurus, elite coaches), but at the core, it still comes down to what inside you. That's different for everyone. But it doesn't give someone who simply doesn't understand the lifestyle license to somehow assume they are living better or more "normal" than those of us who selected this path. No, we don't golf every Sunday, but you better damn well believe we are either racing our asses off or training hard. And guess what - THAT'S OK. So to my multisport/endurance/crossfit friends - don't let anyone tell you that you are crazy or strange. You, my dear friends, absolutely ROCK. And to those of you who know one of "The Breed", if you can't say anything nice, please do us a huge favor and simply go quietly about your business. We have walls to run through. Stay Strong, Guy

When a race is much more than a race

The look on people's faces when I told them how I spent my birthday weekend didn't scream envy or jealousy. Explaining that I decided to take a trip to Tennessee to start my outdoor racing season the day before my birthday didn't get many to give that "Aww you're so lucky!" vibe. And although I got some sun, the wonderful Chicago winter that seemingly has a stranglehold that won't let go took that away pretty quick. But for me, it was the perfect way to spend my birthday, in some warm weather, testing my fitness against a strong field, on a difficult course, with less than 3 days of outdoor cycling time under my belt. The Tennessee Thrasher Duathlon was my gift to myself, a real leg burner in the Natchez Trace state park in Tennessee. The course had no flat of any kind, pitches on both the bike and run of 12-16% and a second run that was 2/3's single track, covered in pine needles, mud and more than a few tree roots. So on March 20, I and several other athletes stepped out to 80 degrees, warm sunshine and a first run that greeted you with a 600 meter climb out on to the main road. I paced smart, gradually working my way into 2nd, with about 2-3 seconds off the leader. As we crested that first nasty climb, I got into a bit of a groove and rounded the turn around feeling good. The winter strength work had paid off, and I wasn't feeling any ill effects of my appendectomy 4 weeks prior. The leader and I hit T1 a couple seconds apart, and as I got to my bike, I noticed my handlebars were intertwined with another bike. Not wanting to lose time, I yanked my bike out, and took off. I had no idea that single act would provide me with a real gift after the race. The bike packed a solid 2300 feet of climbing in less than 20 miles, and I stayed as close to the leader as possible, now joined by a couple other guys from warmer climates who obviously had a few more days on the bike outside than myself. But thanks to some well timed words from coach Jen as well as some critical strength training from Bmack, I kept attacking, making sure I wasn't losing time. As I got to T2, I was sitting in 4th, but all of us pretty close. Although I was hurting, I knew the guys ahead of me were too, so, I sucked it up, slid around the single track trail as best I could, passing the 3rd place guy, and set my sights on 2nd and 1st. With a little over a half mile, I started to push as hard as possible, but just not enough real estate to make the final catch. I sprinted down the final hill, legs aching but thrilled to grab a podium finish, less than 9 months after shoulder surgery, and 5 weeks from an appendectomy. Yeah, I was healed, and stronger than ever. But the best part of the race happened after I crossed the line. What I didn't realize, was that in my haste of getting my bike in T1, I had knocked over another athletes' bike. Her husband was standing close to transition, and visibly upset. As I approached my bike, he asked if it was mine, and after I said yes, he proceeded to tell me what happened. The bike I knocked over was his wife's, it was her pride and joy, and that she had over come a lot of health issues to be there. I was upset at myself and emabarrassed that I didn't notice what I had done, so I made sure to be at transition when she finished. When she came through and walked over to transition, I saw she was upset and I understood. I would have felt the same. I had no excuse, it was simply negligence on my part and thankfully, she understood. I mentioned that her husband told me she had overcome some health issues to be there, and I was curious as to what they were, and how she did it. How she lived outside her comfort zone to overcome the obstacles in her life. Her name is Christine, and I can't do justice to her story. So here is an excerpt of her email to me: ALABAMA SPORTS FESTIVAL NEW LEASE ON LIFE Christine Schmalzer defied the odds after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997 and now celebrates life by pushing herself in triathlons INSIDE: Complete festival coverage/4-5C By MIKE HERNDON Sports Reporter The triathlon is among the most grueling of all sporting events. A downright sadistic combination of running, swimming and biking, it's seen by many as the athletic gold standard - the ultimate test of strength and endurance. But for Christine Schmalzer, it's really nothing. Not that Schmalzer has mastered the sport. She took it up just two years ago and is entering her second season of competition. It's just that after what she's been through, the pain of pushing herself to her physical limits really isn't all that big a deal. Schmalzer, a 37-year-old from Ethridge, Tenn., was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997. She initially was given six months to a year to live, but thanks to a second opinion and an experimental surgical procedure she's beat that estimate nine times over and counting. After fighting through a period of self-doubt, she's making the most of her second lease on life - and triathlons are a big part of it. "When I'm in a race, I feel like after what I've been through, psychologically, mentally and even physically I can take the pain," she said. "What he went through was a whole different thing, but (Tour de France champion and cancer survivor) Lance Armstrong expressed some of the same things about training. You're sort of more willing to push your body to the wall, because compared to staring death in the face, that doesn't seem so scary." Schmalzer's ordeal started nine years ago when she started having headaches and vision problems. Visits to an eye doctor and a neuro-opthamologist revealed nothing until six months later, when she was riding in a car with her then-fiance, Edward Butler, and she felt her vision closing in from both sides. She had a grand mal seizure in the car, and later had another in the hospital. Doctors performed a biopsy, drilling into Schmalzer's brain to search for the problem while she lay awake under local anesthesia. The diagnosis couldn't have been much worse: a brain tumor, malignant and inoperable. She was told that whole head radiation was her only option for treatment and, even with that, she had six months to a year to live. "It was just shock, then anger (that it wasn't found sooner)," said Schmalzer, who had lost her mother to pancreatic cancer six months earlier. "The next day I felt like I'd been run over by a truck. Because of what we'd been through with my mother, there was just a lot of fatalism: This is it. I'm going to die." But the biopsy's 2 percent margin of error meant hope to Butler, a pilot and industrial engineer. "I've never been lucky," Schmalzer said. "I said, 'Oh, I'm dead.' Butler said, 'No, that's statistically significant.'" As it turned out, it was very significant. Schmalzer went for a second opinion at the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, where renowned neurosurgeon Dr. John Tew told her he believed he could remove the tumor. Tew used an experimental procedure involving computer navigation to remove the mass. Subsequent tests then showed that it wasn't malignant after all, but an extremely rare form of benign tumor, making Schmalzer all the more thankful for getting the second opinion. "If we'd gone with that first opinion, the radiation would have killed me by now," she said. "So it's a real lesson in getting a second opinion." Schmalzer said her emotions when first hearing of Tew's more favorable diagnosis ran from disbelief to "just incredible joy." "All you can think about is that you're going to have more time with the people you love and you're going to make the most of it," she said. "There's this second lease on life: I'm going to live every day like it's my last." But after the tumor was removed, the euphoria eventually wore off. Schmalzer had a long recovery from major brain surgery and she still suffered from debilitating headaches. Then, later, she began to feel guilty that she wasn't doing more with her life. "I sort of fell back into my life," she said. "I was sort of existing and trying to be happy, but not really getting there. I wasn't fulfilling this second chance the way I should be." Little could she have known that the key would ultimately lie in pushing her body to its limits of endurance. Although she described herself as "pretty much a couch potato" before the surgery, she'd long harbored a secret ambition: "My whole life, I'd always wanted to do a triathlon." Actually accomplishing that goal, however, was the furthest thing from her mind two years ago when she joined the YMCA in Columbia, Tenn., some 30 minutes from her home in Ethridge, near the Alabama state line. Butler, now her husband, was suffering from back pain and she thought that some exercise at the Y would do them both some good. After joining, she found a group of fellow members who were active in triathlons and, with their help, soon began working toward that goal. "They were incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge of the sport, how they train," she said. "I just jumped in with both feet and did about a dozen races last year, including some ocean swims." One of those events featuring an ocean swim provided a benchmark for Schmalzer. The race, held in Panama City, Fla., came right after a storm that churned the Gulf into 5- and 6-foot swells, making the swimming portion of the race incredibly difficult. But Schmalzer persevered, finishing fourth overall. "When I came across the finish line, I started crying because I couldn't believe I'd done it," she said. "I just had the feeling that if I can work through something like that, I can do other things in other areas of my life. "It's changed my life," she said of the sport. "That's why I really wanted to do this (Sports Festival) race. It's an Olympic-type event that's supposed to promote sports." Since Tennessee does not have a state games similar to the Alabama Sports Festival, organizers here agreed to allow her to compete this weekend in Mobile. Saturday's race at Chickasabogue State Park was the first triathlon to be held at the ASF and, for adult competitors, featured a 400-meter swim, 25-kilometer bike ride and 5-kilometer run. Schmelzer finished the race in about an hour and 35 minutes, placing third in her 35-39 age group and qualifying for the national games next year in Colorado despite taking a wrong turn on the run that added several minutes to her time. Not bad for someone who, when she first started, often had to climb off her bike and rest when climbing hills. "I still have a long way to go," said Schmalzer, whose ultimate goal is to compete in an Ironman competition. "When I first started, swimming a 200 was a big deal. Now on Tuesday, I think I swam 3,600 yards. I was super motivated. Having people who were willing to help me and were generous enough with their time and expertise was a huge thing." The biggest thing for Schmalzer, though, has been regaining her happiness, feeling that her second chance at life has not been wasted. In addition to her triathlons, Schmalzer now counsels other brain tumor patients, helping those who have been recently diagnosed to find the best available doctors and programs. And she's also acting on a lifelong love of dogs by taking in strays and other canines in need of help. "We don't have a humane society in my county," she said, "so it comes down to me picking up dogs who are sick or dumped, paying for their vet bills, getting them healthy, doing a bit of training and finding them homes." She still goes in regularly for MRIs to ensure that the tumor or others like it haven't returned. But with so much to do, there's not much time now to dwell on her ordeal of nine years ago. And that's just how Schmalzer wants it. "I think that's the reason the triathlon has been so good for me," she said. "A lot of times since then, I've either been dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. When I'm training or racing, that's impossible. You're living in the moment. That's such a gift. "I'm happier than I've ever been and I sure didn't think that was possible." This story, this woman, reminded me of what the sport is all about - overcoming. In one way or another, we are all overcoming something, be it physical, mental or spiritual, that gets us to the start line. Look inside you to find out what it is, and never lose that feeling, that sense of excitement that got you in the sport in the first place. I got a great birthday gift, a new friend, and more importantly, the reminder of why I started to race, and continue to - to defy the odds, to overcome obstacles, to be more than what I expected. Its in Christine. And I bet its in you too. Stay strong, Guy

The Q7 Factor

I know I'm behind on my blogs, but before I post a race one, I've been wanting to write this one for a while.



On a very cold January day, I went to help out my boys from The Bike Shop in Glen Ellyn at the Harper Velo Swap. The usual suspects were there, cyclists of all sorts, shapes and sizes, hawking thier stuff, wearing full on cycling kits, with sub zero temps outside. I decided to take a walk around to see what was what, and heard something rather unusual at these events - genuine laughter. Tucked against the wall were 2 lovely ladies, who were not selling parts, or tight fitting cycling gear. Rather, they were selling and promoting a brand of casual cycling related clothing, that wasn't your standard fare. The t-shirts and hats were cool, and not in a bike-geek kind of way. They were very fashionable, and caught my eye right away.



The next thing I knew, I was shaking hands with the co-owner and founder of this cool little company - Q7 Cycling, Wanda Berg. She was there with team member and equally lovely Lisa, both of whom radiated such energy and happiness I figured they either got lost on the way to a much more exciting place, or were really happy to be in frigid Chicago. I'm still not convinced they didn't get lost, but what I discovered was a true passion for something more than cycling. It was promoting a healthy lifestyle, in a fun and fasionable way. Let's face it, we all have some form of off-the-bike shirt that says "Bianchi" or "Castelli", etc. But this was something different. Here was a company that realized not everyone wants to look like a cyclist, or cares if the world knows they are a cyclist or athlete, yet understands at the core - no matter what level of athlete we are, we all share the passion of being on a bike. The joy of a ride on a beautiful day, wind in your face, sun blazing down, or even a ride in the snow, as it falls around you and you blast through puddles of melted snow before it ices over. So they have taken that passion and turned it into something we have lost - fun.

But don't take my word for it - here's a brief background from Wanda -

Tom and I have been avid cyclists for quite some time with a combined 24 RAGBRAIs and now into the racing scene. We've toured the Western Coast of Ireland by bicycle and try to make a trip to Wine Country on bikes each year. We ride. Road, gravel, trails, mountain, into town, all seasons, self-contained touring and racing......Love it all!! The idea came up in 2008 on a return flight from a cycling tour. We both were not satisfied with much of the cycling apparel out there at the time and were excited by the opportunity to create things that we would like to wear. The idea was to design apparel that was a little more edgy and maybe retro inspired. We wear what we sell and I think that means something.
We knew what we wanted to do......but what do we call ourselves? Q7 Cycling. Both of us feel quality gear is important~ Q. Somehow we both were drawn toward SEVEN. Lucky number seven~it's my favorite number. For Tom it represents the seven continents and the global nature of cycling. That same year we set up the company(2009), I began racing. Shortly after that we threw around the idea of putting together a team. We are a focused team with serious goals, but at the same time we realize the importance of FUN! So..... for TEAM Q7 it's all about quality athletes and the 7 continents we are gonna dominate! haha! Seriously, you are not gonna see us racing in Antarctica----------but we're not afraid ;)

Currently, we are mainly website based. There are a two bike shops in Iowa that carry our gear. In the next five years we would like to be well represented in the retail arena. This has also been our biggest challenge as retail stores like a 50% mark-up as an industry standard. The difficulty for us is achieving these margins as a small start-up with small volumes and making sure they are still great quality. We have worked with a few manufacturers and now have a relationship with a company that seems to be able to help us out at lower volumes.

Another challenge, we have learned is it takes more to sell gear than a cool looking product. People want to know what a brand is, what it represents and if possible, seem to like to have a personal relationship with the people involved. We have recently started attending bike swaps / trade shows to improve our relationship with riders and retail representatives. Our Racing teams have also helped with product visibility and the walk the walk mentality other riders like associated with their gear.

Something else about us----In 2007 we founded the Johnson County Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization to help raise funds for the local trail system. We are passionate about cycling, creating awareness, bicycle advocacy and promoting trail development.
We have two sons, Holden (5) and Jenson (3). They make design decisions on youth apparel. They should like what they are wearing.
We have men's, women's and youth apparel. My buddy made a design on a bar napkin he thought was cool~~we made a shirt from that design. We like to know what people are interested in. I have a gal pal who is a talented artist----she hand painted some short billed trucker caps (you tried one on at the bikeswap) ......she just sent some kick ass belt buckles!
Overall, we would like to promote cycling, ride, offer sweet gear and continue to have FUN!!

What this company keeps at the forefront so many others have forgotten - celebrating the joy of cycling with like minded individuals, having a good time. Its not to say that achieving more in the sport is to be frowned upon, but don't lose that child-like quality that brought us to this beautiful sport in the first place. So go have some fun and check them out at www.q7cycling.com. You'll be glad you did.

And watch out for Q7 hooking up with Crossfit Endurance in the near future - more fun to come.

Stay strong,

Guy

A different kind of motivation

Ihop made me do it.

Well, perhaps that's not the best way to phrase it. I was gearing up this past Saturday, March 5, to race the Midwest Indoor Championships, and happened to have the TV on. As I was about to turn the TV off, I saw it. The newest Ihop commercial - promoting a new special, chicken and waffles. Breaded, fried, chicken and waffles. I sat there, stunned, as the commercial depicted a couple, who looked relatively fit, gorging on chicken and waffles. As a Paleo Diet convert, not putting my fist through the television became difficult. But even if I hadn't changed my diet, I was never frequenting Ihop for meals, and ate pretty clean, realizing it wasn't the best place to get good fuel for training and racing.

In stunned silence, my mind raced with all the info on Child obesity, adult obesity, diabetes rising at a geometric rate, all the info about how we are the fattest country in the world and here was a commercial not only embracing an unhealthy lifestyle, but celebrating it as well. I really didn't need more motivation to race hard, but with that commercial stuck in my head, I was even more encouraged to put on a show.

So, at 10:45, I was hopping at the start line of the race, my second one in 6 days, and felt particularly strong. Once the gun went off, I never looked back, feeling the strength that returned to my legs after appendix surgery, and my pace was at a nice clip. The best part, I wasn't feeling taxed or near redline, I was faster than ever, and noticed I was feeling really strong. Stronger than ever. That same feeling took me through the bike, where my real motivation for racing this event - my 2 nieces, were there to watch thier favorite uncle do his thing. And as I was first off the bike by over 4 minutes, I was able to hear them clear as day while running around the track solo, constantly pouring on the speed, looking to break my own course record, and capture my third indoor Du title in a row. As I rounded the last lap of the second run, I knew I had the win, and the course record, and was feeling powerful all the way through the end. I pumped my fist at my side and start clapping once I crossed the line, going over to kiss my nieces and Mom. And then I realized it, I was a changed athlete. For the better.

How? Well, Crossfit and Crossfit Endurance. In the 6 days between races, I did 3 crossfit workouts in addition to my endurance training. Conventional training programs will tell you never lift during a race week. Well, I saw first hand that was bs. Granted the race was short, but it still required tons of top end speed and the ability to go near anaerobic threshold the entire time. I felt no ill effects from Crossfit, and actually felt stronger and faster than ever. And this is 4 weeks post appendix surgery. Technically I wasn't supposed to do anything more than walk for 3 weeks after surgery. But I had raced twice, with 2 big wins, and never felt I was loosing anything.

The other main component to feeling good, and constant improvement - nutrition. Eating clean has made a huge difference, but the things I use to supplement meals, or to repair muscles is just as critical. Enter the company - Stronger, Faster, Healthier. The good folks at SFH make the cleanest form of protein out there, and by far the best damn fish oil as well. But don't just take my word for it - go online and check out www.strongerfasterhealthier.com to see the research and testing they have put into thier products. I use thier stuff because of what they stand for, how they develop the products and the time and effort they put into making products specifically designed to enhance athletic performance. Period.

I keep hoping for the day when commercials will be promoting products like SFH or First Endurance, realizing that what they stand for, what they produce, is about creating a truly healthier lifestyle. Then I won't be muttering "f'ing Ihop" under my breath when getting ready to race. Or maybe Charlie Sheen will find a way to sell his "Tiger blood" at market. Watch, I probably just jinxed myself and will see him on a late night infomercial shilling his blood to pay for his "goddesses".

Stay strong,

Guy

You and your shoes

I know the topic of running shoes has been written about ad naseum in every major running publication to, well, individual athletes' blogs. But I'm throwing my 2 cents in here as someone who has been involved in track and multisport for 20 years, and has been personally involved in shoe development for over the last 3 years.

But what prompted me to write this post you ask? This month's issue of Chicago Athlete Magazine, and the shoe review inside. As I'm sure many of you know, the latest rage in the shoe industry is the "minimalist" or "simulated barefoot" running shoe. Example - Vibrams, (and yes I do have a pair) to Merrell's latest Barefoot shoe that has hit the market. But what makes this article so painful to me is the conflicting information about running form and how it correlates to your running shoe.

The article reviews these new shoes and the minimalist theory of shoes, yet they still discuss heel-toe foot strike and how each shoe will respond to that style of running. That's where I became enraged, b/c for the average person reading the article, they are left with the impression that heel-toe running is the correct form. So people will go out and buy the latest and greatest minimal shoe believing it will encourage faster running times, only to discover that they may actually suffer from knee issues, IT issues and find that the shoes are uncomfortable, thus leaving them with the impression the shoes are nothing more than a fad, discarded to the back of the running shoe closet.

Here's what's unfortunate about that - ITS NOT THE SHOE. I'm not going to sit here and promote one shoe over another. What I am saying is that if you improve your form, suddenly you'll discover you need less shoe. Example - I am flat-footed and pronate. Anyone who is working at a specialty running shoe store would see me walk and immediately try to put me in a stability shoe. However, when I run, I'm on my toes, the correct form for running. Therefore, the need for a shoe with stability is negated, as is a shoe that has a lot of cushioning. What that leaves me with is a lightweight trainer/racer, something close to a flat, which I can get 300 plus miles out of.

My point - FORM is the key. I'm not talking about anything new here. Studies have popped up all over that stress the importance of correct running form, and they do correlate to a lighter shoe. (See Dr. Romanov and the POSE Method) The whole point of barefoot running is to get you on your toes. Don't believe me? Take this simple test. Go out to a field, preferably a football field or a flat grass field without many "land mines" pop off your shoes and socks and run. (Good idea to warm up a bit first) See how your feet react. My bet, you will unconsciously get up on your toes, just like a kid does. Make mental notes of everything you are experiencing while doing it. Try 5 or 6 - 30 sec strides on the grass to really get the feel. When you finish, write down everything you felt, good or bad, and then take that to your local running shoe store and see what they say.

And although I have Vibrams, I won't run in them. Yes, I've done Crossfit workouts in them, yes I have and continue to walk around in them to strengthen my feet, but I'm not a big proponent of barefoot running. I will say they help in getting your feet to regain the strength that they have lost due to over-built running shoes. And its my belief you will feel lighter on your feet and see less of a need for your standard heavy trainers. But for me personally, I'll take a lightweight flat over a barefoot simulated shoe any day. Its not to say shoes like Vibrams don't have merit, or won't work for you. But do your homework before simply diving into the latest rage.

Whatever your shoe preference, if you really want to become more efficient, and faster, while not experiencing pain or injury, work on your form first. Yes, a lighter shoe is going to help facilitate that. But if you are still heel striking, you aren't going to get the bang for your buck from any of the newer shoes hitting the market. Its not something that happens over-night and yes it takes time and patience. (I know, 2 things that athletes hearing) But its worth it. Trust me on this. Your legs and feet will thank you. Then you might find that your next pair of shoes will not only feel better, they'll perform better too.

Stay strong,

Guy

Me, Myself and my Appendix

"So, it has to come out then?" - my comment to the surgeon after his 20 minute explanation as to why its critical to get your appendix out before it bursts

I really jinxed myself. The more I thought about it as I lay in the the hospital bed, getting prepped for surgery. How you might ask? Because not more than 2 days prior, I thought to myself, "man, I feel pretty good. I'm healthy and normally at this time of the year I get a bad cold or sinus infection. But I'm cruising along! I'm kick ass!" Not so much.

Now, the information that follows is not going to be for the weak stomachs. There will be a lot of TMI, but its important because I didn't know any of this, and I know there are people who read this blog (all 4 of you) who don't know this stuff and should become more aware. So there is my disclaimer for those who continue to read and start to feel ill.

This past Saturday, I woke up at 5 am to what I thought was a bad case of the flu. I felt queasy, but something was different. The pain felt more like a horrible side cramp or "stitch". I tried to relax and fall back to sleep, but the pain only got worse. I went to work at 9 am for a seminar, and the pain had started to localize, all in my lower right abdominal. I still thought it was the flu, and when I ran to the bathroom to vomit, I figured I was right. But the pain didn't subside it only worsened, and now walking started becoming an issue. I was excused from the seminar and decided that if this was the flu, its some weird strain that I haven't heard of, potentially lethal, so I drove to the local critical care clinic.

Ok, this where I will be giving some big TMI. The doctor examined me and when she touched my lower right abdomen, I almost went through the roof. Clearly this was not some Aztec flu or new strain of SARS; it was something much more sinister. So the doc ordered a CT scan as she feared it was an appendicitis. Now I don't know much about an appendicitis, but I know it requires surgery, and it needs to be done rather timely or you will find yourself in a bad way. So I was all set for the CT until I got this awesome piece of news - a CT scan for an appendicitis requires an anema. That's right, an enema. While you are getting the CT.

I've never had an anema, and I was pretty positive I didn't want one. But there was no other way, so I got off the bed and walked, with great reservation, to the CT room. As the guy who was giving me the enema prepped everything, he kept apologizing that this was the only way. All I kept thinking was "stop apologizing and find another way to take this f'ing CT!" Then the fun began as I was on my side, my right side, you know the one that was in pain, and violation number one started. As he was inserting the tube, my entire body just locked up involuntarily as if it was screaming NO to what was happening. And it was at that moment I heard a phrase that caused me to laugh - "Now you need to take a deep breath and relax". Right. No problem. You are only inserting a TUBE in my rear end while pumping dye into me. Its just like laying out at the beach, if that beach was at some POW camp where they torture you for information. After he finished and I was getting cleaned up, I couldn't imagine why people would voluntarily do this. I mean, eat more vegetables or fiber. The idea of colonics became absolutely ridiculous to me at that moment.

So, the scan showed what the doctor already knew, an appendicitis. The good news, it hadn't burst so surgery would be rather routine. Now this is important - if you wait too long when experiencing symptoms like this, your appendix will most likely burst. Imagine a small balloon that fills with poison inside your body. The balloon is only able to take so much air before it burst. When it does, it sprays all that poisonous waste throughout your body. It literally a matter of hours after that when you will simply fall down and die. I'm not kidding. Ignoring these symptoms and trying to "gut it out" can cost you your life. So its not a sign of weakness when you go to the hospital, its a sign of intelligence.

I drove to the hospital where they were waiting for me, and the surgery went off without a hitch. I'm extremely thankful for that. If you catch it in time, the surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning going through the belly button, and 2 small incisions, the size of a dime, are made. Honestly, the surgery didn't really cause me any pain, even though the nurses kept trying to push pain meds on me. What I really was, was hungry, really hungry. But all I was allowed were ice chips. For 10 hours. Overnight. In a hospital. If you have ever had surgery one of the big things to a quick exit is showing that your bowels are awake by urinating. And the more you go, the better you are. In my case, I had an added incentive - if I didn't go enough, I was getting a catheter. So I was all about going pee. And although it was agonizing every time I went, I got up and made a valiant effort.

At 5 am, feeling pretty confident that I had met the doctor's requirements for "evanurse came in with an ultrasound machine to determine how much fluid was in my abdomen. The number was 531 ml, apparently higher than what my doctor wanted. It was at that moment that I needed a catheter. Now I hadn't been given any food or fluid for over 12 hours, hadn't slept in 24 hours and the nurse figured this was the time to stick a tube up my penis. The only polite answer I could muster was, "Umm, I'd prefer not to? Barteleby the Scrivener? No? Not a big Melville fan I guess. Well, he's not an easy read". For those of you who don't watch "Archer" on FX, this joke is lost on you but it was designed to be sarcastic. Let's just say it didn't help my cause. So here she came with something that just seemed uncalled for. And again, the "Deep breath and relax" bullshit advice was given. Seriously. You can't tell a guy to relax when you are about to jam a tube in his penis. It just isn't going to happen. Its like saying "I'm going to jam a hot poker in your eye, and you will be awake to experience all of it. But just breathe deeply and relax, it will be fine."

As she started to insert the tube, I saw stars, then everything went white, and I let out a yelp. And then the bad news came - she didn't do it right. So she had to take it out and redo it. I actually prayed that I would pass out. I felt sick, violated, I mean, just not right on so many levels. I wasn't in pain until they put that in. But I still refused pain meds, b/c this was an easy fix - take out the catheter and I'll be fine. So I would ring the nurse every half hour to get a hold of the doctor and ask when it could come out. I think out of sheer frustration, the nurses made a major effort to get a hold of the doctor, because by 9 am, the catheter was out, and I felt fine. But that was the second violation I experienced in less than 24 hours and I was ready to.

My whole ordeal wasn't that bad in comparison to others who have had this. And I am recovering quickly, having rode on my computrainer today without issue. The "all you can do is walk for the next 3 weeks" didn't sit with me. But the memory of the catheter keeps me from over-doing it. Still, you know your body better than anyone and let this be a warning - don't be too brave or get too cute when it comes to your health. I am doing ok becuase I keep in good health. But it didn't negate the fact I needed the enema and the catheter. So let this be a lesson - LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Don't be a hard ass. You feel something wrong, go get it checked and do it fast. Otherwise, the catheter will be the least of your worries.

Stay strong,

Guy

Season Opener

"Of course life in cycling is hard. But what you gonna do, complain?" - Former US Postal Team co-director, Dirk Demol

I use this quote mainly for my friends here in the midwest sitting in the middle of the 3rd worst snow storm, at least in Chicago history. Yet, like the hearty types we are, we find ways to survive and thrive.

On the athlete side, we definitely don't hibernate, quite the contrary. We heat up indoor health clubs with the Midwest Indoor Tri Series, which started this past Sunday and runs through the end of February. Its a great way for people who have never done a tri to ease into the sport from a familiar setting - thier health club, to pros who are looking to check winter fitness and win some money in the process.

So this past Sunday I and others jumped in at the Wheaton Sports Center to go head to head for the first time of the season. The field was quality, with guys like Ryan Guiliano and Michael Boehmer competing, and Brianna Boehmer and a strong Wisconsin contingent racing as well. For me, it was great to go head to head with guys I will see all season, helps build some comraderie, as well as give me a sense as to where I stack up against them. And thanks to a revamped training program, I am happy to say I was right there, neck and neck with Guiliano, unfortunately having to back off on the second half of the run, due to stomach cramps. I finished the race by crossing the finish line and running to the bathroom to vomit, realizing I still need to work on that hydration. But my legs were there, and that was evidence that CFE is working.

However CFE isn't the only thing that's been helping me as of late. Aside from improved nutrtion, particularly from Stronger, Faster, Healthier, I am following swim workouts from Robert Burgholzer who developed "Finding Freestyle", an innovative program that runs in perfect sync with the CFE approach. The accident left my right shoulder with a hitch in my stroke, and it would have posed a bigger issue if not for Finding Freestyle.

I met Robert thanks to my sponsorship with First Endurance, and this revolutionary training program has been a huge help in my swimming. Finding Freestyle utilizes a very no-nonsense approach to getting faster in the water. Robert recognized to swim faster, your technique has to be better. The idea of "muscling through" the swim portion of a tri is wasted energy and not necessary. 4 weeks into his program, and my hitch is gone, my kick is stronger than ever, and I feel much more aero in the water. And I still have 8 weeks to go!

For someone who follows a CFE regimen, extra yardage isn't something I look for. Finding Freestyle's work perfectly b/c there are no wasted drills, no wasted time in the water. The entire workout, you are moving, and improving. Yes, you have to be dedicated to working on the drills and following the workouts to the letter, but if you do, the results are there for you. I know its easy to get frustrated, especially in the water, b/c it does take work to get faster. But don't waste that time just doing repeats with poor form. You won't get faster, but you will get more frustrated. So check out www.findingfreestyle.com, it will definitely help you reach your swim goals. Stop beating your head against your kickboard, and check this out. And Robert is extremely helpful, he genuinely wants people to get faster, so shoot him an email with questions. You'll be glad you did.

Stay strong,

Guy

Completing the Article

To say the last couple weeks have been kind of crazy is like saying the Alamo was "a little violent". Not all of it has been bad, in fact, there has been quite a bit of positive that has come out of everything, mainly the article in Triathlete Magazine. However, as some people have pointed out publically, and even privately, there are some things and people who were missed and for that, I am truly sorry. The focus of the article was Crossfit Endurance, and although that came across pretty clear, there is a disconnect as to how I recovered so quickly to be able to do Crossfit or any type of training. I intend to make that right today.

I didn't miraculously heal simply by going to Crossfit, and doing sport specific training. The simple fact is, I wouldn't have been able to even get to the door if it wasn't for the great team at Acclerated Rehab in Darien, IL. The clinic, owned and operated by Gina Pongetti, was where my rehab was put into place. Gina and her staff tailored a program that would be intense, but would get me healthier faster, as long as I put in the time. I told Gina what I was looking to do, just like I told my coach Jen, and my CF guys Nate and John. The work and time spent at Accelerated was critical because they made it possible for me to get in the gym, back on the bike, in the water and on the run. I didn't just wake up after surgery and start doing CF WOD's. And unfortunately, that was missed in the article.

This is of critical importance for a few reasons - 1. Some very special and important people were missed in the credit they so properly deserved - Gina, Mike, Jayme, Elisa and others from Accelerated, 2. Anyone who suffers a similar injury and believes you can just go back to training the day after surgery is way off, and need to understand that to even get to the point of utilizing any training program, intense physical therapy is needed. I wouldn't trust anyone else to work on me, even though my doctor had a competitor clinic within his office. Gina works with endurance athletes, at the highest level. Top pro triathletes like Peter Reed have gone to Gina and her experience as a triathlete and elite level gymnast has given her tremendous knowledge of the body, its limitations and how to get the most out of someone. In short, she gets it. And that is passed on to her team who carry that same work ethic and mentality. 3. I don't want people to get misconceptions as to how I got back to health. It was a process that started with surgery, then to rehab, with a very specialized program, and then I was able to start adding training. But Gina was as integral a part of my return to racing as Jen, or Nate, or John or Brian. Actually she and her team were the "gatekeepers" of my progress; I knew it was important to discuss my plan with them first before proceeding. The idea was to always be improving and healing quickly. Although I might have been motivated to do it, I didn't have the plan - Gina did.

Anyone, athlete, or not, is not alone in any journey like this. I had more help than was discussed in the article, and its important for those people to get the credit they deserve. Is my blog post enough to correct it? I don't know. But its what I can do, its what I needed to do, for all the reasons stated. Because without Gina and her team, there is no me and CFE. There is no me and racing in 2011. And that's a fact.

Stay strong,

Guy

It never ceases to amaze...

I would love to say that I have a great quote to lead out this post. I wish I was writing this post in a better mood. I wanted to write about Finding Freestyle, a very innovative method of working on your swim technique that has been helping me ensure my swim stroke is more efficient; something very critical particularly after having my right clavicle broken. But the fact is, I can't do that, be that right now, and the reason why is simple - there are athletes who have read the Triathlete Magazine article and the on-line follow up and are absolutely positive that suggesting CFE as a training method is akin to suggesting making fast food your meal for morning, noon and night.

On top of that, you have people who (and I'd love to know where they find the time, b/c its clearly not used for training) spend time bashing Crossfit without ever walking into a Crossfit gym, yet postulating about the evils of Crossfit, and making ridiculous comments like this one: "Isn't it convenient that this guy is sponsored by Crossfit and Crossfit Endurance?" So, I felt the urge to be as polite as possible and clear the air about the article.

First, to the gentleman who suggested I am sponsored by Crossfit and CFE, let me assure you, and the owners of both training services will support this, I am not sponsored in any fashion by Crossfit or CFE. I approached my Crossfit gym by choice, and receive no monetary benefit from them. Same from CFE. I support them b/c they supported me. By "supporting me" I mean encouraging me to work hard, and put me through workouts, like anyone else that walked in the gym. Yes, initially, when I was in my sling, Nate and John did tailor some workouts for me, but I still paid to go to the gym. I was, and still am, like anyone else who walks in Crossfit DuPage, just one of the crew.

Secondly, I am a pro triathlete. I have a pro license to prove it. I was initially given my pro card in Duathlon, and I was granted a pro license by USAT in 2010. For those looking for my tri results for 2010 - I WAS HIT BY A CAR. Surgery was June 28, 2o1o. That should make it clear why I wasn't racing much. And to the gentleman who suggested that "I wasn't racing hard enough", (in my statements about CFE being harder than racing) here's some insight - if you start every race in a full tilt sprint, I'd love to know if you make it to the half way point of the bike. Pacing, last I checked, was a major part of the sport. CFE workouts are designed to be done at 90-100% effort all the time. That means that you are doing 5k run repeats at full tilt, so when you are racing, you know you can run harder off the bike, b/c you have trained harder.

As to the errors that have been brought to light in the article regarding Brittany's results from IM, TJ Murrphy, the author of the article, has openly apologized for the error and I am sure he will correct it in next month's issue. I understand how that can confuse readers, even frustrate them. But TJ didn't do it maliciously, and from the little I do know of him, he is a good man, a good reporter and is quick to set matters to right.

Now, for all who somehow got the idea from reading the article that Triathlete or Brian Mackenzie, or me, or Brittany believe that CFE is the "silver bullet" for multisport, nothing could be further from the truth. I have seen some of the responses by all these "experts" who are positive CF and CFE are evil, I can't help but wonder why this topic creates such polarization in a sport that constantly claims to be cutting edge. Its worse than politics. The point I thought I made in the article was - "I don't know if CF and CFE is for everyone, but if you are curious, then give it a legitimate shot. Do your homework by actually walking into a CF gym and taking a session. Everyone can search the Internet to support their opinion, but the real research comes from actually doing it. If you aren't curious, then why bash it? Are you personally hurt by someone else doing CF or CFE? No."

CFE and CF work for me. Let me repeat that, because it bears repeating. It works for me. In my training, I believe it will work for both long and short course racing. I believe this because I am going through the rigors of the training, and although it may seem like each workout is short in duration, that's not the case. Again, I know this because I am actually doing it. Will it work for everyone? No. Is it the "Silver Bullet"? No, and let me say this, the only "Silver Bullet" to be at your best in triathlon or any sport is to work your ass off. Same for life. If you want to be great at your job, in your relationship, then you have to work at it, constantly. I attribute any success I've had in life to one trait - I'll work harder than anyone else to get there. So if you are looking for a magic pill or "the next big thing" stop externalizing and look inside. Is the fire inside you to raise your game? I don't care what method of training you follow, if you aren't committed to it, you'll never get the results you want.

I know I am ranting here. I don't want to do that. The whole purpose of this blog was to be fun, informative and insightful. I love the sport very much, and truly believe in its ability to change people's lives for the better. I would like to think that as multisport athletes, we are more open-minded, more inclusive instead of exclusive, and more willing to give things a chance. If memory serves, I think that's how the Ironman got started, a leap of faith by a few brave souls trying something different. The "crazy" people in our communities, families, offices, who are open to new challenges, looking to gain more insight into our fitness and ultimately what we are made of as individuals. I hope that basic premise still holds true.

Stay strong,

Guy