No Swim Lessons

This morning was the usual 4:30 AM wake up with the twins. We all got up, got ready, then headed off to swim practice. I swam for 30 minutes, which today was a relatively light day for me swim-wise. My sets consisted of:

- 500 warm-up
- 5 x 100 kick/drill sets
- 8 x 100 50 yd. sprints on 1:00
- 100 easy warm down

After the swim workout, it was off to the weight room where I had to get in some upper body and core work in. Overall, a good training set this morning, but it's still so tough to get used to the early early mornings no matter how early I go to bed.

Lately, I've been emailed and asked how I got into the swimming and if I've had lessons. That question is answered in the above video.

So, what big things are you praying for in '09? I've come up with a few!

Speakin' In the Rain

As usual, it's raining again. It seems lately that that's all it's been doing. It's so miserable and I hate it when it's cold - much less when it's raining AND cold!

This morning was the return of the early morning wake up routine. The twins and I have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to get going to the swim complex for their high school swim practice. It is so hard going to bed early and waking up that early to get started. It makes for a time in the afternoon where I hit the wall and get really tired. I can't imagine what it does to them! However, it makes me proud that the girls are so dedicated to waking up on their own and getting themselves ready that early in the morning. Never once have I had to wake them up. They always are responsible in waking up on their own in order to get to practice. And I told them, "As long as you are dedicated to wanting to do something like this - I'll make sure that you get there and on time." They've never swayed in their dedication and in turn it's kept me accountable to my word. I'm so proud of them for that.

This morning was a good swim workout. I actually felt better than I thought I would considering it's been at least a couple of weeks since I've been in the water. However, I found that my endurance capacity was better than I had expected. Evidently, the distance running IS actually paying off in more ways than one. BUT, . . . swimming is my strength of the three disciplines and it comes rather naturally when I'm back in the water. I don't really worry about the swimming aspect of training. I just do it to stay sharp and on form and because I enjoy it.

After my 45 minute swim session, I went to the weight room and got some body weight bearing sets in along with some core work. Overall, it was a good training day and a good start to the "early morning" routine again.

Also, I weighed for the first time in a long while this morning. I can tell I've put on some winter weight and the scale proved that theory. I weighed in at 192 lbs. My optimum mid season training weight should be 185 lbs. Not too far off and I feel I'm right where I need to be. This time last year I was closer to 200 lbs, so I'm satisfied with how I managed during the holiday and down time.

Philipians 4:13 was running through my head again this morning. Happens many times during my swims. Is the Lord trying to tell me something? I'm ready to know.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- Philipians 4:13

Resting

It's Tuesday and Troy and I are still in "rest" mode. Troy hasn't been feeling too well and and I believe that it's because his body takes a bit longer to recuperate from such a taxing event. We had our culinary "cheat" day and are back on our nutrition plan of healthy eating, but we've decided to take a physical rest period of about a week before we move into our off-season training program. Off-season will consist of a lot of weight training, treadmills, and stationary bikes - along with some swimming mixed in. We're going to be spending a lot of time inside but won't necessarily have to go to the extreme intensity that we've had to go before to get ready for a race.

                                                                

It's a mentality and a lifestyle and one that we enjoy for our physical and mental health. Now on to next season!

The attached picture is of Troy and I just before the Suncoast race. The water was cold, thus the wet suits. We look like a couple of cut-rate, back alley, ghetto-fabulous super heros!

Real Singers Wanted!

Today was an early morning 40 minute swim for me and a 40 minute night run for Troy. We're supposed to get a weight workout in today also, but we're not able to get in to Club Brickell tonight due to it being all locked up. That means I'm going to have to either do a weight workout tomorrow or get one in tonight at my house. I think I'm going with the latter.

Today was a long studio day of constant concentration and I'm looking forward to our early morning workout tomorrow. I could certainly use it at this point! I'm tired of dealing with kids vocals!

Freshman Fifteen

So after taking Kori to school this morning, I get to the pool to meet Troy for a 40 minute training swim. Troy is already done with his workout because of an early morning meeting, so he's dressed and ready to leave. All of a sudden from out of the locker room walks our friend Kevin Sparkman! I was surprised to see him, but he too had already gotten in a morning swim. It was his first of hopefully many to come, but he had been inspired by the progress and strides that Troy has made so he decided to start getting himself in shape. That's the toughest part - actually taking that first step. Kudos to our boy Kevin for wanting to join in the "reign deer games". I hope he stays with it and we'll do all we can to help and encourage him to better health and fitness. You can do it Kev!

The swim was good. Now we just have to get a weight workout in and our training day will be complete.

Congrats to my man Troy! He's lost a total of 15 pounds thus far (after weighing this morning for the first time in a while). I'm so proud that he's sticking with it and in turn inspiring others with his desire and determination. I don't think he realizes how many people he's affecting by doing this. It's great to see!

Editor's Note: Troy hasn't lost a total of 15. He's actually lost a total of 25! I miss calculated. Editor's mistake!

The 60 Mile Struggle

It's Labor Day and because it's a holiday, I decided to go on a long ride. Our scheduled training regimen calls for a 40 minute run and strength training. With me still not being able to run, I decided to do a very long ride this morning. I wanted to test my fitness and endurance on a ride I had done at the beginning of the summer which was the Harpeth River Ride. In the end, I was pleased. My fitness felt good, I'm not too sore, I'm not too exhausted, and I didn't struggle with my hydration. I think we've got the hydration and nutrition thing somewhat figured out for the long workouts. It definitely wasn't a problem on the ride today. Overall, I was quite pleased with where I am fitness-wise.

Troy has yet to knock out his training for the day (as of 3:00 pm), but says that he's getting in his 40 minute run tonight. I don't know what he's going to do about the weight training aspect though. Probably nothing, save some push-ups and maybe some sit-ups. It's been a while since we hit the weight room and I can tell in my strength, so I'm sure that the same goes for Troy as well.

Progress is good overall and I'm pleased with where the both of us are on the training path. It should be good once it gets closer to the Suncoast Triathlon. I'm looking to better my time overall, so I'm going hard!

The Rainy Day Blues

Today was one of those days that I definitely didn't feel like workin' out. However, I did and got through it with no problems. I've still yet to do weights as of 7:30 pm but I'll get it in later tonight before bed.

Troy, on the other hand, got in a lunch time run and really rubbed it in my face with the fact that he enjoyed it and actually ran well. It kind of pissed me off and discouraged me in a good way. It only made me hungry to start back running again even though I know I have to wait.

Troy's a jerk! :-)

In A Little While

We haven't posted anything in the past couple of days due to extreme business in Troy and I's schedule. It's certainly a blessing for me because it keeps me busy and there's something on the horizon that can be a big prospective employment opportunity that I could really excel at. I continue to pray that God has favor and allows things to progress in my favor.

Troy and I have respectively been keeping up with our training and Troy, in particular, has been making great strides in his physical weight loss. I have no idea how much he's currently lost, but I can definitely tell in his appearance.

As for me, I had a swim and weight workout today and the swim was extremely tough for some reason. I was definitely not on my game. Hopefully, tomorrow will be different and we'll work to bring more video tomorrow as well. Until then. . . 

A Physical & Spiritual Workout

I must admit, today was a crappy day to say the least. It started out okay and worked its way downward as the day grew older. It was one of those days where you have everything planned out the way it should go in the most efficient way and then everything gets up-ended and completely thrown for a loop. That was my day. As a result, it turned out to be very unproductive on the working side but very productive on the training side. I got my run in and then tonight I knocked out the weight training portion with Troy. Here's where the day ended on an extreme high note. After Troy's and my workout, we had a men's bible study that Troy has started with four of our close friends. The guys consisted of: Jeff W., Aaron B., Scott B., Mark S., Troy, and myself. We had an amazing time and it was at this bible study that I realized that the Lord was trying to tell me something in the events of today. It was; lean solely on Him and allow Him to do his work. You see, I feel that God places no expectations on His children. All He wants from us is intimacy and fellowship with Him. That's a lesson, in my controlling nature, that I had to learn the hard way. And in the Lord's soverignty, he gently allowed my day to end on a high note in fellowship with Him. Thank you Lord for your never-ending grace!

An Hour Monday Heat Run!

Today was a brutal run in the heat but it proved to be a good test to see where I was in my fitness level on a 5k run. As you see in the video, I ran the 5k in about 28 minutes. I'm really trying to get focused in on tweaking what needs to be tweaked this last week before the triathlon. I'm getting excited and nervous at the same time. I hear that the first one is always the worst one because you never really know what to expect. That definitely holds true for me.

Troy and I have a weight lifting session tonight right before our men's bible study. I'm looking forward to the physical and spiritual exercise all in the same night!

Monday Men's Session

It's Monday and that means that we have a very light and inviting weight day. That's all. It's a welcome activity after pressing hard this past weekend. Tomorrow brings a 45 minute run, which for me, will be a bike ride and/or a swim. I haven't decided yet. Plus, I'm not sure of my schedule tomorrow so I'm playing it by ear.

Troy's really feeling it of late and is "killing" it! I find that I'm getting pushed by him as much as I feel I'm pushing him. It's encouraging for me to see him so diligent about fitting in his fitness. As a result, he's caused we men around him and in his life to be spiritually encouraged and filled from the fruit that he produces from his life. It's a wonderful thing to see and experience. He's an amazing and inspiring man!

The Hammy

During Troy's and my workout, we ran into somewhat of a hurdle. We were running sprint intervals, everything was going good, then Troy pulls up with a hamstring pull. That's an injury that he's never had in all of his years in athletics. Oddly enough, he's struggling with it right now because it's very uncomfortable for him and he bummed because it's so close to our triathlon. However, as long as he ices it and is diligent about not doing too much on it, he will heal quickly. I feel for him though because it's highly frustrating. But that goes with the territory when you are training for an even like we are.

Tomorrow is our scheduled rest day, but we've decided to take a bike ride early in the morning since we had to cut short our run. Plus, Troy is leaving town on business and is wanting to get in as much training as he possibly can. He's truly in to this! We had a good weight training session today and he still feels like he didn't get anything done because there was very little cardio work. It's funny to me because I can now see the tangible change in Troy's outlook on his health. It's about time!

Our Own Private Gym

As with every Monday, our schedule calls for just weight training. However, because I didn't get my full workout in yesterday, I decided to do extra by knocking out a 30 minute swim. It felt good, but I have to admit that I was a bit fatigued in the swim because of just finishing with the weights. Speaking of weights, Troy and I decided to take our workout to a guy that I personally train named Scott Brickell. He's been a long time close friend of both of us and was even in Troy's wedding. Anyway, he's built a pimped-out work out area in his house basement and literally is like going to your own private gym. It pretty much has everything that you can do at any regular public fitness club. Check out his website and what he is in to. It's quite unique and interesting. There's a whole other culture out there! It's called Brick's 4x4 Farm.

Troy and I are at Scott's personal gym when I filmed the above video update.

Sunday's Training

Today, Troy and I both ran for about 30 minutes in spite of the fact that our training called for 60 minutes of running and 30 minutes of swimming. We're going to have to catch up on the training stuff tomorrow. We're scheduled for weight training only, but I'm planning to get my swim and bike in tomorrow in order to catch up from today.

It was quite a nice and relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Weight Just a Minute

Today was a scheduled weight lifting and strength day. Troy and I were scheduled to hook up at 7:30 am this morning but I ended up working out on my own because Troy had a rough night and was having trouble getting out of bed early. I totally understand because I've certainly had my days. At any rate, I worked out at the Williamson County Rec Center while I waited for Shelby to get finished with her swim practice. I did a lot of core work including pull ups, shoulders, biceps, and abs. I did 4 sets of 12-15 on any exercise that I did. Even though after this weekend of hard training and soreness, I can definitely tell that I'm getting stronger, leaner, and gaining muscle. 

This program has been one of the toughest yet most rewarding things I've ever done athletically!

Troy made it to the gym and lifted on his own as well. It's definitely not as enjoyable working out in the weight room alone as it is with a partner. Nonetheless, Troy did curls, pull downs, crunch machine, fly, and ab torso twist. He's down to an even 300 lbs. By next week, he'll be in the 200's! A sign that he's on the right path and approaching this the proper way. Do your thang T!