On October 27th the WTC (World Triathlon Corportation) announced the creation of a new program, The Ironman Access. Possibly by now, you have heard all about it, if not, watch this short video to get educated on the matter. Even if you have heard about it, watch this and enjoy...
Mauricio's Journey Beyond Ironman
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
P90X ~ Week 1
I have now completed the first week, or 7 days of P90X training. I guess the "hard" part is behind me, or so I'd like to think.
I am not a morning person, and anyone who knows me, knows that. I have a difficult time getting up early for Master Swim, for long runs and for long bike rides. I have always opted for late afternoon workouts, but somehow I thought it would be easy to get up early for this. I have been surprised, as has been my wife, that it has.
I have made it a point to jump out of bed as my wife's alarm clock goes off. Sometimes it goes off at 4:20am, sometimes at 5am.
The first day I gathered all the necessary equipment; weights,push up bar, pull up bar, chair, towel, water, log and pen and off I went. Followed the routine on the DVD to the letter. It was time to work on Chest and Back. I found out real quickly that pull ups were going to be an issue. I had not done a pull up in probably 40 years. I opted to use the chair as instructed. This made it easier. Not easy, just easier.
Push ups were not so bad. I have been doing some for a while now. Except for the second rotation. Then they became a task.
At the end of the routine I started Ab Ripper X. Now, this is what separates the "men" from the "boys" and I'm here to tell you, I'm still a "boy". This will take work.
Day two I woke up sore. In places I could not have imagined I would ever be sore. But it was time for Plyometrics. Designed to produce speed and power. Okay, I need this, and I need this bad.
Day three: Shoulders and Arms. This required the use of weights for all but one routine. I just knew I would be sore the next day, and I was not disappointed. Finished the session with another Ab Ripper X. Not much improvement here, yet.
Day four: Yoga. Oh, my! Found out today how uncoordinated and unbalanced I really am.
Day five: Legs & Back. I guess my legs are my strongest assets and today was not to bad. Second day of back workout. It felt good. Ab Ripper X concluded the session. Maybe my imagination, but I see improvement.
Day Six (Sunday): Rest. Since I started on Tuesday, this brought day six to a Sunday. Sunday, for the most part in a day of rest. Gotta give the body a chance to catch up. Tomorrow I will start week 2.
For the most part I have been in pain all week. Not the kind of pain that you would feel when you get hurt. The kind of pain you feel when you push yourself. I guess this is the "good" pain you always hear about.
I am excited to see what the future of P90X brings my way.
Until next time... Bring It!
I am not a morning person, and anyone who knows me, knows that. I have a difficult time getting up early for Master Swim, for long runs and for long bike rides. I have always opted for late afternoon workouts, but somehow I thought it would be easy to get up early for this. I have been surprised, as has been my wife, that it has.
I have made it a point to jump out of bed as my wife's alarm clock goes off. Sometimes it goes off at 4:20am, sometimes at 5am.
The first day I gathered all the necessary equipment; weights,push up bar, pull up bar, chair, towel, water, log and pen and off I went. Followed the routine on the DVD to the letter. It was time to work on Chest and Back. I found out real quickly that pull ups were going to be an issue. I had not done a pull up in probably 40 years. I opted to use the chair as instructed. This made it easier. Not easy, just easier.
Push ups were not so bad. I have been doing some for a while now. Except for the second rotation. Then they became a task.
At the end of the routine I started Ab Ripper X. Now, this is what separates the "men" from the "boys" and I'm here to tell you, I'm still a "boy". This will take work.
Day two I woke up sore. In places I could not have imagined I would ever be sore. But it was time for Plyometrics. Designed to produce speed and power. Okay, I need this, and I need this bad.
Day three: Shoulders and Arms. This required the use of weights for all but one routine. I just knew I would be sore the next day, and I was not disappointed. Finished the session with another Ab Ripper X. Not much improvement here, yet.
Day four: Yoga. Oh, my! Found out today how uncoordinated and unbalanced I really am.
Day five: Legs & Back. I guess my legs are my strongest assets and today was not to bad. Second day of back workout. It felt good. Ab Ripper X concluded the session. Maybe my imagination, but I see improvement.
Day Six (Sunday): Rest. Since I started on Tuesday, this brought day six to a Sunday. Sunday, for the most part in a day of rest. Gotta give the body a chance to catch up. Tomorrow I will start week 2.
For the most part I have been in pain all week. Not the kind of pain that you would feel when you get hurt. The kind of pain you feel when you push yourself. I guess this is the "good" pain you always hear about.
I am excited to see what the future of P90X brings my way.
Until next time... Bring It!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Motivation Comes From the Most Unlikely Sources
A couple of weeks ago, I was discussing my IM Louisville training plans with a triathlete friend. I mentioned to him that for the remainder of this physical year, my intention was to, in addition to maintaining my swim, bike and run base, I would work very hard on strength and core conditioning.
We both agreed that this was a great plan to have. He disagreed with me (although he did not come out and say so), however, with my plan.
I have been researching strength and conditioning programs suited for the triathlete. With the help of my tri coach, Endurance Geeks' Barry Baird, we came to the conclusion that if I had the motivation and dedication required, that P90X would be the route to go.
So I have made the commitment to the program. Additionally, I have made the commitment to the nutrition plan required to make the best of the program. I have been reading everything I can get my hands and eyes on and I have learned a lot.
As I mentioned this to my friend, his remark was one that was very surprising to me. He said: "I have yet to meet anyone that has stuck to the program and finished it."
I am pretty sure that my friend did not understand at that point that by making that one simple, innocent statement, he was giving the the final motivation to get this done. Yes, motivation comes from the most unlikely sources.
So, this morning I started the program. First on the agenda was the "Chest & Back" followed by the "Ab Ripper X". It was hard and tough and I can only guess that it is going to get harder and tougher. The "Ab Ripper X" was brutal. But, motivated to continue to the end I stand. By the end of this, my friend will no longer be able to say that he has not met "anyone" that has finished P90X.
We both agreed that this was a great plan to have. He disagreed with me (although he did not come out and say so), however, with my plan.
I have been researching strength and conditioning programs suited for the triathlete. With the help of my tri coach, Endurance Geeks' Barry Baird, we came to the conclusion that if I had the motivation and dedication required, that P90X would be the route to go.
As I mentioned this to my friend, his remark was one that was very surprising to me. He said: "I have yet to meet anyone that has stuck to the program and finished it."
I am pretty sure that my friend did not understand at that point that by making that one simple, innocent statement, he was giving the the final motivation to get this done. Yes, motivation comes from the most unlikely sources.
So, this morning I started the program. First on the agenda was the "Chest & Back" followed by the "Ab Ripper X". It was hard and tough and I can only guess that it is going to get harder and tougher. The "Ab Ripper X" was brutal. But, motivated to continue to the end I stand. By the end of this, my friend will no longer be able to say that he has not met "anyone" that has finished P90X.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tag! You're It!
I do not want my blog to turn into a commercial enterprise. I do not, as a rule, give out reviews much less endorsements. I have to thoroughly believe and be convinced of a product and it worthiness or service and their usefulness before I stick my neck out and talk about it here.
This is why I have only done it a couple of time before. And why I am about to talk about Tag! You're It!
For most that know me you understand how I use daily inspiration and motivation to get things done. My mantra for most of this season has been: "Faith. Focus. Finish." I have found ways to stamp that across my daily routine to help keep the motor going.
Purely by accident (or maybe it was meant to be), I ran across a product produced and offered by a stay-at-home mom: "Tag! You're It!" You have seen similar articles at expo's throughout. You have seen people wear them. Perhaps you wear one as well.
So what made this one different. I was able to get my mantra stamped on a dog tag.
According to the website, "each sterling silver disc or dog tag is handstamped, one character at a time, with the lettering of your choice, oxidized t turn the letters black, and then buffed and polished."
When the item arrived I was truly amazed at the simplicity of the design. "This is something I can see myself wearing through my Ironman training and beyond." I have been wearing it on my training runs since.
Because of the quality of the material used, sterling silver, it has tarnished a bit but this is to be expected. Easily cleaned, however.
I could go on all day talking about this product but I'll let you explore it for yourself. Please visit their website and look around. www.tagyoureitdesigns.com While you're there, register for a GiveAway. Click on the link located on the navigation bar. The GiveAway will run for two weeks. Under Key Word, type: "Triathlonat55".
This is why I have only done it a couple of time before. And why I am about to talk about Tag! You're It!
For most that know me you understand how I use daily inspiration and motivation to get things done. My mantra for most of this season has been: "Faith. Focus. Finish." I have found ways to stamp that across my daily routine to help keep the motor going.
Purely by accident (or maybe it was meant to be), I ran across a product produced and offered by a stay-at-home mom: "Tag! You're It!" You have seen similar articles at expo's throughout. You have seen people wear them. Perhaps you wear one as well.
So what made this one different. I was able to get my mantra stamped on a dog tag.
According to the website, "each sterling silver disc or dog tag is handstamped, one character at a time, with the lettering of your choice, oxidized t turn the letters black, and then buffed and polished."
When the item arrived I was truly amazed at the simplicity of the design. "This is something I can see myself wearing through my Ironman training and beyond." I have been wearing it on my training runs since.
Because of the quality of the material used, sterling silver, it has tarnished a bit but this is to be expected. Easily cleaned, however.
I could go on all day talking about this product but I'll let you explore it for yourself. Please visit their website and look around. www.tagyoureitdesigns.com While you're there, register for a GiveAway. Click on the link located on the navigation bar. The GiveAway will run for two weeks. Under Key Word, type: "Triathlonat55".
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