About Pushing Beyond Perceived Limits

I had just about resigned myself to the fact that my run pace would be around the 10:00 to 10:15 mark.  No matter how hard I tried, no matter what I did, it always came back to that.  Sometimes I would venture into the 9:50ish pace but would quickly go back to that very familiar point.

And then my heel (plantar fasciitis) showed its ugly face.  I was sidelined for some three months.  No running whatsoever.  I was advised to let it heal by letting it rest, amongst other things.  So that I did.  I ran The Nashville Half Marathon on November 12th and the pain was so intense, I could hardly finish the race.  Did not lace up a running shoe until February 1st, this year.

Started running slow pace  and short distances.  A few minutes at a time, a couple of times a week.  Did not worry about pace; just wanted to run and run without pain.  Everything was going just as I had hoped.  Well, just as I had hoped and as my coach had hoped and as my doctor had hoped.  Things were looking up.

As times passed, so did the miles and the time.  I would venture into longer runs but still held it to just a couple of times per week.  I was told to be patient.

And then came March 14th., the day I decided to let it all hang out.  Did not hold back, did not look back!  When it was all said and done the total mileage for that day was 4.3 miles at a 9.13 pace!  Never had I gone that far, that fast.  Ever!

Then on March 17th., the distance was 7.55 miles at a 9:47 pace.  To say that I was happy is an understatement.  That was followed this past Wednesday with a 4.45 mile run at 9:03 pace.  I was in awe!

But can I hold that pace on a longer run?  That was answered Saturday morning as I ran 10.01 miles in 1:32 at a pace of 9:12!

There are a couple of reasons why I believe this is taking place.  First, during the winter months, while I was not able to run, I hit the gym.  I worked on my core and I worked on my legs.  I also read and learned a lot about nutrition.  Which brings me to the second reason...

All the research I did on the subject made me realize that I needed to tweak my nutrition somewhat.  I've been eating healthy for a long time, but still some changes needed to be made.  In came the help of my nutrition coach, Jessica from FTP Coaching.

With her help I've been able to make some very important changes to what, and specially when, I eat in relation to my training blocks.  Don't really want to get into specific details about this on this post mostly because I'm still trying to wrap my arms around this whole thing.  All I can say is that it's made a difference!

I stay in pretty close contact with my tri coach Barry of Endurance Geeks, and so I asked him "where is this new found speed coming from?" he simply replied "strength, less frequent, more quality runs and nutrition."  He went on to tell me to "Enjoy it."

Thanks Barry, I think I will!

So what have I learned from all this?  Most, if not all limitations I had where put on myself, by myself.  I had a perception of what I could do, and it was totally different from what I could "really" do.  With a little hard work and determination, we can all break those self imposed barriers called "limitations". So what about yours?  What barriers are you working on shattering through?

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P90X ~ Week 5 ~ YES, I'm Still Doing This!

One of the most surprising things about the P90X program is how many people doubt others' ability or resolve to stick to it.

Most everyone I talk to, besides those that know me well enough to know better and those that follow me closely on Facebook or DailyMile want to know if  "I'm still doing P90X".

I have talked to several folks that have started but did not finish.  Most find a way to stop somewhere around week two or three.  I'm not sure I understand why.

I didn't jump into this without first doing the research.  I knew exactly what kind of commitment was required, both physical and mental.  Not to mention the time; it takes a lot of time!

So, how's it going?  I'm not sure I can see much of a physical change.  I have not developed any "guns" and a "six pack" still long ways away, but this was and is not my goal. I cannot afford to put on muscle mass, for if I did, I would have to carry that with me when swimming, cycling and running.

I feel stronger, leaner, tighter.  I can do more push ups, pull ups and more reps with heavier weights.  But the biggest, most noticeable change is that I can run longer, smoother and more efficient.  This I have enjoyed!

I am having some trouble with my diet.  I have never been one to count calories, much less protein or carb grams, but I understand how important this is, so I have recruited the help of my brother to come up with easy to fix, well balanced meals.  If you have any suggestions please send them my way.  Keep in mind that I cannot eat shell fish...

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.