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Keep up to date with my training, mentally & physically for 2011!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Buckle down
Less than two weeks away from the first half marathon this year. The Fargo Half
Marathon and all the festivites associated with it will take place the weekend
of May 19th - 21st in Fargo, ND. Hard to believe this will be the fifth race in Fargo
that I'll be carrying the red, white & blue. 2007 was my first half marathon finishing
just over two hours and ten minutes. In 2008 was my first full marathon finishing
just over five hours and thirty minutes. In 2009 & 2010 it was two half marathons,
one of which was my best half marathon time clocking two hours and six minutes
while that time increased a little bit the following year by ten minutes.
Training this year has been a bit more intense than the previous years. I've
listened more, taken more advice, met new runners who have given me new
and fresh ideas to keep the training fun and exciting, plus my focus has been on
a different level. The previous years it was all about telling everyone what I had
been doing. This year, it's more of just doing it. I do have some fellow running
friends who have asked that I post what I do either on here or through Facebook
or Twitter, two social networking tools I use to keep in touch with others throughout
the world. I've been able to connect with some pretty cool people through those
outlets that I would have never known before. Some of these are fitness buffs
who have sent me information or provide information publicly for all to see.
Different videos, posts, articles and pictures of workouts are so great to view.
You might catch one little tidbit that just makes sense to your particular training.
I see a lot of articles or video on strength training, power lifting, speed workouts
and a whole lot more. Power lifting obviously doens't do it for me, but for others
it's just what the doctor, or trainer, ordered. Everyone's got their nitch, but for
all walks of people, a good mix can do you wonders. Anything from biking to
boxing; kettle bells to jumpropes; medicine balls to dumb bells...I've tried them
all. They all work, if you use them the right way. I see some people come into
a gym, try to lift as much as possible, burn themselves out and then never come
back. Some have come into a gym, wonder around in their cut off shirt and jeans,
sit at a machine thinking "What am I supposed to do with this??" and do a couple
reps before heading out. Probably won't do you too good! Asking questions
is one of the things also over looked when it comes to finding out what will work
best for you. I think some are just afraid of what really needs to be done in order
to accomplish their own personal goals. It's all about pacing. Starting out slow
and working your way up. In most cases, you don't start out as the boss at work.
If you do, more power to you. You work your way up. Take your lumps and
gradually make your way to the level you wanted to get to. It doesn't happen
at the same pace. Some can handle a lot and get that accomplished in a few
months, while for others it could take a few years. The same goes with training.
Not all workouts are going to be for you. Not all workouts will get you to the level
you want over night. Don't try to look like someone else, try to look the way you
imagine yourself where you'd feel good about the way you feel physically.
There's one circuit training routine I do a few times a week that is awesome.
Would it work for you? I think it would, but you might beg to differ if you tried it.
No matter what your style when it comes to working out, the right style is just
getting out there and doing something. Trying new things, seeing what's going
to work for you personally. That's what I'm doing and it seems to be working
well. I'm not a pro, I'm not a marathon champion. I am an individual who trains
to the level I need to in order to accomplish my own personal goals. With the
help of others who push me, I can attain that. I ran with one of my trainers
last night from his place to a highway and back, which was a distance of
six and a half miles. Winding roads, hills and wind which helped to push us
both to another level that will get us prepared for our own personal achievements
at the run in Fargo. What's your own personal goal? Once you find that out
you'll be able to take the next step, buckle down and get the job done.
Just remember, don't be afraid to ask questions. People will answer.
There's always at least one person who will be more than willing to help you
out. Take some constructive criticizm and most important, don't give up.
Good luck with your training! See you in Fargo, ND May 21st!!
Marathon and all the festivites associated with it will take place the weekend
of May 19th - 21st in Fargo, ND. Hard to believe this will be the fifth race in Fargo
that I'll be carrying the red, white & blue. 2007 was my first half marathon finishing
just over two hours and ten minutes. In 2008 was my first full marathon finishing
just over five hours and thirty minutes. In 2009 & 2010 it was two half marathons,
one of which was my best half marathon time clocking two hours and six minutes
while that time increased a little bit the following year by ten minutes.
Training this year has been a bit more intense than the previous years. I've
listened more, taken more advice, met new runners who have given me new
and fresh ideas to keep the training fun and exciting, plus my focus has been on
a different level. The previous years it was all about telling everyone what I had
been doing. This year, it's more of just doing it. I do have some fellow running
friends who have asked that I post what I do either on here or through Facebook
or Twitter, two social networking tools I use to keep in touch with others throughout
the world. I've been able to connect with some pretty cool people through those
outlets that I would have never known before. Some of these are fitness buffs
who have sent me information or provide information publicly for all to see.
Different videos, posts, articles and pictures of workouts are so great to view.
You might catch one little tidbit that just makes sense to your particular training.
I see a lot of articles or video on strength training, power lifting, speed workouts
and a whole lot more. Power lifting obviously doens't do it for me, but for others
it's just what the doctor, or trainer, ordered. Everyone's got their nitch, but for
all walks of people, a good mix can do you wonders. Anything from biking to
boxing; kettle bells to jumpropes; medicine balls to dumb bells...I've tried them
all. They all work, if you use them the right way. I see some people come into
a gym, try to lift as much as possible, burn themselves out and then never come
back. Some have come into a gym, wonder around in their cut off shirt and jeans,
sit at a machine thinking "What am I supposed to do with this??" and do a couple
reps before heading out. Probably won't do you too good! Asking questions
is one of the things also over looked when it comes to finding out what will work
best for you. I think some are just afraid of what really needs to be done in order
to accomplish their own personal goals. It's all about pacing. Starting out slow
and working your way up. In most cases, you don't start out as the boss at work.
If you do, more power to you. You work your way up. Take your lumps and
gradually make your way to the level you wanted to get to. It doesn't happen
at the same pace. Some can handle a lot and get that accomplished in a few
months, while for others it could take a few years. The same goes with training.
Not all workouts are going to be for you. Not all workouts will get you to the level
you want over night. Don't try to look like someone else, try to look the way you
imagine yourself where you'd feel good about the way you feel physically.
There's one circuit training routine I do a few times a week that is awesome.
Would it work for you? I think it would, but you might beg to differ if you tried it.
No matter what your style when it comes to working out, the right style is just
getting out there and doing something. Trying new things, seeing what's going
to work for you personally. That's what I'm doing and it seems to be working
well. I'm not a pro, I'm not a marathon champion. I am an individual who trains
to the level I need to in order to accomplish my own personal goals. With the
help of others who push me, I can attain that. I ran with one of my trainers
last night from his place to a highway and back, which was a distance of
six and a half miles. Winding roads, hills and wind which helped to push us
both to another level that will get us prepared for our own personal achievements
at the run in Fargo. What's your own personal goal? Once you find that out
you'll be able to take the next step, buckle down and get the job done.
Just remember, don't be afraid to ask questions. People will answer.
There's always at least one person who will be more than willing to help you
out. Take some constructive criticizm and most important, don't give up.
Good luck with your training! See you in Fargo, ND May 21st!!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Two down and a goal accomplished!
After learning about a workout program that was THEE workout that will get me in the best shape of my life, I decided to see how effective it really was by setting some goals for myself. This year’s training has been some of the best workouts I’ve done. This year seems like it’s been more fun and entertaining when it comes to work outs than ever before. I read more into what kinds of things I can do to better my times, which really wasn’t a huge deal for me. It still isn’t, but when you set a goal and accomplish it, you feel really good!
This year my goals as stated in previous blogs was to achieve under twenty-four minutes in a 5K event that I participate in and under two hours for a half marathon. Believe it or not, I achieved one of them already. In the first run of the year atWest Fargo , ND
Here’s the real kicker…I achieved what happened to be my PR (personal record) that day in a 5K with the American flag at hand, with 20-30 mph winds. How?? That baffled me. I had no clue how I could get to that point.
The next day, at the Tribute to the Troops 5K inEagan , MN
I did all of that and then some. With the help of a couple military guys, one in the beginning, Evan, and one at the end, Neil…I set another PR and achieved my 2011 goal for a 5K with the flag – 23:54 I finished this grueling race up and down hills, around curves and through a very strong winds with Old Glory in hand. I couldn’t believe the timer when I came around the last curve, where a big gust of wind made it feel like I was going to get blown up into the air like a kite with that three by five foot flag in my left hand. I’ve never done that parachute training before, but this was the next best thing. I got to that finish line and again questioned how I got there so quick. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I told a lady that who was asking for the part of my number she needed to rip off. She gave me a weird look then told me, “Sir we do this for everyone, we need it for the timing, I’m not kidding.” I was questioning myself, not her. She just happened to be right next to me and asked me for it but I didn’t hear her. I was just trying to catch my breath and wonder how…HOW did I get another PR in the wind and hills I battled that day?? I told my brother in law Mike about that when we were walking back to the main area with the food and water. He thought that was a little awkward too, considering the circumstance.
I sent a text to the girl that got me into running, who has inspired me to do something more than just the relays we had done the first two years inMinot , ND West Fargo 5K – to let her know I almost achieved my goal of under twenty-four minutes but did set a PR while doing so. After that run, the guy in front of me who I was desperately trying to catch and beat, apologized to me after the race when I went to shake his hand and tell him great job. Him and I both were catching our breath (big breaths) when I grabbed his arm and told him “Nice job, man!” He looked at me and said, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know it was you behind me, I would have let you pass with the flag!” You never need to apologize about getting the time you get or ending in front of someone, regardless of who they are or what they’re carrying. But that was still pretty nice and courteous of him to say that. He asked me about Corey and thanked me for running with the flag.
At the run inWest Fargo , some guys from a gym called Wild Knights CrossFit joined me. Four of them were there that either go to the gym or have connections with someone that does. Tony, Nik, Tyler and one of the co-owners, Dustin were all part of that crew. I was right with Dustin from the start until about half way, he started to cramp up a bit and told me to keep going. I met them at the finish line when they came through and we all went in to get some food and drink while resting our heart rate back to normal. It was a great day…not only did I meet them, but a few other people at the gym itself for some food and fuel to get me through the drive that day to Eagan.
On Saturday night, after forgetting my stuff inFargo Fort Snelling National Cemetery
From there we headed over to Famous Dave’s for some good eating before settling in for the night. At the hotel, I met with my family – My parents, sister, brother in law and nephew Ben all came down to join in the festivities the next day. Not only did they from up north, but so did Jim, Donna & Sarah – Corey’s parents and sister. That helped to make it extra special.
At events like this you find out that there are many supporters who either keep up to date with what’s happening on this website or through social meeting including Facebook & Twitter. I didn’t realize how many people actually follow Philco’s Freedom Team until these two runs. One of the guys I ran with in West Fargo (Nik) told me he keeps up to date with where we’re going and what’s happening on Twitter – while several Patriot Guard members, some I knew and others I hadn’t met in person, told me they keep up to date on Facebook. It’s reassuring to know that people are paying attention even when it seems like no one is. I had the same thing happen today (Monday) by one of my 5th grade teacher inRed Lake Falls
I’ve come to realize that hard work pays off. I always knew that, but with the help and guidance from several people in the past six months, I’ve learned some new things and applied them to my training. It’s the best thing I could have done. When someone gives you advice of a program that worked for them – at least try it. Do it to the best of your ability though. Don’t just go through the motions. Make it as intense as you can handle plus one more notch of intensity past that. As bad as this may sound, make it hurt! I’ve come to the end of some workouts where it hurts so bad I have to drop the kettle bell or drop my arms down in what I look at as defeat when I do boxing work outs because it was laid all out there. When you push yourself, no one else has to. But it makes it that much better when you give it your all and someone else is pushing you at the same time. You get to that next level and it feels great.
Not only is THEE workout exactly as my friend Dan described it, just that…THEE work out called the Sprint 8; incorporated with other new things like kettle bell ladders, med ball work outs, jump rope intervals and so much more, I’m feeling in pretty good shape. It has helped me surpass what I thought wasn’t quite possible, yet. I’ve cut my 5K times from last year to this year down almost two minutes. I can’t explain in words what hard work, focus and determination towards a goal has done for me already this year. The only thing I can think when I type this is I wish I believed this back when I was in high school like I do to this day. I would have been so much more effective for my teammates in the sports I took part in. That was then, this is now. I don’t dwell on the past and look forward to what’s coming. I’m doing this for a purpose. Like our saying says: “We run to remember”…and we’ll never forget! The fallen, starting with my friend Corey, have strengthened me to get to my next level. A form of motivation no one would want to think about. It will make you or break you. Thankfully for me, it’s helped make me a better person.
Fargo Half Marathon is next on the agenda. I’m looking forward to this event like you don’t even know! I hope to see you there, in the dome, Saturday May 21st. Get your flags ready, because we’re going to ROCK…THE….DOME!!!!! If you don’t believe me, come check it out. These fallen soldiers will get the recognition they DESERVE!
This year my goals as stated in previous blogs was to achieve under twenty-four minutes in a 5K event that I participate in and under two hours for a half marathon. Believe it or not, I achieved one of them already. In the first run of the year at
Here’s the real kicker…I achieved what happened to be my PR (personal record) that day in a 5K with the American flag at hand, with 20-30 mph winds. How?? That baffled me. I had no clue how I could get to that point.
The next day, at the Tribute to the Troops 5K in
I did all of that and then some. With the help of a couple military guys, one in the beginning, Evan, and one at the end, Neil…I set another PR and achieved my 2011 goal for a 5K with the flag – 23:54 I finished this grueling race up and down hills, around curves and through a very strong winds with Old Glory in hand. I couldn’t believe the timer when I came around the last curve, where a big gust of wind made it feel like I was going to get blown up into the air like a kite with that three by five foot flag in my left hand. I’ve never done that parachute training before, but this was the next best thing. I got to that finish line and again questioned how I got there so quick. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I told a lady that who was asking for the part of my number she needed to rip off. She gave me a weird look then told me, “Sir we do this for everyone, we need it for the timing, I’m not kidding.” I was questioning myself, not her. She just happened to be right next to me and asked me for it but I didn’t hear her. I was just trying to catch my breath and wonder how…HOW did I get another PR in the wind and hills I battled that day?? I told my brother in law Mike about that when we were walking back to the main area with the food and water. He thought that was a little awkward too, considering the circumstance.
I sent a text to the girl that got me into running, who has inspired me to do something more than just the relays we had done the first two years in
At the run in
On Saturday night, after forgetting my stuff in
From there we headed over to Famous Dave’s for some good eating before settling in for the night. At the hotel, I met with my family – My parents, sister, brother in law and nephew Ben all came down to join in the festivities the next day. Not only did they from up north, but so did Jim, Donna & Sarah – Corey’s parents and sister. That helped to make it extra special.
At events like this you find out that there are many supporters who either keep up to date with what’s happening on this website or through social meeting including Facebook & Twitter. I didn’t realize how many people actually follow Philco’s Freedom Team until these two runs. One of the guys I ran with in West Fargo (Nik) told me he keeps up to date with where we’re going and what’s happening on Twitter – while several Patriot Guard members, some I knew and others I hadn’t met in person, told me they keep up to date on Facebook. It’s reassuring to know that people are paying attention even when it seems like no one is. I had the same thing happen today (Monday) by one of my 5th grade teacher in
I’ve come to realize that hard work pays off. I always knew that, but with the help and guidance from several people in the past six months, I’ve learned some new things and applied them to my training. It’s the best thing I could have done. When someone gives you advice of a program that worked for them – at least try it. Do it to the best of your ability though. Don’t just go through the motions. Make it as intense as you can handle plus one more notch of intensity past that. As bad as this may sound, make it hurt! I’ve come to the end of some workouts where it hurts so bad I have to drop the kettle bell or drop my arms down in what I look at as defeat when I do boxing work outs because it was laid all out there. When you push yourself, no one else has to. But it makes it that much better when you give it your all and someone else is pushing you at the same time. You get to that next level and it feels great.
Not only is THEE workout exactly as my friend Dan described it, just that…THEE work out called the Sprint 8; incorporated with other new things like kettle bell ladders, med ball work outs, jump rope intervals and so much more, I’m feeling in pretty good shape. It has helped me surpass what I thought wasn’t quite possible, yet. I’ve cut my 5K times from last year to this year down almost two minutes. I can’t explain in words what hard work, focus and determination towards a goal has done for me already this year. The only thing I can think when I type this is I wish I believed this back when I was in high school like I do to this day. I would have been so much more effective for my teammates in the sports I took part in. That was then, this is now. I don’t dwell on the past and look forward to what’s coming. I’m doing this for a purpose. Like our saying says: “We run to remember”…and we’ll never forget! The fallen, starting with my friend Corey, have strengthened me to get to my next level. A form of motivation no one would want to think about. It will make you or break you. Thankfully for me, it’s helped make me a better person.
Fargo Half Marathon is next on the agenda. I’m looking forward to this event like you don’t even know! I hope to see you there, in the dome, Saturday May 21st. Get your flags ready, because we’re going to ROCK…THE….DOME!!!!! If you don’t believe me, come check it out. These fallen soldiers will get the recognition they DESERVE!
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