Lockerroom Etiquette

For those who know me well, they would say I am a pretty relaxed individual. Like most though I have a few pet peeves...people throwing cigarette butts from their car, abnoxious cell phone rings/tones and a few more. A good portion of my time is spent at a top shelf gym in Boulder called Flatiron Athletic Club (www.flatironathleticclub.com). Over the past couple of years I have noted some strange behavior within the walls of the lockerroom. In conversation with my training partners of the opposite gender I learned some of this activity is not exlusive to the men's lockerroom. Not being privy firsthand to the other side I trust what I am told. Allow me to share some of the awkward/unnecessary routines I have witnessed. You can decide for yourself whether it is acceptable or not...Shaving in the buff within the confines of the common sink area - crimminy, wrap a towel around your waist. Horking up snot rockets and launching them in the shower. Our shower area is military/penitentiary style - I do not enjoy hearing or walking through that mess. Have some courtesty. Hanging out and lying naked around the hottub - at least get your ugly arse in the hottub. Stretching with all exposed in the sauna - again proper protocol demands to not do groin stretches while sitting in the buff. Strutting from one end of the lockerroom to the other with no clothing - simply grab a towel and wrap things up. I can deal with some of the ridiculous language and made up bravado being thrown around, but guys please use some common freaking sense when in the lockerroom.

OK, now I feel better!

Keep it smooth...

What Is Your Motivation?

As an athlete commited to be my best in pursuit of excellence, I often find myself asking, "Why?" A simple question to answer...at times, yes, other times - when fatigued, sore, facing crummy weather - a bit more difficult. However, through my growing faith and development within my sport I have found my motivation: to glorify God with my efforts. Yes, I am driven to compete in representing my sponsors. Yes, I thrive on the individual competition triathlon presents. Yes, I want to podium so I can pay the bills & put food on the table. Yes, I get my butt out the door in single digit temps for a run because of a sense of ownership I have with my training. Yes, I train to be my best for Zane, my family & friends. First & foremost though I train to race for God's glory.

Power Bar encourages us to "Be Great."
Nike tells us to "Just Do It."
Gatorade asks us "Is It In You?"

God's gift to us is our potential. What we decide to do with it is our gift to God.

Keep it smooth...

And It's Snowing...

again...shocker! It's the kind of snow you see in one of those snow globes...large, fluffy flakes. Today's plan calls for some hill work over long climbs in resitricted power and cadence range with transition to steady effort run off the bike. Time to sort the entertainment for today's indoor ride :)

Keep it smooth...

When Life Gives You Snow...

make a snowman poker party! No really, I've been training :) My apologies for the lapse in keeping up with the blog. Last week was crazy with training, phone consults with Zane and my athletes, radio interview (check the radio archives at www.nextwavefaithful.com) and a quick trip up to Winter Park with some friends. It was soooo fun hanging at the cabin, drinking a bit of vino and playing some Euchre - a mid-western game invented by college students at Michigan State University, or something like that.

After slipping and sliding along the snow covered bike paths, trails and Boulder back roads I finally invested in a pair of YakTrax. These things rock and are highly recommended for anyone living in snow covered lands. Last Sunday I was heading out for my run just as my friends Amanda & Michael Chivato-Lovato were as well. Within 400 meters they were dropping my YakTrax-lacking arse like it was nothing. Granted, they are quality runners, but sheesh...they were both wearing YakTrax and I thought to myself, "Damn, I need a pair of those!"

This week promises to bring more excitement with warmer temps (mid 40s instead of mid 20s) and sunshine. I have a speaking engagement Thursday night for a local group of high school students on the topic of running the greatest race of all: LIFE!

Keep it smooth...

How Cold is Cold

Our temperature tripled today...all the way up to a balmy 9 degrees! I awoke at 6:15 am to 3 degrees and saw a high of 9 degrees F.

Deep Freeze

Whacky...that is how many of us in Boulder are describing the winter weather we have been experiencing over the past few weeks...snow storms, avalanche, high winds (70-90 MPH), warm temps and now single digit...5 degrees F as I write. The walk to the outdoor pool is going to be chilly and I may just have to break out a pair of old runners to keep my feet warm :) Through it all I have maintained a sense of humor and actually embraced the extreme conditions. My Trek TT has not seen actual pavement in over three weeks as it continues a courtship with the CompuTrainer. Up to this point I have been able to run outside, well at times slipping & sliding dodging the snow plow, but single digit temps pose other concerns beyond the footing. The thought of running on the treadmill gives me a rash, but it is what it is.

Beyond training, I traveled to MI on Monday for a speaking engagement I had Monday night. With the high winds Monday morning, road closures and drifting snow I missed my original flight and was booked on the next one which got me to the venue five minutes before my talk was to begin...whew! Upon returning to Denver on Tuesday I headed straight to the Pepsi Center and met up with fellow Michiganders Erin & Pete. The Red Wings were in town to play the despised Avs and it was one heck of a hockey game with the Wings prevailing in a shootout!!

Stay warm!

Keep it smooth...

Winter Wonderland

We are getting another 12-18" of the white stuff today. I wish I had a photo to download of the masters swim class at the outdoor, but my camera is psychotic and not cooperating. What is a triathlete to do on such a day...make a snowman of course! Well, not so much. After an early morning radio interview for an upcoming speaking engagement in Detroit I had a bit of breakfast then sauntered over to the Flatirons Athletic Club for my strength training. My day is going to be packed with a three hour ride, hour run, hour swim and most importantly hour and a half massage therapy :) I'll be tight on time so the swim will most likely be moved to Saturday and the run...well maybe a bit of skate skiing at a local park.

Keep it smooth...