Feb 14 "It's not about being better... " ---Boston 2012

It's not about being better than someone else, it's about being better than you were the day before.

This is such a powerful message and one that can be applied to not only sports but everyday life.  There are so many things that we do everyday and so many people that we touch, it is hard to imagine wanting to go through life every day in the same way.  Surely, there is one thing that we can think of to do better or a way to be more helpful to someone or more loving and caring.  It could be something as simple as waving someone through an intersection or holding a door for the person coming behind you.  Sometimes smiling at someone or wishing them a good day can brighten one's spirit.  We need to be aware of how our behavior effects those around us.  Doing something for others is a also a wonderful way to brighten your own day.  Being kind is contageous.

I truly enjoy racing and all of the challenges that it has to offer.  I think that it is a great opportunity to check yourself and your training program. We all know that no matter how hard we prepare the unexpected can always happen and force us to change our plans.  Whether you are the first place winner of a race or you finish dead last, chances are you have spent countless hours training and working hard for the big moment. I will never forget the interview I heard with the winner of the Chicago Marathon a few years back.  The reporter asked him about how hard it is to run such a fast pace.  He said something to the effect that yes, its hard and it takes a lot of training but I give a lot of credit to those runners that are still out there finishing their race.  I don't know how they keep on going for so long.  Those that run 4 hour marathons are my heroes.     Wow!  What a powerful statement from a world class runner.  Now I know, he doesn't understand how I can run my pace and I can't figure out how he runs so fast either.  The point is that we need to be true to ourselves in our workouts.  No one will know if I skip a set of something or if I run my pace slower than requested, but I will know.  And I think that hurts worse than anything.  When I set up treadmill up for a pace and there is a difference in time, I always push myself to the harder number.  I do this to get mentally and physical stronger. I know that when I step up to the starting line, I will be glad that I took it to the next level.  

I think all of us have those days when it is hard to get motivated to workout.  I usually find on those days that once I get started they are some of my best workouts.  Thats a good thing to remember when you are thinking of rolling over after hitting the snooze on the alarm.  

Today's workout was a triple play.

First Workout

Distance Run

Planned:  11 miles

Completed:  11 miles

Second Workout

Bike Workout

Planned:  10 miles

Completed 

10 miles 

Third Workout

Core Routine

2 Sets of Planned Core Exercises

Completed

2 Sets of Planned Core Exercises