Character - What is It... in Triathlon?

Character is the difference in believing something and actually doing it.  Plenty of people believe in saving the planet, eating right, or standing up for the little guy, but far fewer actually do it.  

People with character put their words into action.  They take that extra leap and bridge that gap of fear and stand up for what they believe in.  In fact, they usually can't stop themselves from "doing what's right".

If you want to be more fit, lose that gut, or qualify for Kona, you have to have the character of a person who does those things.  You have to schedule work outs, eat better and/or less, or race tactically to achieve those goals.  Notice that all the words in italics are verbs.  They require doing.

When Julie Dibens won the Boulder 70.3 recently, she waited several minutes before crossing the finish line to ensure that more people got prize money.  She acted on her belief that the prizes should be awarded differently.

I just wanted to make sure as many girls as possible would be able to earn money today," said Dibens to slowtwitch.com "I just hung out with my family, enjoyed the time and wanted to prove a point. Making money in this sport is hard enough as is.

The most celebrated people of character are the ones that did something.  Ghandi marched to the sea and made salt.  Mother Teresa spent her life caring for the poor.  Superman leaped tall buildings in a single bound.  You gotta do to be great.

If you believe in something, but have a hard time acting on it, you either don't believe in it as much as you think you do or you believe in something else more that conflicts with it.  But that's a subject for another post...

Smile while you train!

"How to Date a Triathlete" - Book Review

I never thought I'd be reading a book with such liberal use of the phrase "tight buns", but then, this is a book about triathletes.

My wife read it aloud while we drove home to Texas from a triathlon-themed vacation in Boulder, CO. Somewhere between the widely-spaced mesas and the gas stations with served diesel that surely tasted better than the food, Emily cracked this book open.  We are both so glad she did.

We laughed aloud several times at some of the insights the author provides. I'm even a little concerned how my wife gleefully read to me the part about the author fantasizing about running over her husband's bike in a fit of jealousy.  I'm sensing a little too much giggling on
her part.

The book needs just a few syntax and factual fixes, but overall, it's a nice read. Emily and I both agreed that it could be a great benefit to somebody struggling with dating an endurance athlete. The author also includes a glossary of triathlon terms at the end for those needing some help with new terminology.

Check it out or give it to a friend that you think might need some
insight. Heck, nearly anybody in the triathlon community could be
surprised with the help some of the tips or stories provides.

Visit the book website here.

Enjoy!

Podcast - Active Interview with Jessi Stensland!

This episode of ZenTri is a real treat.  We have an "active interview" with pro triathlete Jessi Stensland, who puts us through some of her Movement U. core strengthening exercises while answering all kinds of great questions.

We did this in beautiful Boulder, CO. under blue skies in as other pros were working out out all around us.  It is a tremendous interview that can make a huge difference in how you train and perform.

Don't forget, Jessi takes Movement U. around the country, so check out her schedule and get some core strength!

Click here to listen!

Four Steps to True Willpower

There's a name for the difference between wanting something and getting it done. It's called willpower.

Willpower is what makes you kick off the sheets instead of laying in bed all day. You can't fake it, so how do you get it?  Here's four steps in a simple path to get some willpower for yourself:

• Inspiration.  First find somebody that is doing what you want to do. This makes it real! Study their methods and habits so you can start making them your own.  Greatness doesn't just happen, it takes work.
• Setting a goal.  Find that race or other goal that you want to conquer. Now follow through and finish setting that goal as much as possible.  If it's already doable, go ahead and register for it!
• Consistency.  "One workout does not an athlete make." This is the true habit that will make your dream come true. It is not glamorous, but it's the bricks that makes the bridge between the old and new you. The bricks are small and laid one at a time, no matter how big the bridge.
• Proper diet.  Absolutely none of the above will work unless you have the energy to execute.  We're talking a proper diet of mostly fruits and veggies as your base, and then filling in the rest with healthy choices.  And don't look for cheap energy like loads of coffee or energy drinks; that's not true health or fitness.

Three Simple Steps to Being a Great Dad

I was carrying Kai up this mountain trail so his legs could take a break when the idea for this blog post hit me.  Being a great dad is more about just being there than anything else.  Here's three simple steps to get started:

Lead by example - Kids watch our every move to see how we handle life. It is amazing how much they imitate their own parents. Interestingly, you don't have to tell them how to act; they will simply do what you do. If you have a positive approach to life, they will have the same.

Stay fit - Eat right and exercise and they will follow your lead. You will also be able to handle all the crazy curveballs life throws at you much better, enabling you to be better prepared to be there for them when they need it.  But most importantly, it will enable you to...

Carry them when they need it - Kids can't face the world alone. Whether it's a serious illness or just a rock in their shoe, being able to carry them (either financially, emotionally, or even physically) is a big deal.  It can give them the help they need when it makes the biggest difference.