Back in Texas from San Diego

I just got back in Texas after a great week in San Diego. I was there for my day job, but still managed to get in some workouts with Morgan.

I gave Morgan lots of tips on how to take his workouts to the next level. In return, he helped me improve my downhilling speed, start programming for Google's Android platform, and lots more. And huge thanks to his wife, Kerry, for cooking some great meals.

Holisticguru teaches people to not eat junk food when travelling by packing their own grub. I'm actually writing this blog post at 33,000 feet on my iPhone while snacking on carrots, oranges, and nuts. Healthy feels smart.

Podcast - The Guru Visits Texas!

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Christine Lynch (Twitter.com/holisticguru) came down to Texas from her hometown of Harlem to show us how to shop and cook better.  In return, we took her on a killer bike ride and then to Lance's bike shop in Austin.  

Christine proved herself to be a grocery store ninja and also a master of hot bike rides.  She had a great time and we truly enjoyed her visit.

Listen in to get lots of shopping and cooking tips from a true master.

Shownotes!

• Christine, Kai, and Brett making hemp milkshakes with ingredients from Nutiva.  Thanks, Nutiva!
• Christine and Brett out on the Ride of Truth.  70 miles in the hot Texas sun... Will she crack?
• We take Christine to the weirdest 4th of July party ever.
• Off to Barton Springs for some swimming and trail running.
• Partying at Mellow Johnny's bike shop.
• Driving from Austin to Houston in the ZenTri Mobile Studio.

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PODCAST and FEAR TALK!

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I interview Don Davis, founder and race director of the Survival of the Shawnagunks Triathlon.  This is truly a fantastic race, with eight legs and carrying your own running gear through the swims!  Listen in as Don describes how the race got started and some of the issues people have to deal with.

Don't forget, I will be hosting a talk on the Zen approach to fear and how to use it in the sport of triathlon.  The talk is 3 PM, Sunday, July 12, at the park atop the La Jolla cliffs on the south side of La Jolla Cove.  Here is a link to a map.  We will be at the northernmost tip of that park.  I will be wearing a white visor and a Half IM Buffalo Springs t-shirt.

Right after the talk, we will swim across that cove to the shore to the east... and back!  We will be putting our fear training to work!  Bring your swimsuit!

Click Here to Listen

Smugness

We were at Lance's bike shop, Mellow Johnny's, just before a big party to celebrate his return to the TDF.  I was talking with store staff about the party when a hipster fixie guy overheard us.  He was definitely interested, but stated the following:

"Party? I'd like to go, but not if it's just a couple of dudes talking about how awesome they are and how one's nuts weigh five ounces less than the other's."

The staff guy assured him everybody's welcome and added a very funny, "Even you."

It was awesomely ironic that the same guy shopping for parts for a completely uneccesary and ultrahip style of biking wanted to make sure that there was nobody of a different completely uneccesary and ultrahip style of biking  at a party he might attend.  And yes, if a certain seven-time TDF champ was there, his nuts would weigh five ounces less than the other guy's.

Peace and bikes, people.  :)

Be a Joiner

I just joined a local trail running / ultra running group called the Brazos Valley Trail Runners.  I also officially signed up with the Brazos Splash swim team a couple of months ago.

Honestly, I don't need to be part of these clubs.  I can train all I need on my own.  And I'm a coach myself, for cripe's sake!  And you should also be careful when signing up for anything.  Lots of stuff can be both a time-suck and a wallet-drain. 

But the upside of being part of clubs is sometimes worth it.  I know plenty of coaches that have coaches themselves, if for nothing else than the social aspect and to keep them on a schedule.

Here's some indicators of a group with some potential to serve you well:

• Scheduling.  Groups have predicable workout schedules that you can count on.  Also helps to make excuses.  "Honey, I can't wash the car tonight.  It's Time Trials Wednesday!"
• Exposure.  One of the best ways to get faster is to find people faster than you and ape them.  Figure out how much they work out and what gear they use.
• Good price. If it's expensive, make sure there is a really good reason why.
• Discounts. Teams and clubs can get good discounts on gear and race entries.  Just check over the list and make sure that it is stuff you actually want to use or do.
• Locations.  Hang out with the right crowds and soon you'll learn of some new and great training locations.

Here's some pitfalls beware of:

• You don't have to do every workout with them.  Show some independence!
• You don't have to go their same pace.  That's a great way to undertrain or get injured.
• Unfriendliness or Cliques.  These situations usually end up in clubs fracturing and breaking up.  Don't waste your time.  Go find something better.
• Thinking you have to be part of just one group.  I participate in at least three different clubs' events and email lists.  Just find some balance.