Ever wake up and want to skip a workout or call in sick? Start a long run and want to quit after 5k? Set a goal and wonder why you did it?
Why do you decide against what you mind is questioning?? Because you dont let the little man in your head convince you that you should! Your body can do anything you want it to do, your mind is what tells it to stop. Yes, that is the simple version of it, but is it really any more complicated than that? Think about it a little.....
When you ran your first 2km, did you ever imagine you would run an IRONMAN? Probably not, if you are like most you thought it was a crazy unreachable idea. One that only hte greatest could achieve, those people who trained months and years to get to that point. Your mind created an awesome story to tell others so that you could forget that the notion that you could do it. When you were out with friends who talked about IM, you had countless reasons why you could not do one right now. Work, need to train more, later in my life.....All great stories to stop you from making the commitment to train and get it done. You gave in to your mind. It is the most powerful muscle in our body and only our conscience can control it, and we allow the mind to control us 99.9% of the time.
From my personal experience I can recount many times when I let it beat me, and many times when I decided I would take control.
When I trained for my Level 3 ski instructors certification, I took control and did not let my mind tell me to stop. It took me 3 attempts to pass the certification in its entirety. In the process I had many friends after the second time I did not pass the skiing tell me to pack it in. 'Why continue, you are a good skier!! ', they told me. Their attitude was that I did not need the certificate and that I should move on. My mind never allowed me to go there. Sure, there was a feeling of defeat when I failed the second time, but it still never stopped me from wanting to achieve the goal. I knew I could get there if I continued to work at it. I did finally pass it when I took control and did not let my mind get the best of me on exam day. I would stand on the start line and freak out because my mind would throw in the you cant do it moments. I knew I was at the standard and did not let the little man in my head say the words and I was successful!! Because I let the doubt part of my head take over it took my 3 tries to get it done, had I followed what I knew I could do I would have been done the first time around.
Every time I run a race my head takes over. I get half way through the race and I let myself be convinced that I cant go any harder or longer. I slow down then speed up, slow down, speed up...... The net result is that I seem to have enough energy at a race to sprint the last KM after being convinced that I can not keep going. The mind is hte strongest muscle!!!!
I guess what I am saying in this post is that we must exercise our brain as much as we exercise our muscles while on our way to the start line. Some people are naturally athletically gifted and being succesful at a sport comes with relative ease. For the rest of us it comes with a lot of physical training. If we dont train the mind along with it then we will never get to the top of our game.
Imagine where you want to get to, set your goals for the journey. If you believe in yourself and dont let the little man in your haed tell you can't, you will get there!
Aim high, work hard and anything is possible!!! Just dont let your head convince you otherwise!!!
For those who may have just started reading my blog.....it is my head being put on paper, not always the most logical ramblings, but they are here for you to enjoy!! LOL
Cheers and happy physical and brain training Wednesday!!
The new Adventure has Started!!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back to Reality....
When ski season starts, Sunday afternoons makes me sad! It means that I am back in teh car and driving home to reality! After a weekend of tons of fresh air, amazing people, and teaching and learning skiing, it is a short moment to ay, BOO!
As most of you have realized by now, I am a ski freak! You think I can talk endlessly about triathlon training, put me on a ski pedestal for a few minutes and watch me go! Hehe! About the only negative with the ski season is that I do lose some of my overall conditioning as I use it as 'off-season' and consider it a great cross training and brain training time of year. However, after this weekend of skiing 12+ hours over 2 days, I will say my legs are a little sore. That is the first time since last season when I was generally out of shape that I have felt that. So, I guess I will have to ski a little more, as a little pain can only mean a great gain, and it is cross training after all.
One great thing that is beginning to develop out of skiing is a great yoga audience. There is a lot of benefit to yoga before, during or after a hard day on the hill. Through the groups that I teach I have been talking about how I have gained from it and peaked both aN interest and a desire to practice with me. o, I may being to develop a good client base as a result of this ski craziness!! Wahoo!
Friday, Satruday and Sunday seem to be cross training day, with the rest of the week being about the real thing! I am in the process of developing my own program for this season training. I will use what i learned from lat year using a written program and marry that with my race(s) experience and results to come up with my own training. I am not going to make it easy or fun, however, I will make it results driven! Over the next 1.5 month I will use the time to build base and to strength. When I return from my ski holiday I will begin my training with my races for the summer in mind. I am not doing a ton of races, as I want to focus heavily on good results at these events.
Earlier I promised to share ski tips on my blog from time to time. I will share one of the most important factors to consider when you are out on the snow. It is the baic core competency in skiing and without it you are not going to get any better. A CENTERED AND MOBILE STANCE. In other words you need to be balanced over your skis in order to make them go where you want to rather than letting the ski control where you are going. In order to do that you must be mobile over your skis in order to remain centered and balanced against the forces generated as you are turning the skis travelling down the hill.
TIP FOR THE DAY: For each turn in skiing there is 3 part, the start, the middle and the end. I will talk about the start and how important it is in being balanced throughout the middle and the end.
The start of the turn is the point when you recenter yourself to set up for the new turn, the point where your skis are finished a turn and you are recentering before turning again. How do I accomplish that you ask??
As you are finished turning the ski allow it to come off of an edge onto a totally flat ski. As you do that you should feel the ski beginning to slide away quicker than when it was on edge. At the same time you should be able to allow all your muscles to relax for a micro-moment as you are recentered and balanced. If you are centered you should be able to do this as you do not need muscle tension to support yourself.
When you have achieved the moment where you can relax, you are then ready to begin to get onto the new edge and begin to turn the skis in the new direction of travel. As you are starting from a balanced positions you should be able to do this with ease and control.
This happen at any speed that you are travelling at and in any turn that you are completing. If you are balanced you will be in control and will be able to decide where the ski will go.
So, the tip for the day is, before you begin a new turn, let the skis flatten so that you can rebalance and be prepared for the new turn.
If you dont understand, please send me a question and I would love to share with you with more detail.
Until then, happy training and happy skiing!
Cheers!
As most of you have realized by now, I am a ski freak! You think I can talk endlessly about triathlon training, put me on a ski pedestal for a few minutes and watch me go! Hehe! About the only negative with the ski season is that I do lose some of my overall conditioning as I use it as 'off-season' and consider it a great cross training and brain training time of year. However, after this weekend of skiing 12+ hours over 2 days, I will say my legs are a little sore. That is the first time since last season when I was generally out of shape that I have felt that. So, I guess I will have to ski a little more, as a little pain can only mean a great gain, and it is cross training after all.
One great thing that is beginning to develop out of skiing is a great yoga audience. There is a lot of benefit to yoga before, during or after a hard day on the hill. Through the groups that I teach I have been talking about how I have gained from it and peaked both aN interest and a desire to practice with me. o, I may being to develop a good client base as a result of this ski craziness!! Wahoo!
Friday, Satruday and Sunday seem to be cross training day, with the rest of the week being about the real thing! I am in the process of developing my own program for this season training. I will use what i learned from lat year using a written program and marry that with my race(s) experience and results to come up with my own training. I am not going to make it easy or fun, however, I will make it results driven! Over the next 1.5 month I will use the time to build base and to strength. When I return from my ski holiday I will begin my training with my races for the summer in mind. I am not doing a ton of races, as I want to focus heavily on good results at these events.
Earlier I promised to share ski tips on my blog from time to time. I will share one of the most important factors to consider when you are out on the snow. It is the baic core competency in skiing and without it you are not going to get any better. A CENTERED AND MOBILE STANCE. In other words you need to be balanced over your skis in order to make them go where you want to rather than letting the ski control where you are going. In order to do that you must be mobile over your skis in order to remain centered and balanced against the forces generated as you are turning the skis travelling down the hill.
TIP FOR THE DAY: For each turn in skiing there is 3 part, the start, the middle and the end. I will talk about the start and how important it is in being balanced throughout the middle and the end.
The start of the turn is the point when you recenter yourself to set up for the new turn, the point where your skis are finished a turn and you are recentering before turning again. How do I accomplish that you ask??
As you are finished turning the ski allow it to come off of an edge onto a totally flat ski. As you do that you should feel the ski beginning to slide away quicker than when it was on edge. At the same time you should be able to allow all your muscles to relax for a micro-moment as you are recentered and balanced. If you are centered you should be able to do this as you do not need muscle tension to support yourself.
When you have achieved the moment where you can relax, you are then ready to begin to get onto the new edge and begin to turn the skis in the new direction of travel. As you are starting from a balanced positions you should be able to do this with ease and control.
This happen at any speed that you are travelling at and in any turn that you are completing. If you are balanced you will be in control and will be able to decide where the ski will go.
So, the tip for the day is, before you begin a new turn, let the skis flatten so that you can rebalance and be prepared for the new turn.
If you dont understand, please send me a question and I would love to share with you with more detail.
Until then, happy training and happy skiing!
Cheers!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Yeah BABY!
Yes, a lot of days a good workout will make me say those words! But, on any weekend from December until March they come out of my mouth at least 20 times a day on the weekend! You guessed it, the method to all my madenesses, a wicked day of skiing! A terrible day on a ski hill beats the best day in the world at work! Today was another one of those Yeah BABY days!
Although a little cold it was amazing! I love teaching and seeing people make changes and today as showtime for me. The start of a new season of for me represents so many awesome new challenges. New goals for myself, an opportunity to reset where I left off last season and set myself to reach new heights. This season is my first official year of training to reach my Level 4 CSIA certification. It is a huge commitment, one that is equal to KONA or the Superbowl in the ski world. Each year 100-150 people in Canada attempt it, each year about 5-10 may pass it. Only 2-3 will be successful on the entire exam, most are back after 3-4 attempts having passed some part of it in the past and get the second half. Many people train 100+ days over the season for 3-4 years to get to the level that is required. Others visit sports psychologist in order to get to a head space to even allow them to get to the exam. Needless to say it is like doing an IM but with 10 people watching you telling you that you are not doing right and you need to repeat it again. Imagine doing IM and Mike Ridley only calls your name after the 5th time because you have finally done it right. This winter is the start of that process for me, one that will ideally bring me as much pleasure and challenge as IM did and lead me to some new opportunities and possibilities.
As well as my own selfish intent on the ski hill is the joy of hearing and seeing people make changes on their own skis. As an instructor I feel a great responsibility and take great pride is knowing that I did my job well. This weekend is the first weekend of the next 9 that I am out with new students. They are all adults and all have high expectations as members of a private club. I must perform to make 100% that they meet the goals that they have set in a safe fun and entertaining manner. Today I skied with my first group which is 7 women of varying skill. Although they are very social as part of the program, they also expect to learn how to ski better. My first day proved to be a success!~ Skied for 2 hours and created a memorable and challenging experience for all of them. It actually created such a positive experience that there are new ladies coming to join the group next week. That can only be a good thing, word of mouth spreading in 2-3 hours to get new customers. I love knowing that the time I have spent with them was impactful and that they will incorporate the lesson into their skiing to improve themselves and come better athletes.
The day was nearly perfect, great snow, great people and great new beginnings. I had an awesome time and consider a great mental training day. As well as being a great day on snow, I skied like a madman. My legs are smoked if you can believe that, I can ride 200k but my legs are sore after a day of skiing. It was amazing., skied like the wind, fast, powerful and crazy. Loved every minute!
So, as I said, Yeah BABY! Another day of it after a few hours sleep.
See you on the hill! Cheers!
Although a little cold it was amazing! I love teaching and seeing people make changes and today as showtime for me. The start of a new season of for me represents so many awesome new challenges. New goals for myself, an opportunity to reset where I left off last season and set myself to reach new heights. This season is my first official year of training to reach my Level 4 CSIA certification. It is a huge commitment, one that is equal to KONA or the Superbowl in the ski world. Each year 100-150 people in Canada attempt it, each year about 5-10 may pass it. Only 2-3 will be successful on the entire exam, most are back after 3-4 attempts having passed some part of it in the past and get the second half. Many people train 100+ days over the season for 3-4 years to get to the level that is required. Others visit sports psychologist in order to get to a head space to even allow them to get to the exam. Needless to say it is like doing an IM but with 10 people watching you telling you that you are not doing right and you need to repeat it again. Imagine doing IM and Mike Ridley only calls your name after the 5th time because you have finally done it right. This winter is the start of that process for me, one that will ideally bring me as much pleasure and challenge as IM did and lead me to some new opportunities and possibilities.
As well as my own selfish intent on the ski hill is the joy of hearing and seeing people make changes on their own skis. As an instructor I feel a great responsibility and take great pride is knowing that I did my job well. This weekend is the first weekend of the next 9 that I am out with new students. They are all adults and all have high expectations as members of a private club. I must perform to make 100% that they meet the goals that they have set in a safe fun and entertaining manner. Today I skied with my first group which is 7 women of varying skill. Although they are very social as part of the program, they also expect to learn how to ski better. My first day proved to be a success!~ Skied for 2 hours and created a memorable and challenging experience for all of them. It actually created such a positive experience that there are new ladies coming to join the group next week. That can only be a good thing, word of mouth spreading in 2-3 hours to get new customers. I love knowing that the time I have spent with them was impactful and that they will incorporate the lesson into their skiing to improve themselves and come better athletes.
The day was nearly perfect, great snow, great people and great new beginnings. I had an awesome time and consider a great mental training day. As well as being a great day on snow, I skied like a madman. My legs are smoked if you can believe that, I can ride 200k but my legs are sore after a day of skiing. It was amazing., skied like the wind, fast, powerful and crazy. Loved every minute!
So, as I said, Yeah BABY! Another day of it after a few hours sleep.
See you on the hill! Cheers!
Gidee with excitment!!
Ski season officially kicks off for most today with the first day of ski school programs underway! It is like the first day of school and I am excited! Hehe! Time to go play with my weekend friends!
Over the year I live a double life, one on the ski hill and another back home. I always look forward to this time of year as I get to see all my friends that I have not seen since March. I spend 6 hours a day 2 days a week for the winter, but they become good friends over that time. Today will be a great day of catch up and learning what everyone did over the summer. I cant wait to hear and share stories of peoples adventures and what they learned, conquered and enjoyed.
As well as sharing time with friends, the other great thing about today is teaching skiiing. I LOVE teaching and getting out to start a 9 week teaching session brings a smile to my face and a ton of excitement to the day for me. Today I get to ski my heart out and set new goals with a group. OVer the course of the next 9 weeks I will execute a strategic plan so that they have ideally reached the goals that tehy were looking to reach. And along the way, having a lot of laughs, probably a few rolls down the hill or through some gates and a great opportunity to teach and learn, share and enjoy being outside!
One of the great bonuses of skiing it is a great form of cross training. Most people question that it is, but I challenge you to come and follow me for a day!! It can hurt!! A full day non stop skiing aggressively can take a little out of you. I do generally follow the day up with a yoga practice to stretch and enjoy the culmination of a day fulfilling my all time favorite sport. The other cool thing about skiing is the apres!!! A couple of cold beers, a hottub and great laughs for the day!
So, if you dont like winter, get over it! Get a pair a couple of friends together and head out to the nearest hill. BOok a ski lesson and try it out! It will give you a new perspective on winter and you will have a ton of fun as you make your day down the hill!
I have to run, freezing cold out and I need to get out there and enjoy first tracks! Have a Happy Saturday and I look forward to hearing about your day! Cheers!
Over the year I live a double life, one on the ski hill and another back home. I always look forward to this time of year as I get to see all my friends that I have not seen since March. I spend 6 hours a day 2 days a week for the winter, but they become good friends over that time. Today will be a great day of catch up and learning what everyone did over the summer. I cant wait to hear and share stories of peoples adventures and what they learned, conquered and enjoyed.
As well as sharing time with friends, the other great thing about today is teaching skiiing. I LOVE teaching and getting out to start a 9 week teaching session brings a smile to my face and a ton of excitement to the day for me. Today I get to ski my heart out and set new goals with a group. OVer the course of the next 9 weeks I will execute a strategic plan so that they have ideally reached the goals that tehy were looking to reach. And along the way, having a lot of laughs, probably a few rolls down the hill or through some gates and a great opportunity to teach and learn, share and enjoy being outside!
One of the great bonuses of skiing it is a great form of cross training. Most people question that it is, but I challenge you to come and follow me for a day!! It can hurt!! A full day non stop skiing aggressively can take a little out of you. I do generally follow the day up with a yoga practice to stretch and enjoy the culmination of a day fulfilling my all time favorite sport. The other cool thing about skiing is the apres!!! A couple of cold beers, a hottub and great laughs for the day!
So, if you dont like winter, get over it! Get a pair a couple of friends together and head out to the nearest hill. BOok a ski lesson and try it out! It will give you a new perspective on winter and you will have a ton of fun as you make your day down the hill!
I have to run, freezing cold out and I need to get out there and enjoy first tracks! Have a Happy Saturday and I look forward to hearing about your day! Cheers!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
HHmmm! I seem to love training....
A great start to the day!!
Was up at 5AM for a run today, although short it was great. Getting up at that time for anything but a vacation is insane. As I roll out of bed I question why I am doing it. 'Hey stupid, you are going to LULU for a run tonight, why are you up at this hour!' I moan and bitch a little as I make my way out the door. Not a word out of my mouth for the first 20 minutes, but then I wake up and realize how much I love being out there. Out training at such an insane hour even though I think it is ridiculous and then finding a groove and kicking some butt!! I discovered after last nights run that the offseason means I have to regain some running strength. I am not worried as it is so far ahead of the game, and I am also starting off far ahead of where I was last year. I am however committed to putting in a solid training regimen all winter so that I go into the summer far stronger a runner than ever!! Using my own advice I am going to put in a lot more tough run workouts than ever and go into IM Canada a run machine(as much of a machine as one can be at IM) While training for Hamilton I tried some new training ideas and they worked well, so I am going to build them into my build phase and see what results I can get. I still think running sucks, but I thought the same of swimming when I wasnt able to do it decently.
Following the morning run, a amazing yoga practice to light up the day! It never stops surprising me how physically and mentally strong I am after a great yoga practice. It is such a great balance to hold as training begins and throughout the season to build focus, flexibility and control. The hour seems to go by in 5 minutes, and the focus away from the real world distractions can not be replaced with anything else(I suppose to many drinks might do it, but the benefits are not there) Now that I am teaching as well, it has added another depth to being on my matt. Looking to reach new places in each pose, exploring where my mind stops me from pushing myself further and then allowing it to open up. As I continue to practice and be a triathlete I am looking forward to the full transferance and ability to take if off my matt onto the road. I have been able to take it to the pool and use it in practice and in racing. The ability to focus my breathing and to regain a centered mind when it gets tough has become randomly simple for me. It has made me a more efficient and quicker swimmer as a result. More miles and more matt and it will become a skill that I can use everyday as an athlete.
As the day is coming to a close I am gettin ready for a last inspirational workout. I will be heading out the LULULEMON for a community run with runners from all backgrounds and to ideally lead them towards new heights. I am also planning a YOGA for runners session with them in order to introduce the benefits of the sport and the practice to as many new people as possible. I am looking forward to another great run. Tonight will be particularly entertaining as it will be a run in the snow, just a little more to the challenge of winter!
Happy training! Cheers!
Was up at 5AM for a run today, although short it was great. Getting up at that time for anything but a vacation is insane. As I roll out of bed I question why I am doing it. 'Hey stupid, you are going to LULU for a run tonight, why are you up at this hour!' I moan and bitch a little as I make my way out the door. Not a word out of my mouth for the first 20 minutes, but then I wake up and realize how much I love being out there. Out training at such an insane hour even though I think it is ridiculous and then finding a groove and kicking some butt!! I discovered after last nights run that the offseason means I have to regain some running strength. I am not worried as it is so far ahead of the game, and I am also starting off far ahead of where I was last year. I am however committed to putting in a solid training regimen all winter so that I go into the summer far stronger a runner than ever!! Using my own advice I am going to put in a lot more tough run workouts than ever and go into IM Canada a run machine(as much of a machine as one can be at IM) While training for Hamilton I tried some new training ideas and they worked well, so I am going to build them into my build phase and see what results I can get. I still think running sucks, but I thought the same of swimming when I wasnt able to do it decently.
Following the morning run, a amazing yoga practice to light up the day! It never stops surprising me how physically and mentally strong I am after a great yoga practice. It is such a great balance to hold as training begins and throughout the season to build focus, flexibility and control. The hour seems to go by in 5 minutes, and the focus away from the real world distractions can not be replaced with anything else(I suppose to many drinks might do it, but the benefits are not there) Now that I am teaching as well, it has added another depth to being on my matt. Looking to reach new places in each pose, exploring where my mind stops me from pushing myself further and then allowing it to open up. As I continue to practice and be a triathlete I am looking forward to the full transferance and ability to take if off my matt onto the road. I have been able to take it to the pool and use it in practice and in racing. The ability to focus my breathing and to regain a centered mind when it gets tough has become randomly simple for me. It has made me a more efficient and quicker swimmer as a result. More miles and more matt and it will become a skill that I can use everyday as an athlete.
As the day is coming to a close I am gettin ready for a last inspirational workout. I will be heading out the LULULEMON for a community run with runners from all backgrounds and to ideally lead them towards new heights. I am also planning a YOGA for runners session with them in order to introduce the benefits of the sport and the practice to as many new people as possible. I am looking forward to another great run. Tonight will be particularly entertaining as it will be a run in the snow, just a little more to the challenge of winter!
Happy training! Cheers!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
My advice to me!!
My IM Moo! experience was incredible! I trained hard, trained smart and managed to stay healthy all the way to the start line. The only injury I suffered in my training was in December 2009 when I thought I needed to start ramping up hard on my running for a IM in September. Go figure, within 2 weeks I was off the wicked plantar and did not run for 3-4 weeks. So, I have put together some small nuggets of advice for myslef based on what I gained last year.
1) Choose your A race and make it your A race!! I watched so many friends race and race and race only to be dissapointed when they did not get the result that they wanted when IM was complete. You have to focus on the task and build your training and other events around it. Each weekend can not be a race to set a PB. You need to recover and allow your body to rebuild after you go like a madman.
2) Choose your race schedule and stick to it. Make it strategic so that it fits into your plan and training periodization. If you do not, you will likely race to train.
3) Focus on all 3 discplines!! It is a race involving 3 events, focus on each of them correspondingly. I could not swim when I registered and came up with an awesome result by keeping focused on my training and doing the tough stuff even though I did not like it. Cycling is a strength for me, I still put in all the workouts and the grinding and it came out in the end as a great ride on a tough course. I learned from being a run slacker that it does not work!! I am not a strong runner and did not put in the miles required to run a great race.
4) Learn from your experience!! Log your training and your feelings and results and put them to work for you!
6) NUTRITION IS KING!!! I spent the entire summer figuring out what I needed to eat, how and when I needed to do it! You can be the best at all 3 discplines but that gives you nothing in an IM race. Nutrition is the secret key to success. Dont think for a minute you will learn it on race day! WRONG!! I watched an accomplised athlete who should have kicked my pants finish 45 min behind me because he did not listen to my summer long training advice! Pay attention to what you are eating, when you are eating it and how it amkes you feel at the start middle and end. You have minimum 3 months of hard training, use every long workout to teach you the lessons you need for a succesful race day!
7) ENJOY the journey!! My ride to IM was the coolest time of my life. I am healthier than I have ever been! I was inspired by the wicked amazing people around me! I inspired and trained others to reach new heights! IT WAS COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER ENJOYED!!!!! Why?? I took time to enjoy what I was doing! Did it hurt? Yes! Did I wonder why I was doing some days? Yes! Did I ever consider quiting? NO! I chose to do it so I committed to myself to enjoy the journey and I did!
As I start this year am I going to do things differently? Sure, I have learned from my victories and mistakes! BUT, the principles and advice I hve noted above will be the exact same! I am going to take what I learnt and get better as a result! A better athlete, training myself smarter, training others stronger and enjoying the trip along the way!!!
Good training day today with a short 7k run at a 4:34 pace. Could not figure out why the run was tough as I was ealry on. When we finished I asked someone what pace we had run at and discovered why! I love it! Following my own advice I guess! Wanna run fast you have to put in some hurt to get there!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Uh?? Skiing, tri training, yoga.....LOVIN IT!!!!!!
2011 is underway and I am looking forward to the biggest badest year of my life!! 2010 scared me big with a commitment to IRONMAN, the seemingly unreachable goal that life allowed me to kick in the butt. The gaol of IM Canada this year is another awesome journey and a way to make my tattoo partritoic and bigger! IM will be the tip of the iceberg this year! As I said in my 2010 blogs, 'LIVE FOR YOUR DREAMS'. This year I am going for it.
I poked around last year and started some parts and bits of a training business. I have years of ski teaching and coaching, races and results and certifications to have in my knowledge base. I love leading people past the impossible they have imagined and to the victory of personal accimplishment. This year I am going to make that a reality for myself!! I am a passionate person when it comes to my own goals, that is only a fraction of my fire for seeing others reach the goals they have for themselves! So, watch me go. One step at a time, one small growth along the path I am going to make my dream a reaility. I am going to become involved in sports and training in order to pay the bills! This year might not be the one that allows me to step back from the 9-5 daily grind, but it is going to be the biggest one to my walking into the boss's office, honking his nose and telling him, thanks a lot for the opportunity, I have a dream to go live now'
HOw have I started the year?? As I did last year, Janaury 1 is my symbolic training start date. So, like last year I organized a Resolution Run for our ski club and got out bright and early to start the year running! It was a great day with a lot of new faces and a lot of new goals being set. I took my time enjoying the company and sharing with people what they have going on this year. it is a great way to start off the year and hear how others are chasing their dreams as well. On Sunday I intended to go skiing but, Mother Nature deicded to turn up the heat and pour rain, so that was aborted in exchange for some rest and relax time. On Monday did an awesome 90 minute yoga practice. WOW! Did I get lazy over the holidays and did I pay for it! Never again! I have learned to love the benefits of my yoga practice and I will now turn it up. In another month I will be teaching on a regular basis and can not be a slacker coming into this amazing time to share. I followed up this morning with a great swim to get my pool training under some strucuture. It was awesome! One year and now I consider myself decent in the pool. The next few month should prove to be a great build period before I start in IM program for my race.
Over the holidays I was lucky to be up norht and chasing my true passion and hte method to all of my madnesses.! I was skiing!!! I was a course conductor between Chrsitmas and New Years completing a certification course for 24 new instructors. It is a great opportunity to share my passion with others and to ideally provide them some insight and excitement into what the world of ski teaching can bring them. I truly enjoy working with the candidates knowing that they are part of the future of the sport. It is a gret process as many or them come into the course with an attitude the size of Texas. Over the 4 days of the course, you need to get them off of hte pedastal that they believe they are on, teach them so ski fundamentals and then watch them evolve as they begin to learn what it takes to be an instructor. It is the most rewarding and frustrating process all at once!
I said yesterday I would talk a little about what you can do to improve your skiiing?? The season is young and it is great time to set yourself up for some great improvement this season. How can you do that?? Let me talk about what I do for the season(have repeated it for past 3-4 years)
In the first couple of weeks of the season I work to get my legs under me and determine where I can improve. My approach is based on working towards getting to a point that I can ski anything, anyday, anywhere. After a few days I am able to determine where in my skiing I need to improve. You might want to get out with an instructor to help you in this process.
I isolate a skill that I need to refine or improve and at what part in the turn I need to make the changes. It might be fore-aft balance at the end of the turn(getting in back seat). Then I come up with a series of tactics/drills and exercises that I can use in order to make those changes. Each day when I am out on my skis, I start my day with a strategically chosen tactic to set me in the right direction. I then bring it back into my skiing to determine if the changes are beginning to take place. If I find myself going back to my problem area(and usually you do, 30 years doing it one way wont change in 10 runs in one morning) I choose appropriate terrain to promote success and as I improve I continue to challenge myself on more difficlut terrain.
As I use a tactic I continually review the impact that it is having on my performance. I might need to vary the tctic that I am using for greater success or I may need to take a step back on the terrain. As I get results I continue to ski in order to gain the greatest opportunity to feel the improvement and its overall impact on my entire turn and performance. I am continually reviewing what I am feeling as I ski to see that I get the results that I am looking for. If I am getting results I reavaulate and determine what other changes I need to make to continually make it better.
I will spend the entire season focused on the one skill and how I need to change it in a part of my turn. I conitnue it until I know that I can go out and ski on any part of the mountain on any day and get it right. Most of us might not spend as much time, probably wont get you that far in your skiing!! But the same thiing applies to any improvement you are trying to make. Figure out what you need to change, pick the appropriate terrain to make the changes on. Choose a tactic and see if you get results with it. If you dont, very the tactic or change the terain, and if you do beging to make the terrain more challenging as you bring it into your skiing.
Most of all, amke sure you are having fun. Skiing is one of the greatest sports out there! If you are home on the couch, winter does suck. If you are on the side of a mountain with the wind blowing on your face and the trees whizzing by, it is an amazing season!
And when you are done, a great stretch with a yoga class, then a glass of wine and a hot tub! it doesnt get much better!
I poked around last year and started some parts and bits of a training business. I have years of ski teaching and coaching, races and results and certifications to have in my knowledge base. I love leading people past the impossible they have imagined and to the victory of personal accimplishment. This year I am going to make that a reality for myself!! I am a passionate person when it comes to my own goals, that is only a fraction of my fire for seeing others reach the goals they have for themselves! So, watch me go. One step at a time, one small growth along the path I am going to make my dream a reaility. I am going to become involved in sports and training in order to pay the bills! This year might not be the one that allows me to step back from the 9-5 daily grind, but it is going to be the biggest one to my walking into the boss's office, honking his nose and telling him, thanks a lot for the opportunity, I have a dream to go live now'
HOw have I started the year?? As I did last year, Janaury 1 is my symbolic training start date. So, like last year I organized a Resolution Run for our ski club and got out bright and early to start the year running! It was a great day with a lot of new faces and a lot of new goals being set. I took my time enjoying the company and sharing with people what they have going on this year. it is a great way to start off the year and hear how others are chasing their dreams as well. On Sunday I intended to go skiing but, Mother Nature deicded to turn up the heat and pour rain, so that was aborted in exchange for some rest and relax time. On Monday did an awesome 90 minute yoga practice. WOW! Did I get lazy over the holidays and did I pay for it! Never again! I have learned to love the benefits of my yoga practice and I will now turn it up. In another month I will be teaching on a regular basis and can not be a slacker coming into this amazing time to share. I followed up this morning with a great swim to get my pool training under some strucuture. It was awesome! One year and now I consider myself decent in the pool. The next few month should prove to be a great build period before I start in IM program for my race.
Over the holidays I was lucky to be up norht and chasing my true passion and hte method to all of my madnesses.! I was skiing!!! I was a course conductor between Chrsitmas and New Years completing a certification course for 24 new instructors. It is a great opportunity to share my passion with others and to ideally provide them some insight and excitement into what the world of ski teaching can bring them. I truly enjoy working with the candidates knowing that they are part of the future of the sport. It is a gret process as many or them come into the course with an attitude the size of Texas. Over the 4 days of the course, you need to get them off of hte pedastal that they believe they are on, teach them so ski fundamentals and then watch them evolve as they begin to learn what it takes to be an instructor. It is the most rewarding and frustrating process all at once!
I said yesterday I would talk a little about what you can do to improve your skiiing?? The season is young and it is great time to set yourself up for some great improvement this season. How can you do that?? Let me talk about what I do for the season(have repeated it for past 3-4 years)
In the first couple of weeks of the season I work to get my legs under me and determine where I can improve. My approach is based on working towards getting to a point that I can ski anything, anyday, anywhere. After a few days I am able to determine where in my skiing I need to improve. You might want to get out with an instructor to help you in this process.
I isolate a skill that I need to refine or improve and at what part in the turn I need to make the changes. It might be fore-aft balance at the end of the turn(getting in back seat). Then I come up with a series of tactics/drills and exercises that I can use in order to make those changes. Each day when I am out on my skis, I start my day with a strategically chosen tactic to set me in the right direction. I then bring it back into my skiing to determine if the changes are beginning to take place. If I find myself going back to my problem area(and usually you do, 30 years doing it one way wont change in 10 runs in one morning) I choose appropriate terrain to promote success and as I improve I continue to challenge myself on more difficlut terrain.
As I use a tactic I continually review the impact that it is having on my performance. I might need to vary the tctic that I am using for greater success or I may need to take a step back on the terrain. As I get results I continue to ski in order to gain the greatest opportunity to feel the improvement and its overall impact on my entire turn and performance. I am continually reviewing what I am feeling as I ski to see that I get the results that I am looking for. If I am getting results I reavaulate and determine what other changes I need to make to continually make it better.
I will spend the entire season focused on the one skill and how I need to change it in a part of my turn. I conitnue it until I know that I can go out and ski on any part of the mountain on any day and get it right. Most of us might not spend as much time, probably wont get you that far in your skiing!! But the same thiing applies to any improvement you are trying to make. Figure out what you need to change, pick the appropriate terrain to make the changes on. Choose a tactic and see if you get results with it. If you dont, very the tactic or change the terain, and if you do beging to make the terrain more challenging as you bring it into your skiing.
Most of all, amke sure you are having fun. Skiing is one of the greatest sports out there! If you are home on the couch, winter does suck. If you are on the side of a mountain with the wind blowing on your face and the trees whizzing by, it is an amazing season!
And when you are done, a great stretch with a yoga class, then a glass of wine and a hot tub! it doesnt get much better!
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