From athlete dropout to triathlon pro: Achieving an impossible dream
Yes, it’s true you can be anything in life if you want it badly enough and are willing to work for it. I’m actually a great example because I was an unimpressive athlete growing up. In fact, in most cases I was a “drop out” in just about every sport I attempted. I only went to one swim practice in first grade then quit because I was too intimidated by the older kids. I played hockey then softball then soccer in grade school because my mom signed me up, and truthfully I sucked at all three but everyone received playing time at that age. In high school in California, I...
Read MoreAdvice from an Ironman triathlete’s wife: How to make the relationship work
In the recent Wall Street Journal article, A Workout Ate My Marriage, the author states: “The exercise widow often wakes to an empty bed—a sure sign of a morning workout—and may find dinner plans spoiled by a sudden avoidance of anything heavy before a night run.” This obsession with exercise can result in “Divorce by Triathlon.” Finding the right balance is something I’ve struggled with and I’ve been through several relationships in the past that ended with the resentment of my focus (obsession?) with triathlon training and racing. I know many other...
Read MoreWhy Auto Bodyshop Management and the sport of triathlon are not all that different
What does successfully managing an autobody shop and success in the sport of triathlon have in common? Many things, as I found out this past week at the Masters School of Bodyshop Management in Galesburg, IL led by business management experts Dave Dunn and Natalie Kessler. I walked away with a note book full of ideas and parallels between managing a small business and being a triathlete. Let me share a couple of examples. “Everythings begins with your unchangeables,” Dave explained to our class. Unchangeables are the “absolute standards by which you have determined you...
Read MoreIllness then anxiety: I miss my exercise
I miss my exercise. What started out as a mild flu after traveling over the holidays progressed to bronchitis then finally a stomach virus over a two week period. Feeling “sick” was not the worst part about being sick. Rather, it was the feelings of anxiety, being in a bad mood and feeling overwhelmed that came about (presumably) from not exercising that made being sick unbearable. There are many research studies touting the association of exercise with reduced anxiety1, improved life satisfaction2 and improved mood3 so it makes sense that the opposite holds true — taking...
Read MoreThe best drug in the world and the secret to living better and longer
Imagine that a new wonder drug has been created. It will help prevent illness and disease – including cancer. It will help you lose excess weight – and keep it off. It will slow the aging process, making you look and feel younger than your years. It will give you energy and increase your self-esteem. It will reduce stress, fight depression and anxiety, put you in a better mood. It will make you stronger and healthier. It will improve your posture, your flexibility, your balance and your endurance. It will even help you sleep better.1 How much would you pay for this...
Read MoreHow to make a New Year’s resolution that sticks
Happy New Year! In a 2007 study in the UK, which tracked more than 3000 people attempting to achieve a range of resolutions, including losing weight, visiting the gym, quitting smoking, and drinking less, although 52% of participants were confident of success at the start, only 12% actually achieved their goal one year later. How can YOU be one of the 12%? My resolution for 2011 year is not drink any alcohol for an entire year. Why? I love beer and wine but it I feel guilty the next day and drinking 2 or more drinks disrupts my sleep. Drinking alcohol doesn’t really help me in any way...
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