Road Warrior Health & Wellness Challenge II

Road Warrior Health & Wellness Update: 

Three months ago while travelling for work in Raleigh, NC I found a local fitness publication at the hotel that caught my eye.  Like most travelling salespeople I usually grab the USA Today, but this trip I grabbed this local publication and was intrigued by all of the races coming up in North Carolina.  I love signing up for an event whether a run, bike, or triathlon every few months and there was an ad for the Hickory Nut Olympiad (http://hickorynutolympiad.com) which had a full weekend of events for all ages and interests.  I was sold.  I signed up that week for the Sprint Triathlon and put it on the calendar.

I enjoy training and working toward getting a PR (personal record) or placing in my age group.  I always set a goal to shoot for and then just do my best.  I wanted to participate in one event each day of the Olympiad, but knew that our family schedule may not permit.  It turns out my oldest son had a soccer tournament the same weekend so I skipped the 25 mile bike ride Sunday to the top of Chimney Rock so that I could attend his final day of games .  I did however arrive Friday night in time to sign up for the 10k Dam Run which started at 7pm.  As with many races I started out way too fast and before I realized it I was half way through the run and still feeling great. I pushed through and quickly knew that I was looking at a PR.  I caught the group in front of me and did my best to hang on until the end.  I finished several minutes better than any previous 10k and was shocked that I performed so well despite all of the hills.  I was feeling great going into the weekend.

When I woke up the next morning to my 5:30 alarm I was feeling the effects of my PR from the night before and knew it was going to be tough day in the mountains.  I had a tough swim, felt great on the bike and was completely spent on the run.  I pushed through the pain and was very pleased with my overall accomplishment, but I did not earn a PR or age group win.  I did love the challenge and the beautiful views during the race.  This venue was absolutely amazing and I hope to have my family and friends with me next year to enjoy this amazing weekend together.

I would encourage all of you to find an event near you, set some goals, train smart, and enjoy the challenge.

Focus | Fitness | Faith - A New Mission

I have been busy working on a logo to capture my vision of helping others find their Focus, Fitness and Faith.  I do love training and competing in triathlons and want to share my love of this sport with others, but more importantly I want to help others find happiness.  The more I dig into why and how I want to help people the more I realize there is so much more to getting in shape and reaching temporary fitness goals.  I believe we all must reflect on what we really want and why?  It is so easy to get side tracked and to focus on the wrong things for the wrong reasons.  Although my mission statement is still work in progress I am committed to help others mentally, physically and spiritually.  I want to make a difference with my abilities and skills that will transform lives and provide a better future for others, their families and our world.  I believe if we strive for balance in our lives we can accomplish great things.

My Mission: "To help others reach their health and wellness goals with a well established plan that includes focus, fitness & faith.

I believe we can all make a difference and find happiness when our intentions are pure and goals realistic.


A good friend shared the below scripture with me while cycling and I found it helpful in my quest.

"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you.  Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you:  A prophet to the nations - that's what I had in mind for you."  Jeremiah 1:5

Lake Lure, NC Olympiad Aug.24-26, 2012

If you are like me you need a goal to shoot for and signing up for a run, ride or tri always kicks things up a notch.  I recently signed up for the Sprint Triathlon at Lake Lure, NC and hope to squeeze in the 10k run and bike ride to the top of Chimney Rock if I can still make it to my son's soccer tournament.  Check out their site for more details at www.hickorynutolympiad.com  I have never participated but it looks like a great event.

If you are not near Western NC - find an event near you, sign up and set a goal.  Finish, Break PR, Win age group, or any other goal as long as you set one.  If you have not been training you will need to pick an event at least 16 weeks or so out and start working your way toward your goal. 

Good Luck & Thanks for reading - JG