Triathlon Blogging vs. Training

Thanks for continuing to read my “blog”, or so we will call it.  My original goal was to provide a race update, fitness information or some triathlon information each and every week.  I am now re-setting and re-balancing my blogging goal to post monthly or more frequently if I have some really great content to share with you.  I should be able to find the time to research, write and post monthly.  I want to keep my focus on swimming, cycling and running and hope you will find it worth your time to read and provide feedback if you are so inclined.  Goals whether they are for blogging, fitness, personal, financial or business should always be S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely).  I used to laugh at this whole SMART goal setting methodology, but I can tell you from experience….it works.  Keeping an updated site, blog and social media presence is important, but working with clients who have their own fitness goals and want a fitness trainer is even more important to me.

I have been busy working one-on-one with clients in Columbia, SC and I am very grateful for their trust in me.  Building a new personal training business has been very rewarding, but has also required a lot of my time and energy.  I have been fortunate to have had some friends refer me to their friends interested in triathlon training, etc, etc – Thank you!  My calendar has been busting out of the seams which is awesome!  My clients’ #1 goal:  “Swim Faster”.  I have learned a lot of new swim drills and techniques over the past few months and know they will come in handy as my swimming clientele grows.  I have also been successful networking online and have a monthly fitness newsletter e-mail.  Send me your e-mail if you are interested in receiving my newsletter. If you have a fitness goal or would like to schedule a FREE consultation to see if Tri Fit Solutions is the right fit for you please contact me today.   Personally I have a few sprint triathlons coming up in June and July (Thanks Suzanne!), but my real training focus is about to switch to running as I prepare for the Savannah Rock N Roll Marathon this November.  Keep an eye out for more on customized plans for this event in the coming weeks.  I would love to work with you and help you reach your running goals.

Thanks again for continuing to follow my blog & Keep up the great work!

Jason

Father's Day Ride | Support the Fort

Fort Jackson will be hosting a great bike event this Father's Day.  Support the Fort : Awareness Ride

I have copied some of the details about the event below but please visit their site at http://fortjacksonawarenessride.com/ to sign up and participate.

" Cyclists are grateful to Fort Jackson Army Base for providing us a safe and friendly place to ride our bikes.  Let’s come together this Father’s Day and show our appreciation by participating in a Gran Fondo style cycling event that will benefit the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) programs at the base.

The road course offers a 12-mile loop that begins at Fort Jackson’s Hilton Field Sports Complex.  There are two ride options to choose from; a 36-mile, three-loop ride, or a 72-mile, six-loop ride.

All riders must wear a CPSC approved helmet at all times while on a bike & must be at least 12 years of age." - Fort Jackson Awareness Ride Website

There is no better and safer place to ride in the Midlands!- Fort Jackson, SC

If you are interested in getting some one-on-one training or small group cycling training in for this event please contact me at trifitsolutions@yahoo.com or call today!

Success Story | A New Triathlete...

TRYCHARLESTON SWIM START/FINISH

I am excited to share a success story about Wendell, a triathlon training and swim coaching client.  When we first met he had been training for his first triathlon and the only thing keeping him from reaching his goal was the swim.  Sound familiar?  His wife contacted me about a “race ready” training package for him as a birthday gift and we have been working together over the past few months on some swimming techniques as well as ways to improve his form and performance on race day.  It was a success!  He did a great job & accomplished his goal.  I am very excited about his achievement and hard effort.  He not only set, but reached his personal goal for his first triathlon.  Well done Wendell!

Night before the race…Wendell and I met at packet pick up, checked in our bikes and scoped out the transition areas and course a bit.  As we grabbed some dinner we looked at the stormy forecast that was heading our way.  After heading off to our hotels for a short, but good night’s rest we started planning our transitions and going over all the little details that must be decided pre-race.  Since a cold and rainy front was headed our way, it made this all the more challenging. The storms started that evening. Although it was raining on the morning of the race, the thunder storms passed during the night.

Transition Preparation

Race day…We woke up around 4:00am and had a light breakfast before heading off to T2 to set up our run transition area and catch the shuttle for the T1/Start.  It was a cold, dark rainy morning which made many participants back out, but not us.  We put our wetsuits on an hour or so before the start just to keep warm and kept our transition gear in plastic bags to keep them dry a little longer.  Lucky for us the rain let up during our swim and helped make the bike a little more manageable.  The added complexity of transitions is one of the challenges that makes triathlons more difficult than a single discipline event.  The weather turned out nice for the bike ride and run.  It remained cool and the heavy rains passed on through.  The run turned into a mud run as the running path was holding water and although many runners tried to run around the puddles it was easier to give up and run right through them.  The tough "mud" run made this race an even tougher challenge & the finish that much more rewarding.

Set Goals, Train,  & Succeed….

I saved the best for last - Wendell has already picked his next triathlon...Amelia Island, FL - July 2013!

Finisher Medal

No Limits

No Limits.  Sometimes simple is best.  I passed this sign 6 miles into a 9 mile run today and it made me pause for a moment..  I was running through the USC campus on this gorgeous spring day day dreaming of all kinds of goals and ideas for my family, relationships, business, fitness and who knows what else when this sign made me stop and take a photo to share with you.  I am not sure what this really means, but it motivates me.  What motivates you?

Balance | Theme of My Week

What a great time to reflect how we use our time.  As we sprang forward an hour last week our nights were pushed later and we can now get that one last thing done before the sun goes down.

I know this post is a bit late since we observed daylight savings last weekend, but I challenge you to use this coming week to track how you use your time and reflect on it.  I had lots of “plans” this past week and instead of reaching any of them I filled my days with MORE.  More is not always better.  This is where balance comes in.  I recommend finding balance in your day, week, and year: physically and mentally.

Triathlons require a balanced training plan to make sure you are ready for each activity.  Your training plan can certainly be customized to favor one event over others, either your weak section or your favorite.  This all depends on your goals.  If you do not implement a balanced plan you will find out on race day which area you should have paid more attention to.  Even worse, if you do not practice balance in your training it may result in injury.

In addition to triathlon training I would like to add how important balance can be to your personal life as well.  I have been struggling the past few weeks with this balance as my work load and training load have been increasing.  My race event is only a month away, so it’s easy to want to fill any free time with training.  I am always seeking ways to help find this balance.  I heard news this past week of a high school friend who passed away suddenly and it caused me to reflect on how I spend my time.  The first step to finding balance in life is reflection.

How do you find and practice balance in your fitness plan?  I recommend a scientifically proven NASM OPT training plan.  I also strongly recommend incorporating Yoga into your weekly plan.  The more you cross train, stretch, use a balanced workout plan and stay mentally strong the better you will reach a balanced fitness level.

Thanks for reading J

Move More. Live Healthy+

Jason

Swim Bike Kid | Guest Blogger

I am honored to be a new guest blogger for www.swimbikekid.com.  Virginia at www.trimommytri.com has offered me this opportunity.  I love sharing my passion for swimming, cycling & running with anyone, but especially my kids.  I was very excited when Virginia asked if I would like to share my stories, experiences and perspectives with her readers.

Check out my first guest blog at

http://www.swimbikemom.com/2013/02/guest-post-race-day-jitters.html

Patience creates priceless moments. – Jason

Les Mills RPM....Certified Instructor

After several months of sweat, dedication and perseverance I am officially a Les Mills RPM certified instructor.  More to come on this, but so happy to share the good news with you.

More on Les Mills training - Post I

http://trifitsolutions.blogspot.com/2012/09/set-goals-challenge-yourself-keep-your.html

Les Mills training - Post II

http://trifitsolutions.blogspot.com/2012/12/les-mills-rpm-update.html

Come join me at my next RPM class!  Move More.  Live Healthy.