Posted by Shawn
on March 31, 2008
Mixing it up is a fantastic way to breath life into your normal training routine! You don’t need to consult a professional but if you did, I could prove the benefits of progression, periodizations and intervals beyond a reasonable doubt. Running the same route at the same pace, same time everyday and having eaten the same oatmeal for breakfast is a great way to plateau but it’s no way to get faster, go futher or challenge yourself.
On the web, mixing it up is similarly termed, ‘mash-up’. Take Google Maps+CraigsList Housing Listing’s mash it up and you get Housingmaps.com (a great diddy that got the developer a job at Google). Another example is using a ‘reader’ and plugging in RSS feeds from your favorite news sites which results in your own little newspaper.
My new blog theme is meant to convey a similar concept; 3 primary colors when combined, create something different. Triathlon and technology nearly always provide me with something different.It was a coincidence that I posted this theme yesterday and read this article today but nontheless, it prompted this post. The article is a snippet of an on-going public discussion the US is having as a result of Obama’s candidacy for President. (Un)fortunately, I’ve been having the same discussion since I was called nigger for the first time - I was 6 years old, his name was Paul and I had no idea what it meant. ”Being mixed” is something I’ve learned to sort out just like any other “mixed” person. I wont bore you with the details but I assure you, moving between communities does in fact give you a unique opportunity to see a new color.
In the end, whether it’s in your training routine or life in general, mixing it up is only as good if it has a positive impact. And for everyone’s sake, lets hope that Obama’s candidacy has a positive impact.
Posted by Shawn
on March 30, 2008
Solid ride yesterday but boy was it cold. I ended up calling it good at 2hrs because it was so cold and I had run out of trail. Lakeshore path is good but it can get quite irritating navigating the strollers, bladers and running groups. Such is life…I’m just happy to have it so close to home…it could be worse.
Today’s Training Goals:
- Run: 1:15hrs @ 145-155 BPM
Personal Projects
In addition to logging some miles, I’ve took a few miutes to create a new option to Subscribe to my blog. It’s probably beneficial to the masses i.e. my mom and yah, that’s about it. We’ll see. I’m not sure it really merits a full page but for now that was the quickest way to get it up and running. Nonetheless, I learned couple things while doing it, so it was worth the effort.
I also, set up the Video Projects page which is where I plan to post some personal footage. I picked up a Canon HV20 last year and have taken several hours of footage but have yet to post/share a single snippet. The cam was just the beginning, then I “had” to get a new computer with more power, followed by Final Cut Express for editing and now I “need” a bigger external hard drive and tripod… I could go on but you get the point.
Professional Projects
On Friday I received the USA Cycling study guide and test for my Level 3 Coach certification. Honestly, I was a somewhat unimpressed with the depth of information was provided. I guess since there are 3 levels you have to start somewhere but I was really looking forward to plowing through a bit of detailed information. However, after about 20minutes of thumbing through the study guide, I decided that I can wrap it up in about a week which meant that I needed to begin scheduling the Level 2 clinic. After dashing off an email to USAC I felt better…I just hope the clinic is worth the time/money/energy. My goal isn’t to neccessarily become a cycling coach…I’m more interested in learning as much as I can this year about the swim/bike/run.
Posted by Shawn
on February 11, 2008
Let the training begin…with a recovery day! Thirty weeks sounds like a pretty short period of time…but considering that today it’s -3 degrees in Chicago, the Sept 80’s seem forever away.
Posted by Shawn
on November 13, 2007
It’s just about time to phase out of off-season training but why rush it…I think I’ll enjoy the holidays and get some sun in Costa Rica!
June 22 - Hy-Vee Triathlon - International Distance
July ??- ?? - Half-Ironman
Sept 07 - Ford Ironman Wisconsin
Posted by Shawn
on September 10, 2007
Happy - Excited but very tired after 5hrs of driving… Now I can relax for a few weeks while figuring out what the rest of my 08 season will look like.