Dream Chaser's 'Set a Goal and Capture it!' Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 55)

Funny, seems we're all of like mind. As a result of 9/11 my wife lost her job as a Marketing Director. My girls were just babies so we made the decision that we would take the significant financial hit and she would stay home with them. Best decision we ever made. I have alot of responsibility and pressure in my job but I also get a buttload of time off that allows me to be at all my kids things. I don't believe I've missed even one event they've had in soccer/basketball/swimming. We're VERY fortunate.

I've been converting all my miniDV tapes to AVI's the last coupla weeks and in watching them I realized how much we did with them which really makes me feel good. Whenever they ask me to do something with them at a time that's inconvenient I tell myself this: A day will come when they will no longer ask me to do these things and I will wish they still did. Then I happily spend as much time as I can with them.

No second chances.

Good stuff, Mike.  How cool is that - your wife quits the high stress job flat-out and ends up with a lower stress, more secure job.  That's great-great stuff. 

It's funny how everone who ended up forming this group is so much alike.    We were meant to be "group". 

I'm gonna write my year-end wrap up next week.  I think I (Marcia really) did a nice summary of everyone's season.  But everyone feel free to post some random 2011 thoughts and hopes for 2012.  Anytime from now till the end of January feel free to post your 2012 goals.  And throughout 2012, please update when you sign up for a race.  I think I'm most excited about seeing our injured members regain health and the form they had earlier in 2011. 

DECISIONS:

For 2012 I've (crazily) decided to embark on the Competitive Plan Iron-Fit Journey.  Which means A LOT of training!!  My 30-week plan starts the day after Christmas.  In the last 10 week Peak Phase of the plan (Starting May 14th) I'll be averaging 15 hours a week, peaking at 20 hours.  I'm choosing this plan for a few reasons.  I'd like to go sub 11 hours at Ironman Lake Placid.  My training partner is looking to qualify for Kona at LP (and for his age group a sub 11:00 will get him there).  I also want to lose around 25 pounds.  I'm committing to the weight loss now, and will need to get there in about 20 weeks, before the HEAVY volume starts.  The odd thing (for me) is, I'm actually looking forward to "the Journey".  To be honest, I've always been a "Destination" person.   Just get me there, has always been my prevailing attitude.  But for whatever reason, my mindset is changing.  I honestly don't know why.  But it is.  Enough rambling out of me     

Marcia, I'm planting the seed now by saying - I can see you doing Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2013. 

You cannot effectively train for a 70.3 and a marathon at the same time.  Or, at least I can't.  You can train for a 70.3 exclusively.  Race.  Recover.  And then begin an abbreviated Marathon plan.  But, from my experience, you cannot commit to training for both at the same time; however, the run training for the 70.3 will give you an advantage to start Marathon training. 

What 70.3 are you doing in June - Tremblant??

Marcia, I'm planting the seed now by saying - I can see you doing Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2013. 

You cannot effectively train for a 70.3 and a marathon at the same time.  Or, at least I can't.  You can train for a 70.3 exclusively.  Race.  Recover.  And then begin an abbreviated Marathon plan.  But, from my experience, you cannot commit to training for both at the same time; however, the run training for the 70.3 will give you an advantage to start Marathon training. 

What 70.3 are you doing in June - Tremblant??

I am looking at just sprints and 5K's for the first half of next year, leading up to an Olympic and a 15K road race in September and a HM in November.  I have no races scheduled between June and the two September races, and none between September and the HM in November.  My goal in all three of those races (at this point) is just to finish. 

Does this seem reasonable?  Manageable?  Other thoughts?

I am looking at just sprints and 5K's for the first half of next year, leading up to an Olympic and a 15K road race in September and a HM in November.  I have no races scheduled between June and the two September races, and none between September and the HM in November.  My goal in all three of those races (at this point) is just to finish. 

Does this seem reasonable?  Manageable?  Other thoughts?

Good to know.  Muskoka is Sept 9th and my marathon will be on Oct. 14th.  So I guess I won't be doing Muskoka.  The HIM I'm doing is a local race in Welland - flat and fast.  I just want to try the distance once more to see if I like it or not.  I think there were too many things going on last year to know - was it an off day? the course? not well enough prepared? or just a distance I'd rather not race?  And until I know that answer I can't really think of anything longer!! ie IRONMAN!!!

Plus - I think I'm going to Africa in August 2013 so... timing wouldn't work.  Maybe Calgary 70.3 in July.  We'll see!

Thanks for the advice!  I've never finished an oly in 3 hours!!!  I think after the HIM I'm just going to have some fun.  I'll do a Niagara sprint in August - the try-a-tri was my very first race years ago.  Get some nice cycling in and train for the half mary in October. 

I just committed to doing a half mary in February woo hoo!  It'll be a cold one!!

Did a tempo run this morning and felt great - I love that high you get.  I need to run faster more often!!!

Yeah, so I'm not a fan of ties.  In triathlon races there is no such thing.  So I had to find a tie-breaker.  I had to.  I measured all aspects of heart, determination, grit, juggling family, kids, work ... and still.  A stinkin' tie!! 

So ultimately it came down 'going back to the basics'.  I went all the way back to Page 1 and read both athlete's intial post introducing themselves and boldy posting what their specific goals were.  Both athlete's posted their goals, and then even set another goal later that they both accomplished.  So both athletes succesfully set goals and through pure guts and determination accomplished those goals.  So the slimmest of margins tie-breaker came down to: who posted their specific goal first... 

And the winner of the DREAM CHASER'S Set a Goal and Capture it Mentor Group Triathlete of the Year Award goes to, Marcia!!! 

Marcia was the first member to join the group.  She has been an active consistent member.  Her Attitude has been superb.  Her original goal was not to a measley Canadien Metric Century - but an American 100-mile Century.  On the Century Ride she faced many dark times, and had the option of calling quits at the Metric Century marker.  BUT SHE DIDN'T.  She dug deep and she accomplished her goal.  It was Marcia vs.  Herself.  And she didn't quit.  She won against herself. 

This feat alone would have put her in the running for the award.  But would not have been enough to take the 1st Place title.  Mid-season, then signing up for Muskoka 70.3 -- one of the most challenging, hilly 70.3's around; commiting to tackling it and putting in all the necessary work, and then battling though and crossing that tape after 70.3 miles of sbr'ing was just awe-inspiring. 

So Marcia, here is your well-deserved trophy.  It's so big, you can't move it so you'll just have to settle on visiting it, or seeing it in this picture.  

I'd like to award Rene a very well-deserved, uber-close 2nd Place!!  Like Marcia, you were also a consistently active mentor member, very positive, motivating to me and all the others.  To be honest, you whipped my a$$ but good at both the Ironman and Marathon distance.  And if you ever start your own Mentor Group, I'd love to be a mentee under you.  Loved reading your blog all year, and you just really set it on fire with all your tremendous training and equally tremendous results. 

You started the year off with plantar fascitis and were able to successfully accept suggestions from other members, and as a result you were able to train through and recover from it.   And not just recover but go on to ROCK your first Ironman with a sick-awesome time; and then go on to Boston Qualify at a Fall Marathon!  Congratulations on a breakout 2011 season.

Rene, dude, You Are the Man!!

Thanks to all the members.   Stay tuned for my personal year-end wrap-up and a new annoucement of next years group.  

Totally agree with all of the post.  Funny because I made different choices than Bobby but for the same reason.  I used to be self employed which meant a lot of evening and weekend work (no I wasn't a hooker!) which was fine when my daughter was little - I could just keep her home if I needed a Mommy&Miya day but as she got older she started complaining that I was never around and I couldn't keep her home as much so... I got a full time 8-5 job with benefits so that I wouldn't have to work evening and weekends.  I feel as though I work way more hours for less pay but the quality time we have with one another is fantastic so no regrets.  One day she won't need me as much and I can do whatever I want but I'm happy that day isn't for a while to come. 

It's a balance - there were times when I resented the triathlon training because while I loved it - I felt guilty when away from the family.  I think it's about letting the little things go so you can enjoy the other.  So ya - that load of laundry can wait to be folded another 1/2 hour so I can read with her or play a game.

Life is short people!!!  Gotta make it count!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to EVERYONE!!

Have a fun safe holiday!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to EVERYONE!!

Have a fun safe holiday!!!

Hello everyone - hope all have had a Merry Christmas and enjoyed their families! I have been AWOL so long...I don't remember the last time I checked in - 5-6 months maybe?

After my disappointing race this summer it was a struggle to maintain my motivation. About the time Halloween rolled around I lost ALL motivation and have eaten every sugary, fatty and bad for me delicacy I could find - probably put on 10-12lbs in the past 2 months and haven't lifted a finger or a foot in regards to any exercise.

And I am feeling it! My pants won't button, shirts are snug, I have that miserable can't breathe, bloated feeling after gorging myself after every meal. I feel the stress mentally as well. Seems everything at work or home needs "urgent" attention and can't be worked out without my direct supervision. I know that isn't the case but it is so easy to get in that frame of mind without any physical action in my life.

Anyway - I just signed on tonite as I started to assess some goals for the upcoming year only to find an inspire from Bobby saying the group was staying together and inviting me to participate in 2012.

I have only read thru the current page and have to tell say I feel so fortunate to have access to all of you. Your dedication and motivation is so inspirational. I will continue to focus on my goals for the next year. I hope to start exercising in the next week and will start logging.

Again - hope you all have had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe New Year!

John - Welcome Back!! 

George -  Maybe the the eleves left behind some clothes and THAT'S why they are so snug.

Everyone else - January is Post your Goals Time.  We're a trim group.  No nonsense.  Less sugar-coating here in 2012.  My motto's for 2012 are:  TRAIN SMART.  HTFU.  NO EXCUSES.  GOT DISCIPLINE? 

These directly apply to myself.  I've got four full and consistent years of Triathlon training in the books.  And six consistent years of Running in the books.  I'm sick & tired of taking risks and making mistakes.  I've accrued a lot of knowledge through text, shared experienced and first-hand experience.  Time to put it to use and knock off the crap. 

I'll post specific 2012 goals next week including training strategy, weight management and race goals. 

John - Welcome Back!! 

George -  Maybe the the eleves left behind some clothes and THAT'S why they are so snug.

Everyone else - January is Post your Goals Time.  We're a trim group.  No nonsense.  Less sugar-coating here in 2012.  My motto's for 2012 are:  TRAIN SMART.  HTFU.  NO EXCUSES.  GOT DISCIPLINE? 

These directly apply to myself.  I've got four full and consistent years of Triathlon training in the books.  And six consistent years of Running in the books.  I'm sick & tired of taking risks and making mistakes.  I've accrued a lot of knowledge through text, shared experienced and first-hand experience.  Time to put it to use and knock off the crap. 

I'll post specific 2012 goals next week including training strategy, weight management and race goals. 

Aw, geez....who woke Bobby up?  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!