When you start down a journey that requires so much time, dedication, and planning, you do not go it alone! I have been riding bikes now in some capacity since I was 14 years old. I started riding for cross training as a competitive speed skater. My speed skating coach at that time was my cousin, Mark Miller. He taught me a lot about weight training, interval training, and most of all how to have fun going after your dreams! He use to tell me all the time to shoot for the moon and you will definetly run into some stars along the way. If there is ever anyone who can calm me down before an event it is my cousin! We went through a lot together during my Speed Skating years and I am so thankful for the gifts of encouragement and a sense of belief in myself that he instilled in me during those years. He was the one who taught me how to actual train for an event! Up until that time of my life all I wanted to do was just play the game or lace up the skates and go fast. He taught me that in order to do well at something, you have to set the goal, train your body, and most of all your mind. That was a lot for a 15 year old to understand and trust me it came with a ton of resistance! But, that is why you have a coach, they know that resistance is coming and how to handle it when you dish it out. Needless to say, it was the ground work for me and many valuable lesson's that came from countless hours of dreaming, planning, training, and competiting.
This is a Bible Verse that he would give me before every big event, true to form, he sent it to me today! What is awesome about this verse is my son's middle name is Timothy. I would have never thought this years ago.:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
2 Timothy 4:7
The best coach that I have ever had for life is my Father! He is an incredible person. Many of you might be reading this and shaking your head yes! If you a have been Roller Skating at B&J Skate Center since the early 80's until now, you know what I mean. Because he treated you like he has always treated me, with respect and an understanding that there is good in everyone! He coached our Basketball teams up through 7th grade. We only lost 2 games from 5th grade through 7th grade! Yes, he knows how to get the best out of people and he used everyone on the team. I will never forget the early a.m. practices and actually driving to some players homes and picking them up so they could make practice. I also remember everyone getting a chance to start a game. He has taught me more than a paragraph in a blog can describe. But, I am fortunate and hope to never take a day for granted that he has provided me with insight, inspiration, drive, and determination. Mostly by just being present around him, working for him and with him. I am so determined to see that my kids gain that same understanding. It is priceless, actions speak louder than words and your determination to succeed will guide you through the rough waters. I am one of the lucky ones! I know it and I cherish my moments with my Father.
After I signed up and hit the send back in June for Ironman Texas, I really did not have much of a plan! I was racing my bikes, riding well, and thinking I am in great shape. Add some swimming and some running and I have got this thing. Well, it became very clear to me when I came home from a long hard ride one afternoon in June and tried to start running around the yard with my kids that my running was less than would be desired. It was a site to see! My wife actually started laughing! Not really at me, but she knew that I needed to start running, and soon! She is a competitive runner and watching that short display of my running ablities, we knew that I was in trouble. Hence, we needed a GAME PLAN and COACHING!
The good news about the running is being married to a wife who has completed several Marathon's including doing Boston twice! So, I have a built in running coach. The cycling I felt like I have handle on, years of that experience and I even have a few half Ironman distance and several triathlon's under my belt from our time in Florida. But, when it came to the swimming, I knew I needed help!
I met Michael Ruder through KCBC on Facebook. We hit it off, gathered for a group ride one morning and started chating about cycling, coaching, goals, and what we wanted to accomplish in the KC cycling world. It was very evident from the start we were going to get along very well. I did not tell him much about my Ironman at first, it was early and I was still in bike race mode this past Summer. It was not until I started my running training in late July that I mentioned the Ironman to Michael. We started to discuss the event, started discussing what my game plan would be, and then he told me about his years of swimming experience. I knew this was going to be a great fit for my Swimming training! Michael has been a true professional to work with during my swim training. I finally got back in the pool a little bit before the Aqua Pain Cave sessions began in January. Once we started into the swimming, I was so glad that I hired Power Team Coaching! I can design a lot of cycling and running programs, but it had been a while since I put together any sort of structured swimming workouts. My base line 4000 meter swim back in January took me 1 hr. 32 minutes! I was pretty freaked out by that time, I had my work cut out for me before May 19th. Michael put me through one heck of a swimming program over the last 4 months and I am very comfortable with the 2.4 mile distance. I did my last 4000 meter swim in 1 hr. 17 minutes. My fastest has been 1 hr. 15 minutes.
We have reached our goal in the water. Cut my swim time down by working on Form, some power, and most of all being comfortable for the long distances in the water. I will be mid pack or maybe slower on the swim. I am ok with that as the bike will be next and I will be ready to get on my bike after that long warm-up!
If you are training for any cycling or multi-sport event, Michael can help you reach those goals! Message him on Facebook or simpley start coming out to the SPIN! rides starting June 2nd and you will meet Michael. He will be adding to his coaching resume after May 19th! I will be the 1st Ironman that he has trained since he started his coaching business. I will make sure of it!
More on my training to follow. I will give you the low-down of the 4th event when it comes to the Ironman. Anyone know what that might be?
Have a great day!
GO!
