Tri Minus 12

Spring is officially here and of course with the spring comes the rains. Here in the Northwest , rain is usually just a continuation of the winter rains, but this year we had an exceptionally dry winter and now that it is raining it seems so out of place. The rains are good and it is helping to bring out all the new growth and preparing the ground for the summer. It is the rains that soften up the hard ground to enable the new growth or new fruit to come out of the ground. I’m really not a fan of spring, but I endure for the pleasure of the summer and fall. Working out is the same as the spring rains. Sometimes you have to endure the tough workouts, the schedule interruptions and the sore body parts to be able to succeed and enjoy your goals. The workouts loosen up some of the old tight muscles to allow new agility and ability.


Last Saturday I sustained a minor knee injury and thought I could just “work it out”. I didn’t back down on my intensity or length of my workouts last week and I found myself this Saturday limping quite badly. I’m sure that would be a clue that “working it out” didn’t happen. With that said, I will plan on taking it easier this week and working more on the core and less on the cardio and giving my knee a rest.

The injury is just something that happened, but how long it hinders will be up to me. I can continue to put too much stress on it or I can change my workouts and allow this old body to heal before putting high demands on it.


Matthew 9:16-18

Tri Minus 13

Sometimes you just need to take a day off. Last week was an intense week for me, I have been looking for a new job since January 5th when I was laid off and it all caught up to me last week. I have been going about my new routine will trying to maintain my old workout routine.


On Tuesday I had a grueling all day interview, I met with 6 people that day. When it was all said and done, I felt like I had nailed it and found the perfect job opportunity. I came home fixed dinner, cleaned the kitchen and sat on the couch for a few moments before heading out for a workout. Once I sat for a few minutes I was on the verge of falling asleep. I was done in both physically and emotionally. My body was telling me to take a break, and you know what? I did. I went upstairs and filled the Jacuzzi tub, grabbed a book and blew off my workout.

I know I could have pushed myself and did my workout, but would it really have helped? I don’t think so. I know from experience you can push too much and actually over train. I have no guilt about the rest and in fact I felt fantastic on Wednesday and Thursday night when I worked out.

So, remember, listen and treat your body to a day off once and awhile.

Hebrews 4:3-5

Tri minus 14

A very good week of training this week, I met all my goals and came out of it feeling better then when I went into it. As I was telling a couple of my friends on Thursday night my body is feeling better than it has in years. Now that is a very good thing considering I am working out hard for at least 90 minutes four days a week.


One of the things to remember when you are training is that you need to have some fun along the way as well. This week I was given the opportunity to attend a performance of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. It was being staged by the 4th and 6th grades at Bear Creek School. It was great; the kids all were amazing with the Shakespearian dialog. There facial expressions were just perfect. At times I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes.

It was a great way to unwind and let my body recover from all the hard work. Laughter and good friends, tic doesn’t get any better than that.

Remember it is not too late to start training; there are many 9 week training plans out there.

Psalm 126:1-3

Tri Minus 15

Boy, did I miss the Olympics this week while working out.  During the two weeks the Olympics were on it felt pretty good to be on the cardio machines in the gym and watching skater, skiers and snowboarders put everything into the events.  This week I found myself watching Biggest Loser, now if that isn’t a dichotomy I don’t know what is, pushing at 85rpm at level 7 on the bike for 60 minutes and watching a weight lose show.  Just not the same motivation it was watching world class athletes.

I had a great week of workouts, did everything I set out to.  I’m looking forward to what this week has for me.

Psalm 71:6-8