"Training for Leadville 100 Run" My next great adventure

Training run at Knob Hill Trails Saturday 5/12/18

5 days until Possums- Revenge =) Sure to be an exciting day of pushing limits, encouragement, enjoying old friends and making new friends. I am blessed with the opportunity to toe the line with more than 300 likeminded cronies challenging themselves at distances ranging from 8 miles to 52 miles on the spectacular Lake Possum Kingdom hike and bike trail system. The day will be filled with challenging big trail climbs opening to stunning views of nature and Possum Kingdom Lake.  I love the week leading up to a race! =)

Race Week is a week of maintenance.  Tuesday and Thursday’s running remains low miles at moderate effort. Wednesday’s Strength training shifts to upper body exercises only, followed by a few laps in the pool.  Friday becomes a Rest Day with no activity planned, all leading up to Saturday  Possums- Revenge  52- magnificent and glorious miles.  =)

Connect with me at Strava or Garmin Connect and view and share past workout statistics

Weeks to Go: 14 weeks to Leadville Trail 100 Run Race day – 5 days to a 52 Mile Training Race Possums- Revenge  “I can’t wait” =)

 In January of this year, I was notified that I have been selected by way of lottery to run in the 2018  Leadville Trail 100 Run on Aug 18, 2018. A 100-mile mountain Trail Race that starts in Leadville Colorado with a Race Profile ranging in altitude from 9200 ft to over 12,600 ft.  Leadville's Race Course travels out 50 miles and back again through stunning Rocky mountain forest trails and mountain roads.

A normal training week for me has me

• Recovering on Mondays (Taking the Day off), 
• Running mid-distance faster workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 
• Running long and slower paced trail runs on Saturday and Sunday, 
• Strength training and cross training on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

I typically run 50+ miles a week and will hit 60 and 70+ miles at least 6 times over the next few weeks. Every other Thursday I add a stair stepper with treadmill workout @ 15% incline up to 3-hour during the evening. My Sunday long run often finds me at trail locations that offer significant climbing and descending. For sanity reasons, reference and fun I am running a few training races along the way. =)

Make it a Great Day!

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Nothing Like a Passion and Goal to Keep You Feeling Young and Living Life

Well it has been some time since my last fun blog post and that makes it a great time to start once again.

Still today one of my greatest joys in life is physically pushing myself as far as I possibly can. Last year I ran a few shorter triathlons and a couple of half Ironman distance races early in the season and then shifted my focus to train for and complete my first 100-mile trail race at Rocky Raccoon in February of this year.  Rocky Raccoon my first 100-mile running race was truly a life altering experience. Life altering so much that I intend on running it again in Feb 2018 increasing my goal of completing the race to completing the race in under 24 hours. Nevertheless, with the intent on completing Rocky Raccoon again next February my focus for the next 24 to 48 months will be on gaining the endurance and speed necessary to qualify for The World Ironman Triathlon Championships in Kona Hawaii as an age group competitor before I turn 52 in March 2020.  

I have completed 1 full Ironman and several half Ironman races to date. Typically finishing in the top 50% of finishers however never finishing close to what would be required to qualify for the World Championships in Kona Hawaii. For me this will be an exciting epic journey and challenge as I enjoy training and racing with new and old friends, achieving small goals along the way, and growing as a Dad, as a friend and as a Best Friend.  

Write again soon as I update my adventures, achievements, setbacks and experiences. 

Life Worth Living

I do love competition. When I compete, regardless of the gap required to become competitive, I propel myself to improve and be the best I can be. I feel alive and passionate about living my purpose inspiring others and being the best me that I can be.

I often find I’m living my purpose by simply living life. Moments that I’m not necessarily sharing some profound insight. Moments that not necessarily in the midst of competition or running the race. Moments like this experiencing a sport or event with great friends who enjoy living life. 

About to start warming up just before the start of the first sprint Triathlon of the season. IM New Orleans 70.3 just a few weeks away =)

Nov 2014 Update My Iron Man Challenge

Encouragement, small successes, and the feeling of being valued by those you love should not be under estimated. These blessings help shape our confidence to achieve greater challenges and goals beyond our current realm of thought. Goals that not only help us but perhaps help others who in turn inspire others in a complete new direction.  

It has been several weeks since my last update and am happy to say I have remained healthy, injury free and on Nov 2 completed my first Half Iron Man 70.3 in Conroe TX. My finishing time was slow at 6hr 40m and still I feel blessed to have finished and had a lifelong friend come to Conroe to cheer me on. Since the event in Conroe I have experienced a 5K PR at 20:48, experienced my training run and bike pace exceeding every PR I have set to date, and scheduled my season for 2015. Training for me has exploded and I am excited to see how far and fast I can go! I don’t expect to be a world class athlete, however now consider I will far surpass every goal I started with.

2015 races scheduled thus far:

Jan 1^st Allen TX Half Marathon
Jan 4^th Life Time Fitness Indoor Sprint Tri
March 1^st Cowtown Full Marathon
May 17^th Chattanooga TN 70.3 half Iron Man
Oct 11^th Louisville KY Full Iron Man


Until next week! Consider letting those you care for know how you feel. Consider being a voice of encouragement, letting go of your fear. Perhaps your dream will be revealed and realized as you cheer another persevering and inspiring to live their destiny.   

Week 12 Update My Iron Man Challenge

We will face circumstances, actions, resolutions that we will never fully understand. We will have moments of weakness, reactions from anger, and days of discouragement. When we error make amends when possible and take the time to learn from the lesson. When others error towards us remember we too will stumble. My sincerest apologies, I wish you nothing but the best.

Week 12 finished and I am ready to move past the injuries and discouragement. After the injury I was out Monday and Tuesday of last week. Wednesday and Thursday I made it to the pool for minimal swimming drill sessions. Friday I managed an easy 45 minutes on bike and ran a slow 4 miles on Saturday. With most of the discomfort from the injury in check by Sunday I ran the 13 miles in Plano at a very slow jog finishing the half Marathon in 2 hr and 8 m. I am ready to start week 13 and direct my focus on all that is positive today and tomorrow and many more to come.    

Until next week! Be willing to swallow your pride and admit when you are wrong. We cannot change what is already done, we can acknowledge and learn from our faults for a better tomorrow.             

Week 11 Update My Iron Man Challenge

Our conviction for our dreams, goals, and commitments will be tested. Without conviction and true commitment dreams and goals are only objectives or future ambitions. We will experience the joy of accomplishing our ambitions only when we are willing to face the challenges.  

Week 11 finished and I feel as if I am on a life goal roller-coaster. The week started great with my body and spirit enjoying the training as it pushes me to increasing my limits in preparation for my upcoming events. Friday, excited about the more extreme section of my weekly workouts I started my weekly brick workout with a 25 mile bike ride in the rain to be followed by a 30 minute run (for those who are unfamiliar with a brick workout, it is when two different workouts are combined in combination one starting as soon as the other ends). Less than 5 minutes in feeling great and ready to push the workout, I started into the first turn on the wet roads and faced my bike instantly fly out from under my weight slamming me to the road with all of the force of the impact directed to my back and chest. I quickly jumped up and gathered my bike and equipment, instantly feeling pain in several ribs in my chest and back. X-rays show nothing broken just major bruising and pain enough to limit my training schedule yet again. I missed Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s workouts and hope to have the pain controlled enough to start back in the pool cautiously on Tuesday.      


Until next week! We can seldom control the test and challenges we will face as we live out our ambitions. It is within our control to push forward beyond the test or give up. I say always forward no matter how fast or slow! =)       

Week 10 Update My Iron Man Challenge

Some moments in life are designed for recovery. The emotional, physical, spiritual aspects of our lives each have need of periods of recovery. Many times during these periods of recovery we feel lose, uneasiness, worry for what we are losing as we recover. To have the strength to move beyond our current limits in each area we must accept recovering. Whatever we lose during this time, “if we are honest with ourselves”, we realize was moving out of our lives already.  

Week 10 is in the books and I am excited to be back on track in my training. This was a short workout week of 5 days with Monday being a holiday / event and Tuesday an off day. My stamina has fully returned allowing me a 50 mile bike ride on Saturday followed by a 12 mile run on Sunday. Total distances for the week; 96 miles on the bike, 17.5 miles running, and 1.67 miles swimming. Two weeks from now on  Sunday 9/21 I will be running in the Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon for my long run. I invite you to come out and enjoy the run and or festival and spend some time catching up and hearing your story. I will be wearing a blue Nike Cap and Blue Brooks Glycerin running shoes. You might find me at the RE/MAX both after the race as I am also a local RE/MAX agent.

Until next week! Accept your times of recovery as strengthening and preparing to overcome the future obstacles necessary as you realize your true dreams. We will lose what we lose and what stays or comes back to stay was destined to be.   

Week 9 Update My Iron Man Challenge

Some times in life the correct answer is C’est La Vie “This is the Life”. We don’t always in every moment win the race, live happily ever after, ride off in the sunset loved and admired. Sometimes we experience life as it is; challenging, exciting, less than perfect. We can accept the imperfections in the frustrating moments of life and still experience joy and happiness moving towards our goals and dreams.

Wow! What a week for week 9 on my road to an Iron Man. I have lost 7 more pounds and am now down to 165. This last few pounds I believe are more caused by the diverticulitis and the 3 day clear liquid diet during the first part of the week. I made it to Austin for the Tri Rock Olympic distance tri over the weekend still taking antibiotics and hoping somehow the antibiotics, weight loss, and just recovering from a diverticulitis flare-up would not affect my performance. Well, I was not so lucky. The 1500 meter swim was slow and more strenuous than usual. I was more than half way through the swim and recognized I had completely tossed my swimming form out the window and was exerting far more energy than I should. We had a long 500 meter run from the river to the transition area to retrieve our bikes. I tossed on my biking gear and drank a little water mixed with electrolytes and proceeded out of the transition area to start the 26 mile bike leg. At this point I was a little more weary than usual and decided to start out at about 70% building up as I gained back my strength. Regretfully I never recovered from here. From this point forward my race performance went downhill fast. I eventually completed the bike leg with dizziness, dehydration, felling puny and nauseous with what I believe was the onset of heat exhaustion. So ended my race day rejected that I could not complete distances that I far surpass in training. On a positive note the antibiotics will be out of my system by Wednesday 9/3/14 and the symptoms from the diverticulitis gone. I am eating regularly again and know I will be back and ready for the next challenge. All ahead at full speed for the scheduled races and full Iron man Nov 2015.

Until next week! One moment in time is not our life. Each and every let down is not the end of our story. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward. Move forward seeking and relying on those who care by actions and words. 

Week 8 Update My Iron Man Challenge

In life we will always experience challenges and setbacks. It is not the setbacks that will determine our eventual outcome but the way in how we react and deal with the setback. In life our goals rarely work out exactly as we have planned yet they still work out when we are willing to modify our plan and acknowledge the challenge or setback.   

I have finished week 8 and had a small challenge. I missed my long bike ride and run on Saturday and Sunday because of significant pain on my left side. The pain was significant enough to cause me to go to the emergency room Sunday morning. I have been diagnosed with Diverticulitis. Diverticulitis can be severe requiring surgery and can also be managed by diet and antibiotics. Apparently I will have this for my remaining life. The good news from this is that when i get the pain and swelling down before next Monday I can still run in the Austin Tri Rock Triathlon. My body is ready and the missed workouts will not affect me at the Olympic distance. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 46 miles, Running 7 miles, swimming 2.5 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 23 Miles, Running 4 miles, and swimming 1500 meters

Until next week! Your challenge is not the end of your dream. In many ways your challenge will help you to appreciate how important your dream is to you. When you are willing to acknowledge and face your challenge you will find your dreams coming true.  

Week 7 Update My Iron Man Challenge

It is up to each and every one of us to live and enjoy life. We must take responsibility ourselves to look for the joy, to experience the happiness, and to take the risk necessary to experience all life has to offer. Sometimes I believe we confuse taking responsibility for our life with placing our own wants, desires and needs above or below all others  

Week seven is over and my endurance is improving daily. I am excited because I booked my room for the Austin event taking place over Labor Day and will be staying at the Downtown Hyatt Regency with a river view. I am already planning activities for Saturday night and Sunday before my race on Monday. One of many events planned for now is the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to see over a million bats take flight.  I am open to suggestions of any and all other possible fun activities in Austin (bret.wilson@remax.net). It is time again this Tuesday for the monthly Five55 series 500 meter swim followed by a 5k run at Lake Grapevine and always a great time and atmosphere. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 94 miles, Running 24 miles, swimming 3 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 49 Miles, Running 11 miles, and swimming 1300 meters

Until next week! We can be responsible for our own life experiences and still have true consideration for ourselves and others. We do not have to lose ourselves when we connect with others. We are challenged to love our family, friends and neighbors as we love ourselves not more than or less. Perhaps we will take a great step towards true love when we stop judging others and truly see them as equals.   

Week 6 Update My Iron Man Challenge

I wonder if sometimes our lack of confidence, faith or trust in a situation is occasionally viewed by others as arrogance, jealousy, or selfishness. I have found myself in uncomfortable engagements pulling back from fear, fear of the unknown, fear of the hurts from the past. Perhaps we should consider that others only see our action of pulling back and have no way to understand why.

Week six and I finally closed out the three problem home sales that has taken the majority of my time causing extra stress in my life. Business is still strong and I can once again spend more time acquiring business for the future. This past week was a recovery week with Monday and Tuesday off and less effort with shorter distances. I feel great, energized and ready to add miles next week. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 56.4 miles, Running 14.2 miles, swimming 2 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 35.5 Miles, Running 9 miles, and swimming 1000 meters

Until next week! Our actions regardless of our reasons will be viewed by others based on their own life experiences unless we communicate and share who we are. Take the time to build true confidence. Not by eliminating fear, past hurt and disappointments but by stepping through the feelings when they appear.  Always remember arrogance is not confidence in fact it is truly attempting to make up for lack of confidence in an unhealthy way.   

Week 5 Update My Iron Man Challenge

I wonder if there are times in all of our life’s that busyness, setbacks and daily stress guide us down a wrong path. Perhaps we will be blessed enough to get back on track quickly and seize the moment or perhaps we must have it only our way and overtime lose out on a true blessing. 

Week five and I am still extremely busy at work with some stress and getting to know new friends =). My training endurance is improving and I am excited about the upcoming Olympic distance Triathlon on Sept 1^st in Austin. The Austin event is just 4 weeks away and I am ready… I am planning on arriving in Austin a day or two early to hang out and enjoy the area. I am still losing weight, down to 171 and the workouts are only going to get lengthier and more difficult. I am feeling strong and loving life. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 91.8 miles, Running 19.5 miles, swimming 2 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 46 Miles, Running 11 miles, and swimming 1000 meters

Until next week! We are not created to love and cherish and take care of ourselves above all others. We have all been let down, we have all been disappointed yet we still need each other to gain knowledge, for a sense of belonging, to experience love, and so much more.  It is truly great to be around busy people who truly enjoy being around you! 

Week 4 Update My Iron Man Challenge

Someone I care about often said “circumstances in life can change in an instant for better or worse. Be grateful for what you have.” I agree with this with all my heart I am just not so sure that most of us understand how to truly show and experience gratitude. Perhaps true gratitude is more about giving than receiving.

Week four has been an extremely busy work week, social week and training week. I am down 2 more pounds to 173 and I am officially fatigued and ready for my Monday off day. Well at least off from Triathlon training… On Tuesday I was excited to break up the normal routine and ran in the monthly local 555 series 500 meter swim / 5k run race. My times are improving as I average a 2:10 per 100 yard swim pace with an 8:30 minute mile run pace. The worst part of this last week is that it is summer time in Texas and the temperatures are rising with the humidity well over 70% all week. I shouldn't complain, the heat will prepare me for the Olympic distance Triathlon that I am running in Austin on Sept 1st. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 79 miles, Running 17.6 miles, swimming 2.5 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 42 Miles, Running 8.6 miles, and swimming 1000 meters

Until next week! Perhaps our gratitude should be recognized by others through our expressions of giving of our time, knowledge, love, and resources. When we are truly grateful perhaps we will recognize we can share and not keep the blessing for ourselves.  

Week 3 Update My Iron Man Challenge

I have discovered in my life at least. My life strengths are often where I find my most difficult weakness and challenges.  I believe I have the ability to hold on to hope, stick to the end, and ride out the storm. I also believe I suffer my greatest setbacks because of these qualities in that I at times find myself holding on when I should not. Perhaps you can relate with one of your strengths that you have found to burden you. =)

Week three was rather light in workouts because of a scheduled race on Sunday. Regretfully the Sunday race was called off because of the flooding and rain during the week. With work being so crazy busy at this time the light workout week came at a great time. However on Tuesday this week I will enjoy a swim / run race at Lake Grapevine (500 Meter Swim then 5k Run). Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 40 miles, Running 15 miles, swimming 2 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 20 Miles, Running 6 miles, and swimming 1000 meters

Until next week! When we try to do it all on our own even our strengths become weakness. You are never in this alone no matter how alone you may feel… =) 

Week 2 Update My Iron Man Challenge

My why for life and deciding to complete an Iron Man. I feel alive when I know I am improving as a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I relish moving towards lofty ambitions, a destiny not yet fulfilled. With each challenge realized I gain more conviction in encouraging others to reach higher than they ever believed possible.    

Week 2 is complete and I found this past week a little more challenging than the week before. The night before my hardest workout of the week I decided to run in a 5k race with a friend. Well the 5 k race was fun however my next morning’s workout did not go so well. Lesson learned… This is why I have a Tri Coach who plans my workouts based on my scheduled races. I am looking forward to the sprint distance scheduled races coming up next Sunday and the following Tuesday. Overall training distances for the past week: Biking 80 miles, Running 16 miles, swimming 3.17 miles. My longest distance on any one day for the week Biking 42 Miles, Running 8 miles, and swimming 800 meters

Until next week! By discovering your why, life will make a little more sense. I have found that even the disappointments in my life are guiding me back to my why. =) 

Opportunities or Devoted

I have found it difficult to discern the open doors in my life that should remain closed and the closed doors in my life that I should continue to knock. We must learn to wait and listen for the guidance of the one who knows all, expecting the answer to be made know in the perfect time.    

Life is Now

I have found it more difficult to sustain peace and happiness when I have placed a greater priority on creating my future as opposed to experiencing today.