tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53227340398968521162024-03-13T10:54:37.566-07:00Love the HurtMy journey in Multi-Sport since 2010James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-35954121306364239792021-07-06T14:36:00.001-07:002021-07-06T14:36:56.451-07:00H2C Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9urS3nqeQ/YOTJtL0ZYMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/Ubhtlj_njIE1bjH2fXZyC9-XD6QlojS1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/raceBanner-yrn6oP1M-bANY_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HB9urS3nqeQ/YOTJtL0ZYMI/AAAAAAAAD2w/Ubhtlj_njIE1bjH2fXZyC9-XD6QlojS1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h214/raceBanner-yrn6oP1M-bANY_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Two weeks in and training is coming around better than expected. Here are the stats for the week:<div><br /></div><div>6 runs, 26 miles, averaged 9:57 pace</div><div><br /></div><div>Highlight of the week was definitely being able to race! Crown City 12k ended up being the very first race since COVID shut downs in San Diego. Amy and I were lucky enough to be a part of it. 2,000 people raced and at the start you can tell there was a lot of emotion, excitement and relief to have some normalcy. 4th of July was the theme and Amy and I represented!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ltTqWK6cs/YOTJ1n6wQVI/AAAAAAAAD24/C_PVv_RBJm0c68wa4rc-I1vYL6M9sWtygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1791/211389293_10159515659229171_4350530039398915937_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4ltTqWK6cs/YOTJ1n6wQVI/AAAAAAAAD24/C_PVv_RBJm0c68wa4rc-I1vYL6M9sWtygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/211389293_10159515659229171_4350530039398915937_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>Amy PR'd and I ended up approaching the race as just a fun long run as part of my H2C build. But as soon as I start warming up, my legs felt good and when we got to the start I naturally place myself closer to the front and the competitive juices started flowing. I was planning on doing sub 9 minute miles but after that first mile I clocked a 7:52 and it felt very easy so that's when I decided to just keep pace and see what happens. I ended up placing 11th in my AG.</div><div>Splits looked good:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSoL-sDfhc/YOTKqZ6DFMI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/2AGNgLUoCXc_HcD2BgQkyWic8V54IlOyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/212020388_10159515659224171_6161001461023908509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSoL-sDfhc/YOTKqZ6DFMI/AAAAAAAAD3Q/2AGNgLUoCXc_HcD2BgQkyWic8V54IlOyACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/212020388_10159515659224171_6161001461023908509_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y69-zxx8kE/YOTJ15RzMwI/AAAAAAAAD3M/eouHEYKENtE93i-8j4wLwNu3oMyTw4QbwCPcBGAYYCw/s1200/athlinks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y69-zxx8kE/YOTJ15RzMwI/AAAAAAAAD3M/eouHEYKENtE93i-8j4wLwNu3oMyTw4QbwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h210/athlinks.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I felt really good and in control for 10k and then the wheels started coming off. Struggled to a 7:43 that next mile and maxed out my HR to 194 for about 10 minutes until the finish. Felt good to hurt that bad again!</div><div><br /></div><div>I clearly wasn't ready to run that fast and at the finish Amy was there to greet me and I can tell I was about to cramp up - like the good ole days! Just totally overextending but it felt good. I sat down and slammed two bottles and finally started to come around.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a perfect example that you don't have to run fast all the time to run fast in a race. I've just been doing easy aerobic runs. Harder workouts will come but I'm not going to rush into them until I lose some weight and put in consistent weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far I've lost 0 pounds but can tell I'm losing fat and gaining muscle. More importantly my easy runs are faster with the same effort from two weeks ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week I'm shooting for 25-30 miles. This is an aggressive build but with my running background I know I can do it if I do it smart.</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards Amy and I enjoyed Little Italy downtown San Diego and had such a good time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cheers - thanks for reading!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POqVYwKZgOM/YOTJ1-XvPOI/AAAAAAAAD3M/12KwPbabwMscCRlnsEV162EVlKydwUpuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1280/thumbnail_IMG_8005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1280" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POqVYwKZgOM/YOTJ1-XvPOI/AAAAAAAAD3M/12KwPbabwMscCRlnsEV162EVlKydwUpuwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h315/thumbnail_IMG_8005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2hFNHFiUk4/YOTJ1nhBFGI/AAAAAAAAD3E/fKx5UhL1XDY2zbhW48hipMIewd87GuI5gCPcBGAYYCw/s1791/209509225_10159515659214171_6087486484807929258_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1791" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2hFNHFiUk4/YOTJ1nhBFGI/AAAAAAAAD3E/fKx5UhL1XDY2zbhW48hipMIewd87GuI5gCPcBGAYYCw/w321-h400/209509225_10159515659214171_6087486484807929258_n.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXUAZBXMrlY/YOTMW2KDQcI/AAAAAAAAD3c/zEp0G7ZzSoUqF1CBJKYl5N6OeGa7YP-9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/208907438_10159515659234171_8768766802993948305_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kXUAZBXMrlY/YOTMW2KDQcI/AAAAAAAAD3c/zEp0G7ZzSoUqF1CBJKYl5N6OeGa7YP-9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/208907438_10159515659234171_8768766802993948305_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtSz1jESCMo/YOTMW7zCGVI/AAAAAAAAD3g/4OZNm-_PKvgpsA8-GJ4qh1keOupXiDGCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/211145242_10159515659244171_667613205384605857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtSz1jESCMo/YOTMW7zCGVI/AAAAAAAAD3g/4OZNm-_PKvgpsA8-GJ4qh1keOupXiDGCACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/211145242_10159515659244171_667613205384605857_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-65129094344512438542021-06-30T08:32:00.001-07:002021-06-30T08:32:28.745-07:00H2C training week 1<p> Week one is in the books and it went as expected. It's never fun getting in shape. The runs feel terrible, energy levels are low, soreness is real and there's a constant mental battle to keep trusting the process. That's why this sport is amazing! It gets rid of the weak and rewards those that can push through mental and physical barriers.</p><p>Here's my stats for week 1:</p><p>5 runs, 16.1 miles, averaged 10:33 pace.</p><p>Best run was a 3.5 mile run at 9:20 pace which was at the beach. That run was cool because it's a perfect example to not trust your legs that first mile. I felt terrible and flat and then as the run progressed my legs came around and I finished strong.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzO7Wd7WpT8/YNyNQbA4hHI/AAAAAAAAD2E/mScBegHBB8MB1y4wgUhNiSn5NARA0q4FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1029/2021-06-30_08-24-49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="1029" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzO7Wd7WpT8/YNyNQbA4hHI/AAAAAAAAD2E/mScBegHBB8MB1y4wgUhNiSn5NARA0q4FQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h286/2021-06-30_08-24-49.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mission Beach Run</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I wanted 20 miles for the week but ended up going on an impromptu camping trip with the fam. I'll take that over running any day!</p><p>This week I can already see a lot of improvement. Just went on a 6 mile run and averaged 9 min pace and last mile was 7:45. Fitness breakthroughs will happen quick from here on out. Up next is my first "race" in over a year! The Crown City 12k this Saturday in Coronado. This is just going to be a fun long run for me and my goal will be to just go 8:xx for 12k, get the miles in and watch Amy race for the first time in a LONG time for the 5k. Post race beers and a fun 4th of July weekend are in my near future! </p><p>Happy 4th everyone, enjoy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arhpIJr-5VU/YNyNQn7vTzI/AAAAAAAAD2k/gotiAtjID_42pjIsbyfIpOg19-e5ZpVRwCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/201866160_10158230208980668_3650167904609241992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arhpIJr-5VU/YNyNQn7vTzI/AAAAAAAAD2k/gotiAtjID_42pjIsbyfIpOg19-e5ZpVRwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/201866160_10158230208980668_3650167904609241992_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyJkFTFKs8Q/YNyNQdfyZkI/AAAAAAAAD2g/F47p0LTYjH8KlLnA316vBa4tG2BBPFsRwCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/202131193_10158230209000668_2563125224994371879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyJkFTFKs8Q/YNyNQdfyZkI/AAAAAAAAD2g/F47p0LTYjH8KlLnA316vBa4tG2BBPFsRwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/202131193_10158230209000668_2563125224994371879_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3ga-XNaFc8/YNyNQ_5eX-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/1g_yR3rvfewrzn3qqF8PWSoyRgm4xcxVgCPcBGAYYCw/s1800/205567479_10159504001104171_7233351157764478598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3ga-XNaFc8/YNyNQ_5eX-I/AAAAAAAAD2o/1g_yR3rvfewrzn3qqF8PWSoyRgm4xcxVgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/205567479_10159504001104171_7233351157764478598_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnxEJWqBCZo/YNyNRFBd8OI/AAAAAAAAD2o/4szMqpvG2_A6S3HYPjRpZokBaD8nsmbYQCPcBGAYYCw/s1800/205892413_10159504001109171_1202118116662018294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnxEJWqBCZo/YNyNRFBd8OI/AAAAAAAAD2o/4szMqpvG2_A6S3HYPjRpZokBaD8nsmbYQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/205892413_10159504001109171_1202118116662018294_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe1sKoaphCE/YNyNRvOi1vI/AAAAAAAAD2s/NvQ9RkQwIZsGn3divyDCrkvKPHtp90MswCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/207186367_10158230208975668_3079232056578364194_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pe1sKoaphCE/YNyNRvOi1vI/AAAAAAAAD2s/NvQ9RkQwIZsGn3divyDCrkvKPHtp90MswCPcBGAYYCw/s320/207186367_10158230208975668_3079232056578364194_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-38626790984085122252021-06-21T14:34:00.000-07:002021-06-21T14:34:34.707-07:00Stepping down from coaching and stepping into racing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjqqSRqTNkg/YNEFqGbdPyI/AAAAAAAAD18/ZaDIxSuiqpYt2txYzDwR1SYTJDSKKNcHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/htc-logo-300x252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjqqSRqTNkg/YNEFqGbdPyI/AAAAAAAAD18/ZaDIxSuiqpYt2txYzDwR1SYTJDSKKNcHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/htc-logo-300x252.jpg" /></a></div><br />What a fun five years it's been at Linfield. We set a bunch of school records, sent kids to state, sent kids to college and I learned a ton coaching high schoolers.<p></p><p>It all came at a cost though. I tend to go all out in my pursuits and this was no different. Basically practice Mon-Sat for 2-3 hours year round. This may not seem like a lot to some but when you have a wife + four little ones vying for your attention and juggling two other businesses and investing - it's A LOT!</p><p>My own personal racing and training pursuits were also put on the backburner. Over the past five years I've just had random bouts of training (swim/bike/run) and I actually did race a 5k in January 2020 and won the Masters division in 19:40 haha. Definitely my slowest victory but a win nonetheless! </p><p>After stepping down from Linfield, I've had a change to revaluate my own fitness pursuits. With races popping up all over the place and being in a place financially where my family can do destination races, I am really excited to get back to it! Not to mention, Amy has been training over the past few months and is ready to jump back into racing too- and who knows maybe the other kids will want to race as well.</p><p>It all starts with the Hood to Coast relay. It's been a bucket list of mine for a long time and after my buddy Eric got into it a few years ago, I told him as soon as someone drops out - get me in. And this is the year! Late August I will be flying up to Portland and joining the reining Masters champions for H2C and I couldn't be more excited to get back to training and racing.</p><p>COVID lockdowns have definitely done a number on my fitness though lol. I sat little too much, ate a little too much, drank a little too much and gained a little too much! Right now I weigh 160 pounds which is not obese for my height by any means but I would like to lose 15 pounds before H2C. That's just a good racing weight for me - it has nothing to do with body image - I just know I race well around that weight and it's a good indicator (if I'm eating well) that I'm fit and ready to race fast again.</p><p>So I'm going to be documenting this little 9 week journey weekly, posting my training and random thoughts as more of a diary to look back on (which is why I created this blog in the first place) as we move closer to the race.</p><p>For reference of my laziness - here are my training stats this year so far:</p><p>January: 42 (total miles for the month haha)<br />February: 28<br />March: 22<br />April: 19<br />May: 23<br />June: 26 (so far)</p><p>Most of this is walking & jogging with the dog or training with clients and then an occasional solo run. I'm averaging like 10 minute miles. Occasionally I'll test myself (like last week) and drop 7:20 miles just to see how it feels (not good haha). The bottom line is, I'm not super out of shape - just need to lose some fat, eat better and get really consistent training schedule.</p><p>I like building training blueprints and this is what it will look like:</p><p>Week 1 (this week): 5-6 runs @ 30 min run/jog/walks. Just putting in 30 mins consistently and jogging or walking as to not overdue it and stay injury free. Mileage around 20-25 miles/week</p><p>Week 2: 5-6 runs @ 30 min run/jogs. If feeling good, throwing in a 45 min "long run." Mileage 25-30</p><p>Weeks 3-7: 6-12 runs (lots of short double days) @ 30-45 min runs and incorporating 150m uphill/downhill strides twice/week. 45-75 min long run. Mileage 30-40.</p><p>Weeks 8-9: Start to incorporate track work/intervals, long runs up to 12-15 miles total and mileage up around 40-50 miles/week.</p><p>90% of this work will just be all low impact aerobic work. So many people think you need to run fast all the time to be fast (not true). I'll be incorporating a ton of prehab work in there along with strength training so I can stay healthy. I wouldn't recommend this plan for everyone. I have 30 years of running experience (wow, I'm old haha) so I know my body well and know when to back off or pour on.</p><p>I'll race three legs at H2C and probably will be around the 12-16 range in total miles. If all goes to plan and I stay healthy and execute this plan I expect to go from averaging 10 miles right now for 3 miles total to being able to do 12-16ish (split up in 3) around 6 min pace.</p><p>Think I can do it?? Follow along and see. Thanks for reading! </p>James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-88092685381249185662019-12-11T10:52:00.002-08:002019-12-11T10:54:01.863-08:002019 ReflectionIt's been some time...<br />
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I'm kind of obsessed with self-help books, podcasts and using social media for growth opportunities. One of the topics came up about how a big part of growing is to make sure you set some time aside to write. I pretty much stopped writing years ago once I stopped competing which I regret (the writing part). It was always such a great outlet to journal, get creative and it truly motivated me to become better.<br />
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I'll give it another shot, especially after reading analytics on this blog -people still actually read!<br />
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A lot has happened since I stopped competing in 2014. We had two more kids (Bo-4, Juliet-3), I became self-employed and own a few businesses now which was at first frightening but now enlightening and comes with a lot of freedom. I expanded my coaching business for adults and even started coaching Cross Country/Track at a small local private school.<br />
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Training? Racing?<br />
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I raced a 5k in 2017 and ran 17:59.<br />
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Then I did make a small attempt to break 2:40 in the marathon --read about it <a href="http://lovethehurt.blogspot.com/2017/11/240-before-40.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Then there was a short stint of getting the band back together to break the 4x800 masters world record --read about it <a href="http://lovethehurt.blogspot.com/2018/01/world-record-attempt-masters-4x800-relay.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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Both fell through miserably haha. They seemed like great ideas at the time but...I ran out of time for what was needed to accomplish them. They are on hold for now... I've always loved to dream big and it never hurts to give it your best shot. Before I had these successful business ventures, I failed at 7 start up companies, wasted a lot of money, time and energy. But guess what? It's exactly what I needed to be successful now. Don't be afraid to fail.<br />
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I signed up for the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k in January. I'm doing the 5k - DREAM BIG! I've been struggling to find motivation to train this year so I decided to force the issue and actually pay money for a race. It seems to be working - I've had two pretty consistent weeks of training and as long as I stay healthy, I'll shoot to break 18 mins again on these 40 year old legs of mine.<br />
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One thing I noticed from coaching high school cross country and track is that you give so much of your coaching energy to these kids day in and day out that you neglect to take care of yourself - something I'm going to work on.<br />
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As I reflect on 2019, it was such a great year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AzwYxFk2kQ/XfE02JUbnnI/AAAAAAAADsg/cSFldKW361wbKPTq12EJKE9llkAlQWOmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_5591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AzwYxFk2kQ/XfE02JUbnnI/AAAAAAAADsg/cSFldKW361wbKPTq12EJKE9llkAlQWOmgCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_5591.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor sky-diving with the kiddos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_riUmZIx0Dw/XfE02z6DRgI/AAAAAAAADsw/2WI723pN46cwfJaRm6Yx_in1jQGv7PT1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_6420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_riUmZIx0Dw/XfE02z6DRgI/AAAAAAAADsw/2WI723pN46cwfJaRm6Yx_in1jQGv7PT1gCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_6420.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stagecoach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWgfDnfF038/XfE021-OU4I/AAAAAAAADso/bzpnXq3lAl0SSWMCOWRXw0JDYUYAeIZ2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_6513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DWgfDnfF038/XfE021-OU4I/AAAAAAAADso/bzpnXq3lAl0SSWMCOWRXw0JDYUYAeIZ2QCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_6513.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles with Juliet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-922q78XfRyU/XfE03_KcRbI/AAAAAAAADss/lD0CdwSu1HENpjiLwcMix_mr9M-xq2joACEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_6927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-922q78XfRyU/XfE03_KcRbI/AAAAAAAADss/lD0CdwSu1HENpjiLwcMix_mr9M-xq2joACEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_6927.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in Belgium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAI826vSr64/XfE03YqWFbI/AAAAAAAADsw/nE2VMQRzCtI7VicjPvWcMKILxi18N1XDACEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_6909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAI826vSr64/XfE03YqWFbI/AAAAAAAADsw/nE2VMQRzCtI7VicjPvWcMKILxi18N1XDACEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_6909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beers in Belgium, Nederlands, France</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOxulDHmgpE/XfE04fps1xI/AAAAAAAADso/ekjkqIHb-fIc-oWYt66q3P6usN9AqY6OgCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_7482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOxulDHmgpE/XfE04fps1xI/AAAAAAAADso/ekjkqIHb-fIc-oWYt66q3P6usN9AqY6OgCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_7482.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francisco with my love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03wUsgXmD4Q/XfE6I1s8YCI/AAAAAAAADs8/sehLD_T6BLUaQDkufeArUreK_hldnGuaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/73059728_1155309281327052_9095131803819180032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="846" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03wUsgXmD4Q/XfE6I1s8YCI/AAAAAAAADs8/sehLD_T6BLUaQDkufeArUreK_hldnGuaQCEwYBhgL/s400/73059728_1155309281327052_9095131803819180032_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helped Darren get to Kona!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Yx-UqhVTc/XfE04oMJTWI/AAAAAAAADss/9Vu004G0LeIf3MFk0vtpwejHG5mVFWvLwCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_8085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G_Yx-UqhVTc/XfE04oMJTWI/AAAAAAAADss/9Vu004G0LeIf3MFk0vtpwejHG5mVFWvLwCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_8085.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CIF -SS Champion Runner Ups</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHlM7tL1m8A/XfE05Sk8l6I/AAAAAAAADsw/xHUd4DThNP0_X9AEq6V-cW3E09a-XTgewCEwYBhgL/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_8158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHlM7tL1m8A/XfE05Sk8l6I/AAAAAAAADsw/xHUd4DThNP0_X9AEq6V-cW3E09a-XTgewCEwYBhgL/s400/thumbnail_IMG_8158.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holidays with my favorites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cheers to 2020, a new decade!<br />
<br />
~As always, thanks for reading-James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-58472519281517035782018-01-24T09:19:00.003-08:002018-01-24T09:19:53.713-08:00World Record Attempt: Masters 4x800 Relay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="225" src="http://www.cbulancers.com/images/2013/6/18/99trackbanner.jpg?width=1024&height=576&mode=crop" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The year we won...and set the 4x800 indoor national record which still stands today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<br />
One thing I'll never regret in life is my ability to take every opportunity that is presented to me that will make me into a better/stronger version of myself. It's how I make decisions both big and small. Will I come out on the other end better or worse?<br />
<br />
Tackling the 2:40 marathon is no doubt a big test of discipline and grit. Going from 10 pounds overweight and out of shape to a sub 2:40 marathon in one year is a very tall task! I've been back at it for 14 weeks now and dropped the 10 pounds, been fairly consistent with workouts and efforts/pace have improved each week.<br />
<br />
Now let's flash back to 99...ha.<br />
<br />
Back in 1999, four kids from California Baptist University set the national indoor record in the 4x800 meter relay in 7:31 which still stands today. Months later that same team went to the Penn Relays and took on the biggest and fastest schools in the nation and ran 7:19 with a dropped baton. I think we went 1:50 (me), 1:49 (Nate Browne)...dropped baton (was it Nate or Ricky?)....1:47 (Ricky Etheridge), 1:47 (Milton Browne). Pretty solid for a small school out of Riverside, CA.<br />
<br />
All four of us are coaches now and somehow the topic of the masters world record 4x800 relay came up last year. We checked out the results and this is what we found:<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="blackLines" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 100%px;" xmlns:msxsl="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:xslt"><tbody style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<tr class="headerRow" style="background-color: #7799ff; border: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Division</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Performance</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Name</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Location</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Date</td></tr>
<tr class="" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">35-39</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">7:55.67</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">NON-CLUB :<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Miles Smith<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Michael Schroer<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Jason Rhodes<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Scott Anderson</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Williamsburg, <span style="border: 0px; color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Virginia">VA</span></td><td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">2010-Apr-03</td></tr>
<tr class="" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">35-39</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">8:12.33</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">CLUB: SoCal TC:<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Terrance Spann<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Bryan Dameworth<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Alex Hastings<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Brian Sax</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Walnut, <span style="border: 0px; color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="California">CA</span></td><td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">2010-Apr-16</td></tr>
<tr class="" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">40-49</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">7:54.17</span></td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">NON-CLUB :<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />John Hinton<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Brian Pope<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Kevin Paulk<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Tony Young</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">Eugene, <span style="border: 0px; color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Oregon">OR</span></td><td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">2004-Jun-27</td></tr>
<tr class="" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">40-49</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">8:09.46</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">CLUB: Central Park TC:<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Neil Fitzgerald<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Anselm LeBourne<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Chris Potter<br style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Gladstone Jones</td><td style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">New York, <span style="border: 0px; color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="New York">NY</span></td><td nowrap="nowrap" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: top;">2009-Jul-11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
That pans out to each of us going about 1:58-59 for the 800 meters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nate blew his ACL a few years ago so he is out of the equation but we had another guy we ran with at Cal Baptist, Angel Romero who has stayed in decent shape over the years. We reached out to him and he is in!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So a change of plans. Rather then going after sub 2:40 in the marathon, we are officially going after the 4x800 masters world record! Quite the difference in distances haha...I was a miler/5k guy so the shorter distance definitely suits me better - which I know is why I struggled at the IM distance. I will still tackle the marathon, but am going after this first which - will be great speed to take into eventual marathon training.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I'm turning 39 next month, we will have a full year to go sub 2. About 5 years ago when I was training for 70.3's I ran 2:08 on the track so I have no doubt I'll be able to do it once I get some speed work under me. I think the biggest challenge is keeping all 4 of us healthy - especially once we get on the track for speed. I think the initial plan is getting out for some track meets this year, get in shape and then attempt the world record next April 2019 at Mt. Sac Relays once I'm 40. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I had to restructure my training plan...big time. I'm going to get in 5k shape, then 3200 shape, then mile, 800, etc. Doing it this way to limit the chance of getting injured. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The tentative racing plan for 2018 now looks like this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
March 25: Carlsbad 5000</div>
<div>
April: Mt. Sac Relays</div>
<div>
July 4: Old Pro's 4th of July 10k</div>
<div>
Summer: USA Masters Games / San Diego Twilight Track Meets</div>
<div>
July 26: Masters Outdoor National Championships</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After taking several years off of "real" racing, I'm excited to lace up the spikes again and get on the track. Masters 4x800 World Record, here we come!</div>
James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-33629357611433739112017-11-30T14:30:00.002-08:002017-11-30T14:30:58.961-08:00Finally feeling good<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck7Z9VxLs7M/WiCGAJGDNTI/AAAAAAAADl8/sD7_wR2hnj0XI2sv3VtHL8NkjnRryvkZQCLcBGAs/s1600/23905731_10156068276799171_7646297352887693768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck7Z9VxLs7M/WiCGAJGDNTI/AAAAAAAADl8/sD7_wR2hnj0XI2sv3VtHL8NkjnRryvkZQCLcBGAs/s320/23905731_10156068276799171_7646297352887693768_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disneyland for Thanksgiving with my crew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a few weeks there when I was SLOWLY jogging along around 9 min pace and was seriously wondering if I could do this big goal of mine. I started back over a month ago and didn't think it would take this long to show some signs of progress.<br />
<br />
Every run seemed to be the same 8-10 min pace run and none of them felt very good. Then just as I was doubting, I had a few forced day offs - Disneyland for Thanksgiving! Then I started back up again this week and what do you know - the magic is coming back!<br />
<br />
So what do you do as a coach/athlete when you see something like this happen? You duplicate it. So I'm going to be going 3 weeks on then 1 week easy/recovery week. Friel really believes in this strategy...I do to a certain extent - however, I don't think there's such thing as a "one plan fits all" kind of approach. Each athlete is SO different and responds to training in their own unique way. Then when you get older, you still need to make adjustments. I have 20+ years of running experience under my belt and I know what works for me but again, making adjustments from the signals my body gives me (not just copying what I have on my training plan) is going to be key in hitting sub 2:40.<br />
<br />
So feeling better is coming at just the right time -next week starts my second block of training. Here's how I've split them up:<br />
<br />
<b>Block 1</b><br />
Lose weight/get in shape/consistency - 7 weeks<br />
<br />
<b>Block 2</b><br />
Add speed components, lengthen long runs and raise overall mileage - 10 weeks<br />
<br />
<b>Block 3</b><br />
Marathon specific training - 12 weeks<br />
<br />
<b>Race Orange County Marathon - May 6th</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
You can follow along with my training on Strava!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-56535768478977164182017-11-16T08:06:00.002-08:002017-11-16T08:17:05.559-08:00Fitness in sight<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHDD9Jz03qo/Wg23a_CUOAI/AAAAAAAADls/mTfy0nvPFBQ4LpeWzaGPEgeSpB_BjnftQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHDD9Jz03qo/Wg23a_CUOAI/AAAAAAAADls/mTfy0nvPFBQ4LpeWzaGPEgeSpB_BjnftQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2453.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from some trails out my front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Five weeks of fitness in the books. That first month was miserable but I deserve it for neglecting my fitness for so long. I coach adults and high school athletes and I always tell them how miserable those first several weeks are for getting in shape. This was a good taste of my own medicine.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fitness is sight though. I can feel it coming on and my patience is paying off. I'm also being very diligent with rolling, massage, rest, diet, etc. I'm not waking up incredibly sore and seem to be bouncing back from workouts easier then I have in years. This is also my first time training seriously for something with <a href="http://www.hokaoneone.com/" target="_blank">Hoka's</a> on my feet. I get jokes all the time that they are for old men...Well that's kinda the point! I'm turning 40 in just over a year so I'll take any advantage I can! I can feel noticeable differences in running with Hoka's. That's saying a lot with 20 years of running experience under my belt. Everyone that knows me, knows that I'm very susceptible to injury - all of those years of abuse and hard mileage leaves me very vulnerable to injury. I truly think the Hoka's will be my secret weapon in this goal of mine to break 2:40 in the marathon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's very surreal to dive back into the sport of running. Even though I did triathlon for 4-5 years, I really haven't immersed myself into the sport since 2002 when I left my dream of qualifying for the Olympic Trials in the 5000 meters while training/competing for Bob Schul's Olympic Development team in Ohio. Back then I lived and breathed the 5000 meters - reading and watching everything I could...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm doing the same thing now, but for the marathon. No, I'm not trying to qualify for the trials! It's just that I'm an all or nothing kind of personality, especially when it comes to athletics. I'm just obsessed with trying to get the most out of my body and this goal is no different. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Olympic Trials, came close...Qualifying for IM 70.3 WC's, check...Qualifying for Kona in my "Kona Journey, nope... Breaking 2:40 in the marathon before I'm 40? TBD!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading.</div>
James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-81254300154071984492017-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:002017-11-09T12:44:05.622-08:00Long Road Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukzCzFUsM6A/WgS940AVy_I/AAAAAAAADlc/E224mcj60f0MZ9TsGs1I3zlrThqxIkf8QCLcBGAs/s1600/LongRoadBack_BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukzCzFUsM6A/WgS940AVy_I/AAAAAAAADlc/E224mcj60f0MZ9TsGs1I3zlrThqxIkf8QCLcBGAs/s320/LongRoadBack_BW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Being patient is going to be my biggest challenge. The 20 something James thinks he can train and get fit without getting hurt. I've done a good job so far at ignoring those voices and just focusing on the plan I have written out. I guess you do get wiser with age? Still, TBD...<br />
<br />
So far mileage has looked like:<br />
<br />
Week 1: 17 miles<br />
Week 2: 26 miles<br />
Week 3: 26 miles<br />
Week 4: 26 miles<br />
(all with one day off each week)<br />
<br />
I'll be bumping up to 30 next week and just slowly raising mileage with no intensity to 45 miles a week by the end of the year. First week of January will be my first block of two where I will slowly add intensity and continue to build up mileage.<br />
<br />
Depending on now the body reacts, if all goes well I plan on maxing out around 100 miles/week, something I haven't done since I was 20! I highly doubt I'll get that high but you never know if I continue to stay disciplined, consistent and healthy.<br />
<br />
Just a short three years ago I was backing up a 70.3 triathlon races with low 1:20 half marathons so, although the marathon is a different animal, the idea of going 6:06 pace doesn't seem that all fair fetched. I actually may be changing my marathon debut to the Orange County marathon in May as to make sure to collect on some bets that are in the process of being made...<br />
<br />
2:40 or bust!James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-24457568115149080152017-11-03T09:01:00.002-07:002017-11-03T09:08:47.107-07:002:40 before 40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02vJDzPcSVk/WfySsu6PujI/AAAAAAAADkQ/xZmPawlusVYcH6xj3bz3Vvu8QMaTOPLeACLcBGAs/s1600/run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02vJDzPcSVk/WfySsu6PujI/AAAAAAAADkQ/xZmPawlusVYcH6xj3bz3Vvu8QMaTOPLeACLcBGAs/s1600/run.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have this void that I cannot avoid. </div>
<br />
<br />
For the past several years I've been "forcing" myself back to the sport of triathlon. I enjoyed those 4 years of training/racing so much and I think I was chasing that. It seemed like every time I started getting into a training groove I would run into big life changes and I would put it all on hold for months at a time, get out of shape and do it all over again.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, that became exhausting and frustrating. During these past 3 years...wow, 3 years since I last raced - I have always thought about the idea of doing an open marathon. But not just for fun and games but to actually train for one and RACE it. I've thrown down a decent half marathon of 1:14 about 4 years ago and a bunch of sub 1:10's in regular lactate threshold training runs in college lol (I never even knew that was very fast at the time).<br />
<br />
So fast forward to now! I started my own business, our baby girl Juliet is one and after discussing it with Amy - we think now is a good time to go after my new goal of breaking 2:40 in the marathon before I'm 40 years old which gives me 1 year and 4 months to train and accomplish this goal. I always tell my high school team that you have to have big goals to accomplish big things. 2:40 isn't necessarily super fast but for how out of shape I am right now and the little time I have, it really is.<br />
<br />
It's not going to be easy. I'm definitely out of shape and have years of abuse on these legs. So lots of aches and pains as I get back to speed...pun? In the past my build up has been pretty aggressive as I think I'm still a young kid chasing dreams. This time, I'm putting on my coaches hat and training myself the same way I would train one of my athletes while incorporating key workouts that I know I respond well to.<br />
<br />
I'm 3 weeks in back to training. Just easy 30-45 min runs each day ~20-25 miles a week (you can follow all of my workouts on Strava - link on the left). Mileage will slowly increase each week for the remainder of the year with zero intensity other than occasional runs where I feel good and increase pace a bit. Basically, giving what my body craves, whether that means taking a day off or going a little longer/faster - it's smart that way.<br />
<br />
I'm targeting the San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon in June. I don't run well in the heat so that's not in my favor with a time goal but it's a local race where I can train and sleep at home during race week which will give me my best shot of doing it in my first attempt. I will have 2 build phases starting in January with some 5k, 10ks and a half marathons leading up to June. I'm excited to race in the local scene again - a lot of familiar names/faces are still racing and I can't wait to line up with them again like old times, with old legs and gray hair slowly starting to show.<br />
<br />
So 2:40 before I'm 40. That's 6:06 / mile pace. Back to my first love. Let this new journey begin!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading -James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-13708917788323051422017-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:002017-04-18T10:56:36.970-07:00The Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyjuN9eT_2g/WPZNJrdyMfI/AAAAAAAADjw/pxtNrvQu0IkVgsGnGtr8-dhTpAJA7_7_ACLcB/s1600/17973572_10154610560580668_7081879502139186280_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyjuN9eT_2g/WPZNJrdyMfI/AAAAAAAADjw/pxtNrvQu0IkVgsGnGtr8-dhTpAJA7_7_ACLcB/s320/17973572_10154610560580668_7081879502139186280_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Juliet is almost 5 months! It's been SO fun watching her grow and develop. It's also been really eye-opening these past several months learning more about Down Syndrome.<br />
<br />
We didn't know much about DS when we found out the day she was born. We were scared for the unknown and all we knew about it were all the "negatives" associated with it. The saddest thing we have learned is that our culture puts Down Syndrome on this island. An island where they want to detect it while in the womb so it gives the parents the option to abort. An island where the "hardships" and "challenges" of DS will take over the rest of your life. Speech problems, physical problems, health problems, developmental problems - it's looked at as such a burden and it's really really sad.<br />
<br />
Let me tell you something. The island looks A LOT different than you think. The island is filled with an overwhelming amount of love. Our family has been transformed all because of this amazing girl. This is our fourth child and although our first three got a lot of oohh's and aahh's, nothing compares to the reaction she gets from strangers and friends that meet her. It's like she oozes with this indescribable love; a kind of love that we all seek and she has it radiating from her. We can't get enough of it!<br />
<br />
We are finally seeing a shift in the way the world looks at DS. Instead of labeling them with a disability, we are starting to see that if you challenge them like any other kid, they will grow and develop just like any child. It is not scary - see for yourself! CLICK <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFmphpHS3Vg" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
We have been blessed with a healthy DS baby. We are fully aware of the road ahead but we also know that every child (and young adult) has it's challenges!<br />
<br />
Love you Juliet, we are so lucky to have you in our family!James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-14093762776966588192017-03-22T14:11:00.000-07:002017-03-22T14:40:10.180-07:00Coaching<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9a4JipOLPvU/WNLl2z4f1qI/AAAAAAAADjM/IQCbeh42QlkLXfFT61PQNAJOYnp3iegqQCLcB/s1600/JACS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9a4JipOLPvU/WNLl2z4f1qI/AAAAAAAADjM/IQCbeh42QlkLXfFT61PQNAJOYnp3iegqQCLcB/s1600/JACS.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Adams Coaching Services</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started coaching back in 2005 when my wife and I had moved to Boulder, CO for a short stint. It started out by just helping out a friend get to 2:30 in the marathon (he ran 2:33). It was amazing to remove myself from the performance aspect and put all of my energy and effort towards helping someone else succeed.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 12 years and I am now head Cross Country and distance Track coach at local high school and I've had the opportunity to coach individual runners and triathletes of all ages trying to reach their goals. Whether that's a high school runner trying to make varsity, a triathlete trying to qualify for Kona, a runner trying to qualify for Boston or the Olympic trials or a non athlete trying to get into endurance sports - I've had great success with a wide range of athletes and would love to coach you!<br />
<br />
Coaching philosophy: I've found that there are four things that help you reach your goals and without all four you are jeopardizing your full potential. I can help with all four:<br />
<br />
1. Indivisualized Coaching<br />
2. Mental Approach<br />
3. Recovery<br />
4. Nutrition<br />
<br />
The only thing I require is that you are serious about your goals and honest with your feedback.<br />
<br />
Email me at <b>jwadams5k at hotmail.com</b> for a free consultation. Prices have a range depending on your sport and goals.<br />
<br />
*Local athletes surrounding the Temecula, CA area will have exclusive discounts with local endurance affiliated stores and the option of one-on-one coaching sessions.James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-7045205455592112782016-12-21T08:21:00.003-08:002016-12-21T08:21:52.333-08:00Foot Injury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JW4hi9jDWhk/WFqrmjXnNHI/AAAAAAAADic/5uBEPqia_FwbmDmfu_eJXib-wd8RKlDUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JW4hi9jDWhk/WFqrmjXnNHI/AAAAAAAADic/5uBEPqia_FwbmDmfu_eJXib-wd8RKlDUwCLcB/s400/IMG_0457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Well so much for that marathon training....ha.<br />
<br />
I thought I had a pretty conservative build up in my running which included a lot of double runs, rest days and easy running. Volume looked like this the past 9 weeks:<br />
<br />
17 miles<br />
18 miles<br />
17 miles<br />
29 miles<br />
sick (2 weeks)<br />
32 miles<br />
39 miles<br />
32 (was going to be 40)<br />
<br />
The plan proved wrong as last Saturday, 2 miles into my long run I felt a bite on my left foot, except it wasn't a bug bite. I ended up walking all the way home and about 1/2 mile away from the house I had to have Amy come get me as the pain was over the top.<br />
<br />
I thought I may have broken it but after four days of being off of it I don't think it's broken. I actually had a similar injury on the same foot years ago and was looking for that blog. I remember going to the doc and finding out it was actually a soleus injury related. Everything is connected and I think that's the source of the injury as I was just dealing with soleus issues about 6 weeks ago. So I'm just going to take this week off completely from running and swim/ride - which now confuses me even more...<br />
<br />
As I mentioned last week, "the plan" was to just run in 2017 to free up as much time as possible for the family while still satisfying my competitive and fitness obsession. My new problem now is that after getting back in the water and on my bike, I forgot how much I enjoy the variety and disciplines. I'm seriously like an 18 year old kid that doesn't know what he wants in life haha. It's also a flashback to 2008 when I decided to get in shape again and train for a marathon, only to deal with injuries for 2 years and finally move over to triathlon. I might be rewinding the same story again.<br />
<br />
So we'll see...Whether it's running or triathlon, I'm coming back to race in 2017 and really looking forward to it!<br />
<br />
Our baby Juliet is doing really well and so is Amy. Amy, btw - pushed her out in 3 contractions like a #boss and was walking hours later. She's also excited to get back in running shape and start racing again so lots of fun/exciting Adams fitness goals in the house again - can't wait!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA5auj8nGB0/WFqrmIHRM3I/AAAAAAAADiI/Mf2X2ZESubEzACJH0Ne93N1nU5nHy4LuwCEw/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lA5auj8nGB0/WFqrmIHRM3I/AAAAAAAADiI/Mf2X2ZESubEzACJH0Ne93N1nU5nHy4LuwCEw/s400/IMG_0447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiddos seeing Santa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNqfMyXlfGE/WFqrmP9de1I/AAAAAAAADiM/xe5-F7QjRr4HK9WBBOn176B7qOqsuQKXQCEw/s1600/IMG_0409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jNqfMyXlfGE/WFqrmP9de1I/AAAAAAAADiM/xe5-F7QjRr4HK9WBBOn176B7qOqsuQKXQCEw/s400/IMG_0409.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1-5K9fEP_Q/WFqrma6jgKI/AAAAAAAADiQ/eDuJ2z17IRM071iDhZs2gIUFd4PE0kFcgCEw/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1-5K9fEP_Q/WFqrma6jgKI/AAAAAAAADiQ/eDuJ2z17IRM071iDhZs2gIUFd4PE0kFcgCEw/s400/IMG_0418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little break from a 4 mile ride with the older ones!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMgixT6lSdI/WFqrmmBfu-I/AAAAAAAADiU/IGIhgp8gf6kbD-6c1SRRMUdit7e9kDy2wCEw/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMgixT6lSdI/WFqrmmBfu-I/AAAAAAAADiU/IGIhgp8gf6kbD-6c1SRRMUdit7e9kDy2wCEw/s400/IMG_0448.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching xmas socks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJM5SnwCkn4/WFqrmslPwzI/AAAAAAAADiY/gzbjXXysYxwh3xhHQd817Br6uOK_NTKywCEw/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nJM5SnwCkn4/WFqrmslPwzI/AAAAAAAADiY/gzbjXXysYxwh3xhHQd817Br6uOK_NTKywCEw/s400/IMG_0455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new angel, Juliet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-32407670505461940352016-12-12T13:23:00.000-08:002016-12-12T13:23:05.255-08:00Support<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIHOJzAYuOM/WE7uYXO3SEI/AAAAAAAADh4/UvApb-DQJh0IEbbsasqdnCAGu_RHBsGKACLcB/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LIHOJzAYuOM/WE7uYXO3SEI/AAAAAAAADh4/UvApb-DQJh0IEbbsasqdnCAGu_RHBsGKACLcB/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My full crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Wow, what an overwhelming response Amy and I received from our family and friends after <a href="http://lovethehurt.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-gift.html" target="_blank">last week's post</a>. As hard as it was the first few days, we are completely at peace about Juliet's diagnosis. We cannot wait to raise her with love and even more with the right tools for her to have a great life. DS has had some breakthroughs and <a href="https://www.iahp.org/about-glenn-doman/" target="_blank">Glen Doman</a> has had a lot to do with it. We are quickly becoming a student and will provide our baby girl with the best environment to succeed.<br />
<br />
I think she is already on the same page. About 50% of DS babies have heart conditions at birth, she doesn't. Almost all have trouble eating, she doesn't. Most DS newborns feel limp and lack strength, she's already lifting her head up and is strong. I can already tell she is a fighter and having her around the past two weeks has already changed Amy and I for the better. So much LOVE!<br />
<br />
The support has also been amazing. Our church and mom's club have been so good to us, providing us with meals the past 2 weeks, offering to take the older kids and so much words of encouragement and love poured out. That's what a community is all about and a big reason why we moved back to Temecula; which by the way, has so many special needs programs - we are truly blessed.<br />
<br />
Switching gears now -besides our baby girl, I also changed jobs about 3 months ago which has allowed me to work from home. This has improved my quality of life tenfold. The 2-3 hours of commuting everyday really had an affect on me both personally and athletically. I've basically been very inconsistent and gained a good 10-15 pounds over the past 2 years of no racing. Motivation would come and go and the job/driving demands played a big part of that.<br />
<br />
Now that I'm working from home, I've been able to get back to my love of endurance sports. I've lost 7 pounds and am up to running 40 miles/week. Through all of the running - I've also discovered the love that I had for it in my hs/college/post college days. With 4 kids now, I've also noticed how much of a time saver it is to run as opposed to adding swimming and cycling to the mix.<br />
<br />
So for 2017 I will focus solely on running. I may jump into a few triathlons but my main focus will be the marathon. I've never run an open marathon (in shape). Qualifying for Boston is definitely a bucket list but I also have some lofty goals with running that I will share as fitness progresses.<br />
<br />
Right now it's all about a lot of short double runs to increase mileage safely minimizing injury and I could still lose another 10 pounds to get in marathon "race weight." So when you see me in about 6 months, I am not doing drugs -rather, a running addiction!<br />
<br />
I added a Strava widget to the blog, feel free to follow along my fitness progression! Next week I'll share my race schedule. As always, thanks for reading :)James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-12000657646679385672016-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:002016-12-05T10:36:32.208-08:00A Gift<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vF4y8fS6I5U/WEWwKdPEr5I/AAAAAAAADhc/gnwqUzPvzsw3lgIr6a7VQpAS6EXqGAdDwCLcB/s1600/Juliet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vF4y8fS6I5U/WEWwKdPEr5I/AAAAAAAADhc/gnwqUzPvzsw3lgIr6a7VQpAS6EXqGAdDwCLcB/s320/Juliet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juliet Faith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Amy and I were blessed with our 4th child, Juliet. She was born with Down Syndrome on Thanksgiving day. Her middle name is Faith. I don't normally get personal or religious in the social media world but I have no doubt that the name we had picked out long ago and the fact that she was born on Thanksgiving day was a gift from God. To be thankful and faithful that she will be healthy and have an amazing impact on others.<br />
<br />
Amazing she is. She has brought many people to tears - even without them knowing of her diagnosis. Amy and I found out the next day by a very special pediatrician (whom we'll never forget) and we were brought to tears. Tears of the unknown. 1 out of 700 in the US are born with Down Syndrome - we are quickly finding out that we were one of the lucky ones.<br />
<br />
Within one week, I have made drastic changes in my life. I have this new relentless desire to be a better person. Better at everything. I imagine she will do the same to everyone she meets.James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-16942316632638185582016-08-01T13:48:00.003-07:002016-08-01T13:51:21.951-07:00Different ApproachI'm 37 now and it's crazy to think that I've been competing (on and off) in endurance sports for almost 25 years! It's taken me this long to finally realize I've been doing it all wrong. Let me explain...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc1w3JJNAWE/V5-1IBY2g4I/AAAAAAAADfw/_FrE2RfrmsY371ZxRa_XeXJU_qvocpvGACLcB/s1600/IMG_8668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bc1w3JJNAWE/V5-1IBY2g4I/AAAAAAAADfw/_FrE2RfrmsY371ZxRa_XeXJU_qvocpvGACLcB/s320/IMG_8668.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing up the sun with Wattie Ink Punk! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
If you relate my "strategy" in training/racing to playing poker - you could say that I've always been a very aggressive player. I've always taken training and racing so seriously to the point where it hurts me. Over-training, over-racing, over-thinking, caring too much, obsessed, etc. I've never just gone with the flow, put in the work and let the racing take care of itself. I've always put so much mental and physical energy into it which (looking back on it) has really wreaked havoc on my overall performance. Ask those that have trained with me in the past - they would probably say my performances don't always match up with the numbers I put up in training. </div>
<div>
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Well this time I'm approaching it all differently. I'm going to just put in the work and let my progression happen naturally instead of forcing it like I have in the past. I have such a peace while I'm out training now. I'm not obsessed with numbers, what race I'm going to do next, whether I'm doing too much or too little. It's actually making the sport fun again. </div>
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My progression is going slower then I'd like which is expected. I've lost a whopping 1/2 pound - most of that is because I lost like every muscle in my body - so I know I'm losing fat and gaining muscle so I'm cool with that. Right now I'm running 3-4 days/wk and riding 2-3 day/wk. I'm just going through the painful process of working out scar tissue from years of abuse and just dealing with feeling generally horrible in training which is also normal those first few months back. </div>
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Waking up early to train definitely has its perks. The smell of summer mornings, hot air balloons rising up into the air and the sun rising up over the beautiful Temecula foothills. It starts the day with a smile and an appreciation that I am still sweating and breathing hard 25 years later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_RhWT29gHY/V5-1haxBKRI/AAAAAAAADf4/Sv3ZAx3pYe89y1StHha-5dnH7nfIPcJ4ACLcB/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_8675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_RhWT29gHY/V5-1haxBKRI/AAAAAAAADf4/Sv3ZAx3pYe89y1StHha-5dnH7nfIPcJ4ACLcB/s320/thumbnail_IMG_8675.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and I watching motorcycles and monster trucks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crush & Brew...Yum</td></tr>
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James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-49990804800597401272016-07-26T16:02:00.003-07:002016-07-26T16:02:41.967-07:00Grind<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYCk8H7S50A/V5frHtiflPI/AAAAAAAADfI/uiMHMWoQWe8D7IqAqRR1Qo2-cPtknnymACEw/s1600/IMG_8584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYCk8H7S50A/V5frHtiflPI/AAAAAAAADfI/uiMHMWoQWe8D7IqAqRR1Qo2-cPtknnymACEw/s320/IMG_8584.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temecula Winery Views :)</td></tr>
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Well I'm about three weeks back into consistent training and I'm FINALLY starting to feel good, especially with running. Most of my weekdays consist of an early 5am wake up call so I can squeeze in a ride or run before my busy day starts.<br />
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5am is early no matter how you swing it but when you are motivated and excited about the sport again, it's a lot easier to get up. That's why I know this is for real this time. I get excited with every little improvement I'm seeing. Historically, I can usually get back into shape pretty quickly although I am now 37 years old and not in my early 30's the last time I did this (get fat/out of shape). Regardless, I'm only two years removed from being in the best triathlon shape of my life and I really can't wait to toe the line to race again. I'm targeting a little sprint race down in Mission Bay in October to make the comeback complete and then I will build into winter and go big with training to set myself up for a good 2017 season.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm really enjoying the summer with friends and family. All Star Game, Monster Trucks, Del Mar Fair, golf, BBQ's, Temecula wineries and of course great beer. Cheers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3qUPPW-wA8/V5frNj34ANI/AAAAAAAADfU/6AI9Yi2SwHY9DQRauukdrmhMe9xT_l8NwCEw/s1600/0LLslz1CCsdqTGfL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m3qUPPW-wA8/V5frNj34ANI/AAAAAAAADfU/6AI9Yi2SwHY9DQRauukdrmhMe9xT_l8NwCEw/s320/0LLslz1CCsdqTGfL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids and I on MLB network with Harold!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying some new brews</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet boy Bo</td></tr>
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<br />James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-30384742544589207532016-07-18T10:17:00.000-07:002016-07-18T10:17:21.653-07:00Motivation arrives on its own termsWow, started this blog six years ago - so many good memories and I am SO glad I documented all of the good times both in life and sport. I am committing to blog again once/week to document my comeback to the sport - which I have found helps keep the motivation at a high level.<br />
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Most of you that follow the blog here (or when it was at Kona Journey) know that I've taken the past two years off of competing. I've had random "comebacks" or big blocks of training only to fall off for months at a time. The motivation would come and go just like the weeks would. I don't blame it on kids or jobs or anything but the desire just wasn't there. I poured my heart & soul into triathlon for a good four years and wouldn't take it back. Sure, it's only triathlon - why so intense? Well, I think it's very healthy for someone to have a passion for something other than work. It makes you feel alive, gives you other goals/accomplishments, camaraderie and the ability to compete - which often times dies after we are all grown up.<br />
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Well, looking back on it all being two years wiser...ha - I may have been a little too invested in what I was doing and with such HIGH expectations. Ironman CDA broke my heart, like big time. You put so much time and energy into something and when you fail, it's very hard to deal with. My solution was to walk away because I had zero desire to get in the water, on my bike or lace up ever again. I was done putting so much time into something with little returns. I have always been extremely hard on myself which didn't help my cause, especially with that being my FIRST Ironman.<br />
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However, looking back on it all - the journey is what made it all so special and I really miss creating the memories that I now look back on with such a warm heart. Training and competing makes me happy. I'm a happier person when sport is in my life. So what to do? Duuuuh, get back to work!<br />
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For me, motivation had to arrive on its own terms. I tried to force the issue many times the past two years with no luck. Well it's back and this time going in - I'm a lot wiser in so many areas both in my mental and training approach. I've had some consistency which I haven't seen in quite some time and I'm already looking at some races that I can start focusing on.<br />
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I thought about reaching out to some coaches but I have decided to be self-coached for now. The biggest thing about coaching is everybody is so unique and it takes years for a coach to really understand what works for an athlete so that they perform at their best. I am very aware of what works for me. To start my main focus is to consistently ride and run (very little swimming), lose the 10 pounds I've gained these past two years and slowly work my way into a "serious" training regimen. Summed up:<br />
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1. Ride/run consistently<br />
2. Clean up diet<br />
3. Less beer in my life (this will cause outrage with friends)<br />
4. Have fun<br />
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I'm really looking forward to coming back to a sport that won my heart (even more then running). As always, thanks for reading and excited to start my new journey.<br />
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<br />James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-54672353794444580532015-12-01T15:43:00.003-08:002015-12-01T15:43:52.287-08:00Climbing back into shape<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Getting back into shape has been fun and miserable. I still think I'm in this phenomenal shape and I end up getting back from a workout all shaky and wiped out. I'm just taking things slow (literally) until I get my legs and lungs back.<br />
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I have to admit though, I've been having fun with it again. For now I'm just riding and running for the next month and then I'll start getting into the water again. Juggling a new business, my career, two kids, a baby and a wife is no joke! I just prioritize each day and do my best to get things done. So lots of climbing, big gear work, trainer work, easy jogs with some pick ups for now. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.<br />
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San Diego proved perfect weather over the holiday weekend that included a family hike, a ferry and lunch to Coronado and the family hosted at our place. Such a fun weekend, love this time of year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and baby Bo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coronado is beautiful in every way, cheers!</td></tr>
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<br />James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-84438145176189149092015-11-23T09:36:00.000-08:002015-11-23T09:36:57.142-08:00Come BackWow, 52,000 hits to this blog since I started it up back almost exactly five years ago. A lot has happened in those five years!<br />
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<li>Getting into triathlon and losing 40 pounds</li>
<li>Having 2 kids!</li>
<li>Getting on inaugural 2012 Wattie Ink Team</li>
<li>Qualifying for Ironman 70.3 World Championships</li>
<li>Writing my <a href="http://lavamagazine.com/adamsjourneybegins/" target="_blank">"Kona Journey" for LAVA magazine</a></li>
<li>Racing my first Ironman</li>
<li>Work promotion</li>
<li>Having baby #3</li>
<li>Taking a year off of triathlon</li>
<li>Starting <a href="http://www.endurancecamps.com/" target="_blank">Endurance Camps</a></li>
<li>Getting back into shape.</li>
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So this is the next chapter. After taking a year off of triathlon to focus on baby #3 and to recharge mentally and physically - it's time to get back into shape. I've decided to document my road back through the blog that started it all. I've learned it keeps me extremely motivated, allows me to get my thoughts down and almost act as a life journal and simply, I enjoy writing.</div>
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<b>To start, I'm back racing for the best team in triathlon, <a href="http://www.wattieink.com/" target="_blank">Wattie Ink</a>. </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamwattieink/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4cU19P1s1Zs/VlNKxDN0YaI/AAAAAAAADco/hj_E7tcGZA8/s400/12052627_777118819065556_7871414321518449704_o.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Click on the picture and "like" the team page</div>
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Being associated with this team for the past five years has been such an amazing experience. I've made life long friends and have seen the brand grow in such a big way - so fun to be a part of.</div>
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<b>Here's the 2015 roster line-up:</b></div>
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Lots of new faces but I have no doubt that team manager (and my former coach Flanny) put together the best team yet. It's been so cool to see him and Wattie shape this team into what it is today. 2016 is going to be a great year!</div>
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As far as training goes, it's all about baby steps right now. For the past year I've just been randomly training. Little bit of swimming and running but mostly biking just to stay in decent shape. I still gained 10 pounds from the inactivity and pretty much let go of all of the great fitness I had for the past five years. That's OK though - since it hasn't been THAT long, I know it will come back fast. It already has, I've already lost the 10 pounds I've gained and looking to build on some fitness for the rest of 2015 and then really start hitting the ground running in 2016. </div>
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2016 will mostly be Sprint/Olympic distances with a slight chance of Ironman 70.3 Arizona at the end of the year to qualify for 2017 WC's. I have to admit, it's been REALLY nice to take this time off - I was really burned out. I feel like I've matured in a huge way with the time off and I just look at triathlon with such a different outlook now. With a new head on my shoulders, I'm excited to see what 2016 and beyond have in store for me. Thanks for following along, means a lot :)</div>
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James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-51160591827678425042015-07-30T09:16:00.000-07:002015-07-30T09:16:21.271-07:00Endurance Camps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I seem unable to get away from multi-sport! After trying to make a comeback from running, I found myself injured often and remembered why I got into multi-sport in the first place! So I'm back swimming, biking and running again and so far, doing it healthy. No plans of racing quite yet....However, I started a new business. <a href="http://www.endurancecamps.com/" target="_blank">Endurance Camps</a>. I plan on changing the way camps are done throughout the US. Follow along at the blog over there!</div>
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Also, like us at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/EnduranceCamp" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/Endurance_Camps" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.instagram.com/endurance_camps" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
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If you're a coach and have experience running camps, we are looking for you (paid position)! Please submit your resume at endurancecamps@gmail.com</div>
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I will continue to update this site occasionally with training and MAYBE a little racing. </div>
James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-9004479818682598722015-05-13T10:25:00.002-07:002015-05-13T10:26:09.386-07:00Baby Steps<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw back to the Dirt Dog Series</td></tr>
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For the past five years, I've dedicated a big part of my life to triathlon. I never thought I would slip back into "out-of-shape James." Multi-sport just becomes who you are, your identity and your lifestyle. Looking back on it, I ask myself what made me completely stop and walk away? I think it was a multitude of things. Burnout, job promotion, accomplishing goals, boredom, time constraints - the list could keep going but I think those are the big ones. It all happened naturally too. After my Ironman, I felt like I did everything I wanted to do in the sport. Sure, I wanted to go to Kona, but after IMCDA I realized I didn't really...As soon as I finished, I felt complete, I felt closure and I all of the sudden didn't care about the result but how much stronger of a person it made me.<br />
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It wasn't by plan to stop completely though. I took a few weeks off, swam & ran a few times but it just didn't feel the same. Still tired I thought, wait a few weeks. Eventually I figured it out that I had no more interest in competing at triathlon at a high level (using that term loosely). Fast forward eight months and here we are! Time to see how fast I can get in running now. I'm definitely taking baby steps in getting back in shape. I've been greeted with a ton of scar tissue, calf aches/pains and soreness from years of running and then the past five years of triathlon abuse. I'm being patient though, trying to avoid injury and lose some weight so I can actually start running without an extra 10-15 pounds hitting the pavement. </div>
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My coach has me doing a lot of sprints and fartleks to inject some speed back into my legs. Something I haven't seen since my collegiate / post collegiate days. I'm starting to find out that there is some life still in there. And as out of shape I am, I'm still seeing 4 mile tempo runs at 6:20 pace which is no where near I want to be, but right now - ahead of schedule. </div>
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I imagine I'll be hitting the track this summer at USATF's all comer's track meets in San Diego. This should be a blast. Just a great chance to get on the track, have some fun and use them as little workouts for the big picture. Fall will be the Dirt Dog Series which is basically the local adult cross country season. I haven't raced these races since I first started getting back into shape, back in 2010, even blogged about them back then <a href="http://www.lovethehurt.blogspot.com/2010/11/race-report-dirt-dog-usatf-championship.html">HERE</a>. Fun to look back on those old blogs of getting back into shape. It's almost the same story right now as I read them. Calf issues, loosing weight, being upset with results...haha. Some things don't change! The cool thing about this go around is I'm so much more mature now and have such a better head on my shoulders. I was impatient and cared way to much about results and sponsors instead of just living in the moment and progressing mentally and physically as an athlete. </div>
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I'm excited for things to come. Bo (baby #3) is due an day now. Track season begins next month. I live in the heart of San Diego. Life is good.</div>
James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-51701645418597422292015-05-07T15:00:00.000-07:002015-05-07T15:00:40.950-07:00I'm back!Wow, what a break this was. My last post was IMCDA in July of last year - can't believe it took me that long to blog again. To be honest, I can't believe I AM blogging again here. I convinced myself that I was done with endurance sports and Love the Hurt. A lot has happened since my last post. I needed a break from it ALL. I got way to wrapped up into triathlon and both my mind and body needed this break. So what have I done this whole time?<br />
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1. Sold my Slice, bought an EVO<br />
2. Sold our home in Temecula and live back in San Diego now.<br />
3. Baby #3 is due in 2 weeks!<br />
4. I drank a lot of delicious craft beer.<br />
5. I gained 15 pounds (see #4).<br />
6. I've swam maybe 10 times since IMCDA with half of those within the past few months.<br />
7. My riding habits are sporadic, but when I do ride, I sure love that EVO.<br />
8. My running has been a roller coaster. 1 month off, 1 month on, 2 months off, 1 week on...etc<br />
9. I raced the Ragnar Relay in April.<br />
10. I hired a running coach three weeks ago and am going "all in" to see what I can do in running.<br />
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So here I am, back blogging. I shut down "Kona Journey" and transferred all those blogs over here so I apologize for all the pictures missing from basically all of last year. I did go back and insert IMCDA pics though, that one was special to me. I've told a lot of my friends that I am a stronger person from that race. Even though it didn't pan out like I expected, I overcame so much during those 11 hours and now I take that race with me in everyday life. When I feel like something is hard, I fall back on that race. It made me a better man and I am thankful I went through that experience.<br />
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Now what? Time to run! Who says you still can't run fast in your 30's?? I love to compete and I happen to be good at running, so why waste that? The long-term goal is to break 2:30 in the marathon. It may come quick, it may take some time but I want to break it as badly as I wanted to break 4 minutes in the mile 12 years ago. It's going to be a gradual build - first thing is to get some speed back on the track. Mile, 5k, 10k most of the rest of this year with maybe a half marathon at the end of the year.<br />
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Not going to lie. Getting back into shape sucks. Carrying around this extra weight and trying to get my running legs underneath me without being sore ALL THE TIME is brutal. But I know it's part of the process. It's one of the reasons why I hired my coach. He's big on the mental approach which I love and believe in. I already know how to coach myself and what workouts to do to get me fast but it's so important to introduce new training methodologies and have a coach to hold yourself accountable - which is exactly what he is doing, good stuff.<br />
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Well, thanks for reading - I plan on posting each week like I always have. This blog has been so cool to be able to look back on. I got a message months ago that told me my blog helped someone quit drugs and get into triathlon. It absolutely blew my mind. Words are powerful. Be bold and share your story, you never know who it might impact or inspire.<br />
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<br />James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-27624518304631240722014-07-09T02:40:00.000-07:002015-05-07T14:14:34.791-07:00Ironman Coeur d'Alene Race Report3200 miles were driven and 140.6 miles were raced and it will go down as the two best weeks of my life. Granted, I did not qualify for Kona but as many of my friends and team mates have pointed out, the journey is what made the whole experience special, not necessarily the race and it is so true. Even my dream wedding and honeymooning in Australia for two weeks 10 years ago did not compare to the epic road trip I did with my wife and two kids topped off with a "dreamlike" vacation from the vacation in Las Vegas with some amazing people. Wow. Where to begin! Since this is a triathlon blog, I'll stick to the race...<br />
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We left Wednesday night to stay in Vegas for a night to avoid the dreaded SoCal traffic. We then headed to Park City, UT the next day to stay with some friends and get a quick glimpse of the beautiful mountain resort town. Thursday we drove to Yellowstone, saw Old Faithful and then drove to Missoula, MT for the night. Between Montana and Yellowstone, we saw some of the most beautiful parts of this country I've ever seen and I've been to every state except five. Breathtaking! Friday we finally arrived in Coeur d'Alene and although it was beautiful it didn't compare to what we just witnessed the day before! The city of Coeur d'Alene seemed like the whole good side of the street/bad side of the street. We were very unimpressed until we got around the resort and Ironman check-in area which was amazing.<br />
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Friday and Saturday was very low key. Check in, pre-workouts and getting around were very easy and simple. I was able to spend a lot of time napping, hydrating and staying off my feet. Come Saturday night I felt very rested and very hungry to leave it all out there the next day.<br />
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<strong>2.4 mile swim: 1:21:02 (2:05/100 yd pace) 141 out of 316 in AG</strong><br />
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The day before the race I swam in the lake Coeur d'Alene choppy waters and wasn't so concerned. I've swam many times in Vail lake (local) which is always choppy and over the past month I've swam at La Jolla cove which can also be choppy. Well race day the wind was kicking pretty good. I actually laughed out loud when I saw the lake. We basically had to swim straight into it, make the turn home and then do it again. I told Flanny the day before that if he saw a 1:15 swim split to not be alarmed because I knew it was going to be a slow swim and I was not going to fight through it and potentially ruin my race. It was a "self-seeded" start so I ended up going in the second wave (1:00-1:15) group. There's no delay in between the waves, it's just a rolling start. It was definitely the most violent swim I've been in. Between getting a shiner on my forehead, swam over, and knocked around. I also had trouble siting -- whenever I tried a wave was blocking the buoys. I've learned over the past 4 years of doing triathlons that the best way to get through these kind of swims is to just relax, not force it and actually just smile. So that's what I did. Just took the punches and swam as strong as I could.<br />
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I hit the first lap in 36 minutes and was on pace to break 1:15. I was pretty disoriented when I got out of the water to make the turn to go back in. The waves and chop can really make you dizzy. I definitely felt the fatigue going into the current again on the second lap and could tell my pace dropped. I just did my best to get through it and not get overly concerned about it. I knew historically if you swam around 1:15 you still have a shot of a Kona slot. When I saw 1:20 on my Garmin when I came out, I just knew it was time to get to work and figured with my run - a 1:20 wouldn't take me out of the race.<br />
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<strong>T1: 4:46</strong><br />
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First time experiencing the whole Ironman tent changing room. The volunteers were amazing. Got me out of my suit, my bike bag, sun screened me up, went pee #1 of the day and I was on my way.<br />
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<strong>112 mile bike/4500ft of climbing: 5:42 (AVG 19.6 mph) 46th in AG</strong><br />
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The temperature was actually perfect. I went with no arm warmers and felt great. It was the wind that hurt me. It seemed like it continued to pick up momentum as the bike went on. Strong winds for my slender frame really took me out of the race. Based off of the last 8 months of using power, Flanny and I decided 190NP was going to be my magic number to ride a 5:00-5:15 bike split. With all of the intervals, hills, long days, short days etc...we had no doubt that the bike would be a huge advantage for me and I'd be able to run off the bike holding that power and crush this course. Well I held 189NP and rode 5:42 haha. You can check out data <a href="http://tpks.ws/81a0">HERE</a>. The only variable we couldn't factor in was the wind. I stayed very aero the whole race and did my best to fight through that wind but it just ended up being a day that favored the power riders. The ones that didn't get blown over by the wind on the bike and the ones that could power through the chop in the swim. HOWEVER. I still felt like I was in the race. My biggest maturity in triathlon over the past few years is that I learned times mean nothing in triathlon. There are so many variables in long course that your S,B,R times really don't mean anything nor do they tell the story of the race.<br />
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So I just kept eating and drinking, nailing my nutrition plan. I peed three times on the bike and never felt hungry or thirsty. I finally started feeling my efforts for the day right at mile 100. I fought to stay at 190 watts for the last 10 miles which tells me that Flanny's plan was spot on. Hard enough to question whether or not I could run off the bike but no cramping, GI issues or dreading the run. Even coming in at 5:42, I had a feeling that a lot of people's splits were slow so I still didn't throw in the towel, I knew I had work to do!<br />
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<strong>T2: 3:13</strong><br />
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Again, the volunteers were awesome. Found my bag right away, slipped on my shoes, took another pee and off I went!<br />
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<strong>26.2 mile run/1500ft of climbing: 3:43 (AVG 8:31 pace) 36th in AG</strong><br />
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Again, after months of training data - Flanny and I decided that 7:15 pace was going to be the magic number for me. Data found <a href="http://tpks.ws/16Wf">HERE</a>. I got off the bike and that first mile felt a little bit weird. It just took some time to get my running legs off of me. I carried a flask of nutrition and just sipped on it while refueling it at each aid station with whatever sounded good. After the first mile, 7:15's became effortless and I knew I was going to have a good run. I just stayed on top of my nutrition, picked a stronger runner ahead of me in the distance and just worked my way up to them for the pass while staying on my own pace. It's a 2 loop course, basically go through a neighborhood, up the long hill and back x2.<br />
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The first lap (1/2 marathon) I was enjoying myself. Smiles, giving some fist bumps to the awesome house parties going on and just clicking off the miles. As I went through the first loop I saw my family, gave them a wave and saw that I clicked off a 1:34 half. Right on pace! Then like almost clock work the next mile I started getting some serious taste fatigue. Everything I tried to eat or drink I just spit it out. I tried drinking a lot of water and eating some pretzels to rinse my palate like I was drinking wine or something but with no such luck! I just gradually started bonking. Whenever I tried to force food down I felt like I wanted to puke. Not because of GI issues but because of the sweet food/taste fatigue I had going on. Everything was just gross. Sweet, salty - didn't matter. So my great pace eventually turned into a slow jog. I just did my best to keep form and stay positive. Those last 6 miles ended up being one of the toughest things I've ever been through. I was so stubborn and refused to walk and just forced myself through it.<br />
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Ironman isn't easy. These past several months haven't been easy. So when I arrived to that long finish chute it was almost like my mind just replayed pictures and videos of all of the good and bad in my life leading up to this race. I choked up big time. When you are in a lot of pain you become very vulnerable. With each step and high five I gave heading into the finish I was very proud of myself. Not just of the race but the entire "Kona Journey" that I've been on over the past year. It took every ounce of discipline mentally and physically to get there and even though it hurt that I did not qualify, when I crossed that finish line - that wasn't what was on my mind. My family was there and as I looked at their faces with watery eyes, I looked up into the sky and became an Ironman.<br />
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<strong>Final Result: 10:55:01, 36th in AG, 161st overall.</strong><br />
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Thank you all for the amazing kind words and encouragement; this was truly an experience that I will never forget.<br />
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Thanks for reading-<br />
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James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-35260734191483959232014-06-24T07:08:00.000-07:002014-08-14T09:10:39.846-07:00Final ThoughtsYou always hear people say how fast time flies. Ironman training has been in full effect since January and I can tell you first hand that the time DID NOT fly by. It wasn't easy by any means and these last six months took everything I had both physically and mentally. I'm running on fumes and I cannot tell you how excited I am to finally toe the line and then cross that finish line next week at Ironman Coeur d' Alene. The time discipline I've had to exercise over the past few months has been beyond difficult but I managed to get through it.<br/>Here's my workout totals since January (25 weeks):<br/><br/><strong>Swim: </strong>187,643 yards / Avg: 7,505 yards/week<br/><br/><strong>Bike: </strong>2,825 miles / Avg: 113 miles/week<br/><br/><strong>Run: </strong> 563 / Avg: 22.5 miles/week<br/><br/><strong>Average weekly hours training: 12.3 hrs/week</strong><br/><br/>So for your typical Kona qualifier hopeful, this doesn't seem like a lot of volume. However, the quality is what has been important. Juggling family/work life with training hasn't been easy but I go into this race very confident in my abilities and still think I have a shot at qualifying as long as I execute perfectly. So how do I qualify? Well, historically at IMCDA a 9:30-9:45 in the 35-39 AG and/or top 5 will get you the beloved KQ not to mention a spot on the podium. How does that break down for me? I debated whether or not to post this, but I've let you all in on my journey, I may as well put myself out there and share what Flanny and I think I am capable of (as long as everything goes right - which I understand is the hardest thing about Ironman!).<br/><br/><strong>2.4 mile swim goal time: </strong>1:05-1:10 (1:32-1:39 pace). With the rolling start last year, IMCDA saw really fast times. I've done a lot of open water swims leading up and even a 4000 yd straight swim which showed me I'm more than capable of swimming in this timeframe.<br/><br/><strong>112 mile bike: 5:00-5:10 </strong>(21-22mph). Course has 6k of climbing which really suits my strengths. Goal is to hold 190 watts (NP). Over the past several months I've held 190-200 watts (NP) for 5-6 hour rides and finished with a solid run with no problem. As long as I can stay true to my plan on the hills and not burn any matches, I should be capable of this kind of ride.<br/><br/><strong>26.2 mile run: 3:10-3:15 </strong>(7:15-7:30 pace). So Flanny's magic number for me is 7:15's. As easy as it is on tired legs in training, I've never duplicated it for 26 miles after a long day. As long as I fuel properly and absolutely go beyond my comfort zone - 7:15's should absolutely be possible for me.<br/><br/><strong>Total time ~9:30-9:45</strong><br/><br/>It always comes down to the run in Ironman. Doesn't matter how fast you swim or how well you ride, can you execute a marathon on tired legs? A lot of that comes with your ability to suffer on the run. It can be learned but there is no doubt that the true runners have a huge advantage in Ironman. I'm hoping to utilize it.<br/><br/>Are these high expectations for my first Ironman? Not if you have prepared properly and I believe I have. We'll find out on Sunday! You can track me Bib #174 at Ironman.com<br/><br/>I want to really thank my beautiful wife Amy for really supporting me through this process. It hasn't been easy for her either. I get a lot of credit for being able to juggle all that I do but there's no doubt that she does SO MUCH. She really sacrificed a lot so I could train and fulfill this dream I have had and she never complained once. I am truly lucky to have her and couldn't do any of this or be the man I am without her.<br/><br/>I want to thank Flanny again for EVERYTHING. You can read about it HERE. Also thanks to James Walsh who also played a big part of me being competitive in triathlon.<br/><br/>I want to thank Wattie and all my Wattie Ink teammates for the crazy amount of support, fun and family environment you've given me. #OG<br/><br/>Thanks to Wattie Sponsors: Herbalife, Powerbar, Reynolds, Blueseventy, Spidertech, Rudy Project, ISM, Speedfil, 10 Barrel Brewing, TriBike Transport, 454 Tattoo, Hypoxic, Rev3 and Wildflower.<br/><br/>Thanks to my personal sponsors: The Bike Shop (thanks for everything Rick!), SRM, e21, SportMulti.<br/><br/>And lastly, thanks to all that have followed along on my journey. Whether it be on this site, Kona Journey, at Lava Magazine or years prior to this at Love the Hurt. I've had so many messages, emails and voices of support over the years and I can't thank you enough for it.<br/><br/>TIME TO RACE!<br/><br/> James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5322734039896852116.post-2386507093982905272014-06-20T01:43:00.000-07:002014-08-14T09:10:39.833-07:00Guest Post II: Coach Robert "Flanny" Flanigan<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Before I get to coach Flanny’s blog post, I think it’s important to try to explain in writing how physically and emotionally hard it was to finally arrive here. In reading Flanny’s post I had to fight back tears. He went WAY above and beyond what a typical coach does for you. He held my hand though the thick and thin. Took my calls and texts from different time zones to make sure I was alright. You see, I’ve never been much of an emotional person. I’ve always been really grounded and strong (so I thought). Ironman training has changed that in me. It’s broken me to pieces, it’s forced me to get back on my feet and it’s left me standing tall and proud whether I have a good race or not. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">There’s always been this emotional wall I’ve put up my whole life. Every ridiculous hard workout Flanny threw at me when I was physically and emotionally drained from training, career and life – slowly broke down that wall. “Why an Ironman?” is the question I’ve been asked so often leading up to this race. This is why. It’s been life changing and turned me into a better man. A man that falls down and gets back on his feet holding a stronger ground day in and day out.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">It truly has been a journey that I will never forget. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Guest Blog post: Coach Robert “Flanny” Flanigan, Owner - Central Virgina Endurance and Black Dragon Racing.<br/></span><a href="http://www.centralvirginiaendurance.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Times New Roman;">www.centralvirginiaendurance.com</span></a><br/><a href="www.facebook.com/BlackDragonRacing"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">www.facebook.com/blackdragonracing.com</span></a><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">With just a few days until the gun fires at the 2014 edition of Ironman Coeur d’Alene I wanted to step back to reflect and comment on the preparation James has put in since the decision to pursue Ironman was made late in 2013. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">From the very beginnings of the preparation for this season, one concept was reinforced to James almost every time we spoke. The concept of consistency. The season needed to be looked at as a very long book with each of the pages being individual workouts, each chapter being a cycle (block), and the entire book being the work done to prepare for race day. Success or failure would not be determined by the individual pages of the book, but would be determined by the overall volume of the book. Getting the workouts in day after day, making the right decisions, and being consistent would be the keys to unlocking the physiological adaptations needed to accomplish the goals James had set. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">For those familiar with James and his personal situation, consistency would not prove to be as easy as it sounds. As a committed family man, businessperson, and lastly an athlete the life demands took a toll on James throughout the process. This is where the value of the coach-athlete relationship comes into play and makes a huge impact. Coaching is not about training plans. Any educated and intelligent person can eventually throw together workouts and call it a training plan. It’s everything else that makes up coaching. Helping an athlete navigate the insanity that can be life while staying on track to achieve peak performance and meet their goals. The preparation period for this race threw everything it had at James ranging from illness and unexpected lows to career advancement and unexpected highs. James and I stayed very closely connected throughout the entire process and were able to course correct when the currents of life tried to push us off course. The result was the consistency I had hoped for and preached since the start. Did we get to fill the book with as many pages as I had hoped or expected? Not really but we did get in all the key parts of each chapter, all the chapters, and the book is now complete. We have indeed seen the adaptations we had hoped we would see leading into his first Ironman. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">James will be entering this race in the best form and fitness he has ever been in, injury free, strong, fast, and most importantly with the support of his loving family. I cannot tell you how refreshing it has been to work with someone so fully committed to his family. In this sport I see many people willing to sacrifice so much to succeed and many times those that suffer most are the athlete’s family. While the goals James had set for himself were of great importance to him there was no question as to what sacrifices we would make in his preparation. Family always came first and we were all in agreement with that expectation. The sweaty hugs at the finish line will truly be a team celebration as they all took this journey together. </span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman;">When James gets into those chilly waters at the start, he can do so knowing he is fully prepared to race Ironman and his only job is to execute his race plan, stay dynamic and adjust to the demands of the day, and enjoy the end of a long and rewarding journey. </span>James Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11646166152599022861noreply@blogger.com0