LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE....

Lets be honest.. Some of you are "Die Hard"sport fans.. When your Football team loses on Sunday along with your fantasy team, and the team you really dislike Wins, Monday is a not-so good day for you.. Same goes with Baseball, Soccer, hockey etc.

Or

You run a race or do a workout that makes you second guess your training or your coach and You say to your self "How did I run a marathon at THAT pace and cant do THAT pace for a 10k" or "How can I run a 5k IF in my last workout I had to walk after mile 1?"

Have no Fear, All is NOT Lost...

So, for me- I realize that Life moves on (Of course). But, what that really means is, Hello... You get a second chance. And a third. And a fourth. And a fitth.. How awesome is that?
When I woke up this morning, I was super pumped.. Why? Because I was drinking out of a super awesome Coffee Mug my brother just picked up from Costa Rica on his honey moon. Yep, that's why I was pumped. Not b/c I biked 70miles yesterday or had 2 great run workouts on Saturday or that my swim this morning was awesome. NO, it was my coffee mug, my jeep top down, watching the Sun Rise heading to work that made me Ecstatic.

Point is people, When people say "Don't sweat the small stuff" find out what is YOUR small stuff in your life and don't sweat it. Life is awesome, so much exciting stuff is right before your eyes everyday.

Love you guys and keep taking advantage of all those chances we get in life... God is good...


G

VA TRAINING CAMP

Fall Training Camp  (This is the Summer Training Camp Blog http://tritheshore.blogspot.com/2013/06/sc-triathlon-training-camp.html)

8am - Friday the 12th of October

We left yesterday from Charlotte after work and arrived late last night. This morning, I sit on the porch this morning with a view that is breathtaking.. Basically, in twitter terms - #AmazingView #MountainLakeHouse #FallLeavesChanging

On tap- a 10-12mile run which is basically death in the mountains, a little strength workout midday, another 3mile run in the afternoon.... Gotta Love it!

Click on the pic, then scroll through them (they are larger that way)

12:45pm

- Well, we are having a Brunch right now..... Perfect weather... Chocolate Waffles, bacon, fruit, hammer power bars and COFFEE...

- The Run- 10miles in the Smith Mountain Lake Trails (3 of my favorite words- Mountain, Lake, and Trails)... Only 4 guys this run, but what makes these workouts different than the runs back home, we have no rules.. Attack and Surge at your pleasure is the only rule, and thats what happened.. Around the 6th mile is when the combo surges happened, 1 guy dropped on the first 2, then i got left on the 3rd. Mainly from this crazy runner who doesnt get tired.. Anyway, I will get them tomorrow for our 70mile bike ride of climbing ;)

8pm

- A must needed nap happened for everyone, theirs a little longer than mine.. During that time, I did a strength session/yoga on the dock for 45min. 

- We then hung out, ate alot and geared up for Run #2

- Chris, our fastest runner here, went 6mi to our 4miles but we pushed the pace pretty good. Mile 2 and 3 were under 6min pace, and for one mile- after .5mile we were at 5.20pace... Not sure why our legs felt ok, but they did. 

- Then, Dinner/ a prank on 2 of our guys in the woods that really messed up with their head ;) / hang out / Sleep

Saturday - October 12th

7.30am

- Last night during prayer for dinner, it was confirmed how awesome these guys are. God is very much apart of their lives and you could tell. On journies/training weekends like these, we all realize that at the end of the Day God receives all the Glory and Honor and we just need to show him an abundance of Gratitude...

-I thought I could beat them up this morning but couldnt. One more guy, Daniel, joined us last night at 3am from work and will be riding our 70mile journey today with us. So 5 guys ready to smash our legs, basically. A little chillier here this morning, but perfect Cycling weather... 

Over and out

Sunday - October 13th

6.30am

- First off, Happy Birthday to my Mom- If I have one ounce of the Love and Care she has towards others I will be a good man.... Oh and she is 63 (sorry mom, I like to boast about your age) ;) 

-Yesterday, there was no update since my fingers didnt have the strength to type.. 

So we start our ride and to our dismay... Its raining pretty hard, windy, and not a shade of blue in the sky for miles to see.. The first 5miles we all were thinking about going back to the house and sit by the fire.. However, we decided to keep going. I have never seen so much beauty in my life. It looked like pics from Scotland.. The mountains in the back of 100 acres of grasslands and farmlands... It was absolutely breathtaking.. I kept on saying, "Look left" , "Oh snap, look right".. 

So we got in a rythm until one our riders got a flat... After 30min (pretty slow change) of changing that sucker we rode 6 more miles up this mountain. We then turned around and could not wait for our Cafe stop at mile 45. Once there, we had coffee (some had coke) and ate a sandwich. It was perfect.

We then had a 2nd wind going home and took it all in. The weather let up for the middle 40miles, but then our last 15 were in a good downpour again.. Honestly, it made the bike ride so awesome.. I finished thinking 75miles at home where its not that hilly and no rain will feel like Nothing compared to this. 

(This is what its all about, putting yourself- during training- in circumstances that are extremely tough and mentailly get your mind over the barrier)

Inclunding stops, we were gone for 6 hours!..... So when We got home, we ate so much flipping food and drank a few bruiskies as well while the fire place was flaming in full force.. We just talked our way through the night and fell asleep at 8.50pm (Lol).

- Now I sit on the porch again, while everyone is sleeping, and just enjoying my coffee and God time as we shortly will be going out for another run... 

Noon 

That was awesome! There is just something about the last workout of a brutal 3 days of training... We hit up the trails again for 6miles but the last mile, we made it out on the road and got up to sub 5min per mile pace.. This time I hung with these Super Runners.. 

Anyway- the nice soft landing was great for our legs after yesterday... 

- We then got home relaxed some and then headed home...

- These weekends are awesome, its even more impressive that the other 4 guys are hitched and their wives let them do this with the young Single lad ;) but man, do we destroy our legs only to make racing that much easier.. 

Training Camp #2 Done!

Angels peaking through the sky while we were on the boat.....

Glenn passed out!

FRIDAY WORKOUT

Hello my friends,

Tomorrow, to jump start your last weekend in September- here are 2 options of a workout for you to do:

1) 5x (20situps, 20pushups, 20jumpsquats, 20jumping jacks)

2) Treadmill- Run or Walk - 5min easy, 4min at an incline of 2.0, 1min easy, 3min at an incline of 3.0, 2min easy, 2min at an incline of 4.0, 3min easy, 1min at an incline of 5.0, 4min easy, .30sec at an incline of 6.0, 4.30min easy.

Pick one or the other, unless your really feeling it and want to do both..

Have fun- I would love to hear how it goes..

Greg

London World Champs

Photos then daily blog

Where i eat breakfast everyday with my bro

My bro always making a funny face

Transition

These buses are everywhere!

The Serpentine in Hyde Park (cold)

After I just did a practice swim, i was shivering so bad

Lunch on the Serpentine

Obsessed!

Trying to take pocs with as many teams. This is South africa

France

Mexico

New Zealand

The Bridge

Tuesday 9/10/13

12:15am

Everyone is passed out except 4 people on this plane. Those four are.... Me, a guy who is sneezing and coughing like no other, a woman who is next to a man Snoring like no other, and a kid super pumped to be flying on his own watching a movie at the time. 1.45hrs left until landfall. Cant wait to go to a coffee shop, do a swim in Hyde Park, and crash my feet for the night. Going to be one long but exciting day...

4:45pm

Holy Toledo! Longest day on my feet ever.. So, right now I have slept 2.5 hrs of the last 27 hrs and that total will increase until I hit the sack tonight. Our team coach told us not to take a nap or else we wont be able to sleep tomorrow. 

When I arrived in London, I hopped on a train- and walked my way 2miles through the city with 4 bags- 1 being a huge Bike Box.. Yep- pretty embarrassing. 

Also- its freezing here. Well freezing to a born and raised South Florida guy. I went for a swim around 2pm and forgot to bring my wetsuit. I guy said- man you get the toughest person award today. I then said- No, I get the Irresponsibly Idiot award. The water is 59 degrees!!!! I got a quick 500m in and jumped out shivering.
 

Side note- some triathletes go about their way of a "dont talk to me, im in the zone" attitude at these events, which is fine. However, for Me- not so much. I have met so many awesome foreigners that It really confirms my assumption on how great people are. 

This one British chick, Jess, my age actually had lunch with me after we met during our swim practice. I think it was because she felt obligated to be with me the next 20min to make sure I did not keel over and die due to hypothermia. 

Anyway- Tomorrow is race #1 and very excited! Also- I get to see my brother who got some Leave time from his military duties just to make it a brother bonding trip too. 

I will say this- the best bottle ever is my Filtered water bottle. On trips like this, I can drink any water form any place. Go to filtersfast.com to check it out

Wednesday 9/11/13

10:05pm

A long day thats for sure. But pretty exciting. Woke up and had a great breakfast and coffee with a view of Hyde park. As I walked over to the race start, i was definitely pretty pumped. As I got there, my brother informed me that he was here and was able to meet me before the race which was cool. I of course had a mishap right before the race. After warming up, I get to my bag to put on my wetsuit and tri top to find out it was not in there. Yep- I flipped out since the water was 62 degrees. I looked everywhere and could not find it. 15min from the start I ask the lady in Transition if there was a lost and found, after searching different bags she found my belongings. 10min before the race start I get my stuff on and hurry to the line where they needed us to check in. The problem- Me not getting in my proper nutrition and fluids 30min before. That came back.

Race

Great swim. We are talking about some awesome athletes and for 1000m so many of us were in a pack. Very exciting and very scary getting hit and punched and kicked. Anyway- it went well and had a good transition. I was ready to run. But not my left leg. The calf immediately locked up (I have issues with this calf for the longest time!) and I stopped and stretched. Walked, then stretched and had a split decision- either walk the race, get out as 12 competitors did in 30 and under, or do what I ended up doing. I sprinted for 100m and scary enough, The cramp allowed me to run still lingered but I was able to run and get a good pace going. Anyway- 3rd for USA for the 25-29 Age group out fo the 7 that made it out there. with out the cramp, 2nd was definitely doable, not 1st though :(

Thursday 9/12/13

6:05am

I was too tired last night to finish so here I am in bed doing just that. 

So after the race, my brother and I just did brother stuff really. We then walked to the Opening Ceremonies which was a 3mi walk from our hotel rather than take the bus. This was a great idea because we were able to experience the London Culture on this walk. Oxford St at night reminds me much of New York City. Packed 24/7 and they had all different strips whether it was China Town, a Las Vegas vibe, Shopping section, sports section, it was never ending and we plan on go there more tomorrow so we can see it all. 

Anyway, the ceremony was awesome and I made it a personal duty to introduce/talk to as many foreigners I could since I felt like I needed to show them Americans are fun and respectable and genuinely nice people. It was definitely a fun time and my favorite Women were the South African, British, and French (just saying :)

Today- I plan on running with the team at 7am, swimming at noon, and biking with the team at 2pm. My brother is going to crossfit at noon, and then we plan on walking the streets more. Tomorrow after Race #2, we will do the "touristy" site seeing events like Big Ben, the London Bridge, see the Spice girls (just joking), and the Guards.

Cheers
 

12.55pm

3mi run done and avery cold 500m swim done. These workouts were just to loosen the muscles up for tomorrow. My calf is absolutely killing me! But the environment here and atmospher is amazing so its all good. I am at this out door lunch spot on the serpentine called Lido that has amazing coffee. My brother went to go do a crossfit workout at a gym here which is kind of cool. Getting excited to race tomorrow. Should be fun and cold.

7.30pm

Ok. I have definitely been tested today and am very thankful I have passed. Why stress over things you cant control. Saw the team doctor and confirmed I have a Calf Tear from yesterdays race. Its not severe where I cant race so that's sweet..
Also, my race wheels are not in proper form to use from my crash 2 weeks ago so I am bumming one rear wheel from One guy and then another guy front wheel from another. One is not a race wheel but that is fine.
Other than that, My brother and I had a great day and just ate at a place called The Swan.
Honestly, this stuff excites me. I feel like its an additional challenge to overcome these obstacles. So, Ice/stretch/and pray a lot tonight to make sure tomorrow I can have a decent race. 

Friday 9/13/13

10:55pm

Race Simply Put
Swim - calf was ok, the turns were extremely hectic and getting kicked in the face was normal, and the temp was 61 degrees. Finished pretty well to keep me in contention

Bike - Front wheel rubbed the brake the hole time, gears did not work, Cold, rainy,  6 u-turns, 36 total turns, got my butt kicked on the bike, but some crashed (not me :)

Run - Calf hurt badly, but never stopped running. a 19.00 min 5k was all I had on that calf muscle.

No medals but great experience and cant wait to come back!

Then, went to Southbank on the Thames River. Now that was sweet. The London Eye, the Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and a hole lot of pubs in these awesome villages. Then my brother and I got lost on the double decker buses and went God knows where. Great day indeed...

1 WEEK FROM GETTING HIT BY A TRUCK

Pics of my week...

Saturday - Getting discharge information

Sunday - Quiz: Sox either A) was sad that I was hurt B) protecting me from anyone that came to see me C) Sad that he was not getting his long walk on Sunday......

Sunday- Rehab began.. Strength Training

Monday and Wednesday - Carolina Sports Clinic went to work on my ankle/foot

Friday- Sox was a very happy Dog to go on his long walk/play day w/ his friend one day early

Saturday - Trysports- had my new bike shipped/put together/ and fitted all with in one week so I can ride it a couple of times before I go race in 10 days overseas. You rock!

So- I always think that people never get enough credit when they tell you "I will be praying for you", "I hope you have a speedy recovery" , "We will be thinking about you", "Get well soon cards"

Well- this stuff really works people! Im serious. There is no way I could have done all this in one week without your prayers and words of encouragement. Exciting stuff.. I hope your 3 day weekend started off good today.. If it didnt, well your in luck- you still have 2 more days-those who aren't in retail :(

G

TRIATHLON RACE OR NOT

Today- I witnessed a miracle...

I woke up this morning at 4am for a fun Triathlon here in Charlotte. On my way I was singing pretty darn loud in my Jeep...

The morning was great, the weather perfect, the atmosphere electrifying. I have to add one point b/c this will give you chills later on.. 2 people, out of the 700 in the race, I knew I did not get along with. I always had it out for them, just thought they didnt like me. Ok- that will come back later...

So, the swim came and went. Felt pretty good other than the fact that everyone wears these speed suits these days that I do not have so I need to go buy one of those.. Still, good swim.. Then the bike..

I pretty much was on my own during the bike course, but felt pretty good. Until Mile 15......

A guy in a Truck thought he could make his left turn (opposite way of me) into his neighborhood faster than Me cycling past his entrance, He was wrong.. 

Cracked Helmet

Totaled Bike

4 flips on the bike

51feet between where I stopped rolling from where he hit me

ER/ambulance

9 Xrays

$1,000 damage to his bumper which hit my left side/leg (He T-boned me)

At first, total numbness in both legs, then just left side...

After all that, the doctor comes in and says "I have the results, and I dont think you realize what a miracle this is and how lucky you were, but both your Femer and Foot are not broken and your ankle is just sprained"..

Other than some crazy numbness and sore bruises, I am fine. 

So I talked to God, of course for a while. And realized a couple of things that this was a lesson on. 

1) The Charlotte Endurance community is amazing, So many people have reached out through Social Media today in huge thanks to My Good friend CL asking them all for prayers to go my way and updating everyone.  They most definitely worked! Just as they did to one of our known coaches who was affected in the Boston Bombing.

2) A slap in the face! The first 2 people to come visit me in the Hospital, were none other than those 2 people I mentioned earlier that I did not have good impressions towards for the last 2 years. Man, was I wrong.. I seriously would have guest anyone but them. Thank you JH and JL! Truly meant alot 

3) As I laid on the rode- I thought I could very well be paralyzed. I instantly asked God if that was my new road- please give me the strength to live that lifestyle.  But it was not, and for that- Im rejuvenated and ready to roll... 

Crazy, but alot more horrible stuff happens every second around the world. 

I love you all.. Seriously, if your reading this- I love you in some way somehow.. 

G

GOOD MORNING

Training has been going well. Yesterday was an extremely hard training day, a swim before work , a bike during lunch, and a track workout after work. While I normally get all 3 in each day during the week, some days are harder days and some are easy. 

For instance, days with Workouts- i.e Bike - 5x2mi all out w/ 1mi recovery , or Swim - 4x1000yds at a certain time, or Run - 6x800 at 5k pace etc. - are the ones that I really need to mentally prepare myself for and know that being tired is not an excuse. 

Days that are Easy are ones with my bike is just a 25mi easy cruise or a 5mi easy run, or a swim that involves the pull bouy and fins. These days are great b/c I really enjoy training and have fun. The Workout days are fun too but not until afterwards ;).

I am feeling fit right now for the World Champs in 19 days, but not yet feeling 100% confident. The second half of the season I have not raced that much due to the training plan I have for the Championship. But I think I might enter in one shortly to dust off the cobwebs of the racing mentality. 

 

Absolutely loving it, thats for sure.. Such a fun journey and to have some friends that join me on a workout or 2 makes it that much more enjoyable. 

G