CDA Swim Meet

 *Thanks to my parents for coming to watch, they are always great.

The Spring Splash swim meet has been one of my favorite swim meets since I first did it in 2012.  Every year has gotten better and better as I have added more events and friends.  The meet this year was by far the toughest swim meet I have done.  I did 16 events and it was a killer.  Friday night was the brute squad; 400 ind. medley, 1500 freestyle, and the 200 fly.  Swimming those three events in one evening was unbelievably hard.  From my last lap of the 1500m free and the start of the 200 fly I had only 5 mins of rest. 

I swam a personal best by 9 seconds in the 400IM, but the back to back 1500 free and 200fly was tough and I struggled to finish the 200 fly...love that feeling.  It was the single hardest day of swimming ever for me, I swam hard all evening and left the pool at 10pm, and I paid for the hard effort on Saturday.  

*Evan did great! A big thank you to him for wearing such a LEGIT sweatsuit. Run DMC would be proud.

Thanks to Stephanie for going to watch and cheer for me, she was a gem :)

I set a personal best in the 100 back the next day, but the rest of the events were not personal best and I fought for all I was worth just to finish them. It was fun to fight that hard (in a sort of sick and twisted way). Four people, including me, swam the maximum of 16 events, including a Friday night brute squad, and I tip my hat to them because that was is a huge feat. It was great to be able to rely on each other through out the day.  It is true what they say, misery does love company. lol 

*Lana and I in the 400IM.  She gets a shout out because she was one of the four who did the 16 event max, including the Friday Night Brute Squad. I apologize because I am forgetting who the other folks were, I want to say James Adams and Sean Murphy did it as well. 

  

*Raise your hand if you love swimming.  Ohhhh me me me!

*Oooo me too!

Great job to my swim friends, too numerous to mention, but never far from my list of appreciation.  Evan and Ayla did great in their events, and Patti again amazed everyone with her skills.  Thank you to everyone for coming to the meet, Evan, my parents, Ayla’s parents, my Montana and Eastern Wash. swim friends, and of course, Stephanie for her cheers. I had an amazing time with all of them, the dinner at Azteca after the swim meet was like heaven on a plate and I can’t wait until next year.   

*One our our group's favorite things; post race at Azteca.  We always eat here after the CDA meet and I look forward to it all year long. 

*My kitchen chalkboard

Happy St. Patrick's Day, and happy start to spring, everyone!  Thanks for following, lots of stuff on the way!

Run Fest Half Marathon

The Tri Cities Half Marathon was a great way to spend a February weekend.  Evan and I both agree that this was our most entertaining trip together.  I really like the Tri Cities, it has always been good to me, and this trip was no exception.  The people and the weather were simply amazing, and I had a ball.  A very big thank you to Nicki and Eric, Evan’s Parents, for setting us up in a true [half] marathoner’s palatial suite.

*Thanks to our own personal bike-escort!

It was super nice of Ayla to come to the race with us.  It is always a comfort to have her on the course to chat with us, take pictures, and collect clothing or gear that we shed.  Something as simple as “being there” means the world to me.  We had a great time with her.

*We always go to Three Margaritas.  The owner, Victor, is always so generous in asking about Evan and his family. 

*No matter how much I complain, we always end up in a romantic dinner for two, never fails. lol

Yes, we did run a half marathon, and that was the reason why we went, but overall I think that was overshadowed by the other fun adventures.  Not to go unmentioned, however, was the fact that Evan finished 3^rd place overall and set his personal best. I saw him on the course a few times and he looked great.  He did awesome, darn near won. 

*Evan at the start

*Who smiles this big running a half marathon?...idiot

*The same dude who takes such pleasure in having a lil' gummy bear snack, it's the simple things. 

I have not run a winter (or spring for that matter) half marathon in over 8 years.  Because I race so many events in the summer, I have often times been closed-mined to other adventures, I have broken out of that this year.  For a long time I felt like if I went to a “race” such as this, then it would be a waste of time if I didn’t go my absolute hardest.  Over the years I have discovered that there is a place for slowing down (figuratively and literally) and enjoying the feelings of easy workouts and events. There is a time to go bezerk and go your hardest, and there is a time to enjoy the simplicity of having a body that doesn't have pain or illness, something that many people would beg to have. 

*Evan laying it down.

*Still smiling, I feel like such a clown looking at these pictures :)

The first 7 miles were pure bliss, distance running is a special thing, and I enjoyed being there.  Near the half-way point Ayla, who was riding the course with us, picked me up.  We both have so much going on in our lives and we just got to chatting while I ran and she rode.  By the time we had “girl-talked” (the man version of it) about everything under the sun, but none of it about running, I was already at mile 9.  I ran the last four miles at a good clip without much effort or strain. The pace difference between the first half of the race and the second half was nearly a minute and half per mile so I passed a lot of people late in the race.  I am sure I surprised a few people as I ran past them jabbering to Ayla like a chatter-box.  

*Run and hide, it's a Quad-zilla!

*In case you're wondering why I'm wearing my medal in the pics; every time I win a medal, I wear it home just like I have done since I was 10.  It makes me feel like a kid again.  

When Evan drives, I control the radio, I sing, and I car-dance like no one’s business.  We are constantly in stitches the whole time.  Evan and I cannot communicate in the typical fashion, speaking, so we have to use gestures, notes, pictures, etc.. Often times our communication becomes exaggerated and over the top.  Evan’s impressions of people makes me bust a gut every time.  

*Car dancing like no one's business....but in this case it is my business because I do it like it's my job, boiii!

*Btw, how many bags do we need for an over-night trip...total man divas. lol

There are times when we can read each other’s minds.  There are other times when I think we are on the same page and it turns out completely different.  We find our miss-communication strangely hilarious. For example, we needed to go to the Red Lion to pick up our race packets. Evan and I discussed it and he drove us there.  Well, there were two Red Lions in the area and we were at the wrong one.  Understandably the front desk clerk had no idea what I was talking about and seemed puzzled.

Right after we left I was trying to explain to Evan that the guy had no idea what we were talking about.  I didn’t need to finish my explanation because Evan began doing an impression of what he saw, the guy looking puzzled and confused. The over-acted impression lasted about 15 seconds before Evan gestured back to the hotel waving both hands as if to say “Forget it.”  His priceless impression just about brought me to tears in the parking lot, struck with laughter.  It is the simple things that I would never think of without Evan, that I am so thankful for him.  We had a great trip, a great race, and great food.  It was an amazing adventure and a great return to winter half marathons. 

Winter Update

First, here is a winter motivation song to listen to while you read this post, this song makes me happy. Ra Ra Riot! 

A few years ago I didn't much care for winter.  November-December would roll around and I would close my eyes and dream of summer.  Over the past few years, I have made my weakness (winter), into one of my greatest strengths. I no longer close my eyes and hope for summer, I now find myself missing the disappearing harshness of winter that I have learned to embrace.  

*During the cold months, I used to dream about riding in places like this, race bikes, and HOT race outfits. 

I've made no qualms about it that some winters have been tough, but those same winters have allowed me to find myself.  I have adapted my training and lifestyle to use the things that once made me weak into things that now make my mind and muscles strong.  I now love the harsh winds, deep snow, and darkness.  It was also during winter that I discovered that I do my best training with a little bit of snarl.  Just that little bit of edge of having those un-named people's voices in my head saying "You can't do that." and over-powering that doubt with hard work and the phrase, "Watch me."

It is during times of challenge that I have found my creative side and discovered things that I had no idea I enjoyed so much.  Stepping outside the box is a good thing...

....Getting tossed out of the box in a full on skid is even better.

This winter I have been on a new adventure.  It is something that is both motivating and intimidating.  It is always on my mind now , it makes me nervous. I admit that at times I am actually quite terrified.  It is very much out of my element and it challenges me to learn about it, train for it, and keep a never-say-die attitude.  I, like all people, have that feeling at times of -if I just give up, all this stress would stop-.

All of us have that point where we question what we do. Often times people quit when things get tough. There is a cowardly side to us all,  but there is also a part of some of us, deep down, that will never give an inch.  I have a part of me that has stick-to-it-ness, and the courage to keep going even when I am nervous, even down-right scared.  I call that part of me "Brodacious." That is the part of me that has physical power to keep pushing when I am tired, and also the forethought to plan my attack and seek help when I need it.  It is that part of me that has the courage to take that first step in saying this is my dream and this is what I want to do.

When thinking about this "big secret adventure" I ask myself, what if I look like a fool?  What if I totally suck?  What if I am out-classed and people laugh at me?  I know that my challenge for the time being is countering that inner doubt with What if I do well?  What if I totally rock the socks off this sucker? And maybe, just maybe, what if this turns out to be a dream come true?  I know that if I am scared, nervous, and intimidated now, but I keep focused and put in the time and effort to do what it takes, then on May 3rd I am going to feel like a million bucks and it will be a dream come true.

It is already mid-February, and I haven't even completed the "Training Montage" post yet.  Blink your eyes and it will be March.  March is always my month, and I am doing a great job of chasing the elusive and sometimes scary dream that awaits...  

...and that is why I keep pushing.

Wenatchee Swim Meet

If you read this entire post, I guarantee you will learn something about yourself.

*Das right, funny pics are what we do, yo. Scissor fight!

This swim meet was, in a word, awesome.  I had so much fun with my greater swim-friends family.  I am such a lucky guy to be included in such a great group of people.

Quickly mentioning:  It was a treat to spend time with Evan, Evan’s girl Angelina, Ayla, and Terri.  The Wenatchee crew; Carolyn, James, and Jack, all did fantastic.  Thanks to the Wenatchee crew for helping with the meet.  The CDA Crew; Lana, Diedra, Mike, Cindy, Margaret, Brady, and Brittani were all welcomed company. The CDA Crew is filled with amazing people, thanks to Lana for a great duel in the 200fly, and thanks to Brittani for counting my laps in the 500 freestyle.

Last, but not least, were the Moscow chinooks; Paige, Matt, and Emily are some of the nicest people I have ever met, I am lucky to be their friend.  Great job to everyone at the meet, it truly is an honor to be part of the swim circuit circle of friends. 

We all did amazing in our events. My personal favorites were the 200 butterfly and 400IM.  By the way, if you were wondering, the Indvidiual Medley (IM) is my favorite event showcasing all the strokes into one race, and sequenced as follows:

*Butterfly

*Backstroke

*Breast

*Freestyle

*Then you get to smile and pose like a champ...

and

Hit the snack table!  :)

*The Wenatchee Crew is always super generous with the snacks!

*I found this picture strangely comical. Jack and James are the toughest boys on the swim circuit

*James in the 200fly

*Evan kicking it in the 1650 freestyle.

*Me launching in the relay!  Thanks to Ayla and Angel for the pics!

*Paige in her 200fly

*Lana going to work, boi!

*James and I dueling in the 400IM.

*Ayla in her 50 backstroke race.

*Ayla was cookin' the books in between swims.

*Matt and Emily, cute!

*Post event meal pic

Okay, I wanted to tie this post in with the Moscow meet race report.  At the Moscow meet I had a lot of stress because I could not get warm.  The challenge of swimming (for me) is always two-fold.  I swim the hardest events; that is the physical challenge.  The other fold is that of the mental challenge.  I am always cold at the swim meets.  Most people don’t understand that the competition pool is cold, being on pool deck with a wet swim suit is cold, waiting for your events and heat is cold, to “warm-up” you have to get in the cold water and expend a lot of energy.  

On top of that, being really tall and skinny has always left me prone to being cold because there is a lot of surface area to keep warm.  When I prepare myself for swim meets (or triathlon), a big portion of that is to prepare my mind to simply suffer through the misery of shivering and being cold for hours on end.  It is hard for me.

At the Moscow meet the cold got the best of me and I couldn't function in my normal engaging ways.  I was shivering the whole time, very reserved, quiet, and focused only on my “survival” of swimming my events and then getting into warm clothes.  I didn't get to talk and joke with my friends or get pictures of them because I was so focused on just getting through the swim meet.  I felt very bad about this, but I simply could not function. We have all been there, cold, uncomfortable, frustrated and worried about our bodies, etc.

Contrast to Wenatchee, I was so lucky because although the pool was cold, the air temp in the pool area was above 80 degrees. On top of that I devised a plan to avoid being so cold.  I was going to minimize my in-water warmup and cool down.  I was going to try to stick with dry land versions of both of those.  

Additionally, I came loaded for bear with clothes.  The entire day when I was not swimming I wore a thermal shirt, a long sleeve t, a hoodie, and my swim jacket.  When I added those to the 80+ air temps in the pool area it made for an absolutely perfect day. I was so comfortable, I had no stress from being cold, and I was able to be my engaging, joking, fun-loving self.  The difference between Moscow and Wenatchee meet was night and day, or in this case literally the difference between hot and cold.

Okay, so I am setting up this last portion with the previous.  There are two (generally speaking) types of people.  Introverts and extroverts.  Most people have incorrect presumptions about the two.  For example, people incorrectly assume that ALL introverts are shy, quiet, loner-types.  Not true.  The same for extroverts when people assume ALL extroverts love to always be around people, are out-going, and that if you are a “people-person” you must be an extrovert.  Also, not true.

The true underlying difference between introverts and extroverts are introverts regain their energy (recharge) by being alone and away from people, they are usually thoughtful before action, and observant.  Extroverts are the opposite, they regain their energy by engaging and being around people, they think while they speak, and are more spur of the moment.  Both intros and extros can exhibit shyness, be gregarious, be engaging, and be a people person.  In fact, one of the traits of an introvert is to exhibit extremely extroverted-behavior at times.  I read that extroverts out-number introverts about 3 to 1 so it’s no mystery why there are a lot of misunderstandings.

Okay, here is my point (finally), the more I learn about myself and the older I get, the more secure I become in the person I am.  I am always learning and trying to improve, but my core values and personality traits are pretty much set.  I embrace who I am. 

When I tell people that I am an introvert, most voice their disbelief that a person like me who is always joking, always engaging, and out-going could be an introvert.  The fact is, I am, those who know me, know that I am a people-person, but I also spend a lot of time alone.  I am very observant,  I talk a lot, but I am very thoughtful before I say it, and although super-intense, I have quiet intensity and rarely steam over.

Think of being and introvert as this, before a swim meet or triathlon, or other people-centered event, I usually need a day or two alone to gain back all my energy and make sure my stores are topped off.  

I love to be around people, but that starts the clock running on my battery.  Even when I am having the time of my life I am still using my stores of energy.  After being with my friends swimming and racing all day having fun my battery gets low and the switch flips. It’s the point where I say, “I have had a great time with you all, but I need to go home…like right now.”

The vast majority of the time I have enough energy to get through all the events without any issues of getting low on energy.  I then go home and recharge and the cycle continues.  I actually love the contrast.  I think it is a great way to live.  I love my friends, but I also like my time alone because as an introvert that is how I recover.  I know that this can be confusing and frustrating at times for my friends and family because most extroverts don’t understand why a person would retreat, be quiet, and withdraw to rest and recover.  They take it personal as avoidance, but it is simply not the case, it’s just the way introverts' brains are wired.  We recharge briefly and then we come back good as new.  

This post comes full circle, because at Moscow my energy was used up too quickly with the stress of freezing to death and not being able to get warm.  It quickly became “I love swimming and being with my friends,” to “This is misery, I have never been this uncomfortable and cold.”  Before the meet was over I was on empty so I became quiet and reserved, and focused-inward on simply getting through the meet. Wenatchee wasn’t like that at all and I had the time of my life being the life of the party with my friends. My extroverted-like traits were set to the max at the meet and I loved it.

I thought this meet was the perfect opportunity to write about some of the interesting things about me (and introverts in general).  The majority of people reading this have already self-assessed their own personality.  I hope that this puts some an informative nature on how fabulous the introverts are, and brings some perspective and understanding to our extroverted counter-parts.

*Ayla, Terri, Angel, and Evan.  Thanks to you guys for being such welcomed friends. 

Lastly, if you want the theme songs for this meet, here they are:

Just-because-it's-awesome theme song

400 Ind. medley theme song

Warm-up song

200 Fly theme song

Thanks for reading, it was long.  J

Happy New Years!

Happy new year to everyone!  I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone the best of luck starting 2014, and remind you to reflect back on 2013.  What did you do well, what needs improvement, what difficulty will be your new opportunity, and what did you learn?  Also, I love theme songs, you know this. The start of 2014 has a theme song and it is Make a move, by Gavin Degraw.  While the general message is about love, I think that the undertones of taking that step and having the courage in making a move is fitting. "Make a move" video link  Listen to the song and think about your goals :)

This is also the time for New Years Resolutions. So many people ultimately failure to achieve long term success with their resolutions because they lack a realistic approach to success.  Point being, most people go 0 to 100 with their resolutions and can't stick with their drastic change.  Drastic is never successful.  You want the key to success?  Here it is; success is achieved when a dedicated person implements small changes consistently.   Don't think for a second that your goals are easy, they never are, but they are attainable through consistency and a positive attitude.  Consistency, not perfection, is what it takes, it is as simple as that.

In looking back at 2013, I learned a lot, about a lot of things. If nothing else, the older I get, the more confidence I have in what I do, the way I live, the person I have become, and the motivation to step outside my expanding comfort zone.  It is an amazing feeling to be 28 and wake up everyday thinking, "I can do whatever I want to do today, the sky is the limit."  I am incredibly fortunate to have endless opportunities to pursue and the support of many great people.  2013 was the first time that I started to feel that life is short and time is of the essence. 

We all need to remember that the sky is the limit, but also know that the clock is ticking. Be patient at times, but be decisive.  

I feel like I am constantly torn between living for the future and living in the past. It's necessary to keep your future goals in mind everyday and ask yourself, "How does what I do today affect tomorrow?"  You also have to keep assessing things in the past so you can be prepared for your future opportunities.  What I learned this year was to live in the moment when you achieve your goals.  We work very hard to achieve our goals as we relentlessly pursue our dreams.  Just because you are focused on the future doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey, the stepping blocks, and the building of your success.  In those moments when you achieve the grander goals, then by all means live in the moment like there is no tomorrow.  For crying out loud (added for emphasis) this is your moment, and you earned it, enjoy it. There are many times of 2013 that I will never forget as long as I live.  Without dreams there may as well be no tomorrow, this is what we live for.  

In terms of my resolutions, I always have a few because I am a dreamer, and a constant work in progress. I have a few big goals and adventures in the works, they are a huge stretch for me, and somewhat intimidating because they are different from what I have done in past years. 

In looking back at 2013, my residual feeling is that there is nothing else to prove (to anyone), so why not shoot for the stars and dream big.  I have the confidence of all my past success to justify my aspirations, and whether I succeed or fail, it will never take away from what I have already done and accomplished.  I will share more about my goals as they develop, there is a lot of work to be done. 

Maybe this is the year to ask yourself, "What would I do, if this year, was my year?"  

Best of luck in 2014, friends.