It has been a struggle the past few months, the result of some mistakes that needed to be overcome. And that is precisely what has been done, tremendous efforts to overcome and rise. I am getting back on track and am getting others back on track as well. In fact I have had an epiphany concerning something that every person needs, Identity. It's hard to stand for something and to push an ideal if you don't know what to stand for or the idea that is important to you.  Something that my training has lacked and I think the majority of people lack to get beyond that average lifestyle and become a newer, better version of themselves. 

I've talked about goals and how to create accountability to yourself in order to complete your goals. And I think that one big thing lacks when setting goals. Too many people go to contract with a personal trainer or buy a gym membership and they say something to the effect of. "I want to lose 20 lbs," or "I want to become leaner." All of which are valid goals, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to achieve a healthier body, however there is a piece that needs to be added, and that is the answer to the question "why?" Why do you want to lose the weight? Why do you want to be leaner? The answer seems somewhat simple, Because you want to be healthier, or you want to have a better body when you go on vacation. Such answers are empty... there are other things that can be done and there are other ways to accomplish those goals. through diets and passive forms of training making going to a gym and putting in solid work not necessary. As I was sitting with my wife and we were talking about our goals for this year I made an important discovery towards exercise and athletic adherence. There must be some kind of performance based desire. The body was meant to move and the human emotional tendency is a desire to be useful. Looking better accomplishes nothing. Being able to walk a 5k without stopping or competing for 1st in a full 140.6 Ironman is an accomplishment that makes your new body useful to yourself or others.

Performance is a great indicator as to the progression of ones health status. Even the smallest improvements can indicate drastic improvements in the body. Don't underestimate the desire to perform. There isn't a much better feeling in this world than working hard and then putting to use that hard work in a game, a race, or a match. 

I have started a journey to Ironman Boise 70.3. Then Ironman 140.6 in Coeur d'alene. Being able to bring my body to the point where I can travel 100+ miles without a vehicle is something extraordinary to me. Since I have made this decision my training has taken a new direction and has been much more effective as well as enjoyable. Knowing that there is something more than just intangibles at stake is reminding me of the kind of training and intensity I used to push when I was in college. 

Train to perform, it doesn't need to be at olympic levels, you just need to use your body. Perform with your new strength. Find the athlete within you.

Every day... A Little Stronger