Being a race volunteer
To continue my "slow" build back into Ironman racing, I deferred last week's Ironman Galveston 70.3 (Aka a half-Ironman) until next year. In January and February, I didn't think that my body would be able to handle the training volume required to properly prepare for...
Excellence is a habit
Recently, I've decided to be intentional with my efforts to break through fears and mental barriers around performance. The tendency to throttle my effort is a long-standing habit. However, training and developing as an endurance athlete now requires me to look inward...
Pushing through fear π΄π½ββοΈ
In previous posts, I've mentioned my underlying fear and uncertainty about pushing hard and giving my all. Finding the courage to go beyond what I think is possible. I thought this fear was holding me back as a runner. It turns out that my self-doubt is much more...
Tamron Hall Show Interview 3-25-2021
Today I was interviewed on the Tamron Hall Show (ABC). They did an episode on midlife crises and thought that my story would be a good fit for the show. My segment is below.
A frustrating 55 mile π΄π½ββοΈ ride with the A-groupers
Over the past few weeks, coach Johnny has been increasing my cycling power targets through interval sessions as well as increasing the duration of my Saturday rides. On Thursday I did 1hr zone-2 and 4 zone-4 (hard effort) intervals and felt very good throughout. With...
January & February were about being consistent
Three months ago I successfully underwent prostate surgery. Since returning home from the hospital, recovery has been my priority. I've internalized the mantra "today is my day" and used it as fuel to maintain a steady progression towards recovery. During the months...
New Podcast Interview
Shall We Proceed Podcast EP.54 Prostate Cancer, Ironman, & The Black Man. had the pleasure to sit with my good friend, my brother, my Mr. Ironman himself, Dr. Chris Tubbs. We discussed his journey to Ironman 2020, and his new status as a Prostate...
Ironman Texas Deferral
I have come to the realization that deferring both Ironman 70.3 Texas and Ironman Texas 140.6 is the best choice for my long-term recovery. From the day I began walking with my catheter bag until the end of last week, I've had my eye on preparing for both of those...
Surprise Improvement in Run Performance
Run Assessment After a 6-week Ironman training hiatus, it's time to update my training zones. I've discussed why and how they are used in previous posts (here, here here, and here).Β I want to be active, but still, allow for healing, so I've been consistently running...
Becoming a prepper
My determination post-surgery to resuming training has served me well. Over the past five weeks, I've remained consistent with efforts to push my body and retain as much fitness as possible. I've also remained focused on eating well. This year, one of my goals is to...
Surprise 5K Personal best
Yesterday, I was tired so I slept in. After the excitement of being able to run again, I pushed my body hard but neglected fuel adequately. The accumulated fatigue took its toll so I listened to my body. Rather than force myself to get up and run early, I slept in and...
Getting my body back
Yesterday, Jan 5, was exactly one month since my radical prostatectomy. Since I awakened from anesthesia, I've been walking. Initially, I had to pull an IV Bag through the halls of Johns Hopkins Hospital. After being discharged with my catheter bag I walked daily for...
Embracing the Suck…A Cancer Diagnosis
Embrace the suck... Among endurance athletes, this phrase is as common as "good morning" or "I'm hungry". We push ourselves every day, with the goal of being better than yesterday. So, inevitably, we have to do long, hard, uncomfortable training sessions. That's...
Ironman Florida 140.6 – Race Day! (4 of 4)
When I step back and think about how the full scope of an Ironman race, I almost always feel amazed that the last part of it includes running a full marathon. That one piece blows me away every time. Oddly, I don't feel the amazement while training or when I actually...
Ironman Florida 140.6 – Race Day! (3 of 4)
I felt very good coming out of the water, I remember thinking that I would happily do another lap if needed. However, running on the sand, was a bear. As I was crossing the beach I kept thinking that this shit is taking way too much energy, get me on solid ground....
