For the most part, Turkey day leads me to consume close to 10,000 calories within a 4 hour period.  Last year, I ate myself into a nap, with drink still in hand.  This year I'm taking a different approach.  Don't get me wrong, on any given day I'm about 2 decisions away from being a glutton.  BUT the difference is, these days I don't crave the same foods.  Oddly enough, once you learn to prepare delicious meals with veggies, you learn to season them in a way that makes your mouth water.  That being said, this year there is a definite plan  when it comes to holiday eating.  Believe it or not, you don't have to overeat on horrible carbs and heavy foods.  As a matter of fact, if you're an athlete and care about your performance, it's smart to hold back a bit, even if that means not going back for 5th's or 6th's.  The damage you've done in one day of heavy eating can throw off your system for a week or so, meaning you'll have to do a lot of catching up.  That also doesn't account for thanksgiving breakfast and all the turkey you'll be eating AFTER thanksgiving  Also, being able to control yourself on such a "glutinous" occasion will give you piece of mind.  OKAY, so I'm pretty sure if nothing else we'll all still overeat just a little...I mean if food is hanging out on the counter, someone has to eat it, right? Make some small changes!

My plan is this:
- I know I'll probably be presented with some challenges.  Mounds of heavy carbs, meats and gravies will be staring me in the face at every opportunity. SOOO I've decided to prepare the healthiest version of the foods I love.
(everything is homemade too)

- Veggie Loaf (replaces turkey)
- Cranberry sauce with dates and maple syrup (definitely not from a can)
- Sweet Potato/Cauliflower mash w/ coconut milk
- Mushroom gravy
- Gluten free stuffing
- Roasted root vegetables
- Fresh salad with homemade carrot, ginger dressing
- Almost raw, frozen pumpkin pie

I get it, totally different than what I've crammed into my mouth in previous years.  The difference is, if I happen to over eat on some of the items above, the penalty is not nearly as severe.  By cutting back on the heavy salts, canned products, fatty oils, mayo, butter, processed sugars and refined carbs.  Also, I shop for my ingredients locally so I know where they came from and will have that piece of mind.  I find it odd that we blindly neglect the thought process when it involves food.  With the "instant gratification" fairy on your shoulder, it's hard to remember that there are consiquences to your dietary decisions.  IF anyone is interested in how they can make some healthy decisions on Turkey Day...please get ahold of me and I'll steer you in the right direction.  Also, I credit a lot of my eating ideas to Rich Roll.  Check out his website and blog if you get a chance. The pictures below will take you to a few recipes.  

Last blog post, I put out a giveaway.  I'd like to announce that by luck of the draw, Brady Price will receive a brand new pair of Maui Jim glasses and a new pair of Asics shoes.  His response to the "challenge" was spot on and very inspiring.  It's important to know your "why" and stick to it when you're tired or don't feel like training.  Read below for some inspiration and then take 5 minutes to answer it for yourself. 

- Why are endurance sports the driving force in your life and what are your goals for next season?

Brady Price
"Being a triathlete has changed my entire perspective on life, and how I approach each day. I remember when having a house was important, when my car was a status symbol, when eating was for pleasure only, when I worried what people thought of my clothing, and when I wanted to conquer the business world. Then I was introduced to endurance sports! My house is now just a place to sleep, shower and safely store my gear! My car gets me to the trail so I can train, and holds all my dirty shoes and bike tools. Food is now fuel, and recovery, and cheat days are more rewarding than ever! The clothes I wear are race shirts, and I sport them proudly, even at work! Endurance sports introduced me to life, and instead of waking up to work, and working to pay bills, and paying bills for what society says is “how life should be!” I wake up motivated to train, to better educated myself, to push the boundaries of what I thought impossible, only to realize impossible is just the beginning if you are willing to push past it. We are capable of so much, and I learn more about myself each time I toe the line. Life is about living, and this sport has helped me define that."

My goals for next season!
·         To take full advantage of my first official “off-season” as an athlete.
·         To get back on my mountain bike, road bike, and enjoy some social riding with friends since I isolated myself during the past 5 months.
·         To work on my short game, and have some fun at the Clermont Sprint Series.
·         To tackle more 70.3 races, and continue working on my long game.
·         To continue working on my diet, and maybe trying out the Paleo thing.
·         To work on my mental toughness, so I can one day compete in a Full Iron Distance. (hopefully in 2015)

How ever simple or complex your race plan may be, it's important that you truly understand it.  It may seem like another race; waking up at the butt crack of dawn, hoping for the morning "movement" before leaving the hotel room, eating early and mentally preparing for a beat down but believe it or not, this ritual is very important.  Often we methodically lay out every race item, systematically tucking items in our race bag like we're tucking an infant into a crib. That being said, now that I've been racing for a few years, I find that I sometimes slack on the planning aspect.  I'm just soooo tired all the time. This sad realization led my mind to wander and inevitably led to the doodle you see above.  Putting it all down on paper (so to speak) really helped me focus, re-committing my mind, ensuring everything was in its place.  Seriously, TRI Rock Clearwater was yesterday and I'm pretty sure this race plan was executed with the utmost precision.  Heavy Metal or techno, why not both? Why not mix the two and listen to  some Skrillex, turning my red Jetta into a 4:30 am club on wheels? The WHOLE point is, know your plan, have some fun and MAKE sure you leave the house on "empty".....

I'm going to start from the finish and work backwards, BOOM! 

- As I ran through the finish, I knew I had held off some fierce competition. All the hours of training, 4:30 am mornings and early nights added up to that one moment, the victory.  I've been on both sides of this, often being just short of the "win".  Today, my best turned out to be the best and I'm so thankful for that moment! 

- The RUN was surprisingly strong! Even with my 2 year old Saucony A5's. The freaking Clearwater bridge certainly slapped me with it's vengeful hand, but the pain was short lived.  The fact is....Hills are HARD, lol. I knew a very studly runner was on my heels, thanks for the motivation Mr. 32 min 10k, you kept me running hard!

- I've had to accept that this was "the year of the bike".  The single place where I could gain an edge.  I managed to ride a solid 26.3 mph Avg through multiple turns, 3 steep bridges and a large field of 30+ Men and ALL the women.  Talk about an obstacle course.  Gladly, I caught the lead swimmer by the last 8 miles and we finished strong!

- I'm not quite sure what the heck you have to do to tie the knot between the pool speed and race day execution, but I haven't totally figured it out yet.  I held a faster pace for my 5K swim a few weeks ago, without a wetsuit.  The weird thing is, I felt really good.  MAYBE feeling "good" is the problem and I should be a little more uncomfortable with a faster pace? Who knows?  I can't complain too much, but definitely expected 1st or second out of the water....instead of 4th :)

- My pre race plan was simple as depicted above. Wake up really freaking early, eat a banana with cinnamon and almond butter, drink some coffee blended with 2 Tbsp coconut oil, Udi's Omega 3/6 blend and slam a Roctane Gel before my swim warm up.  Transition set-up was seamless and It was fantastic to see all of the amped athletes! By the way, say what you will about my coffee mixture but I totally swear by it.  I've also blended avocado or a raw egg with my coffee for a rich, creamy delight.  Yea...a raw egg, for real! ALSO, I had been pre-loading with beetroot juice and beet juice all week long.  After the race I enjoyed some Amrita Bars and fresh fruit.  Believe it or not, I feel like I perform better with a vegetarian diet!!

Great News! I'd like to offer one of you the opportunity to be highlighted in my next blog AND receive a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses (Any pair you want)  AND get some Asics (Gel-Blur33 2.0).

- All you have to do is subscribe to my blog and e-mail me the following:

- Why are endurance sports the driving force in your life and what are your goals for next season?

Please e-mail me your story, [email protected].