I'll Live This Way As Long As I Can

Now that I have your attention, please understand that I'm totally aware there are infinite ways to live. Some find total joy in cave diving or underwater basket weaving. However to me, "Tri-life" is totally up there in the top 10, enabling serious ass- kicking skills, developing both mind and body. I'd be willing to debate with any multi-millionaire as to why a competing in Escape From Ft. Desoto  would upgrade their status of existence. Even if they already have 10 Ferraris, they could still benefit from some healthy competition.  I've seen people lose 100+Lbs, repair relationships, relieve stress, conquer fears and finally value their lives like they never have before. It's about the freaking JOURNEY!

Over the past few weeks I've met some incredible folks, all of them proudly throwing a roundhouse at negativity, enhancing their lives through activity.  Recently I've attempted some serious meditation on my "current existence" and realized I'm definitely where I want to be. To be clear, my meditation is usually full of spastic thoughts from handling race-day anxiety to streamlining airline overhead luggage procedures (it's a serious pain right?).  It's pretty random. BUT either way, I allow myself to simply enjoy the moment.  I also find value being inspired by others on a daily basis. I freaking love giving energy to those who need it and literally beat back the "standard" outlook on life.  More often then not we totally get sucked into what the world wants or what society wants.  When are we not in a hurry, not on a strict timeline or under pressure? That mindset/lifestyle totally overshadows our true purpose, putting a black cloud over the amazing amount of freedom we truly have.  We can be free from all the garbage popular culture gets caught in. Does anyone really care that Ke$ha has a "$" for an "s"?  Seriously, start making your own decisions and stop being a zombie.  Essentially, think of the movie Office Space.  Liberating yourself from the mold of what everyone wants you to be is the only life worth living.  Re-invent yourself! Even if that means taking 5 deep "meditative" breaths right when you rise or inventing your own line of embroidered sweater vests...DO SOMETHING you're passionate about and finally....SHARE IT with someone else!  Seriously, call your friends and remind them of all the goodies you just read!

So this brings me to the Team RWB Camp that I was honored to be part of.  The weather was super windy, the water was choppy but it didn't stop anyone from walking away with anything short of a remarkable experience.  Seriously, I saw combat veterans with PTSD, lower leg amputations and mega-open water anxiety conquer their world.  BOOM, Triathlon literally turned the tables on stress, fear, doubt and isolation.  I hope you don't allow anything to hold you back from seriously taking a dive into the best version of "you" because life can slip away pretty quickly.

Xterra Demo at Pass A Grille

Dynamic warm-up!

Hopefully some speed rubbed off!

Second open water swim...DONE

Seriously dedicated volunteers

This Starts my 4th Year

Ahh yes, to be young again!

Whew, it's literally been 4 years!  I can honestly say that this sport changed my life.  Leading me to triumph I could have never imagined.  I've always been fortunate to have a supportive family, driven attitude and great friends...but life still needed another "spark".  I found triathlon through my Boss Traveler Hill.  He was the first "Ironman" I had ever met.  It was because of his invitation on a weekend bike ride that I'm here today.  After feeling the sense of community, immediate gratification of improving fitness on a daily basis and feeling like I could finally be REALLY good at something, I was ALL IN BABY.  Since then I've traveled across the nation and the world, hunting down the next experience that will impact my life, building both body and mind.  Being an Active Duty military member  (go Air Force) has also been a vital part of my success.  There is a huge network of support out there, especially through the US Military Endurance Sports program. 

Presently, I'm squeezing every second out of every day.  I'm serving our country, coaching 10 athletes who keep me sharp and trying to set myself up to be one of the top 10 triathletes in the world (long-term goal).  I can't think of another way to live want to say "Thank You" to everyone who supports me.  I'm so freaking jazzed to know tons of amazing people.  The final lesson I've learned is this: If you put positive energy into the universe it will most certainly feed your life with positive experiences.  Thanks again for all of the FB "high fives" and shout outs!


So how did the race go?  This was my 4th time competing in Escape from Ft. Desoto, it was literally my first triathlon EVER.  The second year I did it I actually won!  These past few years I've lost by a few seconds.  This year, a 17 year old ITU athlete beat me by 6 seconds.  Seriously.....hats off to these young athletes.  They are most definitely going to grow this sport to a new level, keeping us older guys working hard.  To be so fast, so young...I could only wish I had such opportunity.  None the less, I'll alway make sure I race this event every single year.  In short, my swim, bike and run effort was certainly all I had for the day and I'll ALWAYS say there is no greater feeling than finishing a race.  I don't care if it's a 5k, Sprint tri or an double anvil....you've freaking accomplished something great, relish in it.  

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Great to catch up with a fellow USAF Tri Team Member at the race!