Motivation

I had a great workout yesterday morning. I had planned on just doing arms and then hitting the spin class for Amara's outstanding interval workout. (Amara is quite the athlete. He's about 5'10", 220 pounds of muscle and motivating!)

Instead of what was planned, I ran into my personal trainer / friend who did a fit assessment for me last November. He let me know that he had some time and wanted to do a six month check to see how things have progressed since changing my focus from strength to endurance training. (Or at least a large percentage of focus that is!) So I agreed.

The fit assessment focused on raw strength and short-twitch response, lean body mass and flexability. Here are the results:

Weight - 176lbs, Body Fat - 8.2%, Flexability - "A little better."

Raw Bench Press - 1 RM = 315lbs
Short-Twitch Response Bench Press - 225lbs X 13

Raw Back Squat - 1RM = 385lbs
S-TR Back Squat - 275lbs X 14

Raw Leg Press - 1RM = 1,235lbs
S-TR Leg Press - 600lbs X 17

Biceps Preacher Curl - 1RM = 130lbs
S-TR Preacher Curl - 80lbs X 18

S-TR Triceps Dips - Body Weight X 36

The trainer's response was "Dang son. You need to go back and look at your last results. What's motivating you?" I thought it was going to be bad to be honest. But when I looked up at him after I caught my breath after the dips he was smiling. All I could muster at that point was "I don't know. Tri season I guess."

I did go the the spin class and proceded to sweat a shallow pool beneath my spin bike. Amara did his job. I did mine. Once I got home and had some time to myself I looked back at the results from November:

Weight - 181lbs, Body Fat - 9.4%

Raw Bench Press - 1 RM = 330lbs
Short-Twitch Response Bench Press - 225lbs X 11

Raw Back Squat - 1RM = 390lbs
S-TR Back Squat - 275lbs X 9

Raw Leg Press - 1RM = 1,325lbs
S-TR Leg Press - 600lbs X 13

Biceps Preacher Curl - 1RM = 130lbs
S-TR Preacher Curl - 80lbs X 13

S-TR Triceps Dips - Body Weight X 29

So the biggest difference is an increase in endurance. Some loss of raw power, but nowhere near the amount that I'd expected to at this point. I keep looking at my training logs to see what is going on there, but I can only assume the base strength that I've established over the years are helping me out. I literally am putting in about 50% of the time weight training that I was and have increased the cardio (swim, bike, run) by an average of six hours a week. And of course, a relatively strict diet has helped as well. (I still eat like I'm trying to gain weight!)

So back to his question about what motivates me. Had some time to think about that as well. Although each thing has its' own relevance and weight, here's what really is pushing me:

1. I want to improve myself with each day. I want to be a better person, a better dad, a better athlete and a better friend.
2. I have something to prove to myself. I took a lot of training given to me over my 37 years for granted. From the days on the football field, soccer field, wrestling mat, baseball diamond, track and the Navy I always had someone pushing me and holding me accountable. Now it's just me. Triathlon is a solo sport and every athlete within the field is looking to beat you.
3. I'm using the "noise" around me for motivation. Nothing like getting that one thing that's bothering you and squashing it during a run or bike. And if it's a really bad day, the free weights don't have feelings and they don't mind being pushed around.
4. I'm invested in this sport and in this life. Triathlons aren't cheap. Neither is my time. I need to make the best of both investments.
5. I've picked up a sponsor of sorts. TriPlyo has given me the opportunity to wear their colors and try out their product. I owe them as much effort as I can give.

So that's the tip of the iceberg! Happy Easter Ya'll!