The First Ride of the 2010 Season
Time for change here, in Colorado.
The snow melting, grass greening and warm sun is a welcome reminder that a new season has arrived.
I’m not talking about spring but a new “Season of Strength”—a new goal and focus for my training.
For me, the cycling season has officially begun.
I took my first real bike ride this last Sunday after busting my bike free from the grips of “the trainer” and off we went up the near-by hills.
Now, just to be clear, I have been riding (occasionally) on the indoor trainer but there is no replacement for riding a real mountain, on a real road, in the real world. No matter how hard I train inside, that first ride is a wake up call.
It’s a total shock to the body.
Sunday was just that. I kept it sane but not easy—taking the steep way up “high-grade.” All in all, 2 hours of riding, 30 miles and about 2000 feet of climbing.
From Intention to Action : Concept to Reality
Ever feel like you just can’t get your ideas to take hold—from intention to action and results?
I’ve been feeling that for about 9 months. I’ve been talking about and intending to engage a full-on Transformation Challenge myself, to take it to the next level.
And suddenly I find myself finally taking committed action.
Why the wake up call? What’s got me moving with focus and force?
Simple, I’ve got a real commitment out ahead of me with a real date. Its finite nature is just part of what’s brought energy to life.
My commitment: The Triple Bypass!
No… Not the emergency medical procedure, although that’s what it takes far too often for people, but the annual bike ride over three (triple) Colorado mountain passes in one day.
I did the Triple Bypass last year—it’s a hell of a ride. A true physical and mental challenge, much like a marathon, that I will need to be ready and in shape to complete. This isn’t the sort of ride that allows for a “good enough,” or half-ass effort. You either bring it or get a good beating.
90 Days and Counting…
And as luck and/or synchronicity tends to, it turns out that the day of the triple, July 10th, is exactly 90 days from my first ride Sunday. Weird, wild considering I didn’t plan it or even think about it. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of once you put the deadline—the real compelling deadline—out there, the preparation happens.
Check out the short video summary of last years ride and you’ll see why it’s got me so laser focused.
Here’s the full post from last year, 11 Lessons for Success in Sports, Fitness & LIFE. NEXT: The Mechanics of Motivation : How to Get Yourself Moving Strong Until Next Week, Stay Strong, Shawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Meet The Author, Shawn
Known as "The Fitness Philosopher," for his deep, clear approach to the cutting through the fitness conundrum, Shawn is a 20+ year veteran in the field of Lifestyle Fitness and Peak Performance.
Author of several best-selling book, with one of the most photographed physiques in history, Shawn, with his brother, Bill Phillips (Body for LIFE) catapulted EAS sports nutrition into the world leader and Muscle Media magazine and the documentary movie, Body of Work. He created the first computerized training system in PowerBuilding and the popular Variable Split System for Muscle Mass.
Now, in his 40's, a husband and father of two young children, Shawn is passionate about helping busy, high-achieving "men in the middle" enjoy vibrant, energized, amazing, Full Strength lives!
He has recently created the World’s 1st and only true
premium nutrition shake for men, Full Strength —
clinically proven to build muscle, burn fat and boost energy.
His most recent book, Strength for LIFE is the "how to" guide to a Lifestyle of Fitness Freedom.
14. April 2010 at 4:45 pm
Sweet!!!
14. April 2010 at 5:31 pm
Nothing like hearing the velo attack the road for the first time each season. Great post.
14. April 2010 at 5:52 pm
Thanks Mike! Great to see ya.
14. April 2010 at 5:49 pm
This makes my daily bike rides appear quite leisurely
Oh the joys of a great challenge that not only tests the strength of body and mind, but gives you a great appreciation for the amazing planet that we live on.
14. April 2010 at 5:52 pm
Right on Scott… thanks!
Come on out, we’ll toss the leisure out! Ha…
I know what you’re saying…. I love the challenge, the drive, the moving one more inch when all sense would say, “No.”
15. April 2010 at 7:39 am
Great post!! Really motivates me to up my training! I’m doing a 60 mile London to Brighton bike ride in June.
15. April 2010 at 11:20 am
Awesome Russ… send photos! Enjoy! Great to have a goal!
15. April 2010 at 11:22 am
Shawn
I just want to say thanks for speaking with me at the Transformation conference. I loved the samples and I have completed my two week trial study. I lost 5 lbs without changing my diet. I can’t wait to order my next box. Thanks again
15. April 2010 at 5:18 pm
Awesome Quentin! Thanks for sharing your Full Strength story.
It’s a shockingly common response…. the body has, that is, to the integrated nutrition in Full Strength.
I’ve come to understand more and more through the science that the results, far beyond ordinary, for any supplement or even pharmacological, and especially extra-ordinary for a nutrition shake, are as much the product of it’s ability to balance and regulate hormone levels (predominately insulin) in your body, as they are the satiety and nutrition.
That seems complex but the reality is it tastes like ice cream, nourishes like a meal and freakin’ works like magic!
Hard to believe if you’ve not felt it, tasted it, seen it for yourself–that’s why I invite everyone to find out for themselves. For at the end of the day, I’m passionate about creating great change in people’s lives, and part of fulfilling that is producing great products… but I’m not a natural salesman… I prefer you sell yourself.
So, I’ll stop rambling for now…
To Your Full Strength!
Shawn
15. April 2010 at 5:22 pm
My cycling clients do a couple of rides in Colorado each summer – I’ll have to see if this is one of them. Sounds hellish. Have fun!
15. April 2010 at 5:26 pm
Right on! Let me know either way…. love to connect.
16. April 2010 at 9:16 am
When are you shipping Full Strength to the UK? Thanks, Russ
16. April 2010 at 1:35 pm
Russ,
I’ve slipped a few cases out now and then but the customers here are not to keen on it–since I produce small batches the demand tends to strip the supply.
If I get on it and start growing supplies–get more people–I’d love to oblige some time later this year. One has to get enough over though so safe to say, I’m thinking about it.
Thanks for asking!
Shawn
18. April 2010 at 6:04 pm
Very inspiring!. Need to go to Boulder for a college visit with my son this summer. Checking to see if I can add a triple bypass to the schedule. It is the big 5-0 for me this year. Re-reading Strength for Life…
19. April 2010 at 11:12 am
Come on out Mark… CU, great school even with the football program struggling.
The Triple Bypass sells out max riders (4,000 or so) in 40 minutes on Jan 1. But you can score an entry on Craiglist now and then.
Congrats on the big 5-0… stay strong!
Shawn