Thursday, September 30, 2010

Better with Age

“Better with age”... how many of us would truly use those words to describe any aspect of our lives? Reality is that it should be something we can all use to accurately describe ourselves. This does not just pertain to physical activities but my last triathlon race did enlighten me somewhat. I finished the race a year older and 28 seconds faster than last year. What I realized is that we are taught that age can be used as an excuse for our shortcomings in just about anything. If we truly want to live our lives to our full potential then we just cannot buy into that philosophy.

Do yourself a favor. Pick out a particular measurable item in your life and go to work on it. Work hard and it will get better!! Doesn’t matter what it is or who you are! Then share your results because you will have grown your understanding of what Team Inspiration is all about.

Jim

Monday, September 27, 2010

WHAT TEAM INSPIRATION REALLY IS


Last week when Nathan, Trisha, Jim and I spoke to the neurological patients, more of the bigger picture of this wild adventure became clear to me. At the beginning of our talk, I asked the group how many members of Team Inspiration were present. The people doing the triathlon with us all raised their hands. I told the group that that was a trick question. At the end of our talk, I told the group that Team Inspiration is not a group of people doing a triathlon together. It is a group of people with challenges fighting to beat those struggles who inspire those without challenges to better their lives. It is also a group of people without challenges who work to inspire those with them to fight them, making their lives better.

I got to thinking this weekend about how this all has come to be. I went back to a letter I wrote Nathan, Trisha and Jim in May when I gave them a metal inscribed with the Emerson quote that is on the top of this blog. In that letter, I used words like inspire, positive, strength and hope. When folks started saying that they wanted to do the triathlon with me, our superjocks wanted a team logo. The symbols they included were for strength, health, friendship and hope. It is mind boggling how everyone involved with us frequently uses these powerful words. I think that is why Team Inspiration has made such a huge impact and impression.

One of our superjocks, Paco Solano, is a senior in High School. He has received a full scholarship to play football for Airforce starting next year. (WAY TO GO PACO!). Yesterday, he came in my house and was so excited to tell me that his picture playing in last week’s football game appeared on the front page of the local paper. (The above picture!) I told him that that was great and that I was so very proud of him. He immediately informed me that he did not tell me about the picture for that purpose. He told me that he was excited about the picture because his Team Inspiration wristband showed very clearly in the picture. He was proud to be associated with our group and happy that our group got some recognition in his picture. Amazing that a teenager is so selfless. I was reminded of another photo someone very excitedly sent me. Iron Man Jim sent me his finish photo from his recent Iron Man in Idaho as soon as he got it. He sent it to me because the medal I gave him in May is prominently shown in the photo. He wore it for the entire Iron Man. This is the kind of good pride we have talked about. This is the kind of positive energy this amazing group of people creates. This is the kind of help, hope and strength this group creates. This is why Team Inspiration has made such a HUGE difference to me and to many, many others and will continue to do so. I am truly blessed to be associated with this team.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Friday, September 24, 2010

THE TEAM INSPIRATION ROAD SHOW






I am thrilled that last night Jim, Nathan, Trisha and I were given the opportunity to speak to a group of neurological patients and their support groups. The pictures above are of that event. My heroes shared their insight on helping people with challenges and the group was as enamored with them as I am. Thanks guys.

Team Inspiration is making a mark and helping people and I am so pleased. I never imagined that we would be doing this and it is just the start. We talked to these folks about trying, baby steps and everything we put on here. I am so proud to be associated with people like Jim, Nathan and Trisha who give up their time to help me and now others to overcome life’s obstacles. This is a perfect example of what I mean when I say to surround yourself with positive people and see what happens! We helped one lady in particular to stand without using her arms to assist her but rather only using her legs. She said she had not done that for a long long time. These folks learned one thing for sure - CAN'T NEVER DID ANYTHING. It was an amazing night.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Introducing Myself as Trace's Supplement Provider




This is my first blog post (hopefully first of many) here and I thought I'd give everyone a little background first. I first met Trace a few weeks ago when he walked into my store (Nutrition Central in The Woodlands, TX) at the referral of Trisha his personal trainer. I was immediately intrigued by his story but mostly at the challenge of trying to find some supplements that would help with his muscle strength and growth. I've always said that I have a nutrition store not to make money but to get people results; profit being only a secondary side effect. I found out through conversation that Trace and I share a similar outlook on life. Not only are we both "glass half full" people but our desire to help and inspire others is what makes us tick. We talked about how so many people fall into the rut of letting little insignificant factors in their lives serve as an excuse to not try, and therefore never get to realize their goals. If I could sum up the correct attitude in one word it would be - SWOLLDIER. It's a word I use as a slogan and in various marketing for my nutrition store, but it's more than a slogan its a life philosophy.....to be a "Swoll Soldier". The "Swoll" part typically appeals to the weightlifting crowd, but really is just a reflection of making gains toward whatever your goal may be. It's about having the same mindset as a real soldier. In the same way that a real soldier knows he has a job to do, he doesn't complain or make excuses, he just does it. You imagine yourself as a soldier of whatever goal you have and you leave your excuses at the door, you just get the job done. Sometimes all it takes is just ignoring that little voice in your head (called Doubt) that tells you the pain of change is greater than the pain of staying the same. Separate your mind from your body and trust your body to set only your limits, and your mind to set only your goals.
One last thing.... TRACE - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SWOLLDIER!

WHEN BABY STEPS GROW UP

I have talked since we started about baby steps. At some point we graduate. Kindergarten comes first. That is where I am. The run is at this point a real challenge. Last weekend’s walk was PATHETIC. But the bike and swim were fine and continue to get stronger. I am learning to listen to my coaches, trainers, handlers and friends and to not get hard on myself when I do not do well. I also remember Scarlett’s words of wisdom: “Tomorrow is another day.”

Part of growing up is accepting responsibility. And accepting ownership of our role. The people who have supported and encouraged me to get to the point where I am now have done an AMAZING job. So much so that one of Team Inspiration’s members, Eric Barna, nominated me for RunReview’s list of the 101 Most Influential Runners. I was included in this list.

http://www.runreviews.com/most-influential-runners/
most-influential-runners
by runreviews.com
I am humbled and honored by this selection. I have said it before and I will say it again. I am humbled and honored by every person who is supporting and encouraging me in this challenge. I accept responsibility and ownership of the role that you have given me. I thank you for the challenge and for your confidence in me.

TOGETHER we will ALL overcome our challenges.


Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Sunday, September 12, 2010

THE DIFFERENCE TEAM INSPIRATION IS MAKING

Well first let me say that I cut another minute off of the walk this morning. I originally would have been upset that the improvement was so minimal, but I am finally listening to my heroes, trainers, handlers and friends. I am also listening to myself. BABY STEPS. Now every minute of improvement is a victory. My improvement is growing and my recovery time is diminishing. Both exponentially. My swimming and biking continue to get stronger and stronger. Team Inspiration gains new members regularly and the positive energy we are creating is explosive. So much so that the “fever” is spreading. Allow me to explain.

My heroes and I have been asked to speak to a group of neurological patients and their families and support groups next week. I am proud of my heroes because they have each accepted this challenge and are looking forward to it. We have a chance to encourage folks to begin taking those baby steps and to just START with the same kind of adventure that we are on. Branden has asked me to talk to the sister of a client who has just been diagnosed with MS. I am getting requests like that more and more frequently. We are really making a difference. I love that. And the fact that my health through my workouts continues to improve and that Team Inspiration is exploding just makes me try and work harder. That makes me healthier. This is all about positive energy, hope, strength, friendship and all of the things in life that make us whole and happy. As I have said before, I am SO PROUD of everyone who is on this journey. I am so proud of the fact that all of the amazing people around me are making the effort to bring others into this circle of positive energy and make their lives better too. I am proud to be associated with this group of exceptional people.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

PROGRESS REPORT – PERSONAL AND TEAM INSPIRATION!

First and foremost – CONGRATUATIONS TO IRON MAN JIM. He competed in The Austin Olympic Triathlon in Austin yesterday. The race included a 1500 meter swim, a 40K bike ride and a 10K run. Jim came in 7th overall and 5th on his swim in his age group! We are VERY proud of you Jim. Can I pick my heroes or what?

While my performance is not as stellar as Jim’s, I continue to improve. My swim just keeps getting stronger and my walk is getting back to where it was some weeks ago. This Saturday morning, I rode my bike outside 12.5 miles. What was important about the ride (besides the fact that I did not crash) was that in the past after I ride, I have had trouble getting off of my bike and I usually have to sit for at least 5 minutes before I can do anything. THIS WEEK NOT ONLY WAS GETTING OFF OF THE BIKE NOT A PROBLEM, BUT I DID NOT HAVE TO SIT AT ALL! In fact, I immediately did an hour of weight work and swam a half of a mile. This is a result of staying with my training. It improves a little every day and my recovery time is decreasing exponentially. YOU CAN IMPROVE. JUST KEEP TRYING.

Team Inspiration is also growing quickly. I am VERY pleased to announce that team member Shanon Watson’s mother, Jennifer Watson, who owns a personal shopping and event planning service in the Woodlands (www.twperfectgift.com), is going to be taking over various aspects to maximize the benefits our team has for MS. The idea is that we will try to raise money for team equipment including sweatshirts for winter training, gym bags, triathlon suits and uniforms, etc. Any money that is raised that is not used for team equipment will then be donated to the MS Society. Nathan and Trisha are setting Team Inspiration up as a charitable organization. What started with a few people helping me is going to help a great many. I am very pleased with and proud of everyone who has joined me on this exciting and rewarding journey.

Good luck, KEEP TRYING and my best,

-Trace

Sundays with Jarvis Update

Folks,

Here are Sunday results for the last 8 weeks:

9/5/2010 1:03:36
8/29/2010 1:11:34
8/22/2010 1:14:52
8/15/2010 ~1:06
8/8/2010 53:48
8/1/2010 ~57 minutes
7/25/2010 ~1:07
7/18/2010 ~1:20

There are a couple of things that happened during the last four weeks that need to be described. Between 8/15 and 8/22, Trace had a couple of physiological issues to deal with.

As Trace described on 8/15, he was having a MS issue that in the past would have resulted in him staying in bed and calling his nurse for treatment. Instead like the genius he is, Trace decided to meet me at 5:45 a.m. for a walk and not tell me what was going on with him. Immediately less than 100 meters from where we start, I noticed that something was not right with Trace's stability and balance. I don't think there is any other way to describe what he did on 8/15 but pure guts. He powered through the 2 miles. Of course after we are in the parking lot resting he decides to tell me of the MS issue he started having in the morning. I was floored. Not with the fact that Trace did not tell me, unfortunately that is normal. I was floored by Trace's strength and toughness. Trace left after the walk looking fresh as a daisy. In many ways, this 8/15 walk was by far the strongest accomplishment, to me.

So before 8/22, Trace crashed on his bike, nothing too major, but Trace's left side was pretty beat up. The thing is that Trace's left side is stronger than his right side and Trace typically uses the left side to whip Jarvis into shape and power through exercises. On 8/22, Trace was not able to use his left side in the final mile as usual. This was a learning experience for both of us. I learned that Trace's muscles are sensitive to many influences, heat and now swelling through injury. The heat and swelling appear to have an impact on Trace's control of Jarvis and other muscles. As you can see by the remaining times posted, Trace appears to be healing well.

On 9/5, we took 17 minutes worth of breaks in that 1:03 time. I know Trace could have been under 1 hour for the walk but I am forcing him to work on greater consistency, rather than bettering his time. Trace's fitness has never been an issue during our walks, Trisha has him super fit! There are very real logistical issues that Trace is tackling: hydration, heat, proper nutrition, proper rest and MS. Three of these are being handled very well, hydration, heat and I would love to meet someone who tackles MS better than the White Chocolate Smoothie. Trace does need to work on his nutrition and most of all, he needs to learn how to rest in some form, let alone actually resting properly.

Until next time,

Nathan