It's not the sticks or the stone, but the heart that makes the home.
James Kelly
I find it harder and harder to tri. Some days my heart just isn't in it. The crazy part is that if I force myself to get out there, I always feel better for it.
There have been a couple of times during an Ironman event when I have run with athletes whose abilities far outweigh mine. The only reason we ran together on those days is that their day was falling apart and mine had stayed somewhat in tact.
One pulled out of the race at about two km. His reason, it just wasn't his day and he didn't feel like going on. I had run with this person for the first two km and I came to realize that he was embarrassed at his performance. Not because he hadn't tried as hard as he possibly could, but at what his peers would say after, if he finished with a big number on the board. He had the heart, but let his head and what others thought take away his finish.
The other I came across at about the thirty km point and as I shuffled past her I offered some small encouragement. "Good work" I huffed. "Oh, I'm having a bad day" she said. "You're doing OK" I threw over my shoulder. "Not when you're a pro" she countered. "You gonna finish?" I asked. "Well, I know my sponsors don't want me to have a bad time on my record, but I don't want to have a DNF on my mind, so yea, however long it takes, I'm going to finish."
I liked that attitude a lot. No matter what her head told her, it was overruled by the heart.
I watched Lisa Bentley cross the line in Hawaii this year, bringing a young man's dream of crossing a finish line with her.
Follow your heart, even if it leads you over the finish a little slower than you had hoped.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Patience
There is no struggle so great that it cannot be overcome with a kind word.
James Kelly
Why is it so hard some days to just live? You know the kind of day I'm talking about? Maybe you're a little short on cash, maybe the job didn't go so well today, maybe your car is old or at least older than the guy's next door. Maybe it's a day you realize how old you really are. I guess we are all looking for the fast track to our dreams. I don't know what the big hurry is. I'm still trying to figure out what my dream may be.
I blame computers in part. Everybody has to have a faster one. You barely get a new one when a better one is available. All that really means is that you're gonna be calling the help desk a lot faster because you can't figure out why your new computer isn't working. There are those days when you're not feeling quite yourself and you don't accomplish a damn thing. You look back on that day and say, man that was a waste.
If anything, triathlon teaches patience. On those race days when you are really struggling, do you look at it as a waste or another lesson learned? You have to find a way to learn a lesson on those bad days during your regular life. Focus on something other than what is causing you grief and be patient. You never know, while you're looking the other way, you just might discover your dream.
James Kelly
Why is it so hard some days to just live? You know the kind of day I'm talking about? Maybe you're a little short on cash, maybe the job didn't go so well today, maybe your car is old or at least older than the guy's next door. Maybe it's a day you realize how old you really are. I guess we are all looking for the fast track to our dreams. I don't know what the big hurry is. I'm still trying to figure out what my dream may be.
I blame computers in part. Everybody has to have a faster one. You barely get a new one when a better one is available. All that really means is that you're gonna be calling the help desk a lot faster because you can't figure out why your new computer isn't working. There are those days when you're not feeling quite yourself and you don't accomplish a damn thing. You look back on that day and say, man that was a waste.
If anything, triathlon teaches patience. On those race days when you are really struggling, do you look at it as a waste or another lesson learned? You have to find a way to learn a lesson on those bad days during your regular life. Focus on something other than what is causing you grief and be patient. You never know, while you're looking the other way, you just might discover your dream.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Where Do You Stand
Running can take you further than just down the road.
James Kelley
The air is crisp and clean. The sun is just coming up and the birds let you know that you are infringing on their time of day. Even the water around your feet has a quiet calm about it. You breathe deep and feel the strength and power of this moment in time.
Now, take a look around. Do you see anyone fighting? Do you see anyone exchanging angry words? Do you care if the person you are standing beside is from somewhere other than your country? Do you care what colour their skin is? Do you care if they can even speak your language? Male or female? As a matter of fact, the guy who zipped up your wetsuit couldn't speak your language, but he knew what you needed.
In this brief moment, at the start of every Ironman, the world comes together. One single body headed in the same direction. Not just athletes, just people. It is no wonder that with such single-minded purpose so many cross the finish line on that day.
What could happen if the entire world really stood together on some selected morning, people of every continent, of every colour, of every creed, all facing in the same direction. Whatever that direction may be, imagine what would come of that.
James Kelley
The air is crisp and clean. The sun is just coming up and the birds let you know that you are infringing on their time of day. Even the water around your feet has a quiet calm about it. You breathe deep and feel the strength and power of this moment in time.
Now, take a look around. Do you see anyone fighting? Do you see anyone exchanging angry words? Do you care if the person you are standing beside is from somewhere other than your country? Do you care what colour their skin is? Do you care if they can even speak your language? Male or female? As a matter of fact, the guy who zipped up your wetsuit couldn't speak your language, but he knew what you needed.
In this brief moment, at the start of every Ironman, the world comes together. One single body headed in the same direction. Not just athletes, just people. It is no wonder that with such single-minded purpose so many cross the finish line on that day.
What could happen if the entire world really stood together on some selected morning, people of every continent, of every colour, of every creed, all facing in the same direction. Whatever that direction may be, imagine what would come of that.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
It Just Looks Easy
If the road ahead is filled with stones, make them stepping stones.
James Kelly
Well, just got back from Hawaii. I have to say that standing and watching an Ironman is an effort in itself and for all those who come out and support the athletes all day, good on ya. Ironman 2007 was a hot one and full of surprises. I also realized what great athletes these people are. I know from experience that in heat like that I would have been hard pressed to do more than walk. Actually, I was having a hard time just walking around to different view points to watch the race.
The pros looked so smooth and effortless, even though I know by their finish times, they were moving.
Standing on Alii Drive later in the day, it was amazing to see how many people looked like they were loving it, even though you could see they were struggling a bit. As the darkness fell their big white smiles glowed in the dark as brightly as their glow sticks and the finish area was full of great emotion.
Thanks for reinspiring me.
James Kelly
Well, just got back from Hawaii. I have to say that standing and watching an Ironman is an effort in itself and for all those who come out and support the athletes all day, good on ya. Ironman 2007 was a hot one and full of surprises. I also realized what great athletes these people are. I know from experience that in heat like that I would have been hard pressed to do more than walk. Actually, I was having a hard time just walking around to different view points to watch the race.
The pros looked so smooth and effortless, even though I know by their finish times, they were moving.
Standing on Alii Drive later in the day, it was amazing to see how many people looked like they were loving it, even though you could see they were struggling a bit. As the darkness fell their big white smiles glowed in the dark as brightly as their glow sticks and the finish area was full of great emotion.
Thanks for reinspiring me.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Kona Coffee
Time is of the essence,
so take time to smell the coffee.
James Kelly
Ya, I'm here in Kona for the big one, but you know I gotta tell ya, so far the thing that has caught my interest more than anything else is the coffee.
Now I like coffee as much as any red-blooded, Timmy Horton's Canadian boy can, but this Kona Coffee has somethin'. See, I don't care much for the harsh overbite that you get with the Starbucks. Not to mention the price. Oh ya, throw me in one of those dried up pieces of bread for four bucks. Oh, they're not bread they're biscotte. Ya, ok.
Anyway, I still want to race here, but after catching some of the, look at me, I'm an athlete attitude from some of these guys, I think I'll sit by and have a coffee.
And maybe a donut.
so take time to smell the coffee.
James Kelly
Ya, I'm here in Kona for the big one, but you know I gotta tell ya, so far the thing that has caught my interest more than anything else is the coffee.
Now I like coffee as much as any red-blooded, Timmy Horton's Canadian boy can, but this Kona Coffee has somethin'. See, I don't care much for the harsh overbite that you get with the Starbucks. Not to mention the price. Oh ya, throw me in one of those dried up pieces of bread for four bucks. Oh, they're not bread they're biscotte. Ya, ok.
Anyway, I still want to race here, but after catching some of the, look at me, I'm an athlete attitude from some of these guys, I think I'll sit by and have a coffee.
And maybe a donut.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Next
Take a look around,
you're not the only one working here.
James Kelly
Ya, so, you made it all the way to the start line. I have to smile. Hey, two days ago you were strutting around like you were going to win. Now you just look like your gonna have a coronary. Well that's what the reality of 2700 people in a swim start can do to you.
Me? I'm just lookin' for my new best friend. That's right, the one person. male or female. going just a little bit faster than me in the water. The thing is, if that person slows down, I'm off and hey, if they want to jump on for my turn on the front, so be it.
There can be great relationships formed in that hour in the water. There is a lot of give and take and only one rule. Don't touch my feet. If you don't know how to draft, don't start learning in my wake.
Anyway its kinda like a one night stand. The second you get your feet on solid ground you don't even know who the person was you just spent the last hour with. Sometimes you even feel a bit used.
Oh well, who's next?
you're not the only one working here.
James Kelly
Ya, so, you made it all the way to the start line. I have to smile. Hey, two days ago you were strutting around like you were going to win. Now you just look like your gonna have a coronary. Well that's what the reality of 2700 people in a swim start can do to you.
Me? I'm just lookin' for my new best friend. That's right, the one person. male or female. going just a little bit faster than me in the water. The thing is, if that person slows down, I'm off and hey, if they want to jump on for my turn on the front, so be it.
There can be great relationships formed in that hour in the water. There is a lot of give and take and only one rule. Don't touch my feet. If you don't know how to draft, don't start learning in my wake.
Anyway its kinda like a one night stand. The second you get your feet on solid ground you don't even know who the person was you just spent the last hour with. Sometimes you even feel a bit used.
Oh well, who's next?
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Is it me
No matter what you make out of life,
make someone laugh.
James Kelly
Hey, was it just me or did every body get shit in their goodies bag at Ironman Canada this year? I call it a goody bag because you used to get the odd thing in there. You know, free samples, maybe a water bottle, a Powerbar or two. Man, you used to get a free prime rib dinner at one of the pubs in Penticton in there.
What the hell happened? I mean seriously, where's the shwag? For $600.00 give me something more than an ankle chip holder that says Ironman Canada on it and the same friggin' medal as last year only with a 25 stuck on. Oh, and thanks for the finishers hat with the brim sewn on crooked.
Man, if you think cheesing out on these things is just me ranting, you might want to send your survey around and ask people how they felt about these issues.
I know, to change the medal it would have been an extra two dollars per person you would have had to spend. Yup, we can add, that means you would have had to have spent a bit over five grand more out of the kitty to do something different.
When someone puts the training in and the money out to do Ironman, I can guarantee you that when they look down into that plastic bag at race package pickup, they want to see something more than junk advertising and a sample sunscreen. Doesn't have to be much, but something.
Get your thinking hats on, as long as the brims are straight.
make someone laugh.
James Kelly
Hey, was it just me or did every body get shit in their goodies bag at Ironman Canada this year? I call it a goody bag because you used to get the odd thing in there. You know, free samples, maybe a water bottle, a Powerbar or two. Man, you used to get a free prime rib dinner at one of the pubs in Penticton in there.
What the hell happened? I mean seriously, where's the shwag? For $600.00 give me something more than an ankle chip holder that says Ironman Canada on it and the same friggin' medal as last year only with a 25 stuck on. Oh, and thanks for the finishers hat with the brim sewn on crooked.
Man, if you think cheesing out on these things is just me ranting, you might want to send your survey around and ask people how they felt about these issues.
I know, to change the medal it would have been an extra two dollars per person you would have had to spend. Yup, we can add, that means you would have had to have spent a bit over five grand more out of the kitty to do something different.
When someone puts the training in and the money out to do Ironman, I can guarantee you that when they look down into that plastic bag at race package pickup, they want to see something more than junk advertising and a sample sunscreen. Doesn't have to be much, but something.
Get your thinking hats on, as long as the brims are straight.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
New Training
To change how you think ,
think about changing .
James Kelly
So, here in the north it is quickly becoming the time of year that all cyclists dread. Indoor trainer or spinning. Yup, oh the snow may not be flying yet, but overnight temps are down to frost levels and days are shortening rapidly.
I was so tired last year of the old, spin thing I could barely get on the bike. My cure? I reinvented the spin video. With the help of friends we filmed a couple of great rides. Two from the Calgary, Alberta area and the entire Ironman Canada course. Then we made these videos into indoor trainer spins.
Check them out if you're tired of watching 5 other guys on their windtrainers looking back at you on yours.
www.realrides.ca
We're even offering a $10.00 off for the Penticton course rides. A four DVD set for only $39.00. Really, give it a shot. Couldn't be as bad as watching the inside of a gym for an hour.
think about changing .
James Kelly
So, here in the north it is quickly becoming the time of year that all cyclists dread. Indoor trainer or spinning. Yup, oh the snow may not be flying yet, but overnight temps are down to frost levels and days are shortening rapidly.
I was so tired last year of the old, spin thing I could barely get on the bike. My cure? I reinvented the spin video. With the help of friends we filmed a couple of great rides. Two from the Calgary, Alberta area and the entire Ironman Canada course. Then we made these videos into indoor trainer spins.
Check them out if you're tired of watching 5 other guys on their windtrainers looking back at you on yours.
www.realrides.ca
We're even offering a $10.00 off for the Penticton course rides. A four DVD set for only $39.00. Really, give it a shot. Couldn't be as bad as watching the inside of a gym for an hour.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Good days
When you are light in your mind,
you are light in your life.
James Kelly
So, been a while since I have written. Well, long training days will do that. This year Ironman Canada presented its usual. This was the fittest I have been in a couple of years and I felt pretty good going into the day. As usual the Canada course came up with a couple of tricks. Steady hard headwinds were the order of the day and took a good chunk of time to conquer. Oh yea, I also sprained my ankle jumping into the race start from the cement break wall at the beach. That didn't help.
The good thing was that I didn't once wonder why I was out there doing it. I loved every minute this year.
So, number fourteen in the books and some new life lessons. I'll talk about that later.
See ya.
you are light in your life.
James Kelly
So, been a while since I have written. Well, long training days will do that. This year Ironman Canada presented its usual. This was the fittest I have been in a couple of years and I felt pretty good going into the day. As usual the Canada course came up with a couple of tricks. Steady hard headwinds were the order of the day and took a good chunk of time to conquer. Oh yea, I also sprained my ankle jumping into the race start from the cement break wall at the beach. That didn't help.
The good thing was that I didn't once wonder why I was out there doing it. I loved every minute this year.
So, number fourteen in the books and some new life lessons. I'll talk about that later.
See ya.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Time Flies
The future seems so far away,
until it is behind us.
James Kelly
Ok, so where the hell did April go? I don't even know where I got any training in. All I know is today I looked down and I am already five weeks into my training program for Ironman Canada.
Fortunately, I just spent a week in Penticton riding the Ironman course four times. Looked like there were a lot of geeks in town already and if the earlybirds were any indication there will be a lot of guys with shaved heads around this year.
I guess there was a day when shaving your head made you slightly faster in the pool and the Cops for Cancer guys, they should get donations not for every head but for every hair that is shaved.
But face it guys, if you're shearing the locks just because you think it makes you look like a triathlete? Forget about it. I know a couple of fifty-something longhairs that will probably ask you if you're ok as they sail by on the run.
Ha!
until it is behind us.
James Kelly
Ok, so where the hell did April go? I don't even know where I got any training in. All I know is today I looked down and I am already five weeks into my training program for Ironman Canada.
Fortunately, I just spent a week in Penticton riding the Ironman course four times. Looked like there were a lot of geeks in town already and if the earlybirds were any indication there will be a lot of guys with shaved heads around this year.
I guess there was a day when shaving your head made you slightly faster in the pool and the Cops for Cancer guys, they should get donations not for every head but for every hair that is shaved.
But face it guys, if you're shearing the locks just because you think it makes you look like a triathlete? Forget about it. I know a couple of fifty-something longhairs that will probably ask you if you're ok as they sail by on the run.
Ha!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Cabin Fever
Those who wait, wait.
Those who don't, win.
James Kelly
It's just about this time of year when the walls start to close in. You've had a couple of nice days and you were even out on the bike last weekend in your shorts. That was short lived as the week brought inclement weather, even a bit more snow and once again you have been relegated to train in the basement.
You could almost be motivated to keep it going if only the weather would stay nice. Yea, well screw it. I'm headin' south again man. There just has to be a better way to get the training in than spin classes with a bunch of cranky, grumbling athletes and dancing through the slush only to give up and just get both feet soaked so you won't have to dodge the puddles for the rest of you're run. Oh, and one other thing. I'm ready for a couple of drinks too.
Those who don't, win.
James Kelly
It's just about this time of year when the walls start to close in. You've had a couple of nice days and you were even out on the bike last weekend in your shorts. That was short lived as the week brought inclement weather, even a bit more snow and once again you have been relegated to train in the basement.
You could almost be motivated to keep it going if only the weather would stay nice. Yea, well screw it. I'm headin' south again man. There just has to be a better way to get the training in than spin classes with a bunch of cranky, grumbling athletes and dancing through the slush only to give up and just get both feet soaked so you won't have to dodge the puddles for the rest of you're run. Oh, and one other thing. I'm ready for a couple of drinks too.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Let It Blow
Face the wind, so when fortune blows your way
You will see it coming.
James Kelly
I live on the down-slope of the Rocky Mountains and there are days when the wind blows so hard that when headed in the right direction, you don't even have to pedal to make some pretty good time. The human voice doesn't carry too well on this wind but if you listen, you can usually hear some pretty imaginative swearing when headed into it.
Lets face it, you can justify a few windy days by saying to yourself that it can only make you stronger and if race day has a nasty blow, you'll be ready. That being said, after a couple of long days in a row of forty to fifty km an hour headwinds, you tend to get a bit aggravated.
One of our group has a particularly nasty way of bringing on the wind. He's like a wind magnet. You can almost be guaranteed that if he is in for the morning ride, it's going to be a windy one. We have however, found a way to make this mutant power of his turn to our advantage. If his unique ability conjures up a wind on a day which was otherwise forecast to be calm, we force him to buy beer and wings at the local watering hole after the ride.
Good one eh?
You will see it coming.
James Kelly
I live on the down-slope of the Rocky Mountains and there are days when the wind blows so hard that when headed in the right direction, you don't even have to pedal to make some pretty good time. The human voice doesn't carry too well on this wind but if you listen, you can usually hear some pretty imaginative swearing when headed into it.
Lets face it, you can justify a few windy days by saying to yourself that it can only make you stronger and if race day has a nasty blow, you'll be ready. That being said, after a couple of long days in a row of forty to fifty km an hour headwinds, you tend to get a bit aggravated.
One of our group has a particularly nasty way of bringing on the wind. He's like a wind magnet. You can almost be guaranteed that if he is in for the morning ride, it's going to be a windy one. We have however, found a way to make this mutant power of his turn to our advantage. If his unique ability conjures up a wind on a day which was otherwise forecast to be calm, we force him to buy beer and wings at the local watering hole after the ride.
Good one eh?
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
It's a long road
Is the road of life measured by the distance you have travelled?
Or by the distance you travelled to help someone?
James Kelly
So it's been a long day. But you're out there. And compared to some of the folks you are passing, things could be worse. Look at that person just standing there, covered in salt and a little unsteady on his feet. Now here's the thing. Do you pass them by and say to yourself, yea, got that one or do you take thirty seconds to ask if they're OK?
Listen, if that thirty seconds is the difference between your being fifty-sixth or fifty-seventh in your age group, do yourself a favour, ask them if they could use anything. You will feel better for it, they will remember you for it and the end result won't change your world ranking.
Sometimes the hand down to help is more satisfying than the leg up.
Or by the distance you travelled to help someone?
James Kelly
So it's been a long day. But you're out there. And compared to some of the folks you are passing, things could be worse. Look at that person just standing there, covered in salt and a little unsteady on his feet. Now here's the thing. Do you pass them by and say to yourself, yea, got that one or do you take thirty seconds to ask if they're OK?
Listen, if that thirty seconds is the difference between your being fifty-sixth or fifty-seventh in your age group, do yourself a favour, ask them if they could use anything. You will feel better for it, they will remember you for it and the end result won't change your world ranking.
Sometimes the hand down to help is more satisfying than the leg up.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Adventure Continues
Change the word struggle to the word adventure in your day to day vocabulary.
It will not make the grade any less easy to climb, but it may put a little grass under your feet.
James Kelly
I have been told that I am a dreamer, that I sometimes have an unrealistic view of the world. Is it unrealistic to think that every new day holds a new adventure, good or bad, still something to look forward to? Do I dream that around the next corner is my personal best finish time? This and more.
I have never felt that I would not accomplish what I have set out to do. Everybody would like their dreams and wishes to come true. Usually the easy way. Like just having them fall into your lap. One thing triathlon teaches is that no matter how good you feel in the morning, the afternoon can hold many twists and turns and if not overcome, can lead to a long night. Patience usually wins the day.
I can wait for what I wish and if I refuse to be beaten down and discouraged by the journey, then I guess I do have an unrealistic view. And if that journey takes the rest of my life, that would be a lifetime of anticipation. I think that is optimistic not unrealistic.
It will not make the grade any less easy to climb, but it may put a little grass under your feet.
James Kelly
I have been told that I am a dreamer, that I sometimes have an unrealistic view of the world. Is it unrealistic to think that every new day holds a new adventure, good or bad, still something to look forward to? Do I dream that around the next corner is my personal best finish time? This and more.
I have never felt that I would not accomplish what I have set out to do. Everybody would like their dreams and wishes to come true. Usually the easy way. Like just having them fall into your lap. One thing triathlon teaches is that no matter how good you feel in the morning, the afternoon can hold many twists and turns and if not overcome, can lead to a long night. Patience usually wins the day.
I can wait for what I wish and if I refuse to be beaten down and discouraged by the journey, then I guess I do have an unrealistic view. And if that journey takes the rest of my life, that would be a lifetime of anticipation. I think that is optimistic not unrealistic.
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