Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow “big-boned” runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! Continue reading Hefty Ultra-Runners Unite!
An ultrarunner is in a constant battle with oneself. Who else waits for recovery, in order to take themselves back to the scene of the crime, only to face their killer once again? We wreck our mind, soul, and body, then like an addict, not wanting to OD, pace the floor in wait for the next battle with our healer? The mountains, physical and mental, … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): Oh Runner, Who Art Thou?
It was supposed to be a 6 mile out-and-back run, but… “Hey, it’s my last day off before I go back to work, want to do a quick trail run?” I asked. Our older boys stared at each other. Their brother, the seven-year-old yells, “I’m in!”, and not wanting to be shown up by their pint-sized competitor, the teenagers change their shoes. “What about you?” … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): The Thirsty Walk Home
I need to break this funk. But forgetting that the world is sinking into a crap volcano is hard to do though. Running on the road or trail for three hours gives me too much time to think. I’ve tried hacking away at the negativity with the “Blade of Distraction” for a while, but my brain’s arms are getting tired. I slip between depression about … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): I’m not ok, I Promise
Here are 3 ways I’ve been training for the mountains in my 60k: 1. Plant-based Nutrition I eat a strictly plant-based diet, because Herbivores don’t get as sore as Omnivores I went to this intense gym class in my twenties. The goal of the class was to torture its victims by taking individual exercises and doing them for entire songs at a time. So if … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): 3 Ways to Mountain-Proof Those Chicken Legs
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! Dear Training Schedule, You suck. Sincerely, – Nate P.S. I hope you end up in a van down by the river. From now on, I’m going rouge. I’m play my own song, and I’m dance … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): The Break-up (I’ll Run When I Want to!)
Your Strava statistics intimidate me. It took me 4 hours this morning to run 16 miles. According to your profile, you’d be waiting an hour-and-a-half at the finish for me to shuffle in. Are there Facebook groups for runners who take too long to run trails? Maybe a group for IT Band injured runners who hobble down mountains? Can you imagine 30-40 trail runners limping … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): I’m Too Afraid to Run With You
I conjure up the strength to take off towards the mountain. It’s been a month since I’ve climbed it; I’ve let procrastination hold me closer to sea level for too long. Every excuse passes before me: But, what about my endurance bag, it won’t be here till tomorrow! And the boys, they’re doing school right now,and they’ll be pissed if I go without them! And … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): Putting My Procrastination in a Choke-Hold
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! Having five kids is hard. There, I said it. Often, people are will say things like, “Oh, bless your heart for having all those kids,” and “You’re a better man than me”. Hogwash. Having children, … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): It’s Hard Running With a Large Family
My older children nervously chatter behind me.
This is the first time any of us had ran this far.
Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): The Long Run
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! An email from Jenny Baker sat in my inbox. Subject: “The Georgia Jewel”. Here it is. I thought. They’ve cancelled my race. This fear has been in the forefront of my fragile existence for months. … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): Will They Cancel My Race?
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! I need to break this funk I’ve settled into. Forgetting that the world is slipping into a crap volcano is tough to do though. I slide between depression about current events, and enthusiasm for the … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): I’m Going to Make it Through This Year if It Kills Me
This schedule is featured in the book, Relentless Forward Progress. I did not create it. I only use it for my personal training regimen. Btw, I love the book and every ultramarathon runner should own this book! Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): My Training Schedule for Building Milage
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! Last week, my grandmother died from kidney failure. We were forced to bury her at a graveside-only funeral with her immediate family. Tonight, I sit in my dark house, typing on my phone with headlamp … Continue reading My First Ultra-Marathon (Attempt): Endurance Training = Life
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! 26.2 miles. A full marathon. During my training, I’ve got to run a whole one. It’s a ridiculous distance for my relatively weak mind and legs. And the catch. This huge run is only during … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Anticipate the Journey
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! How are you guys training right now? Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): How I’m Training During the Covid Outbreak
A 30 min workout that won’t be affected by a quarantine? What!? Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! I’ve gathered these exercises to attack all the muscle groups used in ultras while strategically limiting the amount of rest required between moves. … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): 30 Minute Indoor Total Strength Workout
Anti Inflammation With Omega 3’s: – Ginger – Flaxseeds – Turmeric Anti Inflammation: – Blueberries – Sweet Potatoes – Green Tea – Soy – Cooked Shiitake Or Oyster Mushrooms – Garlic Whole Grains: – Brown Rice – Quinoa – Barley – Steel Cut Oats Vitamin A: – Sunflower Seeds – Carrots – Sweet Potatoes – Winter Squash – Swiss Chard – Spinach Antioxidants: – Blueberries … Continue reading Vegan Recovery Foods
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! Spoiler Alert: Remember when Mr T. beat the snot out of Rocky, then Rocky trained during an entire song and was able to destroy the old fool pittyier? Yeah, it takes longer than one inspirational … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Healing IT Band Syndrome
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! The monster claws into the side of my right knee cap. Its ability to remain hidden for so many miles astounds me. I almost believed my dance with this devil had came to an end. … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Facing My Tormentor
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! I practically never buy eBooks for my Kindle e-reader because I’m so cheap. Six months ago, I broke down and purchased a regular priced book. I was using a couch to 5k program with my … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): We Should Write the Book We Want to Read
Check out my new Facebook group for ultra-runners who weigh over 200lbs, otherwise known as Clydesdales! Find fellow husky runner’s weight-specific gear recommendations, injury mitigation strategies, fueling options, and more! The old man in the red Chevy pickup warned us it would happen. His group tromped out of the woods while we threw on our gear at the North Pocket Trail in McLemore Cove outside … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Sane People Just Don’t Understand the Ultra-runner
“Any idiot can run a marathon, but it takes a special idiot to run an ultra-marathon” Dean Karnazes You should have seen the face on my waiter at the Mexican restaurant, “So, wait? You don’t want any meat?” He paused, bewildered. “That’s right.” I said. “No steak, Nate?” He burrowed harder into his investigation. “That’s right, the vegetarian plate.” He beamed, “So… no chicken?” He … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Why I Don’t Eat Meat
I’ve failed a lot. I’ve often thrashed my goals with a whip of laziness; while hanging my ego out to dry. So, can this be any different? Last night, my sprained knee and the pains from adjusting my stride told me to fail. They throbbed my leg and nipped at the cell phone in my pocket like two belligerent, drunks pleading for their phone call. … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Can this be any different?
A metal bin, fixed to a buried wooden 4×4, marked my first allowable outdoor distance. My grandmother could see the paved driveway from her kitchen as she made lunch for her daily wards (5-15 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other neighborly passerby’s). “You can go outside, but not past Calvin’s mailbox.” I put in many an hour hovering around the perimeter of that mailbox’s force field. … Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): Why?
35 miles? I I’ll puke now, good preparation for September. Continue reading My First Ultra Marathon (Attempt): The Georgia Jewel 35 Miler
There once was a great excavator, and inside the cab was a fly. The little buzzer had lived in this massive machine since he was a tiny little maggot. Most days, the fly would play inside the machine while the driver dug along the base of a small mountain. In in the fly’s short fifteen day life, the man had not once swatted at him … Continue reading The Fly and the Excavator
How did I get from the sweet little girl at first practice to hearing, “Your God can’t help you, YOU BELONG TO ME NOW.”? Continue reading How to pick a soccer team: Create a frustrating defense
El Luchador the Goalkeeper who snapped… We had a decent goalie. One day, he’s out there doing his “goalie thing”, and he dives and crushes the wind out of a sweet shot on goal. He gets off the ground, looks over at the coaches and transcends into a new dimension or something. The goalie tosses his hands in the air, swings back his head and … Continue reading Picking a soccer team? Goalkeepers are the most important person on the field unless you’re into losing…
Win more games with this mind-shift. Use the dragons, stop slaying them. Continue reading Win at coaching soccer: Stop slaying the dragon and befriend one instead
If you can shape a player’s aggression and use it without giving the ref a reason to wave his authority around, do it. If you find a sweet spot, a kid who is skillful enough to keep up with the competition and forceful enough to decrease an opponent’s self-worth, then by all means foster an atmosphere that gives him the encouragement he needs to manhandle, but not mangle, his enemies. Continue reading Build Aggressive Soccer Teams: Misunderstood
One particular opposing team was stronger and faster, and five of their soccer moms drove Kia Sorentos, which was odd. I mean, they’re not rare, but they are roomy to be a Kia. Continue reading Build aggressive soccer teams: 5 ways to toughen up
Coaches and parents spend too much time complaining about aggression and not enough time building a strong team of their own. Continue reading Build aggressive soccer teams: Players that scare other teams back to their mommy
Power of Potential vs a Powerful Player Excerpt From upcoming eBook… Picking Your Soccer Team: Your Dream Team is Another Coach’s Nightmare I did something stupid. They warned me I would regret it. “Those kids are too small to be playing in the U12.” they said. I should have listened. This was the spring. I had coached two teams the previous fall, U10 and U12 … Continue reading Choosing a soccer player: Future potential vs present strength
How To Find A Defender: Check His Pockets And Watch His Legs Excerpt From my new upcoming eBook… Picking Your Soccer Team: Your Dream Team is Another Coach’s Nightmare Two Basic Types of Defenders There are two types of defenders you need if you intend to build a brick-wall defense. These kids work on different terms; both types find pleasure from other children’s mistakes but … Continue reading How to find a defender: Check their pockets
“Yes, it’s intimidating to watch a small boy devour a sack of crickets, but you must put this kid on your team. Sure, he’s not right in the head, and he might act strange around the dog, but those qualities are why we need him in the goal.” Continue reading How to find a soccer goalie: Look for the crazy one
I used to tell my teams this simple statement, it’s a play on the teaching of Sun Tzu’s Art of War. It’s also more inspiring to say it like Morgan Freeman. Here it is…
Continue reading Win at coaching soccer: Shut down their all-star
I had worked my butt off with no results, but all of the lectures, drills, and teachings could have been avoided with an 11-word phrase that sounded like a death threat. Continue reading Unlock your player’s hidden potential with this simple mind trick
Confidence wins soccer games One key to any successful recreation soccer team, the one many coaches and parents overlook, is maintaining team morale. It’s pretty simple. When a player feels confident, they play confidently. You might ask, “Where are the best burritos in town?” and that would be a change of subject. But someone else might say, “I’m not praising a kid that sucks. Why … Continue reading Creating the confidence needed to win soccer games
“I broke down. I found myself soaking in bath-bombs listening to Alicia Keys in the bathroom with the door locked after practices. Eventually, my wife started asking where all her candles had gone. The gig was up. I gave in. I had to do something. The Adele CD on the radio agreed with me that I was definitely rolling in some pretty deep doo-doo.” Continue reading The number one way to fix boring soccer practices
