Endurance for Everyone

I know it has been a while and I want to thank you all for your patience while I navigated 2020. It has been one hell of a year, but even with all of the bad, there were slivers of good, one being introduced to people like the coach on today's show Rachel Andras. We sat down earlier today on Facebook Live to discuss coaching, health, wellness, and the strange journey that has led me from struggling with my weight all of these years to losing 75 pounds since April. You can also watch the live stream by going to HTTP://facebook.com/groups/teame4e And yes, I left the beginning in there because I thought it was funny :-)

I know it's shocking, but the news of the day makes it onto Episode 182 as Pete joins John to discuss the effect of this pandemic on our mental health, or weight, our training, and our day to day work life. This is the first show we have done since the shutdown and a lot has happened. We now, many of us, work from home, relatives have been lost, the weight has been gained, and cities are on fire. As much as we want to not think about these things, a discussion on how it has affected us is needed. 

We all have things we need to overcome. For some, it might be cancer or some other illness. For others, it might be a big family and an unsupportive partner. When I talk about motivation or "mo jo", I am referring that point where that issue becomes so overwhelming it stops you from doing either what you need to do or what you want to do. John and Karen talk a little about this along with some of the ways they personally deal, and not deal, with that loss of mojo when it happens.

We thank you for your patience as we reimagined the show and thought through the direction over the past few months. Tonight Karen Clarke coaxed John out of his self-imposed exile to talk about his plans for the future and continued journey as both a coach and athlete in the endurance world. We even started off with a few discussions about New Zealand, America, some of the differences in how we perceive things when we return home and how the Noom program is helping John with weight loss.

A discussion with Pete D'Amico of Fatman Chronicles and the new "No Fear Project" about the subconscious mind and how we tend to undermine our efforts by assigning roles to ourselves. The belief in who we are, what we are capable of, what we can and cannot do, can be a strong motivator and predictor in who and what we become. If you have parents who constantly hounded you about being worthless, no good, “bound for prison”, often results in an adult who actually turns out the exact way that was “predicted”. Been told you were somehow “less than” your whole life results in that belief within you, no matter how well you try to hide it. The inner voice, the voice of your father, mother, teachers, spiritual leader, is in your head and will remain there. The conversation revolves around my use of the title “Fat Slow Triathlete” and Pete's "Fatman Chronicles" and how, subconsciously, we might regress in order to meet those role expectations. Read more at teamE4E and make sure to joing the Facebook groups teamE4E and the No Fear Project We are on all of the social sites using @teamE4E (Instagram and Twitter) Hashtags are: #teamE4E #fatmanchronicles #flycourageous #enduranceforeveryone #nofearproject

This is the short and sweet intro to the show that will only get better with time. I am using a new way to post and to manage, so we will see how that evolves. Hopefully the last 5 months have been great to everyone and you're glad to have me back. 

Episode 176 is ready for your listening pleasure discussing the issues of body image and body dysmorphia (including an American Dad reference), John's thoughts on why podcasters and coaches, and even athletes, should pay attention to how they are perceived on social media, and wrapping it all up in a nice bow about why expressing an opinion does not equal judging.  Swim Calm Bike Strong and Run Steady

AN EPISODE OF MUSINGS FROM JOHN THIS WEEK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING: DROPPING INFINITUS AND THE NEW PLAN WHY I WEIGH EVERY DAY CHILDREN ON LEASHES AND DOGS OFF OF THEM ALL BLACK RACING KITS IN FLORIDA ... WHY? USING THE NUMBERS IN TRAININGPEAKS

It is amazing how the same issues reappear, so after getting questions on Thyroid issues in the Facebook group I went searching for an episode that Andrew and I had done back in the Ironman: Year One day - Episode 20A to be exact - so a very long time ago. I know the intro, format, levels, etc are different, but this was always one of my favorite episodes. Thanks to Andrew for saving these things!  

Meghan and Sean, coaches from ZENDURANCENOW.com and long-time friends of the show come on to chat with John about his current training and moving towards another attempt at INFINITUS in June. Among the surprises? John had no idea Sean was a fellow Navy veteran Why did John choose the 88K as his distance? Is it harder to run downhill than uphill Keto? Yes, please Jumping Rope: Not for little kids anymore! What do "Atomic Habits" and "How to Fail at Everything and Still Win Big" have in common with training and weight loss? This and SO MUCH MORE this week on Endurance for Everyone

This week's episode continues with Part 2 of Rob and Karen Clarke talking about cycling, with most of the discussion this time around centers on the gear. A very informative show from them. A short intro from John is also there talking of the virtues of a ZWIFT account and the positive enrgy flowing from Tampa Bay Aquatic Masters Swimming.

Joh talks about the importance of knowing the root reason why you do the things you do and the reason you should be honest about why you want the things you say you want. The Rob and Karen Stone talk about riding bikes for a reason other than competition and planning for a ride vs a competition.  The show kind of ends abruptly because there will be a PART 2 to Rob and Karen's discussion on the next show.

A lot coming at you in this show. John starts off with his usual deep dive into his psyche, which is fun for all I am sure, but then Rob comes back for two portions. He gives us a rundown of where he is right now and what he has been up to, then he is joined by good friend of the show Pete D'Amico from the Fatman Chronicles podcast to talk about Pete's training for his FIRST marathon (that Rob will be doing with him).  As usual, please join us on the Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram (search for @teamE4E) and make sure to check out Pete and his wife Gretchen over at Fatman Chronicles (on podbean as well).

Episode 169 starts out a bit philosophical with an actual bible verse (wait ... what??) but it does lead to something, a discussion about what the 80/20 rule is in business and how it applies to training, and then a short talk on using a 5x5 method with body weight and how to determine how much "weight" you are actually lifting in a push-up and air squat. Big difference between a 2-hour show and this one, but the points get across I think ;-)

My old podcasting partner Andrew Weaver joins me tonight for a long show on his history with Endurance Sports, when and how it came off the rails, and his recent successes with diet, nutrition, and coming back into events slowly and with a better sense of purpose. We slid right back into how it was in the past. For people new to the show, Andrew and I started this podcast over 5 years ago as "Ironman Year One". The evolved into "BAck of Pack Endurance" and then Andrew decided to leave it to me, so it became Endurance for Everyone. Yes, that means you have Andrew to blame for unleashing me to the public. We go back through Andrew's story, his past successes and challenges, and how he rediscovered his health and the outstanding progress he has been making. It's a LONG one, but I think you will enjoy it.  

Happy New Year to the teamE4E family and listeners. We couldn't let the fact that New Year's fell on podcasts day stop the show, so here is one to get the year started right. Your familiar and safe gym has been overrun with the "Resolutionsists", so how do you deal with it? Facing a new year with new challenges ahead. Spartan Virtues and how they relate to life, business, and training. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 2019!!

It's a FESTIVUS MIRACLE! A Christmas Eve show for those of you running tomorrow and needing something to keep you company. John is still on his own but offers up some tidbits for the holiday season: How can Running Shorts both go up and down on you at the same time? The plight of the heavy guy running. Joining US Masters Swimming The Senior Games, and Am I Really Old Enough for This Now? Finding Self F.O.C.U.S. Happy Holidays from Endurance for Everyone, and a safe and fit New Year!

John is back with a solo show, and that normally means a short one, to try to get back on schedule. Not one to be able to talk for an hour, these are a collection of short "thoughts" on subjects ranging from: Reintroducing to the audience The Great Equalizer It Takes More Than Fitness Racing a Bird Dressing Up For Training and Racing Fixing Your Feet Thoughts and comments are welcomed as long as they are constructive :-)  

Weeeeee'reeeeeeee Baaaack John is joined with Rob and Pete for a dual teamE4E and Fatman Chronicles Episode talking about the recent forays into trail and ultra racing by Pete and Rob, with the common denominator in both being Karen Clarke. Discussion about the races themselves, the culture, how we choose these distances, and what is the driver that moves us toward them.

Because we could not wait until December 3rd for a race recap, especially Rob's first Ultra Run, he sat down with co-runner Karen Stone to provide us with a race recap and some insights along the trail. Sounded like it was a great experience, so let us know what you think and maybe next year we can get a bigger contingent up there representing teamE4E (or, if you're game, join John at The Endurance Society's Infinitus in June).

This episode might be a surprise to some, especially those in the Facebook group. As we mentioned in the group, the show is going on a little hiatus until December 3rd. I have been doing this show in various versions non-stop for 4 years and it's time to take a break, recharge the creative juices, and come back stronger (we have actually started brainstorming on new show ideas). But that doesn't mean that if the move strikes either Rob or me we won't just record something and put it out. Because, you know, sometimes we just have to TALK. In the meantime, Rob recorded a race recap from the Chicago Marathon which I am certain everyone wants to hear. Race Recaps tend to be well-received. We will be back! John and Rob  

Meghan has always been John's "go-to" person when dealing with motivation issues, and today's show is no different. Coach Meghan and Friend Meghan become one as they talk about; the difference between lack of motivation and depression how you should never mistake depression and lack of motivation for laziness the "spiral" example (John Green) the paralyzation of feeling Overwhelmed, and the one thing about "pain" Plus some thoughts on watching athletes you coach do well in their key races Remember to leave us your thoughts on the show by going to iTunes, Podbean, or your preferred podcast app and leaving us a review. Get your teamE4E gear at Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.com/teame4e) Facebook groups can be found at http://facebook.com/group/teame4e Instagram and Twitter @teamE4E

John opens the show with some thoughts on coaching, and specifically coaching Rob the last couple of years, before Rob takes over and gives us an insight as he trained through the last few months preparing for Chicago and beyond. It's a nice inside view, and we hope you enjoy the journey. Remember to leave us your thoughts on the show by going to iTunes, Podbean, or your preferred podcast app and leaving us a review. Get your teamE4E gear at Zazzle (https://www.zazzle.com/teame4e) Facebook groups can be found at http://facebook.com/group/teame4e Instagram and Twitter @teamE4E  

The guys are joined this week by the "illustrative" Serena Scott Thomas to talk about her journey from a "non-sporty" type in her youth, to modeling, acting, James Bond, and to Chi Running. If that wasn't enough, she deals with Vinnie Tortorich on a daily basis and is the producer of the upcoming documentary "FAT".

We are ending the month experiments early due to audience feedback, but to end the triathlon subject the show covers both cycling, brick training, and running. A three for one deal! The show starts off with a review of the recent audience survey posted to the facebook group with the guys offering their perspectives on what they agreed with, and what they did not agree with, and how the show will be affected by the great input received.  

Continuing TRI SEPTEMBER this week as Brian joins Rob IN THE STUDIO (a first for this show) to talk about swimming, and specifically swimming for a triathlon.

As promised, Rob got Vanessa Snyder back on the line to finish out the episode she started in 155. Thi is more geared toward her Lake Placid Ironman Race and how she prepared. Loads of good information once more.

Group member and Coach Vanessa Snyder kicks off TRI SEPTEMBER, sitting down and talking to long-time friend Rob about her past athletic endeavors and her transition to triathlon. As a forewarning, this was/is meant to be a two-parter so it ends kind of abruptly. Hopefully, we can corral VS and get the remainder of the show completed at some point.

Well, that was a fun month exploring the sport of ultrarunning with Karen Clarke, Meaghan Collins Fanning, Chris Valenti, and Sean Meehan. Lots of valuable lessons from all of them. John and Rob try to encapsulate what we heard over the course of the four episodes, but to get a more in-depth listen, make sure to check out the full episodes. On to Tri September!!

Old home month continues with another visit from one of our ultra-runners, closing out ULTRA AUGUST in style. Sean Meehan sits down with Rob to talk about the subjects we brought up with the last three guests and to get his take on those subjects. Sean is a coach working with Meghan Collins Fanning at ZenduranceNow and is an accomplished ultra-runner in his own right.

Not many people are as badass as Chris Valenti, so he joins us in our ULTRA AUGUST shows to talk about his history in the sport, from humble beginnings to running across three states, and dealing with that moment when you have to decide enough is enough, to the reason why racing ultra is like spreading peanut butter on Wonder Bread.

Karen joins the three-timer club, this time as the second guest for ULTRA AUGUST. Her unique perspective on this sport and her first-hand knowledge on dealing with roadblocks in your life will help even the most experienced athlete and shows us how to remember what is important. 

Longtime fan and contributor to what we are doing here at teamE4E, Meghan joins us once more as our first guest in ULTRA AUGUST to talk about her history in this sport, the Infinitus race, and why she loves Fritos! ZenDurance Now Coaching can be found here: http://www.zendurancenow.com/

Rob took some time out and recorded a short introduction to the plans for ULTRA AUGUST and what we are looking at doing in the next few months. An Information-based quickie that is sure to delight and entertain you. 

As part of ULTRA AUGUST the race director for FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, Mr. Kevin Spradlin. Kevin talks with Rob about his race history and about the race and the location. A great start to ULTRA AUGUST. More great shows to come this month. Fire on the mountain can be signed up for by going to https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=43001

This is one of the shows where Rob and John went in with really no clear idea about what to talk about, yet still manage to fill a good 45:00 or so with tales from their recent training week, dealing with a foot issue, and how weight can just make training uncomfortable.    

This week the guys tackle the issue of training in the heat. With the temperatures soaring all over, how do you get through training days when the gauge hit 90-100? And if it is that hot, is it good for you to train in it at all? Science might surprise you ...  Rob then goes over some tips to handle the heat beyond the normal "drink more water" mantra, then both Rob and John talk about taking what you find on the Google Machine, especially things that magically appear at the top of search inquiries, with a grain of salt. Be intelligent consumers, everyone ... 

Annnnnddddd ....just as we were going to hit record john lost power and left Rob to fend for himself. But he's up to the task (and John snuck a message in just before posting ... ya know ... so ya won't miss him).

Down the long and winding road the guys go this week, delving into the ever-present issue of gaining, keeping, and losing motivation, and how accountability (or lack thereof). Then Rob follows up on his recent Facebook group posting about his shoes and when it is time to replace them. 

The guys are back this week with Rob joining the show from the Finger Lakes, relaxing by an outdoor firepit, surrounded by S'mores and Ninja's. Topics this week include: The Dam Tri Race Recap Bad case of the "Eff Its" and is it related to a paring down of the race schedule in 2018 What measurements like TSS, CTL, ATL, and TSB mean in TrainingPeaks and how to use them Fire On The Mountain 50K ... the first official teamE4E group race? Remember to become a patron of the show for as little as $1 a month by visiting the show website!!

In the second part of Rob's sprint series today he explains his transition set up for the Dam Tri

Rob gives us a couple of sprints today centered around his race this week. First up; what's in his Sprint Bag?

Can you tell what the show is about this week? Prompted by a listener question, the guys delve into the world of stretching and get into the different types, if they really dp prevent injury, and can it increase performance. This is a touchy topic with people, John and Rob come at the subject from both a personal view AND from a science-based view.  

Rob goes solo on a longer sprint episode, recapping the last few shows and giving some clarity to what he was thinking in Episode 135 ("Identity Crisis"). He then ties it to some goals he "inadvertently" met and how he may need to redefine them, as the victories were not what he thought they would be.   Become a Patron of the show and help us grow! As little as $1 a month moves us forward in our quest for world domination! 

Rob is away on a fishing trip with his family in the wilds of Canada, so Karen Clarke sits in with John to discuss the joys of Ultrarunning. Karen has been at it a few years and John is still relatively new, so with questions being raised by listeners they look at what exactly an Ultramarathon is, how to get started, how to train for one, and what to expect when you are out there in the wilderness with just a Gamin and Camelback to get you home. Support the show by going to http://fatslowtriathleteshow.podbean.com and choosing to be a patron for as little as $1.00 a month, and join us in the Facebook group to share your stories of Endurance Racing or to become part of the best tribe in the sport.

Rob concludes his 2 parter with advocacy for the trails

Rob starts a two-part sprint on some stories from the trails

Rob talks about getting out there while on vacation and doing what you need to do

As it does to most of us at some point, Rob is having a bit of an identity crisis this year. As lives change, training changes, due to demands on time by work, life, family, so how do you change with it and still maintain the identity you have clung to for so many years? Sometimes it's just a matter of letting things go and realizing that you are not a Triathlete, or a Runner, or anything of the sort; you are an Endurance Athlete at your heart.

Every coach has a guiding set of principles and beliefs that they have developed through training, both their own and the "book learnin'" received as part of the certification process. But when what is taught in a class clashes with what experience has taught, what do you do?

John has some thoughts on running and training in the morning vs. at night and why we cling to old thiking when it comes to many of our training habits.