Why a Blog?

Hey all, those of you who know me, know that I am passionate about fitness, and that I train elite level athletes to be better at their chosen sport(s).  I have been training athletes for over ten years now, and am proud to say that many of my athletes are achieving their dreams of playing at the next level...whatever level that may be.

As is true for many fitness professionals, I often find it hard to fit in my own high performance workouts between training clients, working a 'real' job, being a husband and a father, and taking care of all that life throws at me.  Accountability is crucial when it comes to setting goals and progressively working toward achieving them.  That is where this blog comes in...

You see, I have committed to compete in the 2011 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG)as part of the Sun City Fire Department team.  Our team consists of 14 members, competing in 8 separate events.  I have chosen to compete in Cross Country Mountain Bike Racing, and will be racing in the Masters-B category (ages 45-49).  The 2011 WPFG are taking place in New York City, and will coincide with the 10-year remembrance of the tragic events of 9-11 that led to the death of 343 firefighters and 60 law enforcement personnel.  The games are scheduled to open on August 26th, and will conclude on September 5th.  The cross country mountain bike race will take place on September 1st.  While I ride often, and have competed in a number of 12- and 24-hour mountain bike races, I have yet to compete in an actual 'race'.  To make matters worse, I am nowhere near 'race-ready' in terms of my level of fitness.

2010 was, quite possibly, the most difficult (physically) year of my entire life.  Aside from the 'standard' issues associated with reaching the age of 46, I have also undergone two rounds of epidural injections to relieve the nagging pain in my low back; experienced severe calf cramping during my last two 12- and 24-hour events; am currently battling through extreme discomfort in my right elbow/forearm due to lateral epicondylitis (and I dont even play tennis!); and last but not least...an apparent exacerbation of my exercise-induced-bronchospams (EIB)...oh yea...and my bodyfat percentage has slowly crept up to a level that I feel is unacceptable for a fitness professional.

So here's the bottom line...

On February 1, 2011 I will begin a structured plan to improve my performance, hopefully preparing me for a 'medal finish' in the 2011 WPFG.  As an educated fitness professional, I will be designing my own plan, based on my research and that of others.  This plan will address nutrition, muscular endurance/strength/power, cardio-respiratory fitness, recovery and regeneration, and everything in between.

I am a firm believer in the power of accountability, as well as the old adage "There is strength in numbers".  I am counting on each of you to help me with this challenge, as I share with you the details of my journey.   I would also like to think that this may help others take the first step toward the establishment and subsequent realization of a fitness (or other) related goal(s).

I will soon be posting all of the pertinent information such as bodyweight, bodyfat percentage, etc. so that all of you will know exactly where I began.  I look forward to hearing from you, and I hope you enjoy reading my blog.