Valhalla Performance Gym

Breaking in my new hat with some tunes on the patio. Big thanks to Cameron for making such a great fit!

Couldn’t have done it without our season ticket holder and #1 fan

It was a little cold in the gym this morning! But at least we finally have electricity and I’m sure my wife was glad to have an hour without me hovering.

What an amazing day at Athens Big Fork Trail Marathon! 16 mountain climbs, over a dozen creek crossings and the most spectacular views. Special thanks to my training partner in crime for helping me get ready for this in 1 month. I wasn’t accepted to the race until December. Extra special thanks to my amazing wife .realtor , crew chief and dog wrangler for supporting me on yet another crazy adventure. Love you babe!

Hard work and attention to detail pay big dividends. Running is more about mental toughness and proper form than physical prowess. Notice the triple extension of the hips, knees and ankles & proper landing mechanics of the foot under the torso, not in front. Greater efficiency means more of the athlete’s energy is utilized for propulsion. Couple that with focused effort and the results will follow.

Do you have any training plans for the weekend? Opportunities are endless but time is limited so give it your all.

Don’t be afraid to get started (or try something new) and look like a beginner. Everyone has to start somewhere, enjoy the journey and small victories along the way. You shouldn’t let the fear of failure prevent you from the joy of progress.

Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to move forward. It’s difficult mental exercise, I want to be an expert at everything I do but that takes practice.

After deciding to learn the Olympic lifts I realized my rack position was not comfortable so I had to take a step back and learn a proper rack position by practicing front squats. I’ve never done front squats before so it was time to check my ego a become a beginner again.

I can only do about 70% of my back squat weight right now. While a humbling experience, the feeling of getting the form down is extremely gratifying. Still a long ways to go but I’m farther along than yesterday.

While you have to work hard and be consistent to see results, knowing how not to work is just as important. Rest and recovery are essential to your health.

Sometimes it’s good to break from your traditional training regimen. Messing around and doing one arm pull ups and a 10 mile trail run aren’t on the regular plan but switching things up from time to time is fun.