Most of us are ambitious people. We have so much potential and are always looking to climb higher in the corporate ladder, run faster on our next 10k, or just be a better person. As a person who constantly pushes himself to the limit I have begun to realize that I can break through my plateaus when training with other people. Basically the take home messsage is that by surrounding yourself with people who are better then you, you have no choice to either adapt or be left eating their dust. I don't completely understand why this is the way it is, but in some way, I guess it doesn't matter.
In the corporate setting and you make it big they refer to it as playing with the "big boys" or whatever. Whatever they call it, try and learn from the good and bad leaders. Going to Senior Military College I have seen lots of good and bad leadership. When I see bad leadership I swear to myself to not replicate the same mistakes. When observing good/great leadership I try to remember why people followed that leader. In the end you are still doing the same job, but when in the prescence of good leadership you want to do that job bettter.
In training for a sport, team or individual, having a coach or a training partner is a great and effective way of improving performance. To me it boils down to not wanting to let that person down or look weak in front of that particular person. When training with myself I fall into a rut of complacency. I accept that I am training as hard as I can and that I can go no harder. Don't allow yourself to fall into similiar holes. Go out there, find someone who pushes you in your job, sport, and life. The results will be amazing. Until next time. Carpe Diem
-Mark
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday, August 9, 2007
When I look at the Stars
Do people even look at the stars? In a world where everything is me, me, me and gimme, gimme, gimme, I started to wonder if people ever just look up at the stars anymore in amazement. When I look at the stars the first thing that I think is wow, I am so small, and insignificant in this world. The second is that, no matter how far away I am from the people or girl I love, I know that they can look up and see the same stars that I see. Its a way of connecting with people that email or text messaging cannot match.
So maybe, just maybe, if you took sometime to look around, instead of looking at yourself, you would see the stars, and you would know what I am talking about. Until I gaze upon them again, Carpe Diem.
So maybe, just maybe, if you took sometime to look around, instead of looking at yourself, you would see the stars, and you would know what I am talking about. Until I gaze upon them again, Carpe Diem.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Just like Heaven
Just like heaven. No, I am not talking about the Cure song, I am talking about Mountain Air, in Burnsville, NC, where my my mom and step-dad live.
With one month left to go in summer, I will be living here in heaven for about a week. Traveling the US as extensively as I have this year, I have realized how beautiful and diverse a country the US is. But back to Mountain Air.
When you come to mountain Air you pass the gate and immediately begin a 3 mile climb to the top of the mountain. As I have climbed the top half of the mountain with my bike I am starting to believe that the Mountains in Europe are different than the ones in the states. I believe the US mountains to be much steeper than the winding switchbacks of Europe.
Besides the differences in the mountains, the house that my parents live in is modest, compared to the other houses on this mountain, but the view that we have is breath-taking, looking down on the 17th green with a beautiful backdrop of the Smokey mountain.
But enough with houses or mountains. Mountain Air, is a community unlike an other. The people that live on this mountain are some of the nicest people I have met. There kindness is genuine and sincere.
Mountain Air for me is an escape from the stresses of the life and the world. It is a place to reflect, to gather you thoughts, to have some YOU time. As a person who genuinely puts the concerns of others in front of my own, it is nice to enjoy Mountain Air for myself.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
-JFK
With one month left to go in summer, I will be living here in heaven for about a week. Traveling the US as extensively as I have this year, I have realized how beautiful and diverse a country the US is. But back to Mountain Air.
When you come to mountain Air you pass the gate and immediately begin a 3 mile climb to the top of the mountain. As I have climbed the top half of the mountain with my bike I am starting to believe that the Mountains in Europe are different than the ones in the states. I believe the US mountains to be much steeper than the winding switchbacks of Europe.
Besides the differences in the mountains, the house that my parents live in is modest, compared to the other houses on this mountain, but the view that we have is breath-taking, looking down on the 17th green with a beautiful backdrop of the Smokey mountain.
But enough with houses or mountains. Mountain Air, is a community unlike an other. The people that live on this mountain are some of the nicest people I have met. There kindness is genuine and sincere.
Mountain Air for me is an escape from the stresses of the life and the world. It is a place to reflect, to gather you thoughts, to have some YOU time. As a person who genuinely puts the concerns of others in front of my own, it is nice to enjoy Mountain Air for myself.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
-JFK
Sunday, July 8, 2007
San Diego, CA
Well it has been a week since my last post, so for everyone out there who has not read or even heard of my post, I apologize. (that was joke).
For the Past week I have been in San Diego, CA, specifically the Del Mar area. After arriving monday night, I spent tuesday in the ocean reliving childhood memories of bogey boarding. It was great. At night Herm's son, Michael, and I went to the Del Mar fair to see the GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD. Of course I am talking about switchfoot. We arrived two hours early only to find a line of 200 people in front of us. The die hard fan that I was went out scouting the line of 200 and found an awesome guy who let Michael and I jump in line with him. At around 6:30 p.m. the gates opened up and we got practically front row center stage. After an hour and a half wait, Switchfoot came out opening up with "Oh gravity". The show was ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I don't know what my favorite song was, they were all great.
After the concert I bought a t-shirt ( i think my 4th or 5th T-shirt), and also a Poster. While purchasing the merchandise I asked the woman if the band was going to play an coffee shops after the show. Switchfoot is know for playing a concert and then going to a local coffee shop that they spotted in town to play an acoustic set of some classics. While she told me they would not be doing this, she did mention that they would be out later to sign.
After waiting for an hour and a half, one by one the band members finally arrived. First came Jerome, then Chad, Jon, and finally Tim. Because I was with a friend who had been more than patient, I did not wait around for Drew, the back-up guitar player. All four members were extremely nice and talked with me for a few minutes.
After such an amazing concert the rest of the week could have bombed and I still would have had a smile on my face. But sure enough the next morning I set a PR in the 10K running 38 min flat and finishing 7th in the 18-24 age division. Herm did great too running a little over 44 min. and shaving off 4 minutes from last year.
The rest of the week was spent running, biking, and surfing. Although I did not get to see an outrageously gorgeous California girl like the beach boys had promised, I did see a fair amount of beautiful women. All in all, it was a great trip.
Until next time. Carpe Diem
For the Past week I have been in San Diego, CA, specifically the Del Mar area. After arriving monday night, I spent tuesday in the ocean reliving childhood memories of bogey boarding. It was great. At night Herm's son, Michael, and I went to the Del Mar fair to see the GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD. Of course I am talking about switchfoot. We arrived two hours early only to find a line of 200 people in front of us. The die hard fan that I was went out scouting the line of 200 and found an awesome guy who let Michael and I jump in line with him. At around 6:30 p.m. the gates opened up and we got practically front row center stage. After an hour and a half wait, Switchfoot came out opening up with "Oh gravity". The show was ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I don't know what my favorite song was, they were all great.
After the concert I bought a t-shirt ( i think my 4th or 5th T-shirt), and also a Poster. While purchasing the merchandise I asked the woman if the band was going to play an coffee shops after the show. Switchfoot is know for playing a concert and then going to a local coffee shop that they spotted in town to play an acoustic set of some classics. While she told me they would not be doing this, she did mention that they would be out later to sign.
After waiting for an hour and a half, one by one the band members finally arrived. First came Jerome, then Chad, Jon, and finally Tim. Because I was with a friend who had been more than patient, I did not wait around for Drew, the back-up guitar player. All four members were extremely nice and talked with me for a few minutes.
After such an amazing concert the rest of the week could have bombed and I still would have had a smile on my face. But sure enough the next morning I set a PR in the 10K running 38 min flat and finishing 7th in the 18-24 age division. Herm did great too running a little over 44 min. and shaving off 4 minutes from last year.
The rest of the week was spent running, biking, and surfing. Although I did not get to see an outrageously gorgeous California girl like the beach boys had promised, I did see a fair amount of beautiful women. All in all, it was a great trip.
Until next time. Carpe Diem
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Connecting through music
Great bands come and go. The beatles, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin; these are just a few bands who no longer perform, but my question to you is, does it really matter? One great song can change your life. To some that may seems a little crazy, but I believe it. For those of you who know me, know that I love Switchfoot. And as sad as it may be, I know that they will one day be no more. They will stop performing, stop creating new music, stop being a band. Yet again I ask, does it really matter? Although I have never met switchfoot ( the members- Jon, Tim, Chad, Jerome, and drew) there music has had an everlasting effect on my life.
I could list quote after quote of lyrics that hold such powerful meanings to me, but I will not. Except to the one song that forever changed me. "Meant to live" With rocking guitars and soulful lyrics, this song is without a doubt had the most profound effect on my life. It has opened my eyes and guided me to where I am today.
You see, you may think your polo shirts, and gucci sunglasses have meaning or define you. While I must admit I love polo clothes, they do not define me. The size of my house ( the one which I currently don't have) doesn't matter. How many triathlons or races I win matters not. Life is none of these things. Life is about love. Life is about the people in the our lives, the relationships we have. It is about the constant stuggle we face daily, yet, we still see hope at the end of the tunnel. "We were meant to live for so much more. Have we lost ourselves?" Such a strong statement of passion. Money, success, ambition, I do not devalue there place in society. But remember, at the end of the day you are the one who looks into the mirror. Are you happy with what you see? Are you proud of who you become? Don't get caught up in the material only to lose sight of the intangible.
Carpe Diem, Always.
L.A.F
I could list quote after quote of lyrics that hold such powerful meanings to me, but I will not. Except to the one song that forever changed me. "Meant to live" With rocking guitars and soulful lyrics, this song is without a doubt had the most profound effect on my life. It has opened my eyes and guided me to where I am today.
You see, you may think your polo shirts, and gucci sunglasses have meaning or define you. While I must admit I love polo clothes, they do not define me. The size of my house ( the one which I currently don't have) doesn't matter. How many triathlons or races I win matters not. Life is none of these things. Life is about love. Life is about the people in the our lives, the relationships we have. It is about the constant stuggle we face daily, yet, we still see hope at the end of the tunnel. "We were meant to live for so much more. Have we lost ourselves?" Such a strong statement of passion. Money, success, ambition, I do not devalue there place in society. But remember, at the end of the day you are the one who looks into the mirror. Are you happy with what you see? Are you proud of who you become? Don't get caught up in the material only to lose sight of the intangible.
Carpe Diem, Always.
L.A.F
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Still kicking ass
First off, in my book, one is not an old man till around 80 years old. If you knew my grandfather, even you might consider pushing that number back ten years. But the point of this post is that Bruce Willis is still kicking ass. Last night I saw Live free or Die Hard and IT WAS AWESOME. It had been a while since I had seen a great action flick, but damn did it deliver a punch. All of the 5 friends I went with including myself were totally shocked at how this 4 peat actually kicked ass. In a world where Hollywood is turning to video games for movie ideas ( see Hitman) its nice to know that John McClain of the NYPD can still get it done.
Watching this movie made me also think about aging and getting older. The goal for me is to live to 101 years old, and with a resting heartrate of 45, I think I am doing pretty damn good. But I am only a fifth of the way there. LITERALLY. To me, you are never too old to accomplish things in life. Just a month ago in Florida I was reading an article about a 93 years old woman who went Skydiving at 90.
IF you have something in life that you want to accomplish. Don't wait. Carpe Diem. Life doesn't wait for anybody. So here is my challenge to you. IF you think your too old, too washed up, and too scared to do something you have always wanted to do, GO see Die Hard, watch Bruce Willis kick some ass, and then go do what you've always wanted to do. Remember, it is only yourself that holds you back
Watching this movie made me also think about aging and getting older. The goal for me is to live to 101 years old, and with a resting heartrate of 45, I think I am doing pretty damn good. But I am only a fifth of the way there. LITERALLY. To me, you are never too old to accomplish things in life. Just a month ago in Florida I was reading an article about a 93 years old woman who went Skydiving at 90.
IF you have something in life that you want to accomplish. Don't wait. Carpe Diem. Life doesn't wait for anybody. So here is my challenge to you. IF you think your too old, too washed up, and too scared to do something you have always wanted to do, GO see Die Hard, watch Bruce Willis kick some ass, and then go do what you've always wanted to do. Remember, it is only yourself that holds you back
Monday, June 25, 2007
Idealism and hope
People will let you down. It's inevitable, they always do. They will always choose themselves over you. They will choose to hide from the wicked, in self preservation rather than fight with the righteous.
Well I don't believe that. I believe in the good of people. The belief that all is not lost in a world of constant struggle. I have hope. The one, most indescribable, unidentifiable attribute that humans possess. I have hope.
Hope is what brings a smile to my face each new day. Hope is what gets you through the toughest of days. Hope that I can be a better man. Hope that my love will one be returned. Without hope we are not human.
Do you have hope? Do YOU see the good in the world? It's out there, I promise. And sometimes if it's not, dig inside yourself and provide the world a little more hope.
Carpe Diem
Well I don't believe that. I believe in the good of people. The belief that all is not lost in a world of constant struggle. I have hope. The one, most indescribable, unidentifiable attribute that humans possess. I have hope.
Hope is what brings a smile to my face each new day. Hope is what gets you through the toughest of days. Hope that I can be a better man. Hope that my love will one be returned. Without hope we are not human.
Do you have hope? Do YOU see the good in the world? It's out there, I promise. And sometimes if it's not, dig inside yourself and provide the world a little more hope.
Carpe Diem
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Thoughts while on the bike
Oh Saturday! For my triathlete buddies you know what that means. Long ride on the bike day! Today I went for a good ride with my friend Gabe through the routes of Colorado. Biking is a great sport, when your bike works! But for me, biking sucks because you constantly are fixing things, adjusting things, and not trusting things. I know what your thinking. Why don't you get a better bike, or bike fit, or just get the whole package. Well coming up on this Friday I will be getting a Bike fit, a birthday present from my dad at Colorado Multisport and I CAN'T WAIT!
But back to biking, aka cycling, aka suffer fest training. Oh my favorite term for the sport. Biking to me is all about who can suffer more. Is it you or the other guy? Are you content with saying "Oh, I am fine going 21.5 mph, he can do 22.2 mph, and we'll both get there around the same time." I know that when I am hurting on the bike, I know my bike partners are hurting too. And if they are not hurting, then I really get down on myself because I am not as fit as they are. And no one wants that!
It's like a game of chess. You move, he counters. He attacks, you defend. But unlike chess, cycling is also about drafting. It's a good thing Steve Prefontaine never cycled because he would have gone insane with people drafting off him. Drafting is fun, efficient, but in my world of Triathlon it is cheating. I agree, it makes you a better cyclist and its fun going fast while drafting behind some Cat II stud, but there is something wrong about it to me.
Finally, a word on drugs in sports and in life. Drugs make me sick! TO the athletes who use epo or steroids or whatever you speak of, YOU make me sick. You disgust me, and you should be ashamed. Winners should win with hard work, drive, and passion. If you can't win with these elements, then tip your cap to the winner. That's life, and maybe it's harsh. Don't tarnish something life human competition. You people are my heroes. To some, you are legends. You redefine what is humanly possible. Don't become an illusionist by taking drugs to help your performance.
But back to biking, aka cycling, aka suffer fest training. Oh my favorite term for the sport. Biking to me is all about who can suffer more. Is it you or the other guy? Are you content with saying "Oh, I am fine going 21.5 mph, he can do 22.2 mph, and we'll both get there around the same time." I know that when I am hurting on the bike, I know my bike partners are hurting too. And if they are not hurting, then I really get down on myself because I am not as fit as they are. And no one wants that!
It's like a game of chess. You move, he counters. He attacks, you defend. But unlike chess, cycling is also about drafting. It's a good thing Steve Prefontaine never cycled because he would have gone insane with people drafting off him. Drafting is fun, efficient, but in my world of Triathlon it is cheating. I agree, it makes you a better cyclist and its fun going fast while drafting behind some Cat II stud, but there is something wrong about it to me.
Finally, a word on drugs in sports and in life. Drugs make me sick! TO the athletes who use epo or steroids or whatever you speak of, YOU make me sick. You disgust me, and you should be ashamed. Winners should win with hard work, drive, and passion. If you can't win with these elements, then tip your cap to the winner. That's life, and maybe it's harsh. Don't tarnish something life human competition. You people are my heroes. To some, you are legends. You redefine what is humanly possible. Don't become an illusionist by taking drugs to help your performance.
Friday, June 22, 2007
A new beginning
This is a new beginning. My blog is named because I can. Tribic stands for Triathlon- Because I can. Why do I do the things I do. Some people will call me crazy, others will call me brother in arms. Why run? Why Bike? Why Swim? Why do anything in life that makes you step outside your comfort zone? Because I can. Because I choose to. I am a person in constant search for defining moments in life. Will I crumble, give up, and let go? Or will I find strength, tenacity, and peace? I do not know the answer to these questions, but I know I am willing to find out.
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