Energy Gels, Loosing your cookies, and Coffee

2007-03-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Living the life of a professional athlete seems glamorous on paper and it may true in some sports, but the day-to-day existence of a 2ND year pro triathlete kinda falls short. I will be the first to admit that leaving the corporate world behind puts a glimmer in my eye, but being job-less doesn't mean work-less. In fact, these cats work hard. As MB and I talked via Skype this week, she made a comment about one of her teammates "tossing her cookies" on the treadmill during a running workout. Now let's be clear, she wasn't sick but rather had an involuntary reaction to the stress of the workout. How many Dick and Janes of Suburbia can relate to throwing-up due to the stress of a treadmill workout (Note: Morning-after hangovers don't count). Heck, I see people talking on cell phones on the treadmill almost everyday at the 24-hour fitness. I don't think most people can even imagine the workouts these folks go thru everyday. I bring this up thanks to an event I had in the downtown Denver REI today. I stopped in briefly to purchase some energy gels during a training ride. The girl behind me in line graciously shared her opinion on energy gels with the entire line (please read sarcasm). She voiced her belief that no one could ever work out hard/long enough to need something as disgusting as energy gels and that people use them just to look cool. Now, I'll be the first to admit that I can always use help in the "looking cool" category, but that's a discussion for another time. The fact remains that energy gels are one of the best incarnations since circular wheels and clipless pedals. Her comment solidified my belief that most people just don't realize the capabilities of the human body and more importantly that of a gifted athlete. What am I getting at here? Well, what I am trying to say is that these cats work hard. 9-to-5 routine or not, these cats work hard....and that overly opinionated blond girls in "Pimp This" T-shirts are morons.

I cannot end without mentioning a turning point in MB's training.....her new found appreciation for the French Press and thus a giant leap forward towards racing success. It is well documented ( i.e. Michael Berry's "Inside the Postal Bus") that all great endurance athletes have deep emotional and physical ties to a good cup of Joe. With that said, this is a big step for Mary Beth "Punky" Ellis and it should not pass without due attention. Adieu, 7-Eleven coffee...hello Amante's Americano.

Why this Blog?

2007-03-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Why this blog? Ahhh, a good question. I guess it centers around the fact that at 36 years old I still refuse to consider myself outdated and untrendy. Even though deep down inside my subconscious I know the real truth. Posting in a blog supports my efforts to further avoid the obvious. The real reason in joining the realm of blogging comes from my girlfriend Mary Beth and her efforts to succeed as a professional triathlete. As a "middle-of-the pack" triathlete, I appreciate both the talent and dedication she exhibits in her training, racing, and everyday life. I have the advantage of seeing the journey to the finish and all the little triumphs and tribulations that go with it. It seems a shame to let the next couple of years be summed up in a few newspaper articles while letting the nuances of daily life go by unnoticed.

Stories From the Sidelines

Energy Gels, Loosing your cookies, and Coffee

Why this Blog?