Keeping The Vision In Front Of Me!

Interval training is hard as...MUY HARD!!!

Not a long workout today, but pushed it pretty good. Felt good, though it was definitely a climb.

Going to be doing a LIVE Stream broadcast of a tournament again tonight at 7pm on www.Kickgen.com from the New England Open. Supposed to be an appearance by an American Idol finalist too...pretty cool.

We have been working around the clock the past few days on everything. Going into this final 30 days (in the next couple of days) is kinda trippin' me out! I feel like there is still so much to do, and time just keeps clicking away. We will do this though, no doubt whatsoever! From the beginning I have said that no matter what comes of it, just to be doing this and to have my family supporting me and cheering me on along the way has shown me that I am already the Champion!!!

To boot, I have had so many friends like you come along side me and lift my arms in this battle and encourage me, and even get in my face when necessary. Together we are showing the world that anything can be overcome, anyone can bounce back - even when "experts" tell you there is no way.

I just keep the vision in front of me (literally...I have a US Open poster in my face every time I sit at this computer) and keep reminding myself why I am doing this: To honor my God, to care for this body of mine, to overcome the biggest hurdle I have had yet, for my wife, for my two boys, for my family and friends all over the world.

I hope you can come to the event, not even really to see me though that would be welcome, but to be inspired by some of the most amazing and talented people on the planet! I kid you not, these martial artists are the best in the world and to be around them, hanging out with them, watching the limits they have pushed...there is nothing like it. Check out www.usopen-karate.com for info on attending.

I spent some time last night writing and just staring at the stars...it was good to do some mental detox and realize just how big this universe we live in is. I am simply a part, you are simply a part...but together we can change and conquer anything!

Have fun and check us out on www.Kickgen.com tonight at 7pmest if you get a chance. Live chat open to everyone, so see ya there!

Gut check in the near future...Literally!

So, the past few days I have realized my clothes are not "fitting" me the way they used to. Like tonight I was walking across a college campus and had trouble keeping my pants from hanging like the gangster that I am :)

There have been a few times when I felt downright goofy due to the fact that some of my shirts are so big on me now that I look like a doof wearing them. Not going to buy new clothes yet though. Celebrate with a shopping spree later...who wants to go shopping!?

I don't pay much attention to the scale as I understand muscle weighs more than fat, and I have been building muscle quite a bit lately in preparing for the U.S. Open. But I do pay attention to inches. Losing inches can tell you something significant about your success.

Of course my family has told me they can see the difference each week (sometimes daily) but I can't always see it or feel it. so...

I think I am going to do a gut check in the next several days...literally. Gonna' pull out the 'ol tape measure and measure how many inches I have lost.

Now, don't get all giggly just yet. Not like I'm going to win the Biggest Loser right now...I still have a ways to go. This has been a big mountain to climb (especially the one around my waist!) and it ain't over yet! It is good to see progress though, so we are going to check the progress in a few days.

Tune in, tell your friends...I might just video it if I feel froggy enough about it!

Kata and self-defense practice tonight...should be fun! I think we are going to be getting some sunshine here in Orlando in the next couple of days...muy much can't wait for that!

Talk About Winds of Change...God might have been laughing at us today!

Oh my goodness people! I think God was laughing at us today...in a good way. :) We did the bike today and I thought my legs were going to POP!

The winds were so strong going in one direction, we were literally crawling on the bike to get down the road at one point. Then when we made a turn and I was sure we would at least cross the wind instead of it coming head on...the wind changed...head on again! Arrrggggh!

THEN...

When we pulled out of that direction to go in the direction where, originally, the wind would now be at our backs (did that make any sense at all?)...you guessed it...wind change, A-GAIN!

God had to have done that on purpose just to play with us...who knows!?

We only completed half of the bike today, along with the rest of our workout, because we thought we would die for sure if we had to do the other half. Call me a pansy, I don't care... All I know is that was the hardest ride so far during our training.

Everything else went well (except for my arms feel like they have steel rods going through them because I switched my upper body workout this week).

We are definitely approaching the final stretch here (check the countdown clock to the bottom right)...there is a lot more to accomplish but I am feeling good about everything. Just excited about finally living out a dream of competing at this level in the Martial Arts when there were those who told me I might never compete in sports again.

Talk about winds of change...

Oh, and our shirts should be ready soon. I will definitely let you know on that one.

For now, going to keep upping the intensity this week in honor of our men and women in uniform who have and are serving us every day on the front lines! See previous post for info on that...

Keep it real friends and live intensely! Just watch out for changing winds...(that sounded deep!)

Memorial Day Observed...Thank You!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!



More about the "Why" of this Quest...

It Has Begun!
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/it-has-begun.html

A Warrior Rises...A Father Becomes A Hero!
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/warrior-risesa-father-becomes-hero.html

My Coach...
http://questfortheusopen.blogspot.com/2009/04/very-big-announcementintroducing.html

The Event...
http://www.usopen-karate.com

My community of martial arts friends...
http://www.kickgen.com

And The Sun Breaks Through...

Earlier this a.m. I went for a refreshing walk to the lake to do some stretching and reflection. It was simply beautiful as the sun was breaking through after a week of nothing but clouds and rain here in Central Florida. I was soaking it up...sun, the sound of water lapping up on the land, sitting near a meditative crane and watching turtles play and bask in the sunlight. Peaceful...

I decided to listen to some Matt Kearney (no relation to my coach Lauren Kearney that I know of...if so, she bess be gettin' me some talk time with the man! j/k. :) Anyway...

While listening, walking, praying, and enjoying the sun I began to experience a deeply spiritual moment, to the point of my inner well of emotions bubbling up to tears, smiles, laughter, and a serene sense of empowerment. I am going to write in my paper journal (yes, I still use paper!) about this in just a bit, and I don't want to go too much into it here, but suffice it to say it was one of those breakthrough moments that reminded me I belonged on this Quest...this is the RIGHT thing...that no matter the end result in terms of the tournament (though a win would be very cool) this Quest is so much bigger than me, the tournament, and anything that happens along the way. During this moment I was taken back mentally and emotionally to some very trying times (like the first big auto-accident that really began my downward spiral) and some relational hurts that I have since forgiven and moved on from.

In this moment, it was good to realize I have healed from all these things in the past, and this Quest is about reclaiming the power and strength in my body and releasing the power of my mind to do good for others and empower and lead others to their own experience of overcoming and healing and living life to the fullest.

I thank my God for this experience, for this Quest, for the U.S. Open, and for all those (you) who are with me along the way. I truly believe so many lives can and will be changed through this journey that will not end at the Open, but will truly blossom into some very powerful opportunities.

The sun is breaking through this morning, in more ways than one...enjoy your Sunday and take time to reflect on some good things. Have a chat with God, have a chat with yourself, allow the sun to break through in your own life.

Peace!

P.S. - I don't know if that crane was really meditating. I thought about asking, but then I would have felt really silly :)

Crossroads...

There comes a place in a person's life where you dig deep enough to face yourself for who you really are and who you are striving to become. I have crossed that path previously a couple of times in my life, and now I am searching for that place again. This Quest is taking me through the fire on so many different levels. This is not an easy place, but inevitably I will rise from these ashes alive, and with an inner (and outer) strength not previously experienced in my own journey.

I encourage each of you to take some time and search deeply within yourself and see if you can find that place I speak of...a place where you realize you must reach to places you have only dreamed of so far, and then to a place where you reconcile within yourself the only thing to do at this point is to take the action necessary to achieve those dreams, to reach those places and conquer them...no matter the cost or sacrifice, no matter how long it takes, no looking back, leaving nothing to question, leaving it all out in the open for the world to see and regardless of how the world judges...you still move on!

Today we worked hard and tonight we will play hard!

Rest Day Recovered and Busy Saturday!

Sitting at breakfast yesterday a.m. (Friday) I realized something that made my whole day...I MISSED A REST DAY ON THURSDAY!

At first I was like, "Dang it! I missed a rest day again!" Then I was like, "YES! That means I get one today!"

Just in case you were wondering, I thoroughly enjoyed my rest day! Back to the grind early Saturday a.m. Train early, Farmer's Market for some fresh goodies, probably another round of training, and then on to a Graduation Par-tay and UFC...

Update on my injury from last week: doing pretty well for the most part. If I feel any twinge of pain at all, I just back off. For now everything seems to be firing on all 8. Made me sweat there for a couple of days, but thankfully I have a good team of people around me making sure I don't do anything stupid (other than bike 10 miles in a deluge of rain!)

Holly is changing my nutrition schedule around slightly and Michael and I are revamping the training routine again. Can't get into a slump or a plateau at this point. Also probably taking a trip to South Florida this week to meet up with Lauren Kearney (www.laurenkearney.com) my coach and tighten up some technique.

Getting close, people, getting close. I hope to see many of you at the event in July! Go to www.usopen-karate.com for info on the event...

Some shut-eye for now and up and at 'em for a busy day!

She Who Challenges...Should Be Challenged! (At Least That's The Way I See It...today)

To a break from training today to get some biz and some writing done...just finished some things up, and back to training. I think whoever issues a challenge (see my last two posts, including the raw video in the post from yesterday) should be out there DOING the challenge...and I told Holly myself! She smiled at me and said, "You wanna compete in the U.S. Open...go train and stop griping at me."

Hmph. Of all the nerve! Whatever...

I'm back to completing my daily challenge and workout and preparing to step on the greatest tournament stage in the U.S. - the U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championships!

btw...this weather we are having in Orlando is not the best weather to stay motivated in...pray for some sunshine (at which point I will probably pray for rain to escape the heat!)

Doesn't matter, rain or shine...this thing is ON!

P.S. - A reminder of what this is all about...my first post here on this blog that started it all!

The Challenge...The Misery!

Here's a vid in the middle of training for the U.S. Open, and more specifically doing the daily duties of my new training challenge set forth by Holly, my wife and all-consuming manager (see yesterday's post). It's pretty raw as we captured it on a cell phone on the fly, and I was already so tired I was slurring my speech and was soaking wet from this non-stop rain here in Orlando. It was miserable...cue the violins...




At this point, we have finished our forms training for the day staying on track for the challenge of a minimum of 5,000 before the U.S. Open. All I can say is I am not doing well right now...I will catch all of you LATER!

The links I mention in the video, by the way, are:
This site: www.QuestForTheUSOpen.blogspot.com (please share)
The U.S. OPen: www.usopen-karate.com
And where I write daily motivation and martial arts oriented material: www.Kickgen.com
Of course, you can also reach me on Fb and at www.twitter.com/dougmcgannon

Hope I can still feel my feet in the a.m.
Doug out.

P.S. - the bigger point here is that you (and I) can accomplish anything we set our minds to...got a dream? Go For It! Ok...now...Doug out!

Rock You Like A Hurricane...The 10,000 Challenge!

The rains could not stop us! Michael and I worked out in the rain today (it got real messy), and at one point "Rock You Like A Hurricane" popped up on my iPod. Thought that was funny! Rain or Shine, Hurricane or Drought...gotta' keep going. If you are living any where near Central Florida you know the rain has not stopped for two days straight.

It was cold at first working out outside. Kinda reminded me of when I raced triathlon/biathlons in Northern Georgia one winter. Got through the run portion and my teammates said I had something hanging off of my face. Icicles had frozen on my face and hair while running. CHI-LLY!

Can't stop for the weather though. Too little time, too much to do. The rain can be energizing though, especially when you love water like I do. Twas a little scary at one point as my front tire started hydroplaning during the bike ride...thought I was a goner for sure.

As for the challenge I was given last night during my date night with Holly...

She has taken over all the logistics of my training. Talking with sponsors, working with schedules, and making all kinds of things happen. We were talking through some training options and concerns and I mentioned how I was working through 1000 run-throughs of my kata (form) between now and the U.S. Open. She looked at me and said, "That's nothing! I want you to up it to 10,000!" At first, I thought she was joking...she wasn't. Then I told her she was out of her mind...she isn't. Then she leveled with me and said she knew I could push further than 1000 and she expected me to give everything I've got to the end...win or lose...nothing left on the table here!

We talked about it some more, and I began to think through it, remaining silent. When I got home I did some calculating. I would be doing kata 12.5 hours a day to accomplish 10,000. I showed it to her and we began to talk about what level was the minimum level I would have to train at in order to really be a contender.

We agreed that 10,000 was a goal to shoot for, but considering the time left we wanted to be realistic. She said she would accept anything over 5,000 prior to the U.S. Open, but to go as far past it as possible. We are still talking over 4 hours a day JUST ON A SINGLE FORM!!!
To be sure, this is not an unacceptable request in the scope of achieving Mastery. Regardless of what number I hit before the U.S. Open, I will continue afterward until reaching 10,000.

Before that, I've some real work to do. To boot, I must complete 10,000 repetitions in something else that is related to my training. Grrrr...

This is in addition to preparing for the other events I will compete in AND continuing my physical workouts for weight loss and general well-being AND my time committed to mental work AND working AND being a father and a husband AND sleeping AND brushing my teeth AND the time it is going to take to remind myself of how crazy I am for even attempting all this...you get the point!

I think it definitely worth it and necessary though. After all, to be a Champion, one must go farther than anyone else is willing to go, to do more, to study more, to practice more, to risk more, to sacrifice more...

Michael looked at me at the end of the conversation and said, "Well, if you really want it, you've got to do what it takes and this is worth it and it can be done." I was kinda' hoping he would be on my side, but he chose Holly's side in this...guess that's what a good training partner is for!

Wise words from my 17-year old training partner and one of my three closest friends in the world.

Nuff said!

P.S. - No wait, one more thing...HELP!

A New Challenge Has Been Issued...

I received a new challenge from Holly (my wife and now, Manager) tonight during our weekly Monday-night Date Night...

All I can say for now is 10,000 each...!!!

What!? I have to process this challenge before I make any announcement proper.

Can I deliver? That is the real question. This is about as daunting as the U.S. Open itself, but no doubt would put me at a different level of performance.

Sweating...bullets...can't...breathe...somebody...help!

Back in Orlando...Almost Hit By Car (twice)...Into The Final Stretch Here!

Back in Orlando now...Gator Nationals was awesome, and I had a great time meeting some of you there. I have to admit, I relaxed on my eating plan slightly while there, and I didn't do as much as I would have liked in the area of actual training, but I think it was good nonetheless in terms of resetting mentally and giving my body another chance to catch up with itself.

Lauren and I had the opportunity to do some live broadcasting of the main events Saturday night during Kickgen.com's live stream of the event. It was pretty raw (we didn't plan anything, just went with it...) but it was a lot of fun and we have received some great feedback. Looks like there is more of that to come.

While working out today I was almost hit twice by two numbskull drivers who decided they had no reason to pay attention to the rule of law while on the road. That kind of stuff drives (no pun intended) me nuts... PEOPLE! Obey traffic laws and watch out for bikers and pedestrians!!! One of the guys just smiled at me and waved his fingers around his head like he was admitting he was a dummy...um, YEAH!

Working out today was light, and as soon as I was finished the storms rolled in. I laid down with the little guy to get him to take a nap. Ends up, he stayed awake and ran off to play and I was out for a few hours apparently! I have lost a bunch of sleep this past week with the injury, stuff going on at work, and trying to integrate new schedules, so I hope I'm nearly caught up now.

This weekend gave me an opportunity to relax, enjoy some great competition, meet some really amazing people and look forward to hitting training hard and heavy again. We are almost there friends. The US Open is right around the corner, and what I saw this weekend in terms of competition is no laughing matter. This weekend also helped me see how serious some people around me are about this Quest for the U.S. Open. Lot of open eyes for me over the past few days.

I need nothing short of a miracle to step on the mat with these people (my competition). One thing I realized though...I belong in the U.S. Open. I am meant to stand next to these men and women in competition. I have full belief that I can do this and do it well. I want to be worthy of it, so I will continue to train hard and focus like a crazy-man.

Getting some technology on board to make this blog better is slow-going right now, but I'm ok with it as training and preparing for the Open takes priority. If it takes a few more days or a week in order to train properly, I'm ok with that. Remember, I'm doing this with just me and a couple of other people physically helping me do things, and there will probably be fewer people the closer I get to the Open. It's just the nature of things...in the end, only I can stand on the mat and do what must be done. If there are those who don't take this seriously enough to put in the resources needed, or simply cannot go on further with me on this Quest...so be it, I'm ok with that too.

It's time to cut all excess loose and begin the final race to the finish line, so to speak. The U.S. Open is July 3-4, and there is a lot more work to do to prepare for it.

I thank you for your prayers and support, and I hope to see as many of you as possible at the Open or along the way on this Quest.

Here we go, folks...raise the torch...let's finish this race!!!

Just Arrived In Daytona Beach...Time to Re-Center and Re-Gain Momentum

Holly, Michael, Nathaniel, and I arrived in Daytona Beach, FL a while ago for the Gator Nationals Martial Arts Championships (at the Ocean Center if you are anywhere nearby). This is a big tourney with a lot of very talented people competing. I'm here to observe, soak it in, meet up with Lauren (my coach), and basically re-center mentally.

This week was brutal. The injury...closing the business (nationally all our stores are closing)...having a full plate of other responsibilities...AND still training and trying to be careful so as to not make the injury worse. Two days ago, I thought I was past the worst of it, then yesterday..WHAM! I felt as bad or worse than I did at the beginning of the week. Lost a lot of recuperative sleep this week too, which hasn't helped AT ALL!

I haven't been able to get through a full practice session with my kata this week, which is driving me nuts because time is so very critical right now. For me, I can't simply focus on the kata...but also the physical training to be able to present the kata. It is not easy, but then if it was, it probably wouldn't be worth it. Right?

The best thing I can do is breathe, relax mentally and use this time in Daytona this weekend to get it together, so to speak.

My back feels so-so today, but I am not taking any chances.

I'm going for a light workout with Michael tonight at the hotel just to keep my body "awake" to the fact that we are still in this thing. Won't be going too long as I'm going to hit the sack and sleep in just slightly tomorrow before heading over to the tournament.

We will break away at some point tomorrow and get some beach time in then be back for the live stream of the main events tomorrow night beginning at 7pm on http://www.kickgen.com/. I will be tweeting throughout the day updating on the event. Posting some pics too...probably here and at Kickgen.com.

I really need your thoughts and prayers right now. This has been a hard week, and I desperately need to regain the momentum I had going into this week. We are almost at the midway point, and if I ever needed your prayers and encouragement...it is now.

Talk to you some more tomorrow at some point. Night!

Holy Gnat, Batman! + Injury Update...

It must have been in the thousands...swarms and swarms of gnats tonight while working out. I mean, random, sudden bursts of gag-reflexing gnats out of nowhere like thousands of enemy battleships defending what, apparently, they think is their homeland...against me, on the way to the U.S. Open.

Aaaaahhhhhhh!

We just couldn't get away from the little things. Every once in a while I would take a chance to take in a deep breath (before I passed out from holding my breath) and SCHWOOOOZZZZSH! Mouth full of gnats. I was coughing up gnats, blowing them out of my nose, wiping them out of my eyes, and even digging them out from under my headphones! I wear board shorts to workout in and at one point I thought they were flying up my shorts...almost ran off the flippin' road at that point...terrifying!

They lie in wait, I tell you. Strategically picking off their prey... I can't stand 'em...enough of them.

On to more critical items...

Injury update: I did a full workout today/tonight, but only about 80% intensity (better than Monday and yesterday). Still small traces of the pain that set in earlier this week, but nothing like it was. It has caused some trouble sleeping a few nights this week, but I think I am catching up there. I have been receiving treatments each day and using hydrotherapy, stretching, massage, and other light therapies to help.

It was a bit scary, not knowing what was happening. But I think I am on the mend fully and should be back to full capacity following Gator Nationals this weekend. (btw...my friends over at www.Kickgen.com will be streaming live part of this event this weekend. Check out their website for some more info and tune in to some amazing martial arts action! My coach Lauren Kearney www.LaurenKearney.com will be there too.)

The worst thing for me this week is that I have missed a lot of time working my kata (martial arts form), and self-defense techniques. I am going to try and make up some time the next couple of days in that area, but without pushing too hard.

I had also felt like I hit a transition just before this happened where I was really beginning to burn a lot more bodyfat each day and was beginning to see some significant results. I don't think I lost my ground there, but the momentum has shifted and it will take a few days to build that back up again.

The important thing is that I am still going forward and overcoming this. This is part of what this Quest is about...overcoming those things that have kept me back for so many years, and doing things that other "experts" said I would never do again.

I am learning so much about me, my art, my body, and my relationships through all of this and these things are definitely worth it. I can honestly say I have already won, and we are still just under two months out (that is scary all to itself!).

Thank you so much for the support, encouragement, and prayers. Keep them coming and I hope we can all show the world what living a life of a Champion is really about together. You, after all, are a HUGE part of the Quest team and I love that we are accomplishing this together.

I spoke with the guy/company who is designing our shirts, and he says he will have something soon, so I hope to unveil the official "Quest for the U.S. Open" shirt mucho fast!

Do me a favor and pass the word along to your friends about this Quest and the U.S. Open. I would love to make some more friends along the way and hopefully inspire even more people to live the extraordinary life!

Updates...

Still working on some new tech stuff with this site...should be up and running or at least where I can share some good stuff in a couple of days.

Update on Injury:
I am working out lightly. Very light right now. Taking advice from trainers, family, and my coach to take it easy. Really listening to the body right now. Feeling much better, but can still tell I need to be careful with it. Thanks for the support from everyone so far.

Gator Nationals This Weekend! I will be there hanging out with my friends from www.Kickgen.com and watching all the amazing martial arts action!

www.Kickgen.com will actually be doing some live feeds of the event. Be sure to check out www.Kickgen.com for more info and to tune in to one of the strongest tournaments in the nation. If you are near Daytona by any stretch, you definitely will want to try and stop in for this event.

One-count, Possibly Two-count, Injury...Frustration!

I wasn't planning on posting anything today, but I felt I needed to keep you in the loop...

Woke up this a.m. with some serious pain...mid back left side...muscular. Not sure what I did or when but this thing knocked me around today (still knocking me around) even after massage treatment, some hydrotherapy, planned rest, stretching, and generally taking it easy.

I mean, I'm not down for the count or anything crazy like that, but at least a one-count or a two-count. I'm hurting folks and I can't afford this at this point in the game...ever, to be sure.

Doing some more therapy tonight on my way to sleep and re-assessing in the a.m. This is not good, and has put me a day and a half behind in training plans. I have to be wise here though so I don't screw it up even more. My mind wants to go way ahead of my body right now though, and that is my greatest battle this weekend.

Holly said it reminds her of previous injury...complications from one of the accidents that I have had to deal with...not what I wanted to hear, but she has been in my corner all these years and is very keen on what is happening with me.

Gotta' get this under control and take care of it. Gonna' have some training to catch up with this week, especially getting ready to travel to Gator Nationals on Friday.

Frustrated...

New things coming...couple of days away from blogging

Hello everyone...

I've got some re-arranging to do over the next couple of days with this site, so I might not post much in the next couple of days. Don't worry though, I am still working hard toward the U.S. Open. I've had a couple of real good days of training, and have begun a new phase in the training of martial arts specifics. We are under 2 months to go now...so much is happening. New things right around the bend, so stay tuned...

Have a great Mother's Day weekend...I will chat with you again in a couple of days.

:)

Breathe!

I received a call from a good friend a couple of days ago. For a few years I trained MMA fighters at the amateur level (we were on the verge of going pro when I had to step away in order to heal), and one of those fighters got back in touch with me after not seeing him for about a year. He has gone through somewhat of a personal transformation as well and it was good to hear he was doing well. He has won 3 of his last 3 fights by knockout, so I congratulated him BIG TIME! I asked him who he was training with and he said, "Nobody else, just keep doing what you showed me to do. I trust you." I was floored, but is there any greater honor to receive than to know you are trusted like this? When I asked him what he did to win his last 3 fights he said, "I just did what you told me to do all along...breathe!"

It's something I tell everyone I work with...breathe. Getting oxygen deep into your body, even in the most difficult circumstances, is one of the most important things you can possibly do. Without air, you're done!

So he and I are working together again and I will be preparing him for a new weight class and his next fight (I am sooo pumped about this!), and he said he is going to be able to make it to the U.S. Open! Can't wait to see him there...now he will be in my "corner" and I will be on the "mat".

My conversation with him reminded me to do something while preparing for the U.S. Open...BREATHE! When I get overwhelmed at just how big this thing is, I need to breathe. When I feel my body has had all it can take, I need to breathe. And when I feel like my mind is going to snap from the pressure...you got it, breathe.

This has been an exciting Quest thus far. Today is rest day. Tomorrow, back in the thick of it! Thanks for all your support...all of you! And for those of you there in July, I can't wait to introduce to you my good friend and fighter, KB!

Until then, Breathe!!!

Transformations...

It's about transformation...at every level!

When I began this Quest, I wasn't thinking in terms of, "Ooh, a tournament, cool...", and I wasn't thinking in terms of trophies, awards, recognition, etc. As a matter of fact, I braced for the most intense amount of ridicule. I prepared myself for people who would make promises and not deliver, for those who wouldn't believe in me, and for those who would say there was no way. I was prepared to lose a lot...sacrifice...whatever necessary to pursue this Quest.

I've experienced all that and more (and most of it nobody but me and my wife and sons know about), but as I was finishing up training this morning with a stint in the pool I just began to realize more than ever that I would have to be like the water. Flexible. Fluid. The most powerful force on earth when necessary, but also nurturing, healing, and calm.

It hasn't been easy so far, and it won't get any easier leading up to the U.S. Open in July, but I must remain flexible and fluid, powerful and and at peace, for I know the Quest I have embarked upon is worth it.

This is about so much more than "just a tournament". This is about transformation. The transformation of me, my outlook, my perceptions, my abilities, my skill levels, my family, my future...you get the point. But it goes beyond me, it affects everyone around me and even those I don't know about. That is why I must continue on and reach to heights that would be considered worthy of the U.S. Open...worthy of the Martial Arts...worthy of...everything that is meaningful to me and to those who are supporting me.

This transformation runs deep, and any time you engage such a process, you better be ready for fire. As the fires rage, I must constantly remind myself to be like the water, that I can get through this, I can succeed!

The Body Speaks!

Today has been such a beatdown! I began the day on the up, but then I was soon crashing (physically) and my body said, "Hey, remember when your legs were hallucinating a couple of weeks ago and you thought you were in pain then? Well, this is your WHOLE body talking tonight, not just your legs, and we are NOT hallucinating, we are completely conscious of everything going on and we are shutting you down today...do something light (after a nap), get in some good stretching, give us some reeeeealllly good nutrition, but after that... Don't even tempt us, we will rebel viciously and you will begin hitting yourself and falling down randomly, and throwing yourself headlong into the kitchen sink. We can and will control your limbs and functionality. Back off buddy...light is the word today, then go to bed."

I have listened. Took a nap. Did a light workout (and I mean light and smart), getting ready for some relaxing stretches, then some reading and lights out. I will heed the warning of my body as the whole kitchen sink thing just terrifies me, plus I don't need to risk injury or sickness just because I want to be gung-ho Samurai every day!

I guess yesterday I pushed a little too hard too long. Didn't realize it but I think I was in the sun a little too long yesterday too. I was really enjoying yesterday's workout, so I just kept going. Still gotta play this smart, though, as I am still a long way from the goal. 59 days and counting...I now have a counter to the bottom left so we can all count down the days...tick tock!

Oh, and I think there will be an article in a local Orlando-area paper soon. Holly took a call from someone today I think and she got it all set up. Holly is working on some very cool things behind the scenes to help me out, so I can focus on what I need to do. I will definitely post links for that when it happens.

Going to finish up some stretching and reading now...I sense a big week ahead of us!

Big day...and a Rescue during workout

Big day today! Strong workout, and a lot of mental training too. Of course, mental training is woven in everything, but I mean some very specific type stuff. Worked a bit today on the design of the new "Quest" shirt, and it is turning out to be amazing. I can't wait to share it with you all.

I did some work in the water today...the pool finally warmed up enough to keep breathing for a long period of time, so it was good to do some slow moving, resistance type training in the pool. Also did some "be still and know" type training...meditation.

While on our bike ride today, Michael and I completed a very important humanitarian act as well... Um, well, maybe it wasn't "human"itarian as much as it was "turtle"itarian...as we rescued a young gopher turtle that was heading straight for the concrete jungle of the highway. We enlisted the help of our local Nature Preserve employee and he helped the turtle find his way back to his borough. Proud of us? You should be! After all, turtles are people too...sorta.

Anyway...studying some kata (forms) that my coach just sent me, so back to that for a bit. This week begins some laser focus on that side of things for the tournament. Very tired too, so going to hit the sack soon...

New Phase of Training...My Training Routine...And Meeting A Fellow "Quest-er"

I spoke to my coach Lauren Kearney (http://www.laurenkearney.com/) briefly yesterday and we are on track for the next phase of my training. I am switching up my physical workouts this week in order to push past the plateaus I am reaching physically, and then she is leading me into some specific training on my katas and martial arts side of things. I'm looking forward to it, but I have to admit that I am a bit nervous too. I haven't been training hard and heavy in katas for a couple of years, and I know it will all come back to me (as it has in the past few weeks doing to bit that I have) but this is a very different level and I will be blazing into some new territory with what she has to teach me. Above all, I am excited and motivated moving into this new phase.

A few people have asked me about my training routine...stuff like, "When do you train?" "What do you do during your workouts?" "Where do you train?" "What are you eating or not eating?" "Is it easy?" (I always chuckle when I hear that one...) I have answers to all these questions, but I'll be honest and say I don't have a lot of time to fish out that type of info in great detail right now. I am however keeping notes and journals and details of my plans and will compile them for people to see soon. Right now, I have to focus on this singular task: Preparing ME for the U.S. Open.

With that said, I can give you some brief insight into my world. I train 6-days a week, with one rest day, and one "cheat" day mixed in as far as diet/eating is concerned. Even on my "rest" day I do something light, like walking, to keep my body "talking" and on the "cheat" days for eating, I don't go crazy. Maybe one meal is a former favorite, but slimmed down and then I work through the rest of the day wisely. Make sense? My meals are planned out for me and I simply eat what is given me most of the time. It's a very specific mix of foods and nutrition based on what I need and how much I need of everything to meet the demands of what my body is going through.

As far as physical training goes...I do a lot of bodyweight exercises, biking, walking, some weightlifting (but careful with that and not much), various other forms of cardio...things like yoga mixed in, as well as a lot of my basics in martial arts training...oh, and a lot of breathing exercises. That's really a snapshot as it is all scheduled out and strategically evaluated each week.

I play a lot too. That's right...play! I believe big time in the art and benefits of "Play". I will definitely explain that in future posts and when I make available my stuff in organized form, but "playing" is such an important part of life period and really breaks the "stress" of what I am trying to do here. It is strategic though, make no mistake about it.

Mentally I do a lot of training too. As a "Mind Coach" I know full well that what is going on in the coconut up top is a huge key to success and/or failure. I do a lot of visualization, meditation, journaling, reading, filtering, mental stress-management (my wife is a Certified Holistic Stress Management Coach - so I learn from her), and praying...praying not the least of what is on that list I assure you...especially when I start thinking about what a "Crazy" I am for even thinking about taking on this Quest. It is no small mountain that I am climbing here.

Keep in mind, everything changes weekly, and sometimes daily depending on the heights (or valleys) I am reaching in my training, so I am never bored in all of this. The fun part of this is that I see results daily. Little ones most of the time, but those add up over the course of a week or beyond. Some days I see big results, like I talked about in yesterday's post about my legs while biking, so results vary. I don't get discouraged about small results as long as I see consistency, and I don't get worked up too much about the biggies either, because the next day I could be in a whole different category and again, I am concerned about consitency.

Hopefully all this helps for now...more in the future for those that are interested.

On another interesting note, I met a fellow Martial Artist yesterday that said he is just beginning his training for the U.S. Open for next year. We chatted for a moment about it and I tried to encourage him and offered him my contact. I hope to meet all kinds of people like that on this Quest. My bigger goal is that somehow all this becomes an inspiration to others to join me in this Quest or jump into their own dreams all the way and make them happen.

So, to the friend I met yesterday just beginning his Quest and to you, I say "Go for it!" Let nothing hold you back...leave nothing to question in the end...where there is no trail - cut your own trail...where there are scoffers and doubters - smile at them as you pass them by...where there are encouragers - listen to them and let them energize you...and don't do this alone - find coaches, family, friends, mentors, and a support system to assist you and guide you along the way...but in the end (or the beginning)... "Go for it!"

Crashes and Part One of An Announcement...

Whew! Good workout this morning. Michael, my oldest son and official training partner for this Quest, ate it this a.m. Yes...ate it! He ran into a mailbox on the bike portion of our workout. I was cruising and took a peek back to see where he was and tell him something...he wasn't there!

Um...

He caught up with me shortly, and said he crashed. I said, "Crashed, like in, crashed crashed...?" (Like that made any sense at all!) He said, "Yes, I ran into a mailbox then tried to adjust and...cars coming..." Then he fell back into formation and got out of the way of any potential future crashes.

Of course, at first I was concerned, but then I was silently laughing my head off! I still haven't told him that (oh, wait, think I just did!).

Later on the same bike ride I felt like all the muscles in my legs and hips just blew wide open and I took off...I was like the wind...no, I WAS the wind. I was moving people! I kept looking back and Michael kept getting smaller and smaller. Haven't felt that kind of surge in years, and it felt dang good! Michael dropped so far behind that Holly, my wife, asked if we needed to take the car and go check on him after I returned home and Michael didn't show for a while. He showed up a few minutes later, and I don't like leaving him that far behind (just in case another mailbox were to step out in front of him) but I just couldn't resist taking that burst and going with it!

Oh...I will share with you PART of ONE of one of the announcements...I just can't wait. I have gained a corporate sponsor who is agreeing to produce shirts for the Quest! I've known this guy for pretty much my whole life (I think we invented breakdancing together) and he has a phenom business and is stepping up to make this happen for me. I will share with you his contact info, etc. shortly as we announce the shirt itself. I am very excited about this...you should be too! In the meantime, if you need some signage or screen printing done, let me know, I will send you his info personally. Other announcements coming soon.

I just had a well-balanced nutritious meal following the a.m. workout...going to take a short nap now and work some more this afternoon. I feel some breakthrough right around the corner...very excited about that!

Watch out for friendly neighborhood mailboxes! HA ha!