Silverman or Bust! » silverman

Day of Gratitude

Bonnie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:23:46 +0000

Today I am grateful for many things that surround me. My family, friends,co-workers, and books … My daughter gave me a book called The Power of the Platform, with each chapter written by a motivational speaker. Angelique Daniels wrote “The E p i g phany” P is for portion control: what is the portion of my day that is committed to the Silverman or training? I is for investigate: How much do I need to research and how much is applicable to me. And G stands for get moving. I feel like I have been working on this daily and have now figured out time frame is reasonable for me. I figure about 10 hours a week is reasonable at this time. This is inclusive of the research and computer time, etc. As things get more organized, streamlined and understood by my body most of that 10 hours will be physical at this point in time I would say that about 7 hours is physical. The other author I really liked was Dr. Nick Hall. I will define success by establishing a realistic worthwhile every day that I can directly control. What I eat, what I think about, how much time I spend training. Finishing the 1/2 Silverman will be perk (not the definition of success or lack there of)

Finding YOUR Silverman

Lifan — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:22:13 +0000

Yesterday I was chatting with a wonderful lady I know from Studio 222. She has this beautiful aura that is matched by her smile. She trains several times a week at Studio 222. I love people with happy enthusiastic energy! It just lifts my spirits even higher. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been encouraging her to consider joining the Silverman or Bust journey. I can see that sparkle in her eyes that let’s me know that an event like this intrigues her. Yesterday, she admitted to me that although it’s an interesting idea, she doesn’t think it’s her “thing” – the running, biking, swimming, training…none of those are here “thing.” I completely respect this. I think it is admirable that someone knows what they are interested in and what they are not. This is a huge bonus. But I suggested, also, that she could find her own “Silverman.”

For me, Silverman or Bust is about striving for next year’s Silverman Half triathlon. For someone else, it could be the full triathlon. For still others, it may be just the inspiration to to something a little out of their normal experience, like a 5k or climbing Half Dome in Yosemite, maybe getting fit for the Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, or submitting their personal works in a photo contest or writing contest; maybe it’s writing a book. Whatever it is, it’s something that may seem a little out of reach, or something that one knows is possible, but hasn’t been given the proper priority or attention. This is the spirit of what Silverman or Bust is all about. All the ideas and thoughts that we are sharing in this blog can easily apply to any goal or discipline. It’s about defining the vision, and striving for it. It’s about overcoming daily challenges and redirecting our energies from the usual activities toward something that ignites our imagination and excites us.

This is what I believe Silverman or Bust is truly all about. So, if the half Silverman is not your thing. Go out there and find your thing! And then come back and tell us about it!

Partnership and Accountability for Motivation

Lifan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:06:20 +0000

I find that I am much more motivated when there is someone to be motivated with. Unless have a singular vision that supersedes all others, it’s too easy for me to put things off “until tomorrow.” When I wanted to train for the Lovell Canyon 10k run, I didn’t actually begin running regularly until the week prior. I’m sure we can all agree that it not a good method for training – especially not for a triathlon. I know 12 months can seem like an eternity at times – sometimes too much time and sometime too little. Consistent motivation will be key in my success. For me, that comes through accountability and partnership. Accountability I have found being committed to readers on this blog and on various social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Partnership I have found in some great folks who have joined me on this adventure. (Above all, today I am very grateful to a wonderful partner in my life who is undaunted the enormity of the challenge I’ve casually tossed in our path.) Without all of these elements in place, it would have taken me much longer to do what I did today; I did my first under-12 minute mile today! We did 3 miles total in 36m30sec. Awesome! And thanks to everyone for their role in this.

For everyone out there considering the Silverman, or a marathon, or a 5k, or 5 miles bike, just get out there consistently every day or every other day for a few weeks. Make the commitment and tell your friends or family. Make yourself accountable and tell the world. Then, go out and do it! Inevitably you will make small improvements and small improvements over time stack up to BIG accomplishments. Start today and just take a step, maybe two. If you don’t want to share with your friends or family yet, share it with us. We are with you!

Silverman 2009 Race Report

Tracy T — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:36:47 +0000

**SilvermanOrBust.com welcomes Tracy as a guest blogger for our site! Tracy has a long background in fitness and has raced numerous Triathlons among other events. She is also a physical therapist completing a graduate degree. Tracy is going into her second year as a pro-triathlete. Read her race report this year for the Full Silverman – 2.4 miles swim, 112 miles bike and 26.2 miles run.**

Okay, the entire race report from Silverman this year was a little long to re-post here, so I’m going to cheat and give you the link to my personal blog. I hope that it provides some motivation for next year as we enter winter.

Welcome to the Triathlon family

Tracy T — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:39:08 +0000

**SilvermanOrBust.com welcomes Tracy as a guest blogger for our site! Tracy has a long background in fitness and has raced numerous Triathlons among other events. She is also a physical therapist completing a graduate degree. Tracy is going into her second year as a pro-triathlete. We look forward to her contributions and advice as we prepare for Silverman 2010!**

Triathlon is a family, and Silverman is one of the closest families I’ve met within the sport. That alone will help everyone see this journey to the final step – crossing the finishing line at the Henderson Multi Gen Center on November 7th, 2010.

I’m Tracy and I will be joining the Silverman or Bust team for the 6th edition of the race. Unlike many of the other athletes here, this will be my 6th time racing at Silverman. I have finished the Full Silverman every year and am already looking forward seeing everyone again next year. I hope that my experience with triathlons in general and Silverman in particular will be helpful to everyone.

A little introduction – I am a pro triathlete, starting my second season as a pro in 2010. My focus within triathlons is the Xterras – swim, mountain bike, trail run – but I have raced every distance there is over my age group career. I started out as a swimmer and runner in high school, then focused on running through college and beyond. My goal was to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials. After falling a little short, I turned my attention to triathlons and have been hooked since. My favorite distance is the half and full, but I love getting muddy. Silverman this year was my 8th Iron distance triathlon – I have also competed in the Great Illini, IM WI and Kona.

I will be posting here with training, general comments and observations. It’s not cliche – no question is silly. Ask away. Everyone at some point needed guidance in their triathlon journey and that is what the family is for!

Silverman or Bust 2010!!!

Lifan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:23:13 +0000

I have decided.

This is it.

I am finally committing to doing the Silverman Half in 2010. I’ve volunteered for the last 4 years and every year, I look forward to the energy and excitement of this event. The athletes are tremendously inspiring and so, too, are the volunteers. I’ve toyed with the idea of doing this event every year. As many people will tell you. It’s a half Ironman distance triathlon, but it’s completely do-able. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run. There are a few cut-offs to consider, but aside from this, you have until midnight to complete this – the same cut-off as the full-distance racers. 100 percent, totally, completely do-able. It may be challenging, but with 12 months to train, there is no excuse for not being physically and mentally prepared.

In fact, there is no excuse. Period. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels participate – and finish. When I considered this, in addition to the unrelenting tenacity of the Operation Rebound participants, there simply is no excuse left for not making this commitment. I’m doing this; I’m telling the whole world; and it’s actually going to be fun!

I’ve persuaded some wonderful people to join me on this adventure. We hope you will follow our journey on this blog and contribute your thoughts. Perhaps you will decide there are no more excuses and join us as well!