Off season doldrums

Those of us who play amateur(or higher level) sports competitively do so with passion and emotion.  All of us need a break from time to time to recharge the batteries physically but more importantly emotionally.  The intense desire to train and/or practice frequently, intensely, and passionately has to be there in order to fully achieve one's fitness goals.  Doing the same things day after day gets dull regardless of how successful a result is achieved.
I experienced this dullness in October this year.  I had won my second local triathlon this season, a race I had long wanted to win.  That should have been the fitting end to my season, but instead I chose another race in Maryland to go after.  I enjoy training but unknowingly, I was getting burnt out.  I went to this race, a wet cold affair, and got mild hypothermia during the bike portion.  This was the first time I have ever had to pull out of a race without finishing.  I also strained my right IT band due to fatigue and stiffness from the wet 40 degree temperatures, and a lack of proper gear to stay warm.  I am now, over a month later, trying to figure out next season/year while trying to rehab an overly tight right IT band.  Luckily, I can run with no issues.  Running is something I don't do a lot of during the hotter months, so I am happy to be able to run now that it has cooled off.  I also am very much enjoying playing with my son and spending more time with my wife working on the house and other things we like to do together.  I know that the leg will come around if I follow my own rehab rules.... the doctor becomes the patient.  I am just waiting for that fire to train to re-light and the excitement to return.
I typically need a race on the schedule to get me going again, and as of right now, there is not one of any significance.  I am excited for my wife to get back into competition, something we have always shared.

So, for now, I am rehabbing the leg and working on building some upper body strength to keep my body strong for working on patients.  During the summers, I have let the strength training disappear, but now I am trying to emphasize maintenance of it for the duration.  Being able to provide for my family trumps triathlon success, although working out keeps me sane and fit for work as well.

Sandman Triathlon Victory

Friendly skies and waters greeted us this past Sunday morning for the 2012 Sandman Triathlon.  Steady surf and currents greeted us as we entered the water, which made for a longer swim than advertised... 750m became more of a 1000m swim.  Those who know me can picture the smile on my face after I saw the conditions.  I quickly gapped the group entering the water, using duck diving skills that any surfer or lifeguard knows, and then dropped the proverbial hammer when I got outside the sandbar/breaking waves.  I exited the water with over 90 seconds separating myself from the nearest competitors.  Knowing that running is my weakest discipline of the three, I rode my bike strong and steady to maintain a nice gap on the field, not knowing which of the guys chasing might be a really strong runner.  Turns out this was a good idea, as the second place guy was a fleet footed 6ft 6 monster.  I started the run with a nice margin but when I turned around at the halfway point, I saw him coming after me.  I quickly resolved to try to keep the pace up and then hammer the last mile.  Everything worked out as I came across the finish line with 48 seconds to spare, as the 2012 Sandman winner!  My wife Tiffany and son Duncan were waiting for me at the finish, along with some neighbors who walked down to watch.  It was an awesome feeling to win, as I first did this race in 2004 as a Clydesdale(230+ lbs) and have done it several more times since, improving my finish and fitness each year.  After hugging the family, I was interviewed by the local ABC affiliate for the evening news... link follows http://www.wvec.com/home/Sandman-Triathalon-kicks-off-at-Oceanfront-169976726.html  Support of the race was great, as many local friends lined the course on the bike and run, as well as great volunteers keeping us safe and hydrated.  It was a great way to end a fun summer!

The Lotus Room

Nimmo Wellness is excited to welcome Ginny Decoster and her yoga studio The Lotus Room starting July 1st. Owned and directed by Ginny DeCoster E-RYT200 RYT500, The Lotus Room offers a variety of yoga classes, private instruction, weekend workshops and continued education for teachers with Yoga Alliance.
Drop-In $15 or there is an Intro Special (5 classes for $20). Ginny has created a warm, inviting space that we are all looking forward to enjoying.
Class Schedule starting July 1:
Monday 9:30 Gentle Restorative
Tuesday 9:30 Vinyasa
Wednesday 9:30 Multi Level
Thursday 9:30 Vinyasa
Friday 9:30 Multi Level

Best of Virginia 2012

What a surprise to see my name in Virginia Living magazine's Best of Virginia 2012 awards listing! Thanks to my patients for their votes and support in me as one of Virginia's top three "Best Chiropractors." Check Nimmo Wellness out on page 17, and congratulations to all of the eastern region winners.

Baby Photos etc...

My wife Tiffany and I are pleased to share these photos of our newborn baby boy Duncan Gene... born Tuesday January 31st at 4:46pm. He weighed in at 9lbs 13oz and with his knees bent, measured 22 inches. Check out our family photos from Sincerely Yours Photography that were captured by a close friend of ours, Natalie Bray, a professional photographer.

Resolutions anytime

Resolutions do not only have to occur at the turn of the new year. You can resolve to change your lifestyle or modify your activity level anytime. You can plan to start walking, praying, being nicer to people, or eating better right now... today! Set aside time for those things that require it and/or make an action plan in your head or on paper for how you're going to get rolling on your resolution.
Start off small so as not to burn out or set yourself up for failure, injury, or sickness. Many times, we think we can pick up where we left off years ago. This is generally not so. Building back gradually is a safer and proven way to return to activities without the higher risk of dropping out for various reasons. For example, walking 10-15 minutes a few times a week can create a pattern that can be added to over time. Eating at least one healthy meal a day can begin a cascade of changes in your body and mind. Take small steps before you leap, you'll be better off in the long run.
Stop putting off that which you know will improve your life. Make positive changes today!