With 25 days of travel in the last 40 days, stress at work, a 16 month old son, commitments to church, family, fires destroying trails, I have felt unmotivated to train. Actually, that’s probably an understatement. During my downtime in November I almost refused to. I’m sure that 90% of the people reading this post can connect with the commitments that I listed. You may have an even worse situation than me. What I find with myself is that the longer I stay away from training, the more difficult it is for me to jumpstart again.

This thought has created a larger conversation in my head. Why do I exercise? Is it because I want to win races, have a 6 pack (sike that will never happen……ever, ever, ever), train with other people, be known as the tri guy, have the privilege of shaving my legs, have great calves, because I love being outdoors, for the adrenaline rush? It’s funny because all of those things make up why I enjoy exercising but it’s one thing that has made me passionate about it and that keeps me going. Deep deep down inside I want to be healthy. I’m passionate about being a healthy person that can live a long life spent with his family. This is my sole reason for training. If training didn’t offer me that benefit I probably wouldn’t do it. I think by nature I’m just to lazy.

To answer my own question I work hard to be healthy. If being healthy is as significant of a motivator as I make it out to be then getting back at it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. I guess we will see. I’m back at it on December 1 in preparation for the Ironman Oceanside 70.3. Hopefully that gives me enough time.

What motivates you?

Andy B
outsideallday.com

With the cold weather coming the purchase of a new beanie just felt right.

The North Face Soma Swirl Beanie – Women’s



I picked up mine in brown. Little did I realize that it’s a woman’s beanie. Oh well, it looks good on me

Andy B
outsideallday.com

In light of the Orange County fires it feels all the more necessary to continue on with the 50 Mile Ride. So yes to answer all of the questions, the ride is still on. If you would like to volunteer to help with the ride please comment on this post and I will contact you back. If you haven’t signed up for the ride yet please do so by going to http://www.50mileride.com. 99% of the money that we raise goes to ProjectRwanda.org.

Get involved and come and have a good time with 500+ other riders!

Andy B
outsideallday.com

Check out this video Dean and his fixed buddies got going from there Taco Tuesday ride this week.
Taco Tuesday :: Photography Ride from Kong on Vimeo.

All I can say is I need to be healthy again so I can get out.

-DSheek
ride it’s fun!

This past weekend racing cross was fun, yet frustrating with mechanical problems in both races. The first was in the single-speed race as I was doing well and on my last lap, my chain decided to jump off my singleator (better change that product review) and cog, leaving me on the side of the course putting my chain back on and moving back to 4th place.

The second was the better of the two. I was doing well in the race and as I came around on my second to last lap my seat post snapped. I went into the dry creek bed portion of the course and came up the other side a little to fast smashing my genitals against my seat, which caused the post to snap from the force of my pelvic thrust.
The result of my thrusting was me leaping off the bike like a cat being hit with water as I flew about eight feet into the air. After a short rest, rubbing my boys and picking up my saddle. I remounted my bike carefully to finish the race (18th yes!).

I don’t mind losing but I hate Mechanicals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-DSheek
I am still icing…

I’m on the tail end of an 8 day trip to St. Louis currently sitting in the Denver airport for a layover. It’s been a long trip with lots of late hours and crappy hotel meals. For the company I work for it was a success, for me it was difficult.

My lack of self control becomes apparent when traveling. Because of the work hours required its next to impossible to exercise and even more difficult to eat right. For some reason junk, fat guy food is really easy to find. I know I would be fine if I ate right and still did not exercise. The consequence for me is weight gain and lack of energy, even though in the moment the snack “seems” like it would help.

Tonight Julie is picking me up at the airport and I can’t wait to see her and Carter. 7 days is way to long to be gone (oh wait, I have to do it again next week). I’m excited to have 5 days of being normal and I plan to go on a recovery run tomorrow afternoon if the air is good.

Being inside sucks!

Andy B
outsideallday.com

A few weeks back Alison and I and our wonderful team Kiss My Mud consisting of Kendra, Jason and Stacy (all friends of Alison and I) competed in the Camp Pendleton Mud Run at Lake O’neil near Oceanside, CA.

The Mud Run race was on Saturday, October, 20th at 8 am.

Mud Run details:
10k with a part of the run called suicide hill
Multiple obstacles including (3) mud pits and slippery hill.

The race was so great, it was well organized, fun and it was challenging! It is definitely a run that everyone needs to experience!

P.S. Updates will be coming in on the latest race Alison and I competed in which was a Bike/ Run called Muddy Buddy, I think you can see a theme going!

Alex Omel
outsideallday.com Contributor

I’ve been in St. Louis for 2 days now for work…the gift store down stairs had razors and shaving cream…perfect timing!

Leg one is 90% finished and leg two will begin tomorrow. I’ve already cut myself in 3 places and applied moisturizer. Am I becoming my wife?

Maybe Dave and I can live together after Julie leaves me

Andy B
outsideallday.com