thanks marc for the clip.

I have been amazed at the comments relating to that picture on The Ledge. The crippling fear and how it holds people back. How conditioned we are to the modern dangers in life. Do you think sitting on that rock, where its solid and pretty safe, is any more dangerous than driving your car? If you do, you are part of the problem, as Chris Titus likes to say. Not that I am saying you shouldn’t drive your car and spend your days sitting on rock ledges. I am merely suggesting you become aware of the real dangers. Eating a sugar based diet is basically sending yourself to a hell of diabetes and other health issues. Oh, wait, that won’t be hell, it`ll simply be the life you have created for yourself. As you were…

While we are talking about stupid things, this video, also found on Marc’s site, reminds me of how stupid boys can collectively be when there is a bit of competitive behavior involved…

BFF 2010 10th Anniversary alleycat Race Against Time from crihs on Vimeo.

Not.

Smart.

Then again, tomorrow morning at some point I will be totally running out of talented on some technical single track in Tokai, feeling my heart in my mouth and that numb feeling in my legs when I know it’s either about to be proven that miracles happen and I make it out or I am going to just close my eyes and hope I land on a soft patch. I`ll then re-run the line and try smash it on the second attempt. All part of the learning curve on what to fear, I guess. (oh, what? you had no idea I was mad? Shame, I guess it’s all my fault.)

So it’s all relative. This fear thing. It’s got me thinking. The fear of a confession you hope will not chase someone away. The fear of not realizing your potential. The fear of your own plain-to-see awesomeness. The fear of inanimate objects (proudly knows as Automatonophobia). People fear all sorts of things. What do I fear?

Thankfully, there are some VERY smart people out there, who are happy to show us new ways of being scared. Control the herd and with articles like that one, you realize just what is possible in a new world order if collective smart minds are put to good or bad work. In the fear there is hope that perhaps projects of this magnitude are underway to help curb pollution, save our air quality but yet, like the BP Crisis showed, there is no lack of human stupidity around. Choosing our fears, I guess.

Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional danger—if we couldn’t feel it, we couldn’t protect ourselves from legitimate threats. But often we fear situations that are in no way life-or-death, and thus hang back for no good reason. Traumas or bad experiences can trigger a fear response within us that is hard to quell. Yet exposing ourselves to our personal demons is the best way to move past them.

Which brings me to the last bit of this now drawn out bit of writing. If you are going to get over these demons, make the time to practice. You`ll get further every time and the familiarity of something that scared the living bejaaayzuz out of you last time may even become bearable, enjoyable and then you may end up like these guys in the last video for the day, who clearly have lost all sense of reality when it comes to fear.

Have a great weekend out there. I am taking my fears to the trails and leaving them out there to be absorbed in the awesomeness of pushing limits and living life.

Continue Reading →

Today I am not going to speak about my weekly totals. It was virtually an off week with more work and really, more opportunities than I care to even get into. It’s an exciting time out there. Hope you are making the most of it, too.

Today I wanted to talk about what drives us. What makes us give the extra mile. What makes us get up at 5am and go for a jog before heading to meetings, work, proposals, deadlines, stress, pressure, commitments and then possibly back to the gym for a swim before heading home to spend time with friends and family, cook & deal with admin & possible more work.

What kind of idiot does that?

This guy.

Me.

I am not here to waft through life. I am here to live. I am here to eat the best food, ride the best trails, run in the wildest frontiers, to eat more of the best food, to laugh the loudest, the hardest and the most. To brave the circumstances and scare the living bejissus out of myself from time to time. To doubt if I can achieve the lofty goals I have set, to practise milking the journey to that ever changing goal.

I am here to wander among the masses and inspire you to be more. I am passionate about that, about you. I want to push my body to the absolute limit and then crush the limit. Human limitations are just that. Limits. Rules. If there was never anybody who pushed or broke limits then we would surely still be in the stone age. That human willingness to go above and beyond it what drive us.

Yes, I suffer. I hurt. Great. Awesome. I am smiling all the way because I feel absolutely amazing when I am out training and racing. I am happiest when I have no idea how the hell I am going to get through, shortly followed by absolute euphoria when I am through it. That is the essence. Hence the picture. Its Tour de France time. For the 200 best cyclists in the world to ride over 30 mountains in 3 weeks, only to finish in absolute agony with cold sores, strains and tendonitis. For what? Only one dude can win.

Its not only about that one guy. It’s about the celebration of the pinnacle of how far and hard a human being can ride his bicycle. It’s about celebrating the marvel of watching these guys race down twisty roads much faster than the cars can. It’s about celebrating how absolutely amazing we are as a species.

We are driven beyond comprehension. Only the brave….

It is so beautiful and so simple and so primal that I cannot yet fully comprehend how grand it really is. I do believe I have a small insider view but really, I know that every couch potato is inspired when they see the willingness of these guys to hurt beyond comprehension, just to make it to the top of that last climb.

I am going to fill my body with best, most natural food I can find. It will be tasty beyond wowness, fill me with energy beyond zest and give me the appreciation of being responsible for how I fuel my engine.

I am going to explore the entire world. I am going to give back to those who I love with all my love. I am going to be peaceful and appreciative of the simple beauties of the world. I am inspired by people, by their amazing ability to overcome.

I want more of that.

What are you doing to get more of that?

Continue Reading →

the honorable Doc G sent methis and to quote him…

am in bed. it’s -1c outside and this has motivated me to go ride.

Do you agree?

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Shelley Taylor Smith 2: Attitude Is Everything

Six weeks ago on Feel For The Water we featured a special guest post by Shelley Taylor Smith. The post was so well received that we’ve twisted Shelley’s arm and got her back for part two – an inspirational story from her swimming career which you can read below.

An interesting fact when you read this: Shelley swam the 90km from Sydney to Wollongong at an average of 88 strokes per minute. Those of you benefiting from training with a Wetronome will know that’s an amazingly high rate to hold for 12 hours!

Shelley is an open water swimming legend – a 7 time World Champion and 5 time winner of the mighty 48km Manhattan Island Marathon Swim. Known for her mental toughness and fearsome competitiveness, she’s an inspirational figure to many people around the world. See why below!

(You can read Shelley’s first post on Feel For The Water here.)

Swim Smooth!

On January 17, 1995, I hit the wall 8hrs into my solo swim from Sydney to Wollongong (I know what you’re thinking… what were you thinking Shelley?) Little did I know that I had 4hrs 30mins of swimming remaining!

The water had dropped from 21C to 12C. Imagine if you can swimming at the front of the shark proof cage with the ocean water dumping on top of my head every 5 seconds much like a bucket of cold water dumped on you in the shower. I had this humungus (Aussie for huge) throbbing headache. Sharks had been circling. My fingers and toes were bruised and fractured from being picked by the velocity of the waves hitting the front and back of the cage.

I wanted out… normal behaviour I thought. I was stamping my feet like a child spitting the dummy as I repeated to my coach “I want a hot chocolate” “I want a hot shower!” “I want… I want” “I want out!”

Then came the most honest of all statements… “I have nothing to prove!”

My coach ‘Grub’ turned to me noticing my lips had turned blue and my back was shades of purple from the wind exposure; put two fingers up and said “How many fingers?”

I flashed back to Lac St Jean in Roberval, Quebec, Canada at the 1992 Pan Pacs 25km event when Grub asked that same question and I cannot remember my answer as I passed out unconscious from hypothermia and Grub saved me.

My moment of truth had come… way out there at sea thinking… hmmm if I say three… I can get out of this quick smart! I took the longest time contemplating should I or shouldn’t I. I replied “two” and Grub told me abruptly “put your head down and get going NOW!” I said “no!” to which Grub replied “Give me 20mins.”

I put my head down and said to myself:
“If you don’t quit… you will make it!”
“If you don’t quit… you will make it!”
“If you don’t quit… you will make it!”

These 8 words are all I said over and over and over to myself in the 90km solo swim to Wollongong. 20 minutes turn to 40 minutes then 60 minutes and a pod of dolphins appeared out of no where which cheered me up. All of a sudden my stroke returned to normal and the water appeared to warm up.

Your attitude determines how well you will succeed when faced with a challenge. We did succeed that day when we made it to Wollongong Harbour in 12 hours 28 mins and 30 secs.

Would you like to be able to instantly acquire a winner’s attitude?

Now is your time to discover how to control the one thing that means more to your accomplishments and happiness than anything else… Your Attitude!

Here is a simple positive Champion habit that will change your attitude in seconds:

1. Choose or create a positive mental attitude trigger phrase and repeat it aloud many times each day. A habit trigger is an event, action, or thought that helps to reinforce your positive habits.

Your trigger phrases will help you to maintain a positive mental attitude. Choose or make up a positive phrase, such as:

“I know I can do it.”
“I can overcome any obstacle.”
“I am reaching my success goals every day.”
“I am getting stronger and stronger every day.”
“Every day I am getting closer and closer to my goals in life.”
“If I believe it… I can achieve it.”
“Every day, my mental attitude is becoming more positive.”
“I am achieving my goal weight every day.”
“I am getting closer and closer to my goal of a trim and fit body.”

2. Write down your trigger phrase on Post-it notes. Place them on the mirror of your car, on your bathroom mirror, carry the note in your pocket. Or as I did, place on the sun visor of the car, so when I needed an attitude check up, I’d flick the sun visor down and instantly know where I was going and how to get there!

3. Repeat the phrase many times every day, remember to say it with emotion, believe it with all your heart. Make it a habit to repeat this phrase at least 30 times a day. Start your day with it.

4. The more you repeat your trigger phrases, the greater their effect will be on your attitude. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, replace it with your positive-attitude trigger phrase.

You will now be building success-oriented positive thought patterns. This Champion habit will help you achieve a positive mental winner’s attitude automatically.

Remember, attitude is everything!
And… if you don’t quit… you will make it!

Cheers, Shelley Taylor-Smith

Personally…. that is the best way I can think of to start the week.

Continue Reading →

Since Ironman is done and dusted its been a time for reflection for the athletes who took part. The extra time they have seems to go into thinking about their lives and the effect that Ironman had on it in a broader sense. This applies to anyone who’s been through a rather large experience and then gets to thinking. I know many people who seem to have “everything” – a great job, amazing wife/hubby, great kids, financial stability, etc. But as we get to talking about contentment with life, I often hear it said, “That’s what I need — I need to find contentment.”

This is usually combined with an emotional outlet, a deep sigh, as this is really the crux of the matter.
I guarantee you, that if you feel the same, you are not alone, either: many people feel that there is something missing from their lives, that despite having everything they need they aren’t happy, aren’t content, cannot find satisfaction. It eats at them like a hungry piranha.

I’ve been through stages in my life like this, and I’ve also climbed out of such ruts more than once. I know it isn’t easy, but I also know that it’s possible. Looking back on these times in my life, when I overcame discontentment, I’ve realized there are three things you can do, and for my experience, these are the only things that you can do.

Change Your Attitude and Perspective

This is huge. I can’t overstate the importance of how you look at things. And I know, the power of positive thinking is a cliche in the self-help world, and a bicycle that has been ridden once too many in the past 5 years, but that’s because it works. It’s worked for me in everything I’ve done, and without it I would have accomplished nothing — no popular blog, no best-selling book, no running three marathons, nothing.

But it’s more than accomplishing things — by changing your attitude, you can become happy, almost immediately. It’s a choice. The first step is making that choice. I think in modern society, people miss the points in the following ways:

1. Appreciate what you have. You already have some amazing things in your life, whether you realize it or not. Most of us have incredible family members, friends, other loved ones who love us back. Learn to appreciate what a miracle that is. Most of us have good health, which is another miracle. Most of us have eyes, with which to enjoy the amazing miracles of sunsets and nature and beauty all around us. Most of us have ears, with which to enjoy music, one of the greatest miracles ever. Be grateful for each of these things, and more! Take time every day, throughout the day, to thank life for all that it has given you, to thank others for what they give you, to be grateful.

2. Find good in everything. Everything can be seen in a negative way, or a positive way. I’ve said this before, but even the death of my grandfather was an opportunity for me to appreciate life more, to appreciate his amazing life, to appreciate the time I have with my loved ones, to be thankful I’m even alive. When I get sick, it’s a chance for me to rest. When I was jobless once, I had more time with my family, more chances to create, a fresh start on life. When your child is throwing a tantrum, he’s expressing himself, asserting his individuality, being human. Find the good in anything that normally irks you, in anyone who you have issues with.

3. Start believing that you can change things. A general feeling that things are too difficult to change, that they’ll never get better, can in itself be the cause of our problems. Instead, start believing that you can make things better, and you will open the doors for change. And you can change things — I’ve done it, and many, many others have too. It’s possible.

4. Enjoy the moment. Whatever you’re doing right now, or at any time during the day, take the time to enjoy it. Anything: reading, writing, talking with a co-worker, taking a shower, walking up stairs, eating, washing dishes, sweeping. Anything can be fully appreciated if you pay attention. It makes life better.

Take Some Kind of Positive Action

It doesn’t matter what the action is, as long as you’re doing something positive. Start small — just take a tiny little baby step. But start.

And you know what? Taking that little baby step will feel like a victory. At first, it might be a tiny step, but then, as you find your confidence, it will mean you are taking bigger steps, more calculated steps, and firmer steps.

Soon, who knows, you might even be running.

Do Something That Gives You Meaning

Often we feel dissatisfied with life because while we might have a good life — at least, all the comfort and leisure we need — we might not be doing anything that feels worthwhile. It might feel meaningless.

The cure: find meaning, do something meaningful. Just a few ways:

1. Spend time with loved ones. I love spending time with my family and friends and other loved ones. It gives me joy. It feels more meaningful than most other things I do (besides swimming, cycling and running, and maybe yoga). I recommend you take the time to do something with a loved one — just go for a walk, play a game together, have a conversation, it doesn’t matter what. Really be there — don’t be thinking of other things you need to do. Really listen. Really try to help the person if possible. It will make a difference in both your lives. Give without asking, listen without input.

2. Create something meaningful. Writing is something that is very meaningful to me. Any kind of creating — whether it be writing, drawing, playing music, designing, building something — can bring meaning to your life. You’re creating something new, expressing yourself, sharing it with others so that it may enrich their lives and the world in general. This is also one of the main reasons I love DJ’ing so much. Every 5 minutes you can blend two things for a unique experience, sound, and hopefully, see some unique moves on the dancefloor.

3. Make the lives of others better. Volunteering is just one way to accomplish this. But you could also think about your loved ones, your neighbors, others in the world around you, and think about how you can help them, make their lives better, even in a small way. That might mean baking them cookies, listening to them, cleaning for them, writing a kind letter, buying a nice gift, carrying their groceries (if you live in Sea Point where there are lots of old people), anything.

These are just a few ways, of course — there are lots of ways to do something meaningful. These have worked for me, but I’m sure you’ve found your own ways.

Have a great weekend people. Find contentment out there. Its waiting, just for you. Love, and light.

Continue Reading →