Thank You Endurance Nation!
As many of you may remember last year, I was coming off an almost flawless race execution day at IM CdA and I was ramping hard for the November OS. I was crushing my rides and heading to a FTP of 300. I was giving Tom Glynn a run for his money and we are having so much fun. I was on a march to IM SG. Then everything changed . . . . my older brother decided to shoot himself in the head. The dirt bag! I was now the oldest son, counselor to his 21 and 23 year old kids, estate liquidator, business closer, and overall go-to-guy for the family. Though I am grateful I can do all that stuff for the family, it sucked everything out of me. I mean everything. I started November OS but there was no passion and I stopped. I took the rest of the year basically off, over ate and started January OS and then walked away from everything by end of January, including IM SG. I thought I could do it all, but that was not the case. I finished IM CdA in 2006 with a broke foot and the was physically painful, but emotional pain is whole other thing. I guess I am not Superman afterall. Not after what happened.
Over the next few months I would get emails and Tweets from many of you asking how I was doing. :-) Was very cool.
Then in May and after doing zero training for ~4 months I saw some folks riding their bikes around town. Then I noticed runners around town. Then I got the bug.
I re-joined EN the beginning of June and did an Oly tri just for fun and it HURT! The run especially. Then I identified a 70.3 and get signed-up. Then I started a Plan and have spent the past several weeks in the 12 week Plan, focusng on my run. All of this "comeback" training has been fooking hard. Though my swim and my bike are back (but not to last years levels), my run had not. Legs felt heavy all the time. That is until last week. FINALLY after 4 weeks I hit that sweet spot where I could run all day. My legs didn't feel heavy anymore and I was enjoying it. Man that was a lot of work.
Today I did a 2 hour bike with 20 minute run. I pushed hard on the bike and ended with a .861 IF and I felt so damn good on the run I decided to make it a 40 minute run and it was the fastest I have run all year! I can officially say I AM BACK! I am ready for the 70.3. I can feel it in my bones.
I feel like a real triathlete again and I have all of you to thank for it. From the Tweets, emails, PM's, posts, etc. it has all made a difference. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
First RR for the 70.3 is this weekend and I am ready to nail it. I can't fooking wait.
With much gratitude,
John "Starkman" Stark (aka _noodle_ goupie . . . forever 
)
Comments
Same here. John- I know this was a tough year, but you are a shining example of focusing on the right priorities. It can be so hard for us all to take a "time out" like you did this year- mainly I think because we all have a little fear that we won't come back again (or at leaste, that's my fear). You are showing us all that its OK to take a hard and long stand down to focus on the right stuff, and that when the time is right, you will be able to return again.
Thanks John- as always- you bring such a great attitude to this place. Love having you back Starkman!
You are loved here; I hope that's clear. I'm so glad you're starting to lift from the life-fog; we all go through it. Welcome back!
Welcome back.....triathlon/endurance events/training have helped me through lots of life's stresses (nothing like you've been through.....holy crap).......time to enjoy life again.
John,
You focued on what needed to be done earlier and now you are being rewarded from the focus and hard work you have put in you your hobby. Congrats on the come back and getting the running back. I know that just 3-4 weeks ago I finally felt like my run was actually a run again and it's great.
Gordon
John, just glad to have you back!!
Congrats btw!
Awesome to have you back and glad to see you are coming back strong.
Be Safe
The hotdog man
John- glad to hear things are turning around, so glad you are back in the haus!
You really bring some great energy.
Rock on, John! Can't wait to read the RR report!
John,
When I saw the title of the post I was afraid you were saying goodbye again. I'm so glad to read it's the exact opposite. I'm very glad to hear you're well on your way back, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I admire you for who you are and the example you set.
Dave
So glad you're back!
I am so glad you are in a good place and are excited to race/train again. The timing of your post was perfect for me - I needed to read this today --- thank you o' high priest of the EN NorCal sleeper cell! Once your done racing, come get dirty with me on the mountain bike! Be sure and keep the rubber side down my brother!
I too am SO glad this was not a departure memo.
Good on you, John!!!! So happy to read that.
Maybe I will see you around now on the roads and in the pool.
XO CC
Hey John,
Good to see you back in da Haus!