Two months ago if you would have dropped me in the ocean a half mile away from the shore and left me alone I do not know what would have happened. I couldn't even swim 100 meters.
I have have wanted to do a triathlon for a few years and he only thing holding me back was the swim. I first learned about triathlons in college, started talking about tri's during my first round of marathon training in 2008 & actually contemplating trying a triathlon in 2012. I signed up for St. Anthony's Olympic Triathlon two months ago because that is the only way I knew I would get myself to learn to swim. I have been working with my swim coach, Pete, multiple times a week perfecting form and swim endurance. Last weekend I completed a mock triathlon (un-timed but with transition areas) that was put on by the American Running Company (big THANKS to Chris and the American Running Company for putting on this FREE event. It was great triathlon practice & was essential to my success at Fort DeSoto this weekend).
I am happy to report that I completed my first 'official' triathlon on Saturday - the Escape from Fort DeSoto triathlon - 0.5 mile swim, 10 mile bike & 4 mile run.
When I arrived at Fort DeSoto I was in a state of shock. They marked my body with my race number and age, I set up my transition area to the best of my ability - learning from the mock triathlon to have my running shoes untied and cycling shoes un-velcroed. I put on my wetsuit and headed to the open water. WOW - it looked rough. There were big waves. The course looked HUGE! I went in the water to get acclimated to the temperature and actually thought about just going home. The swim still scared me. I couldn't go home now though, I wasn't about to quit after all the training and hard work.
The swim started off in waves. I wore this sexy silver swim cap and waited around for the 25-29 male age group to be called off. Once I was in the water I knew I had to get to the finish. It took me 19 minutes in the water. That time is considered slow for most triathletes. For me it was a miracle. Like I said at the beginning of this post, I couldn't swim 100 meters a month and a half ago. I just swam a half mile in rough water in 19 minutes. I wasn't last getting out and I had the bike and the run to make up my time.
After a strong bike and run I finished the triathlon in 1:25:20. Below are my splits..
James Blake:
BIB: 817 AGE: 28
SWIM: 19:15 77:00/M
T1: 5:10
BIKE: 29:24 2:56/M
T2: 2:17
RUN: 29:12 7:18/M
TOTAL TIME: 1:25:20
I need to focus on improving my transition times and strengthening my swim. I can't wait for St. Anthony's Olympic distance triathlon in two weeks. Then I have my Ironman 70.3 Florida race next month.
If something has been holding you back from accomplishing a goal, don't let it. If you want some help - ask. If I can help you at all -- contact me.
 Are you ready to earn your summer body? As you know I am currently in triathlon training mode. I just completed a round of INSANITY with my challenge group. I am about to start ASYLUM Volume 1 with a new challenge group on April 15. I also plan on throwing in some BODY BEAST workouts to gain some additional muscle mass in the weight room!
If you do not have a game plan, you need to get one NOW. There are two options Insane Marathon is recommending for serious results in time for summer! I will also coach you - for FREE throughout the process.
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It also has features to help beginners i.e. In the Fire Starter Class, Chalene teaches the moves and combinations so newcomers can start off on the right foot and experienced Turbo users can perfect their form. 
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You can do this!! I am here to help every step of the way!!! You will have no excuses not to succeed!
One of the problems with living in Florida is that our racing season is in the winter months. You can run 100+ races every weekend from November-April. As I mentioned in my previous post, I'll be running the LA Marathon March 17 and my training is a little abnormal.
What does my LA Marathon training consist of?
5 days of INSANITY + 2 days of running
Really? Yes! The only 2 runs I am doing each week are the Thursday night Bayshore Run Club 6 mile route + a race every weekend. I'm following the INSANITY training program with my challenge group and only modifying the Saturday INSANITY workout, replacing it with a 1/2 marathon or comparable race. Two weeks ago I raced the Best Damn Race 10k on Saturday. Last weekend I raced the St. Petersburg 1/2 Marathon & today I raced the A1A Fort Lauderdale 1/2 Marathon. Next week is my "20 miler" all marathon training alumni are familiar with. I'm actually racing two races. The Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa - 15k and 1/2 Marathon - 22.4 miles over two days.
I've got another 1/2 lined up following Gasparilla & then am planning on a 5 mile or 10k race the weekend prior to LA Marathon.
Mixing in this much INSANITY with marathon training is INSANE! The training plans we use on this website are more structure like a 'typical' training program. Check them out!
I actually received this comment on the InsaneMarathon.com Facebook page today - "I just have to say I am so thankful I found your flyer at the Lululemon in Hyde Park. Your advanced half marathon plan rocks! I have never run so well! Training for Rock n Roll DC in March and have been participating in smaller races the last month or so. Did a 10 mile trail race this morning and finished Top 25 females! Biggest achievement for me yet. Feeling very confident about my half marathon performance. Thank you, again." - Jennifer M.
Jennifer, thank you for the kind words. I am ecstatic that our training plans are helping you achieve your goals! I hope I can help many more people do what they once thought impossible!
Three sentence summaries for my past three races:
Best Damn Race - Safety Harbor, FL: An amazing inaugural race put on by local runners. Scenic course ran along the bay with a beautiful sunrise. Well supported, great t-shirts, medals & a fast flat 10k course.
St. Petersburg Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon - St. Petersburg, FL: A fun, fast & flat course that captures the most of the city of St. Petersburg. The weather was much warmer than it was last year. Sadly the post race concert featuring Sean Kingston wasn't as awesome as last years Flo'Rida concert.
Fort Lauderdale A1A 1/2 Marathon - Fort Lauderdale, FL: Cold, freezing 45 degree race. Last year I ran the full marathon & it was 87 degrees! Beautiful scenic course ran through Las Olas and along the beach on A1A with a great sunrise!
I'm looking forward to continuing my racing and INSANITY schedule! Lets hope it continues to go well!
They say that goals are just wishes unless you write them down. I wanted to share a few of my 2013 goals with everyone.Become Faster: This is going to be a fun goal to achieve! I want to eventually qualify for the Boston Marathon. I am not giving myself that lofty goal this year, I just want to improve my marathon time to sub 3:30. My current marathon PR is 3:47 and half marathon 1:39. I will have to work hard to accomplish this goal but if all goes well when 2014 comes around I should be under 3:30 for a full marathon!Help People: The reason for InsaneMarathon.com is not so that I can brag about what races I have ran, the places I've traveled, products I have been lucky to try out, or how INSANITY and other workouts have changed my life. InsaneMarathon.com was created to help motivate others to never underestimate themselves. Anything you set your mind to is possible and if sharing my story and knowledge can help just one other person get our the door for their first 5k, complete INSANITY, or run a marathon using one of our free training plans this mission has been accomplished. One of the things I am going to be doing this year to help motivate more people is starting a run club in Tampa, FL for runners of all abilities. I will also be running free fitness and health challenges throughout the year. I want to motivate people to start something new to better their health and wellness. By the end of 2013 I want at least 30 success stories from people that were inspired and motivated through the work of InsaneMarathon.com!Keeping Organized: One thing I have always thought about doing but never acted on was keeping an organized calendar. This year I have started doing this and I am going to continue to add to it and follow it all year long. I have set up multiple calendars for different tasks (personal, work, fitness, fun) and synched them with all of my devices. The hard part will be adding, editing and following the calendar. But I am pushing myself to stick with it! Promote Myself: One of the amazing things about working for yourself is that you have the ability to promote yourself. My 2013 goal is to promote myself to a "Star Diamond" level. I will accomplish this goal only when I succeed at helping people - the more people I help the better chance I have at achieving this goal. Get Out: I want to get myself out to more events. If there is a local business event that sounds like I could learn something, I am going to attend. If there is a social run, motivational speaker, fitness club, whatever - I am going to get myself out and attend more events in 2013!
Read: I will ready one motivational / business / personal growth book a month and post it on InsaneMarathon.com or social media (Facebook, twitter, instagram). This month I have already finished - Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy. 11 more to go!What kind of goals have you put in place for yourself? Can InsaneMarathon.com help you achieve any of them?
We have made it easier than ever to download one of our InsaneMarathon.com INSANITY marathon or half marathon training programs. To download a training program click on "Free Training Programs" using the links above or CLICK HERE. You can read about the programs and then download them immediately. No more waiting for us to e-mail you back with the file! Enjoy the training programs!Also, remember to join us for the 60 day INSANITY fitness challenge starting January 21! Contact us for more information!
It's cold, snowy & windy. I am definitely not in Florida anymore! For the holidays I always travel back to Chicago to spend time with my family. It's always interesting leaving 80 degree weather and 2.5 hours later landing in 30 degree temperatures.
On Saturday morning my amazing running friend Maureen and I drove from Chicago to Milwaukee to run the Santa Hustle 5k race in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was 16 degrees!!! Icy. Snowy. Crazy cold. But running along Lake Michigan with thousands of people dressed in Santa outfits, with cookie and candy aid stations was a blast! I would definitely participate in another Santa Hustle event - hopefully I will be able to make their Daytona Beach 1/2 marathon next year. After the event they had a free breakfast buffet and after party at a local bar Downtown Milwaukee. A fun way to get in the holiday spirit & be active! Thank you Maureen for joining me for this event (and driving us to Milwaukee!)
One bad thing about the holidays is staying on track with my health and fitness goals. Luckily I have a solid base under me, especially with running the Jacksonville Bank Marathon my last Sunday in Florida. I am using the holidays to rest & recover. I am going to need it for what I have in store for 2013!
After the holidays when I get back to Tampa I am going to be starting the 3 Day Shakeology Cleanse. I am going to post my results & journey while doing this cleanse and hope that once you see the results you will attempt a cleanse of your own. After the three day cleanse I will continue running and RevAbs. I will be participating in the 2013 Disney World Marathon weekend with the Goofy Challenge. Once the challenge is complete my training is going HARDCORE - & you are invited to join me!!
As you may have heard starting January 21 I will be holding a 60 day fitness challenge. I will be doing this challenge along with all participants. We will be doing INSANITY for 60 days - BY THE BOOK. We will be following the nutrition + fitness + Shakeology for 60 days. Posting our results, being held accountable & being supported by others from all over on our fitness and health journey. Please join us with this 60 day fitness challenge. Start off 2013 right - be healthy and fit & let InsaneMarathon.com help you achieve the goals you never thought we're possible! To join the challenge please click here to purcace the INSANITY Challenge Pack! - I will then contact you with more information and add you to our private group!
Another week of training. Another half marathon. More ab / core work. New PR!
That is how my post Space Coast Marathon week went. After running my 16th full marathon I took the day after off from training. I had to travel to Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday and was able to get in some nice recovery running in along the beach and Las Olas Boulevard. Tuesday I ran 3.75 miles along A1A and Wednesday I ran 6 miles down A1A and Las Olas. Thursday and Friday I did RevAbs. Friday I also threw a fast 3 mile run in after My RevAbs core work. I did the first 2 miles at a 7:30 pace and the last mile at a 6:58 pace. I took Saturday off of training to prepare myself for the Brandon 1/2 Marathon on Sunday.
I felt like there was a chance I could PR at the Brandon 1/2 Marathon. My training has been going well. My legs felt very strong after coming off of the Space Coast Marathon. The weather wasn't going to be cold, but it was not going to be scorching hot - which always takes a toll on my racing times. I wanted to run a sub 1:40. I figured I would need to keep around a 7:30 min/mile pace for all 13.1 miles. The Brandon 1/2 marathon isn't scenic, it's not a large race & it doesn't have the bells and whistles most major 1/2 marathons have. It had an accurate course & water stops around every 1.75 miles. That's all I needed. I pushed myself harder than I ever have for a race. I was running around a 7:35 min/mile pace and at mile 10 I was still on track to run under 1:40 if I didn't slow down at all. I finished the race at 1:39:53. It's crazy to think that I was only 7 seconds away from missing my goal. That's one walk break, or just about half a second a mile.
My overall physical fitness has never been better. I know that it is because of INSANITY and RevAbs cross-training that I have been incorporating into my marathon training programs. I also continue to use Results & Recovery to refuel & heal my muscles after intense workouts and Shakeology to improve my overall health & nutrition.
This weekend I am running the St. Petersburg Jingle Bell Run 5k on Friday night and the Florida Holiday Halfathon (1/2 marathon) on Sunday. I will also be participating in the 12-12-12 Half Marathon of Sarasota. The following weekend I have the Color Run 5k in St. Petersburg 12/15 and on Sunday 12/16 my target PR marathon race - Jacksonville Bank Marathon.
If you want to get your training INSANE start using one of our FREE training programs today!
After my New York City non-marathon experience I was really disappointed & changed my training plan from my scheduled INSANITY marathon training to a RevAbs / running hybrid. The first week after the failed NYC marathon I did RevAbs all week and ran 8 miles on the weekend. The next week I did RevAbs 3 days & ran 7 miles two of the days. That weekend I ran the Women's 1/2 Marathon in St. Petersburg, FL.
The Women's 1/2 Marathon was very interesting. Obviously I knew it was a race catered to women. I signed up to run it because of the great feedback my friend Mike had from leading a pace group the prior year. Jackie was running it too & I thought it would be a great race close to home & possibly a new 1/2 marathon PR. Little did I know that they corral the men that register for it in the last corral no matter their expected finish time. Also - it was quite obvious that the race organizers weren't thrilled to have men running their race. If that's the case, they should do what the IronGirl Clearwater race does & not allow men to register.
I lined up in the 1st corral - with the 1:45 pace team & was told by a race official to move to coral 5 & that it didn't matter my goal -- it was a women's race & I needed to start last. So I start walking back, but the corrals were packed and I only was able to walk to corral 2 before the National Anthem was being performed & I stopped to get ready to run. I started off the race strong and ended up catching up to the 1:45 pace team. Ran strong with them until mile 11 and then fell slightly back. The course was beautiful through Downtown St. Petersburg. I especially enjoyed running inside Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. My finish time was 1:45:44. Not a PR, but I'll take it.
If you are a woman looking for a beautiful course in a great city - I would definitely recommend the Women's Running 1/2 Marathon - St. Petersburg, FL. You can't beat the weather & scenery for late November!
After running the Women's Running 1/2 Marathon I went back to my RevAbs / running schedule although it was pretty much just RevAbs. I ran the Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot 10k on Thanksgiving. Almost 18,000 people were out there running. Turkey Trot races are great to get the metabolism going before a big Thanksgiving meal. I didn't want to run the race too hard because I had the Space Coast Marathon coming up Sunday. I ran the 10k in 46:30.
The next run after Thanksgiving was the Space Coast Marathon. This would be marathon number 16 for me & I really didn't know what to expect. I had originally planned to run NYC for fun & use Space Coast for a training run / practice for Jacksonville Bank Marathon. My goal all year has been to PR my marathon time at the Jacksonville Bank Marathon. The night before the marathon I had dinner at the Apollo/Saturn V center at the Kennedy Space Center. The keynote speaker was Bart Yasso & if you haven't read his book "My Life on the Run" pick it up. He has many great running stories to tell & it is definitely worth the read. I decided last minute I would run with the 3:45 pace team at Space Coast & see what happens. The weather for the marathon was great. I felt strong starting off the race - however - my stomach had other plans. I ended up making three costly pit stops during the marathon. This caused me to lose the pace team and run my own race. No PR. But I was still able to finish in 3:55. So 3 put stops, mental torture and only a loss of 10 minutes & still sub 4 hours? I'll take it. I'm definitely looking forward to running the Jacksonville Bank Marathon December 16. I hope to run around a 3:40 marathon.
Now I'm back in training mode. It looks like I'll be running 1/2 marathons the next two weekends. Then back to the marathon distance with Jacksonville Bank.
I'll continue to mix INSANITY & RevAbs into my training. Let me know if you would like any of the FREE INSANITY marathon training programs
In case you were looking to run a 5k, 10k or 1/2 marathon in February the "Best Damn Race" has kindly created a $5 off discount code for InsaneMarathon.com. Use the code "INSANEMR" when registering to receive your $5 discount.
CLICK HERE to register for THE BEST DAMN RACE. The race takes place in the Tampa Bay area (Safety Harbor, FL).
With the race over 60 days away- make sure you get your copy of INSANITY for some INSANE 1/2 (or full!) marathon training! If you are interested in INSANITY - click here to purchase (New Years resolutions are right around the corner!)
Best Damn Race - save $5 on registration with promo code 'INSANEMR'
I can't believe this week will be my final 20 miler before the NYC marathon! Training is definitely in full force - and the taper the next 3 weeks sounds amazing!
Since my last post I have completed two big races: The Disney Tower of Terror 10 mile run & the Jacksonville Marine Corps 1/2 marathon. It was great to have the race day experience and run my long run 'faster' than my typical Saturday morning long run. However, because my body hates running in the heat and humidity (yes, I know I live in Florida!) my speed suffered.
The inaugural Disney Tower of Terror 10 mile run was awesome despite the humidity. I stayed at one of the Disney resorts & was transported to the start line in a fancy coach bus. I started off the run with some friends & pounded out the 10 miles so that I could enjoy the rest of the evening at the Hollywood Studios theme park. There is nothing quite like running a hot & humid 10 mile race and then jumping on the Tower of Terror and Aerosmith's Rock & Roller Coaster! The park was open until 3am - the race started at 10pm. The medal was awesome. Disney races are always 1st class. I am looking forward to attending Disney Marathon weekend.
The Jacksonville Marine Corps marathon was a great time too. I ran the Jacksonville Marine Corps 1/2 last year and enjoyed the course & organization. I had some friends running it this year & it just happened to be the same weekend of the Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game. It was nice to run the same course 2 years in a row. The only downside was this year it was A LOT hotter than last year. One of the best parts about running in Jacksonville normally is that it usually is around 10 degrees cooler in Jacksonville than Tampa this time of the year. That was not the case this weekend. I ended up being right around the same finish time last year, but with the warmer weather I was happy with my result. I would definitely recommend this race to anyone looking for an early fall 1/2 in Florida.
INSANITY training is still going as planned. Every week getting in my INSANITY workouts coupled with running. Yesterday I finished Max Cardio Conditioning & Cardio Abs. Today I completed Max Cardio Circuit. Tomorrow I will be running 8 miles! The training never ends!
This week a new INSANITY program is being released - Thursday, October 11 in the late afternoon log onto InsaneMarathon.com or teambeachbody.com/jimblake and order INSANITY: The Asylum VOLUME 2! If you are too scared to try Volume 2 - Volume 1 is available NOW!
Let me know how your training is going. Keep digging deep! It's time for me to run along...
-James B.
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