Lessons from Watts (and other triathlon analogies)

Watts (pronounced /ˈwɒts/; symbol: W) is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units (SI), named after the Scottish engineerJames Watt (1736–1819). The unit measures the rate of energy conversion. It is defined as one joule per second.


Watts (pronounced "OFF!", or "NO BITE", or occasionally "Good Boy") is a name of a Black English Labrador puppy who was named due to his owner's affinity for all things cycling related.


As a general rule, the gold standard for comparing a cyclist's strength is to look at their power output in watts over the course of their workout.  If the cyclist were trying to hit a power average of 300 watts for 20 minutes but only managed to put out 260 watts, the Coach would notice that something was amiss.  Was the rider not feeling well? Did he forget to eat correctly?  Did he not get enough sleep?


If a Coach is looking at a power file (or power produced in watts) that is downloaded after a hard workout, it is fairly easy to point out the portion of the workout where the athlete fell short.  The Coach can see if it was the muscles failed, or if the athlete lost a battle with their own willpower or inner strength.  Although enhancing a person's athletic prowess can be difficult, it is much easier than fixing someone's inner doubts and fears.  That can sometimes lead down a path that is more of a psychoanalysis than a coaching session, but either way - I absolutely love it!


It gives me great joy to watch people push through their inner demons and become stronger and faster as a result.  Through the miracle of modern technology, we have more insight into an athlete's potential than ever before.  By looking at your watts, there is no subjectivity.  The watts do not lie.  The watts are not influenced by a good "spin" on the workout (for example: "Honest Coach...I really was doing my best!").  The watts are black and white.


Honest.  
Transparent.  
Utterly revealing.


Needless to say -  You can learn a lot from Watts.


This is precisely why I wanted to name my puppy "Watts".  The name implies power.  It implies honesty and transparency.  It also implies that I really like cycling!

An innocent looking picture of Watts

We got Watts just before Ironman Louisville this summer at eight weeks of age.  Along the way, I have developed the closest of friendships with my very first dog.  I have always been more of a cat person.  Our cats Nutty and Monster are both great kitties.  Nutty will "sit" and "roll over" on command, and Monster can eat and sleep like nobody's business!

Nutty and Monster looking innocent

Whilst doing my very best to try to train Watts do be a good puppy, it seems that I am learning from him as well.  Although I swore that I would be the one to do all of the training, I am also learning lessons from Watts.

Some of these lessons can be applied to real life, and some lessons are a bit of a stretch.  Some lessons are downright GROSS and shall not be repeated, and can in no way be applied to real life.  These lessons shall be omitted unless they are really funny.

Lesson #1:  I don't always know what's best for me.  Watts will occasionally bite and chew on things.  Correction:  Watts is constantly biting and chewing on everything!  Most of the time, I will intercept his attempt to eat something that may harm his body before he swallows it, but some of the time, he manages to ingest some bark, some nylon bed padding, or some other gross material that he thinks is really yummy and fun to eat.

He usually regrets it the next day when it's time for his "Morning Glory".

I can be this way too.  I strive to get stuff.  I occasionally rush over to something, "gobble it down", bitterly swallow it, and regret it several days, weeks, months or years later.  This analogy is not necessarily referring to food.  It refers to trying to manipulate our lives without regard for our Master's will.  

Sometimes we make good choices and our Master is happy with it.  Other times, he lets us swallow it down and tough it out to teach us a lesson over the course of time.  But it can always be said:

He knows best.

Lesson #2:  Protect your Pack.  Watts is a very protective puppy.  He emits a gentle "woof" if something is amiss.  Thus far, we have been protected from several dozen blowing leaves, two deer, and even a rabid lady bug.

I do recall one instance where a foul-mouthed rabbit evaded Watts' defenses.  Needless to say, he was quite embarrassed and asked that I not bring this up again.  Forgive me Watts, I'm trying to make a point here.

Mark Twain said: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you.  This is the principle difference between dog and man".

There are many people that we interact with over the course of our lives.  Some are a real blessing.  Others are forgotten about.  

And others were put here to help us improve our patience and character.

This past year is one that was filled with people that were long on talk, but short on integrity.  I learned much about my fellow man and his inclinations, and have remembered that not one of us is perfect.  I am in need of as much forgiveness any of them.  I do pray that God will help me remember that!

Herein lies the beauty of "The Gentle Woof":  If a member of your pack tells you that there might be trouble, it may not be a rabid lady bug that they're barking about.

It may actually be a legitimate concern!  Watch out for those that speak one way and act another.  

It's your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words. A good person produces good deeds and words season after season.  Matthew 12:34-35

So there you have it!  That's only two lessons for today, but the point is clear:  Watts has a lot to teach us.

You'll have to excuse me for now.  It appears that the foul-mouthed rabbit is doing a drive-by taunting again...

...but Watts has gotten quite a bit faster since their last encounter.

Life is short.  Train Hard.

Showing character in our daily lives

We are currently in week 3 of our Breakthrough Training Program.  It seems as if the Team is hungry to prove themselves and show the results of their hard work, but we are still 4 weeks away from our next fitness test.  I really am excited to see how everyone is progressing - including me!

We spend between 8-10 hours per week building and training our bodies to be able to physically bear more stress; to tolerate more suffering; to become -

Stronger.

Faster.

Ready for the next test to prove ourselves.

At the risk of hyper-introspection, this course of training has also allowed me to evaluate my spiritual conditioning and training as well.

Throughout life's journey, we undergo different trials, tests, and training of a different variety - tests of our character and integrity.  While we are in the midst of these trials, it doesn't seem fun at all.  However, when we look back on these tough times, we can usually see how we've grown as a result.  In fact, that principle is echoed in this statement:

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way". - Hebrews 12:11


To put it another way:


"There's no growth in a comfort zone, and no comfort in a growth zone".


The trials in our daily lives strengthen our character and spiritual walk the same way our physical training forces our bodies to get stronger.  


It's easy to lead when everything is going your way, but it's a true test of your character and integrity to stand by your principles and values when you're in the midst of difficulty.


I would encourage my readers to reflect on the fact that they're not alone.  NICE TRI! has entered the multisport arena not only to improve your swim, bike and run splits, but to support you in your daily living.  We're going to show God's love while we train and compete.


So what about the trials and testing?


Remember - the trial doesn't last forever.  The pain of the workout is short-lived compared to the growth that will follow it.


You'll be stronger as a result.  Both in your body...


...and in your character.


Life is short.  Train Hard.