2013 | Adam Fuller

Awesome Bucket v2013: Results

Analysis of my goals and accomplishments of 2013

This has been one of the most exciting, educational and beneficial years of my life.

And the main reason I was able to accomplish so much, is because I took the time to write down my Awesome Bucket goals at the beginning of 2013, and committed to following through in the 12 months that followed.

Setting the course early and posting them online not only set me on the right course, but it also helped me stay organized and accountable.

And for the most part, I was able to keep my eyes on the prize throughout the year. In June, I checked in with a mid-year report card, and now I’m following up with a final recap.

Read on to see my goals, the results and how much of my Awesome Bucket v2013 was accomplished this year.

Continue reading Awesome Bucket v2013: Results

Ironman Arizona: Conquered!

140.6 miles, 13.5 hours and one of the best days of my life

“Adam Fuller, you are an Ironman!”

I had been working hard – training, stretching, studying and strategizing – for a year to hear that phrase announced over the loudspeakers at Ironman Arizona on Nov. 17, 2013.

As I plowed through the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run, there were many times when I heard it pop-up in my head to keep me moving and motivated.

But when I turned down the final straightaway chute and sprinted to the finish line, I was in such an ecstatic frenzy to finish strong that I didn’t even hear Mike Reilly – the voice of Ironman – yell out my name as the latest member of the exclusive club.

Continue reading Ironman Arizona: Conquered!

Tri for Les: Idiot infected

My left foot.

In March 2012 it stepped on a rock and suffered a stress fracture. A couple weeks later it trudged through the Lavaman triathlon – which made matters worse.

In February 2013 it collapsed after running over 20 miles in the Ragnar del Sol Relay.

Now, after recovering from those two setbacks, going strong into these last two months before Ironman AZ in November, the problem dog is at it again.

Read about the latest development in the foot fight in my Tri for Les article: Idiot infected.

You’ll see how it was a part of a series of miscues by yours truly, and learn a few good lessons from my bad examples.

While you’re over on Tri for Les, check out another one of my recent posts: Running unplugged: Why I don’t wear headphones when I exercise, and how I still hear the music.

College football be banned

With the 2013 college football season kicking off this weekend, I thought it’d be an opportune time to talk about Malcolm Gladwell’s motion to ban college football.

Wait. Ban college football?

Sounds crazy, right?

I know. I thought so too, at first.

Continue reading College football be banned

Tri for Les Update: Boulder Ironman 70.3 Race Report

I’ve been cranking away at my Awesome Bucket quest to become an Ironman.

Even though it’s gobbled up almost all of my nights and weekends, and forced me to plan out nearly every waking hour, I’m enjoying this exercise (immensely).

The goal has driven me to ~~over~~think strategically about my training program and nutrition, develop and improve upon healthy habits, and challenge myself both physically and mentally.

Plus, I can see the benefits of all this hard work expanding into other parts of my life, including my writing and my career.

I’ve been diligently posting updates and helpful triathlon tips on TriforLes.com and wanted to pass along a few of my latest stories – most recent of which is my race recap from the Boulder Ironman 70.3 triathlon, a major checkpoint on the IronmanAZ journey.

Here’s a few more of my recent Tri for Les posts:

Wish me luck as the big race gets closer (IronmanAZ – Nov. 17), and thanks for following along.