The Hungry Journal, Volume 1

Introduction.

Some folks might call this a blog, not us. The word “journal” seems appropriate considering who we are as a bunch. Well that includes you too! You see, this here journal is all about strength in community, obtaining or understanding perspective, sharing insights, successes, failures, shortcomings, ass-whoopings, and so on. This could be said more eloquently: The Hungry Journal shall serve as a broad exploration into the variety of athletes & their disciplines that makeup our community, individual pursuits, and the commonalities that we share as a Hungry community, and it’s coming at you on a monthly basis.

Please Note: Your level of hunger, and for what specifically, well, that is self-defined. It’s up to you, Hoss!

As we venture into the unknown, the creation of this here Journal, we recall that we’ve written plenty of journal entries in years past. Whether those entries have been made into some OG logbook with a No2. leadstick, or you’re plugged into the latest in wearable technology, the journal serves a higher purpose.

Is it the recognition that a workout has been completed? A baseline established? A barrier demolished? A non-negotiable defined? Or, is it that you are in hot pursuit of the best version of you?

As a breed who embraces continuous improvement, you and I, we’re always looking for areas of improvement. We obsess about the details, for it is the details that are the difference. For me personally, I’m focused on doing a better job with sleeping, especially since “recovery” (February’s topic) is critical for anyone looking to compete at any level.

As we chart forward together, we’ll cover topics such as rest, recovery, rejuvenation, relaxation, so on and so forth. I can for sure think of others R’s to run with, but our ridiculously rad recipes aren’t ready for reading quite yet, so relax.

Here we go.

120bpm is the rate at which the tap on my left wrist snaps me to attention. I quickly exit the familiarity of my lucid morning thoughts as the day is set in motion. I’m already awake, now the body knows it’s go time.

Sleep, it’s something I am going to do better at; I have to. I long for it. Unfortunately for me, it has felt more like a waiting game, something I have struggled with since departing the Corps. I’m determined to fix this once and for all and have made strides in doing so as of late. My training is beginning to show the fruits of that labor. I smile. Imagine looking up at Everest from Base Camp in consideration of all the training required just to get there. That’s how I feel. I’m confident in what I’ve done thus far and my plans from here. With my first race of the season inside of 90 days, I've got a lot of work to put in. I'm stoked.

I pivot from my cozy bed like a skilled vaulter maneuvering from left to right across the pommel horse. Only there’s no crowd. My wife is fast asleep, as are my girls. My feet hit the deck. Thank goodness for warm socks! As I collect myself, I consult the training log on my nightstand knowing good & well what lies ahead. “Here we go”, I say to myself as I arise from bed accompanied by a few audible crunches and pops. Eleven. That’s the number of times I’ve gone under the knife as a result of my "activities". Work Hard. Play Hard.

I glide across the cold, wood floor like a hunter moving in on target. My pup performs his morning stretch and shake as we both descend upon the kitchen to assume our morning mindset. The LED cast display shows 04:50, I love it. Most of the Western world is up by this time, so for us West Coast folks, it’s easy to feel a bit behind the power curve, but that speaks to your level of preparation and mindset.

Here are some things to consider when analyzing your own preparation.

Do you have a plan? Is it detailed? Does someone hold you accountable? Have you made proper preparations? Does your mindset match your desired outcome?

If you’ve overlooked any of the above, we should have a talk about your priorities.

As for my preparation this morning, a solid meal is absolutely critical prior to what we’re going to do. Without fuel in this tank, how can I expect to crush my time objective today of one hour and twenty-seven minutes? You’re right, I cannot. Is it possible, sure, but why short-circuit yourself by skipping only the most important meal of the day. If you’re worried about how many calories you consume prior to training, you and I aren’t in the same sport. I PROMISE!

For my morning pre-training meal, I’m feeling something high in calories, high-glycemic index, easy to digest, and it better taste damn delicious. I used to pay $8 for this a few times a week until I decided to pay close attention to how it was being made. Say hello to “The Nutter”.

THE NUTTER.

A morning shake.

Equipment: Blender of choice (single serving size)

Ingredients: 1 banana, 2 dates w/ pits removed, 1 teaspoon cacao powder, 2 tablespoons nutbutter, 1 cup almond milk, handful of ice, water to top it off.

How to make it: Throw all of the stuff into your blender and then top it off with water.

I’m not a dairy hound, so I roll with almond milk. You can absolutely use whatever milk or nut butter you’d like. The point is, NUTS!!!! Anyhow, blend this trash together and, bottoms up! It usually takes me longer to make this delicious snack than it does to consume.

You’re welcome.