Renee Imbalzano Zegar 

Ironman certified coach 

As runners and triathletes we not only need to love what we do but we also need to be motivated to get out there and do the work. In order to complete events we need to train. Some of us train to finish and check it off the list, some to decrease time or go a longer distance, and others to set a new Personal Record. Whatever it is we need to put the work in to accomplish this goal. So what makes us do this? We are out training in: excessive heat, freezing cold, rain, sleet, snow. At o'dark thirty morning or night. Giving up evenings out with friends to get to bed early... (the list goes on and on). Motivations vary from we do this to be healthier, to look and feel better, for more energy, for the "runners high", to be role models for our family, to become faster, to race new distances or events. (think about what your motivation is) Motivation is more than just will power. Motivation is the general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Along with motivation we can make small changes to set ourselves up for success. 

Here are some strategies to keep motivated and successful with training: 

1. Train with others. Having others to be accountable to meet with keeps you going and gets you out the door on days you may not want to. 

2. Make it a habit. If before work is the best time of day to get a workout in make it part of your daily routine. 

3. Lay your clothes out the night before or have your bag packed if need to take it to the gym. 

4. Include your family in your training. (invite them to jog around the neighborhood or to do core work and/or stretching) 

5. Set realistic goals: There is nothing that will kill motivation more than having goals that you can't attain. 

6. Be sure to honor rest days and get the sleep your body needs to repair and put the time into training. 

7. Remember to have FUN. By nature it is normal to be competitive but don't let racing for a number be your only drive. 

Happy training:) 

Coach Renee

Our Mojo youth team is also rocking it!  We have a great group of young people who are not only having fun but doing very well!  Many of them will be participating again this weekend as part of the Jr Nationals up at VOA. In addition, Coach Christin will be helping out on Friday on the bike portion of the youth clinics and our own Steve Eroskey will be handling some of the announcing duties throughout the weekend.  A great weekend full of inspiration! 

Our Steelhead 70.3 group is 1 week out from the August 13th race and our group headed to Mt Tremblant 140.6 is just 2 short weeks away from their shot at Ironman fame.  Good luck to both groups as they make their final preparations for race day!

SAVE THE DATE!  -  Saturday evening, October 7th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm behind Mojo in the Kona-Cave Lounge we will hold our club END of the YEAR PARTY, combined with our send-off party for Gabby & Tyler who are headed to Kona on October 15th. It is not too late to join the club if you want to be part of the festivities.   You can stop in the store at any point to do so.  Also, I am looking for a couple of volunteers to coordinate the EOY party so if you are interested in helping out please send me an email.