The Year To Thrive

thrive- \ˈthrīv\- 1 : to grow vigorously : flourish 2 : to gain in wealth or possessions : prosper 3 : to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances —often used with on<thrives on conflict>

Thrive is also the name of a book (and nutrition guide) written by Professional Ironman Triathlete and Formulator of Vega Brendan Brazier. I got this book as a gift many months back but it was not the first time I have heard of him and the guide to optimal performance in sports and life.

Here is a link to Brendan Brazier's website where you can find loads of more information. Click Here!

"THRIVE is a must-read."----T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., best selling author of The China Study

Here is what it says from the back of the book:

Thrive is a long term eating plan that will help you develop a lean body, sharp mind, and everlasting energy, whether you're a professional athlete or simply looking to boost your physical and mental health. One of the few professional athletes on an entirely plant-based diet, Brendan Brazier developed this easy-to-follow program to enhance his performance as an elite endurance athlete. Clearly describing the benefits of a plant-based diet, Thrive will help you:

• Lower body fat and increase muscle tone
• Diminish visible signs of aging
• Sleep better and more restfully
• Experience better moods
• Increase energy and mental clarity
• Build a stronger immune system
• Lower cholesterol
• Eliminate junk-food cravings

Thrive also features exercise-specific recipes for pre-workout snacks, energy gels, sports drinks, and recovery foods.

I know what many of you are thinking..."I can't eat this way...I could never give up cheese...I need lots of protein, etc. etc.". I used to say all these things and many more up until about 6 months ago when I went from an occasional meat eater to strict vegan. After reading books and listening to podcasts on veganism and having myth after myth and misconception de-bunked for me I decided to give it a go to see how it worked for me. After about two months I knocked five minutes off of my road marathon PR! I can testify to the above mentioned physical and mental benefits and I must say that ethically I feel much better as well. Maybe it could work for you too!

I had a great week and am proud of myself that I really let my beat up body heal thoroughly. I got in the pool a couple times, lightly rode bicycle a couple times, hit the hot tub, and got a massage. It is fun helping my brother get ready for his first sprint distance triathlon and it dawned on me that I really love triathlon training. Initially I got into triathlon before marathons and ultras and definitely see myself getting back into it in the future. I like the cross-training aspect of the sport and my brother (who is the same size as me) likes the fact that I have all the gear that he can use!

I am really looking forward to getting back into the trail running this week and have already been scoping out the lay of the land of Bear Mountain, NY...site of my next ultra marathon (North Face Endurance Challenge 50-miler). If all goes well this week I plan on running The Skunk Cabbage Half-marathon on Sunday just a couple miles down the road starting in the heart of Cornell campus. I've done this race a few times and like the rolling terrain course. It's always a good time catching up with friends after the long winter.

Hope to see you out there!

Also, send your positive energy out to the hardcore group of endurance athletes that are out in the Sahara Desert (Morocco) right now competing in The Marathon des Sables. Follow updates of the race from competitor and ultra buddy Bryon Powell at irunfar.com.

My father is from Morocco and I have spent a couple summers there so I can attest to the heat and lemme tell ya...it's no joke! That race is on my "bucket list" but for now...go get em' all you crazies out there now!