The plan is coming together for a great adventure:  Not only for Primal Quest, but also for my fortieth birthday.  I have a snappy name.  I have the support of friends and family.  I have the support of Primal Quest to share it all with you.  Now what is next?

How about tackling the gargantuan task of how I am going to transform myself.

Although I do have some background in the science of physical fitness, I lack much of the motivation and follow-through that it takes to be an elite athlete.  That family trait went to my sister Caren.

I am fortunate to have come from good stock.  My mother seemed to have a thing for Scotsman and so I am born of primarily Scottish descent with a little German, Irish, and whatever else you want to throw in to the mix.  Basically, I am a mutt; but a good mutt.  I am loyal, hardworking, honest, and with a feisty energetic spirit.  Therein lies the problem; I get bored very easily.  I have all the makings of a great case of adult attention deficit disorder, that is, if I thought it were true.  In fact, my mother best describes my childhood behaviour as “a bull in a china shop”.  I guess my project title isn’t too far off.

Now why is this important to know?  Well, it is just this fact that will have me try just about anything that keeps my attention.  The trait (some would say flaw) means that I like change and variety.  I like when things go upside-down and backwards all at the same time.  I thrive in that environment and can find solace in chaos.  It is because of these traits that I believe I will make a fine adventure racer.  It is also because of these traits that my training is going to be more fun and interactive than most.

This is where you, kind reader, come into play.  I am going to be doing my best to find some of the sports finest athletes and crack open their psyche for the tips and tricks that will make me a good team mate and racer.  I also want input from the rest of the adventure racing community as well.  I want tips on good gear that you have used.  I want tips on how to improve my cardiovascular fitness.  I want to know how to better handle my mountain bike.  I want to know how to prepare myself for the mental challenges.  I want to know if my butt really does look big in lycra.  Tell me honestly.  I can take it.

So, I am asking for your thoughts on where I should start my training for what will become my greatest physical challenge ever; finishing Primal Quest.  Send any feedback and email to Quest4PQ@gmail.com.  I will be using your comments to develop a training plan that will get me into my best physical shape ever.  I will be sure to give credit where credit is due during my weekly diaries that I will post here.  I say the more the merrier.  I will also be consulting with some other professionals in the world of sport that can help me:  sports psychologist, team builders, sports nutritionist, gear junkies, and many more.  So the sooner you help me, the sooner we can get started.

Until next time…..TODD

Photo by Will Ramos

This entry was posted on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Primal Quest, Todd Phillips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.