Talent and hard work.

When I was young(er) and dreaming of standing there at the top of the podium with a medal in my hand, I had no understanding for people who said: "I don't have time to workout". After having 2 kids and job, I still don't understand it. The hardest part is just getting started, finding that plan to follow. My wife is a prime example, she has a lot less flexible job than I do and injuries that I have been spared, yet she finds the time to run, bike and exercise more than I do. There are amazing people out there that make things look easy. How do they do it? I remember when people said that I was talented, and I thought to myself: you have no idea how hard I have worked to become this talented. I have met huge talents that didn't do anything to develope their gift, and those with less talent who have gone far beyond probabilities. This one person (who was better than Carl Lewis at the same age), decided that partying and girls were more rewarding. He trained 3 days a week when everyone else did 6 or 7. After a few years of living on his talent he started to have injury problems and finally became nothing. On the other hand, I have a friend who I have seen throughout the years, and he had very little talent but a great determination. When I first saw him I laughed and said, "that guy is never going anywhere". After years of hard work he ended up with a medal at the Swedish Championships and a spot on the national team.

The common denominator is, hard work! Find ways to make it fun, and don't put it off until tomorrow.

The summer is over and schools are starting again. Now is the time to start reaching for that new years goal! (In this case, the after-summer goal.)

What is it with waiting to start to get serious and work out? Why is now not good enough? For as long as I have been a trainer, people have avoided the most obvious thing when it comes to working out: if you don't start, nothing will happen! Today is always the best day to start reaching for that goal!

First, you should find out what your goal is.

Second, set some partial goals that you can enjoy along the way. This will keep you motivated and accountable.

Thirdly, make a realistic workout plan. With realistic I mean: don't look at a professional and mimic what they do. There is a reason we call them professional, they do this all day every day.

Finally, find friends with similar goals and team up. It's much easier if you have someone to share your stories of pain and grit with.