My first of many 70.3s to come!!!

I know it has been forever since I last wrote to update. So here it goes. I after my last race in Dallas talked with my coach and since we had planned on doing a 70.3 we to a look and there was one in Arizona called the Soma Half. I was excited yet tired and would have days of great workouts and then be tanked, my recovery was taking a bit longer than usual but that is what happens at the end of a season. My best workout before the race was 20x400 ave. 72 all on the 2 min. It was a great workout both physically and mentally. I didn’t take the race prep serious as was evident when I went the weekend before to visit my brother in Southern Mississippi with mom and his girlfriend. I struggled bad the last week and in fact was only in the water one time over the last 7 days prior to the race, well enough excuses. I flew to Phoenix two days prior and was seriously thinking about bagging the whole thing but as always being in the environment always gets my juices flowing. So race day came and the I just told myself to grind all day, started the swim and well got off course twice so bad that a paddler had to tell me “you’re way off” and so got on the bike after a lame 30 min 2k swim. But knew that a bad swim wouldn’t break my race, but a fast first loop on the bike which was a three loop course would break me and so the first loop I was patient, and there was a lot of traffic so I just kept grinding. After the first loop I was feeling great and started to open it up and wow I had a great bike split for my first 56 miles race went 2:11 and then the run started my plan was to take the first half out easy and then let it rip the last half. All was going great, I was feeling great except for the dryness in the air would not let me keep cool for my sweat was drying faster than it could cool me, but that wasn’t the problem, at mile 9 I felt a pain in the inside of my knee that felt like someone had stabbed me and I thought dang my day is done. I was just praying I could hold on to the last 5 miles and the death march started and I just held on to finish the race. I did finish in 4:07 running a lame 1:23 half at end of the day. I believe that the knee problem cost me at least 5 min but all in all it wasn’t a bad day. I was top amateur and 11th overall, I loved the distance and plan to race at least 4 of those this next season. I have taken about 3 weeks off and started back this week, just light and this Monday my road to racing pro next season starts. I will be swimming 8 swims a week, 2 runs, 2 bikes, 2 yoga, and 2 trx sessions. I am committed and can’t wait to see what my second off-season training will do for me. I will try to update every two weeks, for it will be merely just talking about how training is going. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and am thankful for such and incredible season with both mountain top highs and some lows leaving my skin on the pavement. Thanks and Dream Big!!!

Long Time To Make Up!!!

Well, for one who says they are going to update like every week, well I have let myself down. I am sorry, I realize it has been a while and I have raced three times since the last posting. I will give a brief race report from all three to get everyone caught up. The first race was Malibu tri, a beautiful place to race on the PCH, and with some of the best athletes in the world. I was humbled, this was a last minute decision to race and it was in-between L.A. and Nationals. I started with the pros, the swim was again an ocean swim, which I actually am beginning to really enjoy, I had a decent all around day, was top amateur, but who cares when the best pros in the world are beating me by 14 minutes. I have a big jump to make to race with the big boys, but hey there is plenty of time to make things happen. I stayed in Irvine CA with Blake Goodfellow and his wife and kids, had a blast and also stayed with Lauren a friend from Knoxville who recently moved out to LA, I am thankful to both parties for hosting me for 2 weeks! Then off to Portland for US Nationals, this race was going to be tough, the course is very tough and the competition even tougher. I ended up 4th overall missing out on third by a mere 3 seconds. Had a good day all in all. Strong swim still need to work lots this winter, but we will get there. The bike was great had lots of people to keep in close contact and lots of hills to climb. On the run course it was very hilly, went out on the run with a guy I knew could run but had no idea it would be as tough as it was, I thought I dropped him until at the turn around, which was 5k into the race, he was right with me and I was like dang he is not going away, he eventually took the lead and it was all I could do to hang on, the run has just not quite been there since the bike wreck. I eventually held him off to come up on the 3rd place guy, I went around him fast thinking I would pass and he would not react but he did and not only did he but he sat on me and passed me with 20 meters to go and I had nothing to respond back and therefore the 3 second defeat for a podium spot. Great day and was faster than last years winner, but there were guys who had better days, such is life sometimes. Now on to this past weekend. We were in Dallas where the Us Open Championships were held. They flew 20 of the best athletes in the country in for this elite championship event. I had earlier in the week a track workout, where I had pulled my sacrum, and that caused me trouble all week. I was just hoping with my mom’s help I would be able to race. Flew in to meet Eddie and I just was like give it your best and see what happens. I knew that David Kahn and Adam Webber were there and word was whoever won would be the leading candidate for US athlete of the year with the other two as runner-ups. So race day was upon us the swim was typical for me with the exception of looking directly into the sun on the way back in and if you have ever been in water and looking into the sun coming up it is hard to see anything your vision is blurred and tough to swim in a straight line. Finally our pack made it and off to the bike where I was ready to roll after taking it easy for the first 5k of the bike to get warmed up I felt amazing on the bike and had one of the best splits of the day. On to the run where I felt the injury the most just, never felt comfortable and ran one of my worst splits of the year and ended up finishing in 3rd, not a bad day and finish for the amount of talent there. Trip was a blast and the cowboys game was just one of the many highlights to the fun-filled weekend. Well now decision time, either take time off or go to Arizona to compete in a half ironman, this being my first. I Have a few friends Amanda and Eddie who will be racing the Best of the US race that same day so it looks like I am leaning to doing the race to finish off an incredible year of racing before I bury my head in the water this winter. Well, hope this finds everyone enjoying the fall weather and Dreaming Big. Sorry to be so winded and that’s what I get for being a slacker!!!

City of Angels!!!!!

Sunday’s race marked my first competition in an ocean swim, we were at Venice Beach what a place, great view and I assume Woodstock was a lot like this place. It was a bit different than swimming in a pool, but I managed to put together, a breakthrough mile. I watched the pros head out into the water and dive trough the wave, minutes before the elite wave started so I tried to replicate their approach. About half-way through the swim I noticed I was among the main pack, and a bit less than a couple minutes behind the strongest swimmers. It felt great, and knowing that I was ahead of where I usually stand at that point in the race I was confident in being able to chase down those in the lead. I came out around 13th of 32 and headed to my bike. The bike course was relatively flat until about the 25k point when the hills came. I took advantage of my leg strength and climbing where I chased several competitors down in the hills. I was keeping a close eye at the turn-around point on those in front and knew I would have no problem once the run started. Off the bike and into the T2 area I was right with 2 other guys. The run began and I separated myself from the others. I ran comfortably and knew for sure after 5k that I’d pull off the win. The run course was no joke, a huge hill at mile one and mile four, the downhill hurt more than the uphill, I hate running downhill. This was a good day not great, but I hate losing more than I enjoy winning so I will take a win any day. Ended up winning by over a min. The finish was at L.A. Live and some friends from Knoxville who live in Cali where at the race, Lauren who swam for Pilot and Blake Goodfellow and his kids where there at the finish which was so much fun. It was a great experience and I felt good about the race and now on to race Malibu Tri this weekend before US Nationals in Portland, Oregon on the 20th. I learned a lot from the swim and am just waiting for a huge break through. This race qualified me for a race in Dallas on Oct 5 a very high profile and prestigious race so looks like I will wait till next season to do my first 70.3. Also looks like I may have picked up a apparel sponsor with Team Kiwami who sponsors some of the best Laura and Greg Bennett. Well till next week, Dream!!

The Windy City Won!!!

I know, I know, I know, it has been a long time since I updated this blog, and I failed myself, for I wanted to do this weekly and I will do a better job, I promise. I have been through a lot these past 6 weeks, the wreck, my best friend and brother moved away to go to school, man I am proud of the risk he is taking and my training has been a little up and down. Well this past weekend I raced in Chicago, and if it were not for my good friend Eddie and my new friend Julie this trip would have been a total disaster. The race started and we swam in Lake Michigan, the start line was only oh like 25 yards wide and was like that for 400 yards or more. I figured that as much trouble as I had getting into the elite wave that, wow this must be a small friend of “elites” well there were plenty of elites but this was no small field and so I am not sure how many elites were really elite. Anyhow there were like 250 in our wave a big wave for any race let alone a swim start that is small as this one was. So I had trouble in the swim for it was a major bottleneck and no place to go. I am just waiting for my breakthrough, for I really have been swimming better and look forward to a big break through. Off to the bike that was ¼ of a mile away from swim exit running on hard gravel type pavement and boy did my feet pay for it. Had a great bike split on my new trek ttx that was smoking fast, tons of pot holes and hit one so hard that it knocked my bars to the side while my wheel was facing forward, doesn’t help for being aero. Coming back into transition I was feeling good then went to where I thought my stuff was near this tree well wrong tree, a mistake I have never made before, but a lesson learned make sure you know which tree to run to and exactly where your stuff is from both angles. So instead of taking like 1:15 it took me 2:07 dang there goes like 4 places. The run was ok felt good at beginning, but my fitness level is still coming back around. I ended up finishing 8th and 4th was less than 30 seconds in front of me, my mistake in transition. Now I am just training and getting ready to go to the west coast next Thursday, September 4th for a race in L.A. and then in Oregon. I can’t wait! To HFE and you know who you are whether you work for the company or are on the Board. I am honored to have your support! You will never know how much this means and I will do my part to make the most of the ability God has given me and represent this company well. Till next week, I promise. Dream Big!

Crashed and Burned!!!

It has been a while since my last update, and this one I wish I could say no news is good news, but that is not the case. After the race in Iowa I took a few days off for I was really spent, more emotionally than physically, so I took some down time and then got right back on the horse. Ran 2 5ks for John Smyth and the EBS crew which pays for a lot of my travel. In those local 5ks I was 5th in both running 15:58 for one and 15:38 for the other, both feeling pretty good, I just don’t have the speed like I used to but will get it back soon. Then was doing a ride, it had been raining and was starting to dry, and I was doing down a decent at about 30 or so and before I knew it was sliding across the payment. My first thought was did I hurt my collar bone and the answer was no and then I looked at my leg and the road rash was not a good sight. I rode the 5 miles, yeah that is how close I was to home bleeding a little but probably was so far deep into the skin for any blood to really come out, it was just a bright pinkish burn all down my left leg. I cleaned it with the help of good friend Mark McClinton and then went home thinking, ok I will be good in three or four days. Little did I know what all was happening. The almost 3rd degree burn was one of the most painful things I have endured, I wish this on no one, and I’m sure some are saying it can’t be that bad, but when my coach who is an ER doctor looks and say this is a lot worse than I imagined, well that pretty much sums it up. So here I am 13 days later, no race in Chattanooga, no race in New York, and just trying to do a little something. If it were not for my mom and here healing touch, I am really not sure I would be ready for another week, but I hope to be back full throttle by Monday, well at least back to putting in the volume and then racing again in late August in Chicago.
Now on to another story, my birthday was on Monday and it was three years to the day that I decided to go after this and well in my mind at least start the process of leaving Hilton Head and doing something with my gifts. I was at a Party the other night thrown by Jennifer Parker and I looked around at all the people who came to wish my a happy birthday and felt like the luckiest person on the planet, so see where I have come in three years and how fortunate I am to have all these people in my life is truly amazing and I am so thankful, I am truly blessed and not a day goes by that I don’t realize and feel how loved I am and my hope is that all those who give to me that in someway I have been able to give you piece of me and loved you as much as I feel loved. To everyone who is reading this I love you and thank you from all of my being!!!!! Don’t ever give up on your own dreams look what has happened in three years of my dreaming… Dream Bigger!!!!!

Hy-Vee Tri in Des Moines, Iowa

Well, I finally am getting around to writing about Hy-Vee, and I should have done this last week, during my down week. I was finally able to take a few days off, so I just stayed away from all of it. Going into, Hy-Vee I was trying to keep things rolling after worlds in Vancouver. Looking back I may have gone to hard heading into the race. The week before I rode 3 hours on wed, ran 12 on thurs, 8x800 on the track fri, 3 hours sat, 13 mile run sun and all these were the main sets with swimming and a little biking and running as well. This is not to brag just putting my stuff down and even I looking at it wonder “what was I thinking?” This is the joy of sports, to live and learn, it is never ending as Tiger said how may more fore-forever, that’s what we have. So I fly up on Friday, which is just a typical travel day and then Saturday was another typical pre-race day. I didn’t feel great but I have been doing this for a bit now and know that sat doesn’t matter how I feel but block it out and race hard Sunday. Hy-Vee is one of the most well run if not the most well run race I have ever been apart of, going into the race up until thurs was going to be a duathlon, because of the floods in Iowa, but the bacterial count was down and we were able to swim. They were able to pull it off as well as an elite race. Race day now, I swam ok and panicked a bit going into the first buoy, but regrouped and kept pressing. Then on to the bike, a lot like Memphis just a bit worse, and guys were flying by me like I was sitting still. It was a long and rough day, going into the run I knew I was in trouble. I was passed by a 34 year old on the bike who started 3 minutes back and I knew I was in trouble. I have had some great run workouts and I am in great run shape, so I thought it would come around and it never did. So I finished 3rd, I know what your thinking, geez Eric, is 3rd not good enough, well no it is not, I want to win every time out and I learned a valuable lesson. I can take a little time off instead training so hard going into the race. So took some down time last week and started back today ready to roll. I will be racing in Chattanooga on the 13th of July. This is for a spot in a race called Best of the US in October, in Arizona. We shall see how it goes, I am loving watching the Olympic trials, people I have run with, people who I have helped coached, and others I admire and hope in 4 years I will be representing the US in London like they are. The sponsorship front, I am a blessed and humbled individual, so many people are helping and believe in the Dream to all those and I need to ask before I publish names, but YOU know who you are and from the depth of my soul. THANK YOU, I could not do it with out you. Till we meet again Dream!!!

Bell likes ring of 'World Champion'

Sorry for the delay I don't have any excuses....It has been one amazing ride, the news-sentinel article is another great article to check out. Also congrats to my good friend Amy Midis, who is going to Kona to race in Ironman World Championships. I am one blessed individual, people have been coming out of the woodworks to congratulate me and it has been very overwhelming and I feel so blessed. I also am considered a non-profit now with the Knoxville Sports Center and will be raising money to help my dream of 2012. I am meeting with one of my new sponsors tomorrow who will be joining with me in my pursuit, they are Blalock Construction and I welcome and them and am thankful for Jo and Sid and their willingness to join my team. I article below does a much better job than I could in explaining how it went down in chilly Vancouver, B.C.

June 8, 2008 -- For the first time in the 20-year history of the International Triathlon Union’s Olympic distance age group World Championship, 55-degree water and a nasty, five-foot wind chop forced race directors to cancel the swim for two-thirds of the field. With multiple timing difficulties engendered by switching to a duathlon format in mid-race and placing all 1,702 competitors on a three kilometers short of 40km four-loop bike and a two-and-one-half loop run, all results and designated age-group winners were provisional.
ITU World Championship technical delegates and the race director, in consultation with the race medical director, made the decision to cancel the swim after the women’s 45-49 and 50-54 age group waves had started. At that point, 672 competitors started the swim, and 1,030 – all women 55-plus all male competitors –were switched to a duathlon format of 3km run, a 37-kilometer bike and a 10km run.
With race officials citing safety concerns, many U.S. veteran age-group competitors grumbled that the water temperatures were no colder than a typical swim at the Pacific Grove Triathlon, the water no rougher than many a triathlon at Oceanside. But in combination with high winds and air temperatures dipping into the mid-50s at race time, many competitors were pulled out of the moiling gray waters shivering with hypothermia. In fact the numbers of rescue workers in boats and kayaks, and lifeguards on surfboards were kept busy by the numbers of triathletes requiring rescue.
Before the race, the race medical director cut back the point-to-point swim at English Beach from the standard 1500 meters to 1100 meters to avoid placing athletes in waters near 12 degrees Celsius (about 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than 30 minutes. With raging currents driving swimmers toward shore, swimmers actually had to fight through much of the original distance just to stay on course.
As rough as conditions were Saturday, they were much milder than the torture suffered by contestants in Thursday’s Junior World Championships. On that day, the ill effects of equally cold and turbulent water were amplified by freezing rain that local meteorologists labeled the “coldest June day in 50 years” in Vancouver. Several junior worlds competitors, with freezing fingers unable to unbuckle, completed the final run with their bike helmets on.
This leaves the USA’s Eric Bell, 28, the likely men’s overall winner in 1:37:58. If his overall time stands up under expected extensive review, he has extended a string of US men taking the overall ITU age group World Championship title to three. Bell follows in the footsteps of Marc-Bonnet-Eymard’s 2006 overall title in Lausanne and Ben Collins’ overall win last year in Hamburg.
Bell, 28, a former University of Tennessee runner with a 5k PR of 14:18, is in just his third season as a triathlete. This year he placed second overall amateur at St. Anthony’s and was one of the top finishers at a race for promising elite competitors held at Tuscaloosa Alabama the day after the second 2008 US Olympic Trials.

Now I am on to Hy-Vee this weekend where floods have casued race directors to cancel the swim. I will give a race report after. My idol Tiger Woods, wow, maybe I can work on my mental game to be a tough as he is. Somnium Magnus!!!!

World Champs

Well hello everyone, I am in Vancouver B.C. Wow this city is amazing and this week has been amazing as well, so much is happening and I am one blessed individual, my Dreams are coming true!!! I race on Sat at 12:15 est. and will be giving a race report asap. I ask you to think, if you could do one thing today and know that you would not fail what would it be...then do it, cause there is no word such as failure, just learning. This past week some sponsors have come forward and I can't tell you how blessed and thankful I am. My board of directors Andrew Huck, Dr. David Forsberg, and Jon Lawler, words cannot express how I feel and am so thankful you three are in my life.

Two of my good friends are racing at Eagleman 70.3 and trying to get their Kona spots this weekend, tear it up Amy and Scott.

Here is a link to the recent news paper article. Check it out if you wish.
www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jun/04/
bell-to-take-on-triathlons-best/

Remeber if you don't dream big what is the use in dreaming.
Eric

Memphis in May

Well, I know it has been a couple days since I raced and I have not put up a race report but the reason for lack of putting it up is nothing more than I have been fried on all fronts and just having a tough time keeping up. I raced Memphis In May on Sunday for the 4th race in 5 weeks. I was fried in the middle of last week, had to take a few days off and was really not looking forward to traveling let alone have to go and hurt for 2 hours. My mom who is one of my biggest fans joined me on the trip, which was great. Race morning arrived and in very unlike me fashion, I woke and first thing to cross my mind was do I have to do this, well I get to go it first and fore most, and yes I traveled 6 hours to race and was going to give it my best shot. The race is a time-trial start unlike a wave start, we start at number 1 after the pros leave 20 min before we start the race and every 3 seconds they send you into the water. I was number 375 and it went fast before I knew it I was in the water. I planed to press the swim which I did, but there was a lot of traffic and in fact I was crawling all over people felt like I had a decent swim and then into T1 where I just felt a little sluggish and not in a panic mode like I normally do, but made it out with no problem. Started the bike and at that point I knew I was in for a long day, my legs they just weren’t with me. A guy passed me on the bike like I was sitting still and I could do nothing to respond to him, nothing. I pressed on and had to battle my mind and body the whole race, I was in such bad shape mentally I just was hoping to flat so I could just stop hurting. The bike was complete and then on to the run, this run course is tough with lots of hills. I just knew the guy on the bike that passed me, I had to catch him if I was going to win, I did catch and pass him and overall in the run felt ok, ended up running 33:53 which is pretty fast only one other guy beat me in the run a pro who ran 2 seconds faster than me. I ended up the day as the top amateur and 10th overall. (Went 1:51.20) I should be really happy for to win Memphis in May is a big deal, but I just love to compete and do my best and well, I did my best with what my body gave me that day, but I know I am a lot better and wanted to be top 5 overall, we live and learn. Now I have some down time till Worlds, which are June 7 in Vancouver Canada, and down time that is much needed and will be taken advantage of for sure. I will be in touch have a great Memorial Weekend and remember if you don’t DREAM BIG, what is the use in Dreaming.

Coastal Alabama

So, this past Saturday I was racing in Gulf Shores, Alabama for the third race in as many weeks. It was supposed to be a 1000 meter swim, 19.5 mile bike and a 4.5 mile run. But because of the currents, they had to cancel the swim and replace it with a one mile run, much to the liking of yours truly. The race started, my coach Brent Lorenzen told me to "NO MATTER what, HAMMER the bike". After changing the seat position on my bike, I felt like I was dancing on the pedals. I ran the first mile in 5:22, averaged 25.8 mph on the bike, and then ended up running 24 minutes for the 4.5 mile run. I won the race by 4.5 minutes. After two second place finishes, I finally was able to win one. Now I have two weeks to train for Memphis in May and will spend the week in Destin training, thanks to Tucker and Joyce Montgomery (Larkin's parents) graciously letting me stay in their condo. Also I forgot to mention how much I appreciate my good friends Jared and Stephanie along with their son Caden, who made the journey with me to Gulf Shores to watch me race. I feel like I am living the dream and thanks to the people that support me, because I can't do this without the support. Good news on the sponsor front, BlueSeventy has contacted me and they want to sponsor me. Hope all is well with everybody and I will give a pre-race update before Memphis next week. Remember, Never Stop Believing... Dream Big

St. Anthony's Race Report

Well, two races down and two 2nd place finishes. This was ST. Anthony’s one of the best races in the country if not the best and probably the deepest and strongest field assembled outside a world championship race. This race was held in St. Petersburg, Florida. Race day started early my wave was the 3rd off the pro men and women and then the elite amateurs, and invite only into this wave where there were 50 entrants. The days started off rough, the water was churning and was a battle the entire time. I got out well, I felt and then made a turn at the first buoy and then the current just kept knocking me off course, it felt like I was in a washing machine, never been in one but can imagine. So I get out of the water and into T1 where I looked around and thought ok I’m where I need to be no clue where I was on the course and so off to the bike. The bike course is flat with lots of turns. I start going and just felt flat, had an ok day on the bike nothing great and just felt the engine could not get cranking. Then on to the run where as soon as I started I was like dang this may be a long day, and just started cranking and kept cranking, then I started passing people and then caught the guys who I thought was in first and then just ran for my life. I crossed the finish to hear my name as the 2nd place and was like where did I miss someone, and sure enough I did miss one guys he finished like 1:30 in front of me. I went 22 min the water, 59 something on the bike and 33 flat, yeah s spectacular run in fact it was the 5th fastest run all day only three Olympians and a 70.3 world champ were faster than me on the run, so all in all not a bad day especially the run. Was a little disappointed with the swim and the bike feel like I am in a lot better shape than reflected, but not bad being 2nd elite amateur and 20th overall in this star-studded race. Well now one more race in gulfshores, not on the schedule but a race my coach Brent Lorenzen thinks would be good, then a weekend off then Memphis in May, feels like a whirlwind but I am blessed to be doing what I love. Thanks to all you out there and, you know who you are, who are helping make my dreams come true. Stay tuned for next race report and in the meantime DREAM BIG!!!

Start Your Engines!!!!!!

Well the season is under way. I raced on Sunday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This race was the Talent ID 2012 in which they invited 40 or so of the top Amateurs in the country to race in a draft legal race, the first one of its kind on American soil for age-group athletes. This race was in conjunction with the Olympic Trials, in which I was able to see two amazing athletes win, Julie Ertel and Matt Reed. The great thing about triathlon is that at anytime it can be anyone’s race just look at the fact Matt Reed was the one supposed to not make the team and now one of the two “favorites” Hunter Kemper or Andy Potts will be on the outside looking in. Then we raced on Sunday at 1. One of my good friends Mary Miller, raced in the female race and came in 3rd she’s a stud look out for her, we seem to have hit the tri world at same time and are dreaming big. Sorry, I get side tracked, our race was 750 meter swim, 12.5 mile bike, and 5k run. I was nervous before it started but I just kept telling myself do your thing be the best you can and see where the chips fall. I had a good swim, started on the outside to stay out of trouble which may have cost me a touch but at least I was in the race. I came out of the water with the 2nd pack, there was about 8-10 of us and we got on the bike. I was leading the train to try and get everyone to work together for we were not going to catch anyone as individuals but could put a dent into the 1:15 lead they had on us. And we did, I came off the bike and transition in 6th place about :55 back from the leader. I was hurting and for some reason was having stomach cramps and could not open it up in the run and I was real hesitant, but kept moving up after the first 2.5k loop I was in 3rd and had my sights on the two leaders. I caught second place with a ½ mile to go and just ran out of real estate to catch the leader. He beat me by :15 seconds. I had a lot of fun and felt I ran and did the best I could do. I had a huge supporting cast and as always this a team effort for people there and at home. My team is team Somnium Magnus which is Latin for Dream Big. If your reading this your apart of it and I thank you for being with me in this, I feel your energy and love and cherish your support. I know and feel great things are coming and I believe I will be able to train full-time for that is what it takes to beat and be the best. So now this weekend I race in another big race, nothing like starting the season off with a bang! I am headed to Tampa, for St. Anthony’s which might as well be a world championship race. It will be big, last year I was 3rd in the elite amateur wave and hope to better that this year. Let’s do this. Dream Big!!!

In the Books!!!

Well the first race is in the record books. It was a Duathlon, which is a run bike run. We ran 3 biked 15 ran 3. Last week was an unusual week, on Friday I was doing a track workout, feeling great when I cramped and cramped bad. This does not happen to me so I was either lacking in fluids or sleep, but I went to the cold tank, which you submerge yourself in water at 55 degrees, and drank a lot of Gatorade. Fell like trash the rest of the day then did a 45 mile bike ride of Saturday and a swim. Going into the race there was no pop in the legs I was a little worried but felt that I would be ok. The race started and I took it out from the start, there was a guy with me till the 11/2 mark and then I was alone the rest of the day. I ran the first 3 in 16:00, then got on the bike, with a minor mishap out of transition, my toe on my shoe caught the ground and went flying, so I ran back with my bike to get my shoe and well that was a first. Then got on the bike and started hammering but my legs were not there, I was just flat and no juice. I went on to ride 37 something and then had built like a 3 min lead, so the second run I ran hard but was hurting, I just was really tired. I ran 17 min for the last 3 and ended up winning by 4 min. All in all it was a great day, especially considering the training I was doing leading up to the race. I run across people all the time who are involved in my life in some shape or fashion and am continually amazed at the support people give me to pursue these dreams. I am forever grateful for all those in my life who are and encouragement and an inspiration. This is a total team effort and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Well no race this weekend and then we will be off and running. Dream Big!!!! p.s. pic is from the race, I was running so fast I made the pic fuzzy!!!

Spring is in the Air!!

Well, spring is upon us, the smell of newly cut grass for me is the first sign, but then again it was snowing on my run last Monday. I am back in the swing of things after the horrible strep throat, I would not wish that on my own worst enemy. I had a great week of training especially as I was doing 8x1000 on the track in the pouring down rain. Then I had to do a long run and decided to run the half-marathon yesterday in downtown Knoxville. Great day for a run and was planning to just do a recovery run, then an unexpected surprise happened and these are the moments in life to live for. At mile 4 it was about four of us, all runners who have been friends for a while then all the sudden this girl joins our group to be the first female in the race, so we decided to help her. By this I mean run with her, encourage her, and just let her sit in and feed off of us. Well at mile 9 it was just her and I and so I just ran with her and at this point I could tell she was starting to struggle, I slowed to get her to catch back up and was going to really push her to get her to the finish line. Her former personal best was like 1:29 and she traveled from Indiana to do this race. I knew we were on pace to smash her pr if she could just hold it together for a couple more miles. Well we continued to run and I just keep telling her stay relaxed and keep rolling and she did, I was going to let her enjoy her moment and go to the finish line by herself and she was like nope, you helped me and we will cross together. And so we did, I am not sitting here writing to brag about myself, I just was honored to be apart of something so special to this young lady. Never met her will proably will never see her again, but for 13 miles I was able to give back to a sport that has given me so much. It was so rewarding for me to just run along and help this young lady in her first half-marathon realize a dream, and for me it was a joy and something I will cherish for a long time. To be able to give is an amazing feeling and I am so grateful to all those who have helped me along the way, no one does it alone, there are so many out there and to all I say THANKS, never stop believing. DREAM BIG!!!!!! First Race is on Sunday, a duathlon which will consist of a 3 mile run 15 mile bike and 3 mile run, will let you know the results after.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Well I hope that the luck of the Irish may bless everyone this year. Update: I have not had the flu since I was a young buck, and I had it 3 weeks ago. Now, I have never ever had strep throat and well you guessed it I have it now. Training last week was going well until I tried to be tough guy on Saturday and that was the straw that broke the camels back and so here I am, in as much pain as ever, this is not a fun event. Well if I wanted to get down in to more race weight well I have my wish, for I can’t eat or drink, heck I can’t even swallow my own saliva. Well enough of poor pitiful me. Go out make sure your green is on and Always Dream Big!!! Gooood Daaaayyy

Follow your Rainbow!!!

I am truly blessed! I feel as if the end of the rainbow is right in front of me! This dream could not be done alone and may you be as fortunate, follow your rainbow. As the time changes so does everything in the air. I love this time of year, March Madness, The Masters, and most of all, it is almost time to start racing. I spent the off-season in the pool 5-6 days a week and it is paying off!! Now it is time to balance all three disciplines out and really start putting more time on the bike and run. I did a 3 mile tempo off the bike yesterday and ran 16:10, good not great for the first one of the season. I have 4 weeks till my first duathlon and 6 till my first triathlon. With all the happenings in my training, big things are starting to devolope for me, and my wish to train full-time is really starting to become reality. Alpha Advisors is going to be my title sponsor and there are a few others who are coming forward to help in this team effort. I am trying to raise 50,000 and so far almost 15,000 has come forward. I am truly humbled by this and will be forever grateful for all the people in my life who believe in me. I workout twice everyday and think all the time about how fortunate I am to have so many people in my life that love to dream, I will never be able to say thank you enough for your generosity. I will be more diligent about updating this blog weekly if not twice weekly. Remember, follow your rainbow, no telling what is at the end!!!! Dream Big!

More Swimming!!!

Well, as I sit here and write I am getting over the flu bug. I never really get the flu and this was only a 36 hour event, but I hated every minute of it. Body aches and fever are not what an athlete wants; sitting around not working out are miserable times for me. But sometimes the body just needs a break and so it is what it is. As you know I have been the volunteer assistant coach for the Lady Vols swimming and diving team and last week we were in Alabama for SEC Championships. I have been a runner my whole life and to understand swimming and see these athletes perform was amazing. These were some of the best swimmers in the world, and our own Lady Vols made a splash. I have been a part of this team, seen them grow into amazing women and to see them come together to have one of the best meets in Lady Vol history was an honor. I witnessed a senior swim one of the fastest 200 times in history and then witnessed a freshman swim like she was a senior. This team performed one great race after another and I was just honored to be a part of what they did. I learned a lot from these women, they dug deep and as swimming has been my most difficult, I will remember this past week and take it with me as I move ever so close to my race season. Thanks Lady Vols!!! You have been an inspiration to me and I thank you for letting me be a part of your life this past year. Dream Big!!!

Support Letter

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
-Mary Anne Radmacher

It is a dream that stirs in me long before I ever realized it was so. I have wanted to compete for the United States of America, in something...anything. I have been a runner for many years. I ran in middle school, high school, and then on to college, where I ran for the University of Tennessee. After college, I did what society expects from every graduate...I got a JOB. I am fortunate that it came with many great opportunities.

All this time there has been a voice inside me that keeps saying, “There is so much more for you out there and you must accomplish it”. My vision now is to compete on the 2012 Olympic Team. After just my second year of competing in triathlons all over the world, I realize this has become an absolute possibility. I have worked hard to finance my training, and my competitions. I am blessed to have such a supportive network of family and friends. However, I have reached a point that requires me to invest more heavily in my triathlon training in order to achieve the next level of excellence. To ensure that I am on track for the 2012 Olympic Team, I need the ability to train full time and travel to numerous higher-level competitions.

In addition to the everyday living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, food), there is also the cost of my competitive sport. This consists of coaches, travel, and entry fees, along with training gear. I anticipate that it will take $3000 to $4000 a month to cover all of these expenses. Ironically, the time I need to spend training in order to excel in my triathlon takes away from the time I will need to have available to pay for my extensive training. However, I will continue training and coaching those in the community who are also trying to fulfill their own dreams.

I am writing to ask for your support in one of two ways. First, I am asking you to consider offering your direct monetary support to sponsor me in my path to the 2012 Olympic Games. Such a contribution may be a potential investment opportunity or tax deduction. A second option in offering your support is to consider a corporate sponsorship, either through the business you are affiliated with or through someone you know that might have an interest. This may be either a local or nationally based company. Top athletes are typically funded through such sponsorships. The corporation would provide a stipend and/or equipment to assist with living expenses and training needs. In return, I would coordinate with the business to support and advertise their product or service through my competitions, networking, and travel.

My dream is possible. With a lot of determination and dedication on my part I will make my dream come true. In doing so, I know that I could not be where I am today without the people who believe in me and offer their support. This dream will take a team effort and I ask that you join me and become a part of this team. I would be honored and extremely grateful for any and all the support that you can give me. Please email or call to find out more information on this opportunity.

Dream Big.

Eric Bell
ericryanbell@aol.com

Can We Please Get Some Warm Weather?!?!

Well, last weekend was great weather and I rode 3 hours and then ran 5 miles off the bike, but dang was it windy. But, then this week we had highs in the 30s, would just like it if say 65-70 all the time oh, wait that's southern California, ummm. Then on Sunday ran 13, I got a chance to be apart of something cool, Dan Holbrook, an estate attorney in town, is a client of mine and Sunday the 10th was his birthday and so for his 60th birthday he decides to run 60 miles, heck why not right? I thought he was crazy but he is amazing, and so I ran and part of my run was on the UT track with Dan while he was running 60, way to go Dan. This week has been another good week in the pool with UT assistant swim coach Jen Arndt, she hasn't been swimming much but was an All-American at Michigan and get is and still kicks my butt, but hey that's what I want it I expect to get better. Andrew Huck, who is my soul mate, and I have been working hard to try to get some gear and have a bike jersey made with a number of logos on it, if you interested in putting yours on let me know ASAP. Andrew and I have got lots of dreams we share together and without someone like him in my corner, I don't know if I could do this. Thanks wingman! I struggle a lot with this journey, for I also have a business that I could grow and do a few things with, like open a gym, but the more I concentrate on what I want which is to train full-time the more I come alive and so it is imperative that I stay focused on what I want and not on a bunch of "what ifs" for in life there are times when looking fear straight in the face is really the best teacher one can have. Till we meet again. Dream Big!

Always Dream Big!!!!

Well, if you are here, you have received my letter and I appreciate more than you will ever know the consideration you are taking on whether or not to help me follow and live my dreams!! Training is going well, did a great swim workout on tues...30x100 on the 1:30 last year during the season I was going 1:12 for like 15 and then 1:20 for the last 15, this week the first 10 were 1:13, second 10 were 1:11, and the last 10, I went 1:07 (by the way I don't do flip turns). Swimming is my weak link to success and with help from the UT Lady Vols, for I have been the volunteer assistant coach this year, and Matt, the head coach has been helping me, the water has become a place that I actually am starting to enjoy. More to come every few days, This will be a resource for those who want to follow me, you can come to this site and check in every few days or weeks or just as you please. First Race is April 20 in Alabama at the Talent Id 2012 Race, 80 Under 29 Guys and Gals are invited and this will be the first race to start looking at the Talent for 2012, I can't wait.....Talk with you soon....Remember to always Dream Big!!!