We have a powerful tradition of selecting a client as our Ironbody of the Month. Each client came to us because they witnessed a friend or family member's transformation. We are proud of and grateful to all our clients for their faith in us and their commitment to their Iron90 System.
Ironbody of the Month
Sandy Hicks, Phoenix, Arizona
-18 lbs in 50 Days
Ironbody of the Month
Tina Cardenas, Arizona
-33 lbs in 90 Days
Ironbody of the Month
Nichole Obman, Arizona
-37.5 lbs in 9 Weeks
Nichole's Story: CLICK HERE
Ironbody of the Month
Ryan Job, Scottsdale, AZ
What are the odds?
I believe that there are no coincidences in life. There are people and events that shape our lives and things are as they should be for a reason. Perhaps this is our destiny.
There are people who come into our lives that change them forever. Their presence is powerful, it sends a ripple through us and all who we meet. Their names alone are enough to motivate us to set worthy goals and to press on to finish difficult tasks. Ryan Job is this person in my life.
Ryan is a former Navy Seal. He was on a rooftop in Ramadi, Iraq on Aug. 2, 2006, when a sniper's bullet struck the rifle he was holding in front of his face. Pieces of the shattered weapon tore through his face, severing one eye and damaging the nerves of the other, leaving him completely blind.
Ryan and I met this past summer, the meeting was totally "by coincidence". In June a friend was in town visiting me from Boston. What are the odds that anyone would come visit me in Phoenix in the summer? He had never been to Phoenix before and he came to work with me to train a group of clients at 5:30 one morning. One of my clients later emailed to tell me that her friend trains with a former Navy Seal named Ryan Job and wanted to know if my friend knew him. I asked Steve and he smiled wide and said yes, he and Ryan were good friends. This was in June 2008, my friend Steven had not seen Ryan since BUDS training back in 2003. What are the odds?
Ryan and I met and began training together to prepare him for his goal; the ascent of the 14, 411 foot Mount 
Rainier. What are the odds that a blind guy would be able to climb a mountain? Early each Saturday morning we put on our Heart Rate Monitors and hiked together on the various peaks that surround Phoenix. He would lead, I would call out directions from behind with my hand on his shoulder. We would pass young able bodied people all the way to the top where we would turn around to descend now facing the people that we had passed.
On the way up many were curious why I had my hand on his shoulder telling him where and how to step, now seeing Ryan they realized from his scare and closed eyes that he is blind. What are the odds that blind guy would pass you hiking?
On one occasion the people that we passed stood aside to let us come down and then without any warning or a single word, they broke out into spontaneous applause. Ryan asked me what was going on. I did not want a Navy Seal to know that I was crying so I muttered, "keep going, I will tell you later". Tears streamed down my face as I walked behind him thinking; who is leading who?
My favorite book in the Bible is the Book of Job. It's about a man who has lost everything and finds the courage to walk by faith not by sight. What are the odds that now a blind man named Job was walking in front of me leading me by his faith not by sight?
Many who pray, including me, often request a sign or a clue that they are doing in life what they should be doing. Apparently, God knows that I sometimes miss his subtle suggestions, so he found a blind guy named Job to lead me early one morning on a desert trail then gathered a group of total strangers together to clap loudly as we passed by so that I would not miss his clue. (Thanks for tip, I got it).
On July 10, 2008, a little less than two years after Navy Seal Ryan Job cheated death on a rooftop in Iraq, he stood atop the roof of Mount Rainier (See Seattle Times Story). As he did two F-15 jets flew over him to salute his achievement. What are the odds?
Ryan has gone on to challenge himself in other areas of life, he creates his own opportunities because he works hard at everything he does. We are all very grateful for Ryan's and for his fellow veterans service to our country. We are also grateful to all the organizations that support them especially Camp Patriot.
What are the odds that Ryan Job will continue to inspire more people and go on to conquer more summits? Very good!
Congratulations Ryan Job, Ironbody of the Month
Ironbody of the Month
Matt Hicks, Phoenix, AZ
“I’m not a runner; I get shin-splints!”. This is what I kept telling myself to avoid the inevitable, exercising. A year ago last month I weighed in at 225 lbs…225 lbs! Like many other people, I reached a point where I got tired; I got tired of feeling fat. So I began running on my own and dieting.
I had completed my first marathon, but I still was looking for answers. I wasn’t satisfied with my minimal weight loss, and I still had no idea what I was doing training-wise. I realized that I needed to seek the advice of someone who actually knows what I should be doing.
Since starting with the Iron90 team, I have finished two ½ marathons, three triathlons and on October 26th I will be doing my first ½ Ironman distance (70.3). Also, I am signing up for Ironman AZ ’09 (140.6).
After getting started on the Iron90 program, I quickly realized that this was completely different. Heart rate, BMR…no one has ever talked to me about this stuff. I burn fat in my lower heart rates? By following my specific plan, and I saw results.
My 90 day results:
1 Mile at 80% heart rate
Day 1: 8:05 min
Day 90: 7:20 min! Running at the same heart rate as I did on day one.
Weight
Day 1: 198
Day 90: 177
Currently at 12.5% body fat
My advice to others would be, stop trying to figure this out on your own. The Iron90 System provides all the expertise needed to deliver the body composition (lean muscle to body fat ration) and level of fitness you want to achieve.
Sincerely,
Matt Hicks
Ironbody of the Month
Robin Manna, Connecticut
UPDATE: Robin Manna completed her first 13.1 mile half marathon event!
Rational Blind Faith: I have always been athletic, I train and competed in cycling races and triathlons. I teach indoor cycling at my gym. However, I never felt really fit and lean. Like most people I would blindly follow the latest fitness or diet craze in an attempt to shed fat and become fit. We all know them - no carbs, 40-30-30, boxing, spinning, step. etc.. I would dump my time and money into them, yielding only disappointment.
Rational Proof of Success:
A friend, Tom Palomba, June Ironbody of the Month, was shedding weight, looking different and becoming very fit. He told me that he had a customized plan for each day. He described how he used a heart rate monitor to make sure he was not working too hard and how he could eat whatever he wanted within his budget. He pointed out that, in the past I was willing to blindly spend time, energy and money on various diets and fitness crazes without any rational proof of success. Tom and I have known each other for years, so I trusted him when he said: "You work out all the time, you are not lazy, but you are working too hard and not smart. You are witness to my transformation, I am the rational proof that this program works and will work for you." Eating whatever I want and not working too hard required blind faith on my part, but what choice did I have? Tom's results and the fact that diets and hard training have really not delivered what I desired.
Now I Am Rational Proof: "-9% Body Fat, -13 lbs": My customized Iron90 System led me to 19% Body Fat from 28%, well below the average for my age. It also moved me away from 13 unwanted pounds.
My Fitness First: For the first time ever, this month I placed 1st in our group indoor cycling race and I ran 9.3 miles in preparation for my first half marathon.
Why is Iron90 Different?: Its a customized progressive system that is easy to follow. Going to the gym now without a plan is a huge waste of my time. I stick to my caloric budget most to the time, however, unlike many people I actually have a meal plan. I know when I have consumed too much and have a plan to offset it. Tom, my coach explains WHY I am doing certain things and WHAT the results should be. This is very different from trainers who are only equipped to show you HOW to do an exercise and COUNT reps. Iron90 is fun!
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Ironbody of the Month
Tom Palomba, Connecticut
October 2008 UPDATE: Tom Palomba finishes his latest marathon in a new Personal Record time of 3 hours 36 minutes.
Older, Wiser, Leaner, Stronger & Faster: Statistically speaking as one enters the 5th decade of life, it is expected that there will be progressive predictable reductions in; STRENGTH, CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS, BONE DENSITY and LEAN MUSCLE MASS and increases in BODY FAT.
Source: American College of Sports Medicine: www.acsm.org
Our June Ironbody of the Month, Tom Palomba of Connecticut refuses to be a statistic. Below is evidence of Tom's statistical snubbing over the past 12 months as he used his Iron90 system to redefine his body and conventional wisdom.
Tom's Stats:
TOTAL WEIGHT:
Start: 200
Current: 187
BODY FAT:
Body Fat % Age: 47: 20%
Body Fat % Age: 48: 12.9%
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS:
October 14, 2006:
1st Marathon Finish Time: 4:01: 47
Pace Per Mile: 9:13
October 13, 2007:
Same Course 1 Year Later
Finish Time: 3:41: 24
Pace Per Mile: 8:27
October 11, 2008
Same Course 2 Year Later
Finish Time: 3:36
Strong, Powerful Endurance:
The North Face Endurance Challenge Events have been billed as some of the most challenging fitness endeavors one can undertake. On April 12 this year, Tom tested his new found ageless fitness by running 31 miles (50K) in the steep foothills of the Catskill Mountains of New York. Running 31 miles on a flat smooth surface is hard enough, however, Tom's race was insane: thirty one miles of shin deep mud, climbs so steep that he had to use his hand to pull himself up to the summit then down the other side that is full of wet slippery rocks. Tom completed the entire 31 mile course in 8 hours 40 minutes and 53 seconds, besting many other athletes in their 20's and 30's.
The Big Story:
The big story is not the statistics or challenging events, rather it's about Tom's training and lifestyle. Over the past 12 months Tom has become a Certified Ironbody Coach who practices what he preaches. His training philosophy focuses on strengthening the heart first and allowing all the other systems of the body to increase capacity in pace with the heart. Most of us have or have witnessed others training so hard that they are flame out after a few minutes and or eventually succumb to injury.
"I would have to walk so that my heart rate would come down to ZONE 3, people would run past me and make interesting suggestions about my new training plan. Those same people have seen me change, and my pace feels effortless as I run past them. Many of those same people are just now doing what I did, training my heart and entire body to be efficient."
Tom has been using his heart rate monitor and his Iron90 plan to safely focus his training and build fitness capacity. Sadly, there are scores of others all with the best of intentions; to lose weight and become fit, who have started programs only to become injured or lose motivation due to lack of results. Tom is on month 12 of the rest of his life and still going strong!
The Food Thing: No Diet Required:
Tom Palomba, (Before photo to left) the name should tell you everything about his food fondness. Tom hails from a rich Italian heritage where food has been in a constant state of perfection since the days of the Roman Empire. His proximity to Boston and New York allow him easy access to sample his heritage as needed. Anyone that has been to Mike's Pastry in Boston's North End knows that the finish to a perfect meal is cappuccino and a Cannoli. How does Tom reconcile "celebrating" his culture with his Iron90 meal plan? By eating smaller portions more frequently and using the calorie burn function on his heart rate monitor to ensure that excess cultural tributes are countered with a few extra minutes of ZONE 3 training. Tom's Iron90 meal plan offers him a simple yet effective tool to define his daily caloric needs in order to lose or maintain his weight and guilt fee celebration of his rich food heritage. We are right there with you buddy (Rosania& Vera)!
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Ironbody of the Month
Allen Plunkett, Phoenix., AZ
My Story: Filling out the Flag: In 2002 with a new wife and son, I started my own staffing business. My fellow small business owners know that a business does not run itself, there are never enough hours in the day to complete all the unfinished business. Along with the new business I also started a local networking breakfast for technology leaders. I ate frequently and locally to impressive results, see me above "proudly filling out the flag" in my before photo. I placed my fitness plan on hold with the idea that "one day I would start a new program".
Parents, The Original Points of Light:
I want to be a role model for my son Kenny. I want him to understand that dedication, focus and consistency pays off. I want him to know that health and fitness are related. I want to inspire him to set worthy goals and to make healthy choices. We all know that inspiration requires perspiration, so only in my deeds will these values be transmitted. To this end, I decided that my new fitness plan would be a lifestyle, not an event.
Training Smart vs. Hard: All the so called "experts" suggest that weight loss and fitness is achieved though DIET and EXERCISE. OK great, everyplace I look there is another new diet and new exercise device. Please just tell me: WHICH DIET AND WHAT EXERCISES? The Iron90 System made everything very clear and laid out my plan in very simple terms.
The Diet: There is none, I eat what I want and stick to my customized caloric budget.
The Equipment: My Heart Rate Monitor, I train in my customized Irobody Fat Burn Zone.
The Training: My customized plan trains the most important muscle in my body, My Heart! Everything falls into place when you train this muscle first.
Older, Stronger, Faster & Leaner:
I made simple adjustments to existing habits. I eat smarter, smaller portions. I train with my heart rate monitor, I have a training plan and a recovery plan. I now have a lifestyle that delivers results 24/7 not just when I am at the gym.
My Numbers:
Before: 199 Lbs and 25% Body Fat
Now: 165 Lbs and 12% Body Fat
Half Marathon Finish Times:
2007: 2:01. 55 Mile Pace: 9:19
2008: 1:52.37 Mile Pace: 8:36
Pat's Run 4.2 Miles:
2007: 38.14
2008: 31.24 Mile Pace: 7:29
Congratulations to Allen Plunkett on being selected as Ironbody of the Month, May 2008.
CO-FOUNDER NOTES: Allen finds time to train even while traveling between his offices in Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Antonio (BTW: A 7:29 Pace is LEGIT!). There are 3,500 calories in 1 lb. of body fat. Allen shed nearly 35 pounds of fat which means that he burned over 122,500 calories, which is equivalent to the total calories found in 245 McDonald's Big Mac's. Amazing!
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Ironbody of the Month
Mike Gilmore, Connecticut
Update: Mike Gilmore finished his first Marathon, 26.2 miles!
My Story: My before picture was taken in November 2007 when I weighed 210 lbs (Which you can see it in my face) I noticed a friend had shed a good deal of weight and was really fit. He told me about the Iron90 System and encouraged me to investigate it at Iron90.com.
My Epiphany: One of the video's on the web site made sense to me, it talked about training the most important muscle in the body, the heart and about having a plan; "We have plans for businesses and retirement but its just as important to have a customized fitness plan to ensure that we are in peak health to enjoy our lives to the fullest". That was my epiphany, I needed a plan!
The Watch Does Not Lie: I started my customized Iron90 meal and heart rate training plan on January 2, 2008. I have lost 30 lbs, my after picture is me now at 180 lbs. My waist went from 36 to 32. I just completed a half marathon in 1 hr:31 minutes. I used my heart rate monitor, stayed in my customized Iron90 heart rate zone and felt great throughout the entire race. My heart rate monitor also shows how many calories I burn in each session. Fat loss is all about working in your proper heart rate zone, if I consume more calories than prescribed in my Iron90 Meal Plan, I simply just increase my training time. I am now in 100% control of my weight, body fat and fitness.
No More Wasted Time: My schedule is always full, I have a demanding career and family with young kids. Iron90 ensures my workouts are productive and efficient, no wasted time or efforts. Eating smaller portions six times a day has been easy, just make sure you have food you enjoy close at all times and eat what you want.
Power Aging: Stronger, Faster & Leaner: At age 40, I feel like I am becoming more fit as I get older. The friend who encouraged me to check out iron90.com was Tom Palomba, he became my Coach. Tom's insights are based on his Iron90 experience, he knows how to rapidly shed fat and create lasting, peak fitness. Tom has a great way of simplifying things, when I asked about the importance of the meal plan vs. the training program, Tom's response still rings in my ears; "Mike, you can't out exercise a bad diet." I have tried different programs over the years, Iron90 is the easiest and most effective system I have ever done. It works, enough said.
CO-FOUNDER NOTES: Mike ran a 6:56 per mile pace and finished 51st out of 533 participants in his 1:31 half marathon (brief pause for applause and praise). This pace would put him at about 3:00 for a full marathon. Seven time Tour De France Winner, Lance Armstrong ran about a 3:00 pace in his first NYC Marathon.
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Ironbody of the Month
Allison Harris, Phoenix, AZ
My Story: The "before" picture below you see was taken during my family's annual Rocky Point trip for Thanksgiving in 2006. That's when reality struck. "Good grief", I thought. "I'm getting pudgy!"
I had never had a problem with my weight and I was always going to the gym, lifting and doing cardio. But age, a sometimes sedentary job and too many sweets were catching up with me. I had already "retired" several pairs of jeans, chalking it up to denim shrinkage (ladies, you know what I'm talking about). After seeing that less than attractive photo, I knew it was time for a change.
By Thanksgiving of 2007, I was doing my Iron90 training while on vacation in Mexico. That's one of the great things about it. You can do it anywhere and you don't need to be slave to the gym! No crazy diets, no funky equipment, just you and your commitment to change your life.
If you follow the program and stick with it, it really does work. In just the first month I lost 10 pounds and even better, 6% body fat. And I'm still losing! My "retired" jeans are back on the job. I may have to "retire" those jeans again but not because they're too small. They're too big now!
Congratulations to Allison Harris our March 2008 Ironbody of the Month.
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Ironbody of the Month
Wolf & The TV Cast
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Happy New Year!;
This past summer, cast members of Arizona's Only Original Television Action Series; The Unjust (Seen on AZTV, Thursdays; 11:00 PM) asked us to provide them with a training program that would keep them in peak form. They were on a demanding production schedule and needed a program they could do anyplace, anytime as they would not have access to a fitness facility. The Iron90 System was perfect for them. It customized their training and provided them with a simple meal plan. The program kept them in peak fitness for the physical demands of the show.
"I am in the best shape of my life, what makes the Iron90 System so effective is that I really enjoy doing it which means I am more consistent. Consistency creates results. My program is customized, easy to do and my meal plan has made me more aware of my food choices and how they effect my performance, I am on Iron90 II now and love it."
-Russell Clay, Actor, Co-Creator: The Unjust TV Series
Many of the cast members have used their new found fitness in other roles, such as "Hollywood" Don Yates (left picture), who showed off his Ironbody as the new American Gladiator, Wolf.
We wish all the cast members great health, peak fitness and success in 2008
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Ironbody of the Month
Lisa Mammen, Phoenix, AZ
I needed a weight loss plan that would fit into my busy schedule, and the Iron90 Program was perfect!
I liked the fact that all the details were spelled out for me in an easy format. I printed out my daily workout/meal plan each morning and knew what I would be doing for that day.
I could do all the workouts at my local gym and even at home if I needed to. I could feel a difference right away in my energy level, and once my clothes started loosening up, I was totally convinced that I had chosen the right program."
Lisa shed over 20 pounds and 10% body fat with her customized Iron90 program. Notice that Lisa is sporting her TIMEX heart rate monitor!
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Ironbody of the Month
The Segals, Phoenix, AZ
The husband and wife team of Pam and Kevin Segal decided together to become less of themselves. The Segal's have a busy home with three growing children that all seem to be moving in different directions simutaneously.
It's easy to understand how mom and dad can pack on a few extra pounds over the years. Pam and Kevin are only 60 days into their Iron90 program and they are both down 17 and 20 pounds respectively.
The couple still has another 30 days to go and are on target to shed a combined total of 70 pounds and 22% body fat."We both feel great, the Iron90 plan was much easier than what I was doing and as you can see, much more effective." States Kevin Segal.
The Segals are a wonderful example of how easy it is to shed body fat and total weight with a committment to an effective plan.
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Ironbody of the Month
Steve Blank, Phoenixx, AZ
My Conversion:
"Convert body fat to lean muscle", this was my goal.
"To date I have shed over 25 total pounds, converted 10 Lbs to lean muscle and dropped 10% body fat. I don't have a personal trainer or restrictive diet. Rather, I have a customized plan that accommodates my busy schedule and aligns my meals to my training so that every bite and step moves me towards my objective."
Truly Brilliant!: "As a Doctor, I came to the Ironbody progam because it is based on proven science. Before I started the program, lower back pain kept me from sitting or walking for long periods. Last week, I completed a difficult 5 hour hike and felt great at the end.
If you are looking for the truth and a program that works, look no further.
The Ironbody system is it, there is NOTHING like it in todays marketplace. It truly is BRILLIANT! "
Start: 200 Lbs. 26% Body Fat
Now: 173 Lbs. 16.5% Body Fat
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Ironbody of the Month
Leisha Martin, Phoenix, AZ
Leisha Martin Has A Plan:
I tried about every diet out there and could not seem to lose weight. I was working hard and eating healthy. It was just not working so I made a change. These days I show up at my gym with my daily training plan printed out.
There is no more guessing, I have a customized training and meal plan that are both mapped directly to my goals.
Keep the Muscle Shed the Fat: "I am a hard core devotee of the Ironbody program"
Every training minute and every meal that I consume are choreographed to burn fat and create lean muscle.
Start: 146 Lbs. 26% Body Fat
Now: 133 Lbs. 17.5% Body Fat
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Ironbody of the Month
Washington HS Rams
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Going Slower Made Us Faster: It began in early October; over 400 freshman girls at Washington High School in Phoenix, Arizona began their Ironbody Pilot Program. The goal was to fulfill their freshman graduation requirement of completing a 1 mile run. However, these girls decided to raised the bar, not only would they complete the mile they would each do it in a personal record (PR) time.
A Fleet of 2000 Heart Rate Monitors:
In an era when 66% of the people in the United States are overweight or obese and childhood obesity is an epidemic, these girls made a decision not to add to this statistic. The School District joined in their mission and purchased a fleet of over 2000 heart rate monitors, then hired the expert team from Ironbody to put the heart rate monitors to work in a fitness program for both students and staff.
Lower Heart Rate = Reduced Body Fat: 
Each week, over the next 7 months, the girls trained in their target heart rate zones to build peak fitness capacity. They learned the difference between their body composition (lean muscle and body fat) and their body weight. Each kept track of their daily calories and knew exactly how many calories per day they could consume to maintain their current weight. Every week they would test their fitness in a timed run at their target heart rate as well as their individual body compositions. One of the intended outcomes of the targeted heart rate training was to demonstrate how to lower body fat by training at a lower heart rate.
"The results were incredible, students reduced their mile run times by minutes while never exceeding their targeted heart rates, a byproduct of the heart rate training was that the girls were shedding body fat and replacing it with lean muscle." Stated Robert Vera, Co-Founder of Ironbody Lifestyle Fitness.
The Final Exam: The program Commencement was held on April 12th. The 1 mile course looped around the school with a dramatic finish on the track. The local fitness community, TRIBE Multisport, Runners Den, Ironbody and the Red Rock Company volunteered time and money to provide T-shirts and other prizes. The event was outstanding, every student finished the 1 mile course in a personal record time, the fastest mile was 6 minutes 55 seconds. However, far more impressive is that these young women understand how to manage their personal nutrition and exercise program in order to create peak fitness. Many have taught their peers, parents and family the truth about nutrition and exercise.
An Inspiration: We are proud that their commitment and actions have inspired others. This coming fall, many of the 4800 freshman girls of the Glendale Union School District will strap on their heart rate monitors and build fitness, confidence and inspiration. We will change the statistic's, one Ironbody at a time, GO RAMS!
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Ironbody of the Month
Wendy Seaman, Phx, AZ
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The Real Me Was Covered Up: My name is Wendy Seaman, and yes, I am a real person. I am a teacher at Washington High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
The picture to the left is me less than 1 year ago. I was participant #109 in the Danskin Triathlon in Austin, Texas. I know JR from my church, one morning he spoke to our congregation, I don't recall specifically what he said, but I knew that I needed to talk with him. I caught up to him in the parking lot after the service.
8 Months and -83 Pounds Later: Life happened and I gained weight, so of course I tried to lose it and attempted just about everything from diets to workout fads. I found myself stuck in a cycle of "lose some, gain some", never really able to make any progress. I have a fitness background so I thought that I knew what I was doing. Eventually I just accepted my proportions, however, I knew the real me was in there somewhere.
We talked for about 10 minutes in the parking lot, JR said, "Let's get going, you start Monday." I did, and have never looked back. Meal planning, heart rate training, seeing actual progress each week toward predetermined goals. I was hooked, within a week I thought, I CAN DO THIS.
In less than 8 months, I shed over 80 pounds and am in the best shape of my life. The picture to the left is the real me. My life has been changed in so many ways. I feel alive! I am real, the Ironbody program is real and it works. Commit to it and change your life, I am proof.
Our entire Ironbody family is proud of Wendy's commitment and achievement, we never once doubted that she would realize her goal.
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Ironbody of the Month
Larry Burns, Phoenix, AZ
The Ultimate Transformation: Below is a list of just a few of Larry Burn’s accomplishments;
2006: The Race Across America: The World's Toughest Bicycle Race
Total Miles: 3042.8 Miles
Start: Oceanside, CA
End: Atlantic City, NJ
Result: 1st Place Mixed Team Division (2006)
Record Holder: Fast Time 50+ Age Group
Total Time: 6 days 19 hours 59 minutes
Average Speed: 18.56 MPH
2006 Bicycle Race Across Arizona
Total Miles: 341.6
Start: Nevada
End: New Mexico
Result: 1st Place: Team Division
Record Holder: Fastest Time: 18 hours 57 minutes
Average Speed: 18.03 MPH
Other athletic accomplishments;
Challenge 2006: Regional Ballroom Dance Competition
April 2006: Old Pueblo- 50 Mile Trail Run
February: 2006: Pemberton – 50K Trail Run
5 Ironman Triathlon Finishes
and much, much more
These accomplishments are impressive, however, that fact that Larry is still alive is nothing short of a miracle. On May 20, 2001, Mrs. Burns received a call from the Scottsdale Police Department informing her that Larry had been in an accident. Larry had been hit by car while on a group training ride. The trauma was so severe that he was transported by helicopter while paramedics worked to keep him alive. The injuries were horrific, images just too graphic to show. Larry’s arm was almost completely severed from his body, a shattered left leg and loss of vision in his left eye.
Wheelchair, Walker, Crutches, Cane, Finish Line: I was shocked when I first saw him, he was in rough shape, however Larry refused to be a victim. While some were skeptical that he would ever walk again, Larry got to work. He would come to train with me in his wheelchair. After some weeks he was strong enough to use a walker then crutches then a cane. Larry never complained that he could not see, or that the metal keeping his leg together hurt. He was just happy to be alive, we had a goal, to go from “Flat line to Finish line” . On May 20, 2002, one year after the accident, while still unable to run, Larry Burns cross the finish line of the 70.3 mile Ralph's Half Ironman, his recovery was complete. I am forever grateful to Larry for reminding me that nothing is impossible if am committed.
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Ironbody of the Month
Larry Lind, Phoenix, AZ
Most clients come to us with reasonable goals, they want to lose body fat and “tone up”. Other clients come with more specific objectives; completing a running race, a half marathon or even a marathon. There was one, in my 20+ years of training people from all walks of life that came with a totally unreasonable goal - to complete an Ironman Triathlon. This person is our December 2006 Ironbody of the Month: The One and Only, Mr. Larry Lind.
One of a Kind: Larry Lind is one of a kind. I am not sure what or who planted the seed in Mr. Lind’s mind about competing in an Ironman triathlon, but that seed is now a tree. Excuses and failure are unreasonable to Larry. Anything but 100% passionate commitment to the effort is unreasonable to Mr. Lind. I have trained four Olympic Gold Medal Winners, scores of other Olympic, college and professional athletes and Larry Lind ranks up with the top 1% in terms of work ethic and drive. The Ironman Triathlon is unreasonable to most people, swim 2.4 miles, ride 112 then run a complete marathon, 26.2 miles all in under 17 hours. Who and why would anyone want to take on such a challenge; the training alone could take years.
Mr. Unreasonable: Allow me to provide some additional insight into Mr. Lind. In our initial client assessment we inquired as to Mr. Lind’s recent triathlon and or endurance race experience. Mr. Lind informed us that not only has he NEVER competed in or even seen a live event, he can’t swim, nor did he own a road bike. Did I mention that an Ironman triathlon involves a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike? He also suggested that he needed to lose “about 40 pounds”. No bike, can’t swim and needs to lose 40 pounds? None of this in fact was unreasonable for Larry, who showed up the next day ready to train.
Mr. Lind is a busy CEO of a successful architecture firm based in Phoenix. His passion and unreasonableness are apparent in his work. I was perusing his website one afternoon when I came across some project photos that are a superb expression of Larry’s personality. The photos were that of a pristine home in perfect harmony with its natural desert surrounding. The radiuses and openings allowed the elements to move around and through the structure. Upon closer examination of this brilliant design, I noticed that the home was not yet finished. Larry is so unreasonable even his unfinished work looks perfect.
The Real Deal: In less than 4 months Larry has lost over 36 pounds. Runs 10 miles at a clip without a problem and pedals his bike for over two hours like a cycling veteran. What was once totally unreasonable, Larry has made 100% viable. The irony is that the goal is now realistic because Larry is so unreasonable. He continues to train each day which moves him closer to finishing his first unreasonable Ironman Triathlon.
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Ironbody of the Month
The Students of St. Thomas
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Early on the morning of October 4th, Megan Keller and a group of her fellow Ironbody Race team members, met with the middle school students of St. Thomas the Apostle in Phoenix to outline their mission. Megan and her team would prepare each of them for a running race with distances up to 1 mile. A wave of excitement and fear gripped the crowed of over 200 youngsters. Most have never run even half the distance, many were unsure, some already defeated. Megan anticipated this and eased their fears by assuring them that while they would race alone, she and her team would prepare them all to finish.
1 Mile to Life’s Greatest Lesson: Over the next 6 weeks the students of St. Thomas joined with the volunteer athletes of the Ironbody race team for early morning fitness sessions conducted at the school. Each session began with a chant, which has become the Ironbody Empowerment Mantra: I LIKE MYSELF, I LIKE MYSELF, I LIKE MYSELF. Focused fitness and nutrition lessons followed the chant which included core strength and run training.
Operation Ironbody is the brainchild of Ironbody team member Megan Keller. As a lifelong athlete, mother of two and recent Ironman Triathlon finisher, Megan knows how important fitness and sports are in the development of self esteem, integrity and perseverance. The purpose of Operation Ironbody is to empower our children to believe in themselves, have courage and persevere in order to reach their goals.
As the race day grew near, the youngsters and volunteer athletes built a bond, one that only fellow athletes share. Each understands the other's struggle, and respects the will to persevere towards the goal. On November 8, the student body of St. Thomas the Apostle participated in their Ironbody Running Race Commencement Ceremony. Parents, friends, fellow students, Ironbody race team members and even local media turned out to witness the event. The start gun sounded and the race was on. Runners swiftly made their way through the course and to the finish located at the center of the school playground. As they crossed the finish line and received prizes donated by team sponsors, the real reward was the proud smile on their faces. Each had accomplished what they had set out to do, the achievement is theirs alone to cherish.
I am so proud of the kids and of our team. Megan and the other team members are leaders that inspire people to set goals and live their dreams. I am humbled as many of them were thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community. The kids were great, the 2nd graders made signs and cheered for the older kids.The finish line was a watershed point for many. You could see that it changed them, once fearful they now enjoy a quiet confidence that comes with persevering to realize a worthy goal. Life's Greatest Lesson; Perseverance
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Ironbody of the Month
Mike Evan, Phoenix, AZ
Ironbody Transformation:
The picture to the left is Mike after just 13 weeks into his Ironbody Program. Mike shed a total of 40+ pounds, dropping from 240 to below 200 pounds. Mike's transformation is the result of a customized plan and diligent execution. What I find so remarkable about Mike's transformation is how much younger he looks. This is amazing to me, compare the picture below to the one to the left and you will see what I mean.
-40 LBS & 10 YEARS: The picture to the left was the Mike Evans "Before". To me this picture was never Mike, this was the guy that hijacked Mike and hid him in another man's body. The real Mike is much more athletic, disciplined and funny. His life is too full for him to be out of shape. In fact, the real Mike competes in running races, charity athletic events, works full time and is finishing his MBA.
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Ironbody of the Month
Elizabeth Schrader, Phoenixx, AZ
UPDATE: Elizabeth continues to train and has completed a full marathon and a number of triathlons.
Ironbody Inspiration: San Diego, CA: August 20th, 2006 was a very special day for Elizabeth Schrader, our Ironbody of the Month. The picture to the left shows Elizabeth as she completes her first half marathon, her longest run ever. Elizabeth covered the 13.1 miles of the America's Finest City Half Marathon course in an impressive 2 hours, 26 minutes and 48 seconds (2:12 actual running time). For those of you that are curious, yes, she ran the entire distance without stopping.
Elizabeth began her Ironbody training program just 3 months ago, with the goal of finishing a full marathon this January. A goal that she is well on her way to accomplishing. Elizabeth's dedication to her training and single minded focus towards her goal are INSPIRATIONAL. Elizabeth has the power to conceive, believe and achieve!
The Power of Elizabeth: The picture to the left is Elizabeth a little over a year ago competing in a far more important race. The diagnosis is obvious, what perhaps is less obvious is her prognosis. Her brilliant smile juxtaposed to her body reveals Elizabeth's Power. She accepts both life's challenges and her goals with equal amounts of determination and pleasure. It is this pleasure that fuels her desire to reach her goals. A desire so intense that it is infectious.
This summer on the day of Elizabeth's longest solo training run, I had butterfly's in MY stomach. I wanted to call, but waited for her email that announced her successful results. I had the same feeling this August on her race day. I awoke prior to the start with the greatest feelings of pride, nervousness and anticipation. The outcome was a forgone conclusion, Elizabeth will cross the finish line, which of course, she did.
It is naive to think that a positive attitude alone is why some with life threatening illnesses live and others do not. Elizabeth's Power is not her ability to change the outcome of events, rather it is to find pleasure in each task toward her objective. For Elizabeth the Journey is the Event, the realization of her goals merely mark the conclusion of one exciting journey, and the start of another one. Perhaps, this is the meaning of "Live Strong".
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Ironbody of the Month
Margie Burke, Phoenix, AZ
Margie's Transformation: Margie's goal was to firm up her entire body and improve her fitness. Nutrition plays such an important role in fitness, many people feel that they need to subscribe to a specific diet without first taking an inventory of what they eat. Typically, there are just one or two food items that are adding to the problem areas. Margie's Ironbody meal inventory revealed several foods that worked against her in her mission to lean down and firm up. A simple menu edit combined with her Ironbody weekly training schedule helped sculpt this Ironbody Masterpiece......Margie Burke.
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Ironbody of the Month
Megan Keller, Phx, AZ
Megan Keller's Outstanding Day: At just after 7:35 PM, as dusk fell over the glacier fed lake in northern Idaho, Megan Keller, with her 2 boys, Chaz and Kincade at her side, was bestowed one of the most prized honors in all of sports. The race announcer watched her as she jogged towards the finish line and he pronounced to a jubilant crowd of over 6,000, these exact words; "Megan Keller, of Phoenix Arizona, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN". It was official, in a time of 12:35:59, Megan finished 28 out of 134 in her age group. Strong enough to earn her the IRONBODY MASTER designation.
We have received dozens of positive comments about Megan's "Before" photo. If you notice she is pregnant, and looks GREAT!. What people can't see is that Megan made a decision to include fitness as part of her pregnancy experience. This decision allowed her to sail through the birth of her two sons. She was out walking the day that she arrived home from the hospital. Three months after giving birth she ran a 5K in 23 minutes. On her 9th week postpartum, she was the only new mother to place third in one of the toughest triathlons anywhere: The Mountain Man in Flagstaff, AZ.
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