The Lucid Hour: Recent Episodes
Jill M Sommers
Hosted by Arsia Rozegar, The Lucid Hour features different talented artists and creators as guests. Delve into minds of artists from all disciplines and understand what they do and why they do it.
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Kona Celebration
This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Kona Celebration
Congratulations to Rudy! She did it. Rudy – YOU ARE AN IRONMAN (again).
Being a part of her journey through Ironman World-Championship has been an exciting high.
One of the toughest endurance challenges in the world, Rudy brought us into her experience, so we could feel it firsthand.
What is it like to qualify for Kona and then arrive on the big island with the best of the best in the world? Rudy talks with us about the feelings she had while side by side with age-groupers and pros in the beautiful tropics of Kona, Hawaii.
You, the listeners asked us great questions about Rudy’s experience and Rudy gives you the straight answers. She talks about the presence of her mother’s spirit; the collective support she received from her 20+ friends and family who traveled to Kona to be there with her; her experience going to the “Comfort Zone” (or the Energy Lab) and back; swimming with the fish and turtles; which mantras she used and which song she has chosen to signify this empowering adventure.
Hmmmmmm……..did Rudy get the iconic Ironman tattoo which she discussed in the previous podcast? Listen to find out.
As this concludes Rudy’s Road to Kona series Rudy discusses what her next series might be called – “Rudy’s Road”. I like it.
Thank you for listening and being a part of Rudy’s collective support team and thank you Rudy for sharing your dream journey with us all.
Song: Her Mercy – Glen Hassert
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: IN KONA!!!
This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Rudy is IN KONA!!!
Aloha! Rudy conducts this interview from Kona, HI amidst the warm, humid tropical air, tweeting island birds and abundant sunshine. This dream she has been manifesting for years is in the here and now.
Rudy discusses how she is moving through race week with practice swims, bike sessions and “donkey crossings” on the Queen K Highway and runs the course next to age-groupers and pros alike.
How does Rudy keep her center and groundedness as the days tick by, getting closer and closer to race start? The questions that plague so many athletes in this phase of training also fill her human consciousness: “Did I train to the best of my ability?” “Will this training plan work?” “How do I compare with the other athletes?” and “What up with all these amazing bikes?”
She realizes in order to centered and grounded she needs to “stay within my box so I don’t get swept away with anxiety-provoking comparison.”
Rudy discusses how she experiences her mom’s presence throughout her ever-evolving journey and how her mom (who passed in 2015) is with her here on the island.
Rudy wants to thank all of you for your support and encouragement on her way to AND while in Kona. She feels honored and blessed to have you with her, getting her to the start line AND to the finish line.
Mahalo.
Song: Be Not Afraid
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 6:
This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport. Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy
“everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences. Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of –
mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Part 6:
In part 6 Rudy discusses how she approaches and races Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Chattanooga, TN where she also met two of her Ironman heros – Dave Scott and Mark Allen (she discusses her love of their book IronWar in episode #2).
Rudy shares a story of registering for Lake Placid and soon after meeting Ironman CEO Andrew Messick, by chance, on a flight to Florida where she earned the
name Lucky Rudy by Andrew himself.
A believer in manifestation, Rudy tells us how she wrote an ad to become a World Championship qualifier. Hear how she did it and how that act set her up for success.
Jill issues a challenge for all the listeners to use this approach for manifesting something in your life.
Other topics: The Ironman tattoo – what does it represent and will she get one? People who Rudy will be honoring during her race build up and on race day – all who have been supporting her in big and small ways and a very special reach out to Lisa and Nick (who has contracted West Nile Virus).
This will likely be the last interview of Rudy’s Road to Kona prior to her race but it is possible that she will surprise us with a quick check-in via phone the week of the race. However, there will certainly be another interview after her race where we will hear, in detail, her Kona experience.
Song: Life Means So Much – Chris Rice
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 5 This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Part 5:
In part 5 Rudy’s healing is nearing 100% AND she is on track to race at the IM World Championships in Chattanooga, TN.
Fear – what about fear? What role does fear play in the progression of an athlete’s training and racing? Is it detrimental? Is it helpful and is it possible to “Smile at Fear” (a book she references called Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery).
During this interview Rudy discusses the infamous fears she and many people experience as IM athletes; deepens her understanding of suffering vs pain; and discusses how she will use the all the above in her upcoming race.
Rudy reflects on her current ‘rose/bud/thorn’ and discusses why the song ‘Begin Again’ by Dispatch speaks to her so loudly.
One of the many wonders I have on the start line of an Ironman is what is the background story of each athlete. I am curious about what is going on inside – what is his-story or her-story.
I wonder where she’s from and what she had to do to get here. I wonder if he endured an injury or illness and is here testing himself in ways he never imagined. I wonder if he/she feels ready and what they are thinking.
Then while watching people challenge themselves through the course and the subsequent finish line,– people of every age, shape, size, and ability I wonder again; “how did her race go? Is it what she expected? “Who did he meet out there today and will they become fast friends?” What were their dark spots today and how did they get out of them?
This ‘wonder’ is the premise of this podcast. An opportunity to hear the athletes’ stories – the good, the bad and the ugly – the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.
The stories you are about to hear are insightful, inspirational, informative and sometimes just simply funny. I hope you enjoy this compilation from athletes, just like you who have endured Ironman and came out the other side a better version of themselves.
I have always been inspired by music – music helps me feel, it’s as if the music is an inroad to a deeper experience than the verbal word alone. After each story you will hear a song that reminds the athlete of his/her experience of Ironman.
Enjoy.
(2:23) Dave Orlowski, one of the original Ironman athletes in the 1978 inaugural Iron Man Triathlon and has completed 29 Ironman (full) races around the world since 2008. During Dave’s IM race in Wales he discovers cyclone strength winds, holds on tight to his buddy and can’t find the finish line.
Song: Singing in the Rain – Gene Kelly
(9:26) Amy Friese has the courage and strength for insight and inspiration. Finding herself stuck down deep in the abyss of an IM dark spot she heard herself asking questions such as “Am I awesome or am I crazy”? “What kind of athlete and coach am I really?” “Where did all this self-doubt come from?”. Find out how she eventually works her way out of the dark spot and runs herself to a PR.
Amy is the owner Fearless Nutrition where she coaches athletes and everyday people to be their best. She is an amazing coach. Please reach out to her at www.fearlessnutritionllc.com.
Song: Sweet Disposition – Temper Trap
(24:13) Dr. Eric Knight, a night vision and glaucoma specialist by day, is the finisher of 20 Ironman races since 1982. Eric, co-founder of the Ironman WI Secrets facebook group has befriended literally 1000’s of people via the group which feels more like a family than a virtual space. On September 11, 2016 Eric experienced his most memorable race, not because he PR’d but because his mission was to encourage his good friend (whom he met through the FB group), Dell Finney to cross that finish line despite two previous DNF’s. “Sometimes it takes a hard approach in order to get it done and I believed in him even before he believed in himself.”
Song: Fat Bottom Girls – Queen
(39:09) Susan McNamee started training for and competing in Ironman races when she was 61. “We’re not too old to reach for new dreams”. Ironman has shown her how deep she can dig. Beginning her training experience Susan could not even swim 25 meters in the pool. She has since become the master of her sea and allowed tragedy to build her up rather than keep her down.
Susan is the owner of Mac Per4mance. She is a Certified Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist. Find out more about her empowering services at www.Macper4mance.com.
Song: Club Can’t Handle Me – Guetta and Flo rida AND Believer – Imagine Dragons
(55:37) Rudy Payne is now on her way to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona and has been on a wild, yet insightful, journey for many, many years. During her Ironman race in 2011 she found herself offering prayers for her family throughout the day bringing her great peace. With only a few miles remaining on the run course, a spectator on a bike rode by with large speakers playing a song she heard earlier and loved. He was yelling “all you have left is a 5K” which lit her up and got her to the finish line. A couple of weeks later a friend turned her onto this song again and it wasn’t until then that she listened to the lyrics in the chorus. Find out what those lyrics were in this goose-bump creating story.
Song: Florence and the Machine – Dog Days are Over
(1:09:06) Mark Kochanski was inspired to start competing in triathlons 33 years ago after a tragic loss in his life. He is grateful for the healthy lifestyle he has achieved due to the sports’ rigorous challenge. Throughout his training and racing he has found a connection with people he never expected would happen and he now gives back to young triathletes so they too can experience the magic of Ironman. Mark talks about what it’s like to hear “You are an Ironman” for the very first time and how that first IM can never be duplicated. Mark and his wife Tammy own a triathlon coaching facility in Verona, WI called SBR. Want to experience great triathlon from experienced coaches such as Mark? Contact them at http://sbrenduranceperformance.com/.
Song: Cryptonite by 3 Doors Down
(1:27:22) Jill Sommers is the owner of Jill M Sommers Performance Coaching and the creator of this podcast. We all recognize that Ironman races are filled with unexpected situations and circumstances. During one of her Ironman races Jill found out the hard way that not everything is what you think it is. Hint: “That’s not water!” Listen to how she “magically” turns this experience around to become one her great energy boosters.
Song: Thunderstruck – AC/DC
(1:37:27) Christian Jensen is the Executive Director of myTeam Triumph in Wisconsin. In 2015 Christian and his captain Ian were competing in Ironman Boulder. The day’s temperature rose to 95 degrees, the altitude remained at 5430 ft, and the clock was running out. Christian talks about the dark place (or the growl zone) that he experienced on the course. He realized that much like the dark place in life it is the
reshaping of perspective that catapults one forward with lessons learned and the gift of an elevated comfort that he can handle whatever that next potential roadblock may be – both in Ironman AND in life.
Song: Light Up the Sky – The After
Interview with Original Ironman Dave Orlowski In 1978 a discussion emerged between a swimmer, a biker, and a runner. “Who is the best athlete?”; was the topic. This turned into the onset of the very first Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii. This interview is with one of the original Iron Man (two words back then) dudes, Dave Orlowski.
Fifteen men started the race that day and 12 finished. Wearing cut off jean shorts and borrowing a bike, Dave mustered up the energy and mental fortitude to finish the race that day fueled on McDonald’s, Coke and French fries.
Dave discusses a moving experience he had with his father during the race that day and how the overall Ironman experience has changed his life.
In 2008 Ironman invited Dave and the other men to participate in the 30 th Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. Dave grabbed hold of the challenge, dusted off the jean shorts (no, just kidding) and started his training. With the advancements of equipment, nutrition and the availability of coaches Dave had a lot more going for him but as he will admit – there is NEVER anything easy about completing an Ironman.
To this day, Dave has completed 29 Ironman races all over the world. He now regularly speaks at events and Ironman races, sharing his story of the first ever Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii. Dave has sage advice for first time Ironman athletes and veteran athletes alike along with great mental skills techniques he uses to get through his big climbs.
Song: Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 4 This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Part 4:
In part 4 Rudy’s injuries are healing – could it be the crystals? Or is it the gratitude or the release of negative pressure or the combination of these along with her spectacular mind/body awareness?
In this interview we have a surprise guest – Linda, Rudy’s partner and self-proclaimed star “spectathlete” (a powerful morph of spectator and athlete).
Linda and Rudy speak candidly about the joys and challenges of relationship while Rudy trains for Kona. Linda shares why it is so easy for her to provide the space and freedom for Rudy to pursue her passion (something not all couples have mastered).
Linda discusses how she “excels” at being the support person (amongst the rest of Rudy’s support team) on race day and how she helps Rudy stay focused on her IM journey both on and off the course.
Rudy and Linda discuss what is focus, what is suffering, what is the sweet spot?
How do we find these in training and racing and how do we know the difference.
Listen as they share a meaningful song that is both reflective and inspirational.
Song: U2 – Magnificent
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 3 This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Part 3:
In part 3 we find out what Rudy focuses on during those long, drawn out training sessions; how she clears her mind and how she focuses on the task at hand.
Continuing to heal through her hamstring and foot injury, Rudy shares with us her multi-level healing process which includes physical therapy, patience AND crystals.
Hear how Rudy is building a relationship with the wind in preparation for the high winds of Kona; how she is continually building confidence; and the power of big smiles.
Listen to the end to hear Rudy’s “thorn/bud/rose” sequence AND enjoy her song of inspiration by Jack Johnson.
Song: Jack Johnson – What You Thought You Need
As promised with all our interviews, this conversation is inspiring, expansive and real. From the San Juan mountain range of Colorado this interview covers how to build an inner success out of your life amidst tragedy.
Imagine immersing yourself amongst a grove of aspen trees inside a platform hut, listening as the weather moves in and eventually giving into the late afternoon storms. As you listen to Steve and Anne’s passions you will hear the rain falling on
the hut in the background and the footsteps (paw-steps) of rescue dog, Lucy and therapy dog ,Daisy, who are excited to be part of the interview action.
Steve Baskis was severely wounded and lost his eyesight in 2008 during military operations in Baghdad, Iraq. In addition, he endured injuries to the head, neck, arms and legs, resulting in hearing loss, loss of smell and nerve damage to his left arm.
Steve explains how this traumatic experience has forever changed his sight and vision. “I may have lost my physical ability to see, but I have a new vision, a new perspective to guide me through life and all of it’s amazing challenges.”
After war and debilitating injuries, Steve has gone on to climb 2 of the 7 tallest mountains in the world which include Mount Elbrus in Europe and Kilimanjaro in Africa. A documentary titled “High Ground”, captures Steve and 11 veterans’ amazing journey to climb a 20,000 foot Himalayan peak, Lobuche, which sits in the shadow of Mount Everest. Another documentary Steve had the opportunity to be featured in is “On Me”. The film follows five completely blind veterans down a stretch of white water river rapids in Montana.
Steve has found a love for adventure and physical challenge and his passion is to provide opportunities for ALL to experience the healing properties of movement and nature. He is actively pursuing half marathons, a half ironman, cycling nearly
800 miles from the capital of Canada to the capital of The United States, snow skiing down cold mountains in Colorado and white water kayaking down the Yellowstone river.
Next on his bucket list is to travel Australia and Antarctica which will complete treks on all 7 continents.
A true warrior, Steve’s motto is:
*Strength
*Resilience
*Courage
While in his presence (and beyond) I could not help but want more of these elements for myself and for those whom I serve.
Ann Ryan is the founder of San Juan Leads and LEADS Serves, where she provides customized adventure coaching and training. She is an educator, leader, a mother, adventurer and athlete. Her passion to combine the healing properties of movement, nature and leadership is fueled by her desire to help people ignite their authentic selves.
Steve and Ann’s collective passion has birthed an empowering partnership where they provide athletic adventures for disabled vets. This past Memorial Day weekend they facilitated a multi-day tandem bike ride through the mountains of Colorado for blind vets and upcoming programs provide continued opportunities for all.
To find out more about Steve and the many activities/programs/events he is connected with please to go BLINDENDEAVORS.ORG.
To find out about Anne and all that she offers, please go to SAN JUAN LEADS.
Now, which song lights up Steve and why? What about Ann? Listen to find out more.
Songs: Wherever I May Roam by Metallica
As long as the grass shall grow. By John and June Cash
Today’s Challenge: Do one thing that increases your human interaction with others. Make it real. Make it count. Make it matter – for yourself and others.
Interview: Wholistic Nutrition with Certified Master Nutrition Therapist, Christine Pierangeli
This interview was conducted in the beautiful mountains of Vail, Colorado. With a profound backdrop of sun kissed mountain ranges, the smell of sage and the sounds of chirping birds, Jill interviews Master Nutrition Therapist, Christine Pierangeli about the benefits of wholistic nutrition.
Listen to find out how a wholistic nutrition therapist differs from other nutritionist and discover the benefits of this approach over others.
Christine talks about the importance of bio-individuality, detoxing and why being more mindful with your eating is worth it. She shares examples of how a wholistic approach has decreased pain and depression while increasing the livelihood of her clients.
An inspiring model of health, activity and insight Christine also shares how endurance athletes can benefit from understanding ketosis and metabolic efficiency and why eating beef jerky on your next long cycling ride can be better than sucking on that sugary gu.
We all have those guilty pleasures. Jill shares that hers is Cheetos. Listen along to hear what Christine’s guilty pleasure is. In addition, the two of them discuss how to get the most out of those guilty pleasure moments. Hint: Yummy! ENJOY EVERY BITE!
This interview will inspire you to pay more attention to what you’re eating because it is worth it. Feeling GREAT and living out loud begins with GREAT fuel.
Enjoy the process.
Be kind to yourself.
Make the connection between the fuel you put into your body and your ability to live out loud.
Christine also shares one of her favorite songs and why it has an emotional message to her. Listen to the way to the end to hear which song this is.
You can learn more about Christine by going to her WEBSITE and join her on her Facebook Page
Song: John Denver – Rocky Mountain High
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 2
This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for the monumental challenge of competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Part 2:
In part 2 we find out which Queen song lights up Rudy for her training and racing and why the date of this year’s World Championship is of special importance to Rudy – hint, hint – Dave Scott and Mark Allen.
We learn about crickets, self-imposed ceilings, the ceilings Rudy has imposed upon herself over the years and how she is breaking through those ceilings.
Listen to the end to hear what Rudy’s “thorn/bud/rose” are at this time in her training.
Book: IronWar, Matt Fitzgerald
Song: Queen Don’t Stop Me Now
Rudy’s Road to Kona Series: Part 1
Ruth Payne (Rudy) began her triathlon journey with a sprint distance race in 2006.
Ten years later she qualified for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and she will be embarking upon her dream race on October 14, 2017.
This 4-month series is dedicated to following Rudy’s journey as she is physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually preparing for this monumental challenge.
A challenge of this magnitude requires great strength, commitment, sacrifice and smarts which tests the best of the best in the world of endurance sport.
Throughout this series we promise to bring you the real story, not just the fluffy “everything is great” part of her journey, but also the vulnerable, authentic and insightful aspects of her preparation, her race and her post-race experiences.
Rudy’s approach to training and racing combines a refreshing blend of – mindfulness, reflection, mental skills and true, hard-ass grit.
Whether you are a triathlete, an endurance athlete, a business owner or a person striving to reach a new goal, you will gain great insight on the dedication and commitment required to achieve success – all of this delivered in real time – unedited, unscripted, authentic and real.
Join us on this journey over the next four months as we listen to, encourage and support Rudy going for her goal of completing Ironman, Kona, 2017.