Meeting Reminder: Training Time with Joe Friel

Training Peaks simplifies the busy pace of Louisiana CEO

Although sometimes out of our control, we all can admit that we have lived and died by our Outlook calendar at some point. Someone asks us to lunch next week and we really can’t answer without that magical program. Training Peaks understands the challenge and is committed to providing world-class training plans built directly into your calendar making scheduling less of a headache. Training Peaks member, Barry Edwards of Louisiana, has been meeting those challenges head on with his own Training Peaks plan saying, “It’s helpful to look at the next week and plan my schedule around my workouts. It also allows me to see how I’m progressing regarding mileage”.

Out to accomplish the ultimate scheduling feat of work, training, and family, Barry is a competitive triathlete training to show CEOs around the world that sometimes, business competition is just not enough. Not only does he have training time scheduled throughout his week, but Barry also has a red flag on his long-term calendar showing the CEO Triathlon Challenge at the St. Croix Ironman 70.3 (half Ironman). The CEO Challenge brings together business leaders across the globe to test their abilities outside the boardroom. With over 15 different events in six countries, the CEO Challenge continues to grow as more and more business personalities slap on the body glide and goggles.

Training Peaks sat down with Barry to see what is really important to competitive executives like him and how Training Peaks has helped in that journey.

Training Peaks: What are your key goals for this year? Is there anything major you need to overcome?

Barry Edwards: My major goal for this year is St. Croix. Other than that, I would like to be able to do well in a few local sprint triathlons. I had a snow skiing accident in 2004 that broke both bones in my lower right leg. It took me a while to rehab and I’m still trying to strengthen that leg to be able to run 13 miles. I haven’t run that far yet even in my training since the accident.

TP: What is your background with triathlons?

BE: A friend told me about triathlons in 2002. I was very curious and after learning more, I decided to do two in 2002. I was hooked after the first one. Since then, I did a few sprint triathlons in 2003 and 2005, but missed the 2004 season due to the broken leg.

TP: Which plan did you pick?

BE: I picked two of Joe Friel’s plans - one was a base training plan and the other was a build-peak plan. I wanted to make sure I trained properly.

TP: What are you hoping the Joe Friel Training Plan will help you accomplish?

BE: I needed specific instructions of what to do when. I could have made up my own plan from local triathlete friends, but the group usually goes faster than I want to go so finding a plan for me to do on my own was very important.

TP: It may be early, but are there any advantages to your lifestyle you have seen changed since working with a prescribed plan?

BE: The main advantage is being able to plan training around my already very busy schedule. I’m able to balance my lifestyle by having a plan to follow. I know when I have to train weeks in advance.

TP: Any over all comments about your training and how the program is affecting you?

BE: The plan has forced me to train properly. I would have gone out doing my own plan and not gotten quality results. I have really enjoyed the weight lifting. That is something I would not have done on my own. I also would not have been swimming nearly enough. The plan helps me stay disciplined.

Barry Edwards, 42, is President of Creative Presentations in Metarie, Louisiana. They are one of the leading providers of state-of-the-art integrated technical services and audio-video presentation products. The company has over 6,000 clients and reached it's goal of exceeding $10 million in sales by the year 2000, and is now one of the top 100 private companies in New Orleans. Barry launched Creative Presentations in 1990, and he handles the day-to-day operations along with his wife, Susan.

If you are a highly motivated business executive looking for that next mountain to climb, join up with the folks at CEO Challenge (www.ceochallenges.com) A portion of your entry fee will go to charity and you will be part of an event that brings together some of the most powerful business types in the world. Training Peaks continues to provide effective training plans and world-class service for all levels of athletes. Log onto www.TrainingPeaks.com today to find the plan best suited for you!