In this episode of Keep Going, Michael & I roll without John but his spirit is certainly present. In the last episode, John & I introduced our concept of Four Systems & how nearly all training can be slotted into one of these categories. Michael & I decide to kick the tires on this concept by considering his current planning of his training through the lens of these four systems. As Michael shares, he wants to compete at Ironman Texas in The Woodlands on April 27, 2024 & make it a Beautiful Race. We introduced the Beautiful Race in Episode 21 (The Art of Running).  Here we look at what a longer approach to a training cycle might look like as Michael asks me how I would recommend he approach his pre-training block. What follows is a refreshing luxury for me: I get to spend the time unpacking how a two to three month pre-training phase might be approached. I think the content in this episode is incredibly useful...if rarely considered, to say nothing of actually being implemented. Those looking for a secret weapon to performance excellence will find here gems of wisdom that are often hidden underground. Join us in this episode we call A Very Good Place To Start, where we excavate these precious stones for your benefit. Godspeed, my friends, godspeed.