The Fitness Guru

Lance Armstrong announced his retirement from competitive cycling yesterday.

“I really can’t say I have any regrets. It’s been an excellent ride,” the 39-year-old said. His record seven consecutive Tour De France wins will likely stand as a record for a very long time to come. His place among the great athletes of his generation, and many others for that matter, is cemented in the record books and the minds of sports fans around the globe. Add to that the brilliant work he has done with his LiveStrong Foundation, and this is a man who carries a mighty mantle with him.

Sure, the glass-half-empty people may deride the fact that he retired before, only to try and stage an unsuccessful comeback. Like so many great athletes– Michael Jordan (happy birthday, Michael), Brett Favre (whose retirement seems an annual event more consistent than Groundhog’s Day)– many people would say he should have left well enough alone and stayed retired at the very pinnacle of success in his sport.

But then he wouldn’t have been Lance. What makes Lance, and so many other athletes, so extraordinary is the drive to attain greatness. He won so many times because he believed if he worked hard enough, trained with enough intensity and wanted it more than anyone else, he could continue winning. But at some point, the athlete must lose. It is an unfortunate consequence of competition.

The doping allegations will continue to plague him, perhaps tarnishing his highlight reel. But the allegations continue to be unproven, and, last time I checked, we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty. He competed in a sport that was riddled with stories of athletes using performance enhancing supplements. Consequently, his work may always carry a whispered question mark.

But today is an opportunity to celebrate a man who was able to rise above his sport and become an inspirational story for people of all walks of life. I read his biography and was struck with his inability to accept defeat, especially in the face of cancer. He fought through illness and rose to the highest levels of performance. And, on top of that, used his incredible status to give back to others through his charitable work.

So I tip my hat: Rock on, Lance! It was great watching you!!

It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life

Check out the video…….

We’ve been talking about it for a while. Now it is about to get going.

The First Annual TFG NYC Marathon Team!!

Well, “team” is a bit much. We are just a bunch of normal folk, like friends you have or people you might bump into on the subway. But we are going to run the NYC Marathon. Some of us are running a marathon for the first time and some of us are running to try and beat our best time. But all of us are running for Team for Kids, a great charity dedicated to helping our city’s kids get and stay fit.

And we want you to join us. If you are already planning on running but just want some free advice and some running buddies; or if you have always wanted to try but just didn’t think you could make it, now is your chance.

Email Michael RIGHT NOW at michael@fitnessgurunyc.com and add the subject line “I Want To Run”.

Training kicks off this weekend and we would love to have you on board!!

My friend, Ed Esposito, The Spin Guru, sent me a note yesterday regarding a cause he is championing.

Here is the note:

Winter Vinecki (www.teamwinter.org) is a 10-year-old superstar who recently lost her dad, Michael , to Prostate Cancer two months ago, shy of his 41st birthday. She has been participating in a season of triathlons to raise awareness of the current Prostate Cancer epidemic going on, as well as honoring her dad in a very special manner.
If you can spare a few dollars for a great young lady and a great cause, please donate at the following link: http://athletes.kintera.org/teamwinter/edesposito If the economy has hit you hard and you can’t afford it, please send this out to 10 friends. All parts add up! Currently I am donating the pay from one Spin class that I teach each week to this great cause.
If you want to learn more about the fabulous Winter Vinecki: www.teamwinter.org
Thanks for all the support for a great cause:
Ed
ANYBODY WHO DONATES GATES ACCESS TO A 1 TB DRIVE OF MUSIC I HAVE ONLINE. FREE MUSIC FOR THE SUMMER!

Needless to say, if you can help the cause, please do. And pass this along to your friends.– Michael

Our friend, Chrissy Beckles, a New York Golden Gloves Champ, is taking part in an amateur boxing exhibition to help raise money for the Dog Rescue Group of Puerto Rico. Chrissy is an amazing boxer and it should be a great evening. So, if you are in the DUMBO area on May 16, stop by to support Chrissy and the pups.

The event starts at 7pm at Gleason’s, right next door to the Fitness Guru at 77 Front St. Call 718 797 2872 for tickets.

See you there!