Why Active Performance .org
Hi everyone, my name is Dan. Follow me on my journey to finding a fun and fit lifestyle. My adventures in triathlon, cycling, running, fitness, cooking, and meeting like-minded inspirational started while I sat as a couch potato after reconstructive knee surgery. After three major knee injuries, I felt deflated, discouraged, and disappointed. I decided I needed to focus on being more deliberate about my athletic endeavors. I set a goal to finish my physical therapy and train for triathlons year round. For the past 3 years I have stayed committed to the sport of triathlon while maintaining a busy job as a travelling software consultant. Running, cycling, and swimming became a form of meditation for me. When I am out on my own, my mind clears, and I can focus on my physiology and my surroundings. In 2012,...
Read MoreBoerenkool Met WorstConnecting to my Dutch roots, I set out to make out my first Dutch comfort food dish. This recipe was cooked during I was recovering from a cold and it definitely helped me feel better. In the Netherlands boerenkool usually contains potatoes and vegetables stewed and smashed together. I made a Boerenkool Met Worst Hutspot (Kale and Potato Smash with Sausage).The ingredients are simple and healthy:– One bunch of Kale – (fresh then frozen overnight)– 2 handfuls of fingerling potatoes– 1 onion– 1 lb of Turkey Sausage– Garlic– Salt & Pepper– WaterMy variations on this dish call for:– Sweet Potatoes– Chicken– Eggs– Wheat ToastDirections:1. Freeze Kale Overnight2. Mince garlic (amount your preference)3. Chop Onions4. Sautee olive oil garlic and onions until mixture is aromatic and onions are transparent5. Chop potatoes for faster cooking and add to garlic/onions6. Add water until pot...
Read MorePeak Training Week: Sick, Tired, Stressed, & Under-trained
What do you when it is your peak training week for a marathon and you are sick, tired, stressed, and extremely under-trained? This week I am participating in the New Orleans marathon. I am happy to say that I am almost ready for a race that 3 weeks ago I thought I was going to have to drop out and run the half marathon. Training for any endurance event is difficult. The extreme cold winter in Chicago made training even harsher for the February 2nd marathon. Icy, snowy days which often dipped below my 15 degree running threshold made it difficult to train outside and I have a difficult time running on treadmills. Since the Ironman in August, I have found it difficult to stick to a structured training schedule. Already out of shape, I planned what I thought...
Read MoreHometown Triathlon Beast Andrew Starykowicz
I grew up playing Mundelein AYSO (American Youth Soccer Association) with Andrew’s younger brother Peter. Peter and I always had a friendly rivalry. My brother and I played on a team every year against Peter’s team. Peter was a fiery & fierce competitor on the soccer field and his family was always a part of the soccer community. Flash forward to 2013, the year of the my first Ironman in Louisville on August 25. These days my sport of choice is triathlon. I had an amazing year training, learning about myself, meeting inspiring people, having amazing training partners, and having the adventure of a lifetime. Then came long awaited mecca of triathlon races, the Ironman World Championships in Kona. It is exciting seeing Andrew Starykowicz, somebody whose family grew up in my community competing on the largest triathlon of...
Read MoreRunning Word Cloud
This word cloud is based on a question is asked to my Chicago Marathon survey participants: What words describe what running means to...
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