I am always look for inspiration in training and life and one man that has provided more than his share over the years is Mike Modano.
The hockey legend played what may have been the final home game of his illustrious career last night, and the Dallas fans had no issue letting him know how much they appreciated what he had done for the team and the city.
You have to hope at some level that he comes back for another year or more, but if this was truly it, the game tying goal and a goal in the shootout is a pretty good way to close the book. Even on a team that misses the playoff, he finds a way to go out like a champion.
Today’s training inspiration is the highest scoring American-born hockey player (goals and points) in NHL history, Mike Modano.
Only the second American ever to be selected first overall, Modano secured that honor when he edged out 2nd pick Trevor Linden to be the player of the future for the Minnesota North Stars (now Dallas Stars).
Modano not only became the greatest ever American 1st overall pick, he became the greatest American hockey player of all time.
Having played in 8 All-Star Games (so far) and being named a post-season All-Star in 2000, Modano has shown remarkable consistency over his career as he has compiled 543 goals and 1329 points to date.
He has been equally effective in the playoffs, with 58 goals and 145 points, 23 of which were collected when he led Dallas to the Stanley Cup in 1999. Modano was also integral in two more runs to the Stanley Cup finals, in 2000 and 1991. He also holds virtually every significant offensive career record for the Minnesota / Dallas franchise.
Not only is he still adding to his Hall of Fame-worthy totals, but he is one of the rare players in recent history (like Steve Yzerman and Mario Lemieux) who has played his entire career with one franchise. Rare indeed is the player so essential to the team and the community that he can dodge the trading deadline for 20 straight years, and in this case we are talking about one of the classiest and most dedicated players in league history.
ON TO TRAINING…
Well, yesterday was the second straight day where I did a 10K training run for my 5K race. I figured I would reward myself a little bit by just doing a 5K run at my 10K pace. In otherwords, this will be the slowest 5K I’ve done so far, but its purpose is just to keep my legs active, not to break new ground.
TODAY’S PERFORMANCE
5K Run Time: 22:06
Bench Presses: 17
iPod songs during the training run (custom): 1. ABC – The Look of Love (Dreamtime Mix No. 2)
2. Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies (Live 1973)
3. Bobby Brown – On Our Own (Extended Club Version)
4. Fort Minor – Remember the Name
TRAINING NOTE
This was just a nice, somewhat relaxing run. The whole thing at 8.5 mph from start to finish. No pain, really. A challenging pace but nowhere near the limit. It felt like work as I was doing it, but the second I stepped off the treadmill it felt like I had taken a day off. My legs needed an easier day anyway.
I had been considering the possibility of pushing for 10K if I was feeling strong at the 5K mark but…nah. I don’t think I had that much left in me.
I was ever-so-slightly disappointed with my bench press performance. I had taken a few days off and was hoping to come back with 20 today. Next time, I will put up 20 or suffocate under that bar.
INSPIRATIONAL CLIP
The inspirational career of Mike Modano condensed to 3 minutes and 19 seconds, in conjunction with one of my recommended running songs.
HOLD UP…ROUND 2
Well, it’s pretty safe to say that Modano wouldn’t quit after 5K. Neither would David Goggins. So, we’re back on the treadmill. Again, the whole way at 8.5 mph.
5K Run Time: 22:28
iPod songs during the training run (custom): 1. 2Pac – Let Em Have it (Remix)
2. 2Pac – Thug ‘N U Thug ‘N Me
3. 2Pac – Running on E
4. 2Pac – Let Em Have it (Remix)
5. 2Pac – Last Ones Left
It seems like there are too many people these days sitting at home with a copy of Windows Moviemaker and the ability to capture snippets of YouTube video. The result, more often than not, is some choppy random collage of meaningless images put over some Nickelback song or the Rocky theme, usually to the detriment of the footage and the music.
In this case, a fan went and did right by Minnesota / Dallas hockey legend Mike Modano.
From his humble beginnings as a nervous teenager selected 1st overall in the 1988 NHL entry draft, through to his becoming the most prolific and successful American-born hockey player in the history of the league, Fan X did an admirable job of selecting the right clips, timing the editing and selecting the music. Enjoy some highlights of one of the all-time NHL greats.
I am a longtime fitness advocate and a veteran of many grueling battles in the gym.
You never know when you might be struck by lightning, so I am gladly sharing the knowledge and experiences I have accumulated over the years.
Here you will find articles about fitness, nutrition, motivation and bodybuilding. I write about and track my own training and progress in varied activities such as weightlifting and distance running.
I am also an avid sports fan, and write from time to time about hockey, mixed martial arts and other athletics, as well as film, music and occasionally social issues that pique my interest.
The following is a select collection of readings and publications by the best of the best in the bodybuilding world - nothing but champions and innovators.
