Q & A with Steve Ference from Viva Movement

Mar 052011
 

What has been your most rewarding experience through your blog so far? 

I have really enjoyed the writing process.  I like to put my thoughts down through writing.

Do you have any tips or ideas for a new running blogger?

Setting small and attainable goals that are part of the overall goal is a great way to keep track of your experiences and get a sense of
accomplishment.

What type of posts do you get the most feedback from?

It is hit and miss.  Some posts that I work really hard on and put lots of work into don’t seem to get any traffic or feedback.  But, some posts seem to end up getting traffic for reasons that I have yet to understand.  I think that most people who read my blog are more interested in my personal thoughts than anything, since they are mostly friends I think.

What was your inspiration for starting the blog?  Has your vision changed since you started it? 

The vision is always subject to change.  But I’m sticking mostly to reading and writing and working toward the
eventual goal of an Ironman.

Have you gotten a chance to see our website?  If you have, do you have any tips for improvement?

I have checked out the website!  I really like the new pictures from the Christmas photo shoot.  I need to get a
tracksuit, and quickly.

What has been your most rewarding experience since you started training?

Probably swimming a mile in the pool.  Swimming laps is really tough.  Really an incredible workout and fun, but dang I was
beat afterwards.  It really showed me how much work I have ahead of me.

What do you enjoy most about training?  The least?

I enjoy running the most.  It comes easily and I like both the solitude of running alone and the companionship of running with a group.  Either way, running is the best for me.  The least?  I think that the bicycle sections of the two triathlons I’ve done were pretty tough for me.  Because of where I’ve been living, there just are not very many opportunities for road riding.  I don’t feel safe on the roads on a bike.  Mountain biking for me is a much better alternative.

Any recommendations for someone who is just starting out their training?

I really think that sticking to attainable monthly goals is the way to go.  That huge goal of a marathon or Ironman seems too huge
if you don’t break it down.  Also, I find it really helpful to tell as many people as possible about my goals.  It seems like a bad idea,
seeing as how if you mess up many people will know about it.  But it is a great way to keep yourself motivated if you know that you’ll have to tell someone that you didn’t get your run in or something along those lines…  I guess just having someone to hold you accountable is what I’m saying.

What is something that you did that you think everone should do at least once in their lifetime?

I think traveling and living in a different country has been one of the most life-changing experiences I’ve had, or ever will have.  It totally changes your worldview as well as your personal views.

What are you most passionate about?

Writing has been an interest and passion for me for a long time.  I’m not the best, but it comes easily for me and is probably my easiest form of expressing myself.

What is something you would do differently in your training or your blogging if you could do it all over again?

I wouldn’t change anything.  It has been a great experience and I feel like I’m missing something
if I don’t write or workout for a while.

*If you are interested in finding out more about Steve Ference or Viva Movement, visit his website, http://vivamovement.blogspot.com/

 

Our Second Hero – Steve Ference from Viva Movement

Jan 262011
 

Steve Ference, you posted two comments, one about swimming during lunch so that we can eat whatever we want and how quitting the drinking of alcohol was a good thing.  In order to return the favor, we have made the decision to make you one of our heroes.  The honor is immense, but you are worthy.

 

Viva Movement began as a blog about Steve wanting to become more adventurous.  One new such adventure was a sprint triathalon.  As Steve puts it, “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.”  After that, he was hooked and now VivaMovement has transformed into the chronicling of his journey to become an Ironman.

Steve has a very practical approach to attaining this goal.  He is trying to accomplish little steps along the way to reach his ultimate goal.  His next step is to run a marathon.

When I emailed Steve, asking him for an interview, he indicated to me that he was moving to South Korea.  Originally from Indiana, PA, he and his wife, decided to up and move to the other side of the planet, to teach English to South Koreans.  They figured that with no children and no commitments, that this would be there only time to do something like this and is now finding himself getting situated in an entirely new country.

 
The most rewarding things that Steve has accomplished so far is swimming a mile in a pool.  Which, also happens to be my favorite article that he has written, http://vivamovement.blogspot.com/2010/12/one-mile-swim.html, very inspiring.   It really gave him some perspective on how much more training that he was going to have to do to prepare.  He likes the solitude of running by himself, but also enjoys the company of others on a run. 
 
Steve recommends setting small, attainable goals.  Having a huge goal is great, but you need to feel some sense of accomplishment along the way.  He also suggests telling as many people as you can about your goals, so that they, and yourself will hold you more accountable.
 
One thing Steve recommends that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime is travel to a different country.  He has been in South Korea for just a short period of time and already has called it one of the most life-changing experiences he has ever had as it has changed his worldview and personal views.
 
Writing is Steve’s passion and if you are interested in learning more about Steve, Viva Movement, or his Ironman training, visit his website, http://www.vivamovement.blogspot.com/.