March 31, 2012

Is it still a vacation if you don't gain weight?

Quick update -
Just returned from a week in Colorado on Spring Break, and much to my surprise/delight - I did not gain a single pound!  I worked hard to stay active - skiing two days, running two days, and one good bike workout, plus all the walking around the resort village seemed to do the trick.  I chose my meals out wisely, but did not count calories or keep a food log all week. 
As for fitness, the mountains were a real test for my breathing, and running down the mountain proved to be hard on the knees.  Today's run here at home was solid for 4 miles, but that's all I got out of it.  Hoping for a solid bike workout tomorrow.
And finally, my March totals are in - 60 run miles, 204 bike miles, and 5.5 swim miles - that makes YTD totals 200 run miles and 486 bike miles!  Almost 700 in total!  Well on pace toward the 2012 goal of 2012 miles!

March 20, 2012

100 POUNDS!


THERE IT IS!
It wasn't quick,
It wasn't easy,
It wasn't fun,
It wasn't pretty,
But it was soooooo worth it!
100 pounds lost!

March 18, 2012

Week 2 training update

Just completed the second week of the 18 week training plan for the Ironman 70.3 Muncie!

Swims are going well - 3 days per week at 5:30 a.m., and I don't mind it.  Pretty steady with my pace.  Nothing fast, but very steady!  Only 1000-1250 yards at a time for now.

Bike rides are getting stronger with each ride.  Today was the longest ride at 30 miles, and I averaged over 17 mph (fastest so far on any distance)  Legs felt great!

Runs had felt a little stagnant to me, but this week I laid back on speed to save the legs for yesterday's Shamrock 10k race, and I crushed it!  PR by over 3 minutes!  52:10 is a 8:22 pace! 

There is no doubt I am getting stronger and faster with every workout, and when I step away from it, I can see it - black and white!

My weight is holding steady at 211-213, and I'm becoming very aware of what I'm eating, but thankfully my wife is cooking some great tasting, healthy meals that I'm more than happy to eat!

Now for the challenge - we leave Thursday morning for a 8-9 day vacation!  I'm excited to spend lots of time with my family away from the office, but am concerned about getting my workouts in.  I am willing to do what it takes in the resort facility.  The website says they have treadmills, spin bikes, and a lap pool, so the only excuse I may have is on travel days! 

March 10, 2012

It's about TIME!

DST - Three simple letters that have changed my life. I have built an entire lifestyle around this date/time/event. It seems so simple, and yet, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was 2 years ago today, that I made the committment to a healthier me. I dedicated myself to running and completed a marathon. Then 1 year ago I recommitted to the lifestyle and began to focus on losing weight. Completed my second and third marathons, and a slew of other races along the way.

Today, I find myself ready to change my clocks again, and vow once again to continue this journey that has been anything but easy. I wish I had a glorious announcement today, but I am literally 2 pounds shy! Being honest with myself has been a staple of this process, so I can't stretch it this time either! I have lots 98 POUNDS from my heaviest. The scale shows 212 this morning, and I couldn't be happier.

This week has been very emotional for me. I began my "official" 18 week training program for the Half Ironman on Monday. I have completed it to a tee so far, but we're only 6 days in! I bought my first race bike, and I bought my first wetsuit. There's just one more thing to do...

COMMIT!

And so I did...I am now officially registered for the Muncie 70.3 Ironman!

March 3, 2012

Does this make my butt look big?

A wet suit? What am I...a Navy Seal? But they say I will need one - especially for that first race at Prairie Creek in May! So...I got one - and got a great deal!

http://www.trisports.com/zoot-flash.html

Retail - $200, my price $90 with shipping! Thanks to a $20 code when I paid my $45 USAT annual membership fee!
Geesh this is an expensive hobby! Next purchase - the bike! I'm getting very close...stay tuned!

Get your MARCH on!

I have been waiting anxiously for this month for a very long time - with great anticipation, and a motivated anxiety, I officially begin my training for the Half Ironman on Monday!!

With the help of my Ironman friend, Matt Hay, I have decided on an 18 week plan - check it out here if you're interested!

http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms/tno_HIM.asp

My base miles for the run are well above the starting point. My base miles for the bike can only be equated to the indoor cylcing bikes at the Y, but I've put serious time in over the last two months. And then there's the swim! I will meet the pool at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, and take my first stroke since last September! 6 months ago! I've got a long way to go, but I've got a stellar doggie paddle, and I'm not afraid to use it!