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 31, 2012
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!
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...
And so I did...I am now officially registered for the Muncie 70.3 Ironman!
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!
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!
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!
February 24, 2012
5 more pounds...
Quick update - The scale has shown 215 for 3 straight days (that's a record), but I can't get it to budge! Heading into the weekend, I will certainly face the temptations of eating out and skipping workouts! I'm watching my calories closely, and trying to push myself, but it's going to be tough to hit 210 by the end of the month unless I skip meals and weigh in after a long run before I rehydrate (not recommended) - Check back next week to find out!
February 21, 2012
2 Years Ago...
The following is a post I wrote for Steve Tomboni to publish in the Muncie Voice -
If we've not seen each other in 10 years, you may not know the following:
In 1999, I weighed 220 pounds - Today, I weigh 220 pounds - the problem is that in 2007 I weighed 310 pounds! While I blame the desk job for my weight increase, it was my own lack of diet and exercise that caused me to gain the weight. Over the last 2 years, I have made significant changes to my lifestyle, and I wanted to take moment to reflect on those with you today -
March 12, 2010 - On this day, I made the decision that for Daylight Savings Time, as I changed my clocks, I needed to change my life. I refused to be part of any diet program that would hold me hostage to counting calories or tracking points, but I know myself well enough to know that I'm motivated by very specific, long term goals, so I stated on this date that I would complete a marathon in under 6 hours. Really not understanding what this would take, I found a marathon in Indianapolis on November 7 - the same day we change our clocks again. The irony could not be ignored, and I committed to the event immediately. Did I mention I weighed 280 pounds? I could not walk on the treadmill for more than 20 minutes without being winded to a point of total exhaustion.
June 12, 2010 - A disciplined approach to walking on the treadmill at the new Yorktown YMCA, on the Cardinal Greenway and trying to make better choices about my eating helped me to my first 5k race in over 10 years with Muncie Multi-Sport at Prairie Creek Reservoir. It was only the third time that I was able to run at a ten minute pace for over 30 minutes!
September 4, 2010 - After being introduced the sport of triathlons in June, and watching my wife do a sprint triathlon in July, I wanted to try my hand at it. A healthy dose of swimming, biking, and running really helped keep me active most of the summer. So, I completed my first Sprint Triathlon with Muncie Multi-Sport at Prairie Creek Reservoir! And yes, I DID finish - however, I gave everyone quite a scare when hypothermia set in, and I was transported to the ER! Let's just say I learned a lot that day!
October 24, 2010 - I ran in the Chase Charlie 5k in just over 26 minutes - and also ran a 20 mile training run at an 11:30 pace the very next day.
November 6, 2010 - I am a marathoner! I completed 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 21 minutes - Mission Accomplished! My weight was down to 235! In 8 months I lost almost 50 pounds and went from barely walking for 26.2 minutes to running 26.2 miles!
Once the Holidays were over and we entered 2011, I realized I was addicted to this new lifestyle. I felt like I had so much more to do - for myself. My original goals were to complete another Sprint Triathlon (without the trip to the ER) and to complete another marathon -
So how did I do? Check this out - I completed 14 different running events including a stair climbing race, 5k, 10k, 5 mile trail run, 3 Sprint Triathlons, 3 Half Marathons (Geist, Indy, Muncie), and 2 Full Marathons including the Chicago Marathon! I ran over 1000 miles for the year! And the scale - holding steady under 220!
Additionally, I helped to create a new running event in Yorktown! The 4 for the 4th was a successful event with over 300 athletes, resulting in a new trail installed along Tiger Drive where no trail or sidewalk had ever existed.
Hard to top that, but again, I'm driven by big goals! 2011 was my year for running - 2012 is my year for triathlons. I plan to complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon, and the Muncie Man Distance Triathlon with Muncie Multi-Sport, and finally the Muncie 70.3 Half Ironman Distance Triathlon! My goal is to run and bike over 2012 miles this year...at a minimum!
In just 2 years time I've enjoyed the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. I'm stronger and slimmer. I have more energy for my work and family. And I did it all with the help of my friends and family here in Delaware County. I am so thankful to the Yorktown YMCA, the Cardinal Greenway, Muncie Multi-Sport and the Yorktown Running Club (YRC). Hope to see you at a race in 2012!
If we've not seen each other in 10 years, you may not know the following:
In 1999, I weighed 220 pounds - Today, I weigh 220 pounds - the problem is that in 2007 I weighed 310 pounds! While I blame the desk job for my weight increase, it was my own lack of diet and exercise that caused me to gain the weight. Over the last 2 years, I have made significant changes to my lifestyle, and I wanted to take moment to reflect on those with you today -
March 12, 2010 - On this day, I made the decision that for Daylight Savings Time, as I changed my clocks, I needed to change my life. I refused to be part of any diet program that would hold me hostage to counting calories or tracking points, but I know myself well enough to know that I'm motivated by very specific, long term goals, so I stated on this date that I would complete a marathon in under 6 hours. Really not understanding what this would take, I found a marathon in Indianapolis on November 7 - the same day we change our clocks again. The irony could not be ignored, and I committed to the event immediately. Did I mention I weighed 280 pounds? I could not walk on the treadmill for more than 20 minutes without being winded to a point of total exhaustion.
June 12, 2010 - A disciplined approach to walking on the treadmill at the new Yorktown YMCA, on the Cardinal Greenway and trying to make better choices about my eating helped me to my first 5k race in over 10 years with Muncie Multi-Sport at Prairie Creek Reservoir. It was only the third time that I was able to run at a ten minute pace for over 30 minutes!
September 4, 2010 - After being introduced the sport of triathlons in June, and watching my wife do a sprint triathlon in July, I wanted to try my hand at it. A healthy dose of swimming, biking, and running really helped keep me active most of the summer. So, I completed my first Sprint Triathlon with Muncie Multi-Sport at Prairie Creek Reservoir! And yes, I DID finish - however, I gave everyone quite a scare when hypothermia set in, and I was transported to the ER! Let's just say I learned a lot that day!
October 24, 2010 - I ran in the Chase Charlie 5k in just over 26 minutes - and also ran a 20 mile training run at an 11:30 pace the very next day.
November 6, 2010 - I am a marathoner! I completed 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 21 minutes - Mission Accomplished! My weight was down to 235! In 8 months I lost almost 50 pounds and went from barely walking for 26.2 minutes to running 26.2 miles!
Once the Holidays were over and we entered 2011, I realized I was addicted to this new lifestyle. I felt like I had so much more to do - for myself. My original goals were to complete another Sprint Triathlon (without the trip to the ER) and to complete another marathon -
So how did I do? Check this out - I completed 14 different running events including a stair climbing race, 5k, 10k, 5 mile trail run, 3 Sprint Triathlons, 3 Half Marathons (Geist, Indy, Muncie), and 2 Full Marathons including the Chicago Marathon! I ran over 1000 miles for the year! And the scale - holding steady under 220!
Additionally, I helped to create a new running event in Yorktown! The 4 for the 4th was a successful event with over 300 athletes, resulting in a new trail installed along Tiger Drive where no trail or sidewalk had ever existed.
Hard to top that, but again, I'm driven by big goals! 2011 was my year for running - 2012 is my year for triathlons. I plan to complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon, and the Muncie Man Distance Triathlon with Muncie Multi-Sport, and finally the Muncie 70.3 Half Ironman Distance Triathlon! My goal is to run and bike over 2012 miles this year...at a minimum!
In just 2 years time I've enjoyed the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. I'm stronger and slimmer. I have more energy for my work and family. And I did it all with the help of my friends and family here in Delaware County. I am so thankful to the Yorktown YMCA, the Cardinal Greenway, Muncie Multi-Sport and the Yorktown Running Club (YRC). Hope to see you at a race in 2012!
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