Friday, February 28, 2014
Training isn't always positive...
Well, the last two days have been frustrating. I was planning on jogging 6 miles last night, then riding and swimming today. A cold set in though, and my runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are NOT a good thing. I feel like it's passing, and I'm planning to give myself one more day of rest to make sure that it does! With our family traveling tomorrow, I am hoping that I feel well enough to get 8-9 miles in on Sunday morning, followed by a trainer ride for 90 minutes later that day once we get back home. I hate feeling like I am in a good groove and then have it slowed down, but I also know that pushing when I'm not healthy is flat out stupid. I guess we will hope that my next report will be Sunday evening, and I will have had a good run and ride by then!!! I just wanna FINISH Galveston.........
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
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That was freaking COLD!!!
Today was one of those days that you get to understand what commitment is all about. After work, I decided that since I will be gone and can't get a brick in on Saturday, I would get a quick one in today. The bad part though---it was sub 40 degrees! I was doing the same strategy on the bike (a good constant spin, not pressing too hard), and got me 24 miles in at a 17.23 mph pace. I originally planned on doing 3-4 miles after, but seeing as how I couldn't feel my toes and was blowing snot out left and right, I decided a 2-mile jog was more appropriate! I did that (with no walking) at a 9:21 pace. All in all, a workout I was pleased with. The funniest part about today to me is that I was calling myself some very derogatory names while riding around in frigid/windy weather. Like I said though---I'm commited. No turning back now!!!!
Monday, February 24, 2014
A good swim
I had a good swim today. I did 15 x 100's, taking 20 seconds rest up to the first 10, then 15 seconds rest between the remaining reps.
In spite of the fact that I'm a jacked up mess in regards to my form in the water from the waist down, I feel very effortless overall, and was blessed with a great teacher for my one swimming lesson! I felt really great at the end, and that continues to build the kind of confidence that I need.
In spite of the fact that I'm a jacked up mess in regards to my form in the water from the waist down, I feel very effortless overall, and was blessed with a great teacher for my one swimming lesson! I felt really great at the end, and that continues to build the kind of confidence that I need.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
A shout out and a thank you
One of the biggest things I have learned in triathlon is that somedays motivation is easier than others. You find yourself digging DEEP at times. You also find that you surround yourself with people that motivate and encourage you. You have to. It really isn't even an option.
I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by great friends that encourage me and teach me in this sport. My family is also VERY encouraging and supportive. My wife is my #1 fan. NONE of this could happen or would matter without her love and support. I can't even express in words how thankful I am for that.
Today though, I want to give thanks to someone I have never even met. I stumbled across her blog a week or two ago, and I've found myself going back often. Once you start by reading her Dec 31, Feb 5, and Feb 16 posts, as well as go under her race reports and read the first 4 listed, you'll understand why. You'll go back, too.
I literally laughed out loud AND cried tears from the emotions I had while reading some of the things on her site. Especially the 70.3 and 140.6 recaps. I've found myself experience all sorts of thoughts and feelings. And to be quite honest, in a sport where it can be hard to come by at times, I've been VERY motivated to keep pressing forward.
So I just want to say a personal and heart-felt THANK YOU to SwimBikeMom! Check out her site if you get a chance. In fact, MAKE time for it. If your heart is open to it, you will be moved....and not just in triathlon, but in life!
www.swimbikemom.com
I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by great friends that encourage me and teach me in this sport. My family is also VERY encouraging and supportive. My wife is my #1 fan. NONE of this could happen or would matter without her love and support. I can't even express in words how thankful I am for that.
Today though, I want to give thanks to someone I have never even met. I stumbled across her blog a week or two ago, and I've found myself going back often. Once you start by reading her Dec 31, Feb 5, and Feb 16 posts, as well as go under her race reports and read the first 4 listed, you'll understand why. You'll go back, too.
I literally laughed out loud AND cried tears from the emotions I had while reading some of the things on her site. Especially the 70.3 and 140.6 recaps. I've found myself experience all sorts of thoughts and feelings. And to be quite honest, in a sport where it can be hard to come by at times, I've been VERY motivated to keep pressing forward.
So I just want to say a personal and heart-felt THANK YOU to SwimBikeMom! Check out her site if you get a chance. In fact, MAKE time for it. If your heart is open to it, you will be moved....and not just in triathlon, but in life!
www.swimbikemom.com
An encouraging ride
I decided that for today's ride I wanted to try simulating the plan I think I will be following in Galveston for the ride portion. Basically, I planned to ride 40 miles, just a nice continuous (not pushing too hard) pace, stopping for 2-3 minutes every 10 miles to take a gu and drink some water, and to give my sensitive areas a rest from the seat! I was hoping to stay at worst between 15.5 - 16 mph for my average today. I figure that for the 56 mile ride in April, I can stop every 11 miles and follow this same plan. Again, I am focused on just finishing this first time, not pushing too hard, since it will be the first time my old body has done a 70.3!
Today started well. I stopped according to plan at mile 10. At one hour, I was averaging 16.9 mph. At mile 20, things were still rolling along perfectly. I was feeling good overall. I was envisioning having completed the swim and also was thinking about what it will be like getting off the bike and doing a 13.1 mile jog.
The wind today was a little brutal. The third set of 10 miles was by far the toughest! I was mainly riding into a strong headwind. It sucked. In fact, it sucked BAD! Truth be told, twice during this stretch I found myself literally SCREAMING out of hatred for the wind! Loudly. Even freaked myself out a little. It just happened!
I stopped at mile 30 for my regular pit stop. I knew that if I could get past the next 3-4 miles, I would be out of the BRUTAL headwind. I also realized another important thing at this stop---chaffing SUCKS. And HURTS! I will be better prepared for this part next time :)
So on I went. I still was pacing myself the rest of the way, but found myself wanting to go harder and faster once I knew I was within a few miles of my finish. I had to hold myself back, but I knew it was what I needed to do.
I ended up doing 42.2 miles. It took me 2:28:34. I averaged 17.04 mph.
I was very pleased, as well as encouraged, by today's ride. It gives me even more confidence heading into Galveston. I found myself even more excited about April 6 when I got off of my bike today. That was a GREAT takeaway.
My other big takeaway is how much respect people that work hard toward their passions. I passed at least 7 different runners and 2 other riders. It is always extra motivating to see other people who are dedicated and MAKE time to invest in their health.
All in all, a great weekend. Now I'm ready for an AWESOME week!
SPLAT!
Well, right now one week ago, I was getting ready to start Run The Line. The funny thing about triathlon is that once a race is over, it's over, and your focus shifts to whatever is next on your calendar. So looking ahead, 6 weeks from today I will be getting ready to start Galveston 70.3, my first half-ironman! I have SO much to do in the coming weeks!
After Monday's swim, all I got in before the weekend was a 30-minute jog in Sulphur Springs on Wednesday evening. My legs were still in recovery mode, so I just wanted a slow jog. I did right at a 9:57 pace, which was fine. The last third of the run my legs felt dead.
Friday was going to be a swim with Harold. We were planning to do a brick Saturday around 1pm, so swimmimg at 5pm Friday would give us enough rest time to be ready. As we were about to get into the pool to swim (I was actually standing there waist deep in the water), we decided that we would brave the cold Saturday morning at 7am to go ahead and get our workout out of the way. We opted for a beer on my back patio for Friday's workout instead :)
Saturday morning was pretty chilly, but we were dressed for the weather. It was right around 40 degrees when I took off on my bike from my house toward Harold's. It is around 1.75 miles from my house to his. We took off and warmed up for 20 minutes, followed by an interval workout--5 minutes hard, 5 minutes rest. Harold looked great on the bike. He was all kinds of awesome. Me on the other hand, I am not as much a fan of these workouts yet. I think it is mostly because of two things. The first is that I am still very new with them, so it is different for me. The second reason is my overall mindset. I have been operating with the mindset that all I want to do is finish these races, so my focus is not on speed. It is on breathing, nutrition, and sometimes actually CONSERVING energy to be sure the tank isn't empty for my run at the end. There will be a day that my mind flips out of that thinking, but I'm just not there yet, and I am ok with that.
I did manage to get my first fall on my new bike out of the way yesterday. As I was turning after our first interval, my front tire found a bit of gravel, and as it was turning, the gravel helped accelerate that turn, and SPLAT--down I went. I'm fine, and the bike is fine, and now I've fallen twice. Both unseen by anyone else.
After just over 19 miles on the bike for our workout, we quickly transitioned and got out on a 30 minute jog. The beginning of this was the toughest part of our morning, as our feet were numb from the cold! I literally could not feel at least two toes on each foot for the first half or so of my jog. But we finished, and I did it at a 9:33 pace.
The great thing about this to me is that a year ago, this workout would have put me on my butt the rest of the day, but this year, I felt great. My body is ready for much more. I feel very confident that I can go and pace myself and ride the 56 miles and then jog the 13.1 once I get out of the water. Once I get out of the water, I will be prepared mentally and physically to pace myself. We just have to get out of the water! But I am very confident about accomplishing that, too. I just want to finish....
After Monday's swim, all I got in before the weekend was a 30-minute jog in Sulphur Springs on Wednesday evening. My legs were still in recovery mode, so I just wanted a slow jog. I did right at a 9:57 pace, which was fine. The last third of the run my legs felt dead.
Friday was going to be a swim with Harold. We were planning to do a brick Saturday around 1pm, so swimmimg at 5pm Friday would give us enough rest time to be ready. As we were about to get into the pool to swim (I was actually standing there waist deep in the water), we decided that we would brave the cold Saturday morning at 7am to go ahead and get our workout out of the way. We opted for a beer on my back patio for Friday's workout instead :)
Saturday morning was pretty chilly, but we were dressed for the weather. It was right around 40 degrees when I took off on my bike from my house toward Harold's. It is around 1.75 miles from my house to his. We took off and warmed up for 20 minutes, followed by an interval workout--5 minutes hard, 5 minutes rest. Harold looked great on the bike. He was all kinds of awesome. Me on the other hand, I am not as much a fan of these workouts yet. I think it is mostly because of two things. The first is that I am still very new with them, so it is different for me. The second reason is my overall mindset. I have been operating with the mindset that all I want to do is finish these races, so my focus is not on speed. It is on breathing, nutrition, and sometimes actually CONSERVING energy to be sure the tank isn't empty for my run at the end. There will be a day that my mind flips out of that thinking, but I'm just not there yet, and I am ok with that.
I did manage to get my first fall on my new bike out of the way yesterday. As I was turning after our first interval, my front tire found a bit of gravel, and as it was turning, the gravel helped accelerate that turn, and SPLAT--down I went. I'm fine, and the bike is fine, and now I've fallen twice. Both unseen by anyone else.
After just over 19 miles on the bike for our workout, we quickly transitioned and got out on a 30 minute jog. The beginning of this was the toughest part of our morning, as our feet were numb from the cold! I literally could not feel at least two toes on each foot for the first half or so of my jog. But we finished, and I did it at a 9:33 pace.
The great thing about this to me is that a year ago, this workout would have put me on my butt the rest of the day, but this year, I felt great. My body is ready for much more. I feel very confident that I can go and pace myself and ride the 56 miles and then jog the 13.1 once I get out of the water. Once I get out of the water, I will be prepared mentally and physically to pace myself. We just have to get out of the water! But I am very confident about accomplishing that, too. I just want to finish....
Monday, February 17, 2014
Too sore to run or ride....
So I swam today! Just 1200 yards though. 3x400. It's funny though, because last year at this time, preparing for the 325 yard indoor pool swim coming up in Athens was keeping me awake some at night! Funny what a difference a year can make....
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Run The Line 2014 Recap
Well, my first half-marathon has come and gone. WHAT A DAY!
As far as the race itself, I was pleased overall. I felt good at the start, made sure to start slow, and was on my way. I started off the first mile or so with my buddy Stephen Dumas (also a first time half-marathoner) that I have spent some time running with over the last month or so. He finished ahead of me by a few minutes, and I couldn't be happier for him or prouder of him!
I was rolling along well overall, and comfortably under my 10 minute per mile goal, until both quads started feeling crampish around mile 9. That sucked. Fortunately, I knew my wife and two of my kids were handing out water and nutrition around mile 11, so I just put it in cruise control to get there, and figured my body and I could come to terms on some sort of agreement for the last couple of miles then. After sloppily and quickly kissing my bride and my 9-year old daughter, and a quick howdy to my son, I was just worried about finishing, and was picking my spots to get a little extra burst. It was so great to see the mile 12 marker, knowing I was in the home stretch, and then getting towards downtown and hearing and seeing the crowd of people. I crossed the finish line in 2:08:38. A 9:49 per mile pace. Both goals ACCOMPLISHED!!!
And my day didn't stop there. Because I have been DYING to get on my new bike, I ended up riding (a painful) 18 miles at just under a 16mph pace in the late afternoon. There's a decent chance my decision making should be SERIOUSLY questioned, and EVEN MORE of a chance that I won't be able to walk tomorrow!
The biggest takeaways for me today are that I'm lucky to be staying healthy this past year with all I have been putting this big ole body through, that I am SO blessed and fortunate to have such GREAT support from family and friends (ESPECIALLY MY WIFE!), and that I continue to find that if I will put the work and effort in, my body will give me more and more. Alright Galveston 70.3----YOU'RE NEXT!!!!!!
As far as the race itself, I was pleased overall. I felt good at the start, made sure to start slow, and was on my way. I started off the first mile or so with my buddy Stephen Dumas (also a first time half-marathoner) that I have spent some time running with over the last month or so. He finished ahead of me by a few minutes, and I couldn't be happier for him or prouder of him!
I was rolling along well overall, and comfortably under my 10 minute per mile goal, until both quads started feeling crampish around mile 9. That sucked. Fortunately, I knew my wife and two of my kids were handing out water and nutrition around mile 11, so I just put it in cruise control to get there, and figured my body and I could come to terms on some sort of agreement for the last couple of miles then. After sloppily and quickly kissing my bride and my 9-year old daughter, and a quick howdy to my son, I was just worried about finishing, and was picking my spots to get a little extra burst. It was so great to see the mile 12 marker, knowing I was in the home stretch, and then getting towards downtown and hearing and seeing the crowd of people. I crossed the finish line in 2:08:38. A 9:49 per mile pace. Both goals ACCOMPLISHED!!!
And my day didn't stop there. Because I have been DYING to get on my new bike, I ended up riding (a painful) 18 miles at just under a 16mph pace in the late afternoon. There's a decent chance my decision making should be SERIOUSLY questioned, and EVEN MORE of a chance that I won't be able to walk tomorrow!
The biggest takeaways for me today are that I'm lucky to be staying healthy this past year with all I have been putting this big ole body through, that I am SO blessed and fortunate to have such GREAT support from family and friends (ESPECIALLY MY WIFE!), and that I continue to find that if I will put the work and effort in, my body will give me more and more. Alright Galveston 70.3----YOU'RE NEXT!!!!!!
Race Day
My first 13.1 is less than 2 hours from starting, and I figured I should write what I'm thinking now instead of remember it after! I slept decent, but was awake thinking a lot. I'm an idiot like that. I KNOW I'm prepared, but still, with anything new comes extra thought.
My ONLY goals for this are to finish and finish at under a 10 minute per mile pace. Two weeks ago I said finish and finish under a 10:15 pace. Lol. But the MOST important part is just finishing!
At this point all I'm still finalizing how much to wear, what to eat for breakfast that won't make me want to poop all over the course, and whether or not I want to listen to music. Pretty sure I'm decided on 2 of the 3, but I'd better finalize all of that quickly!
Ok....off we go!
My ONLY goals for this are to finish and finish at under a 10 minute per mile pace. Two weeks ago I said finish and finish under a 10:15 pace. Lol. But the MOST important part is just finishing!
At this point all I'm still finalizing how much to wear, what to eat for breakfast that won't make me want to poop all over the course, and whether or not I want to listen to music. Pretty sure I'm decided on 2 of the 3, but I'd better finalize all of that quickly!
Ok....off we go!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Ready to go!
Had my last jog before Sunday's 13.1 this evening. It was tough to go slower and take it easy, but I managed. Was supposed to do a short 2 mile jog, but I ended up at 3.07 miles over 30 minutes. A 9:47 pace. All jogging, no 9/1 method. I felt GOOD!
Bring on the half marathon!!! Time for another personal accomplishment :)
Bring on the half marathon!!! Time for another personal accomplishment :)
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Good workout
I was pretty pleased with tonight's jog. It was a better one for me for sure! I did 3.25 miles in 29 minutes at an 8:55 per mile pace. That was still doing the jog 9 minutes/walk 1 minute method. It was chilly, I was probably overdressed, but the sun finally reappeared in Texarkana, and I'll take that run! Getting closer to Sunday and my first 13.1!!!
The best part of today though was my daughter Edie's 9th birthday. I'm so proud of her, proud to be her dad, and thank God often for all of our children! I'm one blessed fella...
The best part of today though was my daughter Edie's 9th birthday. I'm so proud of her, proud to be her dad, and thank God often for all of our children! I'm one blessed fella...
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Today
Had a great jog this evening. Got 8 miles in at a 9:45 pace. One week until my first 13.1! Hoping to get a ride in tomorrow outside on my NEW tri bike. I'm SUPER excited! Praying that the weather will be good enough for a 90 minute ride with a couple of buddies. I need to start logging more hours in sitting on that seat in preparation for Galveston! The biggest part of that is my mindset. My attitude. From here on out, I am TITANIUM!!!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
This weekend
Had a good weekend of training overall. Got 8 miles in on Saturday morning with the Run The Line group, then did an hour on my bike trainer today.
The run was good but challenging. We were supposed to do 10 according to the plan, but a few of the group only wanted to do 8. My arm didn't have to be twisted all that much! We did the route where the fitness center would be at the halfway point, allowing for water and a potty break.
I felt good starting out. I finished my first 4 at a 9:14 pace per mile, and that is jogging 9 minutes and then walking 1. The issue I had was my sinuses. Around mile 3, I felt a sinus headache setting in. Turns out the air yesterday was causing issues for all four of us that were jogging.
After a quick drink of water and some nutrition, we were back out for miles 5-8. My good buddy Harold encouraged me to slow down for these rather than consider not finishing my run. That was good advice. I set out at a slower pace, probably 10-10:15 pace, for miles 5-6. Once we turned and started towards home, I tried kicking it in a little, and ended up averaging 9:36 per mile for the last 4 miles. A strong finish. Great jog.
My legs were a little tight and sore today starting out on the bike, but I still felt pretty good. I need to be on the bike more and more as April gets closer! The REALLY fun thing is that I am about to be riding a new tri-bike I put on layaway and almost have paid off! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!
Hope your weekend has been great, and GO BRONCOS!!!
The run was good but challenging. We were supposed to do 10 according to the plan, but a few of the group only wanted to do 8. My arm didn't have to be twisted all that much! We did the route where the fitness center would be at the halfway point, allowing for water and a potty break.
I felt good starting out. I finished my first 4 at a 9:14 pace per mile, and that is jogging 9 minutes and then walking 1. The issue I had was my sinuses. Around mile 3, I felt a sinus headache setting in. Turns out the air yesterday was causing issues for all four of us that were jogging.
After a quick drink of water and some nutrition, we were back out for miles 5-8. My good buddy Harold encouraged me to slow down for these rather than consider not finishing my run. That was good advice. I set out at a slower pace, probably 10-10:15 pace, for miles 5-6. Once we turned and started towards home, I tried kicking it in a little, and ended up averaging 9:36 per mile for the last 4 miles. A strong finish. Great jog.
My legs were a little tight and sore today starting out on the bike, but I still felt pretty good. I need to be on the bike more and more as April gets closer! The REALLY fun thing is that I am about to be riding a new tri-bike I put on layaway and almost have paid off! WOOOO HOOOOO!!!
Hope your weekend has been great, and GO BRONCOS!!!
Well, here we go!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Tommy, and this is my tri blog! Well, the name probably gave all of that away...
Anyway, I love writing, and I love triathlon, and this blog allows me to document my journey, allow others to follow my progress, encourage others to start a journey of their own, help me stay accountable, and hopefully many other things!
A little history about me for those that don't know-
I topped out at a weight of 243 a handful of years ago. I'm down under 200 now. I just started eating better and exercising some. I had ridden a road bike off and on for a few years before last January. That was about the extent of my exercising. Then something changed...
I decided that health and fitness were very important to me. I NEVER wanted to be as large and out of shape as I was before. I also know that heart disease runs pretty rampant through my family tree. So after seeing others I know involved in it, and already riding a bike, triathlon seemed like a great challenge and next step!
Last January I started going to spin class and running some after. I had never jogged more than 3 miles at one time before January 2013. I knew this was going to be something new and possibly painful for this ole white boy! I set a personal goal of just completing 3 sprint triathlons during the calendar year of 2013.
Long story short, I accomplished my goal! I did my first one in Athens, TX in March. I highly recommend this one for anyone that is a beginner in this sport. It's a shorter and indoor swim. I loved it. I remember exactly how I felt when I crossed the finish line. I'll even go ahead and admit here that I teared up hearing my then 10-year old son tell me he was proud of me and give me a big hug. Pretty great feeling!
Next was the Four States Triathlon here in Texarkana on Mother's Day in May 2013. It was my first open water swim. No lie, I almost quit about 150 yards into the 650 yard (I think) swim. I had been battling a cold, and when I first put my face down in the freezing lake water, it HURT! They are right when they say that the toughest part of an open water swim is mental (whoever "they" are). I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself right there in Lake Wright Patman floating on my back. I reminded myself that I would NOT be a quitter, and played out in my head how I would feel after if I had quit. I'm pretty pissed at myself that the thought even went through my mind. Anyway, I got back on track, altered my swim stroke to keep my face out of the water, and finished that sucker! 4th in my age group! I even have an award in my garage proving it! Haha!
Finally there was the Lake Degray International Distance triathlon. This was mid-August 2013. I was feeling confident and signed up for the "Degray Double" with the intention of just finishing both. This was a swim of 1650 yards, then 24.2 on the bike, and 6.2 jog. That was Saturday. Then they also held a sprint triathlon the next day. Hence, the double. Well, things were rolling along pretty well Saturday---after a second come to Jesus in the early stages of my swim! But I got through that, then hit the bike. I had never trained on hills, and that hurt me. Coming down the last 2-3 miles of the bike, I started cramping in my left hammy. By the time I was a mile into the jog, it was happening in both hamstrings and my left calf. I ended up having to stop twice for 5-7 minutes each time on the run portion to stretch and work cramps out. Walking increased, and jogging decreased. Well, I did make sure I looked good jogging when I saw the cameras! Haha! In the end, I did finish, and I was glad. I was also quickly reminded by my friend Monty that I finished after a fella with one arm. My quick witted excuse was that I had 4 cramping limbs to his 3, but in truth, I have GREAT respect and admiration for the people I see who are physically challenged accomplishing their own goals in this sport. I find that very motivating and inspiring.
Either way, after a steady diet of pickle juice, a lot of whining, and much limping around, my body suggested to me that maybe the sprint Sunday wasn't the greatest idea (it could have also been assisted by the dreams of drowning in Lake Degray that I had that Saturday night). So Sunday I did what was the best thing for me and cheered along the guys I knew competing in the sprint. It also gave me a chance to just watch and enjoy getting to know this sport that I have fallen in love with.
All in all, 2013 was a great year. I learned a lot, accomplished my goals, and it left a hunger in me for more. MUCH more.
So now here we are in February of 2014. This year, I plan to do my first half marathon this month. I also will do my first half ironman in Galveston in April. That will be followed by the Four States in May, then the Degray Double in August. Following that, I plan to start training for my first full marathon at the end of the calendar year.
Pretty lofty goals, yes, but I am excited about working towards accomplishing them. ALL of them. In fact, I just signed up to volunteer at Ironman Chattanooga 2014 so that I can be there to get into the field for Ironman Chattanooga 2015! Crazy, right?!?!?!
Anyway, there's a little of my backstory. From here on out, I expect posts will be more brief in nature. I plan to write about my progress, victories, failures, mindset, thoughts, and all sorts of other crap! I always welcome your encouragement and comments. You have no idea what they mean. Having people around me this past year to provide that provided more fuel for me than I can even put into words.
So, here we go! Let the journey begin! Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to come back sometime!
Anyway, I love writing, and I love triathlon, and this blog allows me to document my journey, allow others to follow my progress, encourage others to start a journey of their own, help me stay accountable, and hopefully many other things!
A little history about me for those that don't know-
I topped out at a weight of 243 a handful of years ago. I'm down under 200 now. I just started eating better and exercising some. I had ridden a road bike off and on for a few years before last January. That was about the extent of my exercising. Then something changed...
I decided that health and fitness were very important to me. I NEVER wanted to be as large and out of shape as I was before. I also know that heart disease runs pretty rampant through my family tree. So after seeing others I know involved in it, and already riding a bike, triathlon seemed like a great challenge and next step!
Last January I started going to spin class and running some after. I had never jogged more than 3 miles at one time before January 2013. I knew this was going to be something new and possibly painful for this ole white boy! I set a personal goal of just completing 3 sprint triathlons during the calendar year of 2013.
Long story short, I accomplished my goal! I did my first one in Athens, TX in March. I highly recommend this one for anyone that is a beginner in this sport. It's a shorter and indoor swim. I loved it. I remember exactly how I felt when I crossed the finish line. I'll even go ahead and admit here that I teared up hearing my then 10-year old son tell me he was proud of me and give me a big hug. Pretty great feeling!
Next was the Four States Triathlon here in Texarkana on Mother's Day in May 2013. It was my first open water swim. No lie, I almost quit about 150 yards into the 650 yard (I think) swim. I had been battling a cold, and when I first put my face down in the freezing lake water, it HURT! They are right when they say that the toughest part of an open water swim is mental (whoever "they" are). I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself right there in Lake Wright Patman floating on my back. I reminded myself that I would NOT be a quitter, and played out in my head how I would feel after if I had quit. I'm pretty pissed at myself that the thought even went through my mind. Anyway, I got back on track, altered my swim stroke to keep my face out of the water, and finished that sucker! 4th in my age group! I even have an award in my garage proving it! Haha!
Finally there was the Lake Degray International Distance triathlon. This was mid-August 2013. I was feeling confident and signed up for the "Degray Double" with the intention of just finishing both. This was a swim of 1650 yards, then 24.2 on the bike, and 6.2 jog. That was Saturday. Then they also held a sprint triathlon the next day. Hence, the double. Well, things were rolling along pretty well Saturday---after a second come to Jesus in the early stages of my swim! But I got through that, then hit the bike. I had never trained on hills, and that hurt me. Coming down the last 2-3 miles of the bike, I started cramping in my left hammy. By the time I was a mile into the jog, it was happening in both hamstrings and my left calf. I ended up having to stop twice for 5-7 minutes each time on the run portion to stretch and work cramps out. Walking increased, and jogging decreased. Well, I did make sure I looked good jogging when I saw the cameras! Haha! In the end, I did finish, and I was glad. I was also quickly reminded by my friend Monty that I finished after a fella with one arm. My quick witted excuse was that I had 4 cramping limbs to his 3, but in truth, I have GREAT respect and admiration for the people I see who are physically challenged accomplishing their own goals in this sport. I find that very motivating and inspiring.
Either way, after a steady diet of pickle juice, a lot of whining, and much limping around, my body suggested to me that maybe the sprint Sunday wasn't the greatest idea (it could have also been assisted by the dreams of drowning in Lake Degray that I had that Saturday night). So Sunday I did what was the best thing for me and cheered along the guys I knew competing in the sprint. It also gave me a chance to just watch and enjoy getting to know this sport that I have fallen in love with.
All in all, 2013 was a great year. I learned a lot, accomplished my goals, and it left a hunger in me for more. MUCH more.
So now here we are in February of 2014. This year, I plan to do my first half marathon this month. I also will do my first half ironman in Galveston in April. That will be followed by the Four States in May, then the Degray Double in August. Following that, I plan to start training for my first full marathon at the end of the calendar year.
Pretty lofty goals, yes, but I am excited about working towards accomplishing them. ALL of them. In fact, I just signed up to volunteer at Ironman Chattanooga 2014 so that I can be there to get into the field for Ironman Chattanooga 2015! Crazy, right?!?!?!
Anyway, there's a little of my backstory. From here on out, I expect posts will be more brief in nature. I plan to write about my progress, victories, failures, mindset, thoughts, and all sorts of other crap! I always welcome your encouragement and comments. You have no idea what they mean. Having people around me this past year to provide that provided more fuel for me than I can even put into words.
So, here we go! Let the journey begin! Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to come back sometime!
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