Not just a resolution!

January 2, 2011 - The Beginning!

Hello to anyone reading this!  I've never blogged before, so I suppose this will be a journey in a few ways. :)  It'll be interesting to see how my writing style will change (for I'm sure it will) and any/all suggestions are welcome with open ears and an open mind!

So, what will I be writing about?  A friend and I decided a few months ago that we will sign up for and complete the Beach 2 Battleship Ironman Triathlon in 2012.  For those who don't know what an Ironman is, prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor... An Iron-distance triathlon consists of a 2.4 Mile Swim, 112 Mile Bike ride, and ending with a full marathon of 26.2 Miles of running.  "You GOT to be kidding me!! You're really thinking about doing this?!?!"  I hear that a lot, and honestly, it's very motivational.  No, I'm not kidding, and when I'm done, Yes I'll be getting a tattoo to commemorate!  :)  So, this blog will be about my journey of getting in shape, getting motivated, and hopefully keep me on track with this goal.

Why would I consider such an undertaking?  When I was in college I had gotten out of shape and decided that the best way to get back into shape and meet some interesting new people would be to join a club team.  I researched (as I do with almost everything I do) and found that the UGA Triathlon Team would be the most accommodating to my schedule, attract some very interesting people, and get me in the best shape possible.  So in 2006ish I joined the team and certainly fell in love with triathlon!  The team leadership was phenomenal!  They accepted iron-capable athletes as well as couch potatoes equally and motivated each as they needed to be.  Though we were competing individually, we raced together as a team.  Coming into the finish line in my first race, with the team (already finished and on the sidelines) cheering me on, was one of the single most motivating experiences of my life.

Once I graduated from college, my triathlon training took a dive.  I found that I lacked the self-motivation.  A sobering thought.  I'm 30 now, about to turn 31, and am back completely out of shape!  So, one of my coworkers decided (much like I had) to get back into shape and the best way to do this was through triathlon.  He's caught the bug big time, again - much like I had.  Seeing his motivation has rekindled the flame in me, and in our discussions, somehow, we decided that we would both be doing the Beach 2 Battleship Ironman!  We also decided that, though we had jumped to this conclusion, we would not rush the process and scheduled our race for November of 2012!

Though Jeremiah (that's my friend and coworker that I've been discussing) has been along this journey, and has signed up for a half marathon (Congrats!), I've decided that along with my resolution to change and manage my eating habits, I would take this "new beginning" to begin my journey.  My girlfriend, Sarah, motivated me today to go for a long run, complete with some interval training and core work.  I have a feeling she will be a valuable asset.  More on her later, I'm sure.  :)

So, for now, I've officially started!  I consider my run/exercise session with Sarah today to be workout number 1.  As far as eating... I had a chocolate milk for b'fast (a habit to be changed) and a glass of water and protein shake post workout.  Lunch is yet to be determined.. I'll try to include a food log of the previous day on each post (Again, not sure what I'm doing yet, but we'll get there!).

<Insert catchy sign-off phrase>
:-D