Failure is the greatest opportunity for Learning

I made many juvenile tri mistakes, but the biggest was ignorance. I decided I could finish in less than 8 hours. I did the math (I love numbers and will crunch them all day if I let myself) I could finish the swim and be out on the bike in an hour.

I forgot my LSU practice nike top the Will hooked me up with. This is the skin tight top I race with. It really does nothing more than help me feel comfortable walking around in public, so that sucked. Stupid I know, but I struggle with the looks ( I AM NOT LOOKING FOR SYMPATHY I AM JUST SHARING) I get and they were double for the ½ IM.

I took off on the swim and felt great. I realized about 200 into it that I sucked at finding the buoys and I went WAY off course twice. But I really did feel great. Half way through I realized that the LSU nike top is very useful. My face rubs against my right shoulder when I take a breath and today I have a major burn from that, nastiness.

I came out of the water feeling good. Then I realized that I don’t like running on the beach. I almost fell once, like a dork.

T1 was fine.

Then there is all of that number crunching. I decided I needed to average 17.2 mph to reach my goal of sub 8. Here is the ignorance. My first year (2005) in tri’s I averaged 12.9 mph in my races. Last year I averaged 15.3 mph! All that is fine and good, but not for this race.

I kept a 17 to 18 mph pace until about mile 15 when I began to cramp. I stopped and stretched, but then it moved me to about 16 mph average. I forget what mile the bridge was, but this guy kicked butt (for me) getting up that hill and going down the other side I was FLY’N!!!! and there were a lot of cars at the intersection we turn on to 388. To all of those people waiting in their cars . . . I was a cycling machine! Then my calves locked up.

I heard Susan at about this point holler for me, I kinda whim ply yelled back, Go Susan!.

At took a stretch break and I wished I was done and I felt like crap. After the turn around My calves were becoming unbearable. I was unable to pedal properly. I was trying to pull and not pedal through since each time I pedaled down my calves locked up. I did this until the 40 mile mark where there was an aid station.

This may sound gross, but I usually am able to wee on the bike, but I couldn’t during this race and I may have been looking for an out mentally? But I went into the port a potty and it was hot in there. As I stepped out my left calf felt like it was going to rip and I whimped out and gave up.

As I was ridding back in the sag truck I became a little more pissed as I saw that I had such a short amount of distance left, but I couldn’t do it.

I arrived back at the race area.

This sucks for me (I feel like I have to say this, I am only sharing I am not looking for sympathy) I hate not finishing and having to walk through everyone back to transition. I feel like (I may be wrong) but I feel like everyone sees me before the race predetermining I won’t finish and then I don’t, I know, stupid for me to worry about even if it is the case.

I racked my bike and went to the room to get the gel to rub on my calves to, hopefully help. Bad move. As I made it up the second flight of stairs I had to wobble with straight legs. Then I hit the air condition of my room and laid around cursing and rubbing and stretching and nothing would help.

I would find a “non-cramping” position and out of no where Wham! A cramp would shoot in and I was up hobbling around the room cussing and hitting my legs. I have a bruise today on whatever the muscle is that runs to the outer part of your shin. I found that hitting them when they cramped actually made it better!! Gloria will probably yell at me, but it helped at that moment, but I have a heck of a bruise today because of it.

About 2:00 am I was able to fall asleep without waking to a shrieking noise in the room (me) while jumping out of the bed trying to relieve the cramps.

But, I am VERY glad I did it. I learned a lot and I also found out more about myself.

I am sorry I wasn’t at the finish line to cheer everyone in to their glory. That really is one of my favorite things to do is see all of your success and I like to think that my loud mouth and excitement for your success helps you and I wish I would have been there Saturday, but I was in a bad state and I don’t mean Mississippi.

My coach and I will begin prepping for IMFL in November. He wants me to cut 100 pounds by then and I will.

Congratulations to everyone! You guys rock!

Failure

DNF

Did Not Finish

I have a lot to learn about ocean swimming. I veered off course badly on the way out. Coming back in was much better since I picked out the hotel as my mark. I felt strong throughout the entire swim.

Wind was rather calm in the first 10 miles of the bike. At the bridge it picked up. I began to cramp in my calves at mile 20. I had to stop once before that at mile 15 or so to stretch them and they felt fine afterwards until mile 20. I rode through it until the turn around and had to stretch them again. They were locking up (the right one badly) and it was becoming too painful.

At the aid station mile 40 I stopped to wee wee and that was it. I was done.

I tried my best. I tried my best.

I love you Amanda. I miss you. See you Tuesday.

Thanks Susan and everyone else who hollered for me on the bike course.

I am ok, but disappointed in myself.

SUB - 8

Tomorrow - May 12th

My goal is to finish in under 8 hours. I will.

1.2 miles swimming

56 miles cycling

13.1 miles running

in less than 8 hours . . . My Gulf Coast half ironman

Gulf Coast Triathlon - May 12, 2007

May 12, 2007

I will swim 1.2 miles (probably very slowly). I will bike 56 miles (even slower and with much pain) and I will run 13.1 miles (more than likely I will jog/walk).

I will finish the race.

Have a great week!

Hope

This blog has taught me a lot in the short time I have been writing in it. There are good people out there that have their own manner in which they care.

In my triathlon club here in Baton Rouge I have recently made that realization and it was difficult to get there. In triathlon you don’t have too many 400 pounders! (I crack myself up) Therefore it is difficult for many in this sport to understand how I have let myself get to this point, BUT even more, it is difficult for them to understand why I can’t simply “fix” It.

I also learned that my past means diddly squat. All of the accomplishments mean nothing when I am in the state I am today. After taking in all of the responses to my blog post I actually feel more ashamed and feel I have dishonored my service and my military accomplishments by letting myself fall into the state I am today.

It took a few harsh responses on our BRtri blog for me to absorb that and begin to get pissed at myself AGAIN but this time for dishonoring my accomplishments and the Tab.

People care.

They show this in different ways. Some may not care about you or your struggle, but the care about the situation you are in and it might not me thoughtful care. What I mean is, care doesn’t necessarily mean concern it can also mean they care that they believe you are a piece of crap and lazy and they want everyone else to think the same, but YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE T MAKE THAT MOTIVATIONAL.

I am no longer going to post my link on the BRtri forum. I am ONLY doing this because I enjoy little controversy about me. I like being in the back of the room. I am more inclined to b the kids are to be seen not heard, type. I know this may come as a surprise to many of you, but it is the truth. More than not the only time you will see me making a spectacle is when I am cheering for others or really pissed off. I prefer to cheer.

I met with a really awesome person, Chris last night at Starbucks. Amanda and I were excited to meet with Chris. Chris has a remarkable story and I am so inspired by his accomplishments. Among MANY issues he dealt with in his life one was his weight. We had a open, clear, and honest conversation. Chris once weighed over 350 pounds.

Let me be clear here . . . . I AM NOT LOOKING FOR YOUR SYMPATHY OR YOUR PITTY.

I am endeared to Chris. He made comments that allowed me to feel that I am not the only one. I am not alone. He spoke of his embarrassment in not being able to sit in a movie theater since he was too big for the seats. The fear of breaking a chair in a restaurant EVERYTIME he sat down, and other personal issues that came along with his obesity.

I was emotional hearing all of that and realizing that sitting in front of me was me, only the new me. Chris now weighs about 240 pounds ( I don’t remember exactly) and he looks GREAT and I can feel his now self and his new inner strength. I am so happy and proud of Chris.

After 45 minutes of talking and seeing old photos and Amanda also asking questions I left starbucks highly determined and motivated, but more than both of those, I had a sense of hope. Chris helped me find my hope again.

I don’t care if you think that is cheezey of soft. I found my hope and I am not letting it go.

To all of my BRtri peeps, you rock and I am better as a result of being in your crowd. For my friends here on the blog, thanks and let’s keep up the fight.

Find the hope.

I suck . . .

Embarrassed


When I left college I was no skinny man. I was about 245lbs. I was in very good shape since I was a student assistant coach for our National Champion Women’s Basketball team at Northern Kentucky University. My job as one of the Assistant Coaches was to let these super human women beat my butt in practice all day long. But it kept me fit.

After leaving college my business took me over and then a few years later the stock market recession of 2001-2002 took me over and before you knew it I was 350lbs. As my business expanded so did my waist . . . and my ass . . . and . . . never mind there is too much to list.

I found triathlon. I trained and did my first tri at 421lbs, which was in 2005. Between 2005 and November 2006 I completed over 25 triathlons. 10 of them being Olympic distance and the rest sprint triathlons. Over that time I went from 427lbs to 358lbs.

I created awesome relationships with awesome individuals, some who are the best at this sport and I couldn’t believe they gave me the time of day. But that to me is what makes this sport unique. The offerings of motivation from so many was spectacular. Not simply words of encouragement but true offerings to help with training, nutrition, etc.

Here is my sadness today. I fell off the wagon Dec 2006. I began to eat horribly again and I stopped training period. I have not put on my running shoes in 5 months. I have ridden my bike . . . MAYBE five times. I haven’t seen the pool. I weigh 446lbs.

I have been lying to myself and to those who have taken time out of their lives to try and help me and I have basically spit in their face with my lack of effort. I am ashamed and embarrassed. I have stopped emailing those who have helped me and I avoid them at all cost. I am ashamed to have them see me and how I look today. I am embarrassed to tell them I have done NOTHING for five months.

It is funny, not in a ha ha way, but in a translucent sick way (funny), that when we fall into a little hole we begin to dig deeper and deeper until it is so hard to get out of the hole that we don’t even try anymore. I am there and have been for a while.

To my friends, Caroline, Timbeaux, Rocketboy . . . I am sorry I have taken you motivation and shat all over it. I am angry at myself for thinking so little of your support and care. I am struggling and I am not sure what is next.

I have an appointment with the gastric-by-pass specialist here in Baton Rouge next week. I am at my wits end. I always said I would never do weight loss surgery. I said it was for weak people. You know what . . . I still think that.

I am registered for 3 races this year. Crawfishman (Olympic tri), Gulf Coast (Half Ironman), and Ironman Florida (full ironman). I am not sure what will become of those races?

I am sorry.

No excuses.

I am just sorry.

I have much love for all you and I will keep you posted as to where I go from here . . .

Mondy Monday!

Monday Monday!

Here we go!

Monday I begin my training schedule for GC2007 in Panama Florida! 56 days of intense, focused training and one day of putting it all out there to finish my first half IM!

It won’t be easy and I am looking forward to that.

I will keep everyone posted on my training and I look forward to seeing some of you in Panama in May!

Woo Hoo!

The beginning . . .

It is February 25. I leave for Hawaii in 6 days. I am going for a conference, but it is also a pilgrimage!

I am going to the finish-line of Kona and I am going to pray there. I am going to meditate and feel the strength of so many who have completed the ultimate goal for me when it comes to triathlon.

I begin my season in 21 days. I am putting in BASE miles right now (base simply means building up your “base” for endurance. You put in a lot of long easy miles running, swimming, and biking) I begin my training program on March 19th. I am using my friends at http://www.multisports.com/ for my program. They do race specific programs for buku (a lot) ½ Ironman races and it is VERY interactive.

I am going to use an offer from a very dear and awesome person named Big D to help me focus and train hard. Big D wins her age group in EVERYTHING! If there was and age group for pancake making, she would win.

I am doing two races before my half Ironman in Florida; LA triathlon and Crawfishman. Louisiana Tri is a Sprint and Crawfihman is a semi Olympic distance, semi because the run is only 4 miles.

I want everyone to think positive thoughts from march 19 to May 12 (the day of the half IM).

Woo Hoo!

Slim-Down 220 - The Story of a Triathlete

I received probably 25 to 30 recommendations to rename my blog. I presented about 5 to a few friends and we have decided.

Slim-Down 220 – The Story of a Triathlete

That is my ultimate goal, to slim down to 220 lbs. That will be 200 lbs. lost, never to be found again!

Let me know what you think.

Thank you everyone who submitted ideas.

The fight continues . . .

Thinking Positive!

This blog thing!!! Man it has put some pressure eon me!

I have been a little Leary of writing, as you may have noticed, because I am really falling behind these days.

I am set at 404 lbs right now. That is a little better than the 425 I was a few weeks ago, but it is still taking years off of my life.

I have been going to therapy and discussing my weight. I have decided a few things I am putting into practice on the mental side. I am mentally tough, but I am also hard-headed.

After discussion with my wonderful therapist, Julie, I am going to take a pro-active approach to myself mentally and try and use positive imagery to get where I want to be.

This is going to replace a little of my “humor” side. Not is a bad way. I will still be funny as all get out, at least to me, but I am going to try and put ME in a more positive light.

I am going to change the name of this blog. I AM NOT CHANGING THE WEB DDRESS. I am going to change the name and I am looking for suggestions.

Here is what I have so far from friends I have told about this:

Tri-ing to be slim
Tri-ing to be healthy (boring)
Tri-ing to shrink that ass skinny man (not bad, but I would use butt!)

So there are a few. Please post comments of a new blog title you would like to see. If I use YOUR new blog name, I will send you a $50 gift certificate to Whole Foods Grocery or another healthy organic food store in your area. So put your first name and email so I can get in touch to send your winnings!

I want to thank my friend Rocketboy for not giving up on me.

I will beat this thing.

Find the good in everything!

Being sick has very few advantages . . .

As a child being sick had several advantages, staying home from school. That was a pretty good one. The teacher would send my homework home with my Dad (He was a teacher at my school when I was young), I would do it that night, in bed, with full pampering by my mom. Lay on the couch watching TV. I did miss my friends when I would find myself out sick and the worst part was when I was feeling better. See, I was a VERY active child and when I was feeling the slightest bit better I wanted to be out tearing up the neighborhood.

Today, not so many advantages. I miss work, but that only causes more work. I stay home, but no TV, I spend time doing work I can do from home. I play on the internet a little, but not as much fun when you are hacking up your mornings breakfast.

I find that as an adult, I don’t take a break when I BEGIN feeling sick. I wait until I am foaming at the mouth speaking in tongues sick! By then it is too late to do anything but, be sick, as I have been for about 8 days.

There are no advantages to being sick as an adult. I have found none. None that is, until today, but it in itself isn’t really an advantage.

When you’re an adult and sick the world doesn’t revolve around you as it did when we were kids. Grandma doesn’t drive over and stay the day with you while Mom and Dad are at work, or you don’t get the noodle soup prepared with tender loving hands, or the kiss on the forehead as the covers are being tucked in around your tiny body. No. None of that!

It is a dog eat dog world when you’re a sick adult. You fend for yourself. You’re lucky to get much empathy from anyone when you’re sick. I was couching up a lung as a client (who I love to death) was calling me a on my cell about selling his stock. He did wish me luck in feeling better after I took care of it for him.

However, the one advantage . . . Wait semi-advantage of being sick is the scale.

Now, I have been focusing on my diet and portions as well as NO FAST FOOD OR FRIED FOODS since I had a horrible experience on the scale before Christmas. It was a miserable finding and I felt lost in this new life I am creating. I weighed in at a whopping 423 lbs. The highest I have ever weighed in my life. Over 60 lbs more than I had weighed on October 22, the last time I recorded my weight.

I was dismal and depressed. I got back on the wagon and took the advice of a few friends and began daily goal setting. It has worked out well for me and it has helped me focus on the here and now more than a year out.

Then I became ill. I couldn’t eat, what I did eat didn’t always stay with me and I have been absolutely miserable, until this morning.
I woke, showered and decided to get on the scale.

397.5 lbs!

I realize I have lost some muscle weight by not doing ANYTHING over the past almost three weeks, but hey, I ain’t complaining.

Don’t worry, I am not going to stay sick to lose more weight. But if there was one advantage of this crud I have in my system right now, it is the fact that I have lost 25 lbs. over the past three weeks.

I contribute a portion of it to my daily focus and some to my sickness.

The good news is, I am back on the right track and NOW . . . NOW . . . NOW . . . I only have 50 more pounds to lose before I get to the weight I want to be for my Half Ironman in May!!!!!

Oh, I am also ready to be healthy again, this sick thing is for the birds. I am going to the doctor Monday. Maybe a shot in the rear-end will get me started!

Until next time, train hard and smart and move. Don’t sit around, move!

New Yers Resolution

Ask yourself this question; what is a resolution for 2007 I can set for myself, that I feel confident I can follow through with?

One more time.

What is a resolution for 2007 I can set for myself, that I feel confident I can follow through with?

Why do we set such un-attainable goals as our official New Years resolution?

“This year I will quit smoking!” said my uncle. His wife jokingly reminded him that he was still on that resolution from 1989.

I do it too. I set these high asp rational goals each year only to look back with slight guilt when I have failed . . . On January 3rd!

Here is how Wikipedia defines “New Years Resolution”

A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved, although many resolutions go unachieved and are often broken fairly shortly after they are set.

Isn’t it ironic that even the definition states that many resolutions go unachieved and are often broken fairly shortly after they are set! It is in the darn definition! I assume, which I hate to do, that it s ok to set an unattainable goal since you know it is ok to not accomplish it?

Then why do we do it?

I personally think we do it with the best intentions and the worst intent. I also think we have to set a resolution and we know for sure that we will be asked numerous times “what is your new years resolution?”, therefore, WITH our best intentions we put forth a lofty goal which we have designed no intent of how to follow through.

Am I ruining the “New Years Resolution” feeling for you? Sorry if I am, that is not my intent, read on!

Let us lighten it up a bit here and look at the history of the “New Year Resolution” from Wikipedia.

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 BC. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar. (Source: "How to Achieve Your New Years Resolutions", GoalsGuy, ?. Retrieved on ?.)
With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.
The New Year has not always begun on January 1, and it doesn't begin on that date everywhere today. It begins on that date only for cultures that use a 365-day solar calendar. January 1 became the beginning of the New Year in 46 B.C., when Julius Caesar developed a calendar that would more accurately reflect the seasons than previous calendars had.
The Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. He was always depicted with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back. Thus he could look backward and forward at the same time. At midnight on December 31, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. The Romans began a tradition of exchanging gifts on New Year's Eve by giving one another branches from sacred trees for good fortune. Later, nuts or coins imprinted with the god Janus became more common New Year's gifts.
In the Middle Ages, Christians changed New Year's Day to December 25, the birth of Jesus. Then they changed it to March 25, a holiday called the Annunciation. In the sixteenth century, Pope Gregory XIII revised the Julian calendar, and the celebration of the New Year was returned to January 1.
The Julian and Gregorian calendars are solar calendars. Some cultures have lunar calendars, however. A year in a lunar calendar is less than 365 days because the months are based on the phases of the moon. The Chinese use a lunar calendar. Their new year begins at the time of the first full moon after the sun enters Aquarius--sometime between January 19 and February 21.
Although the date for New Year's Day is not the same in every culture, it is always a time for celebration and for customs to ensure good luck in the coming year.
All of that is quite interesting, but there is one paragraph that sets the tone for my resolution this year. Go back, if you will and read paragraph two, specifically the second and last sentence.
Forgiveness and exchange of gifts.

Now, I am not attempting to provide Hallmark with yet another major card giving holiday here, but I am suggesting that possibly this year we all take note of the doings of the Romans in 153 BC. Who knows if they were able to follow through with this act of goodness? On January 2, 154 BC there could have been the largest slaughter of a civilization at the hands of the Romans, but my point is that the intent is awesome!

It seems to me that the intent was goodness.

I want to stretch it to kindness, but I feel confident that the intent was at minimal, goodness. How difficult is it to be “good” to one another? Start fresh, put the past in the past. I am not saying be naïve and allow bad to come to you out of your kindness, but I am asking you this . . . Are you benefiting at all, in any way, even in the slightest, by not being good to EVERYONE you come into contact with on a daily basis?

I submit the answer is, no.

There is a commercial out right now. I don’t even know who the ad is for, but the theme is awesome. A guy is walking in a busy downtown area, a woman drops a baby’s toy out of the stroller and doesn’t notice it, the guy picks it up and puts it back in the stroller. Another guys sees this act of goodness and later in the day, lets a car pull in front of him at a horrendously busy intersection, another person sees this act of goodness, and she later pushes a guy out of harms way when a crate is about to fall on him, and another guy notices this, etc, etc. By the end of the commercial the first guy who picked up the child’s toy is pushing his own child down a sidewalk and a toy falls out of his child’s stroller and he doesn’t notice until a man picks it up and hands it to him.

OK, Chris, you’re talking about a commercial, and ad, trying to sell us something.
I say I am trying to sell you something. Be good to people this year. Not good, but EXTRA GOOD. Accept people for who they are, not their skin color, their hair color, the clothes they wear, or the size that they are. Find a way to go out of your way to be good to people for as long as you can this year and see how it affects you. You might be surprised.

If you really want to stretch it . . . Try being kind to everyone you come into contact with on a daily basis. How easy will that be to follow through on? Maybe not so easy. We all have our bad days, BUT if we remember our New Years Resolution and find a way to charge through our yuck in our own life, maybe we will brighten someone else’s day and in return they will brighten another individual’s day! Then our New Years Resolution has not only been “good” for us, but it has brought a positive light into other individuals year as well.

Do this. Write it down. Put it on your desk, tape it on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator:

Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year ~ And today I will be good to everyone I come into contact with, forgiving them and giving them my gift of kindness.

It will come back to you.

01-01-2007

01-01-2007

I did well today, to a point.

I didn’t exercise at all. Not so good.

I ate VERY well and I finished my last meal at 5:30pm AND DIDN’T EAT AGAIN!

Woo Hoo!

01-02-2007

No Fried Foods, No Fast Food.

Finish last meal before 8:00pm.

Swim masters with Rocketboy tomorrow eve.

Happy New Year!

12-31-2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR – Almost!


Today was a pretty darned good day.

I woke at 5:45am. I ran 40 minutes (almost 3 miles).

I watched football and had black eyed peas and rice for lunch.

After the Saints game I began making Lima Beans from scratch – with a healthy twist – No butter, no salt pork (pure fat) and less salt.

I had two bowls of that, I would say it was 8oz total.

I also had cran-water and water with lemon.

The ONLY bad thing was . . . I didn't eat dinner until 9:30pm.

All in all I was pretty satisfied with my day.



01-01-2007!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow I am meeting a few folk for a ride around river road. One loop from where we are starting is probably 15 miles, flat.

THEN IT IS A DAY OF FOOTBALL!!!!! I love Jan. 1!!!!!!!

Even though it is a football day – No fried food, No fast food.

No sodas.

No more than 3 beers, of pint size.

I will also begin my half ironman training tomorrow. Woo Hoo!

HAPPY NEW YEAR – Kisses to all!

First Day of my Daily Goal Setting, I give myself a B- . . .

Log – 12-30-2006

Creating smaller more definitive goals on a daily basis is much more difficult than I imagined. However it does make the day more interesting.

I always seem to pick great times to start a new “thing”. Today was one of the worst storms we have had all winter. It was 70 degrees and thunder storming! My neighborhood was flooded for most of the day.

This daily goal setting makes me think about my activities in eating and training with more intensity . . . I think that is the descriptive word I am looking for. What I mean is, when I woke, I immediately began thinking about every aspect of my day. I was unable to simply go through the motions, which required me to focus.

Focus is good.

So here is the day in a nut shell.


Woke 830am Storming!

Had Cranwater LLC

Had Lemon water

Had 2 ham sandwiches 1 16 oz glass of milk

Lunch 8oz cranwater

Dinner – Naked burrito Izzo’s –(sorry Rocketboy) Rice, Black Beans, Steak, Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream (light). Large – Sweet iced Tea.

I ran between the thunder showers. I ran 24 minutes. I averaged 14 minute miles.

I am going to bed early tonight.

I didn’t have any fried food or fast food! I did have sweet tea which isn’t good. No more of that.

I also only had two meals, two BIG meals. I need to have three smaller meals.



Goals For Sunday 12-31-2006

No fast food or fried food.

Have Healthy Meals – Eat 3 meals!

Run - 20 minutes

Eat dinner before 7:00pm.

Since it will be New Years – In bed by 12:02am!!!

One Day at a Time . . .

One Day at time . . .

I have received several comments that have the same thread of advice in them. I am a planner. I plan all day long. I do it for a living and if I weren’t proficient at it, I wouldn’t have a business.

I plan an individual’s retirement plan . . . FOR THEIR LIFE. It is expected that I plan long-term.

The comments/suggestions have been to stop planning . . . So far in the future.

I doubt I will be able to stop since I have the next 10 years of my triathlon life already planned, but I get the idea my friends, you all that read my blog, are suggesting.

I need you help sticking to this.

Every evening I am going to set my goals for the following 24 hours! I will plan the simple aspects of my day, such as meals, training, what I won’t eat, etc.

Work with me on this.

I will post each evening and the also follow up with how the days plan transpired.

Here we go!

Saturday December 30, 2006

There is a weather forecast for heavy thunderstorms tomorrow, so I have to take that into consideration.

If it is not storming - Wake at 6:30am, ride river rd. from split 2 loops (22 miles)
Run the levee at river rd-20 min.

If it is storming - Wake 6:30am, run 60 min on LSU lakes.
Trainer 20 minutes

I will eat 3 healthy meals and 2 healthy snacks.

NO FRIED food NO FAST food!

NO Sodas.

I will have dinner BEFORE 7:00pm and nothing after.


There you have it. Tomorrow’s goals!

I will fill you in about 10:00 tomorrow!

Thank you and Peace, Happy Holidays!

OH MOTIVATION!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

New High

New High . . .

December 18, 2006

Dear Friends,

I have had several inquiries regarding my hiatus from blog posting. Well, my keen minded friends, most of your preconceived notions have been correct. I have been slacking and dreadfully so.

After a full tri season of 14 events, 2 duathlons, 12 triathlons and setting new PR’s
(personal records) and completing new, longer distances I think I lost it upstairs in the
mental part of this “new me” thing that I still can’t quite define.

I am royally screwed right now. I have reached a new PR that I am not so excited about.

I weight at this moment 423 lbs.

My previous high prior to my first triathlon was 421 lbs.

Last year I reached 362 lbs.

I can put weight on faster than . . . I don’t know anything faster? I am embarrassed and
upset. I have avoided my blog for that reason.

But today I am back. Thanksgiving – OVER. Christmas – OVER. No excuses about
“It’s a holiday!”.

I am just amazed! How does a person put on that much weight so damn fast! (I know
how, that was rhetorical)

Tomorrow is a new day and time to begin my new me thing again. I will continue doing
my new me thing until I am my new me.


2006 in review:

I had what I think was a great year. I did 14 races completed 3 Olympic distance
triathlons and had fun doing all of it! I turned a new page in my triathlon career, on the
annual USAT triathlon rankings, I was not DEAD LAST this year!!!! I was second to
last!!!!!!

I increased my mph on the bike from a 12.2 average in 2005 to a 17.1 average (my goal
was 15mph) I slowed on the run and I remained the same in the swim.

2007:
This year I have a lofty schedule. Less races but, not so much.

In may I will compete in my first ½ Ironman at Gulf Cost tri in Panama city. Then in
November I will compete in my first Ironman at Ironman Florida.

I will only do 4 other races in the year, but I am sure I will actually train more than I have
yet.

Here are my goals:

By May (Gulf Coast Tri) - weight 340 lbs
That is a loss of – 63 lbs

By Nov. (Ironman) – weight 290 lbs
This is a loss of 50 lbs.

I am going to also set weekly goals so that I have interim accomplishments.

Here is my Goal for this week:

Tuesday: Run 3 miles

Wednesday: Run 3 miles am – Basketball in pm

Thursday: Run 3 miles

Friday: Off

Saturday: Ride 2 loops at river road (approximately 22 miles)

Sunday: Ride 2 loops at river road and run 2 miles.

There are this weeks goals. The reason I am running so much this week is that I am in
Arkansas for early Christmas celebration and have no bike or swimming opportunity.

Thank you to everyone for your inquiries into my life while I took this dreadful hiatus
from my health.

Sincerely,

Still in search of the new me!

Disapointment . . .

What a let down . . .

I am so disappointed in so much right now, mostly with myself.

As you all know today the clocks turned back an hour. I didn’t know this until last night when we had the informational session at the host hotel.

Then Amanda reminded me as well.

Last night I went over my gear, lubed my chain, re-checked my gear and got ready for bed.

I use a cell phone PDA called the 8125, by m cell phone carrier. I have had it for a short time. It is a good phone and it also keeps my calendar up to date and I can get my email and check the internet on this phone. It is great . . . Except for last night.

It was about 11:00 PM. I knew I had to reset the clock on the phone since I use it for my alarm. I did this, I set the alarm for 5:45 AM. This would give me time to shower, load my bike and drive 30 minutes to the race site. I don’t like standing around for 30 minutes or an hour before the race. I will not do that anymore!

I set the phone back an hour, set the alarm and watched a little TV, then went to sleep. For the first time I slept great before a race. I did wake up at about 2:30 and got sick a little, I think it was the pasta I had for dinner.

My alarm goes off. I instinctively reach over and tap it to shut it off. Get up stretch, shower, turn on the TV. I eat an energy bar.

I put on my watch. It says 7:03 AM. 7:03 AM!!!!!!!!!

I also moved my watch back an hour.

I grab my phone and there is a message on it that say it automatically reset my clock for me as a result of daylight savings.

My swim start was in 2 minutes. I was 30 minutes away and didn’t have my bike loaded.

I sat on the bed in disbelief. I am still in disbelief. I worked hard for this race and I am sitting in my hotel while it is beginning.

I am so sorry to all of you that supported me and gave me motivation for this event. I feel so horrible.

I was angry at first, but I only had me to be angry with. I should do like everyone in this sport and get there right when transition opens incase something goes wrong.

I am very sorry.

I am signed up for Gulf Coast. This is another half Ironman in Florida early next year. I will work hard for it and do well.

I have to forgive myself for this mistake and move on. While I feel bad and feel like I have let all of you down, I have to move ahead so I don’t fall behind.

I fly out tomorrow at 4:00 PM. I am going to ride the bike course tomorrow morning.

Eleven Hours . . .

Eleven Hours . . .

It is 9:42 PM. I am setting he clock back one hour. Daylight savings, or whatever. I am in good spirits.

I had a good dinner with my buddy Rocko and the informational session for the race was nice.

I aim to sleep well. I never do, however tonight is going to be different.

I will wake at 4:00 AM, check my gear, load up and head to the race site. After I set up
my transition site I will head up to Rocko’s room and nap for 30 minutes or so then get
mentally focused and head to he swim start.

I will finish around 3:30 PM and it will take me about an hour to get under control and
showered. The second I am out of the shower I will post and let you all know how I did
and that I am living!

Keep me in your thoughts.

Chris

30 Hours and counting . . .

30 hours and counting . . .

I am in Conroe TX. It is about 68 degrees and sunny. I am wearing a fleece jacket. I am happy!

It is said to be 40 degrees Sunday morning. High of 71 degrees! The Lord has answered one of my prayers today!!!!!!!! Let’s just hope he knows his Fridays from his Sundays! (Just kidding big guy)

As the start of the race becomes closer my muscles begin to tighten. I ran this morning, 3 easy miles. This afternoon I am going to drive the bike course and ride about 10 easy miles.

So, this morning I did it!

It?

It you ask?

Shaved my body!!!! I know geeky, and it feels as weird as it sounds! If I had thought ahead I would have brought a BIG plastic trash bag, you know the size for your lawn to pick up leaves. I could have made so serious cash with the amount of hair I could have sold to a sweater making shop!

Instead, I have simply pissed off some poor hotel cleaning person. (I left a pretty good tip for my mess and the new vacuum cleaner they will have to buy)

Let me tell you how odd this feeling is. It’s odd!

I don’t have anything to compare it to so I’ll do my best to describe the feeling.

The shaving part was tough first of all. First I used my beard shaver/trimmer and took off the long hair. Then in the shower I lathered up with soap and went to town. I probably should have notified someone of what I was doing so there would be confusion if I were found dead in the tub as a result of the loss of blood. Poor women . . . Poor women.

I look real stupid right now out in public with Kleenex tissue stuck to the blood spots!!!!!

Once I was out of the shower it was instantly obvious this was new to me. As I tried to dry off, the towel just stuck to my body. I had to sort of pat try.

Then there was walking by the A/C. WOOOOOOOOAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! Cold!

Putting on my pants and shirts was wild! The clothing just flutters around me now, touching me in ways that some might find erotic. This is a whole new clothing wearing feeling.
THEN! There was the sunlight!

Once I hit the sunlight I began to see the infractions of my earlier work! I missed some serious real-estate!!!!!! There are long stripes going up the back of my calf, and worse from my elbow to my wrist I missed two big patches!!!!!!!!

I am first time shaving gone bad.

However I will say, it feel quite liberating. I feel lighter. I know I’m not . . . Well, maybe? While I think about it I did see about 4 pounds of hair around the bathroom! I know TMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many of you may be reading this and asking yourself, “why would he do this?”.

Great question. I have no idea.

I really don’t. I read about it I a tri article about 6 months ago and it basically said that it doesn’t improve you performance really, but it creates a unique feeling on race day. Well, I have to disagree with that article. It creates a unique feeling, INSTANTLY!

As I am writing I just noticed a new patch I missed, on my right wrist!!! HAAAA!

I need to give a shout out to my friend that sent me two mix tapes (isn’t it funny, I still call them mix tapes even though they are CDs!!!) just for the race. I have been listening to them non-stop. I am listening to them right now. This friend is the best Triathlete I know period. And she is smok’n hot! Thanks for the CD/s C.

My friends from the BRtri club are heading over tonight. My friends Bear and Momma Bear come over tomorrow. Race Packet pick up is from 11:00am until 6:00pm tomorrow and the lodge where the race is.

I thought about shaving my head, but I thought is the key there. I don’t know how much thought into shaving my body, but once you start, you really can’t stop. Stopping would be much worse. Much worse. (I did leave my chest hair)

I am in very good spirits. I am excited, but focused. I have confidence, but I realize it will be very difficult to finish and that finishing is all I am here for.

Thanks for ALL and I mean AAAALLLL of the positive emails and phone calls. Please understand this . . . Your emails and calls are the number one motivator for me in the endeavor I call health seeking. Thank you.

Well, I will try and write tomorrow about my pre race mental state. If I don’t forgive me, I am probably going over my check list for the four hundredth time.

Thanks again and I will post after race for sure.

MICHELLE JONES WINS KONA!

Yes this Michelle Jones Pictured with your very own ME and the Incredible HEATHER FUHR!!!!!

T - Minus 6 and counting . . .

T – Minus 6 days and counting!

Monday – It is 4:15 in the morning. I am tired. I didn’t sleep at all. I am on my way out of the door to run.

My run will be 3.5 miles to the NAT (where I swim) then back home 3.5 miles.
The swim in between will consist of 3200 yards mix drills.

I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!!!

I will detail how it all went when I get back!!!


7:33 AM

WOW! I can only hope the weather is like this in Conroe next weekend. It was brisk and chilly, perfect for what I did this morning.

Got off on my run right at 4:22 AM. Took it easy the first mile to warm up. Once I made it to the lakes at LSU I picked it up to my top speed! Sadly the turtle I startled moved faster than me to make his escape.

I have never ran to the LSU Natatorium before. I wasn’t sure the best route so I simply ran the way I drive there every morning. It seems so much shorter when you’re in your vehicle.

About mile 2.5 I realize I was going to be tired on the way back home.

I have a friend who is an awesome Triathlete, she said something twice to me, once in a letter and once in an email.

She said when something negative comes up, acknowledge it, then let it go.

I put this into practice several times on the way to the pool and double that on the way home.

I twisted my ankle just a tiny bit on a curb, nothing bad at all. I acknowledged it and let it go.

Got to the pool right about 5:10 AM. Had to go to the bathroom the last mile, thank goodness I made it. I could just see calling home at 5:00 in the morning . . . “Yeah, hun, it’s me, can you a come bail me out? . . .What for, well, uh, public peeing.”

The pool has never felt better. I swam in the slightly heated pool. It was like magic. I headed straight into my 800 warm up, nice and easy making sure my mechanics were on time and smooth.
I have this one horrible problem in my crawl, I forget to kick. Sound ridiculous I know. I don’t mean I let my legs go limp and drag behind me, but I just sort of flutter my legs behind me, not really making them work. I actually have to remind myself to kick. I hope no one else has this problem.

After 4 sets of 100 descends, 200 kick, and 500 at just above race pace, and 400 at race pace, then another 800 cool down I was ready to run home.

After 3100 yards in the pool I actually felt ready to run, until I hit the out doors and realized just how heated that pool was. For the first mile I thought I might lose a nipple. I was pretty darn cold and anyone who knows me, realizes what a feat that is, to cool me down.

But it didn’t take long until I was hot and back to sweating like only a Boggs can.

The run home was definitely a mental test. I forgot to mention that my Garmin 305 registered 4.2 miles form my drive to the pool, so I was putting in 8.4 miles this morning with a nice little swim.

As I passed my Friends Gloria, and Scott’s house which was about mile 2.7 I was pretty pumped. My heart rate was in good shape, my breathing was awesome and my legs hurt like heckle and jeckle! I was ready to be home.

The sun was coming up and it was ending up to be a really pretty morning. I crossed Stanford and new I only had 1.3 miles to go and I began to get a second wind, too bad my legs weren’t in on that plan!

As I coasted in on my street I let out a short little woo hoo!

I thanked the big guy upstairs and headed straight for the dry clothes then the computer to make my post.

I will ride later today if I get back from New Orleans in time if not I will put in double time tomorrow.

Everyone, have a brilliant day!

I am off to shower and begin my day and make a difference, I am not sure how yet, but it will happen.

Sevn Days . . .

Being fat seems so trivial . . .

I have a friend. Yes I do!

This friend has such a positive spirit and this friend has been very motivating to me in my effort to become healthy and lose weight through triathlon.

While it may be an infrequent occurrence, there are a few times I have allowed myself to give into self pity and self sorrow regarding my weight.

Today I realized how little my situation is in the world we live in. I can change. On my own with no surgery, no drugs, nothing but my own will. I can make myself into a healthy person through exercise, through effort, and focus.

I am one lucky guy.

My friend, she is going to have a mastectomy. She has cancer. She is 30. It is hard for me not to get emotional while writing this. I wish you all could know her. She is such a positive person with the strength of a lioness.

She doesn’t want me to feel sad for her. She doesn’t want me to pity her.

Do you know what she does want?

She wants to live through me over the next 3 to 4 months while she goes through the fight which as she says will be another notch in her belt.

My friend asked me to train for her.

She is doing Florianopolis, Brazil next year.

She wants to train through me and finish races through me, until she can get back on her training and on her feet.

Whoa. I will admit . . . this is pressure. I know how hard she trains.

I only have one race this season, but I will post daily for her to read. I will post the silly nuances that go on in my daily grind. But more than that, I will race for her this coming weekend. I will cross the finish thinking about her and as she put it, she will feel like she crossed right along with me.

On November 12, I begin my training for next year. A crazy year, 2 half Ironman races and then ending the year with my first Ironman in Florida.

Please keep my friend in your thoughts. I know she will be fine for the reasons I listed above, but kindness and positive thoughts always helps.
To my friend. You are loved for you and what you become everyday.



A very short report on my race yesterday.

It was awesome! I cut my time by 19 minutes from this race last year! This is a lot of time considering how short this race is.

From beginning to end I felt strong.

I even had a lot in the tank at the finish. Good thing since I am going to need every ounce of it this coming Sunday!

The best part of the race was about mile 1.5. A guy comes flying by and then starts walking. I catch up to him and he has stopped running to talk with me. He is a PT and shared his thoughts with me. We talked for a good 5 minutes. As he ran off to the finish he said this, “You are an inspiration to a lot of people, you should know that.”

When I began this effort or triathlon I didn’t do this for that reason, selfishly. I did this because I wanted to get better, healthier.

But each time I hear someone share that with me, it makes me smile. It pushes me to do better. When I hear a comment such as that I feel a commitment to those I inspire and I am beginning to realize something.

I am doing this for me, but there is another result here. I may be helping others?

My only hope is . . . That I don’t let you down.

Thanks to everyone for your kindness and your motivation.

Nine days . . . Nine days.

Nine Days.


Things happen.

It has been a tough two weeks. My favorite part of the training I haven’t been able to do. I have had a major ear infection that is today still fighting to stick around. My doctor has restricted my swimming and I am miserable.

I have been running and cycling, but the ear is not letting me train to my needs to complete the race.

I am keeping my spirits up and I will try and get enough in this next week to complete the race.

I have been prescribed physical therapy for my nagging calf issue. My doctor feels that there was at some point a tear in it and it needs to be worked with.

There you have it. “Things happen”.

I am remaining optimistic.

I am not an Olympic athlete. I am not going to place in my age group. I am going to finish.

One of my best friends from college, who I miss a great deal, said it best. He said “I know you will do great, you’re too stubborn to quit.”

I would say that about sums me up.

I race tomorrow (Saturday) in a very small sprint triathlon. I am looking forward to it.

Keep me in your thoughts the next nine days. Send me positive thoughts. I will need them and I will also need your thoughts and prayers on Sunday, October 29th.

I am going to attempt to post immediately after the half Ironman, but forgive me if I can’t.

On October 29th I will Swim 1.2 miles – Bike 59 miles – Run 13.1 miles. I will.

Have a great week!

2 Weeks and Counting . . .

2 weeks . . .

You know, when I signed up for my HIM (Half Ironman) about seven months ago, it seemed like such a long, long way away.

Not so much today.

It is 5:30 in the morning on a Saturday. My little sister is getting married today and then she won’t be my little sister anymore. I have just returned from an 80 minute run around Ridgeland Mississippi and I can only hope the weather in Conroe Texas is the same as it was this morning, however with my luck or lack the of, it will be the opposite of this morning.

As I exited the hotel at around 4:05 AM, I was welcomed by a brisk cool morning with dew on the ground and I was happy. I began to run with a hop in my step that I haven’t seen in a while. After about mile 2 I began to think about Conroe and the two weeks between now and then.

I am doing a sprint tri next weekend in Lafayette. Amanda is participating in her first tri as a relay participant!!!! I am so excited! She has been training on her own, running twice as fast as me in her first day out. I am so excited, it was worth a repeat.

We depart for Texas on the Thursday before the race. Big D from the tri club is riding and staying with us. I love Big D to death. She is about (man I hope she doesn’t kick my butt) 40’ish, maybe 42’ish? And one tough mother!! I can only dream of having her body (only in the male version) when I am her age. She works had at it and it pays off.

I think a lot about how difficult the day will be and if I can hold up. After the 1.2 mile swim and 56 mile bike I think I will be ok. It is the 13.1 mile run after all of that which worries me. I know that after mile six my body, hips especially, will be in bad shape, but I will not give up. I am a little worried about the cut-off time. In my head the numbers work and I see myself finishing a good 30 minutes before the cut-off of eight hours.

I have also made one last resolution. After this weekend I am only allowed to think on the progressive side, the positive side. I am only allowed to see myself succeeding and doing so with style. Or just not crapping in my pants!!!

I believe in visioning and I will put the belief to the test in 15 short days.

I must admit, I have not trained as I would like to have, but I have trained to the extent that my body has remained intact. There have been days that I couldn’t lift my left leg to put on my pants because my hip was in such bad shape. I look forward to dropping to my goal weight. My thought is that I will not be in so much pain from the training aspect of the sport.

However I have to work with what I have right now and I am doing the beast that I can. I am in what is called the TAPER portion of my training. This is where I begin to lower the distance of my training and begin to push the speed portion until I get close to race day, where I let the body recuperate for the big, long, weary day.

This has been a journey.

Amanda stop asking me about a week ago . . . “Are you still going to do your Half Ironman?” I think she is finally grasping the fact that this is going to happen. I know she worries about me. I am not sure the Disney Tri and Medical Tent experience helped her.

That was the last question she has asked me regarding this race, “Is it going to me a Disney finish again?”

My response . . . “Likely.”

Thanks to everyone, Timbeux, Anne, Amanda, and everyone else for your thoughts and encouragement. I will take that with me on my journey.

Here we go!

Todays weight: 386

It's not 380, but it isn't 405!

Next weigh in: October 18th

Goal: 375

Disney tri pictures

Pictures from the Disney Tri

ESPN for Monday night football: Saints vs Falcons!

Disney Olympic Tri. Whew, glad that one is over!

http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0220/en_US/pdf/Tri06Results.pdf


Cigars, Wrecks, Mickey Ears, Twins and an IV cocktail . . .

September 25, 2006 will go down as a day of fun, fear and fatalities!!!

Disney World Olympic Triathlon 2006 in Orlando Florida was a tough day for me and a few others. I would like to start this post out with a sincere prayer for a few people who had horrible crashes; one in particular was med-evaced by helicopter. When I passed him he was still unconscious on the pavement.

There were many complaints about this race, the bike course in particular. It was a little challenging and tight. I was run off the road about mile 17 by a group of no less than 15 people drafting.

There were no marshals on the course. Disney would not allow them on the course without training on the motorcycles. So there were, and I am not exaggerating, at a minimum 4 groups of between 4 and 15 people drafting the entire bike course. How sad.

I feel judgmental when I address this, however this was such an outright abuse of the rules of triathlon that I feel I should say something. That something is;

How can you feel good about yourself and cheat? How?

So what if your 3rd in your age group OR if you happen to win your age group, YOU CHEATED! OK, Enough of that.

My friend Pat (aka rocketboy) was here at this race with his family too. He was flying until he too crashed and bit it pretty hard. He destroyed his bike cracking the top tube to the point that he won’t be able to ride it again. He is OK, minus some bad road rash and a busted up knee, but it could have been much worse. He crashed at about 24 MPH.

My day consisted of:

“You know it is race day, cause you have diary.”

That was the quote of the day from Amanda, as I ran to a port-a-potty just before the swim start. I don’t know what it is that causes my bowels to get so twisted, but almost every race morning I have the (sorry for the graphic) runs.

A pretty good swim, however I am sure the swim was more than 1500m.

The day before the race Amanda and I were coming back from downtown Disney and we saw an alligator in one of the lakes. This bothered my wife. I assured her that I could take on any gator less than eight feet, “anything else, and let’s just hope I’m not the slowest swimmer!!!” I passed quite a few folk who started off really fast and faded faster. Coming out of the water we had a nice little ½ mile run back to transition. I was whooped!

As I transitioned into my cycling wear I was beginning to dread the 10k run.

Off on the bike. The course was a bit odd. I was holding 19 MPH the first 12 or so miles, and then I began to stress out about the 3 or 4 wrecks I witnessed and the two that I saw the aftermath. It was an out and back course with the last 4 or so miles running along side the cyclist heading out on the course. We are talking about 2 feet between you and the oncoming bikers.

That is where Rocketboy wrecked.


The last mile you rode opposite of the runners heading out for the 10k. Again it was a really odd bike course.

I hit transition and began to wish this was a 5k and not a 10k. I did make a decision during this 10k. I am no longer going to wear my grey shorts on the run. I am going to run with my tri shorts and not worry about my big buttocks.

It was H O T, hot.

About mile two I stopped slogging (slow jogging) and walked. About mile 3, my bro Rocketboy found me on the run course and kept my spirits up. About mile 4 I really didn’t think I could finish. I told Rocket this, but about 100 yards later I told him not to let me quit. He promised he would get me to the finish, and he did.

It was amazing that he seemed to know when I was ready to give up. I am guessing he could see it in my face, and each time he would get on me or remind me how close we were.

We entered Epcot and the tour of the worlds and I began to feel confident that I would finish. There were not many patrons in Epcot at this time of day but there were a few and one was smoking the NASTIEST cigar. He decided he would walk ahead of us as much as he possibly could have.

Then I began to notice twins in Mini Mouse ears. There were more than two. There were a few. Wow? Cool. I saw like three sets of them?

Then I began to lose it, just about France. It must have been the French music? I only hope it is not a fore shadow of my trip to France in November?

Niagara Falls . . . Enough said. I lost all my fluids.

There was somewhere around a mile and a half left and I was not sure I would finish. I began to cramp EVERYWHERE. I cramped in my neck?????? What is that???? Rocketboy continued to push me and then I heard it.

Cheers coming from around the corner. I knew I was close. I wanted to try and slog in, but after three slog steps, I was done and my right calf was locked up tight in one of the most painful cramps I think I have ever had.

I saw the finish. I was wobbling in and I know it must have been the ugliest sight of the day!!!

A new friend of mine “doughboy” from http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/ was there at the finish and so was another woman who introduced herself to me on the run, I wish I was coherent enough to remember, but she was AWESOME. I think, I am not sure, but I think I tried to slap her hand as I headed into the finish.

OK, until this moment I had never experienced the finish line flop. The, cross the finish and lose control of your entire body movement. Today was my day.

The poor volunteers, having to witness this and some even having to hold up this 390 pound body.

I was taken into the medical tent and soon found myself hooked up to an IV pumping in wonderful fluids directly into my veins. I was a sight for sore eyes. Once I learn how to download pictures off of my camera I will post the beautiful picture Amanda took of me in this predicament. It is a keeper!

We caught the bus back to transition, loaded the bike and gear up and I proceeded to take a 2 hour nap trying to recuperate ANY energy for the festivities of the evening, Meadevil Times!!!!!

http://www.medievaltimes.com/flhomepage.htm

If you have seen The Cable Guy with Jim Carey, you know why I needed to regain my strength. Let’s just say Rocketboy, myself and our wives had one heck of a time watching OUR YELLOW Knight conquer the evil knight and save the kingdom!!!!

All in all it was a good day. I don’t plan on doing this race again, unless they make a few changes, but again, all in all it was a good day.

More than 1500 people started this race and less than 1200 finished. I really hopr the man they had to take away in the helecopter is doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If anyone knows anything about his situation please post it on the blog.

I finished in 4:13:11. The two other Olympic size tri’s Memphis in May and Heatwave I finished in 4:45 and 4:06 respectively. I have a LONG way to go before the Ironstar ½ Ironman at the end of October. Keep positive thoughts coming my way for that race.

I ALMOST FORGOT!!! There was an 86 year young gentleman racing too! He finish about 15 minutes or so after my, Amanda said. HOW AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a brilliant day and we’ll talk to you soon. Thanks for your support.

Weigh - In and a little extra . . .

Today my goal was to have lost 5.5 pounds in the last 8 days. From 395.5 to 390.
My weight at 7:45am . . . 392.5.

Not where I wanted to be, but I am losing.

My next weigh in is October 2nd and I aim to be down to 380.


A LITTLE EXTRA:

As many of you are aware I began my 1/2 IM, HIM (half iron man) training almost 3 weeks ago. It is a killer training schedule and my body is feeling it thses days, but I am loving it.

My swim is having the best results. The first week I was having problems completing the 2700m training session and todayI did my 3800m training session fairly easily and my AWESOME swimming coach, Fitbird said I did an excellent job on the drills. I personally felt great.

Remember this date, October 29, 2006. That Sunday I will be Swiming 1.1 miles, cycling 56 miles, and running 13.1 miles.

I am heading to my Olympic Tri this weekend. This is only a little shy of a 1 mile swim, 24.5 mile bike and 6.2 miles run.

My friend Pat (Rocketboy) and his family are going to Florida too for the race.

Thanks to everyone for your support and we'll talk to you after my race on this coming Sunday.

Cheers!

P.R. !!!!!!!

******* Weigh-in 09-11-2006 ------ began this run at 401, today 395. Next weigh in, 09-20-2006. Goal 390*****************

P.R. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/45002_83474_2006.txt

I would like to thank the Academy. My family. The director. I know I am going to forget a few people. . .

My COACH, my coach (tears) Anne, aka, fitbird! WE DID IT!!! (hysterically crying) WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.R. = Personal Best.

Today I had a personal best. While it was happening I continued to second guess myself. As I looked to my Garmin, that tells me my average speed, I was baffled.

“There must be a strong wind at my back????” No. “Everyone must be going much faster than their average on this course.” After looking at the times, No.

On my bike, I simply went faster than I ever have before in a race. Here is a little history for you. Last year my average speed of the season was 12.9mph. This year it has been just shy of 15mph.

Today . . . 17.2 MPH!!!!!! Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am elated. This is what I needed after my last race, DeGray Lake in Arkansas where I had a little mishap. I realize for most “normal” triathlete’s 17.2 is nothing, but for THIS GUY, WOO HOO!

Here is a little snapshot of my race at Cajunman in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Last year this race was canceled as a result of our Nation’s worst natural disaster, hurricane Katrina. This is a wonderful race. ½ mile swim, 20 mile bike, 5k run.

Swim was good. I felt great the entire way and stayed in my 4 stoke per breath cadence the duration. Normally I have to begin taking a breath each stroke, but with my hardcore coaching by Anne, and my awesome training schedule from http://www.multisports.com/ I kicked tail in the swim.

It was an odd exit from the water. You had to be helped out. Poor guy. My helper was one muscular dude, I mean ripped, but only about 5’5”. Let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty. I think he thought he was coming in the water about midway through.

The run to transition was a little weird. It was a LONG way from the water exit to transition and the concrete hurt like heck!!!!!!

My transition was ok.

I got out on the bike and I could feel the trainer workout kicking in and I felt strong. The SLD (single leg drill) I did on the trainer was a benefit on my P.R. I felt strong the entire bike. Of course I was passed by many a racer, but not as much as most races.

The last 2 miles I felt so good, I pushed it up a notch. I was already at 17mph for my average, but I figured, why not, let’s do it!!!

Bad idea. While I gained a few tenths of a second, I paid for it in transition and on the run. My transition after the bike was 5 minutes.

My friend Mitzi came in off the bike while I was gaining the mental strength to head out on the run. She was off on the run before me and I was in transition a long time before her.

The run was an out and back HOT run. Let’s just say I finished.

Thanks to my friend Rocko for cheering like a mad man for me. I did hear you brother! Kristi, you are the woman!!!! Thanks for the wonderful conversation, but more the friendship and a friend that goes further than most would, thank you.

It was a good day.

Thanks to all of you that have sent motivating and kind emails and posts to me since the last race and my day of “Reality” hitting me in the face.

This is a short post since I have to get to my new office and hang more pictures and all the other fun stuff that comes with moving from one office to another.

Tomorrow I weigh for the first time since my Reality post, when I weighed in at 400lbs. A tough day for me. However, I have been eating with me new system and only strayed a couple times in two weeks. I will post how the weigh in goes tomorrow morning.

Have a brilliant week!!!!

On the Road Again . . .

On the Road Again . . .


Reality is tough on a fat guy, however I must say that I really do know when I am slipping back into my old ways. I just chose to ignore it, until I hit a point where I was not satisfied with the direction.

This is not easy.

I have said it before, being fat is a choice as is being healthy, but why does it seem so easy to be fat? Don’t get me wrong, I know nothing in life is free, and the good things in life are those you really work hard for, but being fat is cake (no pun intended).

Last week my wonderful wife Amanda purchased for me a “FoodSaver”. One of the machines that sucks the air out of something you want to keep fresh for later and then seals the food for you.

The past two Sundays I have gone to our local Whole Foods and purchased one weeks worth of meals, brought them home, cooked them in a healthy manner and then sealed them for the week.

The past two weeks I have had, daily Breakfast, snack, Lunch, snack, Dinner, snack. All healthy meals and small portions. I have not had more than 1,800 calories in a day for the last two weeks. I am averaging 1,733 per day as of today.

I began my half iron Man training for IronStar, an HIM (Half Iron Man) in Conroe Texas on October 29th. Monday was my first day and my swim coach is awesome!!!!!!!!!

Awesome at kicking my butt!

So far so good on the training. It is difficult, but I am doing it. I realize it will take a great deal of training for me to complete a HIM, so no griping here.

Just wanted everyone to know I am back on it and working hard. One of these times it will be permanent. One of the times I will look back over all of this a be thankful for it and appreciate where I am at that time, hopefully 220 Lbs.

Thanks to everyone who sent me kind emails and posts. I truly does mean a great deal to me. I read them and instantly begin to plan and focus. We all need that at times. While I know only I can take care of me, it is still nice to know there are people like you that are behind my aspirations.

Thanks.

Reality!!!!!!

I had a rude awakening today.

It has been coming on for a month or two now. I’ve known it and it more than likely is why I passed out at my race in Arkansas last week.

I have not been training. I have been pretending and lying to myself and in a way to you guys that read my blog.

I am sorry.

I am sorry to me and to you guys.

I have been eating horribly for the past couple months and only training here and there, but nothing to talk of. I have been on my bike very little and running even less and swimming not so much since Heatwave the OLY in Jackson Mississippi.

Up until then I was training hard for Memphis in May and Heatwave. I was logging my training and watching what I ate. Then I slowly fell off the wagon until I wasn’t doing anything for my health. No training and eating like a horse on a blubber diet.

I am mad at myself and a little disgusted.

I am 6’2” and as of today, when I got on the scale for the first time since May 23rd when I logged my weight and I weighed in at 378 pounds, today I weighed in at 401 pounds.

I weighed 421 pounds at my highest weight and 405 when I did my first triathlon in May of 2005.

I am right back there!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

I knew I was doing badly.

I bought a food saver and put it into use tonight making my meals for the week at 1,440 calories a day with breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack between each and after dinner so I am eating 6 smaller portions a day, again totaling 1,400 calories.

I am going to swim tomorrow at 5:30am and run 3 miles tomorrow evening.

Monday, September 4th I begin my Half Ironman training.

I am not happy with myself right now, but I will post September 10th and let you know where my weight is and hopefully I will show progress.

Keep me in your positive thoughts.

Thanks.

Know When TO Say When . . .

Know when to say when . . .

I have been called many things in my short lifetime. Hard Headed has been amongst them.

Amanda and I pulled into Arkansas around 3:30AM Friday morning. I had been driving since 6:30AM Thursday for meetings with clients and then a retirement party in Lake Charles which was so much fun.

I didn’t sleep well and was up and slowly moving around 9:00AM. I worked on the computer and was up and around about 10:00AM.

The BRtri Club members that were racing this weekend in the ½ Ironman were swimming around 5:00PM. I joined them and swam about 500 meters. The water was a little warm, but not as bad as River Cities a couple weeks ago.

I began feeling a little yucky while eating dinner at Pizza Hut.

Saturday morning I woke and went to see the ½ Ironman and root on my club friends. It was HOT. I felt bad for those racing. I was a ball of sweat and I was only standing and watching.

Our club really did well in this race. Konaboy came in 5th overall with a sub 5 hour race which is awesome on this course. Rust Queen came in third overall female AND sub 5 hours pace too.

Vanilla was the stud of the weekend. He raced just minutes above a 5 hour ½ IM, I think it was like 5:07???? He came in 4th in his age group which is very competitive and THEN HE raced today in the Sprint Tri and came in 4th AGAIN!!!! Kudos brother!

About 2:30pm my friend Ashley suggested I head out and keep hydrated. I am not sure if she saw I was feeling a little yucky, but I was. I just hate not being there to support everyone in their finish. Most times I am one of the last to finish so I never get to cheer people in and I like to take advantage of that when I can.

I saw everyone but Big D and Michelle finish. Sorry guys.

As I tried to rest Saturday evening I found myself continuing to sweat. I made a little pasta and Amanda saw the sweat all over the cooking mat in front of the stove. I overlooked it and continued to drink my Gatorade.

I have a difficult time sleeping before a race, but last night was an exception. I didn’t sleep. I laid my head down at 10:00PM. I was up at 2:00AM and I think I was able to get in an hour sleep.

As I arrived to the race course I felt tired. I wasn’t in a good mood. I wasn’t talkative as I usually am. Amanda sat beside me on the boat ramp and made comment on my looking a little rough.

I have a suggestion for everyone.

If you are not ready to race for whatever reason, KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN.

This will be repeated a couple times in this post.

I saw Caroline Smith, a tri stud form Team Earthquake, and a hottie across the field of racers. She waved and I actually began to feel a bit better. As I tread out to the start in the water I cooled down and was ready to race.

The under 34 males went off first, my group went out 5 minutes after them in a wave start. I started off slow to get my new stroke that I have been working on down and about 200 meters in I began to pick it up.

I was feeling pretty good about 400 meters and turned it up a little more going 4 strokes to one breath. I cruised into the boat ramp and jogged into transition.

My Dad said he thought I had a great swim. I figure I came out of the water middle of the pack in my age group and my Dad said that I passed a few of the yellow swim caps from the below 34 racers. Woo Hoo!

I felt my first signs of dehydration or whatever it was as I entered transition. Just before I arrived at my bike I began to feel light headed. I took my time at transition and headed out on the bike.

Just out of transition about 500 yards there is a nice hill that you have no momentum and really your legs haven’t adjusted from the swim yet. I focused and climbed as hard as I could. It took everything I had to get up that hill. As I topped the summit of the hill I knew I was in trouble. My legs were done. Not even one mile into the bike and I was shot.

The good news is there was a down hill to a spillway and I cruised down it hitting 39mph! I passed more than 10 people going down it. I am telling you, that the day there is an ALL down hill triathlon I am winning that sucker!

The wind seemed to be behind us on the spillway since I was cruising at about 18mph which is very fast for me. We went across another spillway in the resort area and the road was pretty rough.

Then came a little bit of stress for me. I was sweating bullets and there were fairly decent hills all along the backside of the golf course there at the resort. I wanted to stop several times. I continued to remind myself that I had conquered hills much harder than these in Birmingham and more of them. It worked and I chugged along.

Then there was a sweet downhill on the back side of the golf course and I was flying again passing three of four folks.

Then I had a mental laps. As I was flying down this hill I saw bikes going to the left, a HARD left. I freaked out and slammed on the brakes slowing way down. There was also a small laps in the volunteer as well. He was talking to his friend and didn’t see or hear me coming down the hill until I had started slowing down. He yelled “GO straight through!”

Oh CRAP!!!!! I blew my speed thinking I had to turn. My bad, I should have known the course better. I saw the loop and turn on the map but, I just flubbed it.

After several more little hills it was back across the main spillway.

Remember the hill I almost reached 40mph on? Yeah, well, I now had to go up that hill.

I were not to excited. (The bad grammar is for my little sister Natalie)

I tried to push in a strong gear as far up as I could and then slowly shifted into easier gears as needed. I only had about 3 miles left to finish the bike.

Finally I hit the point on the hill where I had to stop and walk it up. I clipped out of my pedals and swung my foot over and began to walk up the hill.

KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN.

I was a little dizzy at this point. It was hot but more it was so humid. I was actually leaving a sweat trail.

I decided to stop and take a swig of Gatorade.

“Big guy! Big Guy! Talk to me big guy!”

As I opened my eyes I saw a little man in a red T-shirt standing over me slapping me in the face.

I jumped up. I think I freaked him out a second time then. I leaned on the metal railing beside the highway. He was pouring water on me and then I head the sirens. The ambulance pulled up and the two EMT guys came over and started asking me questions to which I think I aced!!!!!!

I don’t know how long I was out but I had a nice cut on my knee and I had dirt all over my left arm. When I looked on the ground where I was passed out you could see my body marked in sweat!

Tonight my left elbow and shoulder are very sore and my knee is a little banged up, but for the most part only my pride was permanently scared.

They put me on the bumper of the ambulance and took my blood pressure and gave me an IV. About 15 minutes later they were ready to haul me back to transition. I didn’t want to go in an ambulance. I was persistent. They made me sign a waiver. I did.

I rode back in the truck of a really cool volunteer fireman with bike in tow. I was so embarrassed.

I was a little pissed when I got to transition and threw a little bit of a tantrum that really no one would have noticed. I continued to sweat like a horse and I was becoming really hot.

As soon as they opened transition for exiting I was out of there and didn’t care if I ever saw De Gray Lake again!

After a few hours of cramping and trying to drink enough fluids I have decided that I will be back next year.

When I did Buster Britton in 2005 it took me around three and a half hours to finish and I walked 90% of the hills. This past year at Buster Britton I finished almost an hour faster and walked only a small part of one hill.

Next year I will conquer the De Gray Lakes Sprint Triathlon!