When I started this blog, it was all about losing weight.
(Funny side note – My wife just saw the picture of me that is in the post that I linked to just there and said, “Is that you? Wow!” I have come a long way in the last year…)
At the time that I started, I didn’t care about becoming an athlete. I just wanted to NOT be fat. It was all about getting to a healthy weight by whatever means necessary. Interestingly enough, doing athletic things on a regular basis is a good way to lose weight.
I knew that I was going to have to move more often and in a more specific way. So I started running. I remember telling myself that I didn’t really care to “become” a runner. I was only doing it because I “needed” to. But then I found out that it got easier the more weight I lost. So I decided to up the ante and I signed up for the Rugged Maniac mud run. And I fell in love with the race. So I ran the Cooper River Bridge Run. And I realized that unexpectedly I was becoming an athlete.
Huh. Didn’t see that one coming.
So with that being said, I have been looking for that next challenge. That next things I said I would never do…mainly because I never thought I would be able to. That next thing that would elevate my fitness and in return maybe help me shed a few more pounds. That next thing that would get my heart pumping and my mental gears turning.
And then it arrived on my Facebook wall. An innocent challenge? A divine prophesy? Or just someone who is excited to know that I am always up for a challenge?
So Erin Hopkins sensed my need for a new fitness challenge and threw the gauntlet by asking me if I want to do a sprint triathlon. Yes, you heard me right. Swimming. Biking. Running. Before I could even respond, Jason Trotta from Chucktown Triathletes pulls on the strings that he knows will inflame my heart and tells me that he is training one of Louie’s Kids to do it and that I should do it too.
How could I say no?
I didn’t.
So there you have it folks. I will be doing a sprint triathlon on July 29th, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve. That means 600 yards of swimming without drowning, 12 miles of biking without getting my laces caught in the gears, and 5 kilometers of running which is like 300 miles using the Imperial standard ( I think.) And I have 8 weeks to train for it.
Holy sh*t, what am I doing?
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you can do it! Love the new banner picts on your BoLW site.
When I talked to Erin today I named running a 5K with you as one of my fitness goals. 🙂
YOU CAN DO THIS! Don’t forget to have fun too.
Twitter: KymberlyFunFit
I admit that everything about a triathlon sounds fun except the biking, swimming, and running. Well, maybe the biking part sounds good — downhill and flat, but uphill? So my wickaway hat off to you Athlete Stud Cookies! Way to go! http://funandfit.org/fun-fit-radio/
WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!! You are gonna ROCK IT! SO glad I could give you that extra push! I knew you’d be up for the challenge!
Twitter: nathan_albert
Being a freakin’ boss is what you’re doing! That’s awesome man! Good luck!
Twitter: Jredfern78
You will enjoy it. The sprint triathlon is a fun time with a great atmosphere. I haven’t done one in a few years, but I think this year I might get out there again.
I’ve sideline watched your weight loss (call me a creepy voyeur or casual observer 😉 and I am impressed. Well Done, Sir! Well done, indeed.
Twitter: DarwinianFail
YAY! That is soooo awesome! As a fellow chub-ster (no for real check out my transformation post for BEFORE pics BLAH) I can tell you that by pushing yourself with bigger challenges will only help keep you motivated during your journey.
This year I ran my first half. And I am planning to run my first full marathon in the Fall. It is great to have something to strive for that is not just a number on the scale. I am excited to hear about your training!
Twitter: _J2
Very exciting! I can’t wait to read about it. I hope to do a sprint tri someday (I have no access to a pool or water to swim in) so I would love to read about your training plan!