Seems Like a Good Idea at the Time

Following friends doing an Ironman is always inspiring, and very long (note to self, get faster friends).  Right now my friend, sometimes training partner and all round good guy Wes is toughing it out at IM Copenhagen.  Sometimes I'm happy to just watch and cheer them on, but now I think it's finally time for me to get back out there.

In 2013 I trained for my second Ironman, but after 7 months I realized (the hard way) that I had took too much time off and set my sights a little to high.  So I decided to withdraw and continue my training into 2014.  That didn't quite work out as I had planned either.  I had the opportunity to do a Master's Degree in Nutrition Communication and couldn't afford to do that and the Ironman.  Now that the degree is all done, I'm ready to give it another go.

I originally wanted to give Ironman Canada another shot, but the Whistler version is apparently harder than the Penticton version and maybe that's not the best option for me right now.

Ironman Maryland looks like the one we're targeting (me, Iron Wes & hopefully we can talk other suckers ... racers, into joining us).

On the right I have a list of the races I've either already registered for.  I've also registered for a pilates class 1x/wk followed by yoga (only because I have 7 sessions left on my plan)

So, I have several training goals right now, which will likely change when I get a coach (probably in the new year):

1.  Lose ~50 lbs & change my body composition

• Yes I know doing an Ironman is not exactly the best way to lose weight because you need to eat all the time.  But I plan on focusing on losing weight during the winter before the heavy training sets in.
• I plan on focusing on whole, healthy foods (more details to come), and will be trying all sorts of new recipes, including home made energy bars.
• Luckily for me, I know a good RD with a background in sports nutrition (it's me, just in case you didn't know).

2.  Incorporate strength and flexibility

• My flexibility sucks and my upper body strength is pathetic.  I need to get those areas straightened out now before the focus shifts to long swims, bikes & runs and time becomes a factor.

3.  Distance, distance, distance

• Speed will come with the weight loss, distance will come from doing distance.

I'll be sharing with you all my trials & tribulations, success & failures, during my road to the Ironman finish line,   It won't be easy, but as one smart person once said (can't remember who) "if it was easy, everyone would be doing it"..