Starting the Trek

This is the first week of 24 training weeks for the Disney Marathon. I start with 11 miles per week and will build up to 33 miles in a week. I am very encouraged so far.

I have also decided to try to give up diet soda. Through the first 3 days, I have limited myself to one a day. That is a big deal for me. I've had up to 8 diet cokes in a day. On two of the days, I resorted to diet coke in moments of weakness, after very stressful situations.

In moments when I'm tired, stressed, and hungry, I have to have a plan. Or, at least, be able to deal with the situation better and not resort to fast food. There were better alternatives that I passed along the way.

Training with American Heart Association

I have joined with the American Heart Association to get in shape for an endurance event. The training provided is for 11 weeks to prepare for a 5K race. I walk 5K on my normal walks, so the distance is not a problem....at least for walking. In fact today's walk was about 3 minutes faster than last week.

I think my heart is getting stronger. I wore my heart rate monitor and had to really push it to get my heart rate over 130.

I would like to get in shape to actually run the distance again. It has been many years since I've run that far.

I think I am going to take it a few steps farther. I am contemplating entering the Walt Disney World Marathon and attempt to walk the 26.2 miles in less than 7 hours. Seems a long way away and a longer distance. But, if I don't commit now, I won't be able to get into the race.

I'll keep you posted.

The First Step is Sometimes the Hardest

It seems so long ago that I participated in a marathon or triathlon. Even my most recent 5K race seems so long ago. Years ago a 4 mile run was a short run. Now, I can't even run a 1/4 mile.

I hope today was the first day of a regular routine. I walked 3+ miles in 54 minutes. I recently joined the Lawyers Have Heart training program with the American Heart Association. We train for 11 weeks and will complete a 5K race. Using my 54 minutes as a starting point, I hope to reduce that time by a minimum of 11 minutes. My ultimate goal is to take 22 minutes off that time for a 32 minute 5K. But, that would mean returning to a long time ago, when 10 minute miles was an easy run.

I am even contemplating signing up for a marathon. I guess I should see if I can keep up a routine for a month before making that decision.

Have I Always Been Big?

It seems since I was little, I was always bigger than most other kids. I didn't seem fat, just bigger.

Now, when I look back at pictures, I wonder if I was ever that skinny.

Two months ago I was heading the wrong direction, right for 300 pounds. In fact, on the doctor's scale I reached it. But, that was with clothes, and after work, so I rationalized. The reality was, my weight was preventing me from living my life like I wanted.

I like to be active. I like to go to events. I like roller coasters and thrill rides. Now, I am limited in my activities, I have to force myself into uncomfortable seats, and I have to make sure there isn't a weight limit before I get on a ride.

Of course, there are also the health issues. I have high blood pressure and sleep apnea. I have to sleep with a mask to get a good night's sleep. And, of course, allow the rest of the house to sleep without my snoring.

Where did this weight come from? I have completed marathons and olympic distance triathlons. I have run a 25 minute 5K race and a 56 minute 10K.

Apparently, once I hit 40, my metabolism stopped working. Well, that and a broken ankle on Thanksgiving day one year, which meant no activity for a few weeks during the worst part of the year. Then there were two surgeries a few years later that added to the down time.

But, these are excuses. Time to get rid of the weight to get on with my life.