Is Christmas really 3 days away?

I am sitting here, in the office, listening to Brandon’s Marathon Podcast episode 48 (great episode for newbie swimmers by the way) thinking about how close we are to Christmas…and how far I am from being ready!


Today is my last day of work, unless there are any emergencies that happen to come up while we are closed. I work in the hazardous waste sector, collecting various waste streams. Mainly automotive (oils, filters, antifreezes), but we collect chemicals and acids as well. The only things we really do not collect are bio-hazard materials, explosives and radioactive materials. So…here is to hoping that everyone has a safe holiday…we my guys can rest and recoup!

Back to Christmas and not being ready for it…

Oh boy…I am hoping that I have gotten some things that the wife will like! She never really gives me a list…so I have to go by memory. One thing that I do know…is that she really loves stockings…and that is most important to her! I know this…and yet…just like every other year…I have done nothing. I might be in trouble once again! I tend to leave everything to the last minute (like most men out there), and do my best under pressure…but I might be in trouble this year. I have a lot of ground to cover…and not much time to get it done! We have something going on every night from now till boxing day…so time is at a premium! I might be going shopping while the family is sleeping! Actually…I think that is the best bet for me! I will be shopping in the middle of the night…with the rest of the male population! Fun times!!

I really do love Christmas!

The one thing that really keeps me going…is the look on my son’s face…and he starts to smile and shake…when he gets excited about something. It is a priceless moment…and something that I will cherish for ever!

Gone for now…but back later…

November 16, 2009

Just getting ready to go do some shopping, and hopefully get it all finished!  Christmas is coming fast, and I am running out of time.
I am really getting tired of the travel to and from work...but that is another story!  It is taking a lot out of me right now.  Very early mornings...and late nights trying to get in some family time!!  I think after the new year...it is time to figure some things out...
So, I took the day off to get the shopping done...but I can not seem to get away from work.  Someone is always calling me...and I am on the laptop trying to get things done!  Oh well...such is life.
Tonight...get home from shopping...get in a quick 5K run...then get some dinner and watch a few Christmas movies with the wife!!!
Later all!

The 4th Birthday!!

Wow…how time flies!! My son turned 4 yesterday…and it seems like just yesterday that I was holding him for the first time. I am not sure what it is…but I am having a bit of an issue with him getting older. I know that it is inevitable…but he could just slow down a little bit! At this age, they seem to pick things up so fast! We had his party a couple of weeks ago at a gymnastics gym with 16 kids between the ages of 3 – 7 years old. What a handful…but better to have the party there…than at my house! The nice thing was once the party was over…we just got to go home and put our feet up! NO CLEAN UP!! Especially with…16 kids!


Now…the down side of kids growing up…is they pick up things…that we might not find…enjoyable to hear. Just yesterday…my son comes up to me…looks me in the eye…”WAIT FOR IT…WAIT FOR IT” he says…then proceeds to fart. “SWEET!!!” he yells as he runs away giggling and laughing like a hyena! Ugh!!! The wife blamed me for that…and I swear…I had nothing to do with that! I found it funny of course…

The last couple of days have been filled with snow and freezing rain here, so out door training…has not been the easiest! The weather should be turning soon, to rain for the next week or so, so I will be able to get back out into the cold and get some running in.

One last thing…I have not started the Power 90 program yet, but I will be getting going between Christmas and New Years. I think that there is just going to be too much happening before that to devote the time that I need to it to make sure that I succeed with it.

I am out of here for now…

Later…

No more delays please...

Well…as you can tell here, there have been no weigh ins…and no postings of workouts. We had some family issues that we needed to take care of, and therefore…our start date has been delayed. Not a good thing right? Maybe it was…stay tuned for more information…


So, I weighed in this past Sunday morning…and it is not good. 240+lbs. Yikes. I have gained a few here…and am not really happy with that! It’s ok though…I just need to focus and get down to work here. In the words of that famous Nike catch phrase…JUST DO IT!

So, what is my plan (other than praying for the magic lantern genie to show up and make me magically fit)? The web is full of interesting information, and with this social media now days…there are lots of “Twitter” friends that are always giving support and advice!

As for the training for Triathlon/Marathon, this first week is 4 walk runs and that is all that I need to do. Can I do it?? You bet. I will keep you posted on that!

As well, I also have the Power 90 program with Tony Horton, so I am going to add this to my training see what happens. If you have not heard of this, it is a 90 day program filled with muscle confusion training. Basically it is a boot camp program on DVD that you do at home. There are 3 parts to it, Cardio, Strength and Abs. Do not confuse this with the P90X program, they are both by Tony Horton, but Power 90 was the first one, and is not as tough. First things first…and we will go from there.

I actually started this program years ago, and loved it…but then I think a week or so into it, was when I found out that I had a detached retina…and the training had to stop. Then I got really fat…and this is where we are now. I am tentatively looking at starting this program on this Sunday, but that might get delayed, depending on some information that I get back from Beachbody (they are the company that distributes Power 90, P90X, etc…) I will let you know what happens.

Hmmm…maybe I should work at posting a 90 day challenge for the P90 program and post every day after I work out??? Let me think about that!

And if I can ever figure out how to post some of these recordings that I have been making as a podcast…I will do that as well, at least all the way up to my first Triathlon in June. I am using Podbean, and get it as far as getting loaded into the system…but no farther. Not sure what I am doing wrong though. I might have to break down and ask for assistance from someone that is out there podcasting already (Erin337? Kelownagurl Tris?? Anybody??)

Well, I am gone for now…but will be back once I have more information regarding the Power 90 program as well as letting you now how my first week of running goes. Next blog, I will also give you more information regarding what training program I am following for the triathlon.

Later…

Party time!!

Last night was a great night for me. It had nothing to do with running…or riding…or any sort of working out. It has to do with the family! I got to spend a wonderful night with my lovely wife and my handsome young son at…Disney on Ice! We had a lot of fun at the PNE! The trip was an early birthday present for Shaunavon…and he really enjoyed himself!! Filled up on popcorn…and tried to spend every last penny that Mummy and Daddy had! GREAT NIGHT!!!




Saturday we had to finish last minute details of the birthday party at a local gymnastics gymnasium. 16 kids…for 2 hours! Running jumping…throwing foam cushions at each other…and then me!!! What a night!! Shaunavon loved the party and loved his presents from his friends!



Sunday was spent together as a family with a lazy morning…and then up to clean up the house! Who would have though that we have so much fall and Halloween decorations to put away! Oh well, got it all into Rubbermaid’s and ready for storage…then it was time to get out the winter and Christmas decorations! Box after box…after box…and then came the movies. 1 extra large Rubbermaid filled with Christmas theme or related movies. Wow!!! We have to watch about 3 a night…till Christmas…and we still will have a few left over! My favorites are the Bass and Rankin ones! I loved those ones when I was growing up! On a side note…has anyone ever seen the Bass and Rankin Halloween movie? It is too funny! A bunch of stop motion characters getting drunk at a party! Not bad for 1972!!



Anyways…most of the up coming week will be spent getting the house decorated, my mom’s house decorated…and getting into the Christmas cheer!!!



Catch you all later…

Back to the Beginning…

Today is day one of the rest of my life! Is it really? No. Do I need to treat it like it is? Yes. Today is the day that my fitness journey begins! The day that will start to act like a triathlete! Will it work? With your assistance, it just might!


I am going to start recording a mini podcast, in which, I will cover my weigh ins, the ups and downs that I encounter and issues that I will be dealing with. As well, I will be asking you via this blog and the podcast for help in gearing up to be a triathlete and compete in my first Triathlon.

My goal is to complete the Iron Mountain Triathlon in Maple Ridge on June 20th, 2010. They are offering 2 categories, the Sprint and the Olympic. I have chosen to partake in the Olympic. I want to challenge myself, and force myself to work hard at both the mental aspects of doing this, as well as working hard at the physical aspects through training! After this Tri in June, I will also be entered in the “Heart of the Rockies” triathlon in Invermere, BC. This is another Olympic Triathlon, and Invermere is about 60 minutes from our Cabin at Wasa Lake. I am very much looking forward to this one…as it will be a road trip event, which I think will be very exciting…but I am a bit of a geek… Wasa Lake also has a Triathlon every year in June, but it is the week before we host our yearly Charity Golf Tournament – Golf 4 a Cure – benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation. This is our 8th year I think, and it is just too difficult to do both events within a week of each other. And then after that…look at doing some fun runs and maybe a half marathon or something later in the year. I would love to do the Haney to Harrison event…but I would have to find a team or something like that…

Now…as for the “new” title of the blog. This is to reflect the everyday person that can not afford the high tech gadgets that are out there, but really want to take part in this sport. We are looking for ways to save money, but still be able to get competitive items to train with, as well as race with. As much as everyone would love to have that Money Tree in their back yard, it just is not there. With the world in a recession now, and money being tighter than ever for most people, we all need to work together at finding the best places to find the best deals. Everything needs to be prioritized as to what should we get first…and then what should come later.

So…if you have any comments or questions…do not hesitate to send me an email at bigbork21@gmail.com or call the voicemail line at 206-666-5898

Nothing good can happen here!!!

Well, last night we fell off the health wagon…and dropped right back into our previous paths of convenience eating. McD’s!!! Not a good thing. It was a long day for both Kelli and I, and we where both REALLY tired…so in a moment of weakness…we ate McDonalds for dinner. It tasted great…but that has to be the last time!

Needless to say…we both regretted out decision later that evening…as we sat curled up on the couch with our son watching TV. No fitness activities following McDonalds. BLAH!!

No more fast food!!! Can not happen!!! Must get healthy!! Must get on track!!! Must program voices in head to keep repeating these phrases!!!

Up at 4am on Friday as I had and extremely busy day in the office, and it takes me an hour to get there. For those of you that are not familiar with the Lower Mainland in BC, everything is connected by rivers and bridges. I am only 44 km from the office…but most days it take over an hour to get to and from. That is what podcasts are for now…as what is on the radio really sucks!! Thank goodness for Zen and the Art of Triathlon, Tri N Reality, Kelownagurl and Disney Runner! Catching up on all of their old episodes really makes the drive easier…and more calm…so thank you all for that! Not sure what I am going to do once I get caught up to their current episodes…but we’ll deal with that when that issue presents itself!

It was a long day at work…and then get home to discover that the dishwasher is spitting water out the bottom of the door…and all over the floor. Once I get that cleaned up…I discover that…we need a new dishwasher! Hmmm…new dishwasher…or new aerobars??? I know what my choice would be…but…I would be informed that it would be the wrong choice.

Sunday…we bought a new dishwasher…and for the money that the wife spent this thing better fricken load itself, and then but away the clean dishes afterwords.

Monday…now I have to install this new machine…which should be really interesting…seeing as how I am not mechanically inclined! The Kelli is going to assist me…and I am thinking that I should record part of this…but it might be too much work to edit the material for a podcast.

Wish me luck!!!

~OUT

Oh what a night...

Spent the afternoon trying to find my son an H1N1 shot with no success!!! It is strange...according to everyone that I speak with...he is a priority case due to just getting over pneumonia!! Oh well...try again tomorrow!!

Now...did my nightly walk run with the dog...and I am going to start doing this in the am...seeing as I am usually awake before most humans!!

Anyways...I will see how that works out for me!

Night all!

Sunday Night once again...

Alright...it is another Sunday evening and this week has sucked for fitness...diet...everything that I have set my goals for! That about covers it in a nut shell!

Ok... so what can I do? I need to look for some inspiration to try and get back on track here before these losses start to really affect me!!

Let's try for a short goal tomorrow.

1. take the dog for a walk - he deserves it!

Alright...that is the goal for tomorrow! let's make it a good power walk! I know that it probably will be raining...but we need to make this happen!

Back to see you tomorrow!

Late!

Wow...Sunday is here already???

Where has the time gone this week?? It is Sunday morning already!

OK...so admittedly...this week has not gone as expected! I did not get much done with regards to getting any fitness in. As well...the dieting took a hit this week.

Where is the discipline?!???! OK...we have a lot to work on!!! No time like the present!!

Today...have to go to nephews 3rd and nieces 1st birthday today!! The Goobieman is so looking forward to getting over there and having some fun with his cousins!!

Ok...run tonight with the dog??? I think that is the plan!

Well...not much time to get things done today!! Getting really busy with Turkey dinner for tonight!

Last night...was dinner over at the in-laws with 30 others! Lots of cheer and reason for thanks! Dinner was great...as was the deserts!! Yummy!!

Now we are about to head over to my Mom's...for another night of turkey and all the fixins!!! Can not wait!

Well...probably not going to get a chance for a run tonight...but will for for a power walk tomorrow at work...and then a run after work with the family!

See you all later!!

Trip to the park

Well, Goobie (my wife's nick name for our son) and I packed up after work and school and headed to the park!

We hooked up the bike trailer to my road bike...got our helmets on, buckled into the trailer and we where ready to go!

"Wait!!! Daddy!!! I need a drink box and some goldfish to eat on the way!!!"

OK...grabbed a snack and off we went.

Just a nice leisurely 25 minute ride there, down at the local school. It has a nice park for a 3 year old to run around in!! Of course...we had to play tag for a little bit as well.

Running around the park has made we realize why I am doing this. I am out of breath after 5 minutes of friendly running around. The kid is 3...so he is not that quick!! (we will get there!!!)

We spent an hour in the park...and then took a nice ride home! Did not realize that it was that much of an uphill grade!!!

Talk to you soon...

Good walk/run tonight...although it was mainly a walk with the dog! Nice brisk fall air!! Getting ready for winter early this year it feels like!!

Another walk run tomorrow night!!

October 4th

So, tomorrow is week two of this training program that I am starting! I found a beginer to Oly Triathlete from Slowtwich that is great!!! Looking forward to every workout...that will lead me to the promise land!! What a roller coaster this is going to be!!

I am listening to my podcasts looking for inspiration as well as further direction, so let me give a massive shoutout to Brett, with The Art of Triathlon Podcast. Check it out...and you will see what I am taking about!!

So, tonight is just a 20 minute run/walk. I will try to get back in later to post how that went!

Anyways...got to get back to the laundry...before the Mum's gets home and sees me and junior not doing anything productive to clean the house!!

Peace out and stay inspired!!

Hornet Juice giveaway!!!

Check out this link for a wicked giveaway!!!! http://thetrirunner.blogspot.com/2009/10/hornet-juice-giveaway.html