Thank you Friday...

So, this training program is really not going the way that it should. At least…not the direction that I would like to be going.
I have not been able to get out and do everything that I have wanted…and there are many excuses for this. Most of them are just me procrastinating…but the others are valid.
The wife has been working very long hours getting the paramedics ready for the Winter Olympics up here, so that means that I have become the primary care giver for our son. No issue what so ever with that…but…he is really into street hockey right now…and to make up for missing his Mummy…I have been spending lots of time outside playing pass! I really do not feel guilty about that…at all! He is 4...and just wants to play!
However…there are things that I need to get done…and I have be neglecting doing them. I really need to cut back on the TV shows that I PVR and watch. It is taking up too much time.
Secondly…I really need to get to bed earlier! I keep saying this…just make it happen.
Now…I have to weight in this weekend for the weight loss challenge…and once again I fear that I will not have done enough to make a change.
I really am going to have to get this diet thing sorted out. What are good foods to eat? What should I stay away from? Should I become a vegetarian? Will that help loose some weight? Who can answer this for me??
Anyways…I will be back on Sunday after my weight in…
Oh…one more thing…I am really thinking about doing a weekly podcast to track my weight loss and becoming a fitter person. I have actually recorded 7 episodes…but just can not figure out if I like the sound of them. I think I have done about 4 introduction episodes! LOL!! Oh well…one of these days, I will figure out what is going haywire with Podbean. I did try to load them in twice…but had no success on getting them live.
On day…maybe…
Tribork out!

Some things never change...

Now…I had a feeling this would happen. It seems to always happen. Why does it happen is the question that I needs to get answered!
This was the first week of the weight loss challenge that Stuart from the Quadrathon podcast started up…and on Sunday, I went to weight myself. Step on the scale…and to my dismay…no change. 247 lbs! Not happy…but whose fault is this? Mine of course! No one to blame here but myself. I think that it is time to take a look in the mirror…and really have a honest conversation with myself? Does that make me need therapy? Hmmm…we will answer that one later!
So…did I meet my goals that I put forth for me last week? Nope! Not one! Oh crap…this really is going to be harder that I thought!
I did actually pack my shoes and some running things for today…but the weather is not really that great, so we will have to see how warm it is around lunch time. If it is not too bad…I will go out for a run/walk and get some fresh air. Tonight, I will repack the bag, and make sure that I have cloths that I can go out no mater what the weather is.
I got a book yesterday from the library titled, Running for my Life;
On the extreme road with adventure runner Ray Zahab. What an amazing read. Check out Ray here and you can also find him on Twitter. I could not put it down. I started reading it yesterday morning…and actually finished it this morning as I had breakfast, before heading off to work. If you get a chance, check out this amazing Canadian adventure runner! He is also 1/3rd of the Running the Sahara trio. Just an amazing man!
Goals for this week…are going to be the same as last week…and I will really work at achieving them. Diet is key…and I need to follow the plan!
Tribork…out

Update on first week of the Quadrathon weight challenge…

Wednesday is here already, so that means we are 3 days into the first week of the challenge.
Have I noticed any changes? No…nothing noticeable as of yet. Have I really done anything to get started? No…nothing as of yet.
I am eating better…and watching what I eat! If I could tell you how long I stared at that burger before I ate it…you would not believe me! It never moved…not once. I was shocked!
So…Lindsay…Stuart??? You guys in for a wings and beer night this Saturday? Hmmm…might taste good!
All kidding aside…I am trying to get more into eating smaller portions this week, as well as making sure that I am drinking lots of water each and everyday.
I think that Stuart said that there was 12 of us in this challenge…so that means 12 weeks. We must remember…to lose the weight slowly…and it will stay off forever!

Quadrathon weight loss challenge…

Yesterday just before 5pm Pacific Standard time…I did it. I stepped on the scale…took note of the dismal sight…and emailed Quadrathon with my starting weight for the weight loss challenge.
I am very excited about this challenge, and I am quite hopeful that this will get me moving, keep me motivated and win me some gift cards! Not only am I wanting to become a triathlete, I want to get healthy. I want to fall in love with running…and between working out and getting out running at least once daily…I know that I will get to the “promise land.”
In speaking with Stuart this morning via twitter, it appears as though there are about 12 of us, which means this contest will run for 12 weeks and a chance at $240 worth of gift cards. Not to shabby!
Now, my starting weight is 247lbs. (I have gained…and not happy about it. It must have been the Chinese food from Friday! Hmmm…let’s skip meeting this week.) I want to lose about 60 lbs…and have 12 weeks to do it…so that would be…5lbs per week. That is probably a little more that I can afford to lose in a healthy manner per week, so let’s set a goal of 3lbs per week. That will get me to 36lbs lost and put me at 211lbs. I will be very…VERY happy with that. Truth be told…that really would be amazing! After the contest…I will just keep working hard and chiseling away at getting to my final goal weight…and keep doing it the healthy way!
So…Stuart…see you at the finish line…each and every week!

Sunday already??

OK, juggling family time and getting runs in is starting to take a toll on me! I did not realize that it was going to be this tough. I do know one thing that will help me fix this though...and that is going to bed earlier. I might take a page out of Texafornia's (Zen and the Art of Triathlon) book, and start setting the alarm on my watch. Set it for when you ask? For the time at night that I really need to start getting ready for bed.
That is part of the problem that I am finding is that I am so tired. I need to get to bed earlier...seeing as I get up so early for work. I start work between 6 and 6:30am Monday to Friday, so that means that I have to leave the house no later than 5am to get there on time.
Going to be earlier, will enable me to get up a little earlier...get a quick run in, hit the shower...grab my lunch, and get out the door!
That brings me to one other item...I need to get all of my things ready for the following day...before I go to sleep. Make my lunch as well as my son's and wife's if she is working, then make sure that my cloths are pulled out and hung over the railing (so I do not wake up the wife while getting ready), then get off to get some good sleep.
Can I do it? Yes. Will I do it? I certainly hope so!!
Now...one other thing to start this week. Running (or just walking) during my lunch hour. Most days I just take my lunch at my desk, and keep on working. I want to start getting out and getting some fresh air during my lunch. I feel that this will not only help me clear my head, but help me get closer to my goals. So, the short term goal for this week, is to get out and to this 3 out of the 5 working days this week.
Can I do this? Yes. Will I do this? Yes...I will get this done!
Thanks for reading...and see you all later

Taking steps to succeed…

This morning I did a little searching, and with the assistance from some new online friends and web forums, located a Triathlon Club in my area. This is a major step for me to start to get training and ready for my first event in June. I have taken the first steps here and sent an email out to get some more information regarding costs and what is included with joining this club. The club I am looking at also offers coaching, but at the moment, I do not have any extra cash that I would be able to spend per month on this.
I am a little nervous about this, as I am very new to this, and really out of shape. I am not sure how this would work for me on joining them for rides, as they do 2+ hour rides almost every weekend, and I have not even really started riding. As well, I am sure that they all have top end or at least brand name bikes. Me, I am stuck with a cheap Canadian Tire Road bike. What am I getting myself into here?
Now one more thing is bothering me right now, and I could use some assistance with sorting this out. I am debating with the wife on what my first event should be in June? I will be entering the Iron Mountain Triathlon, but we are arguing as to which one I should do. The Sprint or the Olympic distance? The wife is telling me she is putting her foot down, and my first event should be the sprint event. I am holding out for the Olympic, but I think that I am fighting a losing battle. I am not sure if anyone out there has any thoughts on this? Keep in mind…I do have to lose about 60 lbs to get to my goal weight. Does anyone out there have any insight on what I should really be aiming for as my first event? Keeo in mind, I am also entering an Olympic event 30 days after the first one.
Anyways…thanks for reading…
Later…

New Name…New Day!

This morning I woke up…and decided that Triathlon on a Budget really did not suit me. I am new to this (really I have not even gotten there), and who is really going to listen to me and my advice? I am a newbie…and just really learning things on my own. The training plans are new to me…the diet is new to me…there are so many things that I need to get sorted out…before I start giving advice on things out there. FYI…I have also changed my twitter name to @tribork. Something simple, but reflects me and who I am.
Anyways…enough about that for now…
I am trying to figure out the best way to log my workouts and what the best site is to do this? There are so many out there, and all of them have pro’s and con’s. I signed up on Beginner Triathlete when I first got interested in triathlon, but I have not really added any information to it. I think that is the one that I will use, but there so many others out there, so if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to give me a shout.
Just checked out The Chic Runner’s new blog post, and everyone should head over there and see what she is up to. Enter her contest for the Moji Ice Pack. It looks very cool!!
After work tonight I have to take my son to swimming lessons, and then will try to get in a run later with the dog. Hopefully everything will work out the way that I want…
Later…

Rain, Rain, Go Away…

I love the rain…really I do. I love watching the rain fall off leaves…and my son running around playing in puddles…but…enough is enough. It seems to me that it has been raining since last year!
Tonight, I will try and get home quickly and get a quick run in before going back out and picking up my son from school. We have a lot to do tonight…before the wife and I start the Power 90 program. We have to get our measurements done, and also make our introduction video diary for Beachbody. Yup…we are going to do it! Track our progress via video blog for the people of Beachbody, so, if they see fit, produce it and turn it into a DVD. I am not holding my breath on that…seeing as there are lots of people doing this, but I am hoping that it will help at keeping us honest and on task. The wife works weird hours, so making the time is the key to doing this. I have faith…and we will succeed!
This past weekend…I got nothing done fitness wise, and I am just a little bit disappointed. We had to make a quick trip up to Kelowna to see my wife’s Grandfather. He is 92 years young…and sharp as a tack! A great visit! My son just loves him! It was just an overnight trip…so…there was not a lot of time to go for a run, as I could not get away from family. I could have gone for a run last night, after we got home and got my son to bed…but decided to have a nice quiet night with my wife and watch a movie.
So, tonight…run…dinner…Power 90!
Just Bring It!

Day 4

Nothing happening tonight, as my right knee is a little sore...so we will just rest it, and get back in the saddle first thing tomorrow morning.
Other than that...not to much to report...just very happy and still excited about what I am doing.  One foot in front of the other.
I will check in tomorrow...

Day 3

Well, I did it, I actually got up in the morning, and went out for a run. This is shocking for me, as it was at 4 in the morning. Early! Normally I am getting ready to leave for work at this time…but…I made sure that I got ready and took the dog for a nice leisurely 25 minute walk run. I am still working on the run walk basis for the next week or so.


• 5 min walk warm up

• 1 min run

• 3 min walk

• 1 min run

• 3 min walk

• 1 min run

• 3 min walk

• 1 min run

• 3 min walk

• 1 min run

• 5 min walk cool down

For me to start, this works perfect. Being so overweight, I do not want to put to much pressure on my knees. I have had knee issues when I was younger, so just taking it easy and listening to my body is the way to go.  I see no reason to create an issue so early in training...and give myself a reason to stop.

Being so early in the morning, I had my headlamp from Princess Auto attached to the bill of a baseball cap with it set on flashing. As well, I carried a small flashlight and had it shining behind me to alert any traffic to me. As well, I was wearing an old CCM reflective running jacket. No way do I want to get hit while running!

As well, Buddy and I got out last night to get in my day 2 run. This one was a little shorter as my right knee was a little tight, so I mainly walked…but at least I was out there…one foot in front of the other!

~Today if you become frightened, instead become inspired – So many other bloggers out there are inspiring me to do this…and what frightens me is not seeing my son grow up due to me being obese. I can do this…I will do this…one step at a time!

Day 2

Yikes...back in the office for the first day of 2010...and not overly happy about it!  Far too many phone messages...and emails to get caught up on.  I guess that everyone is in the same boat though...and complaining with not make it go away.
First things first.  I did not get up in time this morning to get my morning run in, and the weather today is very wet...so running at work is out.  Tonight I will get my run in after I put my son to bed.  My wife and I have worked out a program that on nights that I run at night, she will do the Power 90 program and vice versa.  On the nights that I do the Power 90 program, I will either get my run in first thing in the morning, or get it in durning my lunch hour at the office
The wife works 4 on and 6 off (2 day shifts and 2 night shifts) so this is a little precarious to make sure that we are able to get our training in, but one way or another, I will make sure that I get my program working.
The main thing for me, is that I do not take time away from my son or my family.
It will all work out.  Later...

First steps towards goals...

I made sure that I got up early this morning...so that I could get ready and take the dog for a run this morning.  Actually, it was more like the dog took me for a run.  This was the first one of the year for me, and it felt great.
Being a newbie, it is just my goal...to get out there, and as Iron Brandon says...just put one foot in front of the other.  Today, I did not measure distance, I just went with time.  3 minutes of walking with 1 minute of running.  I did that for 30 minutes, and could not be prouder of myself!  Step number 1 in the right direction.
I also weighed my self on the Wii Fit this morning...and was not shocked...just a little embarrassed.
Now, my starting weight on this journey is 243.5 lbs.  My goal weight, is 185 lbs...so I have a little bit of distance to cover.  With some hard work...I will get there.
Later today, my wife and I will take our measurements, and create an introduction video diary for our Power 90 program that we are going to be doing for 90 days.
And...I will be going out for one more 30 min walk run tonight!
And...I am already looking forward to it!

New Years Day - 2010

It is just after 10 in the morning on New Years day, and I sit here and reflect on where I am, and where I am going!
I| am supposed to be starting my Power 90 training program today, but have come up with a situation.  Our home computer tower has decided to pack it in.  Now there is no way to create the video blog that we wanted to do for Beachbody.  I can tape it, but have no way to get the tape to digital files!  Ugh!  Will I let this stop me?
Not likely!
Later this afternoon, I will weigh in on the Wii Fitt, and the stupid machine will tell me my weight, and also inform me that I am obese.  Well, lets be honest here...it is going to tell me that I am SEVERLY OBESE!  OK, blunt honesty is what I need.
Once I get my weigh in done, I will get some recording done of my goals and where I want to see myself, and then, get it done!
I have created a spreadsheet to track my progress (I love spreadsheets for some reason).  My plan is to do Power 90 everyday for 90 days (I lost the actual program sheet, so I am kind of just winging it in the beginning till I find out more information), and then also following the beginner training program from Dan Empfield (of Slowtwitch.com).  This is a 20 week program that goes from fat slob (my words, not his), ME, to hopefully in the end...a triathlete capable of entering an Olympic distance triathlete.
Tomorrow the training sessions start.
Of course...the biggest aspect to losing weight, is going to be my diet.  I have chosen to follow the Weight Watchers program.  I am not atually going to meetings or anything, but I do have a spreadsheet (big surprize eh?) to track all of my points and point intake.
I know that this is going to be a long haul...and in order to make this work, I am going to have to make various sacrifices.
In the end...it will all be worth it!  I will be back...