Easy Hills and 2 Hard Runs

Wensday I went out with Judi for a 90 minute hill ride. Did a little over 21 miles with about 1220 feet of climbing. Cliff is one of my favorite roads because it overlooks the river (The pic is at the top this past fall courtesy of Judi). It was a pretty lax ride for me but Judi struggles on the steeps and it was obvious she was exhausted at the top of Fiddlers Green which is about a 17% grade.

From there is was off for a 30 minute run per my schedule. I wish I lived near some flat ground but unfortunately I don't. Which means my 30 minute easy run isn't really so easy since I'm going up and down hills the whole time. I was pretty well toast when I got back to the house.

From there I wound up falling asleep for a little while before getting up at 5 to take a shower and head to Bicycles and More (BAM) to lead out the liesure ride. It had just finished raining and the weather was kinda iffy so nobody showed up to go. Which was fine by me. Although I was hoping Andrew would come down to drop off my huffy which I loaned to him a few months back. For those that don't know the Huffy is a monstrosity that Ron from BAM and myself built from extra parts and a bike that was rusted out ready for the garbage. It turned out pretty fucking sweet if I say so myself.

Thursday I was scheduled for a 45 minute run and an hour in the pool. I headed down to Fernbank for my run but only managed 3.6 miles before running out of time and energy. I was exhausted. It was about 80 degrees with a 100% humidity and just miserable. Unfortunately I forgot to get a time on the run but it was probably only a half hour or so. Felt like an 8 or 8:30 pace.

Then back home for a quick shower and off to class. Thursday nights are my Power Plant Tech classes at least for now. Although my professor is extremely entertaining I couldn't stop thinking about my upcoming swim. I went to Urban Active and lifted for about 45 minutes prior to my swim and then did an hour in the pool. I've decided that instead of working on distance (which I know I can do) I'm going to work on form instead. So last night I concentrated on lengthening my stroke out and breathing to both sides. And I'm glad to say that the breathing is doing pretty well now. Although I'm still running out of air breathing every 3rd stroke. I can even get the stroke count down to about 15 on the 25 yard pool. I did do a few 50 yd sprints for the hell of it and turned in right at 50 seconds. Slow yes, but easier than before.

From there I headed to Kristi's. She was just getting out of class as well and we had a late dinner. It was some pasta and pork thing from Bertolli. You know, those frozen stove top meals. We've been pretty happy with them so far and they aren't all that unhealthy either. But the late night dinners need to stop! Or we'll never lose the wieght we'd like.

Why I write

In highschool I was never a popular kid. In fact, I was the fat loser that always sat in the corner without any real friends. At least no real friends in the classes that I was in. It's hard to get lucky enough to be with friends when there were 750 kids in my graduating class. And I weighed in at around 225 pounds at 5'9". I was obese and miserable.

After highschool I gave up pop, all pop and lost about 20 pounds. Which I managed to keep off. But, I still felt fat and just wasn't all that happy. January 1, 2008 was the day that I decided to finally do something about it. My goals were simple. Reach my optimum BMI at 155 pounds and find a girlfriend by January 1, 2009. In order to reach the weight goal I had to lose 50 pounds!

I attacked the weight from 2 directions. Eat better and excercise. So I gave up on sweets and snacking and just ate less. I also started eating more fruits and veggies and soups. Things that would fill me up without loading me up with calories. I knew that I wouldn't stick with a conventional excercise plan. It had to be something that I loved to do and because it was winter I chose to become a ski instructor. I lost 20 lbs in 3 months doing that! And had more fun than any other job I'd ever had! I also bought a real road bike because my bike was always something I loved as well. After ski season I hit the bike hard and lost another 20 lbs by July! By September I hit my weight goal of 155.

It was then time to find a girl. It took 6 months and many failed dates. But I found Kristi 2 and a half months ago and we really hit it off! It's scary how easy it has been with her. But we make each other extremely happy which is all that really matters.

Throughout the journey I've met some extremely amazing people that have kept me going through it all. And inspired me to stick things out and take on new challenges. Ron at Bicycles and More for giving me killer deals. Dom who like me helps out at the shop and is a complete pshyco! And then his girlfriend Judi from Miles and Madness. Bernie for convincing me to do the Ohio Valley MS150 with the Handlebars. All the Handlebars for just being badasses and rocking out giant mustaches for the ride. All Judi's crazy ironman friends.

So I write to keep myself in line and track my progress from day to day. Something that I started on Facebook a year ago now. It's also a stress release for me. So ranting from time to time is not out of the question either. Hope you all enjoy and happy reading.