2009 Crowley Brothers Memorial 10k

My first race!

The previous Monday, I had bragged to one co-workers that I had run more than 6 miles for the first time, actually running 6.2 miles.  He responded that I should run in the Crowley.  I asked him how long of a race it was, and he responded that it was a 10k.  I said, "gosh, I don't think I can run that far"!

Needless to say, I ran the Crowley, coming in at 50:58, and finishing in 54th overall.  Not bad for a first race.

I'm a triathlete

One of the key moments in my transformation was a visit with an orthopedic doctor shortly after I began running.  Like many new runners, I learned what IT bands were, and mine were killing me.  His comment to me was that I should just workout on an elliptical machine.  When I began to protest, his comment was "it's not like you are an athlete or anything.  At this point all you want to do is get your heartbeat up."  

Not only am I an athlete now, but I'm also a triathlete.  Thank you, Doc!

This time was different

A lot of people asked me what changed.  Some think it's typical mid-life crisis.  I cannot honestly say that it is not a mid-life crisis, mainly because I don't believe anyone going through a mid-life crisis can tell that they are in one.  I do however know exactly what is different this time around.

Previously when I would exercise, the driving force was to "fix" something.  Mostly, I was unhappy with my appearance, and wanted to be bigger, and more muscular.  This time I was not trying to "fix" a body that I didn't like, but rather I was "investing" in a body that I considered to be a blessing.

The difference between the two perspectives was immediate and and incredibly powerful.  I used to HATE going to the gym, and I couldn't wait to get it over with.  Armed with my new perspective, I immediately began to look forward to spending time in the gym, and spent more time focussed on how my body was performing than watching the clock, wishing away time.

First Post

In October of 2008, at the age of 42, I decided it was time to get in shape.  It was not the first time that I had made this decision.  Many times throughout my life, I had made resolutions to get in shape and stay in shape.  I also had three times in my life, that I had felt I had achieved what I would call "peak" condition.  Peak condition is a level of fitness that the primary goal is no longer to build fitness, but to maintain it.  In each of those previous times, I had about a year of consistent exercise and healthy diet, and each of those times, what maintenance really meant was "game over".  Somehow, the mind-set and habits were changed, and in a very short period of time, all of those exercise and healthy eating habits were lost, and a few months later, it was like they never existed.

In October of 2008, however, something was different...