Second day in the books.

I am learning that I need to make sure and eat enough in the mornings and during the day. Tuesday I had a banana and powerbar in the morning and an average to small size portion of coos coos at lunch. My work schedule on Tuesdays is shifted a few hours earlier than normal and I got home Tuesday and by mid-late afternoon I was so hungry. Instead of pulling out the organic carrots or celery I had purchased a few days before I heated up a bratwurst. Oh it was so good. But then the guilt set in. I think I have been doing well with diet in the first few days and will resist future brats but I also realized that I should probably allow myself a few bad things just to keep my sanity. For the most part I have been eating more fruit, less portion sizes and drinking more water than I used to. It is a long road to change a lifestyle and as long as I keep improving I will be happy.

Tuesday night I did some squats at home while holding a 25lb dumbbell in each hand. Did 10 sets of 10. My legs still hurt. It was great to do. Got my heart rate up and woke my legs up that they will need some attention.

Got to the pool again this morning (Wed) and swam 1000 yards. I cut it close on time again in relation to getting to work but I did get to the gym a little earlier so I was able to swim the 1000 yards I wanted to.

Things are going well. I heard we have 20-25 coworkers lined up to do the 1/2 marathon so there will be plenty of competition.

Thank you everyone who has emailed me with support so far. Full steam ahead!

First day in the books

Monday - first day of "training". went fairly well. Got to the gym in the morning and swam. I was feeling good and wanted to keep going but time was my enemy and I had to hurry to get to work on time. Lesson learned - get the to gym a bit earlier in the morning so I have the time I need. I swam 600 yards but would have loved to do at least 1000. I was able to keep my diet in check the first day as well. An apple, a powerbar, greek salad with cucumbers, onions, artichokes. Then chicken, rice and peas for dinner. Normally at dinner I would take seconds of my favorite few items but last night I resisted and only ate one serving which turned out to be enough food. I was not hungry nor was I feeling stuffed.

One of my kids has been up coughing a lot in the last two nights so my sleep has been broken up which means caffeine today. Not too big of a deal but I didn't make it to the gym this morning so I plan on doing some weights at home tonight.

Also, I don't have decent running shoes yet. It will most likely be about 2-3 weeks before I'll be able to run out and get some. So, in the meantime I am planning brisk walks, swimming at the gym, fixing my diet and doing some exercises at home.

Anyone know if powerbars are really all that great for you? I found them at the grocery store on sale for $1 a piece and bought a bunch.

Early morning of

Ate some pizza and drank beer tonight as a last hoorah before starting to get in shape. I know I won't stop drinking beer as I am currently making home brew but I can definitely cut back. As for pizza, I know I can drastically reduce my pizza intake. maybe once in a while but honestly after having too much pizza earlier tonight I really didn't feel all that great and it only motivated me more.

My beautiful wife and children deserve a husband/father that will be healthy enough to live a long time and be with them. Well, off to bed. I plan on starting slow tomorrow with some stretching and a nice 500-800 yard swim at the gym.

Sunday - The day before training starts

I am going to train to do the Denver Rock n Roll half marathon this fall and am scared out of my mind.

Two days ago, on Friday, a co-worker sent an email to the whole company challenging anyone who wants to to try the Denver Rock 'n' Roll half marathon on Sunday Oct 17, 2010. I am not a runner. I used to be a swimmer. I have never run more than 2 miles at one time in my life. This email was sent only a few hours before I had planned on leaving work and stopping by 24 hour fitness on the way home to cancel my membership. I had only gone to the gym about an average of 1-2 times per month and no longer wanted to waste the money. Well, I did not cancel the membership.

In order to give you a taste of the challenge I set before myself. I am 37 years od, 5'11", 258 lbs and way out of shape. I get winded just going up two flights of stairs. I have a long way to go to be able to finish a half marathon.

I have small children and have this underlying fear of my health affecting my ability to enjoy time with my kids other than sitting on the couch watching Spongebob Squarepants. Many years ago I was a very successful swimmer and I would love to be half the athlete now that I was then. Of course my swimming years were also my teenage years so I understand my body was able to handle it better back then. But still! I must do something. I need a challenge and I need an improvement to my overall health. I chose this insane goal of a half marathon to bring my body back to life. If I can finish a half marathon without having a heart attack it will be a good day. :)

I plan on using this blog to track my thoughts, training, diet and any comments about my road to a half marathon. It will be interesting to say the least but in the end it is my hope that this adventure will have nothing but positive results.