First documented run

I now have my Garmin training watch all set up and used it for my first official training run this morning. And it was pathetic. My heart rate was through the roof and I was going REALLY slow. It gave me a good place to start, though. It helped me to see that I need to work on my cardiovascular shape and my leg muscles. If I can get those in place, it should all fall into place.

1/2 mile STATS:

17:52
16:18
16:18
16:58

Now I'm ready

I think I have everything I need to train properly. I've gathered all the necessary accessories, all the clothing, and all the research. Today I'm writing my training plan with all my goals and getting started. So I'm tagging this post as my official starting point.

Goals for training:
- Long Term:
1. First tri in Sept 2009
2. Half marathon in March 2010
3. Half-ironman in May 2011
4. Sprinkle a few other tri's in there

- Short Term:
1. improve my running pace to a 15min mile
2. Be able to swim with my face in the water and swim across Lucky's Lake (open water 1000 yds)
3. sustain a 14 mph pace on my bike for 10 miles

Goals for nutrition:
1. Lose the last 10 pounds
2. make at least 3 days a week vegetarian or fish only
3. keep my blood sugar below 100
4. get my cholesterol below 150

Here are my starting stats:
Wt: 132lbs
avg running pace: 16-17 min mile
avg riding pace: 10 mph
swimming: 25 yards without stopping

June mid-month update

I've kinda figured some things out over the last couple of weeks. I have been getting more and more active and into the training for this triathlon thing. I've discovered I have the propensity to become obsessed very easily. I guess if I have to obsess over something, this is a pretty good thing to get stuck on.

I've done really well with the nutrition. I've been taking my lunch to work everyday (except one) and we've made dinner most nights. I didn't even have to throw away any groceries this week!

The exercise has been hit and miss, though. It's hard to get out when it's hot and getting the the gym is even harder when you get home late and have to get ready for the next day. But I'm working on it!

Not much of an update, but there's not much going on right now. Once I start doing more, I will be adding them here.

Gotta Eat

I met with the nutritionist this week. I have to say it was really worth my money. She was able to explain how my body uses energy is such a way that it all made sense. We came up with an eating plan for me to both lose weight and maintain the energy needed to training. She is also a specialist in sports nutrition and how to mix nutrition and exercise to maximize your body's abilities. We came up with an exercise plan to get me started on my training as well. Then in 6 months we are going to meet back up once my training is well under way and I'm ready to take things to the next level.

Starting tomorrow, I begin the formal training for the half-ironman. I will be eating and exercising in such a way that I will lose weight and build muscle and endurance. I am very excited. I haven't had an athletes body since college!!

I will be blogging here and in Dailymile. Dailymile will keep track of the actual exercise and is fed to my blog mainpage. You can click there to see the actual workouts. This blog will be for my progress and process. I will still have some emo posts on occasion, as well. But I'm hoping the emo moments will be fewer once I get started on making the best of myself.

Stay tuned for more updates!

George is still gone!!!

Met with my oncologist on Tuesday and received the results of the first CT. And the title explains it all...GEORGE IS STILL GONE!!! No lymph nodes, no fluid, nothing. There is apparently a tiny bit of scarring and of course lung volume loss but those are to be expected.

My oncologist is convinced that this will not return. And he was very impressed by the fact that I'm training for a triathlon. He actually said he wanted to do another procedure just because I'm doing too well! My next appointment with him is after my first sprint triathlon. It'll be fantastic for me to be able to go to him and tell him how well I did!!

Been awhile

I just realized it's been a month since I posted last. It's been a rough month. I still seem to be having difficulty making time for everything. Then by the end of the evening I'm so tired I don't feel like making lunch for the next day. I keep trying different schedules, but they all seem to fall apart about mid way through the week.

I meet with a dietician tomorrow who specializes in women athletes. She herself is a triathlete and is the dietician to the Orlando Magic. Her name is Tara Gidus and she's the Diet Diva. I'm very excited. I'm hoping she will be able to help me come up with a manageable meal plan that will help me to lose the last 10 pounds (well, 14 pounds since I've gained 4 since the surgery) and optimize my nutrition for training.

Also, we had our first team meeting for our triathlon team. Not too sure we will all end up participating in the half-ironman, but at least we can all train together. And we might have a corporate sponsor. That way a lot of our expenses will be paid for.

As for exercise, I'm up to week 2 day 2 of the couch to 5K. I'm really excited that I've gone this far. And I feel great!!

More after I meet with the dietician!!