Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Getting in Shape for the Winter!

Ok, so I have started to do things a little healthier. When I say healthier I mean I started riding my bike to work (about 6 miles a day) and eating a bit better. I stopped drinking coffee and soda and I am trying to eat healthier snacks like granola and fruit. So far, I have been doing fairly well on all fronts besides a few trip ups with the snacks (damn you cup cakes). To help me with this, a friend sent me this link as a way to supply goals and a reward. The premise is that you are doing a triathlon, but instead of doing it in a day you do it in 6 weeks. There are also options with this approach, if you don't have access to a place to swim you can double up the run or bike, etc. I chose to double the bike ride because I knew riding my bike to work would help accomplish a big chunk of the 224 miles I need to do in 6 weeks. If at the end of the 6 weeks I complete the required miles then I will be treated to dinner by those people that didn't complete it (along with everyone else). I think I can do it but the only thing I am not looking forward to is the run. Between now and August 2nd I have to run/walk (although I think walking is cheating) 26.2 miles in all. I really haven't had to or wanted to run since I had knee surgery in 2002 and I am not looking forward to doing it again. I plan on sucking it up and doing it anyway, but it won't be pleasant. Anyway, I hope this is the start of a healthier me and leads to a lifestyle change. It is weird how as you get older these things start creeping into your thoughts. I mean years ago I did it to stay in the game with the ladies, but now I am solely thinking of longevity and being able to be active well into my golden years. Things change I guess and I am just glad that I am realizing this now and not after it is too late!