"You're insane, I could never do that" Marine Corps Marathon

It's December 14 and its almost 2 months post my first ever 26.2 journey.  I have been neglecting this post for long enough but there are some reasons behind that.  I have started to structure my "race reports" different and I don't want them to be a play by play of all the events leading up to the race.  Instead I am attempting to recreate the feelings leading up to, during and after the race.  This race had a lot of feelings behind it so I wanted to get my thoughts together before I put it all down.  Today someone said to me, "I still can't believe you ran a marathon!" and I thought there was no better time than the present to get things down on the screen.

Let's start with a few facts before the race, leading up and in training.  I was a complete rookie and I made every mistake possible so I want to get that all out for people to learn from.  Over the summer, after Atlantic City I began ramping up my running.  My first long run was a 13 miler and I decided to make it 13.1 to complete my first half.  This was a different first half because there were no aid stations, no cheering, just me and the rode.  I packed a couple gels and completed the run in under two hours.  I was thrilled.  From there things went down hill.  For about three weeks in a row I pack the SAME amount of gel or maybe one more and ONE water bottle.  I couldn't figure out why I was hitting a wall every time and couldn't get through 2 hours of running.

Fast forward and after many phone conversations with seasoned runners I came to terms with the fact that I was under fueling and under hydrating for the demands of marathon training.  I ordered a bag of custom Infinit Nutrition (check it out here) and waited anxiously for it to arrive.  It came and I threw every time goal out the window at this point and my main goal for the day of the marathon was merely to finish.  Leading up to Marine Corps I had one 18 mile long run and one split 20 mile long run.  This will come into play later.  Unfortunately due to time constraints this was all I could push my body to do in order to recover properly for the marathon.

The race was on Sunday and I left the Thursday before for Washington DC.  The expo was friday and I was advised to get in as early as possible and I am glad I did.  I met some amazing people for the first time who had helped me through training and they reassured me that I was ready and I WOULD finish.  Aside from the normal expo shannanigans it was business as usual.  My cousin had just recently moved to the DC area from California and so I got a chance to see him for the first time in probably about 4-5 years.  He is an active duty Marine so it meant a lot to me to see him before the race.  As we were walking back from a late lunch he said something to me that stuck with me for the rest of the weekend.  He looked me dead in the face and said "Listen I know a lot of people have told you a lot of different things about completing this race.  I am not hear to over load you with any new information, I just want you to remember one thing, don't ever stop moving.  He looked me dead in the eyes and said listen to me DO NOT STOP MOVING!" This resonated with me and I took it very serious.  Little did I know how useful this would become.

Saturday came around and I wanted to stop back by the expo to exchange a shirt I bought the day before.  We got of the metro at the exit and before we even got to the top of the escalator I could see the line.  I said to my girlfriend "Thank god we came yesterday!" we turned around and got back on the subway.  It was off to some sight seeing for the day.  So we explored DC and saw all of the sites.  Another key mistake on my part.  At the time I did not realize it but later that day I knew I made a mistake.  We walked EVERYWHERE that day and by the end of the day my legs were tired.  Not to the point of exhaustion but I knew that they were tired.  I knew it was a mistake but I couldn't change it at that point.  I met with my parents, had a wonderful dinner and it was off to bed.

I woke up the next morning full of nerves.  I tried to eat as much as I could but it was a struggle.  With every bite I felt like I was swallowing a boulder. I dropped of a bottle of nutrition with the facebook crew in the lobby that I would exchange around mile 20(another key point) and it was off to the metro.  The rest of my bottle were in a bag with my family and I would exchange them along the route.  We followed the crowds to the start and it was a long walk through the parking lot. From there it was just a waiting game.  I made my way over to the start and I was overcome with emotion.  It was time, I was about to embark on the hardest journey of my life.  I waited to see my mom and sister before I started because they wanted to send me off.  I saw them and then began walking up to the start line.  I was way in the back of the pack for the start.

Largest flag ever used in a jump!

Here we goooooooo!

A few miles in I had to pee so bad.  I didn't want to stop but it got to a point where I knew I wasn't going to be able to fight it anymore.  I found a tree, relieved myself and continue on.  I had one bottle in my pack and an extra bag of Infinit just incase I missed my family for a bottle exchange.  The miles ticked by and I felt good. I got to mile 10 and I had some tummy problems and I got nervous.  I thought man if this is an indication for my day, its going to be a long one.  I tried to sip some nutrition and just stay calm.  Luckily it subsided and I was back on track.  I was not going as fast as I wanted to but I knew I had a long journey.  I saw my family around mile 11 and did the first bottle exchange.  They were incredible and I cannot thank them enough for being a part of this journey.   The last thing I want to say about this point in the race was that I was heading back from one of the turn arounds and the "straggler bus" passed me on the other side of the road.  I remember telling myself this was the first and last time you would see this!

After mile 16 or so we made our way out by the Potomac River.  This was the hardest part of the race for me.  The mental game really began.  I just remember seeing mile 18 and thinking, OK I have 8 more to go, I can do this.  If you remember from earlier, 18 miles was my longest run leading up to this race.  So here began the run walk.  I had a bottle from my family and I knew I just needed to make it to the party at mile 20 to see the Red Felt crew.  I started to really look forward to seeing this party.  I remember hitting 19 and thinking ok, one more mile and I will see them, then it is just a 10k to the finish.  I remember seeing people stopping and stretching out.  I wanted to stop and stretch my calves so bad.  I thought "I could stop just for a minute, what's it going to hurt?" Then I remembered the conversation with Michael, NO!!! NO STOPPING!!!  I hit mile 20 and I couldn't find them.  Not anywhere.....this hit me hard. I was mad, I was stunned, I just didn't know what to do.  It got in my head really bad.

I needed to just continue on and finish my race.  I remember being in the middle of the bridge and thinking for the first time, am I even going to be able to finish this.  From miles 20-23 it was a mental game.  "You can do this" to holy cow, how am I ever going to finish this all in the same breath.  When we got back to Crystal City I dumped the bag of nutrition into my bottle and filled it up with water.  I knew I had this in me.  The energy through this city was like nothing I have ever felt before.  They carried me to mile 25 and my walking at this point was minimal.

I remember getting to mile 24 somewhere and people started saying "just one more mile, you got this!"  To those of you who run, you may be able to related to how I felt at this point.  I wanted to smack these people in the face.  DO NOT tell me I have one more mile when in reality I don't.  It was a false sense of security for me and I did not like it.  I powered through and looked forward to that mile 25 sign.  I remember passing it and reaching up and smacking it.  We were almost there.  For the last mile of the race, I don't know where it came from but I ran the entire thing.  There were two things I heard about this race.  One I wasn't sure of and the other I knew was going to be there.  The first was the magical man with the keg of beer around mile 24 or so, but I never found him =/.  The second was the uphill finish.  I rounded the corner of mile 26 and it was there, starring me in the face.  I knew my family was at the top of that hill and still to this day I don't even remember feeling it.  I ran up the hill so fast to see my mom and girlfriend there.  This is where the tears started.  I remember approaching that finish line and just bawling like a little kid.  I had done it.  From a 300+ pound couch potato to a marathon runner in just over 2 years of blood sweat and tears.  I crossed the line and just stood there for a minute.  I kissed my hands and just threw them up to the sky and said thank you.

When the Marine put that medal around my neck and saluted me saying "Congratulations Sir!" I could have lost it.  I wanted to hug him but I thought that might be weird so I refrained.  I remember them pushing everyone to keep moving when all I wanted to do was sit down!! I found a curb and sat down for a second.  I just wanted to take it all in.  I took off my shoes and got out my phone so that I could find my family.  Having my phone on me the whole race was key.  I could keep in contact with my family and find them after the race.  I did not use it for music because I didn't want to kill the battery which was key and I also know that service can be touchy throughout the race so I had an iPod for that.  Smartest 50 bucks I have every spent!

Post race the only thing I wanted to do was drink my chocolate milk and take an ice bath. Luckily my hotel was less and a quarter mile from the finish.  This was HUGE! The last thing you want to try and do is navigate public transportation after such a large race. Unfortunately I guess do to safety concerns you cannot plug the tub in hotels.  So I settled for a shower and my wonderful 2XU compression tights.  I remember receiving a congratulations text from a friend and she offered some words of wisdom.  I was laying in bed when I got this text and all I wanted to do was stay there.  She said "GET UP!!!" another key piece of advice.  I got up and continued moving as bad as it hurt.  I walked and got food and walked around a bit more.  It hurt but I am so thankful that I did it.  Plus it gave me a chance to go out in my new jacket with my new hardware ;).

I remember walking back to the metro with Jamee and she told me again for the millionth time how proud she was of me.  She has been there from the first day I met her and I am so thankful for that.  I said to her:

"You know, I'll be honest, it did not go the way I planned.  I did not hit my time goal, but there is one thing I did do and that is complete a marathon.  It is something I swore I would never do, it is something some people say they want to do but don't and its something some people will never be able to say they did.  No one will ever be able to take that away from me."  

It is completely true what they say, you will never forget your first and I believe it to this day.  Two months later and I still feel the same amount of joy writing this as I did that day.

If you have skipped all the mumbo jumbo in between and got to this point please just read this paragraph.   Years ago I remember talking to someone and telling them I would NEVER run 26.2 miles just for fun.  On October the 26th I did just that.  Something I thought I could never do in a million years.  If you have something that you have always wanted to do and said you never would, please take my advice an consider doing it.  I promise you that you will not forget it.  It will be the most rewarding thing you have ever felt in your entire life.  It was not an easy journey, it was a fight every day, but god I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I made some key mistakes along the way but it has made me better for the next one.

I thank you all in advance for reading this extremely long and over worded post. I hope you find some motivation or inspiration in this to do something that you have always wanted to.  Lastly I thank everyone for their constant support.  Without you I would Have never been able to complete such an amazing task.  I cannot even begin to list the people but you know exactly who you are.

Next up I have some exciting things that I can't wait to tell you all about!

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks for your support!

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself!

It was just supposed to be for fun...I swear!

It was just for fun, not a race, we were just going to run and have a good time....well we were supposed to at least.

It was 5k4Gray at the club.  Nothing huge, just a small local 5k for an amazing foundation.  I was there for Gray and nothing else.  Or so I thought.......I got there around 7:45, registered, got my bib and hung out with some people from work for awhile.  One of the girls joked and said "oh good you made it so at least I will have someone to chase during the run!" I reassured her that there was no way I was going to have a run like I did at my try and there was no need to worry. 

Before I get in to the race itself I want to tell you about the foundation and what the race was for.  There is an amazing family who is a part of the club where I work.  Their son has an inoperable brain tumor and I feel like I have a connection to them, although I have never even introduced myself to the family.  I have supported various different events for them in whatever way I could and when I heard they were doing a run I knew that I would be there.  Like I said I just feel connected to this family for some reason and I will do anything that I can to help them.  When I saw the mom come in with Grayson I immediately wanted to run over and give them all hugs and tell them how excited I was to see them, but instead I just looked from afar.

So as I was standing at the start line I start to chuckle at the people who were running before the race and doing all their crazy stretching...we were just there to have fun!  I did some dynamic stretches, took my spot on the outside edge of front of the start line and waited for the horn.  It blew, I crossed the mat and hit my garmin, we were off.  The course was a route I run literally 3-4 times per week.  I was just cruising along like it was an afternoon run before work.  Before I knew it we hit the first mile mark and I checked the pace.  7:40....uhhhh what? I figured ok let's just go with it.  We hit the hill on Limestone Rd. and no matter how many times you do that hill.....it sucks, bottom line.  So this guy was pacing right next to me up the hill and I wasn't going to let him pass me.  I just kept picking someone in front of me and trying to catch them. Once I caught them I would move on to the next, still keep this guy right on my hip.  I hit the top of the hill and into the neighborhood for the turn around.  I looked to my left, guy was gone, looked to my right, nothing...So I just kept running! The beauty of hills is that once you get to the top, you get to go back down.  I was cruising down the hill, unfortunately there was no one with me coming back but I did get to see all of the people who were going up.  I hit the bottom rounded the corner and headed back into the park, I was on the home stretch!  There was one guy who came out of no where and he hit the gas pedal, I did my best to not let him pass me but there was no stopping it. I looked down at my watch as I hit stop and crossed the finish....I couldn't believe my eyes....23:17 ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

It was just supposed to be a fun easy race and I PR my time like that...I am not sure whether to be upset or excited! It felt great, I definitely pushed it but I loved it and I wouldn't trade it for anything when I saw my time.

I ended up taking second in my age group and when I went to get my little trophy, the guy who took third was the guy who I lost coming up the big hill.  "Damn maybe I should have stuck with you and I would have done better" This made me chuckle. It was great to see some folks I hadn't seen before, to have a great run and to support such a wonderful cause for such a great family. 

This is me getting my pint glass for a second place AG finish!

All of us post race, what a great morning!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

One week...ONE WEEK!

It's Sunday, September the 8th and in exactly 7 days I will embark on the biggest journey of my entire life. Yesterday I woke up and and was just ecstatic, absolutely beside myself with excitement. I can't wait for next weekend. 

Last weekend when I was at the beach I had two great rides down there and I was super stoked on both of them. I can back on Monday and was ready to take on the week. Wednesday was open swim night with the Tri club. My last open water experience didn't go so hot and this time I was around a bunch of people from the club. I got there, blew up my buoys and waiting for the other coach to arrive. She got there, we went down the the waters edge and she swam the first mark out. She came back and and told me I needed to check the knot just to make sure... I slapped on my cap and goggles and started walking into the water. I took some deep breaths and tried to stay as calm as possible. I jumped off the bottom and took my first few strokes. I WAS DOING IT!! I was swimming like I was in the pool...nothing different. It was so awesome. 

We had such a great practice and I helped a few of the athletes with some starts and sprints and I was having such a great time. When I left I had such a boost in my confidence...the boost I needed for this weekend. 

When it comes to chasing your dreams there are times when you sometimes need to make sacrifices, you need to give things up or do things you don't want to do. When there is something that you want so bad, more than anything, you're going to have to do something you don't want to, I guarantee it. I am not going to sugar coat it, you just gotta suck it up and focus on what you could and will have at the end. Just keep that in your pocket. ;)

Just this past weekend all my friends got together. I was exhausted from training and had more training the next day. I knew if I went to have a drink with them, I wouldn't get up to train and I could afford that. So instead I sat at home. Finding this balance has been tough for me, I don't always choose to stay in, I do go out, I'm not a lame....well not totally at least. 

This is going to be the longest week ever and I can't wait for Friday afternoon to get here. I can't wait to get to my hotel, I can't wait to race and I can't wait to see everyone who comes to support me along the way. I wish that I could have every one of my readers there, every one of my followers and one person in particular who said they would be there....I have a feeling they won't be there though and that sucks. But I don't know that for sure...maybe they will, I will find out on race day. 

I am in the works of submitting my video for got chocolate milk team and I will need your help when I do. I will need every vote that I can get to help boost my video and spread the change that I want everyone to have!

Other than that I have a taper this week. My bike is in the shop getting tuned. I found out that it is actually a little too small. I need a longer stem but a workout from the race isn't the time to start messing with that. I have one last swim on Wednesday, maybe a light easy run on Thursday and sprinkle some transition practice in there when I get my bike back! Thank you all for your continued support, you're amazing quite frankly and I wouldn't be able to do it without you. Next post will be from Atlantic City NJ!!!!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

Summer is officially out....

The weather has changed, temps are cooling off. Before longhairs will change color, the days will get shorter and I will inevitably trade my iced coffees for pumpkin flavored hot lates(not that, that's a complaint).  I will trade my afternoon rides in the sun to indoor trainer rides. 

With the season change comes more change in training. Next summer I am stepping my distance up to the Olympic distance as my goal. Ultimately I would like to complete a 70.3(preferably the Miami!). On top of training changing I no longer have to get up and drive to West Chester anymore(again not a complaint in anyway!). 

My race is exactly two weeks out and I am getting super excited. The hotel is booked, bike will be tuned and fitted this week, the only thing left will be to get out there and kick some butt!! After a taper next week of course....

After my pull-up adventure on Tuesday I decided to do it everyday since then just because I could. When we were getting ready to change classes last week a student said to me "hey are you athletic? You look like you're athletic." I told him I was pretty athletic I guess. I wasn't really sure how to respond to that.  For years I was never considered athletic. Now my students look up to me and tell me that I look athletic, to me as a teacher of health and physical education that is the ultimate reward!  If you are a regular reader you may remember the post from a friend who told me that I would inspire my students and this would further my passion.... Well she hit the nail on the head and I saw it here first hand. 

I was so excited about the pull-up extravaganza that I complete forgot to include my little story from last Sunday. I was leaving the club and one of the maintenance guys was freshening up the locker room. I stopped to chat with him because I haven't seen him for awhile. We were catching up just shooting the breeze when he stopped and said "hey man I gotta ask ya something...that is if you don't mind." Naturally I didn't care in the least bit. He wanted to know how much weight I had lost and etc. He proceeded to hit me with something I was not ready for. 

"You know man, they have all these hot women in that magazine, forget that, they should put you in there! You're an employee...somebody real!"

I would have never thought anything about it but he was the third person who said the club should do this...that's pretty crazy that three people who don't work in the same department all feel the same way. It made me smile. 

As for this weekend, I packed the buildup and headed to the beach. I went for a beautiful ride this morning and this post is being brought to you from the sand of Sea Isle City, NJ. It is bittersweet, one I will be back in two weeks for my race, but it is the official end of summer. When I was driving down it was late at night and I had my windows down and the music up. I thought man I am going in to miss these days in a few weeks. But will fall comes changes and I am excited to see where things end up...where I end up. 

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend whether it be with family or friends, new or old. I thank you, as always, for your continued support. Until next time...

All for now. 

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

Life is moving fast...

Life as you know it can change drastically, either for good or for bad, right in front of your eyes. If you blink or close your eyes for even a second, you could miss it or be completely off guard when you open your eyes. 

Today is August 27th...my birthday has come and gone right in front of my face. Things are speeding up by the month, day, even minute....

I have worked myself out of the rut I was in last week. I am not back to where I was but I am enjoying my workouts once again as opposed to dreading them. My turning point was last Friday. I worked a long week and a long day but I knew I needed to hit the weights because I skipped on Monday. It was hard and there were times where I wanted to quit but I forged on and felt 100 times better when I finished. Maybe I should just listen to my own advice every once and awhile huh?

Since then I've jumped in the pool and gone for a run, both of which felt great. My race is literally right around the corner and the anxiety is building by the day. I am excited, without a doubt and I can't wait to feel as I did on the day of Broad Street. This race will be much different though. It will have its own challenges, just as the run in May. The transitions, the possibility of a windy bike and of course the dreaded open water swim. I have accepted these challenges though and I can't wait to take them on!

Today I got to school early and there was no one in the gym. My school brings back dreaded memories of middle school, the warm up exercises we were forced to perform, etc. I looked around to survey the gym. I put my bag and cooler down and everything was quiet, I had a minute to myself to reflect and take it all in. I looked over and saw the pull-up bar. Something so small and so simple, yet something that has haunted me for years and years. As I glanced at the pull-up bar again all the memories of Presidential Fitness testing rushed into my immediate memory. The haunting fleeing of classmates laughing at me, the teacher shaking their head in disgust...everything. I glanced at the bar as I started in its direction. I stood under it, gazing up at it haunting me and I said to myself, not today. I jumped up and grabbed onto the bar. I closed my eyes and just hung for a second. Taking it all in and acknowledging the challenge that I was about to accept. I opened my eyes and pulled upward with all me might. Before I knew it, my eyes were level with the bar and then they gradually made their way above the bar....above the challenge. This may seem small, it may seem petty but to me it was so much more. I overcame something that had haunted me for years. In one moment, maybe 10 seconds at length, I summed up and entire year of hard work. It was such a small step and yet such a large one all in the same breath. 

Tonight I go to sleep conquering one  challenge and being prepared for the next. That of which will occur tomorrow when I take on an open water swim. I am anxious, but again, excited to take this on. This attitude is much different than that of before. In previous situations I would run and avoid these challenges at all costs, yet today I find myself taking them head on. This has taken months and months of hard work. It isn't something that has happened overnight, however this time around, I want it and I will stop at nothing. 

As always I thank everyone for reading, for the continuous support and love that you give me. I wouldn't be able to do this without any of it. I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend and did something that truly makes them happy. What's life if you aren't smiling?  Goodnight world and thank you. 

All for now.  

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

That could have gone a lot worse...

It's Monday....and oh what a start to the week. I set my alarm for 4:45 with the anticipation of hitting snooze 1 time. Well the second time it when off, I shut it off. I'm sure you can guess what happened next. I accidentally fell back to sleep and leaped up at 5:30. I had a half hour to get to work and the club is 20 min away. No breakfast and no coffee. So I fired on the coffee maker and grabbed a granola bar. I some how left the house in about 5 minutes. I rolled into work with about 3 minutes to spare. Although the old ladies were not happy that I was opening the pool at 6(which is when it should open) they will get over it.

Last week was fairly uneventful thanks to a little scare on Tuesday. As you already may know I went to the beach last weekend. I went out Friday and Saturday, had a great time, road my bike on Sunday and I was exhausted when I came home. It was a normal Monday last week. I woke up early, went to work, did my lift, etc etc. Tuesday was the same again. I had work and then rushed out to sailing Tuesday night. I was exhausted and not feeling like myself when I got to sailing. It still didn't feel like anything was terribly wrong however. When we got back in after our races I started really feeling bad. I was holding on to the boat while one of the guys went to get the car. Next thing I knew I was getting tunnel vision, my ears started ringing and I felt myself going down. I handed the boat off and immediately ran to the bathroom to splash some water on my face. I had put my body under so much stress from the weekend and then during the first two days of the week that it just shut down. I got home and started sipping fluids until I went to sleep. Luckily I didn't have to be at work early the next day so I could get some rest. As the day went on I started to feel a little better but I was still hurting on Thursday! I know rest is important and I never gave my body a chance to rest and boy did I pay! Everything went back to normal though and I am drinking water after water again to prevent this from happening again. 

Over this past weekend my buddy and his family did the Governors Cup in Annapolis Maryland. I drove down in their car with all of their stuff to meet them at the party after. Although the party was pretty lame this year I still had some fun down there and met some cool people. I am just thankful that I had my health and a car that could get me their and back to enjoy time with friends. Saturday night we left St. Mary's college and sailed back to Annapolis. It's a 70 mile trek up the bay and it took us just under 12 hours. Most of which was in the dark of night. Watching the sunrise over the bay was definitely one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! Check it out

Last week I came home and I found these shorts sitting on the dryer. I loved them, they still had the tags on and they were my size! So I'm thinking hmmm who could these belong to? So I take them upstairs, try them on and they fit like a glove. I find a shirt I bought down the beach and throw it on and it looks sick, so naturally I am super pumped. I am walking around the house and my brother comes down and says "dude what the hell are you doing in my shorts?!" Hahaha uhhhhh WHAT?!  Go ahead, read that again....yes you read it right!! I was wearing my brothers shorts. It was the most incredible feeling I have ever felt on the journey. I am sure I've said that before and guess what?! I'll say it again later too, get over it!

After more rest yesterday it was back to the grind today. I had a good lift and I am blessed to have multiple clients coming through today, one of which passed her swim test so I am super excited to see her! Tomorrow is back to biking and running, hopefully, if the weather holds off. If not we will be moving things inside. I am also headed over to a friends house to watch their dogs for the week and I can't wait. It's like a mini vacation every time I go over there and I love when they ask me to take care of their place. Like I said, other than my mishap Tuesday, things were very slow last week. I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of training this week. Only a month out from the biggest accomplishment of my life! When talking with someone the other day, they asked "could you imagine doing this two years ago?" No absolutely not. It was merely something I just dreamed about two years ago. They always tell you to chase your dreams though, don't they? ;) I'm running and I am not looking back. Thanks for the love y'all, it keeps me going!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

It's a New Day...Embrace it and be happy

Good morning all, or evening, or afternoon...whatever it is to you. As I sit her in the cool breeze and soft morning sun, I decided to enjoy my little outlet before things get nuts. 

This weekend was an eventful one that's for sure! I went on a trip to the beach with my buddy to see our friend who is living down there for the summer. I was pumped to see him and to get away for the weekend. Last Friday it seemed like everything that could go wrong did. I got up and made my breakfast and was out the door by 5:00 on Friday morning. Walking down the driveway I dropped my oatmeal and just knew it was going to be ugly from there on out. I got to work and the drain cover had some how been knocked off one of the drains in the pool. This chick was all up in my face asking me questions and talking to me until my ears were ringing and I hadn't even had a cup of coffee yet. Luckily I some how made it through the rest of the shift and got out of there alive. 

I headed home and had one of my clients at the house and then it was finally over! I packed up my stuff, made sure I had everything for my bike and headed out. My buddy is one of the few who understands the burning passion I now have for this triathlon and he was kind enough to squeeze my bike into his car. He didn't have to do this and I am grateful that he did.  I was super excited to ride on some flatter ground. 

When we got down there Friday it was go time and we went out and had a great time. No I didn't stick to my diet and no I didn't only have one drink...come on did you read about that day?! Plus there is no such thing as only one orange crush!! I was going to ride Saturday but we went on this tour of the town trying to find breakfast so I decided to just go chill on the beach for awhile. Saturday we went to jam which was pretty sick and the music was good. When we were standing at jam we jumped up on the ledge and claimed some prime real estate to listen to music and people watch. As I was standing there I thought you know it's funny, I probably wouldn't have done this last summer. I wouldn't want everyone to be able to see me like that.  I am still not 100% comfortable in my own skin but I am getting there. I can still see the cowardly lion every now and again, but this summer is different though and I'm getting there! 

Sunday I woke up and I HAD to ride my bike. I wasn't leaving the beach until I did. We went and got breakfast much easier this time. I came back and it was windy and I knew I was going to have to cross a bridge and I wasn't excited. Just as I was gearing up I said something about the bridge, a guy Coop said "oh yeah didn't you hear about the lady who was run off a bridge like two weeks ago...?" Seriously, not what I needed to hear. I embarked on my journey however and it was a tough first leg out. The wind was blowing directly into my face and it made it really tough. I got to the bridge at the inlet and there was an older guy in front of me just out for a little joy ride. He took his sweet time getting over the bridge and in the midst of that sweet time we got passed by two, not one but TWO rv's...seriously?! Nonetheless I made it to Bethany and turned around to start heading back. My ride ended up totaling 21 miles and I did it in 1:11...I was stoked. 

After that we just hung around for a bit longer. Everyone at the house was fighting off their hangover but me I felt great! 6:00pm rolled around and we headed out. 

I got back to my buddies house and we were talking with his mom and she asked when my race was. I told her and she said ok I'll make sure I have off. I said its all the way in Atlantic city, you don't have to do that! It was an argument...they will be there and I am ecstatic. I wish I could have every single person who is or was important in some way there to give me a high five. I had no idea that they wanted to come and I'm overwhelmed! When I got back to my house, my neighbors from across the street were here. They told me that they were telling their neighbor at the beach about what I am up to. They told me he said he was proud of me for what I was doing. I only met this guy a handful of times but for him to say that is absolutely astonishing.  The race is getting really close and I'm getting nervous and excited all at the same time. 

I've been trying to just live everyday the the fullest and not look back on what happened yesterday. Everyday is a new day with new challenges and I don't even have time to look back on the past. Happy Monday everyone! Have a wonderful week. 

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

A BAD Case of the Modays

Ever hear that saying when it rains it pours?  Well that was me today.  It just felt like if there was something that could go wrong...it would.  I can't seem to win today and I am so ready to get out of this rut and start a fresh day tomorrow.

First of all I did my brick yesterday.  It was my first real brick workout and it was hard....very hard!  I drove down to the Y to park my car and jump on my bike.  I headed out filled with energy and a few cold water bottles.  I rode the route I usually go on from the Y and it was a nice ride.  The weather was beautiful and I just embraced the ride.  I finished 18 miles and headed back to the Y.  I jumped off my bike, switched my shoes, grabbed another water bottle and sucked down my Power Bar gel before heading out on my run.....OUCH!!! My legs were not happy with me, they felt like wet noodles when I started running.  I had my Nike+ app going and I felt like I was running at a 15:00 pace and I wanted to stop so bad.  Just as I rounded the line for my first mile, I could hear the app kick in and I wanted to swallow my head because I knew it was going to tell me my time.  That annoying voice chirping in my ear and then it came....8:00 first mile after an 18 mile ride!! Holy cow did that feel awesome!  I knew I had to put in at least another mile so I forged on.  Trying to keep pace with that 8:00 mark I picked up my speed.  She came on again after the second mile and I hit another 8:00 mile.  I couldn't believe it.  I have never held that pace before and I just did it, after an 18 mile ride!!!  What an INCREDIBLE feeling of accomplishment that came over me. 

Strava from my brick

Run portion of my brick.

Today didn't go so well though.  I got to work and I had forgotten my lock to put my bag in a locker.  Unfortunately we live in a world where you just can't trust anyone so I put my bag on the pool deck.  What's one day right? It's not that big of a deal....wrong! I got yelled at for having my bag on the deck when there were three other people who had their bags out there.  I took my wallet and keys out of my back and put the rest of my stuff in a locker.  I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, I was breaking the rules, no big deal.  It just felt like I was getting in trouble when I always have my stuff in a locker but other people don't.  Maybe I am being too sensitive, oh well...

I then got an email that my midterm paper for my summer class was late.  I was on the school's website everyday over the last week checking for my professor to put an update with what was due and she never did, so I assumed that nothing was do....well you know what they say about assuming.  So I said OK, no big deal I will just complete the paper when I get home and upload it.  AGAIN wrong....the paper requires a book which I of course, you guessed it, don't have.  So on top of not turning in the other assignments for last week, I know have no submitted my paper.....this is not going to end well.  I knew this class was going to be hell, but I really can't afford to fail this class.  I have to skip sailing tomorrow and find this stupid book to complete my paper.  I can only hope that my professor will accept it late and just give me a grade.  I need a C to pass this class and just be done.  I am praying that I can make that happen. 

Other than that today was very uneventful.  I needed to post to vent and get these things off my chest so that I can fall asleep and hopefully start tomorrow fresh.  I did my lift today but it didn't feel the same.  Hopefully I will get back into the swing of things tomorrow.  Although this was a bad day, I refuse to let it set the tone for the rest of my week.  I am going to stick to my guns and get things done!  One bad day isn't going to throw me off track and it shouldn't throw you off either.  Wishing you all a good week and hopefully it got off to a better start than mine!  Thank you for reading!


All for now
Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

Time FLIES when you're having fun!

Time is literally flying by this summer and I can't believe it is July 14th already....I have only made it to the beach once or twice and we are half way through the summer!  Today is Sunday, which means Monday comes next and it is right back to work for me.  Most people use their weekends to RELAX and enjoy the time that they have off.  Nope not me!  I was constantly going this weekend... I woke up Saturday and knew I had to do some speed training this weekend because I hadn't done it yet this week.  I had a swim lesson at home Saturday morning so I woke up and enjoyed my coffee and THANK GOD the weather held off! 

So it was lesson time!  I have been trying to schedule this family since the beginning of the summer but between vacations and this stupid rain this was the first time they were able to get in.  I love ALL of the families that I work with over the summer but this family is just SPECTACULAR.  They are one of the nicest families I have ever met and I could not wait to see them!  I hadn't seen them since last summer so naturally they were beside themselves when they walked on to the pool deck.  After raining me over with wonderful compliments I got in the pool with the kids.  We had a great lesson and I couldn't believe how far their daughter has come since last summer.  Her parents also told me that they were getting into some small 5K races this summer and it just so happens we are doing the same color run!  I think it is so cool that they can do stuff like that together!  I want a workout partner like that!!

After the lesson I jumped in the car and headed out to the gym while slugging my second cup of coffee.  Good and bad idea all at the same time.  When I finished that second cup as I was pulling into the gym, the intensity level of speed training shot through the roof.  I was so ready to go.  As I was doing my 800's I glanced up and noticed that I CRUSHED my 5K PR at 24:20 and decided I wanted more.  I ended up finishing 4 miles in 30 minutes and some change. I felt absolutely incredible.  It is amazing the endorphin rush you get from working out.  I then went and blasted abs since I had to skip them in my lift this week.  Weighted situps and then a tabata with Russian twist, planks, flutter kicks, and ab roller.  I did two rounds of each and I was DEAD!  I headed straight for the smoothie bar to get my favorite recover shake and then it was off home for the party!

About the same distance as Saturday's run but look at that time difference!

Saturday when I got home my next door neighbor was outside.  We have had a few confrontations with this family and when I arrived I saw him and thought oh god, here we go....I got out of my car and I could just feel him starring me down.  I sitting here thinking, what could his problem possibly be.  I purposely turned my music down and rolled down the street at a crawl of 5 mph.  He looks over again and says, "Holy crap man, how much weight have you lost?"  It took me a minute to process...but I decided ok, just go with it.   So I started talking to him about my race and riding etc.  He opened his garage and showed me his bike and I ended up talking to him for about 20 minutes.  The entire time I was standing there thinking to myself, is this real? Is this seriously happening right now?!  Do you remember saying you were going to kill our dogs like two weeks ago you wacko?!  Either way I entertained him and then went on my way.

Saturday evening I had some people from work here.  A girl who I work with came up with a challenge to Swim Across America.  Every lap that we swim converts to distance on the map and we have certain check points.  We hit our check point for New Orleans and so I offered to host the party at my house.  I was bumming a little bit because all of my friends happened to be heading to the beach for running of the bulls in Dewey.  I was a little low on cash though so it was no biggy.  Once everyone got here we fired up the grill and everyone had a really great time!  It was nice to have some people here and enjoy time away from being at work, that's for sure.  When we were sitting around the table someone looked over at me, and right in front of everyone said "Ian!! Holy cow, look at your arms!"  Now if you have learned anything about me from these posts, I HATE being the center of attention! So of course someone else joined in and complimented me and I was just beside myself.  She followed it up with "Every time I look at you I am just amazed!" So even though I was the center of attention for a minute I didn't mind it because that was one of the greatest compliments I have received yet. 

As for the rest of last week, nothing too big happened.  I workout, I eat and I teach swimming.  That's about my life right now.  I did take my friend on a ride last Thursday.  It was her first ride on her bike so we took it slow and I just gave her a chance to crunch through some gears and get used to the roads around here.  After circling back to where we started, I hadn't had enough yet and wasn't ready to go back home.  So naturally I went back out.  I ended up killing my ride and really enjoyed it.  I know I said it before but there is just something about clipping into your bike and forgetting about everything else that is going on. 

Even after a slow start I still managed 20 miles in an hour and a half.  Can't complain!

Tomorrow it is right back to work.  I am excited to start the "power phase" of my lifting and I really hope it carries over into my riding and swimming.  Everyone keeps telling me that if I just learn how to flip turn that my times will get faster but I won't have to flip turn in my race so why waste pool time so close to my race on learning it and perfecting it.  Definitely something to consider for the "off season" though. 

Last thing I want to share is a picture of the family in front of the camper(that gave us a hell of a ride down) at the beach.  When I saw this picture I must say that I didn't even recognize myself.  Still there are some days where I will walk passed a mirror or something and see my reflection and catch myself stopping for a second look.  It's a great feeling and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

 Thank you to our awesome photographer Susan for this shot of the whole family!

Here we are in front of our camper for the first time!

I think I covered most of the stuff I wanted to cover, naturally I am sure there are things I have left out.  I am going to make it a conscious effort to post more often on here even though it is hard with so much going on!  Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.  Try to stay cool and HYDRATED with this heat wave coming across the east coast here!!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself.

Glad We Got THAT Out of the Way!

Today is Tuesday, a day I have grown to LOVE for the past 4 summers here.  I have gone sailing every Tuesday night with a very close friend of mine starting 4 summers ago on a lightening and I have grown to love it!

To pick up where I left you last on Friday, I was on my way to the beach.  After my plans were all over the place for a few days, I finally got things nailed down and headed out to the beach for the weekend.  We got there Friday night and just hung around at my friends house for the evening.  Nothing too excited happened and I was totally OK with that.  Just being around great friends and sharing laughs was more than enough for me.

We woke up Saturday morning and my buddy asked if I wanted to go for a run.  I was so happy! I didn't want to be the only guy who woke up and wanted to go out for a run!  So we laced up and headed out.  He is faster than me by a long shot but I was going for a longer run on Saturday so he agreed to stay with me.  We went for two miles together and then he pealed away and finished up but I continued on.  We were in Lewes, DE and the run was beautiful!  I found a nice little trail and followed it around until I finished up just over 5 miles. 

My little Banner from my run :)

When I finished up my run I hit end on my Nike+ app and that annoying yet amazing little notification popped up.  I broke ANOTHER record!  Just 6 short months ago to the date I went for a run around the same neighborhood.  This time I killed that run.  My 5K time was down over 5 minutes and I went for 2 miles further than I did in January.  What an accomplishment!  I was never a runner so I don't know if this is as huge as I think it is, but I am going to enjoy it while it lasts!

After the run we headed out to Seacrets in OCMD.  I was excited but at the same time I wasn't.  I am not a huge fan of OCMD, it's not exactly my kind of crowd but nonetheless my buddy wanted to go their and it was his birthday weekend, so I wasn't going to rain on his parade.  I ended up having a great time and really enjoyed it.  YES I know before you say it, this is becoming a common theme and I should just continue to not over think things.  Hi have we just met?

This is me, 6 months ago on NYE with my friends girlfriend.

This is me, Saturday, at Seacrets...difference much?!

 

Holy cow what a DIFFERENCE.  I look at the first picture and don't even recognize that guy anymore.  When that picture was taken, I had been working out and busting my tail for about 4 months but just couldn't see a difference.  Through time, hard work, and dedication though I stuck with it and look at the difference now!  I uploaded this picture to facebook and there were a handful of likes and comments but the one that stood out the most read:

"I'm so glad you finally posted a picture so everyone can see how great you look! I am so proud of you and happy for you, you inspire so many including me, love you!!"

Thank you so much, that really touched me and I can't even tell you how much it pushed me to keep going on this journey!!

On Sunday I got home and I was messing around with my bike in the garage.  I decided to ride up and down the street a little to see what these new pedals and shoes were all about.  After a few up and down's I though forget this, I AM GOING ON THE ROAD!  I came home and grabbed my bike shorts and my other gear and I was off!

This ride was different than any ride yet.  For those of you who don't know Chester County, I'll just go out on a limb and say it's a little hilly.  On top of all that I was trying to get used to having my feet attached to my bike.  It was weird at first but I got the hang of it....or so I thought. I rode down to the Y which is around 5 miles give or take from my house.  I turned around in the parking lot and was heading down towards the red light.  I checked for traffic and had to do a double take because I though I saw someone driving down the road who I knew and then it happened....before I knew it, I was laying on the ground. Yes I fell on my bike and the only thing I could do was starting laughing. I said out loud "well at least we got THAT out of the way!" I knew it was bound to happen at some point, I just didn't think that would be it!  This ride was not my best but I got it done and it is a step to getting used to being in the pedals and shoes. 

Monday was a pretty typical Monday...The weather still stinks here but I have found my self tossing the iron around again and I love it.  I was always more for lifting in the past rather than cardio but that's just because I was being lazy.  I know love the two and really hope that I can use both to improve myself, both physical and for the performance in my racing.

 

It is funny for me to look back from time to time on where I used to be and where I am today.  I would have never done the things I am doing today.  I would have given up so long ago but that just isn't me anymore.  There are so many changes but I wouldn't trade them for the world.  I am so happy that I took the bull by the horns and stuck with it! People laughed at me and made fun of me for so many various reasons but if I listened to them I wouldn't have made it as far as I have and I am really starting to see that.  I knew what I had to do to ensure success and I did it.  Not for them but for me, for myself, and I am so glad I did.  Whatever you are doing, ask yourself, am I doing this for me or am I doing it for them?  When you find the difference, please contact me and let me know because I want to give you a hug and share how amazing you will truly feel!

Tomorrow is a new day and I will be headed back down to the boat for our annual 3rd of July party.  It is sure to be a good time and I can't wait.  Looking forward to spending the evening with great friends yet again!  Hopefully I will see you all on the other side of the holiday and I hope you all enjoy it where ever you are!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself!

First week back!

This week was the first week back from reality and it was tough. The weather here in PA has not been fun this week. It has rained every afternoon which has totally messed with my training schedule. I haven't been able to ride my bike since vacation and I miss it terribly!

Just to pick up where I left off with my last post... I was talking about being super excited to go out in public in a tank. I just wanted to make a comment I thought of after that post. Some people may say "well it's not like you looked awful before you started training!" While this is 100% true, I wasn't happy with the reflection I saw in the mirror. I was not happy with myself or how I felt and so I decided I needed to make a change! When you put your mind to something it's incredible what you're capable of. I always said I just want to get rid of a little weight, I know I'll never look like this or that. But now I am not stopping at anything until I am a lean mean fighting machine!

This doesn't necessarily need to be applied to weight loss or getting in shape for that matter. Maybe your family is going through a troubling time or you've been faced with a mountain you never thought you would have to climb. You have two options. You can't sit and think or talk about how awful it is or you can go out and change it!  I can tell you that sitting and dwelling on it, only makes it worse. People are always going to find something you're doing "wrong" but when you stop doing things for other people and start doing things for yourself you'll see what I'm talking about. 

This past week I also had someone ask me to help them get on the right track with their diet and exercise. I  completely honored by this. Someone is recognizing my hard work and wants me to help them! It's super rewarding and I can't even begin to describe how that made me feel. I am super excited to see if she has what it takes to get there! I will make sure to keep y'all updated on that progress along with mine!

Today I saw a buddy of mine who I saw not too long ago. But today was different, he said "dude! You are looking cut up!!" That was a great feeling. I have said before that I am a pretty humble person and although I have been very successful, I don't think what I am doing is amazing or incredible. I am doing something I should have a long time ago. I also truly believe that it is something that everyone should be doing. I feel amazing and I want EVERYONE to feel this good!

As for this weekend I am headed out with a great group of friends and I can't wait. We are going to have a great weekend regardless of the weather forecast. These dudes have been there through thick and thin and now we get to enjoy so time together! 

This has seriously been the longest car ride ever and my back is starting to get super tight. I can't wait to get there and have a stinking beer! 

Hope all my readers have a wonderful weekend and the weather is better where you are!

All for now. 

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself!

Back to Reality

Well vacation has come and gone.  With a bit of a rocky start getting down there we lost a few beach days.  This also meant a few days of riding for me, but I still got out.  Overall we had a good vacation.  It wasn't one for the record books by any means, but we had a great time.  Our "neighbors" were two women we met in a previous trip there and they are absolutely amazing! So glad we had a chance to see them again!

I believe I wrote a post on Tuesday Wednesday when I was down there.  So Thursday we woke up and played a round of golf with my Dad.  It was a little chilly in the morning but ended up being a very nice day.  We came back and unfortunately the weather did not cooperate with us and I lost another day on the beach so I went shopping with my grandparents. 

Friday I woke up and I was just delaying the inevitable.  I knew it was our last day and I didn't want to waste a minute on the beach.  As much as I didn't want to I geared up for a ride.  Boy am I glad I did!! I had a beautiful ride through the town of Myrtle Beach and back totaling just under 23 miles according to my Strava! It was a beautiful ride and I am so glad that I went.  For the first time I felt like a "real rider."  What is that feeling, well don't ask me because I can't tell you but I sure did feel it!  I was just cruising along with cars going right next to me, which was the one thing I was nervous about.  For those of you who don't know the town of Myrtle Beach well, there is a very high population of campers.  The first time that HUGE truck went wizzing by with a camper right next to me I was definitely a little nervous!

I came back from my ride and headed straight to the beach and stayed there for as long as I possibly could.  For those of you who don't know me well, I am a complete beach bum and I LOVE the beach! We came back and had dinner and then I went back out Friday night.  As I was leaving my little cousin Nicholas asked me where I was going(he is only 2).  I told him I was going shopping and asked if he wanted to come, I promised him ice cream if he was good.  So of course he jumped at the choice, LITERALLY, he jumped off the steps into my arms!  So off we went.  We got to the stores and I plopped him up on my shoulders.  He was an absolute angel the entire time so of course I bought him ice cream. 

Here's the little dude digging into his Ben and Jerry's.  He carried that silly little drink umbrella around all night!

Our return trip Sunday was much better than the trip down.  No blown tires or craziness to get there.  We got home and unpacked everything and had some dinner.  My mom asked me what I wanted and after that week I just had some chicken and salad.  There were QUITE a few cheat meals down there!  After that I just went to bed, I was exhausted.

Today I got up and went to church as I do every Sunday.  I actually saw a neighbor there and she said "You look amazing! I saw you running the other day!" Then after church one of the ushers stopped me and asked if I had been working out so I explained I was training for a triathlon.  He expressed that he thought that was great and said how he always feels better when he works out.  I agreed with him and said there was no better feeling!

I came home and was back and forth between texting so friends to go down to the river or go out and get bike shoes.  I decided after my rides at the beach that it was time to bite the bullet and get some new shoes.  After riding down there I realized that I really need to get my shoes and clips on so I can get the most out of my rides.  So I changed out of my work clothes and headed out.  I went to a few bike stores before I ended up at Performance Bike over in DE to get shoes.  When I left the house I put on a tank that I bought down at the beach and went and looked in the mirror.  For the first time I felt comfortable going out in public in a tank.  It was absolutely INCREDIBLE!  Before this, the only time I wore a tank was walking to the beach and back....that's it.  Today for the first time I actually felt comfortable going out in public and walking around in a tank and I felt so awesome.

Here I am in my Ron Jon tank!

 

When I left today I did not really have any intentions of buying shoes.  I have never worn tri shoes or any type of bike shoe for that matter.  I was just going to try some shoes on so that I knew what size to order from the internet.  When I tried on the size I thought I was they were too big.  This was good and bad because the shoes I found online were only $60 but they would have never fit.  So of course I walked out of the store with a pair of shoes.  I can't wait to get my cleats and turn into more of a "real rider!" I also order my first ID bracelet from Road ID and I can't wait for it to get here! 

My Shimano Tri Shoes

Aside from getting my new shoes there weren't too many exciting things going on today.  I wanted to go for a ride and or run but the weather was just not cooperating with me.  As for tomorrow it is back to work.  This is also the last week of my summer class.  It will be the last time I put paper on pencil for a written test and it is REALLY weird to think about.  It did not hit me until writing this that it is the last time I will take a written test as an undergrad.  It will be bittersweet for me because I cannot wait to graduate and start my next chapter but I will also be lost not getting up and going to class!

As for now I am going to listen to a little more of this new Sublime album, Yours Truly and fall asleep.  If you haven't tried it yet I highly suggest you check it out, it's a really great album and I am liking it a lot.  My training is going very well and I am getting super excited for my race.  I am hoping that there are a few more people who come to give me a high five a long the way for this race.  This will be my biggest accomplishment to date and there are a few people who have been here through every step that I really want to be there to witness it with me.  Until next time thanks for reading and remember whatever fight you are fighting, DON'T YOU EVER GIVE UP!!

All for now.
Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

No Days Off

I am sitting outside listening to all of the little teens riding around on their golf carts and I decided to write something up. We are in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and boy was it a journey to get down here. This year was our first year towing our camper down. We left on Friday and headed straight for 95 south. I was so excited to get to the beach. Fresh off a trip to the mall with some new clothes that fit I couldn't wait to get here and show everything off. That was quickly put to a stop one hour into our road trip when the wheel flew off the camper. And hour or so later we had the camper on a flat bed and we were turning around to head home. Just as I am sure my parents felt, I felt defeated. We had to turn around and go home only to answer to neighbors as to why we weren't at the beach.

I woke up the next day and there was a weird feeling flowing throughout the house. No one had any answered or knew what was going on. I laced up my shoes and decided I needed to go for a run. On that run I PR my 10K time and felt amazing. When I got back and showered I got word it was time to go get the camper and start our road trip again. FINALLY! We were on the road again and heading as far as we could. We made it down passed Fredericksburg VA and just as we were pulling into the hotel parking lot we blew out the other tire on the camper. SERIOUSLY?! The devil so did not want us to get to the beach!

After waiting a few hours we found an extremely nice guy who came and slapped two brand new tires on the camper and we were off on the road again. We arrived here in myrtle beach safe and sound thankfully and got everything set up. Although we were here, things felt different. It wasn't the same as years past. None the less we got here and it was a week away from the stresses of work and home. 

I woke up and took my new bike for a spin. What a beautiful ride!  It's funny because I have never woken up to go workout in years past. I always just rolled out of bed and headed straight for the beach. Like I said though this year is different. I am running, riding, and practicing yoga down here. I find myself in a different position but I like this position MUCH more than the years before. Yes my family laughs at me but they also know how far I have come. 

Yesterday I went to the lazy river that is here in the campground. I work in a public pool so I know a thing or two about them. For one when I show up to a public pool I automatically start people watching. I watch children more than their own parents and within 5 minutes of being there I can tell you who is a "high risk."  Against my better judgement I grabbed a float and jumped in. Things were going great until it was time to get out. When I got out I looked over and saw a girl looking at me and laughing. She immediately said something to her friend who in turn looked over at me am began to laugh. I'm not an idiot, I've gone through this for years and I knew exactly what was going on....the funny thing is, they have no idea how far I have come. Losing 85 pounds did not come easy. They don't know the stresses and strain that I have gone through. REGARDLESS of what they think I was proud of myself although that moment sucked. I am going to continue on my journey and I will become a triathlete come hell or high water. 

Last night I also had a conference call with my aunt and some others for a product called Zrii. From what I have read this sound like a great product that I could benefit from and I am certainly going to look into it further. Again I was on a conference call trying to better myself regardless of being on vacation. I am excited for the things to come and you should be to. I had a friend message me who read my blog. She said 

"Yo freaky, I couldn't sleep last night so I took a look at your latest blog. You literally brought me to tears with your story about going to the store. Shopping is every heavy persons hell! Jus wanted to say that I'm so happy for you! You should feel so accomplished and proud of yourself! Enjoy your vacation with your new bod!"

Holy cow was that a reality check. For one I had no idea that more people I thought read this. Two I didn't know that the things I wrote we're that powerful and I am so grateful that I can effect people in that way. I thank everyone for reading and the constant support they give me. You all are incredible and you are what keeps me going. I thank each and every one of you. 

This is me in my new "bod" and my new tank. 

Despite what it took to get to where I am and what it took to get to the beach I am not stopping. I see new changes every single day and I feel incredible. I am excited to learn more about Zrii and what it can do for my training. I am also excited for where my training will go and bettering myself for the race come September. Keep checking in and I promise to keep y'all up to date. Probably should have written my paper for school instead of this post but tomorrow is another day ;). 

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself. 

Hitting the Ground Running!

So much to say and so little time!  This is becoming such a common thing for me.  I thought today that it has been ages since I have posted and I am so exhausted but I need to post before I fall asleep.  Things are moving so fast and I know that they are not going to slow down the least bit!  Work, school and training have begun to take over my life.  I am trying to balance everything right now and although it is overwhelming I am having such a great summer so far.

I picked up my bike on Friday!! I was ecstatic the entire day.  I couldn't wait to get out of work and go get my hands on it.  The time came and I went and picked her up from Ron's house.  It was all sparkling and brand new.  I was beside myself.  Ron has been amazing and he took the time to go over things with me when I got there.  He should me everything they did and explained everything to me.  He then hooked me up with everything I needed to get out on the road.  He has just been absolutely incredible and I am so BLESSED to have people in my life like him.  He gave me gear and tools and everything to get on the road.  He could have so easily gotten me in contact with the guy who was selling the bike and just left it at that, but he didn't and he wouldn't!  I have since gone for two rides and I LOVE it, I am absolutely addicted and cannot wait for my race.  I want to ride everyday until it gets here.

 

Here she is, 2010 Trek 2.1 Alpha!

Last week I got a text from a friend asking me to do a 10k trail race with him.  I thought, 10K come on I did the biggest 10 miler in the country, I got this!  Boy was I mistaken!  Let me just tell you how different a trail run in from a road run.  When the race started, I was stuck behind two ladies who were just there shooting the breeze.  I was stuck behind them for almost half of the race.  This killed my time and totally got in my head.  On top of this, we are on the east coast as I may have mentioned before so imgaine how fun a trial run was, post rain storm....  I was so much slower than I anticipated for the race and that got to me.  When I finished I had to stop myself and think, a year ago you would have never done this, and today you came out and conquered it.  That is more than most can say and I am proud of myself for that.  

Here are some sweet socks I got and an awesome running water bottle that I wanted so bad!

This is my attempt at taking a picture while running the race.  The course was beautiful!

As for everything else, life is good.  After last weeks blow out with my old friend we had dinner on Saturday after my race and everything.  From my race I went and worked a private party which was interesting in and of itself.  I saw someone from the facility where I used to work and she acted like we were best buds.  She sat there and talked to me for at least an hour if not longer like no time had past.  Let me just share with you that this chick came up to my care one night and was pounding on my window and telling me "I couldn't do THAT here"  I was a little confused because I wasn't doing anything but whatever haha.  I am always professional especially when I am working so I just went with the flow.  I also hate confrontation so I wasn't about to have any when I was working, whether a private party or not....So back to dinner.  It was AMAZING...again.  We had a great dinner that I made and great drinks and just a great time.  

 

Kabobs and quinoa...perfect!

 

We have been messaging back and forth and I am happy but it still puts me in a bad spot.  I am scared.  Today she didn't respond to me forever and it left me questioning and waiting and I didn't like that.  I am also scared to tell my friends that we have begun talking again.  They saw what happened to me and although I feel so incredibly distant from them now for so many reasons I feel like they still care and don't want to see that happen again.  On Saturday one of my very good friends called me and asked me to come over and I was so scared to tell them that I couldn't because we were having dinner.  First of all I always want to do too many things at once and I hate telling people no I can't because I feel like I am letting them down.  On top of that I was just so scared to tell them WHY and I don't want to mess anything up again.  I just hope I didn't.  Aside from that things have been good and I feel like I am getting to that spot where I have wanted to me for so long.  

On Friday I got a text from an amazing friend, it read:

"Was talking with your parents earlier! We are so proud of you for the dedication you put in to losing weight!  It's going to even further fuel the inspiration that you will have for the kids you teach someday!"

This made me feel amazing and I can't even put into words how great it was to read.  The point of this blog is to get things off my chest and off my mind.  However I hope that if you are reading it, it reaches you the way others have reached me.  Whether it inspires you or helps you keep going, I just hope it helps you get through whatever it is you are trying to get through.  So many people have helped me through this and I want to give back ten fold.  

 

Last night I went to get some bathing suits because I have none that fit anymore.  It's funny because the guy I ran with has been on a journey that is even greater than mine.  He has inspired me incredibly.  Post race we were having a conversation and we both agreed that losing weight is great but people don't understand how frustrating it is to try and get dressed when you have nothing that fits!  So i grabbed a few bathing suits in the size I thought I was.   Well I went and tried them on and THEY DIDN'T FIT!  So I went back again and got some more....Size 34 from a 40...it felt absolutely incredible.  After shopping I went for pizza and beer with my friend at an amazing little spot she found.  All craft beer on draft and they make their own pizza.  It was basically heaven for me.  We had another great time and I really enjoyed the dinner.  It's incredible what the little things can do for you!

Today I went for a ride and it made me feel amazing.  No music, no nothing, just me and the road.  It helped me clear my head and really get things on track.  I can't thank everyone enough, it is probably annoying by now but seriously thank you everyone for your support.  Along with that thank you to the person who got me started.  You have been incredible and I am eternally grateful for everything you have done for me and continue to do.  You're the man!

Post ride today!

It is time for me to sign off and head to bed.  Thank you all for reading and I hope you are enjoying the sun between the rain drops if you are on the east coast!

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself

Summer is in full swing here!

Well things are in full swing here and if I thought I was busy during school, I ain't seen nothing yet!  Everything is picking up at this point but I love it for some reason.  I love the summer as I have said in previous posts.  It is my absolute favorite time of year.  We have a vacation on deck here very soon and I am getting super excited for that.  We go away with my family, my grandparents and my aunts family.  All of us some how fit in one RV and one pop up camper in a camp ground and it is a guaranteed good time for everyone!

It is starting to hit how close my race is getting and I am actually starting to get a little nervous.  I know it is bound to happen and there will be times where I look like a complete rookie I am sure.  I have never done a tri before and if you read my post about Broad Street, you know I am good at sticking out like a sore thumb whether I think I am or not.  All of that aside, I am super excited for it and can't wait!

If you have been following these posts at all you know that I was struggling with funding my classes for this summer.  Well I put my big boy pants on and got everything taken care of and I am through my first week of class.  Yes everything worked out and I have class two days a week right now for 4 hours each night.  The class is Teaching English Language Learners to boot....yeah stick a needle in my eye to say the least.  It is just a little hump that stand between me and student teaching and then becoming a physical education teacher.  I CANNOT wait to fulfill that dream and work with children. 

I do not have my bike yet and I am starting to get a little worried.  I have been riding in spin classes and on spin bikes etc. to help prepare.  I have never ridden a rode bike though and I have just about three months to get acclimated to the whole thing.  I am a little nervous about the clip in pedals and working the gears and riding on the road next to cars and trucks etc.  In the same breath I am so excited to get out on the road though and get riding!  Hopefully I will have my bike before we leave so I cant ride when I am down in South Carolina.

If you remember how excited I was about the jump rope I purchased you will also find enjoyment in this post.  I just bought a cheap $4 Walmart special to get started.  The other day I went to the park I always go to and I took it with me.  I thought to myself THIS is the day, I am going to teach myself how to do this.  So I bit the bullet and tried it.  I sucked...no surprise.  I didn't stop though, I kept trying and trying and trying.  Yes I failed quite a few times but when I did ten in a row I practically jumped out of my skin.  In the past I have always quit when things got tough.  If I struggled with a jump rope in PE class or where ever I was, I would just stop.  I have gone back and tried it multiple times since this day with success and I love it.  I can feel myself getting better each time and it is an incredible feeling.  Success is one of the greatest feelings and I won't give up until I can do double unders and speed rope!

My uncles service was on Sunday and it was a day filled with a million and a half emotions.  It was bittersweet for me because I got to see family who I haven't seen since my grandmother passed back in 2009.  Things went a little south with that side of the family so we don't talk to them much anymore, if any at all.  Last night I was hanging out and I got a message from one of my cousins(it was his father that passed).  He wanted to thank me for coming and also commend me on what I had been doing.  I have looked up to this cousin since I was a little kid and I absolutely think the world of him for so many reasons.  One he lives in Cali and totally embraces the lifestyle.  When I was out there with him, I had such a great time.  Second he graduated from the US Naval Academy.  He is now a US Marine and is ranked one of the top in the country for what he can do in sharp shooting.  When he messaged me he said:

"I think from your posts (pics of healthily food and marathon) you have been on a mission. Really proud of you. Not that you lost weight but much much more...that your determination and focus got you to accomplish what you set out to do.  Listen any body can lose weight. But you cant apply that action to anything else. Your determination, focus and will power to get it done are the lessons and awareness that are much more important to learn cuz those traits can be applied to anything and everything you do. So Awesome."

Wow is all I have to say.  I was completely beside myself.  I think he was one of the first people who said ANYTHING like that.  He hit the nail on the head.  I just don't even know what to say still even to this minute.   It was just absolutely incredible to hear something that powerful, especially from someone who you have looked up to for so many years.

Today was rough from the start for me.  Ever since I finished my bottle of thermo, I can't seem to get going in the morning.  I like how it gets me up and going, however I don't like how I can't find that motivation when I am not using it.  I woke up to realize I had forgotten about homework for my class so I made breakfast and took care of that.  

Breakfast today was steak and egg whites along with a sliced apple and a coco cafe coffee.

After this I headed out to class for the afternoon, as much as I did not want to be there.  Today wasn't all that bad however and we got out an hour early!  

After that it was off to the park again.  I was going to do some weights or swim today but then I remembered it was National Running day, so naturally I had to go for a run!  It wasn't my best run ever but I still got in a little over 45 minutes and when you have zero motivation, finishing 5 miles and some change feels great.

I thought I had everything figured out with my friend after last weekend.  We had such an amazing time and I could really see things coming back around.  Yes I was scared, naturally, but I was excited at the same time.  Anyone would be scared to get back into something after being out so long so that is only natural.  (Naturally crash my party by Luke Bryan would come on pandora as I write this) So i thought things were good and we were making steps in the right direction.  Until today....Back in September I got a new phone with a new phone number and she doesn't have it.  All of our communicating has been through Facebook.  Is this normal? No probably not, but I don't think things have ever been "normal" for the two of us.  I was good with the way things were going and communicating the way we were.  I am someone who needs to take things slowly and one day at a time.  Things ended very bad between us and we were both equally as mean to one another when things ended.  For this reason I needed to take things slow...She didn't want to do that and she doesn't understand why we have to talk via facebook.  (Now Hunter Hayes I Want Crazy....seriously?! is someone messing with me?) So a year and a half later since we have broken up I still haven't found someone who makes me feel the way she did.  I haven't found someone who I think is equally as beautiful, fun, crazy....anything.  There are still days that I literally think about her every minute of every hour.  That being said I can't jump right back to where I was.  I just need to take things slow, but I don't think she wants to do that and it is absolutely killing me.  I don't think there is someone who knows me inside and out better.  It kills me to not have her in my life and I don't know what to do about it.....She said she isn't going to talk to me anymore unless I call her and she hasn't responded to me since.  I don't like this and I just hope that everything works out the way it is supposed to, she was really mad and I have no idea why....

This weekend is going to be crazy busy, followed by an insane week before I leave for the beach.  I am house sitting this weekend for a buddy of mine.  I am also guarding a pool for a graduation party for another friend and I have to go to a lifeguard inservice on Sunday evening.  This is all followed by a 5:15 opening shift on the first day of the new swim session on Monday morning!  YEEEEHAAAAW!! Boy am I going to be ready to get away by next Friday that's for sure.

Hope everyone had a great National Running day! I am off to bed so that I can wake up and lift before work tomorrow morning, can't stop, won't stop!  I will see you all again the next time but until then I will leave you with this:

All for now

Keep FSU and Do It For Yourself 

ps this might be the longest post to date and I apologize!