Getting back to it

Well its been 11 months since my marathon and 9 months since my triathlon. Since then it is safe to say I haven't done much to maintain y level of fitness. Today I am actually at the heaviest weight I have ever been(218-220) and the pants waist are getting tight again. Actually, they aren't getting tight, the ARE tight.

After my recent conquests I decided to take a little time off. Well, a little turned into a lot as things kept "popping up" to keep me from working out. 1st I blamed the heat of summer. Then I blamed my new job for taking up a lot of time and new stress. lately I've been wanting to blame the holidays and the fact that it gets dark earlier now. I am realizing that there will always be something to blame but the blame rests on me. If I really want to get back in shape and achieve future goals its my responsibility to make it happen. So I AM taking responsibility and I am getting back to it.

One of my favorite sayings is "if it was easy everyone would be doing it". I like setting myself apart and doing things that NOT everyone else has or can do. That's why I run, bike and swim. Not to say I'm better, because I'm not, But to say I am a better me.

School was closed Friday due to winter weather(in Baton Rouge? who woulda thunk it?). As the call came in Thursday I immediately had the thought that this is the perfect time to get started. I went to the gym(YMCA) on Friday and hit the stationary bike and treadmill for a while just to see what my fitness level is. Well, it ain't so hot. I quickly realized that I am starting over from square one. This time, however, I have experience on my side. I know what works well for me and how my body responds to different types of training and types of diets(and by diets I mean healthy eating plans, not "hot fads"). So Friday, though sad because I have digressed so much, was a good day because i simply got started and every Marathon starts with one step.

Saturday I crossed the river for a treadmill workout with my brother(yes mom, we do stuff together) and Sunday I hit the weight room for a light full body workout which again reminded me how out of shape I am. Indeed, I am quite sore from the weight training yesterday but it is a good sore because it is a constant reminder that I am making progress.

And that's what its all about, progress. I'm not trying to compare myself to anyone, just trying to be the person I envision myself to be. It doesn't happen overnight, but it starts with one walk around the block, one trip to the gym, one hike in the woods with the family.

I have set some goals for the next few weeks, months and next year and a half. I will tell you about those soon. But today I'm just happy to be making progress, I'm back on the roads and in the pool.

Basically, I'm getting back to it.