Why are you waiting?

Today, I'm going to just talk a little about procrastination and the benefits I've had from getting going eating better and working out.

Some of the things I've heard are "I'll start up when i'm in shape" (don't get me started. You'll get in shape when you're in shape?), "I'll start on Monday", etc.

Look, I've been there. I can't tell you how many times I've said "Ok, I'll start my workout schedule on Monday", or "I'll be eating better come Monday". Why wait? Do it today.

When you put off a workout or the start of clean eating, what generally happens is that something comes up. We're all busy. Have jobs, kids, etc. When you don't make it a priority and get after it today, it makes it much easier to duck your workout by saying "Oh I'm not feeling quite right", or "I'm going to my kids practice today so I don't have time to workout".

You MUST schedule your workouts ahead of time and get them done. They MUST be as important to you as your job, your family time, etc. I'm not saying to go late to work, or miss time with your family, but schedule it ahead of time so you can do everything. Maybe you don't need to watch American Idol this week. Will that kill you? No. Will not working out and eating like crap kill you? Yes, eventually.

Let's discuss some of the benefits I've had in the last year or two due to me getting in shape.
First, this is what I used to look like:

I made the conscious decision to stop eating fast food everyday, make my portions smaller, and eat six times a day. I'm down about 60 pounds and feeling as good as I ever had. 

Here's all the positives I get from being smaller:

I'm able to hold my son, Derek, and play with him at his rate for hours on end (I used to be fatigued after 5 minutes and would have to pass him off to Andrea)

I don't break folding chairs when I sit in them anymore

I don't fall down as often as I did before (much better balance)

I recover from small injuries much faster

I get to wear more flattering clothes that I never could have worn before

I'm able to compete in all sorts of races, 5k's, half marathons, triathlons, etc.

I sleep better

I'm depressed far less

Sex is MUCH better (trust me, people. Being healthy and having sex sure beats being heavy and trying to do it :) )

I have gotten a much more diverse pallet when it comes to food. I eat a ton of new foods than I ever tried before.

These are just some of the great things that have changed in my life.

are

These would never have happened if I kept pushing things off until tomorrow.

So the question is... Why are you waiting?

Race Report for Naperville Triathlon

August 5th, 2012 was my first ever Triathlon at the Naperville Triathlon. I had always been intrigued by the format of three different disciplines in one race and was happy to finally give it a shot.

I got to the race at around 5am and found my transition area. It was under a tree. lol

Good news is that it was easy to find. Bad news was that it was on the grass.

The start sent us out in waves of 4 people that went out every 5 seconds. We lined up by our projected swim speed. I originally said I would swim at a 10 min pace. However, I got impatient after waiting for 20 minutes or so and decided to move towards the front of the line. 

Finally got in, and actually felt comfortable swimming. I was worried about wearing myself out during the swim, so I took it nice and slow. Ended up around a 9:32 swim.

I made up some time on the way out of the swim as I'm more accustomed to running barefoot than most of the other runners.

Ended up passing two or three people on the way up to transition. T1 wasn't good. I wasted too much time getting on my cycling shoes and socks. Now, I know better and I'll just be putting on the shoes without socks and not putting them on until the bike starts.

My bike ride was about 40 min flat. Not too bad, considering again, I wasn't pushing real hard because I wasn't comfortable with the shoe/cleat system (I bought them about 5 days before the race). I still made up some good time during the ride and wasn't tired as I came into T2. Again, made a mistake here and kept my shoes on my feet. I have since practiced and I'll be getting out of the shoes closer to transition and going barefoot.

Finally, the run. I've been struggling running this year as I tried switching over to closed toed shoes and I just have not had the speed I've been looking for, nor the speed I had back in March. So about two weeks before the Tri, I switched over to my Vibram Five Fingers again. 

I did ok on the run. 24 min. Again, was worried about gassing out. I shouldn't have that issue next time.

All in all. Great time. I'm hooked. This was the best experience I've had in any type of racing. Overall, I finished in 1:20:27. Not bad for my first one. My goal for the next one is going to be around a 1:14. 

Thanks to Andrea, who has been fantastic supporting me. The next Triathlon is the J-Hawk Latebird Triathlon in Whitewater, WI at the end of September. Next 5k is September 2nd in Bartlett.

Pics that are watermarked are owned by Finisherpix