A Slightly Major Setback...

Last set of days off were brutal. Brutal! We had 3 trips to the ER for the family that involved stitches for one, and a LONG night for the others. (Side note: everyone is recovering well!). That coupled with a weekend away for camping equals NO WORKOUTS for 7 days. Not very smart just two weeks prior to your 'A' race. Lesson learned.

I got back to work today, and jumped on the treadmill tonight. Did a 5km run. At 6 mph. 31:19. Not bad, except that I felt horrible. I ate way too much food at dinner, crappy food, and it was too soon to my workout. That coupled with the fact that it had been 7 days since my last workout, meant a very difficult run. But I got it done.

I read a section in The Triathlete's Training Bible that stated that fitness is always changing and never stagnant. It states that even as little as 2 weeks of inactivity can result in significant fitness losses, especially in regards to endurance. I completely agree. I was able to complete the workout, but it was really really tough. Again, lesson learned.

Time to pick it up a notch, and really work out my nutrition. Less than 2 weeks to go, and I am getting NERVOUS!!!

Update: I forgot to mention I am a complete nerd and got a video pass for the ITU World Triathlon Series at Triathlonlive.tv.

MEC 5km Run

I just realized that I never posted about this run!

It was my first time running a 5km myself (as the previous one we did as a family). I will try and remember to right a race report, and post a few pictures.

The best part was running towards the finish line with my wife and three boys cheering me on! Meant the world to me...

"Your stomach shouldn't be a waste basket..." - unknown

I am really enjoying running. Honestly. A lot more than I ever thought I would.

I went into the Running Room store near our house and purchased John Stanton's book "Running". I really like the advice this book provides for beginning runners (although at times it seems a bit scattered). If you are thinking of getting into running I would recommend it.

Work has been great for encouraging me to work out. Today I went for another run. It's still on the treadmill (the rain we keep having, and the need to stay close to the firehall makes running outside difficult), but it's consistent. And it seems consistency is the hardest and most important part of your training plan. My goal is to run no less than 3 days a week. I would like to try and run every other day. This will become a challenge for me on days off. I find it harder to motivate myself to go for a run at home. For whatever reason running outside intimidates me. I am happy to report that I did run 3kms at home the other day, so it's just a motivation issue.

Speaking of motivation, today I got my first "You've lost weight" from a coworker. Felt pretty good! I think that has been the hardest part about beginning a workout plan - you don't see immediate results. Being that we are all instant gratification motivated (well most of us), it's hard to keep pushing harder and harder for looking and feeling good in the future. A nice comment from someone you know can make a huge difference in your level of motivation - so if someone you know is looking good, don't forget to tell them.

The next hurdle to work on is the diet. And living in camp makes that a HUGE challenge.

We have entered the boys into the Canmore Rocky Mountain 5km Walk/Run. Although this will not help with my running, I can't wait to see the excitement of the boys as they enter a real "race" with all the other participants. It will be good family time, and hopefully will start the boys young in realizing that physical activity is important ad fun.

Since I will not be running in the above, I am thinking of entering another 8km run... thinking about it because its in November. At night. Brrrrrr.