One third done

Yesterday was Day 60 of my personal biking challenge and I rode my 60th day in a row.  I know for some that isn't a lot, but to me that is proving to myself that I can commit to and follow through on something. Granted my numbers are small compared to some, but I have learned over the last few years not to measure myself against other's accomplishments, but against my own goals.

With that said, let's look at a few of the numbers involved with these 60 days of cycling:

Total Miles:  138.2 miles
Total Time:    11.26 hours
Total Calories burned:   16,807 Calories
Average Ride Distance:  2.3 Miles

As I said, not huge numbers by any stretch of the imagination, but its the consistency and repetition that is key for me.  I hope to start increasing the average ride length through the next 1/3 of the challenge but it will be difficult at first as we are definitely in the hottest part of the year, here int he desert southwest.

I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy the summertime here in the northern hemisphere and don't forget to...

GET ON YOUR BIKES AND RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What to do to get in shape.

Since I want to become and Ironman I need to work on my skills, stamina and ability in the 3 disciplines - Swimming, Riding and Running. I know there is a long way to go to get into any kind of shape to complete a sprint triathlon, let alone an Ironman.  The one and only triathlon I have done was Pumpkinman back in 2010.  Read about it here.

My goal then was to just complete the 3 events, which I did.  My time was horrible, but I did complete them.

Thinking about it, it makes sense to try the same race again this year, but make it a stepping stone to other triathlons of longer duration.  I am going to train to compete int he 2014 Pumpkinman Triathlon which takes place on 10/25/2014.  I've done it once so I know what to expect and I will train much harder for it.  Last time I had no time goal, this time I hope to complete the course in less than 2 and a half hours.

I know I need to train for this as my goal is an hour faster than I completed it in 2010.  I can do it, all it takes is hard work, preparation and determination.  One good thing is I am starting my training at least 2 months sooner than I did in 2010 plus I think I am more dedicated since this is but an interim goal on the way to a much larger goal and not an end in and of itself.

Anyone want to join my for some swimming, riding and running in October in Las Vegas?

One Year Later

A year ago I found a weight loss challenge group on the FitBit site that was a challenge to lose 50 lbs.  The first several people to do so were to win prizes.  Since I was getting back on the fitness bandwagon I decided to join the group and the challenge.  I have to say its been quite a ride and I am thankful I made that decision.  I have gained several friends who have helped to push me and keep me at least engaged f not entirely motivated over the last year.

By far one of the biggest stars of the group is Lee DiGeorge.  He and i actually tied losing 50 lbs by the same week, but he has been far more successful than I as he has gone well beyond that 50 and made a complete lifestyle change.  I've been backsliding a bit, but that is changing here again with the one year anniversary.  I am rededicating myself to this journey.

Lee isn't the only star of the group though.  Melissa and Michelle and Cala and Christine and Christina and Maria and John and Tom and Mary and Glynna and Act Out and Rachel and Nancy and Kelly and Debra and Kelly and Barbara have all helped me on my journey.  All are inspirations by far.  Whether its their impressive numbers of steps in a week, their progress on the scale or their sheer determination and never give up attitude.  All are winners!

Little did I know, when I so flippantly joined the group a year ago, how much these individuals would touch and inspire me.  Thank you group!

August Challenge Update - Rides 23, 24, 25, and 26

I have been remiss in my updates and for this I apologize.

Its been a rather busy few days and the good news is I have gotten in a ride everyday. I am still on track to ride all 31 days in August. The bad news is my oldest grandson went home to Michigan on Saturday. It was really tough this year as he has grown and matured so much. We were going to do a last ride on Saturday morning before he left, but it didn't happen as he slept a bit later and then had to get to the airport.

Friday's ride was a ramble to look at all the streets in the subdivision and the one next door. Sad to say after 3 years of living in the house there were streets in our small sub I hadn't been on. One interesting note, one of the bordering street has a single house on it, all alone. The other houses around it all face into the subdivision and are accessed off the internal roads. A nice, private oasis.

Saturday was a couple of laps around the block with Dillon, Nick and Ceanna, who only made it part way up the block and was too tired.

Sunday Dillon was the only taker and we re-rode most of the streets in the subdivision since he hadn't been down them.

This morning it was back to the usual 4:00 am ride of 10.4 miles. It was nice seeing the 2 women who were walking last week were back and they had a third woman with them. We exchanged greetings on one lap. 2 laps later the woman who seemed to be the leader was jogging while the others were walking.

So, month to date we have:

26/26 rides
183.4 miles
14:44:44 elapsed time

Hope you are able to Get On Your Bikes and RIDE!