Being Out of Shape Sucks

Not that I can claim ever being truly in shape, but it’s really disappointing how far I’ve fallen since the end of July. I have only gained a few pounds, but my body composition has really shifted. I’m beyond doughy.

Went for a run today - a 3.6 mile loop I have done countless times in the past. I was not trying to set any records today, but even my pedestrian pace was enough to make me feel beat. It’s September 29 - 2+ months removed from Ironman, and a 3.6 mile run feels like 13.

Time to get back on the horse.

In other news, I’ll be bike shopping soon. Got the green light to proceed with the purchase from my lovely wife, despite our combined efforts to save as much as we can while we still have two incomes. Who knows what could happen after our arrival in the spring.

Say Hello to My Little Friend…

Signed up for a race today

So I pulled the trigger on registering for a race today, after coming in from a slightly more than warm lunchtime run of 4-4.5 miles around the Rivah Chahles. This is no ordinary race though. This is:

(say it with me)

BIG MAN XIII

For those who are unfamiliar, here’s the deal:

It’s a 4.8 mile run around the not-so scenic towns of Somerville and Medford, MA. There are divisions:

Clydesdales 190-210lbs.
Clydesdales 211-225lbs.
Clydesdales 226-249lbs.
Clydesdales 250-299lbs.
Clydesdale 300lbs.+

Clydesdale Senior Masters 190lbs.+ (50 years old +)

Skinnies (under 190lbs.)

The thing that makes this event more than just a bunch of large dudes running around is the fact that you have to stop at three bars along the route, drink an 8oz. beer (only 8?!?) and eat a hot dog. Which of course, makes this the very best race in the world. It’s even better than the Santa Speedo Run.

I’m thinking about streaming the experience over Qik. Talk about building a solid personal social brand…

Running hurts again…

It’s been a while since I:

- posted anything to any sort of page resembling a blog

- did any sort of organized training

So today, I have managed to take care of both items.

I must say, the blogging part is significantly less painful. Of course, since Ironman USA back in July, I have managed to go out and flit about on my bicycle, splash around in the pond and run the occasional 3-5 loop, but nothing that would be enough to keep me in shape. Thus, the gut has grown softer, the face rounder, and the legs thicker.

I can deal with a couple extra pounds - but the fact that I’ve let myself lose all the fitness I gained in training this year is disappointing. I wish I had stuck with it, even though I know I needed a break, both mentally and physically.

So, today’s run - maybe 4.5 miles, about 36 minutes or so. Reality is that it was probably barely 4 miles, and I slogged it out at the same pace I was running 26.2 for back in July, and that was after a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike.

I’m planning to keep at it now. I’ve got to get my nutrition under control (eating way too much of the wrong stuff) and also get back on a routine. I don’t have Juli anymore to keep me on track as far as the workouts are concerned, so I’ll have to be extra diligent. Hopefully, by writing about it, I’ll be motivated to keep it up.

And hopefully, one will feed the other: workout, blog, repeat.