bigDH's accountability training a.k.a Beer Drinker's Appreciation Society (Page 94)

I got in a double today.  First day off for winter vacation and I went to the Y at 10:00 today.  I did a high intensity swim/spin cycle workout.  I gave my legs a rest from running.  I have a hockey game tonight, followed by day off tomorrow.  Friday is a 8.35 miler and a 6.25 miler Saturday or Sunday.

Funny story, I locked my keys in the car when I got to the house.  Fortunately, my padlock on my garage wasn't locked, and I wrigged a fishing pole up with some wire taped to the end.  Using a prybar, I pried the door open and hooked the keys out of the ignition.  Just as I'm pulling them through the opening, they slip and fall between the seat and the door.  Another 45 minutes, and a busted fishing rod later, I'm sitting here typing and sipping on an IPA.  Life is grand.

I got so emotional in my last post that I forgot to mention my workout...

I've got to say - it was a battle getting out of bed this morning.  And then, it was a battle to get out to the car... It was like that scene in Animal House where the girl passes out on the bed and the angel and devil argue it out as to what the kid should do... Devil: Go back to bed.  It's warm, you know you want to.  Angel: Now David, be a man and do the right thing.  Brutal.

Glad I pushed myself.  I got in 3 miles on the treadmill and did repeats  of 1 minute strides (ala our fearless leader) and 1 minute of recovery.  I increased the speed from 4 miles to 9mph and then back down again.  I got my heart rate up to 165 - so I was really pushing it.  Then I got in the pool and swam 600 at a leisurely 2:25... (which is an improvement over where I was last year at this time).

I'm still playing around with those yearly goals and I think the big one is going to be to improve my speed.  In HS, I ran a 2:07 800 and while I don't think I will ever be that fast again, I'd like to make it my mission to see if I could crank out a 6 minute mile again.  There is a part of me that would like to qualify for Boston because to me that has always been the true test of  speed and determination.  But that goal is years  in the future.  For now, I've been playing around with finishing times: running a 6 min mile, a sub 21 minute 5k, a sub 47 min. 10k, a sub 2:00 HM , a sub 4 hour marathon, a sub 2:45 Oly, and a sub 6:00 HIM.  To be honest, all of these numbers are just numbers I've been pulling out of the air to make myself feel good.  I've also be playing around with the idea of shoot for a 20% improvement in all of my times for the second year but there is nothing scientific about that number either...  The reason why I'm putting so much thought into this is that I want my goals to be not only achievable but to also have value.  The more I get a handle on the rational behind my goal, the most effort I will be willing to put into achiving them

Question - what are you all thinking about in terms of goals?  What advice do you have for me?

So, I've spent the last 13 months dropping weight and what did all my students give me?  Food!  And a lot of it.  I scored Lindt chocolates, brownies, fruit cake, chocolate covered graham crackers, and at least 3 dozen cookies.  I managed to give most of it away but I spent the majority of the day munching contentedly... There is a reason why people are fat - because chocolate tastes good.

So, I came home and downloaded my first sufferfest video... I enjoyed it.  A lot.  I won't say its gonna turn me into Lance Armstrong but it really motivated me to really push myself.  The video was 50 minutes long and I only made it through 35 minutes - so I guess I know what my goal for December will be...

Thanks DH for the thoughts about the yearly goals... I totally hear everything you are saying and I agree that I need to do everything in my power to keep myself healthy.  But I'm also compulsive by nature and I know that setting goals is the key to keeping myself motivated.  Last year - when I had something to focus on, I was really able to stick with the plan... So staying healthy is goal 1 and improving my speed needs to be goal 2.  Perhaps what I should do is to stick with the 10 percent rule and make it my mission to improve 10% in terms of my times but also miles completed throughout the course of the year.  So far, I've biked almost 2000 miles and I think biking 2200 miles would be attainable... 

BTW - Yesterday we had our anual beer swap, which works like a cookie swap but with tasty beverages.  I brought a case of Breckenridge Oatmeal stout and came home with about 20 different beers.  The first one I tried was Magic Hat's Heart of Darkness.  It was decent... not great.  Do you guys have Magic Hat out there?

Thanks Kevin!  The holiday party was great and the beef tenderloin was simply incredible.  I wanted seconds but had a beer instead!

Today the mentor thread opened up and I applied/posted.  I was the 9th person to start a thread so I've got to think I have a chance to actually do this thing.  I hope you all will join me f they decide to go live my the group.  Here's my bio:

WHEN CAN YOU START MENTORING CONSISTENTLY: Right now!  Let's do this!

GROUP FOCUS: This group is perfect for beer loving people looking to do their first Sprint or Olympic triathons in 2013.  Beer is a great motivator and I'm willing to use it to not only to motivate you but to hold you accountable as well. 

NAME: David or DQ

STORY: Last year, I was weighing in at a portly 270 pounds and knew I needed to find a way of becoming heathier and happier.  So, I started working out with the goal of dropping the weight.  It seemed to take forever, but with support from my mentor group and from the desire to drink good beer, I made steady progress and managed to make working out and eating well a way of life.  For me, its all about being happy and healthy and tri is the perfect way to do it.

FAMILY STATUS: I am blessed to be married to Heidi and during the last 15 years, we've had three kids 12, 10, and 3 (my youngest just got potty trained - merry Christmas to me!!!)

CURRENT TRAINING: I love swimming, biking and running and I usually do each element 2-3x per week.  I'm also trying out yoga with the hope of alleviating injuries (I struggle with plantar fasciitis, ITB, and bursitis).  

THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2012, I trained for a sprint, an olympic (My mentor buddies used Coors Light to motivate me.  Finish over three hours and I'd have to drink warm Coors Light.  Using that as motivation, I managed to finish in 2 hours, 59 minutes, 59.8 seconds.  Phew!), a Century (finished at Harpoon Brewery - does it get any better), a half Iron Man (when they handed me a cold IPA after crossing the finish line, I actually teared up) and I finished off the year with a half marathon (and rewarded myself with a juicy burger and a couple Octoberfests). 

2013 RACES:  This year, my goal is to get faster.  So, I plan on doing a couple sprints, an olympic, 2 half iron mans and a marathon.  For each PR, I plan on trying a new tasty beverage.  (I've got a chocolate stout in the fridge as a reward for finishing a New Year's Day 10K

WEIGHT LOSS: Last year, I lost 96 pounds.  Who knew that you could drink beer and lose weight?  It's all about moderation.  My doctor just told me that I need to get down to 165, so I have about another 20 to lose.  Let's do it together!

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: To be honest, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did in 2012 without the help of my awesome mentor (thanks DH) and fellow beer loving mentees.  I am so thankful, and I want to repay my debt by helping those who join this group to accomplish their goals.  I promise to check the forum everyday and I will do my best to answer your questions and cheer you on as you prepare for the 2013 tri season.  As a group, we will use beer to help motivate us to get healthier and happier and to put us in a good position to accomplish our goals and kick a little butt along the way.

PROST!!!

Thanks Kevin!  The holiday party was great and the beef tenderloin was simply incredible.  I wanted seconds but had a beer instead!

Today the mentor thread opened up and I applied/posted.  I was the 9th person to start a thread so I've got to think I have a chance to actually do this thing.  I hope you all will join me f they decide to go live my the group.  Here's my bio:

WHEN CAN YOU START MENTORING CONSISTENTLY: Right now!  Let's do this!

GROUP FOCUS: This group is perfect for beer loving people looking to do their first Sprint or Olympic triathons in 2013.  Beer is a great motivator and I'm willing to use it to not only to motivate you but to hold you accountable as well. 

NAME: David or DQ

STORY: Last year, I was weighing in at a portly 270 pounds and knew I needed to find a way of becoming heathier and happier.  So, I started working out with the goal of dropping the weight.  It seemed to take forever, but with support from my mentor group and from the desire to drink good beer, I made steady progress and managed to make working out and eating well a way of life.  For me, its all about being happy and healthy and tri is the perfect way to do it.

FAMILY STATUS: I am blessed to be married to Heidi and during the last 15 years, we've had three kids 12, 10, and 3 (my youngest just got potty trained - merry Christmas to me!!!)

CURRENT TRAINING: I love swimming, biking and running and I usually do each element 2-3x per week.  I'm also trying out yoga with the hope of alleviating injuries (I struggle with plantar fasciitis, ITB, and bursitis).  

THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2012, I trained for a sprint, an olympic (My mentor buddies used Coors Light to motivate me.  Finish over three hours and I'd have to drink warm Coors Light.  Using that as motivation, I managed to finish in 2 hours, 59 minutes, 59.8 seconds.  Phew!), a Century (finished at Harpoon Brewery - does it get any better), a half Iron Man (when they handed me a cold IPA after crossing the finish line, I actually teared up) and I finished off the year with a half marathon (and rewarded myself with a juicy burger and a couple Octoberfests). 

2013 RACES:  This year, my goal is to get faster.  So, I plan on doing a couple sprints, an olympic, 2 half iron mans and a marathon.  For each PR, I plan on trying a new tasty beverage.  (I've got a chocolate stout in the fridge as a reward for finishing a New Year's Day 10K

WEIGHT LOSS: Last year, I lost 96 pounds.  Who knew that you could drink beer and lose weight?  It's all about moderation.  My doctor just told me that I need to get down to 165, so I have about another 20 to lose.  Let's do it together!

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: To be honest, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did in 2012 without the help of my awesome mentor (thanks DH) and fellow beer loving mentees.  I am so thankful, and I want to repay my debt by helping those who join this group to accomplish their goals.  I promise to check the forum everyday and I will do my best to answer your questions and cheer you on as you prepare for the 2013 tri season.  As a group, we will use beer to help motivate us to get healthier and happier and to put us in a good position to accomplish our goals and kick a little butt along the way.

PROST!!!

OK - First a post about the new group...  

So, I'm not sure how the process works and I don't know the criteria by which mentors/groups are chosen.  However, people are already joining groups in the staging area - even before they are choosen.  

If you've got the time and want to join the group - please feel free to sign up with an intro post.  Perhaps that will get us out of the staging area faster... We can continue to post here until we go live and I'll send you an email when that happens.

Sign me up!!

It has been a rough week...stumbling into 2013...can't seem to shake the sickness. Unlike Darren who is not human. I hate running in the cold, cold weather...last night with wind chill, -22F. Chilly for Christmas...

OK - First a post about the new group...  

So, I'm not sure how the process works and I don't know the criteria by which mentors/groups are chosen.  However, people are already joining groups in the staging area - even before they are choosen.  

If you've got the time and want to join the group - please feel free to sign up with an intro post.  Perhaps that will get us out of the staging area faster... We can continue to post here until we go live and I'll send you an email when that happens.

I got in a double today.  First day off for winter vacation and I went to the Y at 10:00 today.  I did a high intensity swim/spin cycle workout.  I gave my legs a rest from running.  I have a hockey game tonight, followed by day off tomorrow.  Friday is a 8.35 miler and a 6.25 miler Saturday or Sunday.

Funny story, I locked my keys in the car when I got to the house.  Fortunately, my padlock on my garage wasn't locked, and I wrigged a fishing pole up with some wire taped to the end.  Using a prybar, I pried the door open and hooked the keys out of the ignition.  Just as I'm pulling them through the opening, they slip and fall between the seat and the door.  Another 45 minutes, and a busted fishing rod later, I'm sitting here typing and sipping on an IPA.  Life is grand.

Thanks Kevin!  The holiday party was great and the beef tenderloin was simply incredible.  I wanted seconds but had a beer instead!

Today the mentor thread opened up and I applied/posted.  I was the 9th person to start a thread so I've got to think I have a chance to actually do this thing.  I hope you all will join me f they decide to go live my the group.  Here's my bio:

WHEN CAN YOU START MENTORING CONSISTENTLY: Right now!  Let's do this!

GROUP FOCUS: This group is perfect for beer loving people looking to do their first Sprint or Olympic triathons in 2013.  Beer is a great motivator and I'm willing to use it to not only to motivate you but to hold you accountable as well. 

NAME: David or DQ

STORY: Last year, I was weighing in at a portly 270 pounds and knew I needed to find a way of becoming heathier and happier.  So, I started working out with the goal of dropping the weight.  It seemed to take forever, but with support from my mentor group and from the desire to drink good beer, I made steady progress and managed to make working out and eating well a way of life.  For me, its all about being happy and healthy and tri is the perfect way to do it.

FAMILY STATUS: I am blessed to be married to Heidi and during the last 15 years, we've had three kids 12, 10, and 3 (my youngest just got potty trained - merry Christmas to me!!!)

CURRENT TRAINING: I love swimming, biking and running and I usually do each element 2-3x per week.  I'm also trying out yoga with the hope of alleviating injuries (I struggle with plantar fasciitis, ITB, and bursitis).  

THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2012, I trained for a sprint, an olympic (My mentor buddies used Coors Light to motivate me.  Finish over three hours and I'd have to drink warm Coors Light.  Using that as motivation, I managed to finish in 2 hours, 59 minutes, 59.8 seconds.  Phew!), a Century (finished at Harpoon Brewery - does it get any better), a half Iron Man (when they handed me a cold IPA after crossing the finish line, I actually teared up) and I finished off the year with a half marathon (and rewarded myself with a juicy burger and a couple Octoberfests). 

2013 RACES:  This year, my goal is to get faster.  So, I plan on doing a couple sprints, an olympic, 2 half iron mans and a marathon.  For each PR, I plan on trying a new tasty beverage.  (I've got a chocolate stout in the fridge as a reward for finishing a New Year's Day 10K

WEIGHT LOSS: Last year, I lost 96 pounds.  Who knew that you could drink beer and lose weight?  It's all about moderation.  My doctor just told me that I need to get down to 165, so I have about another 20 to lose.  Let's do it together!

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: To be honest, I would not have been able to accomplish what I did in 2012 without the help of my awesome mentor (thanks DH) and fellow beer loving mentees.  I am so thankful, and I want to repay my debt by helping those who join this group to accomplish their goals.  I promise to check the forum everyday and I will do my best to answer your questions and cheer you on as you prepare for the 2013 tri season.  As a group, we will use beer to help motivate us to get healthier and happier and to put us in a good position to accomplish our goals and kick a little butt along the way.

PROST!!!