Well, first things first, let me welcome you!  If you've managed to find your way to this blog, more than likely you know me in one capacity or another.  But even if you somehow managed to stumble across this page through some random web surfing, let me at least say thanks for stopping. 

This blog is an attempt to hold myself accountable to a goal I set for myself about a year ago:  To compete and finish a triathlon. The original goal was to train and complete one before I turned 35.  There isn't a lot of time to meet that original goal left, so for the sake of being practical (as well as for the sake of not killing myself), I've decided to tweak that goal to completing a triathlon in the next 3 years, if not sooner.  That may seem like a lot of time, but give me a minute more to explain it.

Now, training for and competing in a triathlon is a tremendous test of stamina and fitness for anyone, no matter how excellent of shape they are in physically.   I mean, how many people really travel anywhere these days by swimming, biking AND running to get there, especially when the combined distance is 15 miles or more?   Now,  lets add some more perspective by explaining that if someone were to ask me about the shape I'm in I would probably answer them with one word:  "Round."  See, I've never really been a runner.  And currently I've managed to allow my weight to reach a scale-tipping 300lbs.   A round number for certain, but certainly not one I find nice.   So my plan is to change it.  I'm hoping to do this in several steps:  eating healthier, cross training and running until I can successfully run a 5k, a 10k, and at least a half marathon.  Maybe if all goes well enough I'll even consider trying a full 26.2.   Of course, if I expect to complete my ultimate goal of completing the tri I'm going to have to do some swimming and biking as well.  So it should be a total piece of cake. 

So that leaves me with the last part, which is to ask that, if you like what I'm trying to do, or if you just enjoy reading in general, please stop by now and again to check up on me.  If you like, let me know what you think of this whole crazy idea, or even if you just think me to be crazy.  Drop some words of encouragement, be it encouraging me to meet my weight loss and fitness goals, or simply to encourage me to take a writing class so I can "suck less."  Either way it'll be nice to hear from you, I'm sure.  And thanks for indulging my crazy.

Sincerely,

Mike