Saturday, January 3, 2009

2008 - Not my best year.


I came in to the year with a lot of big plans for 2008. I came off 2007 with having ran 1000 miles. I completed my first half marathon in September of 2007. I followed that up with doing my first triathlon a week later with only two pool workouts under my belt. My weight was down to about 217 pounds which gave me a loss of 113 pounds since starting the journey. I also got my 5k time down to 26:30 (a year earlier I ran my first 5k in a little over 32 minutes.

I even started out 2008 on a pretty good note. I had a plan for what races I would do. I was training for my first 1/2 ironman. Looking back now I realize planning your first 1/2 iron June 1st (too early in the Tri season for me). I was training for this race but then I went up with some members of my Tri team to preview the course and realized real fast that I was not ready for those hills.

From that point on I think my year went down hill. I never really got behind a training plan like I should have. I did a handful of 5k races, and a few local sprint tri's. And throw in one Olympic distance Tri and that was my 2008 training and races. Then September came and I knew about a Tri class that takes place at a local University (about 8 miles from my house). I signed up and that really helped me get to the end of the year. I had a steady schedule of taking the class Tues, Thurs. and Saturday morning. So at the very least I was working out 3 days a week. I opted to not do any races in the fall and just take the tri class.

Now we get to my eating. Basically my eating this year has been horrible. I am snacking late at night. I am eating all day long on the weekends. I would have a week stretch here and there but then I would fall back to the bad habits. And it has shown on the scale. I ended the year at about 250 pounds. And I know at one point during the year even hit 255 pounds. I have to get this under control because I know if I do not it will not take long for me to be back to where I was. I am not ready to give up on this fight so I can't look back and must look forward.

On blogging, I feel like I was starting to have nothing to talk about so just posted a few times a month. Funny though when I am working out well, eating well, I feel like I blog better. So for now I will bring closure to 2008 and look forward to a better 2009.

11 comments:

FLYERS26 said...

Best of luck to you in 2009!
Look at where you started, and how much you have acomplished in the past few years. I know myself, not running at this time of year, I've ate more junk food, and packed on about 8-9lbs.
I can't wait to get the OK to run, because when I am running regularly, I tend to do better in the snacking.

TNTcoach Ken said...

But it wasn't your worst year either, so bounce back and make 2009 something to blog about. See ya in Blogland........

Bob A said...

2008 is behind you, so set your sights on what you want to do and can do in 2009. I regained some weight in 2008, too, so one of my goals is to get rid of 10-15 pounds.

I do know what you mean about the blogging and overall sense of well-being. I'm the same way. So, here's to better running, better eating, and better blogging.

Progman2000 said...

Holy cow - 113 lbs! Way to go! Don't beat yourself up about putting a few of them back on, sign up now for something in early spring and tape a training schedule up at work (really sign up, credit card # and all, that gives me some mojo).

And I will leave you with this - Go Eagles (sorry 'bout that).

Pete Thomas said...

Well we are still with you as we go down this road together. It has been a hard year here as well. For me more with the running due to ankle problems.

http://www.winningman.com/pete-thomas-current-pictures/

Lets encourage each other in our particular areas ;-)

Pete

Trishie said...

okay, not your best, but so much more than what you used to be, right? a few 5Ks, some local sprints, and an oly is still a lot more than most people ever do.

here is to a GREAT 09!!

Duane said...

Most people are glad that year is over, you have looked it over and are now ready to kick butt! Have a great year Dan!

Jeff said...

A new year, a new you, Dan. You did it before and you'll do it again. Hold yourself accountable and you'll be back to pushing the low 2's in no time.

What's on your schedule for 09? We should plan a run together!

Jeff

Unknown said...

Hi Dan,

I have to say I appreciate your honesty in your January 3rd blog. I like that you hold yourself accountable for your actions. Use 2008 as feedback. You can learn from it and that will help you move forward towards your goals in 2009. You have been an inspiration to me (& Lulu), so keep up all your hard work!! You look great!!

Mari

Stephen said...

Sounds like you had an ok year. Just look ahead to 2009 and make your goal to improve over 2008. My 2008 was great until April, but after my first IM, I suffered Iron Burnout and have not gotten back on the wagon. Hopefully 2009 will be better.

Pat said...

I think I could have written this post too. After my marathon, my recovery took way longer than it should have, I quite blogging as much and I quit racing.

But, I'm back and you will be too.

Life, like roller coasters is more fun when there's some ups and downs.