Training with a Purpose
Exercise for me, as I have grown older and busier, has been really hard. I am sure lots of people are in a similar situation. Life gets busy, you have competing priorities and exercise seems to always be the lowest priority. Sometimes we are just trying to get through each and every day with all the stress we accumulate over time. Life comes at us and instead of punching life in the mouth, we try to dodge blows and last as long as we can. I am not here to say there are not times for both but if we are not taking control of our lives, we are leaving a lot at the table.
A year ago, if you asked me if I was going to run a marathon, learn to swim, and sign up for a half Ironman, I would have laughed at you. Everyone close to me would have laughed at you as well. I was “active”, I would hike once a week over 10 miles but that was the extent of my exercise. I was at least 40 lbs overweight and was a lazy piece of crap. But the one thing people can’t grasp or understand is change takes time. I had tried keto, lost 25 lbs in 2 months, but I hated it and felt terrible so I stopped. I gained that weight back in less than a month. I have tried to go to the gym regularly but never was motivated enough to continue longer than a couple weeks.
All this changes with one thing, a purpose. I signed up for a marathon and also a sprint triathlon with my brothers and dad. I didn’t know how to swim, I could only run a couple miles without almost passing out, and I was 265 lbs. This purpose to complete these goals allowed me to focus on my training and understand exactly where I wanted to be and how to get there.
Training was rough to start. I was constantly sore, I was exhausted all the time, I felt so busy and tired. I would skip the gym every chance I could, which seemed to be a couple times a week. My sprint triathlon kept creeping up and I was struggling to swim so I started to go more consistently to the gym to figure things out. I kept pushing and a week before I finally felt comfortable in the pool. I started to actually enjoy swimming, this can’t be real life. The triathlon came and I had a blast. I was hooked.
Next big step was my marathon. This was a beast, a feat seemingly unconquerable. Running became a haven for me. Me and my thoughts. Running became an outlet for all of my stress. If I was ever uptight or needed a release, running was my cure. I am not a fast runner, there are people much faster but I was consistent. I actually enjoyed running, something I didn’t think I would ever say in my life. I ran the marathon and it was terrible. I was miserable at the end, but I accomplished my goal.
Now, I am full blown in half Ironman training. I am increasing my load more and more each week but I am looking forward to my workouts. They bring my happiness and joy.
I have written a lot about my journey and if you are still reading this, then you must really like me. But what I want to say and I don’t know the best way is this: you have to find joy in the journey. Triathlons and a marathon have inspired me to grow and improve my lifestyle. That may look different to you but you need something to push you and a triathlon piques your interest, reach out to me. Changes in life are not quick. Anything worth it takes time. My training is now part of me, I desire to do it. It really has been a lifestyle change and it took me a long time to get here but I have changed and I am grateful for it because I needed a wake up call. I am happy it came in this form rather than any other way. I hope you can make the changes you want in your life, but take it slow and find your purpose. My purpose is for my family, for my health, and to challenge myself to be the best I can. You got this. Find your why.
