Gotta Lose Weight
Posted by Admin on May 28, 2009 in Training
It’s not like I’m fat or anything, but we use that word “fat” in our society very loosely and along very subjective lines. On a measured basis, like on a BMI scale, I’m definitely far from fat but on a perceived self image basis along, I’ve hit a point where action is now necessary.
Truth be told, I’ve been very liberal in recent weeks with my diet. A pizza lunch at work with the division President resulted in three downed fat slices. A BBQ over Memorial Day weekend with good friends in Long Island sent another mass of food into the belly. A gallon of Prosecco a few days later added a little lighter fluid to an already explosive situation. I ‘ve been looking into the mirror every day after I shower, or while I brush my teeth, or when I get dressed for work, but it wasn’t until yesterday and today that I realized that I need to settle back into a good rhythm. It’s not that these three aforementioned exceptions from my normal routine are cause alone for action, but those are the most recent along a gorged theme. Ugh.
I’d like to blame Elizabeth for part of this, partly because she has a sweet tooth and I like joining her in downing dessert treats, but I know I should be my own man and take control of myself. She isn’t to blame in any way; my lack of self-discipline is. Frankly, it’s hard to be a stick-in-the-mud when you want to throw caution into the wind with the one you love. But, it’s time for finding that healthy balance.
Here’s the plan: This weekend, we’re headed to her folks’ place to spend time with them and to race in the Black Bear Triathlon nearby. Food will be abundant, but I will be in control. When we get back and settle into work routines Monday morning, I will become more reserved. That is, I will get back into my 9 workouts/week routine (plus hoops with the boys), spread my food intake over time better, and no longer snack or drink massive quantities of alcohol. This will be the plan for two weeks as I head into the Health Net Triathlon on June 13th. Since the race is on a Saturday, I’ll give myself a free pass from discipline that Saturday night and all day Sunday. Come that following Monday, I’ll repeat the two week plan of intensity which will take me to the Philadelphia Triathlon on June 28th.
The “A” race (the NYC Triathlon) will be four weeks after the Philly Tri. So, how I approach the month of July will be delicate. With the 4th of July holiday, a birthday party in the works, and guaranteed fun times on the weekends (including a sprint tri in Montauk on July 19th), I’ll need to balance training and diet along with all the socializing that comes with the season.
At this point in my season, I’m pretty much focused on specific speed elements. An example is my new favorite ride from my apt. to River Road in NJ up to the Alpine Hill and back along on Route 9W. The Alpine climb along with the rolling undulations and generally fast conditions immediately following along 9W closely mimics the NYC Triathlon bike course from the middle to the end. I’ve already seen major improvements in my climbing strength and stamina. I’ve even found that I can exert high powered efforts on short climbs like the Harlem Hill in Central Park; I don’t get passed by anyone. I’m committed to doing the River Road ride at varying intensities at least once a week with a full time-trial (all out effort) once every other week or so.
Another example is my favorite short run of 3.93 miles (you know me, Mr. Specific Measurement). I’ve been setting personal records with nearly every run in the past couple of weeks with times like 7:21, 7:18, and now 7:14. I know that I have it in me to break 7:00 at some point too. What’s ideal about this course is the topography and length, and that part of it will be on the NYC Triathlon and Central Park Triathlon run courses. I know that I can run another couple of miles at or just below that pace to equal the 10k run leg within Olympic distance events, so I’m primarily focused on honing in on speed and comfort.
Anyway, the saving grace from my perceived weight gain is that I’ve not lost speed. That makes me wonder what could happen if I were leaner and stronger. Truly, there may be little difference physically in my abilities therein, but the mind has a way of convincing the body to do things because of perception. If I think I will be faster because of a perceived change in body condition, I might actually be! (unless it’s really humid; it’s my kryptonite!)
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