Welcome to my journey through time. A time of great adventure…from quitting smoking, to getting fit for life. This is my journey and the path I choose to take. Some comments may not be pretty, while some may be wisely encouraging. My only hope is that you take what you like… and leave the rest. This is me and how I get there, take it or leave it.
…and thus begins my adventure into the world of triathlons and fitness. What started as being a “packhorse” for a triathlete, has turned into being “turned to the dark side” myself! I’ve spent the past few+ years travelling with a triathlete from race to race, Ironman Canada included…twice actually! I’ve been on the finish line…not as competator, but as a catcher more than once. The thrill of watching the athletes as they progress through the transitions of an Ironman completely amazing me. I suppose the allure finally caught up with me.
As a birthday gift, some fine friends got together to purchase a road bike for me to begin my journey. I went in to a local dealer to “road test” a couple of bikes. One being a used bike on consignment vs. a new bike in stock. There was no comparison…it was the Argon 18 all the way! From the fit to the feel and the ride, I knew I was hooked! I will forever be thankful.
I should back up and give some past detail first. I’m over 40 and have been a smoker for the majority of my life. I’ve had 10 surgeries on my abdomen and have been getting myofacial release treatments for more than a few years now. Asthma & fitness generally do not mix well, but I decided to see how the two would get along together. That was back in February 2008. I first stepped foot into Crossfit Regina for my very first workout in a very long time! I’ll never regret that decision. Crossfit began the change that began the birth of the triathlete in me.
This blog will hopefully give the reader the chance to see both what was…..and what can be. My first day smoke free was August 17th, 2008. 6 months after I started Crossfit Regina. My progression only dependant on the limitations I placed upon myself. 3 things changed my life. The triathlete who lured me, Crossfit who challenged me and my doubts that haunted me. Best 2 out of 3…who can loose! My doubts lost out, big time!
My first “ride” was Sunday Sept. 21/08. I went out for 1hr & 15 min on the Argon. What a ride! I have no computer on it yet…but kept track of my time, and with the help of Mapquest…my distance. I managed 25km that first day…not bad for a newbie!
This site will hopefully maintain my workouts both with Crossfit Regina and what I do on my own. My hope is to participate in 2 races next year. A “tri-a-tri” and a sprint distance at Regina Beach. My ultimate goal is to achieve an Ironman Canada finish in 3 years. I happen to think it may actually be attainable. Even for an over the hill-ex-smoker like me! If I can do it…..so can you. So, keep reading… and take what you can from me. What you don’t like, leave here, and don’t think about it again. But, I can guarantee that even if you don’t want to think about it…it will creep into your brain and stay there forever. Wondering what life would be like if you actually did something about your personal fitness…so, just suck it up…and do it! I did, and watch where it takes me!
