How is the new year going?

The year is already flying by. I managed to maintain my fitness through the holidays with minimal weight gain, and am now in my third week of the Oly plan, and loving it!  It seems to be just the right amount of time I have available, and isn't pushing my abilities too much, but just enough.

I've gotten a wetsuit and look forward to lots more OWS this year.  The sun finally came out this week so I have managed to bike outside, which gives me great hope for the future, as well!  This race season will be a lot of fun.  I don't foresee ever leaving the Athenas, so I will represent and hopefully do some podium time.

All of your progess is inspiring.

I completely train wrecked it in December and January, and finally got back on the wagon a few weeks ago (Feb 1).  Things have been going really well since then, including a very good jump start to the weight loss goals (10 pounds so far this month).  I once agin hope to be a non-clyde in the next few months.

I've got a plan that takes me from basically zero fitness to HIM (my second) by September and Marathon (my third) in November.  Along the way I'll be doing a sprint (my first) and oly (my second).

For me, nothing beats having the training plan on the fridge that can't be ignored, and the prospect of competition looming ever closer.

So far, I'm down 11 pounds.  I'm most excited about that.

Training is going ok.  It's been tough to get workouts in with all of the work I have going on at school (I'm a grad student).  I've been really tired lately, too, so that's tough.

I have my first race coming up on March 15 and 16 - an 8k and a half marathon.  Hopefully I'll make it through those.  After that, I'm going to be starting a training plan for a HIM.  Scary! 

I have had some issues at work that have sort of cut me back a little, but I am in the 6th week of a 20 week HIM plan.  I hope to step it up a little soon. I think I need to give up on sleep completely.

 I still weigh 230.  210 on race day (6/29) would be nice!!!

My year is going well but not as well as I would like...

I'm base-building with an eye toward my first half-marathon in October.  I'm running three days a week as part of an overall tri-program and I just completed a 24 mile week (3x8 miles).  I'm going slower than I would like but I'm finding myself in a rhythm and I'm also finding my HR dropping and pace quickening, which leads me to believe that I am getting in shape.

However, the scale doesn't want to move...at least, not down.  I'm not losing weight like I want and that's mostly because I'm sabotaging my own plan.  I've got to find a way to improve my eating so that I can drop this weight.

You've already said it - now you need to remember it each time the craving hits.  It's all about the self control.  Man how good we are at forcing ourselves to do something (work out), and how bad we are at forcing ourselves NOT to do something (eat).

Seems like a slow motion start, ramping up to projected but not confirmed targets as life is attempting to get in the way of races. 

I haven't had a race since early December (my first 10K), so have really slacked off on any kind of hard and fast training plan since then.  I'm doing a run here or there, a bike here or there (when weather is nice - rare), and spin/pilates/boot camp classes at my local gym to keep my weight stable.  I'm starting off 40 lbs. lighter than I was at this time last year, so I am looking forward to a great second tri season! 

I've looked at Oly plans and finally decided on a 16 week plan that I will start on March 9.  That should prepare me for 5Ks and 1-2 sprints and possibly an Oly in September.  I'm putting it in writing for all to see now so I'm accountable and have only 11 days to get my mind back into the full training mode mindset and out of the winter blahs! 

Laurie 

Wow, everyone's getting back on track!  Great thread start, Akidoman, and good luck on your upcoming HIM.

I'm curious about Heather's tri class and inspired by Laurie's "just get it organized and commit to a plan" approach, which mirrors my own, but is delayed.  I'd penciled it in for this afternoon at 4pm but am sure that work will prevent those good intentions.  So I'll have to line up my own plan soon just to catch up with you all! 

Keep up the good work -- remember that Rome wasn't built in a day either...just stay with it.

Cheers, -Sunny