Setting a new goal

Just a little about me,

In April of 2012 at 36 years old I weighted over 275. I had gotten to the point where I didn't even want to step on the scale for fear of what it might say. With a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, I knew I had to do something. I started on weight watchers and quickly dropped a few pounds. I started feeling good about myself. After the first 30 pounds I started looking to add some cardio to complement my diet and started running. I HATED running, but I kept going. I signed up for a 5k in the fall of 2012 and after I finished it, I told my brother in law, that was the hardest thing I had ever done. But there was something about the atmosphere and the sense of community that inspired me to keep going. Soon I had signed up for a 10k and I started to enjoy running. As the miles and pounds flew by I started feeling like I could do anything! Almost a year to the day after starting my diet, I completed a half marathon and loved it. I have since ran three half marathons and trained for two marathons but both we canceled due to weather (St. Jude in Memphis and got pulled off the course at mile 18 in Little Rock). So, a buddy and I ran 26.2 one Saturday just to say we did it. All together I have lost over 80 pounds and feel great!

The key for me was to set a goal and work to achieve it. I have been doing crossfit and love the workouts but I have really grown to enjoy endurance sports. I have decided that I want to give triathlon a try. I think it would be cool to finish an Ironman by the time I turn 40 (two years). I am volunteering this weekend at a local triathlon and I plan to go watch another one next weekend. Hopefully, I will get a chance to meet some people locally who can help show me the ropes and talk to about the sport. The running community here is the best and I would expect no less from the tri community. At this point all I have is my running gear and access to a pool at the University where I work. I figure I can do spin classes until I can afford a bike and work on swimming and running. I know I have a long way to go but I am looking forward to the challenge!

Craig