2008 Review

I know, it has been over two months since I posted. However, during that time, which included the holiday season and spending time with the family, I had a chance to ponder on where I was at this time last year when I made the commitment to myself to get back into triathlons. At the beginning of 2008, I weighed over 245lbs and was considered obese, had sleep apnea that required me using a CPAP at night, and could barely run a half mile. My energy level was picking up because months earlier, I had finally went to a specialist for my thyroid problem. We began the process of tweaking my meds so that instead of just being satisfied with my T3 and T4 levels in the broad "normal" range, the doc wanted my levels to be in a much narrower optimum range. This takes a lot of time and we are still tweaking now!

Because my energy level was returning the itch was back! My doc said I was healthy to begin a training program so I set a modest goal of doing the PowerSpring tri. In the meantime, I had the sub goal of completing the Monument Ave. 10k without walking which I did in just under 62 minutes, a little faster than 10 min/mile pace. I was really disappointed that I couldn't compete in the PowerSprint but I was running a 102F fever the night before! I did compete in the Tavern tri later that month and other events since then, which I wrote about earlier and won't rehash here.

So where am I now that 2008 is over? First, I weigh less than 220 and no longer considered obese, just overweight! I no longer require using a CPAP at night nor do I snore and keep Beth up at night! and I can run much more that a half-mile without stopping! I also am even more excited about the sport and have even more goals for 2009, which I will post shortly.

But it isn't all about health and getting back into shape. I was also able to reconnect with old triathlon friends, meet new tri friends, and connect with friends who I didn't even know were into triathlons. Some old friends include one who is my age and use to (and still can!) kick my butt but no longer runs due to knee injuries (he rules in the aquabike!). And another, who I knew twenty-plus years ago when he was my age now and is now dominating his age group today! Impressive! To new friends, especially those in the Richmond Tri Club, who have made me feel welcomed! (You know who you are!). And to friends at church who I didn't even know were doing triathlon (You also know who you are!). To all, thank you for your encouragement!