Week 0: The Adventure Begins…

Week 0 — Ironman 70.3 Training Log

Full Disclosure – Three facts I want you to know:

1. I’m seriously out of shape and haven’t practiced what I preach. This last year I’ve really let myself go. I go on these spurts of exercising only to quit after a week or two. My day job as a software developer has been very busy, lots of projects going on right now. And… I really love craft beer, between the alcohol and calories, I’ve indulged more than I should. 400 calorie IPA? Yes please! Bottom line: I’ve gained 20 pounds since this time last year, and for someone who talks the talk, it’s time I walk the walk.
2. I’m not a true beginner. I’ve been in good shape before, so I’m not exactly starting from square one. I’ve run about a half dozen marathons, a couple dozen half-marathons, and a handful of sprint triathlons. I’ve been lifting weights and personal training since I was 18. Not saying this to brag, just to be clear that I’ve got some prior experience so I’m coming to table with that experience.
3. Getting fit in your 40s and older is much different than when you are 20 or 30, especially for endurance events. In general there are so many more factors that apply when training for an endurance race. Recovery is important for every activity, and as we get older even more so, but when competing in an endurance event you need to focus even more on recovery, nutrition, and strength. A one-hour gym session has completely different recovery requirements.

Why plant-based?

I’m not here to try and make you change. Honestly, I don’t care what you eat — you do you. Arguing with you won’t help, and arguing with me isn’t going to change me either. I’m not 20 years old, but I want to feel like it again, and from my research and training the most effective way for me to get there is by going plant based. I love to eat, I love large portions — I simply can’t get satiated eating small measured meals — but throw a large salad at me with vegetable toppings and some air-fried tofu, and I can get full. I also feel better eating plant based. I don’t get that bloated feeling in the evening, I wake up feeling lighter, and my joints don’t ache as much. Where do you get your protein? Ugh. Go get the protein reference guide — I tried to make it simple to read — and that will explain it all.

I guess the question should be, why not? What has everyone so hung up on having to eat (in my area) a Standard American Diet? We’ll just call it SAD, seems appropriate. So in summary, this is the diet that works for me, and to help with my recovery I don’t want nor need the inflammation and health issues that come with animal based proteins and fats.

Why Ironman?

I did my first marathon in 2012. I loved the training, I loved the experience, and I love the time it takes to complete. There’s something magical about knowing that you are part of the less than 1% that accomplishes that goal. The Ironman 70.3 is an even bigger challenge — three disciplines instead of one. I’ve dreamt about the ironman for over a decade but never really put the time and effort into that I should or could. I’m the only one to blame for that, too. Life gets in the way for everyone, but others can do it; I just got lazy. So if I’m going to preach about being healthier and fit, it’s time to put up or shut up.

So, enough about why. Now the start.

So this week has just been about getting to the gym each morning and putting in 30–40 minutes on the treadmill. I’ve done it 4 times this week (today is Friday) and I’m working on getting my body acclimated to the stress of running again. The last time I ran regularly was January, so it’s been a bit — and again, I’m not 20 years old, so I don’t bounce back after training like I used to. So: 4 runs, each a 5k, and the times vary based on how I was feeling that morning. Why the gym and not outside? Two reasons — it’s been super hot and muggy this week, and I want a controlled environment right now. I don’t mind the treadmill, but I do look forward to outside running for the scenery.

Nutrition: I’m really focusing on getting into better diet habits. Less junk food, cut out the beer (we’ll see), and no more late night snacking. I started logging my food but haven’t been the best about it, especially in the evenings. I need to focus on remembering to log — again, repetition…

Upcoming

I’m going to go into more detail in the upcoming weeks on the training and nutrition. Maybe I’ll even make my MyFitnessPal and Strava accounts public so people can see what I eat and my workouts — I’ll think about that this weekend. I want to keep some privacy but also want to show accountability. I’ve even toyed with the idea of doing a vlog, but I hate seeing myself on camera. We’ll see. But for now, that’s the start.