Back In The Saddle

http://www.championchiptiming.com/images/files/static/265Male.htm

I have been recovering from my gallbladder surgery which I underwent about two and a half weeks ago. I have done literally nothing for three weeks. I sat out of two triathlons I was registered for prior to my surgery. I attempted a couple runs but, too much pain so I bailed.

Today was my first race since surgery and I was fairly pleased.

THE BIG NEWS – I HAD THE FASTEST BIKE OF THE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something was wrong with the timing since my bike computer had me at 23.1mph for my bike split average and the “official” timing has me at 21.7mph, none the less – IT WAS THE FASTEST out of about 150 to 200 racers. I was pumped since I have been lethargic for three weeks.

My run was horrible, but that was to be expected and I was hurting just a little in the gut.

My swim was good. I would have finished about 30 to 45 seconds faster, but there was a guy UNDER the buoy that the kayak lifeguards didn’t see and he was struggling badly. I stopped grabbed him asked if he was ok, he said he was alright, but it wasn’t convincing. I hollered for the kayak and they came over and I took off again.

At the swim exit I cut my foot pretty bad on the top at my large toe and it was painful, but not nearly as painful as it is now, grrrr.

I took off on the bike. It actually took me a bit to get up to speed. I attribute that to my lack of training, but once I did get it up to about 22.5 mph I was able to settle in and cruise on past a few folks.

Let me stop here and inform everyone that this was a SUPER SUPER SHORT course. 200yd swim, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run. But, it was a perfect race for me to get back into the swing of things.

My cousin Michael raced with me today! He did great. He beat me by about 45 seconds, but he lost his timing chip during the swim. It was a lot of fun to share my passion of triathlon with him. I also met a really cool friend of his name Lisa. Lisa has a great job at NASA where Michael also works. Lisa is the attitude controller. I thought that meant that when people came in mission control, she made sure they checked their attitude at the door! But her job is much cooler, she actually drives the space station keeping its attitude in control! IT was her first race . . . I think she I hooked.

I had a GREAT day of racing except for the cuts on my foot, but they are not nearly as bad as Michael’s cuts and he has them on top and bottom of his foot. There were about 20 plus folks getting medical attention for this after the race.

I was signed up to race tomorrow but, after my damaged foot I think I am going to be happy with today’s race and get ready for Yam City Tri this coming weekend.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Weigh In and Pics coming up on Sunday 22nd June.

Weigh-In, Pictures, and Measurements!

June 28, 2007

434 lbs.

May 25, 2008

282.3 lbs.

June 28, 2008
434 lbs.

May 25, 2008

282.3 lbs.

June 2007

Weight: 434 lbs

Neck: 20 inches

Chest: 60 inches

Waist: 67 inches

Hips: 62 inches

Thigh: 31.5 inches

Calf: 19 inches

May 2008

Weight: 282.3 lbs. = 152 lbs LOST

Neck: 16.5 inches = 3.5 inches LOST

Chest: 49.5 inches = 10.5 inches LOST

Waist: 54.5 inches = 12.5 inches LOST

Hips: 51 inches = 11 inches LOST

Thigh: 28 inches = 3.5 inches LOST

Calf: 16 inches = 3 inches LOST

Weigh-In and Picture Time!

It has been about a month since my last weigh-in and picture post. I have seen ups and downs the past month or so. My weight is still moving down, but it has been volatile the last month. I had gained about 4 pounds until two weeks ago and I shred off some weight leading up to Memphis In May triathlon.

It has been an experience and I have a SHORT distance to go for the finish line. As I think everyone knows I began this challenge at 442 lbs and did my first triathlon at 415 lbs. In June of last year I weighed in at about 435 lbs.

Today – 382.3 lbs

The Measurements are pretty crazy too.

I have 72 lbs. to go and I will be at my 210 lb. weight. The goal is to be there by September 1, 2008. THREE MONTHS and counting!

Thanks to everyone for your support and words of encouragement. I had my Gallbladder removed this past Wednesday so I was unable to race this weekend, but I went to a race in Mandeville LA to cheer folks on. IT WAS AWESOME! I had at least 5 racers tell me they go on this blog to check in on me. You guys will never know how much that motivates me. Thanks.

Keep on truck’n. I will be out of it for another week and I hope to get on my bike next Saturday and run a little on Sunday. If that goes well I will train a little before I race in Heatwave the weekend of June 7th.

Peace Out!

No More Gallbladder

Say Good Bye to the Gallbladder!

It is about 9pm. It has been a long day. Surgery went well and all seems good to go so far. I am on a steady dose of pain killers and the pillow will be calling me again soon.

Amanda has been a jewel as she always is and she has made this horrible experience bearable.

We have received a many phone calls wanting to know how things are and things are good. Thanks so much for all the prayers and kind thoughts, they mean a lot.

From here:

I have a really large liver and this caused the incisions to be larger than normal and this means longer recovery. I hope to be jogging by next Wednesday and I am going to try and ride training group on Thursday.

I think I will be good to go by Heatwave Triathlon in Jackson Mississippi June 7. We’ll see.

Thanks all – Goodnight

I thought you might be interested?

I had a friend send me a message asking about my bike speed these days and what specific training I was doing to get my speed to where it is today. I thought it might be helpful for everyone to have an idea of what I have done.

My bike speed has gone from 12.9 mph in 2005 to over 22 mph today. Even earlier this year when I was only 30 lbs heavier than I am today I was still only averaging about 18.5 to 19 mph on the bike in races.

HERE IS WHAT I WROTE TO MY FRIEND SCOTT IN RESPONSE TO HIS QUESTION:


I do several things, or should say, I have done several things. I am sure the weight loss is the number n help, but as for training on the bike . . .

I would enjoy grabbing some chow at some point and covering it with you and then a ride, but that may be a couple weeks since the doctor is cutting me wide open tomorrow! Therefore, here goes . . .

1. build time in the saddle at VERY LOW HR. At the advice and direction of Rocko my coach, I spent October till January riding loops around River Road at Heart Rate no higher than 125, BUT BUT BUT!!! You need to find out your Max HR. I will help you do that too if you don't know it. Once you know it, then we can figure out your "green" zone or low HR and you ride at that HR for about 8 weeks 4 days a week at about 3 hours a ride, which was about 4 loops on RR for me. I saw my speed go from 13 mph to 17 mph ALL THE WHILE my HR was still no higher than 125.

2. Once I built the base I began adding once a week intervals. I would do one loop (about 10 miles) at my 125 to 135 HR. Then the second loop I would do, 3 minutes at "green" zone, then 2 minutes at max HR (which is about 171 for me) over and over for the next loop and then a third loop at "green" zone HR. I began doing this on one of my four days of riding, the other three days I continued LOW HR riding, not always below 135, sometimes I would get it up to 140, but never higher. I did this through Jan, so about 4 weeks.

3. I reduced my road training to 3 days (2 low HR days, one interval day) and ADDED a trainer day inside at the house. I did 30 minutes non-stop one foot drills which was - 5 min warm up regular cycling then, UN CLIP right foot and ride with ONLY left foot clipped for 1 minute HARD, re clip right foot and un clip left foot cycle with ONLY Right foot for one minute HARD, re clip left foot and ride easy for 3 minutes, REPAEAT one foot 3 more times (4 total) and cool down 5 minutes. It is hard at first to find balance with only one foot doing the work. I find it easiest to put the UN Clipped foot back on the actual trainer for balance, other people simply let their foot hang or dangle . . .

This is what I did through April and mid April have reduced my cycling to 3 days TOTAL, two on road - One day low HR, One day intervals and then one day on trainer doing one legged drills.

Recently, I have begun racking the miles at a LOW HR on my runs and in July I will begin interval work on my run.

I have surgery tomorrow to remove my gallbladder. I hope I don't lose too much of what I built over the last few months. Once I have recouped I am going to hit the bike hard for two to three weeks than back to building my run.

I hope this helps.

Being that you are in the middle of the season, you may want to move into the last phase of what I am doing now which is three days a week, two on road and one on a trainer (if you don't have a trainer go to the YMCA if you re a member and get on a stationary bike and do it) BUT I would suggest that when the season is over, take a few weeks to relax and don't do much of anything, then around Dec, begin from scratch as I did. I am going to do the same regiments this off season as well, but LONGER base building for my first Half IM in April.

Keep on truck'n brother and if I can do anything to help you, let me know!

Chris

Memphis In May 2008

2006 Result

1264 Christopher Boggs - 4:43:56 2:16:34 22:00 72:54 23:31 63:40 20:33

http://www.besttimescct.com/results/mimtri06.txt


2008 Result

733 Christopher Boggs - 35:03 2:07 39 1:05:00 22.6 3:26 163 1:31:17 14:42 3:16:51

http://www.besttimescct.com/results/Mimtri08.txt

I reached a new height today. No, I am not getting taller.

As you can see above, I did Memphis In May Triathlon in 2006 and again today. In 2006 I finished this race in . . . Hold onto your sock, 4hr 43min.

Today I finished in 3hr 16min!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My goal was sub 3:15, but I m ok with my effort today, not to mention the almost 1hr and 30min I knocked off my time in 2008!

My bike is really coming around. Today I averaged 22.6, but I think the course was about 1/10 of a mile short. My Garmin 705 Edge said my bike split was 22.3mph.

I worked hard on my run the past month and a half, no improvements to speak of yet, but hopefully when I recover from my surgery to remove my gallbladder next week is complete I can get back on my run training and see real improvement. I have the goal of having a sub 2min per 100m swim, a plus 20pmh bike and a sub 10min mile race THIS SEASON! It will happen! I am seconds away from the swim goal, well above my bike goal, it is that darn run thing I have a long way to improve on.

I saw my friend lane prior to the race . . . Great to see you Lane, thanks for the cheers. I also met Chris (boss I think is his name on BT).

My swim was event-less. Nice pace, nice cool water and I almost capped off a sub 2min per 100m swim, OH SO CLOSE. I came out of the water trucking (for me).

I took off on the bike, but I forgot that there are actually a couple steady hills on the bike course, but I handled them OK. I hit 33.8mph down this long stretch of the bike course at around mile 18. I was FLY’N!!!!

Run sucked. I felt heavy (I made a funny!) and tired. The first 3 miles went by fairly easy, but the last 3 kicked my tail. I don’t think the finish could have come sooner!

My little sister Grace came with me to this race and she cheered her little heart out for me, as did her friend Jamie. (Jamie, sorry I wasn’t much for conversation after the race, I was trying not to pass out!!!)

I crossed the finish line and headed straight to the nice cool lake and took a swim/wade in the water and it felt great.

I was very pleased with my race.

If you click on the first link I have listed above you can scroll down to the bottom and see I was DEAD LAST in 2006. This year not only was I not dead last, but I beat a few folks in my on age group, woo hoo.

Thanks everyone for your support and encouraging words.

Also, my weight as of last Wednesday – 273lbs – only 63lbs left to lose!

CRAWFISHMAN 2008

It has been a while since I have posted a complete race report. Sorry.

So far in this year 2008, I have successfully completed 10 triathlons and I have made vast improvements over previous years. It feels GREAT!

For those of you who have been following my blog since I began this thing called triathlon in 2005 you have seen BIG changes in my life and racing. It ain’t over yet!

The latest test of my health and endurance was CRAWFISHMAN in Bush Louisiana. This is a mixed size course consisting of a 1000m swim, 18mi bike, and a 4mi run. This is one of your more hilly courses in Louisiana, but a fun race and very close to home.

I have a goal for 2008. It is to finish a race in this race season with a sub 2 min per 100 swim average, a plus 22 mph per mile average, and a sub 10 min per mile average run. I am so close . . .

I am right at the sub 2 min swim goal, I am RIGHT THERE, on the plus 22 mph bike and still FAR from the sub 10 min run goal. The issue with the run is not so much my heart as it is my stomach size and the pain it causes on the run. As I am losing the weight (remember when I began training for my first triathlon at over 440 lbs and completed my first at 415 lbs!? And now I am weighing in at 281 lbs and counting!) back – as I am losing the weight my stomach is remaining bout the same BUT the skin is getting more and more loose and when I run it is very painful and when I run fast (for me) it feels like I am being punched repeatedly in the gut and back at the same time . . . Not too much fun.

A note on the loose skin. I plan to have surgery to remove the skin. It will most likely be in November. I want to reach 210 lb and hold that weight for 3 months before having the surgery. Also with my business, November/December will be the best time.

CRAWFISHMAN!

I was staying in New Orleans spending time with my Momma and little sister so I woke and drove north to Bush LA.

My bike was already at the race site since it is a bit of a rock star being one of only a very few available right now. Steve at the Spokesman fine tuned it for me and showed it off over the weekend, then hauled it to the race site for me.

I set up my transition site. This was the ONLY complaint I had for the race. There was very little room to rack on your assigned spot on the rack. If we would have all been able to rack our saddles on the rail it would have been fine, but the rack rail is very low and your saddle was too high for it so you had to rack your bike with your aero bars and it was TIGHT.

I left transition and came back and someone had knocked all of my stuff over moving my bike. I was a little miffed. I reset my transition left – returned and my stuff was knocked around AGAIN and my bike had been moved. I left my bike where it was moved to (about 3 inches to the left, but I understood since it was tight) and reset my transition AGAIN and headed to the swim start.

Swim was ok. I felt strong towards the end of the swim?????

Transition #1 was good. I got out and on the bike pretty good.

Bike was hilly. I was smoking on the down hills (obviously) and keeping about 23 to 24 mph on straight-aways, it was those darned hills! I need some work on the hills. I ended up with a 21.2 mph average. I will take it!

Transition 2 was a BLAST! Someone who has no spine, but a great sense of humor decided to goo my stuff! I picked up my race belt and there was GOO all over it and all over my race number. At first I thought it was one of mine that may have burst, but then I saw that it was meticulously spread ALL over. I have no idea why someone did this, but I thought it was pretty funny (and spineless).

Run was also hilly,. But I held my own. My goal was to go sub 12 min miles, but I couldn’t quite pull it off . . .

My finish time was 02:06. I wanted to go sub 2:20. Goal Reached! When I did this race in 2006 I finished with a time of 02:53. I will take a 40 minute improvement!

I will do a weigh in and picture log on this Thursday and post.

Thanks everyone!

Louisiana Triathlon

What a day for racing!

Thanks to Hunter, P, Team Rome, and everyone else who cheered us on and volunteered today. It meant a lot and i needed it.

My goal was sub 2 hrs. Below is my LA Tri race 2 years ago:

2006 - Swim 25:26 pace 3:11 T1 2:59 Bike 1:12:44 pace 15.3 T2 2:20 Run55:07 pace 17:47 2:38:34


My goal time was a sub 2hrs for today.

Swim was uneventful. I had the first major skull kick today. It was a little freaky at first, but after I shook off the dizziness i was fine. I wanted to a smooth swim and for the most part that was what I had.

I have got to make better decisions on the bike! I tried to clip in at the bottom of the hill and ride out of transition, but was on my azz a few seconds later. (dummy) So I lost a little time regrouping, but once I was on the bike I was cook'n. I passed a bunch of folks and never really felt tired.

T2 was a bit slow.

I wanted to average sub 12 min miles. It wasn't to be today. I really have to get rid of this belly. That is what is keeping me back on the run. The weight I carry there really begins to hurt my back when i run too hard. SOON, that will not be a problem . . .

I crossed the finish line at about 1:56 and some change! Sub 2 hrs! I'll take it.

GREAT DAY, GREAT FUN, WITH GREAT FRIENDS.

I want to thank my best friend Brent for coming out and watching me race. he is no morning person and lives halfway between BR and NOLA so it was a long drive for him. It meant a lot to me, thanks Brent.

Next:

Going to watch my friend Caroline and Philippe race at St. Anthony' tri this coming weekend. Surgery the following week to remove gallbladder, recover, race in Memphis in may . . .

Tough Week and Weekend

I will give you a little recap of my week:

Monday - Emergency Room

During a lunch visit with a couple very special people in my life I began to have bad back pains.

IT was miserable and I was sad I didn’t get to spend quality time with family. Then during my Office Meeting I began to have bad stomach pains and soon I couldn’t see straight. I laid ON THE FLOOR of our conference room and called my wife to take me to the ER.

Turns out I have a plethora of gallstones in my gallbladder and one was trying to make a run for it!

Let me tell you that this is not a fun thing and I don’t recommend anyone do this if you don’t have to. With that said, the gallbladder is coming out April 29th.

Why so far out you ask?

Because I am a moron who is addicted to triathlon and my “A” race is coming up and I don’t want to miss it.

Tuesday –Thursday I spent in pain and on high level pain killers while the stone tried to pass, which it finally did Thursday morning.

I had plans to race in Dallas at Ply Tri Festival, but had canceled those plans as a result of my medical situation. BUT! Now that the stone had passed . . .

Friday: Driving to Dallas!!!!!

I check in to the hotel. Take a quick spin on the bike and rest. The week of pain had taken its toll. I felt horrible on the bike.

Saturday:

Race!!!!! Short Sprint tri and I did ok, but not good. My bike average was below 20mph for the first time in a while . . .

I spent the afternoon at a friends (Derek and Laurie) to visit with their beautiful new-born, Emily!!! I fell in love.

Sunday:

I was supposed to race in the Oly, but Saturday night I began to have those same pains that I was having on Monday . . .

I woke Sunday morning in bad shape. No racing for me. I went and watched two of my club members and cheered them on to the finish and headed south to Houston.

Had a great dinner with my Cousin Michael and then made my way to Lake Charles to begin a solid work week.

What a fun week!

T-Gator #1 - My Best Race to date!

My Triathlon cCub, BRtri is lighting it up! www.batonrougetri.com


Special thanks to Scott for his kind words before the swim start.

DebE, seriously, you are getting fast sista! CarolineO was cranking it out there.

NormanN - Missed it by just thaaaaaaaat much, but you smoked. And your pointers and advice are coming in handy and paying off on the bike. I will put the check in the mail along with that certain item you put in my glove box - thanks my man!

ChadS in da house. Thanks to his lovely better half for the pics, love em. And you brutha are picking this tri thing up quick. Your learning curve in awesome. I don't expect to hold you off at LA tri . . .

It was nice meeting . . . (forgive me) Kent (?????) I think your name was? Nice to see you out and racing and I look forward to seeing you in our tri uni soon!

DebT - Also equally nice to meet the myth and the legend! Way to go out there!

And last but never least - Beth (poopyliz), you keep doing it and waking up and making your body GO. I am so proud of you and I know where you are right now and I know where you will be!


RR:

Nice leisurely drive with great conversation on the way to LC.

Arrived, checked in, and set up.

I was concerned about the water temp and thought I was going to freeze my nipplets off, but it was warmer than Galveston and actually kind of nice. I did something for the first time today with my homemade race uni. I wore the shirt part instead of tucking it in my tri shorts and pulling it out after swim. I figured the drag wouldn't be that bad for 400m. WRONG! Lesson learned.

Decent transition. Coach Will has been on me about my Transitions.

Once I got on the bike (which seems to be a bit of a labor for me) It was Hammer Time! While my goal of riding the big boy's speed was not obtained today and any goal I had of matching THE NormanN bike split was thrashed, I did feel good.

I WAS PASSED BY - NO ONE . . . Ha Ha Ha! <------ (what a prick)

I did some passing and once I figure out proper riding technique, watch out, because I had some still in the tank (and it's a big ole tank).

Average Speed – 22 MPH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

T-2 was ok.

Run - Goal - sub 12 min mile pace.

I headed out on the run and wanted a steady bounce. "Bounce" is my technical term for my run body motion. I determine my comfort level and ability to go faster by the "bounce" of my big ole fat belly. I had a moderate bounce on the way out. HR was really low (about 134) and I felt fine, but if I decided to increase the "bounce" too soon I would slow because of the pain it causes to my lower back and actual gut.

At the turn around I decided to increase the "bounce". It was a heavy bounce, but manageable. HR still good at about 148. I really and truly felt great.

I have been doing predominantly long, low HR training the past month with tempo work mixed in on the run and bike. That crap works.

As I turned the final corner to the finish I stepped it up to the uncontrolled "bounce" where there is belly flying in all directions and mothers pull their children close out of fear that the "bounce" may fly in their direction and take them out! This is very painful, but worth it.

My average pace per mile – 10:48!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My goal today was a bold - Sub 1hr race.

I missed it by a little over a minute and a half - AND DAMN IT, I could have made time on the run and bike.

Thanks to all that have always been pushing me over the years. I am a product of your motivation. Thank you! But, it has only just begun . . .

You guys rock.

NKU National Champion's AGAIN!!!

Northern Kentucky University

2008 NCAA Div. II

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

I am so proud of these women!

They went into the tournament with a lot of talent and no respect being given to them by the pollsters. NKU Women's Basketball is a serious item in the Northern Kentucky Area and for the past 10 years, they have been a big deal nationally.

Having played in the Elite 8, Final 4, and for the National Championship several times this decade, I think this National Championship has a certain zing to it that makes it an even more unfathomable feat than the National Championship that the Woman Norse won in 2000 of which I had a teeny tiny, next to nothing at all to do with it as a Student Coach.

Congratulations to my Alma Mater and tho these special young women who excel as Student Athletes and cleaned up the floor and showed those who didn't hand out a lot of respect to them, that they deserved to be there and they made the most of this opportunity.

GEAUX NORSE!!!

Weigh-In and Pictures

June 28, 2007 - 434 Lbs.

March 23, 2008 - 289 Lbs.

June 28, 2007 - 434 Lbs.

March 23, 2008 - 289 Lbs.

March 23, 2008

Joking Around!

There Ya Have It!

June 28 2007 - 434 Lbs

March 23 2008 - 289 Lbs.

Total weight loss - 145 lbs.

Weight Goal - 210 Lbs.

Loss to go - 79 Lbs.

My goal is to be at 210 Lbs. by August 1, 2008. I will then maintain that weight until the second week of November when I plan to undergo surgery to remove the excess skin I already have and am disgusted by.

I AM ALMOST THERE!!!

I have been slacking on my reports of my races. I have completed 4 races in 2008 and have become FASTER AND FASTER in each area at each race.

The biggest tell is that in my first year of triathlons I averaged 12.9 mph this year I am averaging about 19 mph on the bike.

Saturday I raced in the Crescent City Classic 10k run. In 2006 I finished in 1:49 and this year I finished in 1:19. I cut 30 minutes off my 10k time!

Thank you to all of you and have a wonderful Easter Sunday!

Pics and Weigh-In

Sorry Folks!!!

Pics and Weigh-In coming this afternoon, promise!

First things first . . .

I DO NOT deserve this bike. As it sits across the room next to my TV (strategically placed so I can gawk at it) it just LOOKS FAST. But when I get on it, not so much, but I do love it!

Amanda wouldn’t let it sleep in our bedroom the first night . . . Hater.

I have waited for this bike for a while, but the wait is worth it.

We picked it up from the Spokesman in Mandeville on Wednesday night. When we arrived home at about 10:00pm, I had to ride it!!!! So there I was 10:30ish at night riding my new gear!

Here in Baton Rouge we have a great Tuesday and Thursday training ride around River Road. It is a 34 miles loop with a great bunch of folks. I have not joined in on a training ride until this past Thursday. I didn’t want to be dropped on the ride, so I have worked hard at gaining speed. I wasn’t ready for this one but with the new bike . . . I had to show up.

I think I did pretty well. But the main part is, I didn’t get dropped!

Tonight I weigh-in and take pictures to post on the blog . . . I think we will have some pretty good results . . . TO BE CONTINUED.

Mardi Gras Day 2008!!!

Weigh In and Body Measurement


The goal was sub 300 by Feb 1, 2008.

I slacked a couple days and didn’t make smart eating decisions the past few weeks. Nothing really bad, but with my new eating focus, it feels yuck . . .

I had cheese dip two days in a row!!!

Here are the numbers:

Neck June 28 – 20 in Feb. 6 – 17 in = 3 in Loss
Bicep June 28 – 17.5 in Feb. 6 – 15.7 in = 1.8 in Loss
Forearm June 28 – 13.5 in Feb. 6 – 12.5 in = 1 in Loss
Chest June 28 – 60 in Feb. 6 – 52 in = 8 in Loss
Waist June 28 – 62 in Feb. 6 – 55 in – 7 in Loss
Thigh June 28 – 31.5 Feb. 6 – 26 in = 5.5 in Loss (Whoa)
Calf June 28 – 19 in Feb. 6 – 17 in = 2 in Loss


Weight:

June 28, 2008 – 434 lbs
Feb. 6, 2008 - 302 lbs

Total Loss 132 lbs


So Close to 300!!!!!

Thanks to everyone for your support.

Mardi Gras mambo 10k

I ran in the Mardi Gras Mambo 10k which was held downtown Baton Rouge. My Coach, Coach Will, had a goal for me of 11 minute miles. I was dumbfounded since my best 5k was 13 minute miles in the last year AND last year my 5k after a triathlon was an average of 18 (plus) minute miles.

I doubted, but did push a bit to do the best I thought I could. My new Polar RS80 with GPS had me at 12:34 minute miles when I finished.

I felt I could have done better, even though my heart rate average was 155 BPM and the last mile I was in the 165 ish area.

When I crossed I did another ½ mile cool down jog and my Heart Rate dropped quickly and I felt great.

The results have been posted . . .

http://www.brasf.com/explore.cfm/readmorenews1/

I averaged just UNDER 12 min miles!

Woo Hoo!

I have set one goal for this year in my triathlon world:

Goal #1 – Average more than 20 mph on the bike portion for A race.

NOW, additional goal for 2008 triathlon season . . .

Goal #2 – By the end of the race year, Average 20 mph or more on the bike AND sub 10 minute mile average on the run in the same race!

Weigh In AND AND AND body measurements tonight . . . Return to see the results, VERY CLOSE TO GOING BELOW 300 lbs . . .

New Pics and Weigh In

January 24, 2008

June 28, 2007 - 434 lbs

November 11, 2007 - 328 lbs.

January 24, 2008 - 307 lbs.

June 28, 2007 - 434 Lbs.

November 11, 2007 - 328 Lbs.

I am a bit frustrated with the lack of weight loss the past 2 months. I have increased my training form about 4 hrs per week to over 7 hrs (plus) per week. I am going to go back to zero sugar as I was from the beginning. I remain NOT eating and fast food AND fried food.

Thanks to all who have helped me this far.

I WILL BE 195 lbs by July 21, 2008

My First Race 2008 (UPDATE)

http://www.doitsports.com/newresults3/client/155728_223833_2008.html

The link above has the race times. I WAS 122 out of 148!!!!! I ALMOST (really not close) got an award for third in my age group!

Since June 28 2007 I when I was 434 lbs until last Friday when I weighed in at 308 lbs.

I have lost 126 lbs. It was not easy and I still have 113 lbs that I am going to lose. But today was a great motivator for me! About three hours ago I finished my first race of 2008. Frost Yer Fanny Duathlon in Austin TX. It was the South West Regional Banquet last night followed by the race today. It was 20 degrees this morning when I went out to the truck and by the time I headed to transition to set up my gear it was 27 degrees. Brrrrrrrrrrr. Caroline and Blake came as well, but Caroline did a 15 mile training run before the race and Blake was cheering. They were cold too!

I was nervous as I always am before a race, but I guess that is what it is? Today was a short 2 mile run 10.8 mile bike 2 mile run. My goal was to finish in under 01:30 which is quite lofty for me, but I typically set goals such that will make me work hard.

I am learning this whole new training style utilizing Heart Rate Zones and I am in love. My friend and now Coach Will has been instructing me what HR (heart rate) he wants me to train in for certain training and it has been really good to my body. I have always been a hard trainer, meaning that I put on my running shoes and GO GO GO! But Coach Will is altering my thinking and I am liking it. Caroline, who is now a PRO Triathlete (WOO HOO! WAY TO GO CAROLINE!) has been instilling that into me as well. She said that had she known I was a (excuse my French) balls to the walls type trainer she would have gotten on me to stop, but I just didn’t know any better. Training in optimal ANEROBIC heart Rate levels is very good for you and if you need help figuring that out, go see a local trainer, most can help you understand that fairly easily, IF YOU ASK, which I never did since I didn’t know.

Back to the race. Today’s goal: Under 140 beats per minute on the first 2 miles, Under 150 on the 10.8 mile bike, and go for it on the second 2 miles.

What happened: Under 140 on first 2 miles and I was pissed. I was going kina slow and felt good, but I wanted to listen to Coach Will and Caroline. Stayed around 150 on most of the bike, but I lost my chain on a hill. (LESSON I WAS TOLD LATER) -à If you lose your chain on the front inside the small ring, put your derailleur in the big ring and pedal and usually it will put the chain back on. I never knew this, wish I had today. My HR went up when I pounded up the hill after getting off my bike to put the chain on, but brought it back down to about 160 BMP for the rest of the bike. When I came off the bike I FELT GREAT! Hit thee second two miles and tried to stay at about 160 BPM for the first mile then decided to go a bit harder after the turn around and was about 171 BPM with about a quarter mile left and then went for broke! When I crossed the finish I had nothing left and the HR was 187 BPM.

I was so excited!

I think I finished about 01:36 so about 6 minutes longer than I wanted, but I will take it!!!

I will post the actual time when I get home and see the official times. Until then, I am very uplifted and motivated to do more. I am excited to see where my times will be when I am another 100 lbs less!!!

Thanks Coach. Thanks Caroline. Thanks Blake. You all ROCK!

Until later . . . LATER

Happy New Year!

It is January 1st of two thousand and eight and I started it off right!

I did 4 miles running out at or local highs school cross country course. The ribs are still sore. They are getting better, but sore. They really only hurt when I run down hill???

We all set incredible New Years resolutions and we more than not ditch those resolutions by January 15th! Let’s do something different this year. Let’s make a resolution that we can follow through with, one that we should be doing just because we should be doing it . . . I know that last sentence was a bit confusing!

I am going to try and be a kind, loving, good man. I want to be a good husband to my wife, a good son to my parents, a good brother to all eight of my siblings, and a good friend and lastly I want strengthen my relationship with my God.


I think I am adequate in all of those areas in my life, but I am not where I want to be, certainly when it comes to my wife, and family. I hope they would say that I do a great job, but I want to do better and be there for each of them more, therefore my New Years resolution is . . .

Wake every morning with the intent to do ONE thing out of the ordinary for ONE of those listed above. Whether it be a phone call to my brother for no reason at all, or taking a moment to pray for my parents, or take my wife to a movie (a girlie one!).

I am not going to set an unrealistic goal for my weight or health. I have done it all before, but this year I want to choose a resolution that I should carry through the year and through my life.

I realize a New Years resolution is supposed to be something big and earth shattering, but I hope my resolution will end up being earth shattering and life moving.

What is your news year resolution?

What ever it is, I wish you the best.

Have a BRILLIANT 2008!

Happy New Year

Tis the Season to be . . . Heck no!


I did it.

This is my first holiday season that I actually LOST weight.

I am happy with where I am today and I am feeling wonderful. I know how hard this time of year can be when it comes to eating. I love the holidays with Thanksgiving turkey, cornbread dressing and then right around the corner is Christmas with ham, sweet potatoes, and so much more . . . I just love it. But, this year was not going to set me off course to get down to 195 lbs.

I did stall and stop losing weight for a couple weeks around Thanksgiving, but then I began to hit it hard training wise. I found I have a crush on the whole mountain biking thing. I rode our local trail here in Baton Rouge every morning for about a week after Thanksgiving, then came the wreck.

I took a spill and fractured a couple ribs as well as pulled two other out from the cartilage. Ouch. After three weeks of heavy pain killers and rest, today I did a short ride and short run. I was a little sore, but had an overall strong day of exercise.

Lastly, I know this season of eating may have set you back a bit, but get back on it! Start right now. Eat a smart meal today and go run, walk, or ride a stationary bike, but just do something! I believe in you.

I get wonderful comments on the blog and many emailed directly to me with questions and so many positive, thoughtful comments for me. Thank you for that.

Have a brilliant day, week, and month.

You can do it!!!!!!!

Recap:

June 28 2007: 434lbs

Nov. 19 2007: 328lbs

Dec. 28 2007: 312lbs

Total weight lost – 122 lbs

Here is the real measurement:

July 9 2007: Dec. 27 2007:

Neck – 20.5 in Neck – 17.5 in
Bicep – 17.5 in Bicep – 16.5 in
Forearm – 13.5 in Forearm – 12.5 in
Chest – 60 in Chest - 53 in
Waist – 67 in Waist - 61 in
Hips – 62 in Hips - 55 in
Thigh – 31.5 in Thigh - 31 in
Calf – 19 in Calf - 17 in

Total inches lost – 3+1+1+7+6+7+2+.5= 27.5 in

SUB 40!!!

Sub 40

I have been working at the weight thing and I am into this new mountain biking thing. The mountain biking is exciting, stressful, and at times painful! But ultimately it is a blast.

I have been focusing on my running as well. A wise Triathlete in our club named Vanilla once said to me, after I acknowledged that I hate running therefore I swim a lot, he said not me, “that’s the way, don’t focus on the area you need the most work.” He has a way with words, but oh how right he is. I am doing this. I have been learning more and more about interval training and I have been doing this type of training for about a month now.

On Thanksgiving Day I did the Turkey Trot 5k and I finished in 40:57. This for most of you will sound pitifully slow, but when you look at the fact that my last triathlon I did the 5k portion in 59:07 and the last solo 5k that I did this time last year I finished in 54:22 – a sub 41 minute 5k is a vast improvement.

Tonight I took part in the Reindeer Run here in downtown Baton Rouge. My goal – Sub 40 minutes. I met my good friend Pat and his lovely wife and awesome two children. I have written about Pat on several occasions. He did the Disney Tri last year with me and he has been a major positive influence on me helping in my success with my weight.

I started in the back of the pack this time since at the Turkey Trot I felt bad that so many people had to run around me. It took forever it seemed to begin running after the horn went off AND I became a bit frustrated at all the people who started in the front and were walking in droves right in the middle of the road, but no big deal after about 500 yards.

I started my watch when we crossed the start line and set out on a pace I felt I would keep the entire 5k. I felt great for the first mile and a half. After that my heart rate a very high but I didn’t feel like I was pushing that hard???

I saw a few friends out on the course and also saw a few folks that I met at the Turkey Trot.

As I closed in on the final stretch I didn’t think I was going to make it in under 40 minutes. My watch said 39:03 when a nice lady ran up to me and introduced herself to me and she is a member of our Tri club here in Baton Rouge. She was very nice and ran in with me. I crossed at 40: 37on my watch, but my GPS said that I had gone 3.44 miles which is about a quarter mile longer than a 5k (3.2 miles). But I shrugged that off since I recently purchased the band new Polar GPS that they just came out with and I assumed I did something incorrect since I am still learning its functions.

However I saw my friend Clay from the tri club and he said that some folks with the Garmin 305 (which I used to have) said that the course was a little long as well.

POINT BEING – I finished in under 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!