Shedding Pounds

Today is my birthday, so I decided that a good gift to myself would be a good ass-kicking early morning run. After a quick breakfast of peanut butter on a slice of wheat and a protein drink, I filled up my camelbak, strapped it into my backpack and loaded in my bricks, and off I went.

It was still nice and cool outside, but the sun was already starting to pop above the trees, so I knew it was going to get hot before I was done. I took a slightly different route today, one with plenty of nice gradual hills at a good grade--I definitely felt the burn! 2.5 miles and 25 minutes later, I jogged back into my driveway, soaked in sweat and breathing nice and heavy, but damn did I feel good. As I went inside and shrugged off my bag, a thought struck me.

Four short months ago, I was carrying all of that extra weight with me all the time. Once I finally got my act together and quit smoking, started exercising and eating better, and generally taking a more proactive role in my health and fitness, the pounds just started melting away. Today, I laughed to myself a little bit when I realized that I now control when I carry that extra weight around--it doesn't control me. It's a challenge running with it on my back, and it's a welcome challenge; but the fact that I don't have to have those extra 20 pounds with me all the time makes me feel even better that I've started this new journey in my life.

Happy birthday, indeed.

Do or do not, there is no try

Yes, I just quoted Yoda in the title of this post. I'll get to that in a minute. Thank you Jon for starting this blog, I figure it can be a way to get advice, encouragement, or criticism if you so choose.

Anyway, while I've been training for Tough Mudder for about 2 months now, when I came across the GORUCK challenge I knew we had to do it. I started training today, after going to home depot, and purchasing 4 bricks and duct tape (the woman who helped me looked confused as to why I needed those two things). You'll notice the finished product in the photo.

Getting back to the title of this post, I've named my creation of bricks 'Yoda' since as I'm training I can't help but picture that scene in 'Empire Strikes Back' where Luke is training with Yoda in his backpack. I managed to get 3 very slow miles in today and my back and legs are already mad at me. Seems like I have a long way to go.

Schedule of Events (not sure of specific dates right now)

November: Tri-State Tough Mudder, Oakridge (TN) half marathon (possibly)

December: GORUCK, DC

May: VT Tough Mudder and DC Tough Mudder

Feel free to suggest any other events!

My Schedule of Events

It all started when Tom told me about this thing called "Tough Mudder." I'd never heard of it, but it sounded similar to activities some of my other friends have done, like the Warrior Dash and things of that sort. It sounded similar until I looked it up, that is. From what I can gather, it's a 10(ish)-mile hellish journey through water, mud, and fire, all while climbing over, under, and through various obstacles. They make it pretty clear that it's not about winning, though--it's about finishing. Kind of like the next thing he talked me into just this past weekend: the GORUCK Challenge. Another hellish event designed to test mental and physical stamina, and to build teamwork and camaraderie.  All in all, I'm incredibly excited for these happenings, as well as a couple other things I'll be doing locally. Stay tuned for training updates and please feel free to share your training tips and experience as well!

November 13, 2011: Citizen's Bank Newport Pell Bridge Run, Newport, RI
December 10, 2011: GORUCK Challenge, Washington, D.C.
February 25, 2012: Fight For Air Stair Climb, Providence, RI
May 5, 2012: Tough Mudder New England, Mount Snow, VT