So a few months ago I bought a book called “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll. I read his book and as I kept reading chapter after chapter I began to think I was reading about myself to some degree. Rich was in his 40’s, out of shape and overall not that healthy. It really got me thinking about my own health. I knew I needed to make better health choices and even some life choices but was scared to actually act upon those thoughts.  After a few months of thought I decided I was going to make several changes. I decided September 7th, 2015 would be the day that I would begin my journey, after my best friends wedding, and that journey was going to be to complete a Ironman 70.3. If you are unfamiliar with a Ironman 70.3 is it is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a half marathon to complete the trifecta. Sounds crazy right?

When I began this journey I drank to much, alcoholism runs in my family, did not exercise or eat healthy by any means. So on September 7th I put the bottle down and began a week by week transformation. Week 1 I gave up the beer, which I love. Week 2 gave up the sugar. Week 3 I began working out again. Week 4 sign up for a 70.3, this took longer than planned. I had to muster up the courage. Once I signed up I knew I was committed.

I am now a little over a month and a half into my plan and all is going well except for a little sugar in my coffee. Getting use to that black stuff is tough for me. I weighed in at 217.3 lbs that day back in September and now I am already under 200 lbs as of this week! I have incorporated running, biking, yoga and a strength class into my schedule and things are going really well but they are tough!  Having to get up at 5:15 to make a workout class has not been in my wheel house in a long time. Swimming will be added in by the beginning of December and that scares me the most. I have a six month plan that comes from Ironman and my hopes are to be at better starting point once that plan goes into effect six months out.

What I have discovered thus far is that I can really do anything I want to do, I just have to make my mind up to do it and then act upon it.  I have begun to feel better and I even feel a lot clearer in the head. I also feel better about myself as well. Not that I ever felt bad…Those that know me understand!

I do know this. I will complete the IronMan 70.3 in Chattanooga on May 22nd, 2016. I also know that I would never be able to do this without my wife’s support. A lot of time is devoted into preparing for one of these and it also takes away from time with the family especially when you already have a busy schedule. Without her this would be almost impossible. But more than anything her support carries me, encourages me and makes me want to be a better man.

I will also be creating a Vlog called “Hey Nate” to help chronicle this as well and maybe I will inspire a few others along the way to make some positive change in their life.

One resource that I have begun using is the “Five Minute Journal” (www.fiveminutejournal.com) created by Alex Ikonn and UJ Ramdas. I encourage to pick on up and give it a go. As previously stated I also have found “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll very inspiring as well. I am sure there will be a few others down the road but these have begun my second Bible’s if you will.

Well that is all I have at the moment and I hope you will follow me along my journey! Keep an eye out for my Vlog and please feel free to share either with your friends and family. I will leave you with a quote from my Five Minute Journal that has stayed in my head.

Ever tried, Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett

Until the next time~

http://www.fiveminutejournal.com

http://www.richroll.com