Category Archives: exercise

Change can be good

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I think anyone who knows me would say, without a doubt, I’ve changed drastically over the last two years since moving to Seattle. I haven’t changed as a person per se, but I have definitely changed my lifestyle. Here’s a small list of things that my old friends from Michigan simply can’t comprehend.

  1. I’ve participated in multiple 5k’s and triathlons.
  2. I own a TV, but don’t have cable. I rarely watch TV and consume 90% of my media online.
  3. I rarely drive. This last summer I was quite proud of the fact that I didn’t drive my vehicle for 3.5 weeks.
  4. I don’t eat fast food for the most part.

Now reverse that list and that’s how I lived in the Midwest. The two there that my friends from Michigan are simply astounded about are not driving and not watching TV. This got me thinking as to how much of an impact my move to Seattle has had on the planet. So I took a quiz that calculates my ecological footprint to compare my two lifestyles. I’m happy to report that I’ve saved an entire planet by moving to Seattle! Well, not really, but my ecological footprint went from a score of 23 (5.2 planets to sustain my existence) to 18 (4 planets to sustain my existence).

So, this isn’t really something to cheer about, but it’s definitely an improvement. To top things off I really like the new me. I like training for triathlons, I like being ignorant of pop media and I especially like not having to drive everywhere.

Change is good.

The triathlon has arrived

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I recently mentioned that I was going to be participating in my first triathlon. A sprint triathlon to be specific. To be even more specific, I’ll be participating in the Kirkland Triathlon at Carillion Point. Since it’s my first triathlon I’m planning on doing the non-competitive version which I still find daunting. It starts with a 0.25 mile open water swim in Lake Washington followed by a 12 mile bike ride through the streets of Kirkland and finishes up with a 5k run.

I’ve been following a fairly stringent training program. I haven’t been drinking during the week, I’ve been bricking events, etc. My normal training routes include 13 miles on the bike and a 2.8 mile run around Green Lake or a 2.6 mile run down Madison to Madison Park, a 500 meter open water swim and then 2.6 miles back up Madison, which is about 400 feet of elevation difference. To gauge my training I ended up running the Lynnwood Hi-5 5k Fun Run. In early June I ran a 27:29 during my first 5k. During my second 5k a few weeks ago I ran a 23:44 and placed 12th out of a field of 77. Clearly, my training is going well.

Well, it was going well until about 1.5 weeks ago when condo projects and, in general, life started to get into the way. Recent attempts were foiled by a lack of a bike lock one day and a popped bike tire the next day. The condo projects have really put a damper on my back and my legs aren’t in great shape, but I’m resting for the rest of the weekend.

Overall, I’m a bit worried and really excited to compete in this race. It’s by far one of the most challenging physical tests I’ve ever put myself through. At the very least, I’ll complete it. I’m currently hoping to finish in 1:45:00. I shall post pictures and a followup on Monday if I don’t die.

Operation Fat Ass Nearly Complete

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It started about three years ago. My weight was out of control and it was time to do something about it. I dieted, exercised and, most importantly, changed my habits. I didn’t eat fast food nearly as much. I ate smaller portions. I exercised a few times a week as opposed to not exercising at all. What you see above is the current status of the infamous Operation Fat Ass. I’m down just under 45 pounds, just completed my first 5k and am currently training for my first triathlon.

43 Miles

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John, Carly and I took to the streets again today on our bikes. Our goal was the south loop around Lake Washington, which is about 40 miles. Due to some detours by our fearless navigator, John, it stretched into 43 miles. Amazingly, I’m not dead. I’m extremely tired, but the ride felt fine. The last hill up Eastlake and 10th almost killed me, but I managed and topped of the day with Kay at a local swimming pool. I need to get a camera so I can start taking pictures on my bike rides.

Some additionally interesting facts are that it was 85+ degrees the entire ride, I drank three liters of water (and didn’t pee, which means I sweated three liters of water) and it took us about 3.5 hours I believe.