Confidence

Many say that conquering a big feet or fear, like a marathon or climbing a mountain, can help build confidence. Anytime you step outside of your comfort zone and stretch yourself...you grow.

I've been so fortunate in my up-bringing to have parents who nurtured me and brought me up to believe I can do anything I want. I can be any profession, conquer any task, and be a success at anything. I was raised to believe I didn't have limits and am forever grateful to my folks for this.

Before the age of 30, I have already had so much success in life. I truly believe I can do all things through Christ. All my strength and ability is a gift from Him. I have and will continue to honor Him through how I use these gifts.

Learning to swim and improving my health through IronMan training is VERY difficult, but I have the confidence already....I know I can do it. I hope to inspire and encourage others and build their confidence through the process. I want people to see me doing this and be inspired to run a 5k or workout or "go for it". Whatever "it" is.

We are all capable of doing more than we think we can.

Run fat boy run

I'm now in my 10th week of training for IMFL. Well not direct training, more off season "get in shape" training. I've increased my aerobic training to over 5 hours a week now. I'm injury free and feeling good. My swimming has vastly improved, but still have a long way to go.

This post is about weight....as in body weight. I'm a lean 219 right now....down 24lbs from last winter. I haven't tried to lose weight yet, but it has happened due to not forcing myself to eat so much to maintain all the muscle. While bodybuilding over the past 12 years, I worked 24 hours a day to gain muscle and weight. It is so nice and refreshing to put the fork down when full and not force feed. I'm sure it's much healthier too. I include more fruits and veggies now, and less meat and much, much less red meat and pork.

I feel that I will race fast and reduce my chances of injuries by losing 10-30lbs. I've never dieted or tried to lose weight, so I'm not sure how this will work. I plan to continue to eat by feel and train, while my body weight changes to a natural level. If it's still too high in 4 months, I may actually cut calories on purpose. A lighter, leaner Ben is just what the doctor ordered...

Morning Training

Over the past 8 weeks I have really fallen in love with morning workouts. Here in Texas, there is a HOT 4 months of the year and how do I beat the heat? I train before work when it's in the 70's instead of after work in the 90's. Another benefit is sun exposure, the sun is not as intense at this time of day, sparing my sensitive skin from damage.

Now is getting up at 6am or earlier easy....? Now way, but you get used to it. I prepare all my clothes, etc the night before, then roll out of bed and take off. I do 90+% of my training before 8am daily....yes, even on the weekends.

I've noticed increased energy throughout the day and a sense of accomplishment by checking it off my "To Do" list so early. At my work it's a great time to network with VP's of the company...the morning workout crowd typically consists of your Type A / Go Getters.

Ok, just my plug for morning workouts. But if you find yourself too busy to train later in the day, try morning workouts and plan ahead.

Time...

I am 16 months out from my first IronMan race. It's just enough time to train smart and gradually change my body to finish the race injury free. But 16 months also seems like forever....one could easily lose motivation to train and stay focused. I have such a long way to go with swimming and total endurance. I mean, I'll be on the course for 12-14 hours, most likely.

One could get lost in a 16 month training program. In fact, most training programs for an IM race are only 30 weeks or about 7 months. This gives me 9 months to build up a cardio base, stregthen my tendons and ligaments for the intense training next year. My plan is to divide up the 16 months into different "phases". This should keep my focus and attention, while building towards to final goal.

Key Point: Take consistent, small steps.....and before I know it, I'll be on the beach in Florida on race day.

Training update

Today I went out for my morning 1 hour ride....18 miles or so. Well 15 minutes into it, I got the dreaded flat tire! I didn't have a spare tube with me, so I had to wake my lovely wife to come rescue me. Today I plan to order something to carry spare stuff with me.

This week is week 8 in my IronMan Base Phase Training.

• I've put in 38.6 hours so far.
• Last week I hit 6 hours and plan to get around 7 this week.
• Swimming is 200% better. Yesterday I had my 4th lesson and I've come so far already. I am swimming flat now, can breathe, have decent form. I just have to work on my lung capacity and my efficiency.

All and all, things look great. Sometimes I struggle with the gradual adaptation (only increasing training volume 10% max per week). I am working on resting and stretching to really recover from the training.

I'm thrilled about IronMan Florida 2009!