Triathlon Training Has Officially Started

Thanks for visiting my blog. My name is Liz Love. I'm 31 years old and anywhere from 65-85 pounds overweight depending on which Ideal Weight Calculator you use. I live in the Sacramento area of Northern California, US. I created this blog to chronicle my progress as I tackle an endeavor that is very important to me: losing this extra weight and training for a triathlon along the way. Today I started training for a triathlon. To commemorate starting my triathlon training, I have created this blog. This year, I came to a realization; I'm just tired of being overweight. My partner, Lori, and I started working out together and focusing on a good diet modeled after the South Beach Diet, but not so strict. Just common sense nutrition, and portion control; nothing crazy.Over the last 7 weeks, we have had a little challenge going on in the House of Love. I've lost 16 pounds and I'm lovin' it!

To keep motivated, I have been reading others' success stories and listening to their podcasts. One story I read that really inspired me was the story of Kevin Clayton, a local Folsom man who just participated in the Ironman World Championships this past Saturday and finished well at 11:38:59. He lost over 100 pounds in order to get healthy and began racing and participating in triathlons. I have been very inspired by him. I thought that by training for a triathlon it would be a fun way to get the weight off as well as make friends and explore new places and things in the world. If you want to read about Kevin, check out this link: http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=20122. I have also been inspired by my Dad, Mike. He has modified his diet and begun an exercise routine that he has been very dedicated to. In the last year, he has lost over 60 pounds and he's still counting.

So, I am making the commitment to myself to lose the weight necessary to get myself back to a healthy weight and keep it off. Thinking back on Kevin, and my Dad, I decided I just needed to do it. If he could, then I could. To keep myself focused and disciplined, I have committed to participating in a triathlon. Although I haven't signed up yet, I have located a Super Sprint to participate in in August of next year. It's located nearby, do-able and it looks fun. When the paperwork gets in the mail, I'll post the details.

I have always tried to hide my weight with bigger clothes or bad posture. But, who am I fooling, what you see is what I am: overweight. I have tried to keep any efforts to lose weight in the past under wraps, feeling that if I didn't brag about it, and if I failed, there would be no need to save face. Well, this time I am throwning down the gauntlet. This is a goal I would like to accomplish in my life. Something I have wished I had the stamina and commitment to complete for the last 10 years. I'm gonna do a triathlon! So, I would like to invite your comments and support as I start this journey for a lifetime change. I know I'm gonna need it. Here's a mugshot: for kicks.













Thanks everyone for your comments and encouragement!