Hold on a second, I got that wrong. It should be "Time for the Weight to Begone!"
Like many people, I have benefitted from becoming a marathoner, triathlete, and Ironman. The most outwardly visible benefit has been weight loss. In 2000, when I was unwillingly thrust into a more active lifestyle, I was pushing 220 pounds. I don't have a picture from then readily available, nor do I have a picture from the first marathon I completed. I do, however, have this picture from my 2005 Green Bay Marathon. And yes, that is Lambeau Field. In fact, you should just admire the stadium instead of looking at me.
I didn't really track my weight too much, back then, but I can safely say that even after years of running and a couple marathons, I was still around 195 pounds. And I felt great. Having lost nearly 25 pounds, I was faster, I had fewer GI issues (heartburn/reflux), and I suffered less after long runs.
Then, I started training for triathlons. And without even worrying about diet, the pounds started to literally fall off. I dropped nearly 30 pounds in a year, and the results were amazing. This picture is from the 2006 Fox Cities Marathon. It was probably the first time I saw myself as others were seeing me. While I knew the weight was coming off and I was slimming down, I didn't SEE what others did. This picture cleared things up.
I believe triathlon training was the key to this weight loss. Training in three disciplines allows for increased training with fewer injuries. In the process, more muscle groups are worked, and the results are more "rounded." Of all the things I love about triathlon, this is probably the one that will keep me involved for life. The same amount of training at roughly the same intensity had significantly greater results.
After only 18 months of triathlon specific training, I managed to complete Ironman Louisville in a time of 13 hours 12 minutes (yes, the clock lies). Though well back from the leaders, this was a HUGE personal success. Along the way, I discovered that there was still a "skinny" me buried inside the 220-pound frame that had evolved over many years of poor diet and zero physical exercise.
There was no magic bullet on this journey. Just a lot of hard work and long-term committment. Pills, liquids, strips, bands, or diets could not have accomplished what simple dedication did. Those of you who are somewhere closer to the beginning of your journey, take heart. The process of weight loss is no different than the process of weight gain. Small steps taken over many months and years are far more effective than any "quick fix" out there. After all, none of us went to bed at 150 pounds one night and woke up at 250 pounds the next morning.
With that knowledge firmly in hand, it is time for me to once again get focused and serious. The off-season ended a couple months ago. Even so, I knew I needed to continue the weight gain, as I left Louisville nearly five pounds lighter than I believe I should have been. But now, as we head into honest-to-goodness race season training, I am perhaps a few pounds heavier than I might have wanted to be.
So, it is time for the weight to begone. The holidays are over, and it's time to put on the game face. And this year, I know just how much hard work is needed. I know how much I can accomplish. And I know the goals. In July, I will head to Racine around 165 pounds for a half-Ironman. By October, I hope to be closer to 160 as I start on my first 50-mile ultramarathon.
If you find yourself heavier than you desire, whether by 10 pounds or 200, the process is the same. Identify your proper nutrition. Identify the appropriate exercise routine. And then do it. If you are just undertaking this journey, consider working with a doctor, dietician, or coach to best realize your potential. But realize that they can only give guidance. You must provide the rest.
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