"Half Way Day"

Yup. Exactly six months to go! How the time flies when you're having fun. If you ask me how I feel about my fitness at this point I would have to tell you that I have some uncertainty. You see the problem is, that there has really been no way to test it. Without a race of some kind, one that you would actually rest up for, how does a person know whether they are making progress or not? I can tell you that I believe I'm slightly ahead of last time with my running, and at least at the same level with my swimming. The big unknown is the cycling and quite frankly the most important! While I hope to make some slight time improvements with the swimming and running I know that realistically they will be minor if any. The real opportunity is in gaining cycling "strength" and I have no idea if that is happening at all. Hopefully I will be able to get outside soon in order to get a better feeling. Meanwhile I do feel very good about the discipline I have maintained for the last couple of months in all aspects. I rarely miss or shorten workouts, and I have been relentless in the pursuit of a leaner, meaner me!

Which brings me to the real reason that today is 'half way day". At the time of my previous Ironman I weighed approximately 170 lbs, and although I gained a bit in the succeeding couple of years I was quickly back down to that after beginning the current journey. Before Christmas I set myself a personal goal to get down to 160 in time for this years race. Well guess what folks? I officially proclaim myself half way! While losing 5 pounds in 3 months may not seem like a big deal, it is for me. I am proud of it because of the amount of hard work, and the level of discipline that was required to get me there. Of particular importance is the fact that I know I have actually gained muscle mass over that period, and as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. The bottom line? Regardless of what the scale says, I have improved my body composition which is the ultimate goal. Hooray for me!! I am confident I will be 160 or less come race day.

I am happy also to report that I feel pretty good today despite the brutal 30 kms of yesterday....another good
sign.

(30 kms computrainer, 1500 metre swim)

"Did you hear about the Dutchman who thought he could swim across the big canal? He got half way before he realized he couldn't make it, so he turned around and swam back."---Peter Rooyakkers

"He has half the deed done who has made a beginning."---Horace

"There is no human failure greater than to launch a profoundly important endeavour and then leave it half done."---Barbara Ward

Love
Peter