first session at the gym

So its still early days but I wanted to make a start with my fitness. So I jumped on the treadmill and just walked up a steep incline for about 20 mins and ran for 10....its been a number of weeks since I've done any real exercise. Then the cross trainer for 10 and lastly the bike for 10. I've decided that I definately prefer biking on an actual bike, on the road than in the gym. So I'll be fixing the leak in my tire and taking it to the streets.

It felt good to do a workout, but I know I need to get a lot more focussed and specific than just a bit here and a bit there. But good first day

someone who believes in me

I've been reminded this week of how important it is to have someone in your corner, someone who believes in you and your ability to achieve whatever your goal is. AJ sent me a parcel this week containing two every inspirational items. The first is a book about one man's journey with the coast to coast. I read it in a night and was blown away by all that he went through to achieve his goal.

The second was AJ's numbered race singlet from the race last year. Written on the front in vivid is "Go Shar!" and signed by the one and only Steve Gurney.....coast to coast legend extraorinare.

Both of these items have spurred me on towards the goal of competing and completing the race in 09. The singlet is now hanging on my lounge wall where I will see it all the time.

Tomorrow is the start of the early morning alarms that will get me out of bed and off to the gym.

what was I thinking!

So I've slept on it overnight and for a brief moment this morning wondered what on earth I have gotten myself into. There are so many moments of choice I will face over the next 18 months and I know some of them aren't going to be pretty.

I went back to the gym today after weeks off. Decided to weigh myself so I have a starting point. Don't tell anyone....I am 74.8kg which is within the healthy weight range for my height (the higher end, but still within) But there is certainly a 'winter coat' for me to lose in the process.

I decided to start small with the exercise since I'd had such a big break. 25 mins on the bike then 25 on the treadmill...walked uphill rather than running. It was a good reminder of what lies ahead of me, and what I will be leaving behind.

So AJ and I are going to do the old 'skype' thing to keep in touch.

I'll be taking a before photo but might not post if for a while (at least not until I have seen some changes).

So tomorrow will be a new day and a new challenge

Welcome to my world

I've been reading "A resilient life" by Gordon MacDonald. I've been so challenged by what I've been reading. This morning I decided something. I don't want to cruise through my life....quitting everything I start and living with regret.So.......

I am going to compete in the 2009 Coast to Coast. There I've said it! That was scary.

My good friend AJ (Arron Perriam) is going to be my coach, and together we are going to work towards getting me over that finish line in 09.

Its a total of 243km - stage 1. 3km run, 55km cycle - stage 2. - 33km run - stage 3. 15km cycle, 67 km kayak - stage 4. 70 km cycle.

It's a pretty freaky prospect but one I am really looking forward to getting in to.

Its 18 months away but like anything, time will fly and before I know it....I'll be sweating my way through 243km.

This blog will be dedicated to my journey towards race day.