Darrell makes some great points. 1) put something on the calendar, a race a goal, something as a reminder and a motivator to train. If you don't have anything specific to train for it can get tough. Right now I'm training for a race the 1st of May, then I'll have another on the calendar to keep going. 2) you definitely need to consider your health and the consequences it will have both on you and your family (that was the ass chewing bit :) how'd I do?)

Now my personal story. I can definitely relate. We all go through some serious funks in our lives and you got to stay strong and get through the bad times to experience the good. I've been lay'd off several times over the past few years (the dotcom thing) and have experienced some serious financial stresses that had consequences on my health. Had to sell my house for a loss, sold one car to buy a less expensive one, moved back into my mothers house for a while. Not a real confidence booster to have to do that at age 33 :).

That was August 2003. I just finished Vineman half and weighed about 155lbs. I was flat broke and needed a job, so I took what I could get through a friend and proceeded to commute 2 1/2 hours a day for work. Fastforward to August 2004. The commute and financial pressures were literally killing me. I topped out at 180lbs and seemed to only have energy to walk to Mickey D's and plunk myself in front of the tv. I started having pains in my chest, and just feeling really uncomfortable in my own body. My training for the year was crap. Partly because of the job and commute, and partly because I couldn't afford to signup for any races to keep me moving toward a goal.

I finally had enough. I was disgusted and embarrassed at what I was becoming (especially since I run this triathlon - health/fitness site). I got out of my apartment lease, sold a bunch of crap, packed up the van, took the dog and moved to Oregon (from SF). I decided it was time to prioritize with my health and happiness and start living a better life. It's been about 4 months since being here and I no longer have chest pains, I've lost about 15lbs and have been sticking with my training. Occasionally I still falter on the diet side, but it's 10x better than it was last year.

Anyway, that's my story in progress. Not everyone can pick up and make a big change, but my point in sharing it is that we all have our struggles and issues and we all have the power within ourselves to make a change for the better - whatever that may mean for you. It's just about finding that inner strength and going for it. (Whoa, that was my self help guru speech)

Daily tangible things I do to keep motivated:

1. Start your blog. It may be a plug, but honestly since I put that up I've been much better at keeping to my schedule. Even if noone else reads it, I think they do and that keeps me going.

2. I work on this site. By helping others through providing info and resources on the site, I'm actually helping myself. I get motivated to set an example and to help others achieve their goals. Maybe for you it could be setting an example for your family or helping them get involved in healthy activities. It's important to build healthy habits for your kids early in life so it's easier for them to maintain as they get older.

3. I read books, magazines, articles on other athletes and what they're accomplished. Armstrong in particular.

4. I watch old tapes of past Tour de Frances or Ironmans.

5. Find a training partner or a local club to get involved with.

This is getting too long, sorry. Hope it helps some. Keep coming back and share your progress or struggles with us and we'll get you through that Duo in April.

Woo hoo!
Way to go tribro!
You're never defeated until you give up.
You almost made it into the clydesdale club too.

Mamps, don't try to get it all back in one go.
Make small goals.
Success is built on the accumulation of small achievements.

My first workout on the way to my first Ironman was to run to the end of the road and back - just 2K.
All you have to do is make a start.

The race of a thousand miles begins with just one step.

PoC

I found out why this is the greatest sport ever! Because of people like you who respond to another in need of a little help.
Greyhound- thank you for your response! I tried responding to your post last night but I think I made a mistake.
You summed it up best with this line "It was time to get up and do something, I didn't want to leave my wife and kids without a husband and father. " After college, I was so burnt out from wrestling training that I gave up all activities for a long time because I was so burnt out. I went from wrestling at 177 in college to 275 pounds in a matter of 2 years (yes...100 pound swing). I delayed my yearly physical for 2 years and when I finally had the nerve to go, the doctor gave me 3 choices; 1.) Die at a young age and not experience life to the fullest, 2.) Take medication for Chol. and BP (@24 years old?) and be on medication for the rest of my life and that may not even work, or3.) Do something about it and quit making excuses. This really hit home in a hard way! I was getting ready to get married in a couple of months, getting ready to start a BEAUTIFUL family (which I did not know at the time). This to me was the beginning of a wonderful life. So I did something about it. I went on the Adkins diet (if you are a fan of this diet or not, it is irrelevant, it worked for me, and I am not suggesting this diet, I am just stating what worked for me) and had wonderful success in combination with exercise. I lost about 70 pounds, felt great, ALL KINDS OF ENERGY, great sex drive (kind of personal but very important to all of us). My best friend approached me about doing a brick workout with him. I LOVED IT! And I have been hooked ever since. I (over time) was in the best shape of my life even in better shape than the wrestling days. I started to find myself in a rut recently and luckily with help from you guys, and a supportive wife, I am realizing that the only person that can change this rut is myself.
So to answer your challenge (if you will) about the race in Cinci, if I can swing the costs I am in! I look forward to hearing from you with more details!!!
It was funny to me that after reading your post, I went to bed, and I happened to get up this morning @ 4:30. I rolled over looked at the clock, said to myself "man it's early I am going to sleep a little longer. So I tried, and no luck! I finally got out of bed at 5:00 and started my car to warm up (still in my P.J.'s) I figured that if the car was running, I had no excuse not to get in it and go to the gym. Reluctantly, I threw stuff in my bag, and off to the gym I went. I had probably won of the best workouts ever. Maybe not the hardest or the most beneficial, but it just felt GREAT. I felt like I was back in the swing again. So hopefully this may be the kick that I need.

Tri Bro- that truly is an amazing story that I can defiantly relate to. I just recently had to sell my tri bike for some medical bills that my insurance did not cover from a "so called" pre existing condition that nearly wiped me out financially. I am getting back on my feet right now and slowly getting these bills paid off, maybe not as fast as the collectors want but I am doing the best I can!
It is unfortunate that in this society most people judge on what you have financially. However, it sounds like you are or were going through some very tough times financially as well. I and I am sure I can speak for a lot of us members that this website is a huge asset of yours! I have learned and benefited so much from this site!
And that is truly amazing about your brother! I would like to have the same video to show you some day!

And to the rest of you that took time out to post...THAKS A MILLION! It is so helpful to have supporters like you all!
I will keep you all posted on my success.
Mamps

Allright Mamps, the first step is the hardest!

Managed to get in an 8 mile run before the ice in Cincinnati got too bad and forced the group to run in the roads. No one was brave enough to try another 8 with the icy footing.

I'll be up in the Columbus area a couple of times this year for races, maybe we can hook up and do a short run/ride, heck, even go get a beer or two. A little Carbo loading never hurt., if done in moderation.

Check out hfpracing.com, there is a schedule of races, there is one or two near Columbus, and I plan on being there for that one too.

wow, this thread is giving me the goosebumps. way to go ALL OF YOU.

getting inspired. heading outside!

This is one of the best threads I have read so far on this site!! Great people in a great sport changing lives for the better....

Very long story short...I am a three time cancer (check out my intro for more details). I was feeling responsible for the fact that I got cancer at 29 years old...I was 205, 6ft, and very out of shape. I had been a runner thru high school and college. When we got married and started having children, I stopped running completely and, as a hobby, started brewing beer (lots of fun, but certainly not the healthiest of hobbies).

After my first round with cancer, I took charge and started running and lifting again. Changed my diet and lost lost 34 pounds in 4 months. Started racing 10Ks again and look at me now....7 years later, fought cancer two more times, ran two marathons and now entering the world of triathlons!! I am lean and strong at 180lbs (gained muscle mass after the major weight loss).

I constantly have the cancer worry for me children and my wife, but I am incharge of my metal strength. Challenge yourself everyday. Take one day at a time and commit to make yourself the strongest person you can.

We are all hear to support you and all have different challenges. It's how we tackle the challenges in our lives that show who we really are.....Fight hard and you will overcome!! Brian

GB ANT...
Very good response. I really feel terrible after reading your post however! Here I am complaining about gaining a little weight, and not being motivated becasue of a few struggles and I have someone like yourself who has truley been to hell and back, survivng Cancer not one time but 3, telling me that everything is going to be OK. It almost sounds selfish on my part! I should be the one telling you that everything will work out in the end! I think your story is really motivating!
I think it is really neat to hear people on this forum discuss their family life as well and how they are able to tie the two(triathlons and family) together.
I really wish you the best of luck in the future