Mental Preparation for the 5-K

Today's run was just the standard stuff. 2 mile run in about 28 minutes. I started thinking about the 5-K that I am about to compete in, and am starting to get pretty psyched-up for it. I have a couple more people that are planning on joining me for the event, and have decided, at least for most of it, I will probably walk the event. I will, however, run the last quarter-to-half mile or so, as I want the finish picture to be of me running.

I have been starting to make plans for my next fitness goal as well. Although I am still quite undecided, I am starting to lean towards getting the bicycle and training for a 50 mile bike tour. I went into a cycle shop this weekend and looked at several bicycles, and found one I really liked for around $450. That plus the equipment costs that go along will bring it up to closer to $550, which makes the purchase of it scheduled sometime mid-end of February. I will continue to run and increase my distance until then though.

If for some reason I decide not to get the bike, which I have been waffling over, I will start training for a 10-K to be run in the early summer or late spring. That one I will run, and should have my distance built up to do that. I may tell people at work about it or not. If I end up getting others to join me, I don't want to have them start a walk while I go off and run the thing. I may try and get one or two to join me at the finish line though, and perhaps for beers (water for me :) ) afterwards.

I will eventually, even if not until after the 10-K training, get a bike. In a year, 6 months after I stabilize on my weight loss, and have gotten in much better shape, I will be getting plastic surgery to remove the skin that will be left over from the dramatic weight loss. Once I am done and recovered from that surgery, I will plan to start training to compete in a triathalon. I won't try it until after the surgery though, as the extra skin I have will definitely be an impediment.

Had you asked me a year ago that I would have considered any of this, I would have laughed you all out of the room. I guess I have come a long way in my thinking, and these goals are starting to seem to be a bit more achievable these days.

Paul