Tri minus 23

Here it is the start of T-week 23. On June 19, 2010 I will complete my 1^st ( and possibly only) Sprint Triathlon. For the next 23 weeks as I train I plan on sharing some of my wins, failures, and thoughts as I go through this journey. I hope in writing as I go is three fold. 1^st it is a way of making myself accountable to all of you. 2^nd I believe that as I share I will get encouragement from those that read this and 3^rd I hope to prove to some of you that you too can tackle this or other challenges you may be facing.

A few weeks ago I read an interesting article on Active.com; 6 Tips for Turning Resolutions Into Reality. These tips will work with every area of your life, not just training for an endurance event.

Start With a Specific and Realistic Goal

How often do we start out the New Year with a whole list of things that we are going to do different but we only talk generalities. Don’t say you are going to loose weight; say you are going to loose 5 pounds. Don’t just say you are going to get into shape, set a goal to be able to walk 3 miles by July 4^th. Don’t just say you are going to read the Bible, set a goal to read it through more than once this year ( Just 15 Pages A Day)

Follow a Realistic Training Program

If you are trying to loose 5 pounds, you will need to alter your lifestyle to reduce calories in your diet. Not starve for a month and then go back to the way you always did things. You will just put the weight back on. A number years ago I cut the wasted sugars out of my diet (sodas, candy, desserts) after 6 weeks I lost one whole size and didn’t gain any weight for more than a decade without exercising.

Break it Down

Break your resolution into a few smaller, more digestible pieces (check points) throughout the year. If your goal is to get into shape, don’t try and run a marathon your 1^st night in the gym, work into a routine where you are developing muscle and endurance.

Let Your Goals Evolve

Change takes time. Be patient and persistent. There will be ups and downs; but if you stick with

Reward Yourself

Treat yourself to a massage or special gift when you reach a mini-goal. It is a great way to stay motivated and celebrate reaching the next checkpoint.

Surround Yourself With Support

Join a Reach Team. Tell everyone you know about your goals. You’ll have a built-in motivational source, plenty of friends to chat with along the way and someone to get you going when you’re not inclined.

Thanks for visiting and be sure to return and check out my progress.