Back in the Saddle Again.....

Today, after a fairly inconsistent week of working out. But one of the hardest weeks of working out I've ever had, I decided to get back on the strict low carb diet with a consistent regiment of weight training that I abandoned for the last 2 weeks or so.

So, I carbed up for what I'm expecting tomorrow, when I hit the gym in the AM on an empty stomach, and 60 minutes of aerobic activity. I'm getting ready to become a mason and hit the BRICKS....The BRICK, which is the transition from the bike to the run is the toughest part. I've done it at the gym in small instances, but tomorrow, I'll do it an increased rate to help my stamina.

45 minutes on the bike, then 45 minutes of running. I'm there at 6AM.

Run from hell....

Yesterday, I experienced what was clearly the most painful training session I've ever endured. Like Method Man I say "Bring the Pain." The people I'm raising money for go through much worse.

But alas, let me give some details. I showed up at 6:20pm on Tuesday, January 25, ready for the 6:30 run. Warmed up and in full running gear, I approached our normal meeting spot for the team run. We began our 5.2 mile run, with a 20 minute warmup around the southern loop of Central Park and up the hills. It was a physically painful and humbling experience. I realized exactly how out of shape I really am. Although I've lost over 50 lbs, I'm not nearly where I need to be, which is about 70 to 80 lbs from where I am now, which is 250lbs. I started at 303 lbs, which is not where I'll ever be again, but its good to remind myself where I've been so I don't revisit it.

Today, I found myself in pain, as I walked. Not straight, or upstairs, but walking downstairs. Its weird. I'm sure I'll be better. God knows I need to swim tonight. If only to flush out the the lactic acid in my legs.

It feels good to be alive and feel these things again.

Ice Cold

Training outside the past few days has been a problem in this bitter cold. I've had to move indoors. But tomorrow, we'll be training as a group outdoors at 8AM. Wish me luck....I'll need it.

A change from the norm....

This entry represents a change in the norm, from my typical posts. I'm not talking about training today. I haven't been to a training session since last Saturday. But it is related to my training. It involves the person who sparked my interest in getting in shape.

Sometimes inspiration strikes in the weirdest places and ways. A friend at work inspired me to write this blog.

The woman who sparked and inspired me to change (but not to continue to change) is slowly and surely breaking me down....why?! Mostly because I've let her and because I'm stupid (at least with emotional intelligence).

Its hard to watch her as she has decided to pursue another man. I'm trying to forget about her and think of her differently (as a non-possibility), but she continues to pull me in. Earlier today, I received a call from her and she told me about the plans for her weekend as she plans to begin to move on and see her interest. Infuriariated, crushed, embarrased and jealous all at once, I lied to her and said I had another call, as I hung up on her. I did not like doing that. I don't like doing that to anyone, but it had to be done. Que cera, cera...thats life.

At this point, I think I know what needs to be done, but I'm really struggling with letting her go completely. As Sting says, "if you love somebody, set them free" and I'm trying hard to not hate her. Usually I have to hate someone to detach myself from them. But I can't do that in this case.

Ah....this is a new experience and too much like a Spanish Novela or daytime soap. Alas, that which does not kill me, will make me stronger. While there have been several women around, but only she really captures me. I've never held on to a woman who so obviously rejects me, for so long. Its actually self-destructive and self-loathing.

What's a boy to do?

Well, all I can do is be patient. Right now, it seems that she sure as hell ain't the one....at least not now and probably never....and be emotionally available. God, I'm pitiful. I miss her and I haven't even had her yet.

Good things come to those who wait....I hope I'm rewarded. Although she sparked the change. I change for only one person....myself.

Acknowledgements

I need to acknowledge the following people who have donated generously to my campaign to raise money for the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society of America, NYC Chapter and my triathlon. Some of you are family, some are coworkers, some are friends, some are former school teachers, some are friends of my family. I thank you all. This is in no particular order or preference.

William Rickman
Jennifer Bradley
Troy & Nancy Broadbent
John E. Fridman Jr. & Family
Rosa Newman & Family
Sudani Martin
Brian Bichler
Michael Porter
Fran Queller
Marsha Golod
Jennifer Gelosa
Iraida & Kevin Rodriguez
Mildred & Peter Fridman (Thanx Mom!)
Nancy Desplantes

Thank you all for your generosity.

If you are reading my post, and you have not yet donated and feel inclined to do so. Or if you have and would like to spread the word, please forward this link. I can use all the help I can get and so can the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society of America.

Please use the following link to donate online. If you're not comfortable doing that, please ask me how else to do so. I could really use your help. Here is the link:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnyc/tntnycRGonzal

Thank You for reading and for your support

Rigo

Making up for a group run.

Today, was a group run which unfortunately I missed. I had some things going on at work that caused me to miss my group run. Also, I don't like running outside, when its below 35 degrees, which it was today. However, I attended my first spin class in almost 3 years. I got my ass handed to me. After an hour of sweating out all kinds of nasty toxins out of my body and sweating like a faucet, I then ran for 30 minutes. After all, I am trying to simulate triathlon conditions and I'm building up to it. It was tough and my legs feel sore and like jello, and strong, all at once.

Until the weather gets better, I'm going to be spinning more often, then running. Its called the BRICK. The transition from biking to running and generally its considered the toughest part of the marathon. I dislike running already, but its only because I'm not in great shape yet. But I'm getting there, and when I do, forget about it. I'm taking off like I have wings. I just need to work through what I'm doing now.

Fringe Benefits of Training....

Today, was an interesting day with Team in Training or TNT. Today was not a training day, but a day for TNT happy hour. After I had a drink with a coworker, I went from the west side of midtown over to Turtle Bay. As I entered, I found myself in amazement as a heterosexual male. Most of the people there, were women, as is in group training sessions. However, I usually don't see most of my teammates outside of running gear and sweats. Today though was a different story. It was a great moment to see many of teammates in office wear or dolled up specifically for this event. I was in awe as I saw many beautiful women, some of whom were not immediately recognizable.

I'm not sure if its because I'm getting in better shape, or if people were just more friendly due to the bonding thats occurred through training or if they were just buzzed, but I found myself being introduced and introducing myself to many women that I normally would not have access to. It felt great. Ahhh....besides raising money for a good cause and getting in shape, I also have another motivation. It was good to see it or them in person.

First Swim....

I was definitely NOT a fish out of water for my first swim training today. In fact, I did quite well. Although I'm not exactly in beach shape (I'll be there soon though), I did well. So well in fact that the swimming trainers think that I should consider joining the advanced class instead.....if only my running could catch up....

Birthday Boy

Today is my birthday, I've turned....well, I've turned a year older. But I'm still a young man. Even today on my birthday, all hungover from partying too much for the last three days, I still need to make time to train.

While I enjoy training and getting in shape, I have to say, that I genuinely hate running outside in the cold. Although I know it is the best exercise to get in cardiovascular and physical shape, I still hate it so....

But I have met some cool people as a result and those people keep me going.

Thank You!!!!