One more time

I just signed up for the Lake Tahoe Ironman in September 2013.  A friend sent me an email and once I started imagining myself doing a triathlon near Lake Tahoe, I was done.  There is a pretty good chance that I won't be able to finish this race.  After finishing Vineman in 2009, I spent the next few years getting into progressively worse shape.  Along the way, I injured my knee and haven't been able to run on it for nearly two years.  So it's a long shot, BUT...

I AM excited about having some motivation to take better care of myself.  It's nice to have a big goal to shoot for.  Even if I don't make it, hopefully I can regain a healthy lifestyle and have fun trying to get into Ironman shape.

This month, I'm starting pretty small since I haven't been exercising regularly. My goals for the month are:

• Lose about 5 pounds to drop my weight below 170 lbs - I'm hoping this reduces the impact on my knees and gets me closer to my 2009 Ironman weight (~165).  I know that's light for someone who's 6"1", but I have a hard time putting on any muscle... anything over 165 usually just winds up being extra fat.  
• Start to build some foundational strength:
• Do at least 50 straight pushups (I can do about 25 today)
• Do at least 5 straight pullups (I might be able to do one today... losing a little weight should help) 
• Carefully do squats and lunges every day without weights to get my leg strength built up.
• Do small, short runs with a goal of being able to run 200m consistently by the end of the month without any knee issues. 
• Swim at least 3 times (any distance) 
• Ride at least 3 times for a total of 50 miles