The year I turned 30 I lost 70 pounds. My motivation was the birth of my second daughter. I wanted to be around to see both of them grow up. I've kept the weight off for more than fifteen years now and at age 46 am in much better shape than I was at 30. I am living life to the fullest!
What is the secret to long term success? It's certainly not some caffeine-laced energy drink or magic bracelet. The secret to my long term success has been setting goals, big goals, scary goals. Goals like riding my bike to the top of the highest paved road in North America (Mt. Evans Highway), tackling my first triathlon (and nearly drowning), and then completing my first Ironman 70.3 triathlon. Big, scary goals are what motivate me to get up in the morning and swim, bike or run.
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| That's me on the left at 270 lbs. in December 1985 and on the right at the summit of Mt. Evans (14,240 ft.) in August 2009. |
My big, scary goals for 2011 include two new challenges: a two-man 24-hour mountain bike race with my riding buddy Troy and running my first full marathon (feet willing). I also want to finish my third Ironman 70.3 triathlon (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1 run) in under six hours (my PR is 6:06:18).
That should be plenty of motivation to keep me moving! But none of these goals become real until I actually sign up for the races. There's no better motivation than registering and paying the entry fee!
I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that in order to move you have to fuel your body. My fuel of choice is nutrient rich BEEF, which provides protein to build muscle, B vitamins for energy, iron to carry oxygen to your vital organs and muscles and other nutrients essential for an active lifestyle.
What motivates you? What goals have you set for 2011? Please post a comment and share your tips for staying motivated and actually keeping your resolution to BEEFit in 2011.
Ride on!
Daren
You are an inspiration. I'm down 37 pounds from 5 years ago, and this is just the post I need to read to jump start my 2011. So...I'll make a personal scary goal too -- I'm signing up for a full marathon in October. Help me, Lord!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do, BEEF Man!
Amanda, I look forward to hearing about your full marathon training. Everybody assumes I've done one but I fear running 26.2 miles more than riding 100 or doing a half Ironman! Keep up the good work. You look great and are an inspiration for young women who want to look great but don't want to give up the beef they love!
ReplyDeleteDaren