Brian is Bald

First barbell session since last autumn when I stopped before the 5K. Today, a guy asked me to spot him benching 245 lbs. I was terrified. For comparison I then followed him by benching an empty 45 lb bar.

If I’m honest, weekends are the hardest to stay within my calorie goals and why I’ve plateaued for the past few months. Seems like every weekend carries a reason to celebrate and make an excuse to eat without tracking, which usually means overeating. Time to buckle down so I can hit my goal. I’ve been so close to 56 lbs lost, I just need to stop letting my impulses win on weekends. Late-night snacking is also an issue, but not as severe. I still stay within goal on weekdays.

After giving my legs a week off to recover from the triathlon, it’s time to hit the gym again tomorrow. Knee feels good, left hamstring still very tight and needs more stretching. Might start barbell training again and focus on strength vs speed. Setting my sights on an autumn half marathon though, just haven’t picked which one yet.

I made it here and no next race booked. I know I can do a 10K, so do I go for a half marathon?

I became a triathlete! #bucketlist

Packing for my trip to Florida for the triathlon. #butterflies

Today was my 35th birthday and I reflected on all that I’ve accomplished in less than a year. I’ve lost 50 pounds, I can run 7 miles in one session, I’m stronger and healthier than I’ve been since high school, I’ve run in two 5Ks and I’m two weeks away from my first triathlon.

On the less positive side of this past year, as it hasn’t escaped me each year since 1999, today is the 14th anniversary of the tragedy at Columbine High, and this year it has a special meaning to me. For the first time I’m not upset about sharing my birthday. This year I have an affinity for the Columbine community and now understand what that small town has gone through. I wonder where Newtown will be in 14 years from now? Will I still live here? Will Penelope and Wally have graduated from Newtown High? I’ve been upset in the past to share my birthday with tragedies like this, the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon, or Hitler’s birthday, but this year I’m more cognizant of the pain this day brings to others. I hope they find solace in getting through another day.

As I have joked over the past few weeks, today is my “half-70”th birthday and I’m very likely in the middle portion of my life if I’m lucky. So my weight loss may be a form of midlife crisis and I’m hopeful that at my 36th birthday I will have more milestones to be proud of rather than depression that other birthdays (I’m looking at you 30) have brought.

Thanks to everyone that reached out, it really means more than you know. Its amazing to have nearly 150 different people from all parts of my life contact me. Its a wonderful reminder of all the good people I’m surrounded by. I had a wonderful day with my family, playing with my kids, holding my months-old niece, laughing with my parents and kissing my wife. What a beautiful day, thank you.