It has begun!!!

Hello blogging world.  This is it... the first official post to my blog.  I guess it feels good.  

Where to begin?  Where to begin?  I suppose I should start by stating my purpose.  From there I'll give you a brief background and catch you up to speed on what you need to know, and then I'll fill you in on where we go from here. 

Why is Josh doing this?

Basically, this is a good way for me to let those who care know how my training is going.  I'm sure that at some time or another most everyone I know has asked me some sort of offhanded question about how training is going and the next thing they know it's hour 2 of the "Josh Boeve Triathlon Lecture Series."  Honestly, I feel bad when I go off on a tangent so I suppose this is a way for me to try to get things on the table without monopolizing a real life conversation.  That being said... don't be surprised if I still monopolize the conversation (whether or not I'm talking triathlon training).  

The "Self Performed Background Interview"

Josh:  So, Josh, tell me what possessed you to register for a triathlon in the first place... and of all things an Ironman?

Josh:  Well... I first got involved in this when my youngest brother, Jared, suggested that we challenge the old man (Dad) to a sort of gentleman's contest.  That is, we sign up for a triathlon together and talk endless amounts of smack (mostly between myself and Jared) and figure that the guy who comes out on top is the "real man" of the Boeve family (Dad won, but I think that I'm still the "real man").  Training for that triathlon (Reeds Lake) was a lot of fun.  I loved the feeling that I had when I was done riding the bike or running.  I definitely felt like I was pushing my body to the limit and with every day, week, and month gone by I could feel myself getting stronger and more fit.

The feeling I get from pushing my body like this is incomparable.  It is the ultimate feeling to push yourself beyond your perceived capabilities.  So, for me the ultimate goal is an IM.  There isn't anything I would have thought to be further from my physical capabilities.

The last thing I would mention is that for my family and I there was a lot of loss last year.  Triathlon is my way of celebrating life and the physical abilities that I have been given.  

J:  So how have you planned for this?

J:  The first thing I did was read through the Triathlete's Training Bible.  This gave me an understanding of the ins and outs of training, periodization, base training, etc.  Then, after reading that and realizing there was still a lot I didn't know I went out and found someone who put a plan together for me (Tom Trout- Tom Trout Coaching).  I've been using that plan as the template for my training.  It tells me each day what workouts I need to do, how long they need to be, etc.  This has worked really well for me thus far.  I started in October and will be training through the end of the September.  The second thing I did was work on surrounding myself with people who know more than me.  Specifically, I joined beginnertriathlete.com and began using it as a resource and motivator for my training!  I also was lucky enough to get a bike sponsor, Whisper Cycles (www.jadecycles.com or www.whispercycles.com).  Jim DeGracia, the owner, has been a great resource and has helped me gain a lot of knowledge and ability.

J:  So, sounds like you're pretty confident about all of this huh?

J:  I am.  I mean, it's hard because you don't want to be too overconfident going into something like this, but at the same time you have to believe in yourself!  One thing that I've found out is that there are a lot of skeptics out there.  That being the case, you have to be sure of yourself.  Of course I still have a lot of respect for the distance and apprehension about my ability... but I know that no matter what, this event, and the training leading up to it, have changed me for the better.  

When I look at it on a smaller scale I like to give this example:  a year ago I was nearly 200 lbs. (it took like 5 or 6 years for me to blimp up like this... slowly but surely).  I remember when I started running I figured that I would never be able to run more than a couple of miles at a time.  I also remember thinking that if I could just get to 175 lbs. I'd be happy with that (despite the fact that it was still like 15 lbs. heavier than I should have been!).  I couldn't imagine anything else.  Now, I'm sitting at 155 lbs.  and a couple of miles is a recovery run!  So... my point is that it isn't just physical preparation and fitness that will get you through.  Mental preparation, fitness, and most importantly toughness is just as important!

J:  So what keeps you going?

J:  My family, my friends, and the idea that if I can accomplish this... I can accomplish anything.

J:  Josh, you've been a great interview.  You are extremely intelligent and funny.  

J:  Thanks Josh, you aren't so bad either.

Where do we go from here?

Basically I'm hoping to post on a regular, to semi-regular, basis.  I'll let everyone know how training is going, my goals, my fears, etc.  I'll probably throw out a gear review every now and then for anyone looking for advice and commentary on what has worked for me.  Alright... until next time...