Patrick Crossley - Becoming an Ironman

Starting Point
Weight - 195 lbs
body fat - 29%

August 2009
Weight - 175 lbs
body fat - 21%
Swim - 9,711 yards
Bike - 32.2 miles
Run - 43.47 miles

What began as an effort to get back into shape has evolved into a challenge that I never saw myself accepting. I began running in December of 2008 in an effort to get some exercise and get back into the shape I was in 10 years ago.
To mix things up, I started cycling as well. A few months later, I purchased my first road bike. As I began to push the limits of what I could physically accomplish, I entered my first Duathlon. Since finishing that race, it's been an obsession.

Answering the question of why I decided to get into triathlon
(and why I stick with it) is not easy. It started with fitness. It turned into proving something to myself. Being able to call myself an athlete. Feeling the rush of crossing the finish line after traversing a distance that I thought was impossible. It's about satisfying my need for competition, and more importantly, proving to myself that I can accomplish anything that I set my sights on.

My goal: to become an Ironman distance triathlete.

Select a training plan
target - 8/31/09

Achieve 10% body fat or less
target - 10/9/09

Run a 6:00 mile
target - 12/31/09

Complete 300 miles running for the year
target - 12/31/09

Complete a marathon
target - 12/31/09

Get a new bike...I like shiny things
target - 3/31/10