The goal of this blog - Gold Coast Marathon 3rd July 2011

Over the last few years I have become busy with starting a business, running the business, then selling the business and taking on a new job plus part time study. All of this has taken the extra energy I used to use to train for triathlons, cycling and running events. The end result has been a weight gain of close to 10 kilos and although I do not feel unhealthy I really notice the difference when I attempt sporting activities or when I go to put of clothes that I would normally fit into.

It is strange when you realise that you are not the fantastically fit person you once were. Granted I was 27 at my peak of fitness when I ran three 10km road races in just over 36mins each and I weighed under 75 kilos. If I attempted the same races again today, six years on and weighing 84 kilos, I would be lucky to break an hour for each race!

This year I am making the move from the couch (which is very comfortable when I have finished dinner and I have a beer in hand watching the TV) to the finish line. The finish line being the Gold Coast Marathon on the 3rd of July 2011. This is going to take a lot of changes to my current lifestyle some of which will be easy some will be much harder.

Now before I ramble on too far I thought it would be a good idea to outline what I hope to achieve from this blog so we both have a general guide on what to expect over the next six months.

The goal of this blog is to:

• Track my progress for the Gold Coast marathon;
• Provide in site for non marathon runners into what it takes to run a marathon, including:
• Training
• Diet
• Injury prevention
• Equipment
• Final preparation and
• Running the marathon.
• To motivate and encourage others to achieve their goals both sport related and non sport related.

The next few days will focus on:

• Setting a training program, that starts from the 3rd of Jan, including a half marathon in April and culminating with the Gold Coast marathon on the 3rd of July.
• Buying the right equipment such as running gear, clothes and shoes and
• Changing eating habits to provide the body with efficient fuels for training and recovery.

As the next six months progresses I aim to be fitter, healthier and focused on what really matters, living life to its fullest not just sitting on the couch!

From the new kid on the blog, Simon.