My Life

C and I after my first 13.1 race!

Last year I ran my first half marathon. After watching my brother C.L. complete countless marathons and triathlons I decided it was my turn to step out of the crowd of supporters and onto the race course. At the end of the first half marathon I thought I was going to die. I spent my time at the afternoon family BBQ curled up under a shrub in agony. After that I slept for 15 straight hours, only to wake up barely being able to walk. But, being the Lyons that I am, I didn't let that stop me. I continued to run and attend bootcamp throughout the summer. By Thanksgiving I had finished 3 half marathons and a marathon relay. My times steadily improved and I began to feel more comfortable with running long distances.

Our Ironman!

Another thing that has inspired me to want to do more, watching my brother finish the 2012 Lake Placid Ironman in around 13 hours. I would be lying if I said I wasn't competitive. While watching him race and cross the finish line of the Ironman (and every other race) I have thought if he can do that, so can I.

 So, Who am I?

To give a little more background about myself. I grew up in Middlebury, Vermont and am the youngest of 3. I played soccer for as long as I remember almost all year round. In high school I played lacrosse and skied a few seasons on the Nordic ski team. I also spent some summers swimming on the Middlebury Marlins Swim Team. I was an athlete through and through. I ran to get in shape for the sports seasons or ran during season. Until now I ran to stay in shape for the season, not for fun or for fitness. I also don't think I ever ran more than 4 miles until last year.

My New Fit Life!

It took back injury and some personal hardship to realize I needed to really make a positive change in my life. Yeah, I had run a few half marathons, but I still wasn't taking care of my body. When I started physical therapy for my back issues I (and struggled with even the most basic exercises and stretches) I knew I had to make a change. Also seeing the numbers on the scale slowly increase to close to 200 lbs. and my doctor telling me that my BMI was too high, I knew it was really time. No more excuses, it was time to change my life. So I got a gym membership and started swimming two days a week. I could get my cardio in while taking care of my back. I slowly began running again. I also set a goal for myself - to complete a triathlon this summer. So I signed up for one.

Finishing up my 14 mile ride

Swim, Bike, Run

I signed up for one of the Vermont Sun Triathlons at Branbury Beach State Park on Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, Vermont. On August 11, 2013 I was going to swim 600 yards, bike 14 miles and run 3.1 miles. I spent my spring and summer training. I swam at the gym two days a week, ran at least four days a week and biked at least two days a week. As the race got closer I paired up my biking and running workouts - to get used to the feeling of getting off my bike and running. Well, that training paid off. I finished in 1:34:39, much faster than my goal of 2 hours! I also won my age group! As I crossed the finish line all I could think was how awesome I felt and that I couldn't wait to sign up for another race and that training for an Ironman is definitely in my future.

What's This Blog All About?

To me this blog has several goals. 1 - to keep tabs on myself and my training. I need to keep myself accountable and on track. 2 - to help and inspire others. Since I have completed my triathlon (and during my training) I had many friends mention that they had always thought about signing up for one, but just weren't sure. I am here to say: Just Do It!! Sign up, train your butt off and have fun! I am also hoping to find some more training partners here in central Vermont, because training is always more fun (and motivating) with friends!! And lastly- I want to inspire other to change their life like I did. Eat cleaner and healthier, get fit and start living a happier life!

My Health and Fitness Goals

The first step to keeping myself in check is to lay out my goals for all to see. I initially wrote this list last year. Since then I have made some adjustments and am always looking to add to it or adjust it as needed.

Fitness

Pre-race awesome!

• 2012: complete (2) half marathons - 
• I completed 4 half marathons and 1 marathon relay!

• 2013: complete (2-3) half marathons and (1-2) triathlons
• I've completed 1 half marathon and 1 triathlon so far!

• 2014: complete (2) half marathons, (1) full marathon, (3-4) triathlons

• 2015: complete (2) half marathons, (2-3) full marathons, (4+) triathlons, including a half Ironman

•  2016: complete (2) half marathons, (2) marathons, (4+) triathlons, including a half Ironman

• 2017: complete a full Ironman!

With this list typed out it looks a bit crazy! My overall goal is the full Ironman in or by 2017. So, whatever I need to do to reach that goal is what I am going focus on. Other health goals I have are:

• Run a sub 2:00:00 hour half marathon

• Run a sub 4:00:00 hour marathon

• Get weight down to 165 pounds (about 15 more pounds to go!!)

Hiking with my dog Odin

• Get BMI down to a healthier level

• Eat more local organic foods (including local meat)

• Switch over to eco-friendly/organic health and beauty products

• Make all my own cleaners (no more toxics) 

•  Hike, kayak, camp and get outside!

• Travel!

So stay tuned. I am going to be sharing my training plans, healthy recipes and foods, as well as my successes and failures. No matter what happens with the Ironman, I am planning to stay positive and happy and enjoy every minute I have with my friends and family.

Lyons Family!