That Was Then, This Is Now

On my last "short" run, I came up with this topic: "That Was Then, This Is Now". For anyone who has gotten into triathlons, or fitness for that matter, this entry should make perfect sense.

You see, 9 or so years ago, I thought I was in shape and could do just about anything without much effort or training. I dreaded the thought of running, swimming, cycling and I felt the health club was only for lifting weights.

This is a journey back in time...

Three Mile Run:

• Then: Long training run, as fast as possible
• Now: Warm up or cool down

Spandex or Bike Shorts:

• Then: Not me, not ever
• Now: I need these things and I'm not too embarrassed to wear them

Drinking Coke:

• Then: One a day keeps the doctor away...and it's great with breakfast
• Now: One or two a week, but still great for training

25 Mile Bike Ride:

• Then: Long and rarely completed bike ride
• Now: Recovery ride

1000 Yards in the Pool:

• Then: Never swam. Period.
• Now: Easy swim with drills

Cold and Wet Weather:

• Then: No way, no how
• Now: Some days, some times

Shaving the Legs:

• Then: You girly man
• Now: My own razor and I hear my legs look nice

Sprint Triathlon:

• Then: Key race of the season
• Now: Training day, maybe. Can I actually warm up doing a race like that?

Ironman:

• Then: Loved to watch it on NBC and thinking are those people crazy
• Now: I want to be on TV at that race

Transitions:

• Then: Change in T1 and then again in T2
• Now: Get in, get out

Peeing:

• Then: Gross, never do it anywhere near the race
• Now: In the water, during the swim, on the bike, and on the run, if needed

Riding Hills:

• Then: Avoid them, especially getting dropped by the wife
• Now: Seek them out, good for training

Spin Class and Treadmills:

• Then: No thanks...not for me
• Now: Just bring it...did I mention I did 17 miles on the treadmill last week?

Lifting Weights:

• Then: Get big and get ready for the gun show
• Now: Get lean and sort of mean

Shirtless at the Beach or Pool:

• Then: XL shirt that stayed on, more rolls than a bakery
• Now: Still XL shirt, but it will come off at times

Running a 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon:

• Then: 5k maybe, just maybe. The rest, screw that
• Now: Done them all...and actually look for more to do

Golfing:

• Then: True training day...walk, carry clubs, carbo load with beer and hot dogs
• Now: It RUINS my training day

Getting up at 5 am to Workout:

• Then: Are you freaking serious?
• Now: "Honey, PLEASE can I get up and workout at 5 am?"

Vitamins:

• Then: What are vitamins?
• Now: Daily, my body and mind are requesting them

My Bike:

• Then: Tires on my car cost more than the bike
• Now: Bike costs more than the truck I currently drive

The Wetsuit:

• Then: A shorty, for water skiing
• Now: I can actually drown and still be floating (and be warm)

Music on the Run:

• Then: Didn't listen to music. If I did, it would have been on my Sony Discman
• Now: IPOD shuffle...but the music is STILL the same

Porta Potties:

• Then: Gross!!!!
• Now: Gross, but a necessity

Pick Up Basketball:

• Then: Anywhere, anytime...I have more moves than Exlax
• Now: Not a chance, I might pull a hammy

Running Outfit:

• Then: Mesh hoop shorts and a cotton sleeveless shirt (showing off the guns)
• Now: True running shorts, but they can't be too short and dry fit sleeveless shirt (showing off the pee shooters)

I hoped you enjoyed my little journey back in time. Like many of you, I have evolved. I am not sure it has been for the better, but it has been an interesting journey, don't you think?

Again, I am sure you have some you could add to my list. Please feel free to share them with me. I always need a good laugh, especially at myself.

And by the way, I did try to find a picture of me back in the day wearing my on piece tri outfit, but couldn't find it. Maybe next time.