Recidivist Behavior

About 10 years ago, I spent a single night in jail. I had been pulled over for speeding in what I later learned was a notorious speed trap just off a freeway exit in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, I learned a prior speeding ticket from months earlier had gone unpaid (I maintain to this day the check was sent, but evidently never arrived). Thankfully, with orchestration from my mom, a long time friend bailed me out. I had one night in there, during which nothing bad happened to me, other than I was scared the whole time, and I knew I never wanted to go back.

I wondered later how after the fist time people could ever be willing to go back to even jail, let alone prison, after just a single day. But then I think about bad habits, and how hard it is to break them. I look how many times I’ve made poor food choices, how many times I’ve skipped a workout, and how I have so many opportunities for success in my endeavors that so many others do not.

My first few weeks with Coach Alan reminded me that I can establish new habits, and that small changes can have big results. I’ve lost 10 pounds and I’m still ramping up my training, and feeling stronger. I’m incorporating weight training for the first time, and I really think it will help my swimming, and well working my core will help everything. We’re still a few months from the first race of the season, so I’m focusing on eating right as much as I am training. The focus on breakfast has really been paying off. Im eating the same amount of calories, and simply focusing on protein which has helped me to stay fuller longer. Im eating lunch an hour later than I was just a few weeks ago.

It was almost 70 degrees today here in central new york and that meant a few miles on the mountain bike outside.  Riding the MTB is just so much different than being on the road bike. It’s like a trainer ride on soft ground with more bumps.

Aside from training, we’ve been having a bunch of fun.

The first snow of the season

Stanley recovering from a jaunt in the snow in front of his heater

Our neighbor did an amazing job with their christmas tree in the front yard.

The face my niece made when she was filling her diaper while I held her.

Stanley showing some love for ER

Oh, and the raffle for Eleonore Rocks got extended until the end of the month. They’ve got stuff coming in from sponsors, and are really looking to make a difference with these funds raised, so if you have the funds, please take a moment and donate in $10 increments for your shot at prizes.