Let's Get This Started...

So what's this all about....here goes:

After doing quite a bit of research on exercise, diets, etc. for myself, I
have come to realize the magnitude of just how many women (and men) out
there struggle with weight loss and getting in shape. Some of you many not
even be trying to lose, but maybe trying to bulk up. You have no idea how
many people are in search of what they don't have (body wise) until you
check out some of the chat rooms - That's really where one can see how out
of control we all really are.

So, being a person who can't do this alone, after having years of coaching
in National level sports (and nobody yelling at me to keep going when I
don't want to), I wanted to start something that would help people stick to
their guns and be held accountable. I came up with this idea to have
people across the country pick any diet (Atkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers,
Weight Gainer, etc.) and/or workout plan, and commit to it for 3 months
(12-weeks). Shoot...that will be over before you know it. If it's working,
do it for another 12 weeks. But 12 weeks is all I ask to start. There
will be successes and failures and everything in between, but the point is to
commit to trying...if you can't stick with it, it's okay... at least you
tried. Just because you've failed before, doesn't mean you will this time.

You might be asking what I want out of this, or what's the catch...well,
it's not money, or anything like that...I want people to do this with
me...to just get out there and give it a try. Step out of your comfort
zone and do something you never thought you could before. And I want you to
track it all down...log everything during those 3 months...weight/size/workouts...
keep record of it all. There are two ways you can do this, either by creating
your own online journal as part of the community, or by doing it on video
(format can be Hi-8, or MiniDV). I will reimburse you for each full tape of
footage sent in. Think of it a bit like MTV "Real World" where the people sit
down in front of the camera and spill their hopes, dreams, fears, goals
and struggles. You can also include video footage, photos, or journal entries
of the process. Interview family and friends on your progress. Before and
After photos/footage, etc. For me, I'm going to interview family & friends
in the beginning, middle and end (but I wont watch any of it until it's all over)
Then I can see what they thought along the way...Just think, if you start now,
you'll look great for the new year...and we'll all be there to support you along
the way. I have a couple friends that are trainers, so if you have questions,
you can post it any time and I'm sure I can get someone to help you.

Now, for those of you thinking to yourself... THERE IS NO WAY IN HECK that
I'm going to do this on camera...I ask you, "why not"? You're not the only
one out there (obviously if you've found this site, and are still reading
this, you're looking to make a change, and something this crazy might just
be what it takes). Admit it, this could be really cool. And the best
part, you have nothing to lose but whatever is making you feel unattractive or
out of shape. Maybe even get a group of your friends to do it together, kind
of a "workout support group". Do interviews with all of them, keep track. I
swear, it's a whole level of accountability that you never imagined. You
might even have fun and meet some new friends in the process. Even
better, people may be able to learn from you. This is to show people from all over
the country (maybe world, who knows), from every walk of life...that there
are people out there struggling with the same issues, same lack of
confidence or will power...whatever. Everyone wants to feel good about
themselves, and if you're doing it, why not show the world how you made it
happen. In the end, you get the final say over sending the tapes in or
not, and if you don't, it might just make something for you to laugh at when
you've made it though to the light at the end of the tunnel. Or something
to watch when you feel yourself falling back into old habits. Either way,
like I said, there really is nothing to lose.

As for me...I've already started. Actually, two weeks ago. I'm starting
the online journal this week, but the video taping and all that fun started
last week. My diet is based on a place called "MyFreeDiet.Com" and I'm
training for a triathlon...so my workouts are tailored specifically with
that in mind. I guess you could say that I'm taking the long road, but I
think it will work for me because I'm a goal driven person, so I need
something to set my sights upon. I've already learned a lot about myself
in this process, you'd be amazed what comes out when you do an interview with
yourself and discuss your successes, fears, failures, etc. each week. It's
helped so much, and I actually look forward to workouts now...believe
me...especially for those of you that know me...I use to complain about
parking too far away from the store and having to walk (Quit laughing
Shalen). But just so you know, I'm not thin (quit laughing Shalen) or
built or anything like that. I'm way out of shape and sick of it...so I'll be
along for the challenge, right there with you. To be honest, I can't even
run a couple miles right now without dying, so the triathlon is a huge
goal. Hence the name "Crazy2Tri". But I've learned a good lesson in life from
John Ortberg's book, "If You Want to Walk on Water , You've Got to Get Out
of the Boat"...you wont succeed if you never try. Read the book if you get
a chance, it's great.

So that's the deal...the more people that participate, the better. No
catch, no hidden fees, no gimmicks. I promise to respond to everyone that
contacts me and keep up with it to the best of my ability (as long as you
don't post rude notes or send discouraging emails)...Nobody likes a hater.

I can't wait to get the ball rolling and meet all you that want to give
this a shot. Email me at Crazy2Tri@aol.com if you're interested.