I officially started my Olympic triathlon training yesterday (August 4th, 2010). 

I kept wanting to wait until things were not busy in my life...but that isn't going to happen so I just picked a day and started. 

I am using a program though Trainingpeaks.com. It's really easy to follow. When you sign up for one of their hundreds of fitness plans online, you get a daily email telling you what exercises to do for that day. Each day building on the next until you have reached your goal. Check out their website for more details!

I am using two programs. One is called 25 week Beginner to Intermediate Olympic Distance Triathlon by Ben Greenfield. This is a 25 week training plan originally written for Ben Greenfield's wife to go from post-pregnancy fitness to an Olympic distance triathlon in 25 weeks - while taking care of 2 kids! Requires about 5-7 training hours per week. 

I am also using 12 Week Fitness and Fat Loss Secrets by Ben Greenfield. This program is designed for the individual who is just beginning an exercise program or who is experiencing a weight loss "plateau", this program incorporates key concepts for maximizing fitness and rapidly achieving fat loss. Ben Greenfield has taken applied exercise science concepts to design an easy-to-understand program that incorporates key Fat Loss Secrets such as the "Morning Fat Flush", "Metabolic Resistance Training" and "Calorie Blasting Intervals".

Over the course of 12 week, you'll take 3 week incremental steps towards melting away the fat, toning, shaping and gaining the energy levels you've always wanted.

One of the principles used for weight loss is to do some cardio exercise for 20-30 minutes before eating breakfast. I've heard that you burn 30% more fat that way. So I'm waking up earlier to do that. 

I've also started to keep a diary of my food intake. I think of it as a caloric budget. And I'm noticing that I'm not eating as well as I like to think I do. One thing that helps is if you have one of those smart phones and can download a calorie counter program so you can keep track of your carb, protein, fat and calorie intake. I've done this before and lost 10 pounds in a month. So I'm going to do it again. 

Here is my sample from yesterday:

Slice of bread for breakfast

Work out with Robert

Protein shake after work out at 11:00am

Pretzels with peanut butter for lunch

3 blackberries and half a banana for a snack at 5:00p

Thai food for Dinner: pad Thai plate shared three ways with me and the girls. 7:00 pm

3 spoons mango ice cream for dessert

A slice of bread for breakfast? Not a great plan. When you write it down it makes you think about what you are feeding yourself. How are you feeding the driving force of your life? 

So yesterday I worked out with Robert Haddocks, my trainer. Another great work out. I've been had some soreness in my back and one of the benefits of working out with him is that he makes you move through many planes of motion. It's not just lifting heavy weights. He also customizes the work out program to help my back get supported by my core (stomach muscles). And now, after a month, my back feels a lot better! Thanks Robert!

Then I did a 45 minutes of bike drills as recommended on my triathlon program. Then 30 minutes of walking on a treadmill that evening. 

All in all not a bad start! Anybody want to join me online and start training for their first triathlon?