In the beginning... Part Two

So, after a very minor set back, we have the 3 members of our Challenge Wanaka relay team:

Myself - Peter Tua, Maurice Tua & Katrina Stewart. I'm doing the swim, Katrina - the cycle, Maurice - the run.

Our race is on the 16th January 2010 in Wanaka.



This is my story....



A couple of years ago, when I was living in Taupo, I started to train with a group of novice athletes in the club that is the Taupo Ironvirgins. IV's are a club of first time ironmen and women who are training to compete in and complete the New Zealand Ironman race.

I never got there, due to things like shifting towns, finding time to really put the effort into training, but I guess the thing that sealed it all, was my lack of enthusiasim.

On September 12, 2008, I turned 38. I stepped onto the bathroom scales and to be very honest, I didn't like what I saw. I had reached a weight that I had never thought to be possible, a gianormous 156.50 kg, or 345.02 lb (for those who are that way inclined). I was very unhappy, not just with my weight, but my health in general and in my relationship. I needed a boost. So, this was my birthday present to myself :



"Mr Tua, you have got 365 days to turn what you currently call your life around and lose some weight, become a happier person and be better off for it"



That was it, plain and simple.



Well, it started off well and I had lost 10kg in a couple of months and was feeling pretty good about it all, then along came Christmas and drinking. Now in my job as a household rubbish collector, you get all sorts of goodies at Christmas from your customers. Myself along with my workmate acquired 17 boxes of beer and 2 boxes of chocolate, along with the crap you eat whilst you are working, it didn't take long for those lost kilograms to reappear. I got back up to 153.50 and on the 27th January 2009, I started to diet and exercise on a regular basis. As of today I am weighing in at 138.90 kg or 306.22 lbs. I feel a hell of a lot better for it and long may it continue. I have a goal weight of 100kg by race day, and I'll do everything in my power to achieve that goal.



Well, time for bed now, so to be continued.....