It's A Monday... So why not start today.

I am terrible at training. I love the idea. I love the end result. I love the addiction when I am a week or so into the training. I hate the one day I skip that leads to weeks off and the ultimate demise of my training programs.

I don't intend to cut my training short. I don't set out to compete in events with little or no training. What I need is a personal trainer... someone to keep me on track; keep me focused; keep me eating the right foods. Unfortunately I have chosen an expensive past time, so my trainer will be virtual. I currently use Training Peaks which is an affordable training site developed by Joe Friel and his son Dirk Friel that gives me a nice guide for reaching my goals.

The next year and a half will be about time/family management - balancing family, training, work and all the other things that pop up in life. All, fingers crossed, injury free.

I chose to start my blog today knowing that Wednesday I go in for an MRI. My left knee has bothered me for nearly 12 years. I have been running since I was eight years old, so I can't imagine why my knees are sore occasionally. I have suspected and been told on a few occasions that I likely have a torn meniscus. On Wednesday we will see for sure and next Tuesday, I will find out from Dr. Beach at Tuckahoe Orthopaedic exactly what the best course of action will be.

With my plan for a half Ironman in September and a full Ironman next year, I wanted to get this checked out early this season so that I could get it taken care of or move forward with a clear head.

Last year was an exciting year. Traci (my amazing wife) competed in her first triathlon and placed 5th in her age group. This year is going to be even better. I joined Richmond Velo Sport last year, but did not compete due to a back injury and general lack of fitness. This year Traci joined and will compete as part of the Multisport squad along with me. I also will compete on Road Racing squad. I can't wait to train and race with her.

My goal is to update the blog at least once per week, but there may be weeks I choose to ramble on a bit more.

One other thing I forgot to mention is that we are looking at a food revolution in the Parrish household, so minimizing meat, processed sugars, and eliminating as much processed food as we possibly can. Our son, has already broken down in tears after asking if we were becoming vegetarians. It is going to be an interesting adventure!

So stay tuned for Ironman training, a food revolution, family adventures, and hopefully some laughs.