Ironman, Bodybuilding, or CrossFit

2011 Thoughts

As I approach 2012, my mind reflects back on what I did in 2011.  I set a half marathon and 5k PR, ran a sub 6:30 mile, hit 315 on bench, 455 on deads, and 315x5 on squats.  I did all this at about 15lbs lighter than my PR's.  

I ate Paleo at times, dabbled with counting Macros for Bodybuilding a few times, picked up a bunch of gym equipment for my house.

Ideas for 2012

Triathlon/Ironman: I can't swim.  I've tried lessons on a couple of occasions in the past and made little progress.  Issue with tri is swimming and the unknown of when it will "click" from lessons, masters swimming, and practice.  Main question is how much will it cost to learn and when will it finally click.  

Bodybuilding: Diet never ends....off season, contest season, traveling, holidays....the darn healthy eating never ends.  I enjoy eating healthy, but I shy away from saying no more to cookies, cake, beer, fatty steaks and sausages.  The diet stresses my out traveling for work, going to work dinners, and even eating my wife's cooking at home (dictating her diet/kids diet).  I love the workouts and the detailed nature fits my "Type A" side.  Good is the challenge and it's easy in the sense that I've been on stage before, know and understand how to Bodybuild, no stretching my limits to learn something new.

Strength and Conditioning, CrossFit, 5/3/1: Easy and Fun, issue is that I am so laid back with my diet when training this style.  No competition to get ready for, no compelling reason to pass on the sweets or beer....it's very go with the flow lifestyle.  This is great for family, friends, and work functions.  The diet is what can be frustrating, after eating junk I get disappointed with my lack of discipline.  The main issue with this style is I feel lost without an end goal to push me and just feel I spin my wheels.  I lack the self-discipline to eat healthy and push my training without an external motivator.  Overall this training fits the lifestyle best and provides much day to day satisfaction

This has been a day to day battle for 2-3 weeks now....really most of 2011.  I want to push myself and chase something, but enjoy the CrossFit style training lifestyle. At this point, I know I'm running a half Marathon in March 2012, but have no idea what else will come in 2012.