To coke or not to coke

I like drinking Coke Zero, at lunch today my co-worker ( Yes, the same one who laughed at me when I started this journey) challenged my choice of beverages. He offered me a challenge, Drink 4 Coke Zeros in the month of October. My mind started racing, can I do it? How will I cope without my Coke? I thought about it for a few minutes and a few more minutes, I thought I spend about $25.00 a month on soda at work and about $15.00 a month on Soda from the grocery store; I could donate the money I save to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). I would be able to donate almost $40.00 a month to help the LLS.

I know that it is better for me to drink water, but I like the taste of Coke. I will make the choice to drink more water and I hope to enjoy the benefits of drinking more water.

My hope is that other folks would join me and it could be a painless way to help raise money for the LLS.

End of Week 5

I cannot believe that 5 weeks has passed since I started this journey. I am deeply aware that there are people, like my brother, who depend on the support of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society for their cancer care and it is important that I do my part to raise funds.
I have been working on my swimming and running, I am concentrating on my swimming for now since it is my weakest sport. I have been running on the treadmill which has been improving over the last 5 weeks.
Again I appreciate all the support from my friends and family.

Jack

Swimming adventure Friday

I went swimming today, my instructor was there so I wanted to show him that I am a good student and remem ered what he taught me on Monday. Well, it was not pretty but I managed to meet my goal to swim 10 laps. He was very encouraging and I felt good about the last 2 or 3 laps. I am grateful for all the support I am receiving. The main thing is to make sure that my brother and the others who are dealing with cancer are supported.
Thanks,
Jack

Week 5

Completed my swimming lesson on Monday, the instructor has experience in swimming the mile swim and with open water swimming. I am glad that I had a great teacher. Now I am applying the lessons I learned on Monday, Wednesday went well, not pretty but I was able to cover 10 laps, which is 1/3 of the length of the triathlon swim.
Talking with my co-worker today, now I know why he was laughing when I told him that I was going to do a triathlon, he did one himself not too long ago and knew what is involved in preparing for the event. He was also kind enough to let me know that I need a plan for when I am injured. Notice he did not say  if I am injured but when I am injured. I am trying to stay positive and think that I will not be injured, but my upper back and arms are reminding me that I am closer to 50 than I am to 18.
Everyone that I talk to about this event is very positive and supportive. I have my eye on a bike, I will take a look tomorrow night ( Friday ) hopefully it will be a good fit.

I appreciate the support I have received.
My bother had his second treatment and all seems to be going well so far.

Thanks,

Jack McGowan

Week 4

Today was my first swim lesson. I know that some of you recall that I was in the Navy and should know how to swim, However there was a reason why I was in the submarine force; little need to swim from a ship that was already underwater.
Anyway I had a great instructor who helped me improve my swimming skill and gave me some training tips. There are muscles that I did not know I had, I am sure that tomorrow they will remind me about today's workout.
Last week I was working on improving my running times, I am trying interval training to improve my cardiovascular conditioning and on Saturday I was able to cover three miles in 45 minutes.
My brother had his second treatment and reports that all is well. On Wednesday last week I had the opportunity to attend Mass in Las Vegas. Prior to Mass there was St. Peregrine novena and I had the opportunity to leave a prayer request for my brother and all those who are dealing with cancer.
Thank you for your support.

Week 3 update

Good Morning,
I would like to thank everyone for your encouragement. My son, Abrahm, has decided to join Team in Training, I am very proud of his decision to become involved with this cause to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My brother started his treatment last week.
I have not taken the time to put fingers to keyboard in a while, but I have been meaning to write about my experience over the last week. I have been traveling quite a bit recently, but I have found that I can keep active and keep my up on my work outs.
I have reached 3% of my fundraising goal.

Bowflex workout day 1

Today I started woking out on the Bowflex, tonight I am really feeling my muscles that have not been exercised in a long time. I can hardly wait to see how I am going to feel tomorrow.

End of Week 2

Last week decided to work on my swimming skills. I was working in New York State last week and the hotel had a swimming pool. I do not swim much and it is the part of the triathlon that concerns me the most. I looked up some swimming tips on you tube and found an interesting site that explains breathing techniques which I found to be very helpful. Again I would like to thank everyone for their words of support.

Swimming day 2

Much easier today, still I do not think I will be on a Wheaties box any time soon. I bought a pair of goggles for swimming today, I should have bought a pair of goggles sooner. They made a huge difference, I was able to see and my eyes are not burning.