TRAIN TO HUNT- Why I do it! I frequently get the question, What are you going to kill next? Every year several weeks before spring or fall hunting seasons my co-workers and friends see me exercising more, cutting back on certain foods, and shooting my bow every chance I get. I get a kick out of the what are you getting ready to kill? questions and I politely reply with elk, bear, deer or whatever tickles my fancy at the time. Well, back in late 2013, several weeks after a successful elk hunt in Hells Canyon, I had blown back up into my usual 275-280 fighting weight(haha) and I was ready for some change. I have always known what I need to do to take care of myself but just never seemed to want to commit to it enough to make it happen. Above all my family needs mom and dad to be healthy and I was setting a bad example as the leader of my family. So, I started working. I quit going out for lunch everyday and instead had some type of small high protein lunch, a couple protein shakes throughout the day if I remembered, and tried to fit some exercise in whenever possible. Slowly, time on the elliptical got easier, some light weight training hurt a little less, and eventually, once the weather cleared, jogging a few miles here and there became fun. Yes, the what are you getting ready to kill? questions came and I awkwardly replied not sure?. Flash forward several months.... Id lost 35 lbs, was still working out 3-4 days per week, still eating better, and a lot more confident. I received some encouragement from a friend named Stu to participate in the Train to Hunt Challenge held in Eugene, Oregon on July 12-13th. I knew about the event and had previously considered going but didnt think I was ready. It was Stu and my wife that believed in me enough to encourage me so I went with low expectations for myself other than to have some fun. At the age of 41 I qualified in the masters division and absolutely had a blast, placed 2nd in field of 7 and qualified for Nationals in Denver, Colorado. Nationals? Me? I dont think so! Well, Beth, my kids, and some of the new friends I had met along this journey encouraged me to give it a shot. I thought it over, self doubt told me no, positive friends and family pushed me forward and I committed to go on July 22nd. Well, that turned out to be a fantastic decision, I placed 6th in a field of 13 tough competitors and was able to associate with a bunch of other athletes that were all excited for the same reasons. Since then hunting season has come and gone and I had a pretty good year. The physical demands of the hunts did not wear me down like they have in the past and I came out in the best shape Ive been in for awhile. Hmmm......Maybe this Train to Hunt stuff has some value? I think so and I encourage all of my friends to take a look and maybe even get involved. Even if you dont compete or archery hunt for that matter, the workout programs are fun and challenging. I feel great, sleep better, and look forward to my workouts rather than dreading them and procrastinating them away. The below video link is a promo for the coming TTH season. Check it out...I find it very motivating and am looking forward to challenging myself at this years events. Who knows......maybe this big guy with some heart can take home the Championship this year........I WILL DO MY BEST!! vimeo/115646276
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:58:23 +0000
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