New Year. New You!

Welcome to 2010!  It’s the start of a new year, and that means a time for resolutions, setting goals, and trying new things.  How about running a race or a triathlon in 2010?  I competed in my first triathlon ten years ago as a medical student in San Francisco, doing it for a good cause with Team in Training benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The experience was life changing for numerous reasons- I met incredible people in the process, improved my physical and mental health, and reached a physical goal while in the process helping others.  This is what the endurance and multi-sport community is all about.  I have been hooked now for the past decade.  It has become a lifestyle.  And it can be for you as well!

So what is on my race schedule for this upcoming season?  Good question.  I’m still working out the details, but I know for sure that it will include a marathon each month in preparation for the Comrades Ultramarathon and of course my favorite triathlon series- the trifecta put on each year by Nautica in great locations throughout the United States- South Beach, NYC, and Malibu.  No company I know embraces this healthy and active lifestyle concept more so than Nautica.  That is why I have proudly sported their emblem and clothes as a Nautica athlete the past three years.

I have worked extensively with the U.S. Surgeon General over the past year tackling the epidemic of childhood obesity.  Overweight and Obesity rates in adults stand at almost 2/3 of our population in the United States, while rates in children and teens are on the rise and will far surpass this number if left unchecked.   As a physician I can tell you that this spells an impending tidal wave of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  If we do not become better role models and get our kids active, we will be looking at the first generation not to outlive their parents.

As one who leads a healthy and active lifestyle, I get excited when planning the competition schedule for the year ahead.  Why?  It gives me a tangible goal, something to aim for, to train for each day, a time to see friends, and in the process to show others hey, you can do this too!

As we look at the year ahead, I ask you these three questions:

1. Do you want to improve your health and physical fitness?
2. Have you ever thought about doing a triathlon or running a race?
3. Are you ready to step up and be a healthy role model for those you love?

If you answered yes to these questions, congrats on being willing to take responsibility for your health, and wanting to train for and compete in an athletic event!  It’s a risk, but you only live once, only have one body, and trust me, when you cross that finish line, you’ll thank me and be looking for the next race to do.

So first things first.  Get yourself a training partner or training group!  Someone willing to train and do the race with you.   There is strength in numbers.  Do a Google search for running or triathlon groups in your area.  Ask your friends at work.  Sign up to do a race with Team in Training.  Ask at the local gym.  Check on www.active.com.  If all else fails, ask me on my facebook page or on Twitter/andybaldwin.

Once you have some company, make the commitment together!  Go to www.active.com and search for a race in your area or a destination race that you’d like to do.  If you have not run much before look for a 1 mile run/walk or a 5k.  If you are interested in triathlon, look for a Sprint Distance race, like the Nautica South Beach Triathlon or the Nautica Malibu Triathlon.  These are very manageable distances for a beginner.  Once you’ve found a race, now comes the tough part – COMMITMENT.  Preferably with your training partner (or pretend that I am there with you), enter your information, and your credit card number, and take a deep breath.  Push the submit button.  Do it!  Don’t worry about that fear.  Ignore any doubts in your mind.  (I still have them every time I sign up for race, just so you know that is normal) IGNORE THEM…Click the button.  Take a leap of faith and trust me.

Congrats!  You have taken the first step towards better health and a better you!   Go tell your friends and family.  Shout it from the rooftops and stay tuned for the next steps for a healthier 2010…

Andy Baldwin is a Nautica sponsored athlete

Andy Baldwin is a Nautica sponsored athlete