No Excuses by Duane and Jess

Sometimes a personal story is just so inspiring and amazing that words alone can not do it justice.

This is certainly the case for today's raceAthlete featured teammate.

Before you watch the video below (just click on the play tab or download the file), please read Duane's and Jess's story.

In many of ways it embodies the struggle that we all face when we set our sights on achieving that which is well beyond normal limits. Duane with the help of Jess has taken a huge first step toward his Ironman dream and we're proud to chronicle their journey.

Download File

At the beginning of the year I weighed 471 pounds and I was close to being dead and I was basically an invalid. I couldn't walk out my front to to my car in the driveway without being out of breath and my back hurting. Walking up a small flight of stairs was very hard.

How did I get this way? Lifestyle! Eating over stress, being bound to a desk 8-10 hours a day, and not exercising. My weight started to go up in my early 20's (I was a little chunky in my youth and loved to eat).

It just kind of sprialed out of control, slowy, yet steadily. You start settling for being out of shape a little, then wham, you're too tired or fat to work out. The you settle for a little less, on and on it went. I associated exercise with pain, when the reality is, not exercising equals pain! As I approched my 49th birthday which was in April, I realized I may not be around to see my daughters grow up.

I sought a trainer and found one I conected with, Jess Hogue of Shapeplus.com. He has a main message of "no excuses". One of the first things he has me do was write down all the things I wanted in life and wanted from working out. He noticed I wrote down that I wanted to be an Ironman (long time dream). He said we needed to start small and challenged me to commit to doing a sprint tri in September, the TriGlenwood race (www.triglenwood.com). So I made a public committment to my friends, family, and co-workers that I was going to do it! I had 7 1/2 months to get ready. I was 471 in January and when I started traiing with Jess I was 461.

I started with 35 days of cardio in a row to get things going. I did 45 minutes a day. I had to work up from 15 minutes 3 times a day to where I could do 45 minutes straight. I was also doing one hour of
weight training 3 nights a week with Jess. Then in March, Jess told me to get a pair of swim trunks and
start swimming. I thought he was insane, I wanted to lose a bunch of weight first as I did not want to be
seen in a swimsuit in public! I went to the gym and swam, did two laps and was exhaisted and seasick! As a kid I never could swim without nose plugs and I realized I needed swim lessons asap! I had 9 swim
lessons over the spring and summer and improved greatly. Now I like to swim.

My real fear at this point was the bike, I could just see me bending or breaking the frame or popping the tires! I worked on the statinary bike at the gym in July and in August found a sturdy mountain bike and
started riding. Man did my butt and arms get sore! The work on the exercise bike did not transfer over to a real bike very well. I started with 3 miles and worked my way up to 15 miles, but it was slow.

Finally, the date approached and I couldn't believe it was finally here but at the same time I couldn't believe that the race was already here! I was at 389 pounds, a loss of 82 pounds.

I worried about this race as I trained for it. Depending on what day it was, I worried about the swim, or the bike, or the run (walk for me). I started thinking I should worry about the transitions so I wouldn't miss out on anything! Silly, I know!

I got a decent nights sleep the night before the race and I was pumped up to say the least. The swim wave started and I took off and ended up swimming like a barge and did not swim like I had the last month of training. I did finish but took a 5 minute penalty.

I took my time in the transition and headed out on the bike. The first half was great as it was slightly down hill and I flew! Gravity was in my favor and I rode faster than I had since I was a teenager!

But of course the return trip was uphill and I moved at a snails pace. I had to laugh as a chubby woman about 60 blew by me on her bike! One of the things I have really come to love about this tri thing is that almost every person who sped by me had encouraging words! I finally came into the transition area and
headed out for my five mile walk.

I was feeling pretty good at this point and knew I would probably make it. I had started in the second wave of swimmers and by the time I was a mile into the walk most of the runners had passed me by. I was at the 3.3 mile point when the truck that picks up the signs was closing in opn me. But they stayed behind me and let me go on. They must have had a radio as they kept yelling my name and encouraging me to finish. My calves started to cramp up and I had to do a little stretching at mile 4, but I knew then that I was going to make it!

Finally the finish line appeared. Most people had gone, but my family, Jess, a few particpants, and the
race volunteers were still there waiting for me to finish. The last people to finish ahead of me had crossed the finish line about 15 minutes before me. I crossed the finish line and raised my hands in victory and let out a load whoop! I was a triathlete at last! My wife came over and we hugged and then I lost it, as you can see in the video.

I was totally overcome with emotion - elation, pride, excitement, and a whole lot of gratitiude. My wife, daughters, Jess, friends,co-workers,fellow bloggers, race volunteers, and the other athletes had been so supportive and encouraging during this journey. I love this sport and community and I am sitting here tearing up all over again.

Tomorrow I am going in to get fitted for a road bike and on the 20th, I am going in for a video swim analysis and lesson. I am starting my training for next summer when I will do a 1/2 ironman triathlon!

Man, I love this thing!

I plan on doing a couple Sprint tris in the spring and summer and for the 1/2 ironman I am looking at Soma AZ in late October but I may do the Longhorn Tri in late September.

Would you like to hear more from Duane? You can find him HERE.

Please let Duane and Jess know what you think about their story by commenting below. We will certainly pass along any kind words of encouragement to help them to their Ironman dream.

Comments

[Brent Buckner]

"Man, I love this thing" - it shows! Duane and Jess, thanks for sharing your clip.

Any particular reason there's no link to Duane's blog? I'm sure a lot of people would like to follow his journey to SOMA!

[bbieberitz]

That had to be one of the most inspiring things I have seen EVER. Keep up the good work and yoou will achieve the dream of an IM.

[ShirleyPerly aka Humble Triathlete]

Wow ... I'm setting my sights on Kona. No excuses ......... I've been wanting to move there for a while now :-)

Congratulations on your accomplishments and keep on keepin' on!

[Dave]

That is great!!!

It is amazing of what you can do with discipline, motiviation and a will to get it done. Keep up with what you are doing..

Inspiration comes in many different forms..

Good Luck and Keep us posted with how it is going for you.

Dave

[bold]

OUTSTANDING DUANE!

you are certainly an inspiration, and look forward to your next milestone, and especially race report!!

[Jen]

Wow! Such an inspriation! I am going to share your story with my clients trying to lose weight and fit in exercise.
Thanks for sharing!

[Wendy]

w00t!!!!!!! (Really there are no words. Just awesome.)

[Joe V.]

Keep it up! It does get easier and even more addictive. You've done the hardest part: you got started! Thanks for sharing!

[COLE]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS. I NEEDED IT TODAY! THANKS!
CONGRATS TO YOU!

[Wrenching winz]

Wounderful! Keep up the great work and the motivation!

[jp]

Thanks for sharing your story with us....It put a huge smile on my face as I read it.

Congratulations on your finish and your new commitment to health and fitness. I have no doubt you are inspiring many along your journey.

GREAT JOB!!!

[Juls]

You go, Duane. Awesome. This was so inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Nytro]

Wow! Congratulations, Duane! That was soooo inspiring! Thanks for making me take a look at what triathlon really is about!

[Kt]

I am sending this to my dad to motivate him. I can't wait to get out and train more. Don't have to be the fastest, just get it done!

[Jay]

This is a major lifestyle change. I love it! Whether 400lbs or 150lbs, it took commitment, dedication, and discipline. OUTSTANDING! This is a no-brainer add to my favorite blogs. Keep it up.

[Laurie]

Thank you for sharing such an emotional story. I got teary-eyed just reading your story. Watching your triathlon finish moved me to tears. Thank you for showing that triathlon is not just for the people in the best of shape. It is for everyone who dares to dream. You truly are an inspiration.

[Duane]

Thanks for all your encouragement! When I started in to this triathon journey, I did not know there was such a great community and so much support. I so look forward to the coming years in this sport and getting to know as many of you as possible!
Sincerely, Duane

[Rainbow]

I LOVE IT!!! You're story makes me glad when I am able to stay until the last racer comes through. Being someone who is never first, I feel that the last people to cross have the greater victory. I feel this in my heart.

Also, maybe it is just my opinion, but I think that the moment you set your sights on triathlon and started training for your first race you were already a triathlete.

I truly look forward to hearing about your further triumphs.

[Veeg]

ROCK. ON. DUANE!!!

Seriously, this is just so awesome and inspiring. :)

[TriZilla]

Duane - Done like a champion. Seriously. No Excuses is exactly what you did, and exactly what I needed to be reminded. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us - It was inspiring and motivating for me to reach for the stars. I can't wait to follow your journey as you become a 1/2 Ironman (my goal for next year as well!)! Keep up the great work!

[fe-lady]

Thanks for leading me to Duane...he sure deserves to be on the team! Will enjoy following him and the rest of you guys!

[Jess Hogue]

We all want to be a part of something amazing! The only thing that stops us from being part of something truly amazing are the excuses we tell ourselves about why we can't. Duane ran into countless obstacles mental and physical while training to be in his first triathlon but he continued to make excuses to do it instead of not to do it. I have to say this is the first time I have ever cried at a tri. Seeing Duane reach the goal that he wanted so much and worked so hard for is aweinspiring. I have been a part of something amazing!

Jess

[jeanne]

Crying. CRYING! That is the most inspiring awesome thing I've ever seen. EVER. Somebody TELL ME that Duane isn't as inspiring as one of the frontrunners. As inspiring as an elite athlete. SOMEBODY TELL ME THAT. I dare you.

Duane: You just changed a few lives, dude.

[Linae]

Duane, your video had the same effect on me as watching the Hoyt videos or the You Tube video from Ironman Florida. You are pure inspiration. I cried. You've been added to my bloglines monitoring group. It will be awesome to follow your progress.

[Andy Murtha]

Duane, you are the man! I was only able to watch your video today, but I read the story a few days ago! You truly are an inspiration to all of us out there who want to meet some goal on some personal level that we want to achieve. You are the proof that anything can be accomplished! The will, the heart and the strength (both physical and mental) that it took to get you to this level, and take you past it gives me the feeling that I can do anythihng I want to do. I just need to take the drive that you have and apply it to my life. Thank you again for sharing your personal story, and I look forward to hearing about your continued progress towards your goals.

Murtha...