Fist step complete: I signed up. Right now I'm sick (in bed with man-flu), so once I get back to full strength I think this is just what I need to keep the momentum going. Because face it ... I know what to do, it's doing it that's the challenge.

I'm 45 years old, married to a great woman and we have 3 fabulous kids aged 13, 11 & 5. I have a good job, good friends and have been lucky with my health.

The one thing that has eluded me since my early twenties is a healthy BMI. I could do with losing at least 28 lbs and in fact if I am honest I would love if I could loose up to 35 lbs. I am 5'11.5" and weigh 230 lbs. I carry it relatively well.

Despite the extra weight I am bicycle & swim fit. This year I've clocked 2550 km (so far) and when (if) I get into a pool I am comfortable swimming 3000m at a reasonable pace.

My problems are:.

[1] I don't eat the right foods (particulalry in terms of volume).

[2] I am not consistent in my exercise routines/regimes.

So, I am willing to give this a go to see if blogging/posting/competing is the catalyst I need and will it bring the longer term sustainability that I am seeking.

Time will tell :-)

(in the meantime, I'll make out a training plan)