Last night I talked with Jaime about my insane idea to train for the Pan Mass Challenge. She thought it was a good idea too. So, I'm in.

According to what I see online, I can't register yet for the Pan Mass. That doesn't happen until January. However, the ride is exactly 9 months from tomorrow. That means I have to start my training now. The way I see it, I have three basic phases of training to go through and 39 weeks to do it in.

Phase One. Since I really haven't worked out seriously in a while, this first 13 week period is really just to get back into general fitness. By the end of this first phase I need to be working out 6 days a week doing weights and cardio. I should be up to a 5 mile run by the end of this phase.

Phase Two. Being generally fit might keep me from dying on the PMC but it won't help me on the hills. This 13 week period will be all about the bike. Since this phase will start in February that won't be easy. February and March will be indoor bike training with spinning and roller training to get me used to being on the bike again. That way, when the weather allows in April, I can jump into rides with both feet. By the end of this phase I should be used to the bike again and doing rides by the last four weeks of it.

Phase Three. Once I'm comfy on the bike and generally fit, there's only one thing left: Endurance Training. This last 13 weeks before the ride will have me on the bike every weekend doing longer and longer rides. The goals will be a century ride by early June and back to back centuries by a weekend in mid July. then I'll taper down for a week before the August PMC.

Of course, through out this whole thing I need to be eating better. To tell the truth, I'm sort of heading in that direction already. I'm bored of the bad food and have been making baby steps towards eating better. I'm down 2.5 pounds in the last couple of weeks without doing much actually. I'm currently at about 255 lbs. My goal weight for the PMC should really be about 180. Since 75 pounds might be pushing it a little, I'm going to set the target at 195. That's an even 60 pounds and about a 1.5 per week weight loss goal. If I get lower, terrific.

This, of course, means The Fat Man Chronicles are back. At least once a week I'll bring you the news of my training, my goals, and my progress. I haven't worked out the specifics but I'll start each phase with a summary of goals and a summary of how the last phase went.

It also means I need money. I'm going to be sending out an email to pretty much everyone I know. Its early yet but I'm going to be asking if I can count on you for sponsorship and for how much. The reason for starting so early is simple. When I sign up for the PMC, I have to commit to raising a minimum of $3300. That means I'll be personally responsible for that money whether I end up riding or not. If I can't raise it, I have to pay it. Folks, if I had $3300 kicking around, I'd have a much larger, flatter television. So, if you can support me, please say so. I won't be asking for money for another 10 or 11 months (money isn't due until after the ride) so the pressure isn't too bad!