Hard to Believe

It's hard to believe that back in 1997, I could hardly walk down the aisle at the grocery store and keep up with my husband. I still remember my friend Vicki coming over at 6:00 am so we could go "work out" and walk half a mile with me. I still remember that I refused to shop in the "Woman's" section of department stores and opted to purchase spandex shorts so that I really wouldn't have to face what size I was and most importantly, how unhealthy I had become.
It didn't happen overnight. One pound at a time, constantly thinking that I would take care of my "little problem" later.
It wasn't until a doctor diagnosed me as morbidly obese that it started to hit home.
Thirteen years later is a lot of time to rectify my "little issue". It is still hard for me to believe of what has transpired in those years. It is a day at a time that I thank God I am no longer as unhealthy as I once was.
It is a day at a time, and it's still hard to believe.... that things are going to get better than now. There's so much to look forward to.

The Body is an Amazing Machine

Yes, the body is an amazing machine. Since I really started training seriously for Hawaii 70.3, I've been blessed to enjoy one good workout after another. I honestly believe I'm in the best shape of my life. My weight continues to decrease... slowly, but still in a negative way. You know what they say, what goes up has to come down, and usually the road to an A race sometimes is full of peaks and valleys. This Saturday, I encountered one of those valleys. I couldn't hit my desired pace, the harder I tried, the more frustrated I became, and more emotional. I really had to take a step back and evaluate, as un emotionally as possible. After walking for a few minutes, I decided to finish the workout, calm down, and make the best of it. I chalked it off to a bad day, but not before coming up with every single excuse in the book as to why it wasn't me that couldn't do it, but instead was a malfunction of equipment.
After much needed rest and proper nutrition, Sunday rolled around and became one of the best workouts I've enjoyed on the bike. It will never cease to amaze me how the body can recover from one day to another, with just a little TLC.

Life is Good

Life is Good this time of the year. With all resolutions, promises and expectations, the year is shaping out to be a great one. On the training front, I couldn't be happier with my progress, albeit baby steps, I've been very pleased. I'm methodically becoming an athlete. It is great to be able to accomplish things at this point that I didn't think were possible for me. Hawaii 70.3 this year will be quite exciting for me.
It is also great to see more and more people getting into the sport. I still remember that feeling of toeing the line at the first race. At the store, we're in the process of formulating a calendar for clinics for all levels of triathletes. So please, if anyone has any special requests, let us know. It is all good, life is good, and life is exciting.
Train safe.

Happy New Year

It's been a while since my last post. Life and work have been extremely busy.
As usual, January brings all kinds of thoughts into everyone's head. Those of commitment for a new racing season, re-focus of goals in fitness and in life. I'm no different from anyone else. Choices are made in January, but the real challenge is to keep it going throughout the year. Race schedules are made. Signing up is the easiest part, training for it is totally another story.
This year, I'm making a promise to myself that I will become the best athlete and person I can be.
To everyone, I wish them a very prosperous and Happy New Year. May your goals and wishes be attained this year plus much, much, more!
To a Great 2010!

And September Half Way Over!

Every time I turn around, it's another month. The year seems to be speeding up, and it's almost like a roll of toilet paper, getting close to the end... sigh.
Today I helped support the Sand Key Triathlon, a 6 year event. I'd forgotten how much fun it is to help and observe so many people compete. It was a blast. The swim was canceled due to rough seas, and it became a duathlon. Short run, 11 mile bike and 5K run. As the competitors went out on the bike, I ran the Sand Key Bridge (doing repeats) so I could cheer all of them. 4 miles later, I made my way back to the park so I could see how everyone had finished, but not before trying to pace a couple of people that needed a pick me up. At the end, one of them gave me a new nickname. "PB"..
Thanks to all for reminding me why I own a bike store that supports families, triathletes, and just plain great people.

And Life Continually Changes

Lots of changes seems to be the theme of the year. I'm anxiously awaiting for the month of August to start. A new start in more ways than one. The store continues to grow at the planned rate. New people coming into our staff, some people leaving to fulfill other parts of their lives. Times are changing, all for the better.
Training wise, I really don't have a goal, and really need to sign up for a race to actually entice me to roll out of bed for swimming. I'm really enjoying open water swimming, but the thought to going into a pool right now is not a great one. I need the fear of drowning to come back into my swims.
Really enjoying my Saturday and Sunday rides(sans lightning storms) , and actually enjoying track (go figure).
Perhaps an Olympic race or another half before the end of the year. We'll see....
PS... I love my P3 and my Soloist SL

Back Into the Swing of Life

Back to reality and in full swing of normal life. Work, working out, helping people... I think that has the making for a full plate. Store is outstanding. I'm also helping Team Weight Watchers (group of about 8 girls, and 1 hubby) prepare for their first 5K. It is really exciting to help these folks. I know I'm not a fast runner, but their goal is to finish a 5K. It really brings things into perspective for me, especially since all my friends are very fast runners and triathletes. Ginger and I toed the line at the Midnight Run in Dunedin. Her goal was to run the whole race and finish with a smile. Goal accomplished after 35 minutes and some change. The greatest reward for me... she wants to sign up for a second 5k... and then a 10K. Now THAT puts a smile on my face.
Personally... not really sure what I want to do next other than local sprint races. I need to really feel what most people feel in the sprint. Mental toughness has never been one of my strong suits.. We'll see how that goes. Wish me toughness :-)