Tri Me!

Here in the triathlon world... it's a little competitive.
And how could it not be? We are not competing in one sport but three at a time! So you can't just be good at one and feel among the competition. You have to master all three to really be a competitor. And that is where I am right now.

No, no I am no master. I am merely at the point of realizing that you have to master all three.

Kinda like realizing you have a problem is the first step.
(Of a total of 12? Sheesh I got a ways to go!)

So maybe I have taken a few other steps, actually completing a Tri should be a big, huge first step. Or maybe the months of preparation are the first step? Or maybe just thinking about it and deciding to do one all those months ago was the first step?Either way, even though I have decided, trained and completed a Triathlon I still feel like I am in the beginning stages.

Which is quite alright with me. I just wish that with two jobs and winter approaching fast that I could find the time to get to... oh I don't know step.. two?

It's tough though. And for those of you who don't know me. I hate winter. I love snow. I hhhaaaatteee the cold. I get it from my mother. I will go play in snow all day long but if it is just cold outside, just cold... count . me . out.
Sleet, hail, all that yucky stuff. Hate it. So as fall is creeping in I am slowly realizing this is usually the time of year I go into hiding. (I believe it's called hibernation) I am even storing some extra poundage around my waistline (and thighs for that matter) just in case its a long winter.

So how do I struggle with the multiplying responsibilities of two jobs AND my usual winter hibernation WHILE staying in shape.

With a stack of magazines and a gym membership (where the used to recognize me and now would ask me for two forms of ID because it's been so long since I have been there) and plenty of places to run bike or swim, I still have yet to feel like I have crossed a threshold.

Because as I said, triathletes are competitive. They have to be, from the little sprint distance to the Iron Man crazies. Something in all of us (yeah I lumped myself in there!)

Oh and apparently now I gotta compete with celebrities getting in the mix. J.Lo really? She couldn't have stuck with singing, dancing, acting and fashion designing now she's gotta come into my world?Thank god I beat her time. Granted it was a little bit of a difference in length but I did the math. Still beat her. (Ha!)

Okay, so maybe it's me who is a bit on the competitive side. But after reading my own blog it seems as though I lack... motivation.(no way, not me! That is unfortunately not a surprising turn of events) The first one was easy, because I had never done it before. And it was crazy to those around me.
"what the heck is a tri-ath-a-lon?"(as most of them ask) So the fire was inside. But now what?

Do I strive to beat Matthew McCoughney's time? Yeah, yeah so the Hollywood hottie beat me by 20 minutes and he biked a couple extra miles. (dangit bobby) So what?
But that isn't enough to keep me going. I tried setting my sights on Olympic distance. All that did was send me running. For like a month I ran 3.5 miles, 3-4 times a week . Then, a wall. A big, fat, ugly "you can't do it" wall. That I have yet to figure out how to climb over.

And that is where I am right now.

...stay tuned.

By the way, last Friday was indeed fabulous and I have tons of Facebook pictures to prove it.
Now if I could only find my own digital camera so I can add pics to this blog!

Tri Tri again..8.6.08

Finally a day that I feel I can stop and breathe.It has been this last month in particular. Honestly, that is how I like it but quickly approaching are the new goals I have set forth. More triathlons!Yay!

Last weekend brought me a new experience in the triathlon world. I was a volunteer at an event in the Broadlands, part of the Infinitive Championship Series. It was super exciting to be behind the scenes...which is where I would rather spend my time any day. Besides the 4:45am wake up call that it required, the event was a blast. I can't get enough of the production behind events like this. And when I do get bored I choose to be an athlete participating in the event instead!

I have to say the "thanks" recieved from most athletes in attendance felt good. I was there to help with anything they needed, unless it was really important and then I would just send them to Kathleen, the "in charge" lady who recruited me from behind the counters of my day job.

I got to see first hand how a pool swim was conducted in the first leg of the race. In fact I was the person sending the swimmers in the pool every 10 seconds. Apparently 10 seconds apart is a lifetime! I thought that was rather quick but I guess passing people IS an option in the pool. Who knew? I've read about how to be passed, perhaps I should read further to learn how to be the person passing people! In due time I am sure.

Did I mention when I woke up for the event the early morning sky was a blaze with lightning? It was also the kind of wet weather that puts a damper on things but isn't enough of a nuisance to keep you from doing what you need to do. Well that weather waxed and wained all day, kind of made the race a little more interesting. Luckily it stopped in time to keep the swim leg in the race, had it not stopped lightning the race would have been turned into a duathlon. Ewww, it's bad enough that I find myself involved in events that ask you to run more than oh say... from first base to third base. (Which is much more my speed.) However if any race I enter turns into a duathlon..count me OUT! NO thank you.Running twice?Absolutely not in my world.

Well, maybe if I keep at it and find a way to actually start getting some oxygen into my lungs.Maybe then I will enjoy a run or two. Until then I won't even think about it.

One event I plan to do in September, my super cheerleader aunt is doing the duathlon. God love her.I think she is crazy and she looks at me thinking I am off my rocker too! The beauty of being a triathlete? Even seasoned runners or swimmers or cyclists think we are crazy for attempting all three in one event.

So let me jump back to the days event for a bit...After the pool and some minor duties I was in charge of post race set up and up keep.Meaning all the supplies for the athletes were to be found under my tent. I set out the spread and tried to congratulate as many athletes as I could. Part of me wished I was among them, part of me was thrilled that I had a tent to stand under as the rain came instead.

Either way I think I am starting to fall in love with triathlons. I love the sound of "triathlete", i love the sights of running, cycling and swimming past previous stopping points in my journey. I love the feel of a fit body that belongs to me! I love the community of fellow triathletes. I love the search for new gear.I love the quest to become better and I love the GIMOUNDUS goal at the end of the quest being a freaking IRONMAN. I say I don't want to do one now but I know if I get to Olympic Distance that I will have it in me. I just know it.



There is so much to do still. I have a road bike to find. I have distances to conquer. I have little nuances to learn. Luckily I have an unquenchable thirst for more! SO stay tuned as I learn the ropes of triathloning and all there is to come with it!


**Update** I wrote this post last week and was unable to find the time to edit it so I left it as a draft. Briefly before and since then I have been continuing to push myself and I have been running over 3 miles 3-5 times a week! How awesome is that? I am still convinced I have exercised enduced asthma but as I progress on the bike and in the pool as well, I think I can overcome some of my breathing issues on my own. We shall see!
Stay Tuned!

"Beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes" 6.10.2008

"beautiful veins and bloodshot eyes"...
Current mood: rejuvenated

So it's been a while since my triathlon and I have already sat down and written this blog but my computer made sure that it never got posted.. so here is an even quicker version of how my day went on May 31st....RACE DAY!
This may be a bit scatter brained though so I apologize..
I had driven to Ocean City teh night before to stay with my Aunt Jeanne. I woke up the morning of and I wasn't too nervous but my aunt was nervous enough for both of us. The actual race site was about an hour away so I had to get in the car and get there pretty early. Once I arrived there, there was a plethora of cars lined up and spilling out with people decked in race gear. This was the moment I started to get a little nervous. I thought maybe I was the only amateur embarking on this little trip. I set up my race stuff and I was clearly a tri newbie because I didn't have the towel and the whole little set up that most triathletes did.
Skip the whole per race jitters and the moving around trying to figure out exactly what the hell I am supposed to do. I tested out the waters and it was a bit frigid. but I was ready to get in those waters. It was an in water start and shocker everyone else could stand and I could NOT. I was already treading water minutes before I needed to. So the horn sounded and we were off... try learning to swim with 200 of your closest friends in a freaking cold pond... thats pretty much what it was like. It was very disorienting and I had a pretty bad cold a few days before so my ability to breathe was very diminished. That didn't help. Anyway it felt like I was in that water for hours.. I got out and started running towards the transition spot. I felt like I was going to throw up and told my aunt that. I in fact didnt have to but I had obviously been swallowing air and all of it had to escape somehow so it felt the same as feeling like I had to throw up. I took my sweet time getting my clothes on and wiping my feet from the disgusting pond silt and sand before I put my socks and shoes on. I got on my bike.. took a swig of water and I was off. Bike time. This was the best part just like I had thought it would be. I was fine. I wasn't ona road bike like 98% of the other racers there and I hope to get one before my next tri in August.
So we were biking INTO the wind the entire time.. it was pretty intense winds at some points.. which I have never done so that was a whole new experience for me. As people were riding they were cheering people on and it was pretty cool... at the 5 mile mark I had felt like it was 12 miles but I could keep going. I pushed harder after this point my muscles had warmed up and were doing just fine. After the 10 mile mark I still felt good but I was a little bit bored. I would love to do another race with a friend. Towards the end a woman came biking up and said " two and a half more miles! " and that triggered a bit of my competitive side and I hit the highest gear and started pedaling as if my life depended on it. It felt amazing the last few miles I just soared to the second transition spot. I got off the bike and took a lot less time than I had in the first transition. I started to run and I felt as if someone had tied 300 pound weights to my legs but i kept going. Aroudn this time I saw my roommate Erin. She had surprised me and shown up with a poster for me. I was super excited because three very important people were there for me and cheering me on. I like to say I could have done it by myself and I wasn't doing any of this for anyone else but these three people were the perfect mix of cheerleaders. My best friend Morgan, My Aunt Jeanne and my roommate Erin. Love them! And I cannot thank them enough for being a great support team.
So back to the race... I met my aunt somewhere down the race path and she ran with me, which was great. I had to slow down and she was there with me to chat a little bit. I made it down and back and ran to the finish line. It felt good. I definitely thought there was going to be a little more emotional for me to cross that line since this was a very important goal for me. I put a lot more than just a race on the line when I decided to do this a few months back. I am basing a lot of my own future abilities on whether I could successfully train and complete this race. I like to give up on things when they get hard. I don't tend to do something if I am not good at it. This was definitely something I would not know if I was good at until I crossed that line and honestly I was not very good. Luckily the fact that I crossed the finish line was enough for me the first time around. I do plan on getting better and better. This time I crossed the finish line at 2:08:19.. and it isn't blowing anyone away with that time but it wasn;t that bad either! I am very weird about numbers but I know I had to finish at this time because my race number was 128 and I was very excited about that. I needed a 2 in there because thats my lucky number and I wanted an 8 because that is my older brothers number and he is one of the most talented persons I know. So when I got 128 that felt good to me.. because the 1 was there because I was going to be number 1 !!!
When I finished 2:08.. there were the 2 and the 8 that I had wanted and then 19 was my older brothers other number during college. So maybe if I get some crazy numbers our of my head I will be able to finish well under that time the next time around.
I can't believe the weeks leading up to my race and again I think the world has a way to right your wrongs. So originally I had set out to just finish and I would be satisfied... then somewhere along the way I felt amazing and I thought I could kick some serious ass...then i got shin splints and a stress fracture in my left leg, my granddather passed away, and I had to go to New York for the week leading up to the race. So the universe made sure that I got off my horse and I could settle back down to crossing the finish line with a smile on my face. That is what I did and I am very glad that that was my goal. Now, is a different story. I know what I am in for and I know what to prepare for. And now I want to kick some serious ass! Whoever else wants to join me is more than welcome to become a triathlete! I love being able to say that and I realize the novelty of that has pretty much worn off so I will stop saying it but just know that on the inside I am dancing around singing " I am a triathlete, I am a triathlete! " Hahahaha
Other than the race, the rest of my life has still yet to settle down, I think it should get back to normal about this time next week. I got rid of the latest boy, hahaha he didn't last long as usual. And I am back to having fun and being me. We celebrated Morgan's 23rd birthday in Dewey this last weekend and I had a blast I absolutely love that place. I do. It felt good to be home there. I got a nice little tan and got the sand in my toes and took a dip in the lovely waves and just enjoyed the summer time. Gosh I love my life. I know I say that a lot but I feel very very lucky to be able to do the things I do surround by the people I have. So thank you to everyone who is amazing in my life! Now what the hell am I going to do since I am not training my life away?!? I guess I will have to come up with some new crazy goal to accomplish!

In TRI-ing times 5.30.2008

in TRI -ing times
Current mood: adventurous

Here it is. Less than 24 hours before race time.
If I could have predicted the way that this last three weeks have gone I am not sure that I would have embarked on this journey to begin with. I am so freaking tired. I am ready to say that " I am a triathlete", no more " I am training for a triathlon." { Although I do plan to do more already this summer.And now I have infected others and Ben and Britt and Sean and others want to train with me later this summer!}These last few weeks have just put every aspect of me to the test. I know that come tomorrow I will wake up and feel fine, the sun will be shining things will go well and I will cross that finish line with a smile on my face. Until then though it is hard for me to grasp all of what has been thrown my way recently. It started with a stress fracture that sidelined my running, then add a hectic work schedule, two deaths very close to me, an unexpected trip to new york, major life decisions, PMS, a new boy {major distraction!}, a head cold and severe allergies and mix in some other stress factors and you have about my mind set for the past month. ...
It hard to shake this feeling that something is conspiring against me. But I am slowly realizing that its just a test. If I had been able to finish this triathlon with the ease of which I started it with then it may not mean as much. But around this time tomorrow I will be making my way across the finish line and I can't tell you what I will feel. I haven't pushed myself like this in a very very long time. So this is going to be good. I've got a great cheerleading team coming to support me and I can't wait to do them proud. I have amazing people in my life and I am very thankful for all of them.
So now, after arriving back in Virginia around 2am last night I am going to put my bike in the car and get back on the road to finish my latest life goal. Oh i can feel the butterflies starting already! Don't wish me luck, I don't need it!


Off to become a triathlete.....

Major Recovery 5.13.2008

Major Recovery
Current mood: rebellious

Oh man is my body in major need of some recovery time. I, doctor whittington have decided that my shin splints were always a result of a stress fracture underneath.Self diagnosed, yes, but it is likely the truth. I cannot run without an extreme amount of pain anymore. Good, Great, Grand. So I have decided that running is out until race day. Only cycling and swimming until then and maybe some moderate jogging when I get closer to race day. 18 days and counting! Damnit. I guess thats what I get for being a slow piece of poop who suddenly decided to do a Triathlon!
You better believe this will not hinder my performance on race day. I will absolutely give it my all and the result will ultimately be, me crossing the finish line with a smile on my face. Just like I set out to do.
This however may hinder my plans to go straight forward into an Olympic distance Triathlon in D.C. in September. Who knows.. I will have to stop by an actual Doctor of Medicine and see what the verdict is. After race day of course.

Besides that things are good. I just got back from a weekend full of my bestest best friend Morgan. I went down to Blacksburg to celebrate her graduation. I am so proud of her it is unbelievable. There was even an argument at dinner before her graduation that showed me just how passionate she is about what she does. She is an amazing woman and I have a lot to learn from her. But for now she is all graduated and will be coming back to me tomorrow for the summer. ( Until she leaves me again for North Carolina. )So this summer should be great, her and I together again! That may or may not spell trouble for everyone else around us.. so prepare yourselves accordingly.
But anyway just being back down there is good for my soul. There are certain places in this world that just bring a sense of calm and peace into me. Blacksburg is one of those places. Dewey Beach is another place like that and I cannot freaking wait to get back there either. I love the people there and I have even more reason to love it now. I joked with my roommate Erin earlier in the weekend that there were so many potential new boyfriends that I couldnt decide and I may bring at least 12 of them home with me. Well little did I know that I would really meet someone that I would want to bring home with me {the others were just hotties that I spotted from across the room , but all potential boyfriends in my mind} I don't want to go all into girly mode and gush about him but I am just truly glad I went down to Blacksburg this weekend. Later this summer it may prove to be very worthwhile. I just love being back in that beginning phase... I'm pretty sure all girls love this part! Oh no am I turning into a girl again?!? Noooo!! Haha
As far as the rest of my life is concerned... I came to the conclusion that I have to do what is right for me. Seems easy enough. But that means not staying where I am . Unfortunately I feel I have been manipulated to the point that quitting will be no easy task. I don't know if it ever is but I hate giving up on things.. I hate being the bad guy and I hate walking away from a good thing. I have found that out in multiple facets of my life in the past few months. I am a big fat baby when it comes to letting things go. Even if they are meant to go and maybe they were even supposed to go much earlier. This will be a good test for me to stand up and assert myself and face the consequences. Even as I write this I have butterflies in my stomach. I have bigger and better things ahead of me and I cannot just ignore them because I am scared. I know this portion of my blog is pretty vague but it's been months of this back and forth and I am just ready to put aside all the uneasiness and move forward now. I am going to do it! Today! I am listening to my playlist on myspace...which i love. And right now Carrie Underwood's "Wasted" is on. How can I not make a move with Carrie telling me not to waste any more time! Okays so I must go, I have things I have to take care of !
And as my aunt said.. not Run Forrest Run.. instead it is now Swim Sammy the Seal Swim! And maybe even Bike Lance Bike!!!!

5k Schmive Kay! 4.28.2008

5K Schmive Kay
Current mood: rejuvenated

Ahhh, the morning after....After my 5k that is. Woke up yesterday and I was going to set out on my way to Richmond, most likely by myself. This 5k is for The Nicole Megaloudis Foundation, a cause very close to my heart... so the fact that I couldn't get any of my family or friends to join me was a major bummer. Until, my lovely roommate Erin woke up and treked with me for the nearly 5 hour roundtrip.I just wish it was easier to get more people in my life to realize what this means to me. I will probably be 40 no 75 years old and still doing 5ks for Nicole, it's just something that I will always make time for and I hope eventually people will catch on and start doing it with me.{ It is only 3.2 miles people!}
Maybe all this training scared everyone away! They are all afraid that I am too bad ass and they can't compete with me any longer. Well let me put that nasty rumor to rest hahaha. At the 5k on Sunday, Erin and I showed up and they were already lining up on the starting line and as she used the restroom and I held Jordy, they yelled "Go!" and so I took off, not giving in to the overwhelming need to use the restroom myself. Crossed the street , found the path and skipped out on paperwork and tried to look like I was supposed to be there! I carried Erin's dog-like thing with me until she came out of the port-a-john and I waved her over to the path we had already set down. We put the dog down on the leash and took off. We were passing person after person and that felt great. But the best part was that as we passed each group the most common phrase we heard was "WHAT is that?" referring to Jordy of course. We quickly explained that she was clearly half squirell, half cat, half dog, part kangaroo, part yoda part gremlin and all Jordy! We couldnt help but laugh and with her on the leash and embarking on her first 5k she was poised to take the lead! If only her human countrparts could keep up!
One lap down and Jordy wasn't gonna make it, neither was I. Not because I was tired but because the likelyhood of my bladder bursting seemed to be growing by the step. So I ran off course and revisited the port-a-pottys and gave the dog to Nicole's mom,Gail. I told Erin to keep going, since this was her first 5k as well I wanted nothing to skew what it would really be like for her. Even though I had to take a potty break I quickly got back on course and set out to catch up with Erin. Well the girl who always says she only likes to run for a little bit and then walk had no walking in her for this race! She was beyond a point where I could catch up with her and not exhaust what was left to finish the entire race. I have blogged before about the fact that most of the time at Nicole's race I would jog two laps and be done. Not only would I be finished I would be panting hard on the sidelines acting like I had just run much longer. This time I was on my third lap when God thought he would test me by giving me those lovely cramps that come once a month right in the middle of the race. On a mostly empty stomach mind you. I thought I was going to die with each step I took. And I allowed myself to think that way for about 40 more steps. And then I put it out of my mind and realized just how easy this was actually going to be. And I finished. With a race time of 29:30 I was pretty proud. I knew there were some other factors that went into that time and I was pretty sure that my finish time would have been closer to Erin's at 25 minutes and some odd seconds, had I not veered off course for a pee break! Either way, we both felt pretty good after that race and I now know to a deeper extent how actually likely it is that I will kick ass at this Triathlon in a month. That's right I have a little over 30 days until my event!
Got my cute new bathing suit in tow most mornings and I am finding it easier and easier to get the swimming part done. My breath control is looking better and better. I do, however think that either due to new found allergies or exercised enduced athsma I am having major difficulty with my breath control on the later miles of the biking and the running. I am working on that too. I went to Potomac River Running last week and finally got some new running shoes. Oh lord do those things help. I ran the 5k with them and I felt this odd sensation. My shins did not feel like they were going to explode!. The entire race! They dont hurt the morning after either! Hallllllelujah! And guess what .. they are Brooks' shoes. They have to be good then, right? I am very pleased and think this will make a huge difference on race day. I am looking into getting some more gear that will aid my journey to becoming a Triathlete. Gosh that still sounds cool to me. I get so jazzed up sometimes just by thinking that I will be able to have this for the rest of my life. I will be a triathlete. Whether I continue .. my first race {and I will} or not, I get to say I am a triathlete. Probably one of the cooler things I have ever done in my life thus far. I do know that I will continue on because I am planning on signing up with Team In Training {like my roommate Brittany is doing for her Rock'n'Roll San Diego Marathon} and I will be doing the Nation's Triathlon. It is in September and this time the distance is Olympic! I can't wait... oh yes I can. First I have to complete {and kick ass in} this one coming up in a month!
So as progress continues I will continue to blog about it... For now I must go ingest some healthy calories and get my new shoes out in the rain some more!
As my Aunt Jeanne keeps telling me.. Run Forrest Run!

Days on End 4.17.2008

Days on end...
Current mood: adventurous

Here it is nearing the end of April and I am back again to write more. I have just gotten home from a long day of work and each of my days lately seems to be longer and longer. I think mostly because, these days I am in a routine where I am up and off to the gym by 730 or 8am every morning. I get in about a two hour workout and then head home to get showered and eat a hearty meal and actually start my day.. Today I was able to fit in a 15 mile bike and a 2 mile run which feels awful and fantastic at the same time. Some days are easier than others and I can just hop on a bike or strap on some shoes or slip into my suit and go... but some days I feel like I can't possibly finish my triathlon. I shouldn't even try. I should just stick to getting fit and healthy and be satisfied with that. But then something kicks me and says.. "WTF you will NEVER be satisfied with just that." I can't freaking wait to show up on race day and actually kick some ass. Today was one of the better days I've had, especially since last night I ran four miles. I mean this was absolutely UNheard of before I started training. I would have never in a million years thought that I would be putting in 10-15 miles a week on my little feetsies. But here I am.
I have to say one huge aspect of continuing training is that I have told every one of my family members that I am doing it and they are cheering me on. What helps is the change that everyone is able to see in me too. I just feel good all the time now. There is something to be said for excercise. Erin and I were talking and I swear if people only knew what it does for you and how easy it is to get hooked on to fitness this world would be so much better off. Excercise is a miracle drug that most people just don't know about yet. Believe you me I am going to be preaching away about it. People know how I like to preach when I find something I truly believe in. Have you heard me talk about "the secret" ? Hahaha

So lots of things are different right now and I think I am starting to get the hang of it.I've had my ups and downs lately. The whole moving out and finding a place to live process has started again and I remember just why I hate it. Every year I seem to get up and go somewhere else. I want to get settled to some extent. I would like to know that in another 12 months I do not have to pack my shit and get on the road again. My love life is a litle rocky these days and it can really take a toll on me and my mental status but luckily I have the endorphins from exercise to keep me going at times. I miss my best friend more than words can say. She is part of me.. so when we aren't together enough, I feel like I lose a little bit of myself. She is scheduled to return soon though, thank God! And she will return a graduate of Virginia Tech, I am so proud of her! Oh and my mother recently asked me to commute up to Baltimore two days a week in order to help my Step-Grandfather heal from recent surgery and all fo the getting old struggles. He isn't doing well right now so I am not even sure if I will be making those weekly trips but what a thought. To fit into my already crazy schedule I would be in Baltimore two days a week and trying to work as much as possible to make up for those days of work lost. So naturally I figure my current place of employment can't possibly cover that for me. I must get a second or technically third job at this point. Oh gosh that is a frightening thought. If my days seem long now, I cannot imagine what they will be like in the coming weeks when I try to fit in three jobs and triathlon training and trying to start my new business without losing my social life too... oh the stresses of being a 23 year old! When it's bad it ain't that bad and when it's good.. it's freaking amazing. So I take all my complaints back and I am going to enjoy the ride.
I got a new bathing suit for my triathlon and I am in love.It is bright green and bright blue.. it's reversible so I am glad that while I will be in the water, if I start to go down.. there will be enough visibility on me that someone can come save the girl in the bright green bathing suit! Not that that will happen. I just finished a conversation with my aunt and she is super motivating. She is is great shape and a wonderful athlete and just happens to be doing a 50 mile bike ride this weekend.. what an inspiration.. gosh i love my life ...
and I cant wait... hopefully I will have much more to write about my new business venture in the coming blogs.. I am working hard and doing some research to figure out just how to get this thing right. So more to come on that note I promise!
Its almost 10 o'clock and I figure I should probably get something to eat now.

Oh and I have only a few more days until Nicole's 5k in Richmond and I am super excited that I will actually be able to RUN this year... and I know I had always planned on that since starting training but I am at the point right now where I know that I can actually do it.
Staying motivated can be tough at times but other times I find inspiration in each person around me. I have an incredible cheerleading team in the ladies that I work with. They tell me day in and day out how proud they are of me. My family thinks I am crazy and that is all the more reason to keep going because if they think I am normal.. then I must be doing something wrong! My roommate is doing her own feat of amazement in that she will be running the San Diego Marathon. Crazy woman I tell you. So she keeps me motivated too And the more results I see when I look at my ever sculpting body I cant help but get more and more addicted to the way I feel. Freaking good. Now don't get me wrong. I have my days where I feel like I can't get enough sleep even if I slept for 3 days straight and I don't want to move because the weather is just not ideal. So in those moments if any of you have words of wisdom or encouragement, feel free to pass them along. I don't use an IPOD when I train so all I have are my thoughts and to hear someones voice in my head to keep pushing me is a great help!
More to come..
Stay tuned!

Tri training Baby! 3.10.2008

So I am in week 3 of my tri training and I had planned on blogging a little more frequently to document my progress. However week 3 is the first chance I seem to have had to sit down and write. So here it is.
I cant believe how far I have already come in just 3 weeks. I still have 10 weeks to go. I am fueled by the conviction that I am going to have a rocking body by then and that will feed the addiction to fitness and/or mroe triathlons. I am already seeing results... it's crazy.
Though I would like to think that my body didn't have far to go to get into TRI shape. Clearly by the slimming and trimming already in progress I think that the physical aspect is the easiest to measure. But I feel strides ahead of where I was in February. The first time I got into the pool I was convinced that I would need floaties one race day because drowning was iminent. Today I am already able to swim the TRI distance of a half a mile. I am not swimming it very fast but I am working on my form for now. I have got plenty more weeks to hone in on speed.
The cycling aspect was what originally attracted me to the triathlon. I am a bit mroe confident in this portion of the race than anything else. I feel like I could do a Century ride later this summer... which, given some of my family members accomplishments in this field I will have quite a crew to join me should I choose to take on this feat after the triathlon. But back to the task at hand.
The running is going to be BY FAR the most difficult for me to endure. I have hated running for as long as I can remember. I am fueled by competition and back in the days of competitve softball playing I would only run to beat my teammates. I hated every second of it and still even then never ran more than 3 miles. Well that was a while ago. It seemed a mile was just enough to set a flame every msucle in my body. I am quite proud that in just these two weeks I can run two miles! Now I have a milestone that I will need to accomplish before the triathlon. And that is what my last blog was about. The Nicole Megaloudis 5k I am going to run it this year. It is only 3.2 miles but a good point in my training to make sure that I am on track. I plan on running that sucker and freaking kicking ass. That is the one downfall of my training. I am trying desperately to stick to my regimen and not push myself too hard. But I am pretty damn good at getting into my own head and convincing myself that "if you aint first, you're last" -Ricky Bobby's Dad
Obviously that quote stuck with Ricky Bobby and his belief in it led to his downfall. I am trying to keep in mind what Joe Friel { a much more respected athlete with a few more credentials as well} said and that is to set the goal of your first tiriathlon " cross the finish line with a smile on your face" and thats it. Course it would be a lot easier to smile if I was first!! I keep debating taking an IPod to the gym. To distract me and take me out of my head and just let me go. But I feel it is actually one of my strengths. I do not rely on beats or catchy songs to pump me up. I can do it all on my own. Besides you aren't allowed them on race day so why use them now?

Well, I recently celebrated my 23rd birthday. Or as I like to call myself... my Michael Jordan.. I allowed myself a few days of downtime to celebrate with all of the wonderful people in my life! I feel very blessed when this time of year comes around. I got more birthday eve wishes and happy birthday wishes than I can count. I had a fantastic group of friends and family join me for a trip to Dave and Buster's. It doesn't happen very often that I can get most of my siblings together, much less both of my parents in the same room. I was ecstatic and can't thank each and every one of them enough. The gift theme for this year? My triathlon, of course! I got new sports bras, new shorts, dri fit shirts , socks and much more. I am super excited about my moms gift which is a kitchen aid mixer. Who knows what kind of baking I can do with that sucker. I wont be baking for a while though, I have 3 cakes and a cheesecake to give away to those who can eat it. Tri training dictates, cake = bad. And although I allowed myself the few days off. I am back now and no more partying for me. My younger brother turns 21, a few days after St. Patrick's Day. And I had to pick this time to be in training? Dangit bobby. But no more alcohol for me. And especially no more cake.
One important part of my tri training?... sleep. I have not yet gotten a great pattern down of working out in the morning, going to work, then working out some more at night and getting to sleep at a decent hour.
And as the weeks pass, the blogs will come. For now, the sleep is king.
Thank you again to everyone who has already helped to make my 23rd year, my best year yet!