[singlepic id=280 w=320 h=240 float=right]Well, I did it! I trained for 12 weeks for 6 days a week for 2-4 hrs a day for this big fat Olympic Distance Triathlon (1500m swim, 40k bike 10k run). I swam till I pruned and wore holes in the thighs of all my workout pants on a bike and well- i’ve always really disliked running. . . When you’re on a bike for 2 hrs followed by a 45 min run, you start wondering why you’re doing something like this. . .
My awesome friends, Betsy & her coach Shawna (Betsy who is training for an Iron Man http://www.chunkygirltriathlete.com ) and Shawna (Iron Woman and amazing trainer http://www.shagcrossfit.com/) got me drunk on champagne in February and convinced me to sign up for an Olympic Distance Triathlon. These are also the two who convinced me to sign up for a 10K race in 2010 and a half marathon in 2011. . . They were both convinced I could do it. I was half terrified and half excited.
You see, we all have a million excuses as to why we can’t fit a triathlon or any great physical discipline in our lives. Mine were these – “My business will fall apart if I dedicate that much time to training” and “I travel too much to get the training in.” One of the reasons I signed up for the BIG triathlon was because I NEEDED to know these were both false statements. I needed to know that I could take 4 hrs a day to train and manage my time wisely and have a successful business. I needed to know that I could do self-care while traveling. Both of these were deeply rooted fears that were holding me back from all kinds of things . . songwriting, yoga, exercise, taking time to find inspiration, adventure and magic in my life. So I signed up thinking- if my business doesn’t crash and i manage to travel AND work out these godawful hours, then certainly, I am capable of much more than I’ve given myself credit. . .
I wanted it bad enough and I found a way to do it. Even when I could only do half of what I was supposed to, I did it anyway. I found gyms and pools and routes for running and biking in other towns and went for it. I made better time-management decisions regarding my work, said no to things, tasks and relationships that were clearly non-productive. I did some spiritual house cleaning. It felt great.
The weird thing (or maybe not so weird) is that I’m feeling better than I have in years. I have this sense of wonderment all the time and wake up almost every morning wondering what cool thing is going to happen today. My work with the nonprofit project is still in my life; the business is running; opportunity is knocking and love is all around me. . . And for the first time in my life, I feel worthy of the joy and success and accomplishment.
[singlepic id=279 w=320 h=240 float=left]Not gonna lie. The triathlon training changed my life. I am happier, more free, completely inspired and have such a different perspective on life and it feels so good. I didn’t even look at my times, just finishing was enough for me. And now I have this awesome Chunky Girl Triathlete tri-suit so I’ll have to do some more. . . Though I think I’ll practice a little more yoga and write a few more songs before my training begins for a half Iron man or anything like that.
You are so amazing and inspirational in SO many ways! I am so proud of you, girl!!
Hi Boo! Reading of your journey and joy in this marathon process are the same lessons I had the privilege of experiencing in my baseball years! Running in 100′ heat, pushing past what seemed impossible and finally gaining strength and stamina to make another mile not totally realizing the benefits accruing silently as you made your way! Maturity and coming to embrace those little voices revealing the “YES” to our hearts and all the positive bennies which just show up when applied to all those other things we do and pursue! When you were in the eighth grade, you participated in a track and field event at school. When I saw you run —Wow, I thought. She is really good! So smooth and fluid! What a talent! I was in the bleachers with a father who had coached and trained teams and his eyebrows were raised in approval and recognition of pure talent he was witnessing up there in the stands with me. …couldn’t encourage you to continue in this sport; other issues were barging into our lives at that time, but, boy oh boy, you were something! Now, a tri-athlete! Proud, Proud, Proud of you, sweetie!