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Saturday, June 15, 2013

From Couch to Triathlon

Who would of thought 2 years ago that I would now be 60 lbs lighter and a triathlete!  At that time if someone would have taken bets, I would have laughed and laughed and grabbed a beer and maybe some chips and laughed again!

Well here I am from 220 to 160 and from couch to Triathlon:)



August 2011




June 2013


Don't might if I do pat myself on the back:)

There is no crazy diet thrown into this mix....believe me, I have tried them.  And have always gained back as many of us have.  This time I decided that the key word in the journey was going to be "fit," not "skinny."
So about 2 years ago I started.  I joined a gym and very painfully stepped onto the treadmill, plagued with embarrassment of my current weight, wearing spanx under my workout clothes, and pressed "GO."  I hired a fantastic trainer, Jesse Johns, and worked out with him once a week.  I decided to set physical goals for myself that would force me to train.  My first accomplishment was last spring when I competed in the Warrior Dash.  It was the first competitive race I had ever done and it was awesome.  I was hooked.



Best.Pic.Ever.


Lynn & I




I proceeded to compete in 2 additional mud-runs last year.  One being the Muck Ruckus to benefit MS, for my friend Shannon.
Team Red Hot Mama!

Me & Gina

I actually made it!

And also conned my husband, Brett, into doing the Gladiator Rock and Run with me!

Brett & I

He may or may not have been channeling his inner Old School's "Frank the Tank" (love you ,Brett!)

Do I go to the gym everyday?  No.
Do I eat perfect all the time? No.
I do what I can each week putting forth as much effort as I can depending on work, kids & Brett's travel schedule.  I make working out a priority each week and pre-plan as to when I can fit it in.
And I always tell myself that a 20 minute workout is better than no workout at all.
I eat better.
I feel better.

So coming into 2013 I began the search for a new challenge and in February I signed up for the "My First Tri." I got my friend Nicole to do it and another friend, Erin, had registered as well! We gave ourselves a little over 3 months to train and on Saturday, June 8th, we did it!

Erin, Me & Nicole

I still can't believe it. I became a triathlete.

I'm a purple hat somewhere up front on the right. I came out 3rd in my age group for swim!

cycling

Nicole & I coming in to the transition


start of 3 mile run

almost done!

And I can't wait to do another one.  Actually, I have already scouted one out for September!
My time was 1 hour 40 mins and I am super excited to see how I can beat this now knowing what to expect.

Of course, there are always a few lessons learned.....

  • In that quarter mile swim I couldn't help but wonder where that wall was that I so graciously pushed myself off  during practices into each lap went.  Note to self, practice more open water swims. There is NO wall to propel yourself forward.
  • When you are kicked in the head, don't freak out.  Lifeguards are everywhere....you are not going to die!
  • Must figure how to grow gills to flush out gallons of consumed water. Lake water. yuck!
  • Must practice cycling on hills. Period.
  • And why, OH WHY, is running so boring to me????  Seriously, I get annoyed with myself and how I can't get over this.  Must learn to sing and run so that I can entertain myself although others might find my mix of Jay Z, Maroon 5 & Gotye confusing and a bit psychotic.

And my favorite part crossing the finish line was my cheering section!  Super thanks to Brett, Braxton, Wyatt, Ken, Barb, Caleb, Maddie, Leigh Anne, Shannon, Jason, Jack, Dawn & Riley for the support.  It was an awesome feeling crossing that finish line and having you all there!

Nicole & I....mission accomplished!

Me & My Boys

Wyatt, Ken & Barb


Sweet Jack

Me & my Red Hot Mama (Shannon)








3 comments:

  1. So proud of you! Can't wait to see you kick booty in the next MS MuckFest Oct.5th!!!!

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  2. Very inspirational! Love how you say "the key word in the journey was going to be "fit," not "skinny." Keep it going!

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