September 18 I took part in a triathlon with a group of dear friends. I did not know what to expect emotionally,..but what I did know (at the time) is that I would not do another one.

Completing this event has made me feel better about myself and my goals for health. This journey started over 8 months ago, when our friends asked us if we were interested in doing a triathlon. My partner Kristin and I agreed to take part in this event knowing that it was a healthy motivating goal. Each having different reasons for wanting to participate. (Ignore the fact that our friends asked us after tiring us out on a 26 mile bike ride,on rolling hills, while sipping Margaritas at a Mexican restaurant, while our stomachs were growling.) What fools!!

This would be good for me, my health, I thought. God knows I have been wanting to be much smaller for years. This surely would be the event that would change my life, my way of thinking and my life style. I would surely lose weight preparing for this event.

Well,.....a year passed quickly. Training wasn't all it should have been , but I reached numerous goals in the process. I jogged 2 miles for the first time in my life and swam 30 laps in the pool at the Y. I actually gained weight instead of losing, but that is alright. I reached other goals that I am proud of. I can't expect to do it all in one event. baby steps........


On September 18th, 2005 I swam 1/2 mile, biked 11 miles, and ran 1 mile, walking 2. I was supportive of my partner, as she was for me and we waited for each other during the transitions. We were not trying for the best times.(our friends waited 90 minutes for us to finish!) And we finshed!! (They are great,...those bitches are so fit!!)

Next year I plan to actually run the 3 miles. Danskin does not disqualify for walking,...so we walked when we needed to. I wanted to leave room for improvement for next year,..you know. Ha Ha

As crazy as it may seem we are doing another next year in Webster, MA, again with Danskin, and hopefully with our crazier friends. The environment that Danskin provides is supportive and you do not feel like you have to be an athlete to be there. http://www.danskin.com/danskinonline/webster.html The people on the sidelines are incredibly supportive shouting out votes of confidence as you pass, "Go Girl, "You Can Do It," "Almost There", "Keep Going." I felt like I deserved to be there and felt good about myself for doing something that was totally of my comfort zone.

I walked away, (slowly) from that event feeling that just doing something takes the fear out of it, and removes the power it has over you. Sometimes that power can hold you back from doing something you might have thought about. Completing this triathlon removed it from my head where so many thoughts, anxieties, and exaggerations occured. Doing it made it real. For me doing it seemed easier to do it than to think about it. Easier to see the next one, easier to see myself improving, and easier to believe and know I can reach my other goals!

But, ...most of all thinking of my dreams of entertaining crowds of over 10,000 screaming fans doesn't seem so unbeleivable!! Thank you friends!!