Hi all! So, I agree with WB - let the weight fall where it may. You know you are exercising and trying to eat better. Have a pizza day every now and again - just remember how to get back to healthy eating. My husband's been reading a book about procrastination and one of the best tidbits was that, if you fall off (diet, project, exercise, whatever), you just start again the next day. That projects, diets, etc. are full of new beginnings. Don't beat yourself up about it.
On a different note. Sunday was the triathlon. Here's my report:
Packet pick-up was the Friday before the event, and nervously I claimed my bib. Standing amongst the graceful, slender bodies of 18-22 year old college triathletes, I felt heavy and seriously out of place. I grabbed my bag and only half heard instructions - excited but self-conscious. Saturday morning, however, I woke up with a start - excited and energized, chomping at the bit to go for a light, 30 minute bike ride. That night, I set up my transition area to ensure that I had everything. I packed my bike, wetsuit and gear then went to bed. Amazingly, I slept well.
Race day and its 5:20 a.m. and the alarm is going off. Groan. Showered, I ate some oatmeal and hit the road. Best friend along side we merrily made our way south to the event. We arrived on time and I immediately felt the butterflies. We pulled out our bikes and made our way into the transition area where I grabbed my spot amongst the racks, greeting the few others who had made it there already. Set up, we went to get our chips and get marked. This was it. With so much awe, I watched the volunteer write 574 on my arms and then on my legs - I felt giddy. It was official - I was here and I was doing this.
After the briefing, we suited up and started the long (1/4 mile) walk to the swim start. The swim was a deep water start requiring all participants to swim about 100 meters out into the middle of the harbor. No sweat. Soon the first wave was off and my confusion as to the swim course was quickly cleared. After about 20 minutes, I finished donning my wetsuit, earplugs and swim cap and was standing on the mat with all the other under-40 women, again with my best friend beside me. Down the ramp and into the chilly waters of the Bay. Splashing some water onto my face, I began doing breast stroke to allow my body to fully acclimate before doing crawl. Unfortunately, the breather provided to all other waves was not given to our wave, and before I reached the start, they had started our wave off (and trust me, I was not in the tail end of the group of swimmers). Frantically, we all pushed ourselves through the start line and onto the course. Having pushed at the outset, I was out of breath within minutes of starting the swim. So I floated for a minute, allowing myself to catch my breath whilst waiting for my best friend. Soon I was swimming again and quickly found my rhythm in the water. As I rounded through the first turn, I could see the swim finish and hear the cheering. I felt awesome.
Out of the water, I walked-ran the length to the transition area and in what seemed like no time, was ready for the bike ride. Having made a prior plan to wait for my best friend, I waited. When she arrived at her bike, we decided I would go ahead as she is a faster cyclist. I grabbed my bike and ran out of the transition area, mounting as I wished another cycling a good ride.
The bike portion was 3 loops on flat course around the local area. Scenery wise it was lacking, but it gave me ample opportunity to check out all the outfits of the cyclists who gracefully passed me by. Soon the course was emptying as I realized more and more people were onto the run. Not bothered, I savored the moment - ecstatic that I was doing my first tri only 6 months after having taken up jogging, and soon - I was done with my three laps.
Heading into the transition area, I reached the dismount area. As soon as my first foot made contact with the ground, my leg forgot the feeling of solid ground and quickly gave out. Whoops! Down I went, without grace, but - somehow - able to brace myself and I didnt get injured. At my transition area, I racked my bike, grabbed some water and some GU and took off, best friend just behind me. Into the run I felt so sluggish. I suppose it was in part to the fact that, according to my best friend, I blasted out of the transition. What can I say?! I was AMPED! Unfortunately the energy was not sustainable for more than 1/2 a mile (if!) and we resorted to a run-walk approach for the remainder of the 5k. We finished though and, in the end, we crossed the finish line with much happiness and joy. Still waiting for the official times to be released, but I will share when it gets posted.
