EatingJourney’s Triathlon Experience (guest post).
Thu, Dec 17, 2009
When the lovely Miz asked me to do a blog post about my recent triathlon I was honoured. I mean I adore Miz and to share my experience running across that finish line is a pretty huge accomplishment for me.
I have recently had some pretty intense health problems which have been coupled with about eight months of binge eating. I have maintained a 100lbs weight loss through this all. However, I have come to a point in my life where losing weight is not at the forefront of my mind anymore.
Healthy living and health eating is where I am choosing to put my focus.
It has been a journey fraught with breakdowns, unkept promises, prayers, counseling but most importantly a new and deep connection with my soul. With myself.
Part of my focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been to challenge myself on a physical level. When I heard about the Pink Triathlon I knew that I had to sign up. Three weeks before the event I went over to my friends house to get advice on running a short triathlon. I had running shoes and had run in a 10km and 12km race previously. However, biking? Swimming? Yeah not prepared at all.
I looked online, got a schedule that the Triathlon provided and got crackin. I bought every gadget possible for swimming including the dreaded swimming suit ? Early morning swims, bike rides, and runs consumed my life for three weeks.
I loved it. I felt totally in my element. I was going to run a tri!
The day came and I was a ball full of nerves. I had my swimming suit on as well as my lycra pants. I did not want anyone to see me running from the pool to my bike in my swimming suit (I am not even sure the bikini area has even seen sun this year or a razor for that matter). Anyways, I thought to myself ‘who cares, you’re gonna run in your suit and you’re gonna love it.’ Running in a tight swimming suit is humbling, FREEING!
The triathlon was the pinnacle of my shift from a dieter to a healthy living fitness focused girl. One where the ‘binge monster’ could not thrive. I felt powerful. I crossed that line. I got my medal. I smiled.
Then I signed up for more. I did not get first place, I did not set a record. What I did was put a gold star in my mind. I am a winner in my book. So I am journeying to the next tri in about three weeks time.
I remember on the bike when I was ‘lazer gunning’ the competition saying to myself ‘I am my own superhero!’ May you as well, get your cape out, it will help you soar!
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Wow awesome job! Congratulations! I am definately inspired.
thank you Miz for sharing this with us.
Mish,
Being someone who has also competed in triathlons, I think what you did is great, especially in such a short time! (the swim is the killer for me!) Triathlon is a great sport, for the health benefits from all the training. It’s more than that, though, you are there with some pretty amazing athletes, and then you are there with some people who are just starting out - all mixed together… Anyway, very awesome!
How bold and brave to jump into a triathlon like this! I’m still running circles, ’round the neighborhood and considering a 5K.
I’ve got way more in me. I know this. You inspire me, Mish!
Triathlon, wow, that’s awesome!!
This: “I am not even sure the bikini area has even seen sun this year or a razor for that matter” is TOTALLY me and cracked me up. Way to go on rocking your first tri!!
Loved this: What I did was put a gold star in my mind. I am a winner in my book.
Thx for sharing & congrats on all you have done & accomplished!
That sounds amazing. You rock!
Wow, congratulations. I think anytime we can move from a narrow focus to a broader one-overall fitness-it’s a success. Your story is inspiring.
Congrats!
Have fun on your next race. I’m sure it won’t be as verve wracking since you know what to expect now!!
Congratulations! You are indeed a superhero!
Kudos! I hate that damn binge monster!
Roar! I love this and am there with you now - I lost a small person myself (115 lbs) and am now knee deep in training for my second half marathon (and want to do a full one next year too). A Tri is on my radar someday, but I feel like I need some major time to train for it. I’m not so gutsy as you - open water swimming is a little intimidating to me. You are an inspiration, and you look so dang happy with that medal. Congrats!
What a fun surprise to see you on Mizfit’s site! You are an amazing person and so inspiring to many…keep it up!!!
I completed my first triathlon this year after losing 85 pounds. I don’t know how you did it in 3 weeks! It took me that long just to talk myself into the training! However, I was able to compete in the Athena division and got 1st place! I never expected it, and it hooked me. I hope to be able to do an Olympic tri next summer!
Way to go Mish! So proud of you!
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing your triathlon experience with us, and best of luck on your next one! Like Charlotte noted, re: the bikini area, I resemble that remark, too.
There is little modesty in triathlon. I’m also amazed that you got it together in only 3 weeks! You rock!!!
What do you mean “I did not set a record”?!??!?!?! Had you done this before? No. So you DID set a record. Your OWN record — the only kind that truly counts! Way to go, record-setter!!!
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Well done on achieving your first triathlon, a gruelling experience!
Regardless of what position you achieved your sense of achievement and sel-worth must now be awesome.