So as promised I am back to blogging and what better way to come back then with a race report from my first triathlon. The pictures are posted on Facebook as it is easier to upload them there since I don't have to move a whole bunch of paragraphs around.
Race prep started last September when I took the Swim with Flow class at the Rye Y. I took that class so that I would be more efficient and have an easier time transitioning into tri training once February came. I have been taking triathlon training classes two nights a week since February with Ray Kelly, who I blogged about on Thursday, and the rest of the Rye Y Tri Team. Yup there is an entire team of us who come from the same gym and the same amazing coach. When I started I was so nervous and I knew nobody in the class and nothing except what I had read about triathlon. This class taught me not only about the sport and racing but how strong and athletic I really am. The spin classes would push us to the brink, the running was always slow (it's not my favorite) and the swim was just fun since I was always in the lane with the same amazing people: Sarah and Claudia. Ray had us run the high school track for our speed work, something I hated and still do although I understand the need for it. At the end of the first session we did a mini triathlon as a group and then we went out to celebrate, he's actually taking us all out again on Thursday to celebrate us once again.
So let's get to the good stuff....THE RACE. Race "prep" started on Saturday night with my mom making a carbo load dinner which she, Scott and I enjoyed. Nothing better than homemade shrimp and pasta to fill your belly. I had asked Scott to bring up some of his many movies since there was no going out to play pre-race plus I really needed something to take my mind off of the anxiety I was feeling about Sunday morning. I had everything for my transition area laid out on the living room floor, it was all based off of the list that Ray had given us at the clinic I had gone to a few weeks before. When we got home from my mom's I went through the list one last time, packed the bag , planned for the 100th time what time I was getting up and what the morning fuel would be. I did text with my friends about if we were going to wear underwear or not since even though we have wetsuits on we are still wet and underwear has some lovely chafing qualities: the going commando decision was made. I will admit that I took and over the counter sleep aid to make sure that I would get a full night's sleep, I didn't want to risk tossing and turning. Scott and I started to watch the movie and I can honestly say that I saw maybe the first ten minutes of it before I was dozing on the couch. I was getting up at 5 to be at the race by 6:30 and he was getting up at 6 so that he and my mom could be there at 7:45. When the alarm went off at 5 I WAS READY!
The day before I had sent my friend Kevin, who I also blogged about last time, an email thanking him for helping get me prepared for this race. I keep his response in my transition area bag because it contains some of the most important words "YOU ARE PREPARED". I re-read that email at least twice that morning. I made my typical pre-race breakfast of a bagel, fried egg and cheese. It was delicious :-) I was ready to go on schedule 5:45. I loaded my bag and bike onto/into the car and off I went. It seemed like the longest ride ever with thoughts of the unknown dancing around in my head. I was sipping on my G2 and singing to the best Dave Matthews Band album ever when I arrived at the GM parking lot. My friend Hessy, who I have known since I was 13, was also doing the race and we were planning on meeting at registration. She beat me there by a few minutes and was waiting for her relay team to get ready. There is one thing that I will say about triathletes...they are nice people. Everyone in the parking lot says good morning and we were all chatting about what a fantastic dayit was for racing(remember we've had more rain than sun this summer). I walk my gorgeous tri bike and bag over to the registration area where they check my USAT membership, give me my numbers, goodie bag and shirt. From there I headed over to body marking where I ran into some of my Rye Y teammates. There is nothing like having your race number and age, yes your age, written on your body with a Sharpie. Off to set up my transition area.
This was a bit confusing because the numbers were on both sides of the pole and at first I thought that I was lost. So I found my "slip" #114 where I proceeded to hang my bike as Ray showed me and set up my bike/run transition towel. As I was prepping more of my Rye Y friends showed up and we were all chatting about what the right way to do stuff was...there is no real right way as long as you don't take up too much room. Right across from me was Kevin, I was convinced that was done on purpose so that I could torture him for a few extra moments. I set up my area as instructed, put my number on my bike, helmet and race belt. 45 minutes until the swim...this was really happening. Mary, Shalini and I decide that it's time to lube up with the Body Glide, so NOT a sexual thing, and attempt to get the leg parts of our wetsuits on. Now that was something to see,we were all cracking up as we pulled on suits that resemble catwoman. Once I finally got my lower half on one of my Weight Watchers members showed up, I knew she was coming as she emailed me to tell me that she was bringing her kids out. Sadly they didn't even get to see the start as the kids got cranky but she woke up and brought them out in hopes of seeing me race. While I was standing there talking to her my mom and Scott showed up. My mom was volunteering at the finish line because she's an amazing mom and he was there just to support me....he's a good man, one I am thankful for everyday: ex or not.
While I was talking to all of them and trying to show them where to stand to see the swim my step-dad Dave showed up. This was HUGE since he rarely does stuff like this but he has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. I only got to see him for one second since I was due to hit the water in 10 minutes. YES IT WAS TIME. I donned the rest of my wetsuit and my orange swimcap for my wave of swimmers. My friend Jen, who came in 2nd in our age group, and I walked down to the water together. Ray was announcing all of the Rye Tri members so he called our names and then yelled that my mom was there and was asking where she was. It was cute.
The walk to the water was awful as the beach and I use the term loosely was all rocks. We all hobbled down there to await the instructions and for our waves to start. The current was against us for the start and when we made the turn homeward bound the current would be helpful. I was in the third wave, so once the second wave took off we all hobbled, literally, out to the swim start. None of us could see the rocks that ended up cutting my toes. 3,2,1 GO....off we went. I had a panic attack for the first few minutes which was not helped at all by my friend Jen punching me in the eye by accident of course. I ended up doing the breast stroke for a good part of the swim out, it was impossible to get my breath and fight the current. Once I made the turn toward home I was a bit more relaxed...clearly I need some work on my open water swim skills. As I finished my first half mile of the race I could not help but smile: I was really doing this. The rocks on the way out of the water were just as bad as on the way in. I did stay in the water as long as possible and I was half out of my wetsuit by the time I climbed the steps back to the transition area.
I was a bit wobbly when I got out of the water as I had been told I would be. Thank goodness my area was so well organized it did not take me too long to get my suit fully off and my bike gear on. Off I went, helmet clipped and a kiss from Ray on my way out of the transition area. The 10 mile ride was awesome! I did walk up the two biggest hills as I knew that I would but I hauled ass for the rest of it. The ONLY reason I was able to do any of this ride was because of Kevin's amazing spin classes. I actually passed people on the longer hills. Cyndi gave me a mantra that I used when the course got tough "Push the mind and the body will follow". That's exactly what I did. My favorite thing was saying "on your left" as I zipped by. Whenever someone from the team went by we would nod or wave, what a great feeling to know that people were pulling for you out on the course. My childhood neighbor was voluteering on the bike course so I got to see him twice as was Phil who subbed for Kevin one night in spin. He recently lost his sister to ALS and there is a hill named for her on the bike course for the Westchester Triathlon that I will be doing in late September. As I made the final turn back into the park all I kept thinking was "don't forget to unclip BEFORE you stop"...yeah those pedals are deadly. As I pulled in, unclipped, I saw Scott with the camera waiting, sadly none of those came out but it was nice to see a familiar, friendly face and I was done with the bike.
It did not take long to get my bike shoes off and my running shoes on. As I was leaving the transition area I saw Dave waiting for me. It was amazing to have him there and I am honored that this was so important to him. The run SUCKED. It was the hardest and slowest 5K I have ever done. I know for sure that I need to work on the bike/run transition before the next race on August 2nd. It was a pretty run for the most part since it was along the Hudson River and we actually ran around a lighthouse...that's where the beauty ended as we headed out through the parking lot and up this awful hill. It was sunny and so HOT at that point. I could not wait for this dreaded run to be over. I grabbed my water at the top of the hill and ran all the way down. As I turned back into the parking lot I could head them announcing finishers and then it hit me - I am going to finish this race. The final leg of the race was back into the park where they radioed in your number so they could announce your name. I heard my name and as I looked into the finishers shoot I saw a group of my teammates waiting there to give me hi-fives and give me that last bit of encouragement. My mom said that in the pics my step dad took I have a pained look on my face, I don't doubt that as I was hot, tired and FINISHED. As I crossed the finish line I smiled and looked at the clock...1:49. My goal was sub two hours and it seemed as though I did it. My mom was there with the medal to put it around my neck and she teared up as she did it. I got a huge hug from her and off I went to find Scott and my step dad.
It was truly one of the most fulfilling days of my life. I hugged Ray and my teammates, I could never have done this without them. I was prepared because they cared enough to share their wisdom with me. My final time was 1:43:26....not bad for a first timer. August 2nd is the next race in Greenwich CT.
Thank you all for rooting me on and for always encouraging me. Check Facebook for the pictures.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Remember Me?
I'M BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKK....I know I know you've heard that before but I have been getting A LOT of peer pressure to do a pre-race update on my beloved blog. I am friends with many of you on Facebook but they only give us a limited amount of space to give updates. So much has happened since February I cannot even begin to tell you plus who wants all those details?
As you all know I have been training for my first triathlon season after completing two half marathons this spring. I did the HOTTEST run in Nashville where I actually PR'd heat aside and ALMOST got to meet SuperDave. Then I had the honor of crossing the finish line with Cyndi. She's an amazing athelete and woman. I had the best time ever in the city of Rock n' Roll with her and her entire family. I also had an amazing but way too short relationship with a man I am still very close to. It was something that I truly needed and although it is over I am more aware than ever of my value, beauty, kindness and even of the changes my body has made the last few months, things that I have always struggled with. Weight Watchers is still going strong. I am there every Saturday morning hoping to inspire my members with my stories of struggle and triumph.
So let's get to the present...Sunday is my first of four triathlons for this season. I will be doing the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon which is about 30 minutes from house. I get to swim in the mightly Hudson River, thank goodness for wetsuits is all I have to say. My coach from the Rye Y Ray Kelly is the Race Director and he's put together a first class event for sure. He is an amazing and inspiring man and I highly suggest you check out his site. I have met and trained with some of the most amazing athletes the last few months. Kevin who taught our incredibly challenging but always fun spin classes completed a 50 mile mountain run in May. He and Ray have done countless IronMan Tris and yet with all of that under their belts they happily support and train beginners like me. This is just another example of how special true athletes are.
Through the Rye Y and Ray I had a chance to participate in a Challenge Athletes Foundation Spin-a-Thon. What an experience! I met athletes who lost parts of their bodies or had no use of their legs yet they have overcome those "challenges" and have become IronMan finishers and even 50 mile mountain runners. I know that I have written about this before and how awed I am by these people at every race I go to but to be on a spin bike next to someone who lost part of their arm in Iraq or a woman who had her whole left leg amputated as a child (she's an IronMan finisher) is really something else.
Sunday is a big day for me. My mom is volunteering at the finish line where (hopefully) she'll be able to put the medal around my neck as I become a true triathlete, my step-dad Dave will be there with Scott, my ex, to cheer me on through the transitions and at the finish. I have never been this nervous for a race yet I am also so excited I can hardly stand it. I PROMISE to be back here more often as I really do love writing this blog and reading all of your blogs.
It's good to be back! Shosh
As you all know I have been training for my first triathlon season after completing two half marathons this spring. I did the HOTTEST run in Nashville where I actually PR'd heat aside and ALMOST got to meet SuperDave. Then I had the honor of crossing the finish line with Cyndi. She's an amazing athelete and woman. I had the best time ever in the city of Rock n' Roll with her and her entire family. I also had an amazing but way too short relationship with a man I am still very close to. It was something that I truly needed and although it is over I am more aware than ever of my value, beauty, kindness and even of the changes my body has made the last few months, things that I have always struggled with. Weight Watchers is still going strong. I am there every Saturday morning hoping to inspire my members with my stories of struggle and triumph.
So let's get to the present...Sunday is my first of four triathlons for this season. I will be doing the Sleepy Hollow Sprint Triathlon which is about 30 minutes from house. I get to swim in the mightly Hudson River, thank goodness for wetsuits is all I have to say. My coach from the Rye Y Ray Kelly is the Race Director and he's put together a first class event for sure. He is an amazing and inspiring man and I highly suggest you check out his site. I have met and trained with some of the most amazing athletes the last few months. Kevin who taught our incredibly challenging but always fun spin classes completed a 50 mile mountain run in May. He and Ray have done countless IronMan Tris and yet with all of that under their belts they happily support and train beginners like me. This is just another example of how special true athletes are.
Through the Rye Y and Ray I had a chance to participate in a Challenge Athletes Foundation Spin-a-Thon. What an experience! I met athletes who lost parts of their bodies or had no use of their legs yet they have overcome those "challenges" and have become IronMan finishers and even 50 mile mountain runners. I know that I have written about this before and how awed I am by these people at every race I go to but to be on a spin bike next to someone who lost part of their arm in Iraq or a woman who had her whole left leg amputated as a child (she's an IronMan finisher) is really something else.
Sunday is a big day for me. My mom is volunteering at the finish line where (hopefully) she'll be able to put the medal around my neck as I become a true triathlete, my step-dad Dave will be there with Scott, my ex, to cheer me on through the transitions and at the finish. I have never been this nervous for a race yet I am also so excited I can hardly stand it. I PROMISE to be back here more often as I really do love writing this blog and reading all of your blogs.
It's good to be back! Shosh
Friday, February 13, 2009
Danskin Bike Shorts Make You Spin Faster
OK they don't but they are really amazing. I wore my new shorts courtesy of Danskin last night tri training. We do spinning every Tuesday and Thursday for at least 40 minutes. I am not sure how many of you have done a spin class but as I said before I "found" muscles in places I did not know existed. I know that it was in part because I was doing a completely new workout and in part because I was wearing every day shorts on a bike with a tiny seat...did I say tiny I mean minuscule. Almost everyone else in the class has the fancy bike shorts and after riding in them last night I can see why.Here they are in all their glory on my lovely couch. :-) You'll notice they are all black with a large padded crotch. I have to say that I saw how big it was it made me kind of nervous, that along with the elastic legs since we all know anyone with an ounce of leg fat typically shys away from that look. In this case they are a perfect fit with nothing to be afraid of. I tried my shorts on before I left for class to kind of get a feel of what it was going to be like once I arrived at the Y and got ready to board my spin bike. I ride the same bike every week next to my new friend Emily and right next to the fan. Hey I am no dummy it's freaking hot in that room. On the "test drive" at my house I was getting used to having a pad covering my nether regions which as comfortable as they are does take a bit of getting used to.
I arrive at the gym with my new cycling shoes with real clips...ah yes I am slowly evolving into a triathlete in training and my Danskin tri shorts. In the ladies locker room we were all chatting about our shorts and the elastic legs and how we really hate people without any leg fat, well we don't really hate them but maybe we're jealous of them. Anyway, I was showing everyone the shorts and explaining how comfortable they were but most importantly I was telling everyone who much I was looking forward to having some padding on previously mentioned minuscule seat.
What a different workout I had last night. I had zero pain in my crotch and butt. The padding was amazing and it made sitting on the bike comfortable. That is not a word that I would ever use to describe sitting on that bike seat but I can honestly say I was comfortable. They did take a second to get used to once I started working out because I kept glancing down at my legs but they actually looked strong rather than flabby. It is about a hundred degrees in that room and I actually noticed that there was very little sweat if any on my legs. They shorts kept me "dry" and I was not slipping on the seat as I once did because of that.
I woke up this morning without the same pain or aching that I have had after the last few classes. These shorts are comfortable and they fit great! I am in a medium or 8-10, if this training keeps up at this pace I will be in a small soon enough. I love that they have a drawstring so that I can adjust the waist depending on how I am feeling that day, soooo very important. They have enough padding to make all the difference. I like that the legs did not ride up as I was spinning at a high cadence. They are light weight and comfortable which is a plus and they made me feel sleek and fast...actually like a real athlete. The pocket in the back is perfect for fitting a gel or lip balm, both really important on longer, outdoor rides.
They may not make me actually faster but they do give me feeling of support. Below is a picture of the gorgeous race top that I will be reporting on shortly. It is so pretty and white that I am almost afraid to wear it. I wanted it to stay pristine as long as possible.
Thank you to Jessica and Danskin for giving me the chance to wear and blog about your fantastic tri clothes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tuesday Babble
Happy Tuesday everyone. I have once again been out living and truly missing my blogger friends. It's amazing how a single girl with no kids actually has so little time to myself, I am sending out HUGE kudos to all of you who are married and even biggers ones to those of you with children who still have time to blog. Between working two jobs and training two nights a week until 10pm I am finding that I have less and less time for me. So here is the quick and dirty of what's going on in the hecetic world of Shosh.
I have been working with my Weight Watchers Leader Mentor for the last two weeks and this Saturday, Valentine's Day is my final meeting with her before I am released on the unsuspecting WW members. :-) I am doing a back to back meeting with her, the first one I just have to do the celebrations portion and the motivational close for the second one I am leading the entire meeting including the Getting Started Session....anyone going to be in the NY area? My mentor and my trainer will both be there for that to help fine tune my leader skills. Last night I prepared all of my flip charts that I am going to use in the Saturday meeting and for the two Sunday meetings where I am flying solo, no mentor no trainer. I have been doing receptionist work at that meeting so at least the people are familiar with me and I am not a complete stranger walking into their meeting. Their real leader is out on maternity leave so when she gets back I get my Sundays back but for now I am all about WW. I also picked up an At Work meeting on Monday nights. I figured why not...it's just another chance for me to spread the word and wisdom of Weight Watchers.
Part of being a leader is telling the members what WW has given me...I cannot even put into words what this program has given me. It has given me energy, it has given me more self esteem than I could imagine (without that I could not get up in front of the room to inspire people), I have control over my life like I have never had, I can see myself for who I really am and I can look in the mirror every day and pick out something that I love about myself. This morning it was how my waist looked in my Size 8 pants.
So on top of all of the WW work I am doing I have also started training with the coach/class for the upcoming triathlon season. I have done two classes and I can honestly say that I have already pushed myself harder than I ever thought that I could. The first night we did a lot of swim drills which are so important to be a stronger swimmer. The second night we did a spin class and spent an hour in the pools, I was once again doing drills this Thursday I move to the swimmers lanes YIKES! That spin class kicked my butt. I discovered muscles I did not know even existed. For the next class I will have my Danskin tri shorts. I met a wonderful woman at WW leader training, Jessica, she works for Danskin and is giving me lots of fun tri clothes to test out and blog about. Come back soon for the full report on those amazing clothes.
I took a few big steps this week...I joined the USAT (USA Triathlon) and I signed up for a sprint tri the Danskin SheROX Sprint in Sandy Hook New Jersey. Can you tell that I am loyal to brands that are good to me?
My running and training for the two half marathons I am doing this spring is really moving along. I can run 6 miles without walking now. I am not fast but I am happy to be doing especially when I think that I could not run a mile 20 years ago when you're supposed to be your fittest. I cannot wait to see Cyndi in May for her first half marathon finish. My mom is getting ready for Nashville and we're anxiously waiting for the weather to be warm enough to get her out there for some longer distances.
Tonight is a spin/abs/run night with the coach....he wants to see if we have any abs. I can answer that question for him without the test but I think he's requiring us to do the work out LOL.
I hope that everyone is doing well and I am going to catch up on all my blogger friends this week...
I have been working with my Weight Watchers Leader Mentor for the last two weeks and this Saturday, Valentine's Day is my final meeting with her before I am released on the unsuspecting WW members. :-) I am doing a back to back meeting with her, the first one I just have to do the celebrations portion and the motivational close for the second one I am leading the entire meeting including the Getting Started Session....anyone going to be in the NY area? My mentor and my trainer will both be there for that to help fine tune my leader skills. Last night I prepared all of my flip charts that I am going to use in the Saturday meeting and for the two Sunday meetings where I am flying solo, no mentor no trainer. I have been doing receptionist work at that meeting so at least the people are familiar with me and I am not a complete stranger walking into their meeting. Their real leader is out on maternity leave so when she gets back I get my Sundays back but for now I am all about WW. I also picked up an At Work meeting on Monday nights. I figured why not...it's just another chance for me to spread the word and wisdom of Weight Watchers.
Part of being a leader is telling the members what WW has given me...I cannot even put into words what this program has given me. It has given me energy, it has given me more self esteem than I could imagine (without that I could not get up in front of the room to inspire people), I have control over my life like I have never had, I can see myself for who I really am and I can look in the mirror every day and pick out something that I love about myself. This morning it was how my waist looked in my Size 8 pants.
So on top of all of the WW work I am doing I have also started training with the coach/class for the upcoming triathlon season. I have done two classes and I can honestly say that I have already pushed myself harder than I ever thought that I could. The first night we did a lot of swim drills which are so important to be a stronger swimmer. The second night we did a spin class and spent an hour in the pools, I was once again doing drills this Thursday I move to the swimmers lanes YIKES! That spin class kicked my butt. I discovered muscles I did not know even existed. For the next class I will have my Danskin tri shorts. I met a wonderful woman at WW leader training, Jessica, she works for Danskin and is giving me lots of fun tri clothes to test out and blog about. Come back soon for the full report on those amazing clothes.
I took a few big steps this week...I joined the USAT (USA Triathlon) and I signed up for a sprint tri the Danskin SheROX Sprint in Sandy Hook New Jersey. Can you tell that I am loyal to brands that are good to me?
My running and training for the two half marathons I am doing this spring is really moving along. I can run 6 miles without walking now. I am not fast but I am happy to be doing especially when I think that I could not run a mile 20 years ago when you're supposed to be your fittest. I cannot wait to see Cyndi in May for her first half marathon finish. My mom is getting ready for Nashville and we're anxiously waiting for the weather to be warm enough to get her out there for some longer distances.
Tonight is a spin/abs/run night with the coach....he wants to see if we have any abs. I can answer that question for him without the test but I think he's requiring us to do the work out LOL.
I hope that everyone is doing well and I am going to catch up on all my blogger friends this week...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I Am Starting the Next Chapter...
In my life. I have been gone for about 2 weeks between skiing and Weight Watchers Leader training. It's amazing to me how fast time is flying...Sunday it is already February. I have been out living and learning A LOT but it does not make me feel any less bad about slacking on this blog. So here is the Reader's Digest version.
I LOVED BLS AKA Basic Leader Skills training. I spent 4 days with some of the most amazing and inspirational people. There were 14 women and 1 very brave man. We were mostly from this area with the exception of Dora from Boston and Jane from PA. Some lost 20 pounds and some lost 120 pounds but we all took a journey to make it to our goals. It was intense and I have to say that I learned a lot about myself and a lot about other people. I am 100% that Weight Watchers is one of the most amazing organizations out there. We not only support each other but the support we give our members is really unsurpassed. I am proud to be an apprentice leader...soon to be a leader with my own meeting and members. This Saturday I start with my mentor and in about 3 weeks I will be released onto the unsuspecting public to help them on their journey. I could not be more proud or excited.
I explained to my Territory Manager and my trainer how this all feels to me...when you're the fat kid nobody picks you for their team and things are just harder for you...they picked me because I was the fat kid. That "tag" no longer fits but the feeling of being chosen to be part of the team is one that I will not soon forget. I have an extra spring in my step and a totally different outlook on the path that is ahead of me. Anytime your in NY please feel free to stop in.
The next bit of news is that this Tuesday February 2 I start the following training:
Have you always dreamed about entering a triathlon? Train with us this winter and be race-ready for the \spring/Summer outdoor triathlon season. You will be working with swim coaches, ciclyn instructors and a strenght/endurance trainer in a structured setting. You will also explore the sports psychology of these swim-bike run races that are becoming increasingly popular. We strongly recommend that you train for two 9-week sessions. The Rye YMCA Triathlon Club is an official club of the USAT. All members are recommended to be members of USAT if they are planning to race in 2009.
Yup it's official...I am training for a triathlon in 2009. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this: scared, nervous, so excited and looking forward to the challenge. I keep wondering who else will be in the class and will they like me. HAHA no matter how old we get that is still a "fear" we have. Based on my last class experience at the Rye Y I think that this will be a positive growth experience for me. I will be around like minded people training toward a common goal, to finish a triathlon. WOW that word was not even part of my vocabulary at this time last year, except when Michelle would mention it. It was not even on my radar as something to consider. I am ready for this and I think that by stepping out of what is comfortable for me I am just expanding my own potential for a happy life.
I will give you an update on my first WW meeting this Saturday and on the first day of class next. Thank you all for your support and kind words...you really help to keep me going. This quote struck me and I want to share with all of you since it seems as if we're all training for something these days.
"Endurance is on of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory come."
-Buddha
I LOVED BLS AKA Basic Leader Skills training. I spent 4 days with some of the most amazing and inspirational people. There were 14 women and 1 very brave man. We were mostly from this area with the exception of Dora from Boston and Jane from PA. Some lost 20 pounds and some lost 120 pounds but we all took a journey to make it to our goals. It was intense and I have to say that I learned a lot about myself and a lot about other people. I am 100% that Weight Watchers is one of the most amazing organizations out there. We not only support each other but the support we give our members is really unsurpassed. I am proud to be an apprentice leader...soon to be a leader with my own meeting and members. This Saturday I start with my mentor and in about 3 weeks I will be released onto the unsuspecting public to help them on their journey. I could not be more proud or excited.
I explained to my Territory Manager and my trainer how this all feels to me...when you're the fat kid nobody picks you for their team and things are just harder for you...they picked me because I was the fat kid. That "tag" no longer fits but the feeling of being chosen to be part of the team is one that I will not soon forget. I have an extra spring in my step and a totally different outlook on the path that is ahead of me. Anytime your in NY please feel free to stop in.
The next bit of news is that this Tuesday February 2 I start the following training:
Have you always dreamed about entering a triathlon? Train with us this winter and be race-ready for the \spring/Summer outdoor triathlon season. You will be working with swim coaches, ciclyn instructors and a strenght/endurance trainer in a structured setting. You will also explore the sports psychology of these swim-bike run races that are becoming increasingly popular. We strongly recommend that you train for two 9-week sessions. The Rye YMCA Triathlon Club is an official club of the USAT. All members are recommended to be members of USAT if they are planning to race in 2009.
Yup it's official...I am training for a triathlon in 2009. I have a lot of mixed feelings about this: scared, nervous, so excited and looking forward to the challenge. I keep wondering who else will be in the class and will they like me. HAHA no matter how old we get that is still a "fear" we have. Based on my last class experience at the Rye Y I think that this will be a positive growth experience for me. I will be around like minded people training toward a common goal, to finish a triathlon. WOW that word was not even part of my vocabulary at this time last year, except when Michelle would mention it. It was not even on my radar as something to consider. I am ready for this and I think that by stepping out of what is comfortable for me I am just expanding my own potential for a happy life.
I will give you an update on my first WW meeting this Saturday and on the first day of class next. Thank you all for your support and kind words...you really help to keep me going. This quote struck me and I want to share with all of you since it seems as if we're all training for something these days.
"Endurance is on of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory come."
-Buddha
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
No matter who you voted for you have to be a proud American today. The United States of America finally came together to change the face of our government and our great country. I will be in front of the TV from 11:30 on to watch this momentous event. Good thing I work for DIRECTV so we have TV's all over the office.
OK enough politics for today. I am so happy that we had an extra day off this week, I was in need of it. Things here ahve been so hectic for some reason and I have hardly had time to catch my breath between DIRECTV, Weight Watchers and trying to squeeze in my long runs. I did do 5 miles on Thursday before work without an walk breaks. I was ready for a nao around 11 but pushed through to the end of the day. This is seriously a great time in my life, for some reason things just seem to be working out for me. I am really thankful for all the good things in my life and for the amazing things that have happened to me in the last year or so.
I spent the last 3 days in Vermont with some friends of my family. They recently moved their lives to South Londonderry from Westchester, where I live. Being that I will have no free weekends after this coming up weekend I called Kathy and Irwin to see if they would like to ski with me over the Martin Luther King holiday. They graciously invited me to their house for all 3 days of the weekend. It was awesome!! I love Vermont and if I ever get a chance to retire I am moving there and skiing every day in the winter. I arrived super late on Friday after a 4 hour drive on the scariest road ever, it was a 2 lane road with no street lights with farms on either side...every horror movie I have ever seen was playing over and over in my head. On top of the darkness it was NEGATIVE 6 degrees outside which caused some panic of how long I would live if the car broke down and I had to walk up the road.....that is if the ax murdered I created in my head did not get me first. Needless to say I arrived at their house without incident.
We had not planned on skiing on Saturday because it was sooooo cold but Irwin and I decided that maybe it would be OK in the afternoon since it was a whopping 11 degrees at their house. What a mistake! We arrived at Stratton, their home mountain, around 1 and we were home by 2:30ish. I was so cold that I had no feeling in my face and toes. The hand warmers could hardly keep up with the cold outside. It was not a complete waste as we did have some great runs but I cannot deal with being that cold. We headed back home to rest up and shower...there was some really good news when we arrived that the weather for Sunday was going to be a lot warmer AND it was going to SNOW!! I am not sure that you all know the knickname for the east coast: The "Ice Coast". It has been given that name because MOST of the mountains in upper NY state and lower Mass are covered in ice. Even a few inches would have been a treat for Sunday.
Mother Nature must have felt bad because she gave us a TON of fresh snow on Sunday. Kathy, Irwin and I packed the car and headed to Okemo, one of my favorite resorts, to meet their friend Steve for a free morning of skiing. We made fresh tracks all over the mountain and the snow was just coming down. It was an amazing morning. We tired ourselves out by 10:30. So we headed back to the house for some lunch and naps. It was so nice to have people to ski with at my level. We hit a double black run and I took a run in the trees with Steve, they were a bit sketchy but so worth it. I will be returning to Okemo at the end of February for a Women's SKi Clinic for 3 days. It's so awesome and the women are all great skiers. My mom actually heads up with me and she snowshoes during the day. Then we all meet for dinner and s'mores at the end of the day.
Yesterday was another fantastic day. I was going to head back over to Stratton for a few hours before I headed back down to the flatland. We got some new snow overnight and I was super stoked to get out again. While we were getting dinner ready on Saturday night Kath had mentioned that maybe she would join me in the morning and then Irwin got on the bandwagon and off we all went early in the morning. We got to the mountain around 8:30 just in time for the first few chair rides up. There were hardly any skiers/boarders there yet and we had a blast. I skied my butt off until 12:30....when it was time to go home. I smiled the entire way home on that same scary road. I have to say that in the daylight it was hardly scary, it was actually gorgeous.
After 3 days of skiing my legs were way too tired to get out there for my 2 mile run. I am heading to the dreadmill tomorrow for 2 miles and on Thursday for my 5 miler. My 6 mile run will have to be one of the mornings I am at Weight Watchers leader training. I am leaving Thursday afternoon for that experience. I will give you the run down on that when I return.
Have a great day and keep warm.
OK enough politics for today. I am so happy that we had an extra day off this week, I was in need of it. Things here ahve been so hectic for some reason and I have hardly had time to catch my breath between DIRECTV, Weight Watchers and trying to squeeze in my long runs. I did do 5 miles on Thursday before work without an walk breaks. I was ready for a nao around 11 but pushed through to the end of the day. This is seriously a great time in my life, for some reason things just seem to be working out for me. I am really thankful for all the good things in my life and for the amazing things that have happened to me in the last year or so.
I spent the last 3 days in Vermont with some friends of my family. They recently moved their lives to South Londonderry from Westchester, where I live. Being that I will have no free weekends after this coming up weekend I called Kathy and Irwin to see if they would like to ski with me over the Martin Luther King holiday. They graciously invited me to their house for all 3 days of the weekend. It was awesome!! I love Vermont and if I ever get a chance to retire I am moving there and skiing every day in the winter. I arrived super late on Friday after a 4 hour drive on the scariest road ever, it was a 2 lane road with no street lights with farms on either side...every horror movie I have ever seen was playing over and over in my head. On top of the darkness it was NEGATIVE 6 degrees outside which caused some panic of how long I would live if the car broke down and I had to walk up the road.....that is if the ax murdered I created in my head did not get me first. Needless to say I arrived at their house without incident.
We had not planned on skiing on Saturday because it was sooooo cold but Irwin and I decided that maybe it would be OK in the afternoon since it was a whopping 11 degrees at their house. What a mistake! We arrived at Stratton, their home mountain, around 1 and we were home by 2:30ish. I was so cold that I had no feeling in my face and toes. The hand warmers could hardly keep up with the cold outside. It was not a complete waste as we did have some great runs but I cannot deal with being that cold. We headed back home to rest up and shower...there was some really good news when we arrived that the weather for Sunday was going to be a lot warmer AND it was going to SNOW!! I am not sure that you all know the knickname for the east coast: The "Ice Coast". It has been given that name because MOST of the mountains in upper NY state and lower Mass are covered in ice. Even a few inches would have been a treat for Sunday.
Mother Nature must have felt bad because she gave us a TON of fresh snow on Sunday. Kathy, Irwin and I packed the car and headed to Okemo, one of my favorite resorts, to meet their friend Steve for a free morning of skiing. We made fresh tracks all over the mountain and the snow was just coming down. It was an amazing morning. We tired ourselves out by 10:30. So we headed back to the house for some lunch and naps. It was so nice to have people to ski with at my level. We hit a double black run and I took a run in the trees with Steve, they were a bit sketchy but so worth it. I will be returning to Okemo at the end of February for a Women's SKi Clinic for 3 days. It's so awesome and the women are all great skiers. My mom actually heads up with me and she snowshoes during the day. Then we all meet for dinner and s'mores at the end of the day.
Yesterday was another fantastic day. I was going to head back over to Stratton for a few hours before I headed back down to the flatland. We got some new snow overnight and I was super stoked to get out again. While we were getting dinner ready on Saturday night Kath had mentioned that maybe she would join me in the morning and then Irwin got on the bandwagon and off we all went early in the morning. We got to the mountain around 8:30 just in time for the first few chair rides up. There were hardly any skiers/boarders there yet and we had a blast. I skied my butt off until 12:30....when it was time to go home. I smiled the entire way home on that same scary road. I have to say that in the daylight it was hardly scary, it was actually gorgeous.
After 3 days of skiing my legs were way too tired to get out there for my 2 mile run. I am heading to the dreadmill tomorrow for 2 miles and on Thursday for my 5 miler. My 6 mile run will have to be one of the mornings I am at Weight Watchers leader training. I am leaving Thursday afternoon for that experience. I will give you the run down on that when I return.
Have a great day and keep warm.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Some Fun Stuff
So some of the time I was MIA I was actually in Long Beach CA for a business meeting. After the meetings were over we had a huge party on The Queen Mary in Long Beach. Below are some fun pics of the people I work with and call friends. The party was a Mad Men theme...which means we all had to look like we came out of the 60's. Honestly it is IMPOSSIBLE as you all know to try to caption pics once you upload them so I am actually going to skip that step :-) Sometimes it's just fun to look at people all dressed up, partying and looking a bit tipsy.
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