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