I Completed My Sprint Distance Training Triathlon!!!

Well, it was an early morning filled with anxiety. I really didn't know what to expect at a real race with lots of people I didn't know, but I saw many things that encouraged me. I learned a lot. I didn't drink any chlorine or get kicked in the face during the swim. I didn't fall off my bike by running over one of the huge potholes or get blown over by the strongest winds ever. I made it through the run without my shoes coming untied. I didn't throw up. But, most importantly, there was no one else there with the same outfit as me. As you can see, I modeled it by posing in the handicap zone to emphasize how crazy this whole endeavor is. I did however see my second choice outfit on several woman. I'm so glad I didn't make that purchase. One less wardrobe faux pas (albeit a minor one) to worry about. There were a few issues. I forgot some wardrobe change accessories & had to just deal. I thought I broke my race belt (this holds my race number on & is a required wardrobe accessory.) I haven't yet graduated to the clip in bike pedals and I had a really hard time getting my left foot into the "rat trap" attached on the top of my pedal, so the bike take off was very rocky - like "I almost fell over before entering the bike route" rocky. My mom bought me these socks to race in that are specific for the left & right foot. I brought 2 left foot socks with me. I'm sure this somehow negatively affected my run, but I haven't quite put my finger on how yet. All in all, I looked the part, finished the race and did not come in anywhere close to last place. Brad was there cheering me & thank goodness for that. I had no idea how comforting & encouraging it is to have someone you know on the sidelines. It was even great to have random people yelling, "Keep it up 266!" It's now officially 1 month to the big race in Austin. (Can You Believe It's This Close!) I'm definitely succeeding, but I'm going to keep tri training again!

Five Sweet Little Words: "Honey, Take My Credit Card!"

Ahhh…. Retail Therapy…..New clothes & especially new shoes without fail revives me, rejuvenates me and restores my mental well-being (until I get the bill & even worse when my husband gets the bill.) These days my shopping has taken me through unfamiliar territory leading to a lot of stores with the word “sports” somewhere in the name. Most of the stuff at these places is pretty mundane. Sometimes there is a silver lining like the new shoes with sparkles and the hot pink & black number I purchased for my race tomorrow (oh, just you wait & see this fabulous outfit.) There is just something about that feeling of wearing something new for the very first time. It’s exciting and gives you an occasion to look forward to whether it’s the next day at the office or a party. Looking good equals feeling good. This is the reason why when children removed from an unhealthy situation are brought to Child Protective Services they go through The Rainbow Room. The children are given a clean pair of clothes, socks and a plush toy. It has to be incredibly scary to be removed from a bad situation and introduced into a new one without having any idea what is in store. Community Partners of Dallas has made it its mission to ensure the neglected & abused children in Dallas County safety & restore their hope & dignity. It’s amazing to think how huge a role something as simple as a new pair of socks plays in this healing process. Approximately 47% of the children served by The Rainbow Room are ages 0, helpless little babies, to 3 years old. 32% are ages 4 to 9 years old. It’s staggering to think about how many children on a daily basis are being abused and neglected before they’ve even made it through 5th grade. It’s even more shocking to realize how many of these children are not old enough to make decisions about their personal welfare. Count your blessings – not your money. Honey, take out your credit card and make donation to Community Partners of Dallas right now! I guarantee you will feel rejuvenated knowing you’ve just made a positive difference in restoring a child’s hope for the future. **Words to live by – If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.

It Was Only A Matter of Time

Well, the inevitable happened. She died. I saw her when she left this morning, but after enduring a swim, a bike ride and run spanning hours she is simply not moving. (For those of you wondering if you should bring food to comfort to me & get me over this road bump, you should. Even in her more alive days, Kate never did contribute to the Hungry Husbands Fund & I'm starving. There is nothing in this house but rice cakes, protein bars, canned salmon, iceberg lettuce and protein powder. That's probably what killed her.) What ever will I do to get her motivated to move?

Oh, I know what will do the trick...... (Stay tuned to see if it works.)

---- Brad, the husband, chief cook & dishwasher.

A White Rock Bike Ride Followed By A Short Run

I just wanted everyone to know I met my All Tri group training at 8AM this morning at White Rock Lake. I stopped in and got a skinny latte & donut to eat on my commute. (This is why I'm not losing weight. It's like drinking a Diet Coke and eating a bag of M&Ms - another bad habit I joyously indulge.) Thankfully I survived a 20 mile bike ride followed by a 2.75 mile run. I didn't fall off the bike or crash into any of the 3000 bikers out there this morning riding the Tour Dallas - seriously there were a gazillion cyclist out there. It was an experience. Keep in mind, I have to ride the bike 25 miles in the race and follow that ride with a 6.2 mile run. I'm definitely making progress. The attached picture is to show you I'm still standing! I also thought I would model those ever so figure flattering, super padded biking shorts :) Show me & especially Community Partners of Dallas some love. Make a $20 donation today for the miles I biked around the lake!

There's A Party Over Here! There's A Party Over There!

Everyone I know is at a great cocktail party tonight. Then many are off to a birthday party for Rian. (Happy Birthday Rian!!!) I'm at home having a pity party because I decided to stay home and do my scheduled triathlon training, which was an hour and half bike ride in the cold wind. I totally crashed the bike on mile 8. Apparently my bike riding skills are almost as good as my car driving skills. Poor pitiful me. Anyone want to join my pity party? The Gatorade is flowing & Sponge Bob Band-Aids are the party favors. Whoop! There It Is!