My First Race... Ever.

So I have gone on and on about how I was going to do a triathlon. For years I have trained and got injured and then pregnant. And then injured again. But finally this year I met one of my biggest goals, ever.

I ran my first triathlon.

Granted it was only a sprint- but by golly it was one of the hardest things I have ever done physically and mentally, all at the same time. It was such a test of strength that I didn't even know I possessed! And have never been so proud of myself either. I truly feel like a champion. :)

And to top it off- I had the privilege of doing it with two beautiful and amazing friends. Heather (on the left) and Aimee (on the right).

My original goal was to complete the race in 2 hours and 15 minutes. My friend Cassie even told me that if I made THAT specific goal she would buy me dinner.

I may or may not have SMOKED that goal OUT of the water. I guess you are going to have to continue to read to find out! :) haha!

First off, I trained at doing the quarter mile swim in 9 minutes. I however, was NOT prepared for the onslaught of feet and arms flailing towards my face during the entirety of the swim portion. I had to walk in when I wanted to dive in and then got kicked in the face by numerous feet three different times- to the point of choking. I had to even flip over on my back at one point because someone behind me swam OVER me. WOW. I'm sorry- I didn't realize this was a race to the DEATH!!!

At least now I know what to expect and where to position myself for next time- if there ever is a next time that is. I finished in a little over 11 minutes. I was pretty mad about it... but at least I didn't drown! :)

Now onto the bike portion of the race. 14 miles of hills. Up and down, luckily. But a fairly intense ride if you're pushing yourself hard. In the photo below there is a young woman in blue to the right of me. She should be pretty happy neither one of us died because she passed me going up a hill and then decided to coast going back down it. "WOMAN WATCH OUT!!!"

Okay I didn't yell that- but she was weaving back and forth so I did yell out, "Pick a side, I'm trying to pass." As you can see in this picture we played cat and mouse for most of the race. I beat her going into the second transition though. BOO-YEAH! haha!

And then there's the run.

Oh the run.

How I DREADED that run!

At 3.2 miles it was absolutely HORRIBLE!!!! haha!

So I stuffed my face with gummy bears and went for it. Don't look TOO closely in this next picture below because my cheeks just might be full. Maybe.

Also, running while having to pee is NEVER a good thing. I also learned to not run in wet biker shorts. It creates a rubbing action... that leaves you... a little... raw.

Enough said.

 

Towards the end of the run I was so exhausted. I stopped to stretch my legs and began to walk, briskly- but still a walk. An older man ran by me and said, "Come on girl! We're almost there- lets keep running!" He was so nice and funny. He carried me into the finish line where my friends and family were waiting for me at the finish line. If you can look more closely at the picture directly below me, you can see that I have a huge grin on my face.

 

It's because my friends were yelling, "WOOT!!! LETS GO NICHOLE!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! YEAH NICHOLE!!!"

 

It was exhilarating. The most amazing feeling ever.

 

And so I pushed it.

 

Hard.

 

Crossing that finish line was full of so many different emotions. I was so overwhelmed by them I began to cry. I had finally accomplished my dream of running a tri. I had done it.

I was finally able to say that I did it.

To me this triathlon symbolized so much. It's hard to actually explain it in words. Losing almost 60 pounds, with another 40 to go- this was almost a different type of finish line for me. Like, I'm almost there- don't give up yet! So close. :)

I still am so amazed by this accomplishment.

And so here I am today writing my story down for myself, my friends/ readers, and my children- My goal was 2 hours and 15 minutes.

I crossed the finish line at 1 hour and 48 minutes.



IF YOU WANT IT- YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT. You just have to believe it- and you can do anything you put your heart to.

Love Nikki.

T-22 Hours till RACE DAY!

I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I have bile rising up from the back of my throat as I sit here and type this...

I would be lying if I didn't tell you that I may or may not have IBS just THINKING about tomorrow and the triathlon.

I would lying if I didn't tell you I may or may not have almost jumped into a pile or boulders yesterday to avoid tomorrow all together. (Don't worry, it was mostly on accident when me and two girl friends floated the river last night... ha!)

And I definitely would be lying if I didn't tell you that even with all the fear and horrible side effects of the stress, I am SOOOO FREAKING STOKED AND PUMPED it is OUT of this World!!!

Soooo... YEAH. That's pretty much how I feel about tomorrow morning.

Wish me luck y'all. Cause my bowels could use it. :)

Love Nikki

Who Needs It...

After making my commitment to FINALLY complete a triathlon I signed up and paid my dues. Being quite the penny pincher, I may have gotten a sharp pain behind my left eye paying the late fee's for the Sprint Triathlon. But I did it ...

and now I'm scared to death.

My race is now a week and a half away. And so now I am sitting in my recovery weeks but not before I pushed myself real hard this last week.

My friend Cassie pushed me pretty hard to ensure my endurance can with stand this battle of the mind. I ran my first 10K- well to be honest it was 6.6 miles. I averaged a 12 minute mile. Could I have done better... maybe in another year. I'm proud of this run. The furthest I have gone before this is just over 3 miles. (I think I may have run 4 miles before but eh... I don't remember. haha!) And I have to keep reminding myself NOT to compare my times with other people because the truth is... I have only been doing this like what? 6 months??? lol! I think I should just chill on how long it takes me :)

Last night I rode the 14 mile course that the tri will use. I ended up actually going 15 miles. And let me tell you-  my "who who" ain't feeling it. I have decided that no amount of money is enough to protect this fragile part of my body. I mean really... who needs it?

ME!!! I DO!!!

So after bawling my eyes out to Cassie as we ran 1.5 miles after the ride, I decided to buy myself a gel seat. bahaha! How embarrassing. I bow my head in shame. I will also be getting a pair of bike shorts to wear.

I'm gonna guard and protect those parts of me come hell or high water!!!

So as mentioned above, this next week and a half will be my recovery week(s). I will go on walks and continue to zumba like I normally do. I will also swim a lot. I may go on one more short run before next Wednesday... but I have learned- I GOTTA STORE UP THE ENERGY!

 

So until then, I challenge everyone to make one huge physical goal for yourself to accomplish in the next year. Challenge yourself- pick something you have always wanted to do but haven't felt you could actually do it. Because please- If I can do it... really, you can too. :)

Thank you to everyone who has been pushing and rooting me along the way. As tedious as this is... it is a journey I am so happy to be on.

Love Nikki!

Hi. My name is Nichole... and I'm a...

Hi! My name is Nichole and I am a choc-a-holic {slash} mental case {slash} unusually hilarious {slash} drama queen!

I thought I should lay that all out there just in case you hadn't caught on to my personality yet. :)

For real though, what do you think has been helping me survive this INSANE time of my life right now? Unfortunately it has been chocolate. Not just any ol' chocolate bar though. Nope. It's the Godiva chocolate cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. It's the chocolate Butterfinger ice cream bars. It's the new strawberry lemonade slushy at McDonald's. Wait... that's not chocolate is it?

Well you're getting the picture of my new dillema.

I have gone from a very HEALTH conscious working out machine to an injured sugar craving mommy monster.

THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!!

Physical therapy started last week, as did massage therapy. At first I was so excited about these steps leading up to recovery. I had dreamed of luxurious spa like treatment, nice oily rub downs, easy assisted stretching and light work outs.

WHAT WORLD AM I FROM???

Someone had once told me that physical therapists are commonly referred to as physical terrorists. THIS IS TRUE. Apparently you aren't supposed to baby an injury- in my case an injured neck/ right shoulder/ arm. My entire posture has caved in on itself and I am the female version of Quasimodo. It's pretty attractive if I don't say so myself. My physical terrorist... err therapists don't seem to agree. Instead they stretch,

pull, and tug on my arm trying to get my shoulder blade to work the way it's supposed to. I'm not usually so chipper when this is actually happening. :)

Now to the massages. Long, oily rub downs... THEY ARE NOT! Do you know what a trigger point is? Well, everyone has them in different parts of their bodies and especially in injuries. For those of you who have never heard of a trigger point (this was me before the accident), let me explain briefly. They're "knots" in your muscles and tendons. I don't really know anything more medical then that though.

When you go in for a massage for medical reasons- they are not luxurious. Well, that's a lie. They start out luxurious. The massage therapist works his magic rubbing over your back making you believe you are in the ocean and waves are riding across your back. Then he attacks. He finds ALL of your trigger points and PINCHES them until tears come into your eyes.

Now don't get me wrong. I am supposed to say "mercy" when it gets too tough for me; however I have been told many times I don't have a high pain tolerance so I bite my cheeks and close my eyes as TIGHT as I can with out folding my face in on itself. And if you are curious where my trigger points are let me elaborate: my entire Trapezious (sp?) muscle starting from the bottom of my head down past my shoulder blades and up and over my collar bone. That's my back side. My front side? Yup- I have them there too. Awkward much? lol! Right above my right breast all the way up into my collar bone and then into my right arm pit.

Can you imagine having someone PINCH and SQUISH your muscles right there??? IT HURTS!

But complaining aside, these things have REALLY loosened me up and taken away the whip lash migraines. That alone makes my torture sessions WORTH IT! One of my physical therapists even mentioned that my posture is starting to get better. Phew!

Now I haven't been sitting idly by eating my chocolate ice cream bars and reading book after book {cough}, I have also started going on LONG walks with my children in their strollers again. It feels SO nice. I haven't had ANY weight gain and in fact have been complemented that my face is starting thin out again!

WOOT! WOOT!!

I still go to my Monday night Ab Ninja class and leave feeling very wobbly and sore. I'm very careful with my arm, but as of last Monday actually had enough strength in my arm to do some ab workouts involving a medicine ball.

Because triathlon training has been completely TORN from work out regimen I am going to start training for a 5K. With the help of all those around me I think I can really do this. :) I have to believe that so I can stay optimistic and continue this journey with out too many set backs. The Moses Lake Triathlon is this weekend and my heart is sad that I don't get to compete, but I know that there is a bigger picture out there for me. I just have to wait and see what it is.

I hope all of you have a safe Memorial Day weekend and watch out for those teenage girls with five or ten piercings in their faces- they'll get you when you least expect it! HAHA! {No offense to anyone personally!}

Love Nichole!

Where Did I Go?...

I bet you're wondering what the heck has happened to Ms. Nichole, hmm? Well let me tell you! One HOUR after I mailed in my registration form to participate as a relay during my first Triathlon I got hit head on in my car. (Which we had only had for two months!)

Doesn't life sometimes leave you wondering, " WHAT THE HECK?!!!"

So through many phone calls and lots of stressing out, and yes even some injuries later I got an e-mail stating that my check has been shredded for the triathlon.

So here I am, left to wonder what the heck do I do now? I am so tired of all these CRAZY obstacles that continue to pop up in my road to a happier and healthier life. Not only did we have to FIGHT for them to NOT total out the car, I have to wait for all my injuries to heal. And then there is the frustration of the other party that caused the accident in the first place... but we'll let that one alone for now.

And still, after all my ranting I'm in the same spot. Where do I go from here? I guess time will only tell. At least my beautiful children are okay and my injuries are ones I can live with. Because although I am truly FRUSTRATED with this situation; I KNOW that there is a plan out there for me and that I need to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Love Nichole

^ Before

v After

I'm going in tomorrow to get my referral's for physical therapy and massage on my right arm and neck. I'm kind of looking forward to that personally... I've had a whip-lash migraine since the accident. Wish me luck!

Black and Yellow...

So there's this song out called BLACK AND YELLOW. My sister burned me a cd with a bunch of catchy hip hop and rock songs on it to get my blood boiling for workouts. Let me tell you... as I was driving to my PT session at EM and this song came on, my new mini van must have been bouncing all over the road. I think I worked out harder in the car dancing to this then I ever have at the gym!

haha!

Okay... not really. But I did enjoy this bumping song! I don't care for the colors/ teams but I definitely do enjoy a good song to get me amped for a work out.

That said I was on a stationary bike getting warmed up and my PT Mark walks up behind me and grabs my Ipod. What does he see? Korn and Limp Bizcuit. Oh goodness.

I think perhaps I need to change up my style a little?

Or perhaps take this caged up hidden aggression and start jogging again!

That's right folks... I only have three more sessions and I am feeling A-MAZING! I just might be able to get this body back into shape to start training for a triathlon again. Or.... just training. :) We all know that training and me definitely end in tortoreous pain so I'll take it easy.

I am excited though, to put on more of that BLACK AND YELLOW and hit the pavement again! I will be the oddest looking runner you have ever seen yet!

Love Me!

ps. I just looked up some images to put up with my blog just now... and am NOT impressed with who sings this song. *gag*

Dragging My Feet... Err, Hip?

So I realize now that I have not kept everyone updated on if I was able to keep my goal of no sweets for 14 days.

Sadly... I can not DISSAPPOINT you!

I did make it and it was AMAZING! And totally worth it too! :) Especially since my ENTIRE family ate those silly little pink and white frosted animal cookies in front of me all weekend. Those are one of my sinful little pleasures. But alas- I refrained!

Tomorrow Rachel and I are going to the wonderful Asian market to get ourselves some yummy cream puffs! :P

On the other hand I have some sad news as well. It looks like my hip injury is a lot worse then I ever thought, or anticipated. The biggest problem is that it will be a slow recovery for it. I wrote a blog here about a fall I took in July that really hurt me and apparently must have done some damage. Why did I continue to work myself hard afterward? I guess I felt I had to prove my macho-ism and strength to myself. I had to KNOW that I could still accomplish my goal and need to become healthy and fit.

Well. You reap your rewards, don't you.

So now my regimine will have to be altered to just plain' ol walking in water. UGH. This will be a challenge for me because I YEARN to swim. However at this point that would be counter productive. Now I know I need to peppy and optimistic about this... and honestly it might be kind of a nice break... but it also makes me sad. I feel like I let myself down by not allowing myself to heal LAST year. Now I may not be able to run the race in May.

I will however stop dwelling on that. As it was pointed out to me, I will still burn a lot of calories with the water resistance, right?! I will also start retraining my body's posture, and the outer muscles in my hips/ thighs. I haven't been equalizing my work outs and am now... weak? in certain muscle groups.

Who knows... this can all turn out to be a great "new year"/ "new me" problem solving challenge, right? I will come out stronger physically and emotionally if I don't allow this to bog me down. And plus-I do look forward to not having this constant companion of pain with me every day. That, my friends, will be heavenly!

BECAUSE WE ARE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL .. BUT STRONG TOO! :)

A Pain in my Shin...

Remember how several posts and a week and a half ago I fell playing basketball? I hurt my groin and in turn had some rubber band action with my right calf/ tendons? Well I think this may have either brought an underlying issue to a head (shin splints), or I really pulled something in there.

*ARGH!!!*

Could this really have happened when I have so much of myself riding on the hope I can compete in my first triathlon in May?

Okay- I'm probably being a tad dramatic right now, especially since I still have about 4 months left but soft tissue injuries are a BEAR to heal. I also need to train hard as often as I can from now until then. I'm a big girl with a need for some serious endurance training. Will two months be enough to make me comfortable enough to swim, bike, and run for three (or more) hours? I sure hope so.

They say nothing holds someone back more then themselves. Well, I may have held myself back unintentionally.

Now I need to stay optimistic and hope this problem will clear up on its own. If I can't do a triathlon until the middle of the season then fine. That will have to be enough to suffice my need for this. The most important point about going down this competitive road is to help me get fit and lose weight. I will succeed. :/ I hope. ;)

Now to more exciting news... today is day 7 of no sugar! The last day of my first week! Yay me! I lost 1 pound and feel super great. I've been sitting at 237 for MONTHS and finally can jump (or limp) for joy at seeing 236.

It's been a rough one... but my leg and I? We'll get through it... together.

xoxo Nikki!

ps. I'm going in to see the doctor today at 4 pm. We shall see what the prognosis is! :)

A Bat out of Hell...

Whoa! Have you ever stopped to think about the differences between plain'ol jogging and running sprints? No? Neither have I! Apparently there is a BIG difference. Trust me. I now know.

I was told Monday night that I need to start focussing on building up my endurance for my first Triathlon in May. "How am I to do that?" I asked curiously.

Running Sprints.

Huh.

Then it was explained that I should start out walking for 60 seconds and then run RUN run as fast as I can for 20 seconds. And start over.

Easy right?

WRONG!

Last night I had intentions of doing this for 30 minutes. It's funny how my idea's change as time goes on or I get intimidated by something. My intentions quickly changed to running every other telephone pole as hard and fast as I can and walk the others.

In the dark.

I swear I had people slow down as they were driving wondering why the heck I'm running like a bat out of hell. Was there someone chasing me? Was I running from the law? And then I freaked myself out when I saw a huge stick coming up in front of me.

"WHAT IF I HIT THAT RUNNING AS FAST AS I AM???"

Yah- that would have wiped me out and probably taken my entire face with it. When I do anything I give it my all. Falls included.

So... I'd like you to guess how long my 30 minute venture turned out to actually be.

15 minutes.

I COULDN"T EVEN MAKE 30!!! I was so exhausted that I fell into the door trying to control the urge to vomit. My lungs burned and my abs were on fire. My butt and legs however never felt better!

IT WAS AMAZING!!!

You can bet your chocolate covered mints that I will be out doing that again today... and hopefully for the 30 minutes! My inspiration? If you don't remember... it's this photo of Hilary Swank. I felt incredible and even though I may not look as fit as she does here, I felt like I was. It felt incredible.

Here's the link explaining the reasoning behind interval training- aka sprints.

New Year- New Game Plan!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! And happy new waistline... Or err, not so happy? HAHA! I guess it's safe for me to say that I worked really hard last year to end it with a bang. A bang of chocolate, bratwurst and of course, the infamous flu. Yup. It was that much fun for me, but enough of this last year garbage. It's time for THIS YEARS celebrations!

I am so pumped and rejuvenated about this next year. I can't even contain myself. Literally. While I'm sitting here typing this up in the wee hours of the night, my legs are bouncing all over the place. I'm feeling pretty positive about what I have accomplished last year and what I'm aiming for this year.

Last year in a typed up nut shell:

Something I never owned up to on here until now is that I ended 2009 weighing 280+ pounds. I know. I shiver at the sight of that number myself. Probably why I never put my true starting weight on here to begin with. In April I weighed 269, and today I'm sitting at 237- I think. HAHA!

So yah, it's a gradual weight loss but it's one that I'm uber proud of. I hated myself for how large I had gotten but instead of whining about like I had for years, I decided to make last year different. I decided to change my life. And I have. I feel amazing! :)

This years tentative goals:

Basketball season has started again! Yay! Play 2x a week.

I played for the first time in five years last night. I am sore in places I haven't been sore in for months. For someone who has been working out hard and training for a triathlon all summer this is a lot to say. I think this is the change up I really need right now.

AB class 1x a week.

Triathlon Training starting... NOW!

4 Triathlons scheduled for this summer. As they get closer I'll let you in on what races they are. I do have each race already marked on my calendar but for safety reasons would rather not tell Jo Bob with 6 months in advance where I'll be on what day. ;) (See... I pretend to be smart every once in awhile! hehe!) My first ever will be in May.

INSANITY 2x a week

Resistance Training 2x a week

Scheduled meal plans starting last week.

Shopping with bestie and dicing up the veggies together starting tomorrow.

****************************************

I guess we'll see how well that goes. My next actual weight loss goal is to lose another 30 lbs. by June. Then I'll be a hottie with a naughty... attitude. HAHA! :)

If you guys have any suggestions, comments, or even stories I would love LOVE to hear them. Remember I would also love to share someone's personal self-image problems for others to read as well. There are all types of emotional struggles, and the best way to deal with them is to get them out in the open. One person to another. :)

And remember... as you are making your new year resolutions and struggling to button those new favorite jeans that even if you never get down to that next pant size, it really doesn't matter. Because to me, to our loved ones, and to our Heavenly Father... We Are All Beautiful.

Love Nichole
isnt_she_beautiful@hotmail.com

Crash... and Burn

Why hello there everyone. My goodness it's been a LOOONG time since I've been able to just sit on my... no cross that. It's been awhile since I've been able to sit on A COMPUTER and type out my thoughts.

Two weeks ago my life had a very unfortunate event occur that left me broken hearted and very frustrated. Our 6 month old computer's hard drive malfunctioned and we lost EVERYTHING. I know, I know... I should have backed everything up with our external hard drive. Sniff. Sniff. My bad I guess. Needless to say I was a basket case when Best Buy informed me that ALL my weight-loss pictures, my edited play, AND all of my children's photo's and video clips are GONE. GONE!!! :( Like I said. I am broken hearted.

That said this has been an absolutely HORRIBLE month for me and my weight-loss journey. I have had stress after stress bombard me every day for four weeks now and my waistline is suffering. How sad. Not so sad is my taste buds, however. My tongue has been singing a happy tune since the fudge and peppermint have taken up resisdence in my parent's home. MMM. I guess I might as well enjoy it for the next couple of days because starting January 1st I jump into my new regimine.

In the beginning of January I will begin training for my first triathlon. I will also start eating my regular meal plan again. Apparently I am a lady that thrives on structure. With out it I wigg out. I am excited to get back on the wagon and can't wait to see what this next year holds.

That said I want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and remind everyone that it's okay to mess up... as long as you get back in check quickly! :)

Love NIKKI

A Little Paranoid ...

Have I mentioned that I'm paranoid? It seems that every little thing that has ever happened to me has somehow escalated into some huge life changing event. Now when ever a situation arises that I've already experienced I tend to... freeze up.

For example. When I was a senior in high school I was an avid mountain biker. Loved the SNOT out of that sport. It made my heart light and my mind sound. On a spur-of-the-moment moment I went on a 22 mile mountain trail with my family and some church friends. Flying down the mountain enjoying the rush I saw a couple of friends stopped near some large boulders. Apparently not paying enough attention to myself and more attention to the college guy laughing at the rocks I lost control of my bike and hit only one set of brakes. The front set.

What do you think happened?

Well if you guess fly over the handle bars, you are 100% correct! I flew over the handle bars and landed either in the lap or on the head of said hott college dude... and yes. The rocks.

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't as if I got really hurt or anything. It's the sensation of having no control that seems to haunt me now. As I'm preparing for the 2011 triathlon season I catch myself freaking out over these silly things. A month or so ago Rachel went flying down the road once we hit some hills. I on the other hand rode my brakes the entire time. Where is my edge? I used to be considered careless... even crazy at one point. And now- I'm paranoid?

I woke up two nights ago to a nightmare about my first triathlon. I was in the bike portion of the race. Somehow (and because it's a dream there is no exclamation as to why) the trail ran right onto a freeway. Here I was peddling away amongst angry Seattle drivers late to work. Panic was tight in my chest. If I fall I will die. I really believed that.

And then I lost my water bottle.

Now why I turned around on a freeway to look for a lousy water bottle is beyond me. In reality I would NEVER hunt down a traitor of a water bottle. (Stupid inadamant object trying to sabotage my race.) But in my dream I did just that.

At the end of the dream I rode in on my bike, full of excitement at finishing the bike portion and not giving up. Then the race officials broke my heart. They told me the race was over and I wouldn't be able to start the run. I was disqualified.

WHAT A DREAM, EH? Anyone specialize in what dreams mean? Well, let go out on a limb here and guess that I must be pretty stinking terrified of doing a triathlon!

I need to buck up and not let my silly paranoiances (sp?) hold me back. Because I will do this! I know I can and I know all of you can accomplish your goals too! We just need a little support and a lot more self-confidence and everything is attainable! Even a stupid bike ride. :)

Because WE ARE ALL... B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.L.

Holy Midnight... (*Warning- Some may find photo's offensive)

It's almost midnight and I just can't seem to drag my body to bed. Why you wonder? Well, let me tell you. I AM SO SORE! Holy freckles I can't believe how much a body can go through and still continue on. I can't believe how much I've done and still tip the scale over 200! I am amazed.

So let me fill you in a little bit!

Tonight was pretty intense. I haven't been to an actual workout "class" in almost three years. And the last ab class I've been to? I was 21! Well, that was all changed when I entered the doors of Experience Momentum with Rachel. I was excited, but a little nervous. When I walked into the room my nervousness turned into feelings of intimidation. I do not enjoy being this heavy- hence me working out to lose the weight, right?! It's even worse when you see awesome athletic women... in the same mirror reminding you what you weigh! I hated seeing myself, however I will admit the mirror's purpose totally helped me out. After I got over the gagging and nausea at my sorry attempt of pretending to know what I'm doing I used the mirror to help perfect my form. I definitely got a great work out in. My tummy can attest to it!

Something else I've been working on through out the day is a little self-motivation. I read somewhere earlier that visualization techniques can really help someone attain their goals. Finding pictures of what you want to look like, or would rather not look like and then posting them around your home can actually jump start your brain into actually believing you are beginning to look like your goal.

Anyone have a problem with that??? I sure don't!

So. I've been searching online for pictures that I feel best symbolize my animosity towards being overweight and what I'm yearning and aiming for in this journey. While searching for these pictures I really tried to keep it as realistic as possible.

The two pictures I chose to be what I don't want to look like may appear humorous, but they weren't picked for that at all. I hate my stomach. I feel as if my stomach resembles the old woman's protruding gut. The naked backside may seem awful (I DID edit this picture!) but when I look in a mirror, that's what I see!

These two shots will be my reminders when I grab a few of my children's snacks.

And then there is the wonderful beautiful women I chose as my inspirations! I didn't choose the flat stomached super model. Nor did I choose the large breasted porn star! I chose an everyday clean looking young woman.

This is attainable! This can be me in two years ... to a point of course! I may still have some loose skin and of course stretch marks. But those aren't marks of ugliness. NO! They're the markings of a mother. The markings of a woman who worked hard to become healthy.

The markings of a warrior!

Okay- all corniness aside, training for next triathlon season has definitely given me some new insight.

Look at this picture of Hillary Swank. How beautiful is this photo? I LOVE IT! Now I don't ever want to be 15% body fat, and I don't want to jump that high off the ground ... in sand or grass! I just want to be able to run as fast as I can and not worry about falling and completely destroying my rib cage because of the weight of my own body.

Hillary Swank- this photo inspires me! You are beautiful!!!

Who else is beautiful you wonder? My work-out buddy turned best friend! Rachel ran her first triathlon on Saturday. I was so proud of her. As I watched and rooted for her on the sidelines I could actually visualize myself right behind her. I'd say right beside her, but we both know that will never be the case. I'm not quite competitive enough for that! :)

I love that she's smiling as she tears down the hill at the end of a 14 mile bike ride!

...And although she may not be sprinting like a wild mustang as the photo of Ms. Swank may look like- Rachel definitely held her own on her way to the finish line!



She did such a great job. Sadly I didn't get any "great" shots of her. Having two toddlers running around and too slow of a camera made it difficult. She really looked great and came out on top!

I'm so proud of you Rach!!!

So while Rachel was running her crazy first triathlon I walked 6 miles round trip completely lost trying to find the lake front. Stressing out worried I'd miss her I hustled myself across Kirkland. I even had a couple of the "volunteers" raise their eyebrows at me when I would ask how far to the race. Several of the answers usually included miles-plural.

I didn't let it discourage me, though. And so Sunday (and even today!) Rachel AND I are both sore!

**Here's to feeling great! And I hope you all find some visualization that helps uplift you in your personal struggles and journey's. With the help of each other and the Lord... everything is attainable!

Traithlon Training ...

Triathlon Training in the North Seattle Metro Area

Yesterday I went to the triathlon training with other's

that are part of Experience Momentum.

Holy cow! We swam a quarter mile straight through- no stops.

Last time I swam a quarter mile I had two resting points...

Did I mention I swam/ kicked 1/2 mile the day before?!

It's pretty safe to say my body is extremely exhausted.

Picture Below:

Rachel and I before we know what we are doing.

I'm the only nut who didn't wear a wet suit.

Was I crazy? Quite possibly... The water was F.R.E.E.Z.I.N.G...

Remember how Rachel is a power house?

After the quarter mile swim.

I'm not quite ready to have full body shots in a bathing suit yet...

So no in the water shots- sorry guys! haha!

After I pulled off the swim cap it tore out and broke off all my little hairs! *pain!

I tried 7 stores yesterday to find a one piece bathing suit.

Can you believe that in 7 stores the only plus size bathing suits I found were

TWO PIECES?

What fat girl is going to wear a two piece? Or should I say what MOM is going to?

I'd like to keep the saggy belly in- thanks. :S

The only one I found in my entire city was at R.E.I. and has NO support.

It's a racing/ triathlon suit so I'm not complaining tooo much- however it wasn't CHEAP!

$86.00 including tax.

My husband was NOT pleased... hopefully it'll fit better next summer?!?

Because it's a racing suit and I'm quite endowed there were some "issues"

while I was swimming.

It was quite embarrasing. I think I need to find a new sports bra-

or I'll HAVE to wear a wet suit.

Picture Below:

Remember- No support in bathing suit= chubby looking mama!

Before the bike ride home.

And I'm off!...

And as of 10:30 this morning...

this is what I still look like!


I'm just a little worn out!