May 27, 2011

A little bit of background; when I am not taking care of my family or working out, I volunteer for a very special organization called Make A Wish. I am a "wish granter" which means I work directly with the kids in making their wishes come true.

My latest case is wrapping up right now. An 11 year old girl with congestive heart failure who wanted to go to Disney. I tried to make this trip extra special as this girl comes from a very low-income family.

We threw her a big going away party for her friends and family. This is when we announce the wish (children give us 3-4 wishes and then I determine what they will get). The "announcement party" was a surprise held at a local Appleebee's. When she walked into the restaurant, everyone stood up and clapped for her. She burst into tears and came and gave me a huge hug. There was not a dry eye is the house. See pic above (wish child and my wish partner).

As a wish granter you get to know your wish child very well. I have been visiting this girl for over 3 months; each time bringing her something small like a "Tiger Beat" magazine or some Judy Mooney books. I wanted her to feel extra special. She is one of 4 children and probably does not get the attention she deserves. I was even able to take her and her family on a shopping spree to Target for some new clothes.

As with all wishes, this one is almost complete. The family left yesterday for their dream vacation (limo ride, hotel suit,all meals plus spending cash to boot). This little girl feels like my daughter (Abbie is only one year younger). I am going to miss her big smiles and her Justin Beiber obsession. Even though it is kind of discouraged, I hope to get together with her from time to time. I understand that she is very ill and may not have many years to come. I am having a hard time accepting life's cruel fate.

Already working on my next case; a 16 year old boy with inoperable brain cancer. We need to work at advanced speed in this case. His big wish is to cook alone side the white house chef and then eat lunch with the Obama's. I have a lot of work to do!

May 25, 2011

11 weeks to go. Where has the time went? It seems like just yesterday that I made the commitment to get healthy and start a new chapter in my life. At the time, Iron Girl just seemed so unattainable. What a difference a year makes!

I made a major breakthrough with my swimming today. To be able to swim 1500 meters without a break is a huge accomplishment for me. I am becoming stronger and faster in the pool.

The biking has been good and the running is so-so. Plantar fasciits is just a nasty condition. It even flairs up when I am biking up a steep heel. However, this is where the positive thoughts come to play.

I am strong.
I am happy with my body because I am strong. My weight will not determine my happiness.
Plantar fascittis will not deter me from achieving my goals.
I WILL finish Iron Girl in less than 2 hours.

May 6, 2011

Random thoughts while suffering through a spin class.

"I forgot to put on deodorant. Wonder if the dude next to me can smell me"
"I want to get a pair of cool bike shoes"
"I hope the spider that was lurking near the computer desk went away"
"I wish the class was only 45 minutes long"
"I should take Maisey to the park and let her run around for a while; better yet, I can run with her"
"Yikes, I am running out of water. Need to bring 2 bottles next time".
"Does this ever get easier?"
"Why do I seem to be the sweatiest one here?" "I think I overheat too quickly".
"Why do I keep glancing at the clock? I am just torturing myself".
"I really want a margarita tonight. Damn! To much sugar"
"What am I going to eat when I get home? So sick of eggs"

As you can see it is easier to let your mind wander off when you are not 100% focused at the task at hand. When I wasn't talking to myself, I was in the zone. It felt good. My tush is finally getting used to the small seat. My girly parts still bother me a little but not half as bad from when I started.

I just have to keep going; one day at a time.

May 5, 2011

I am an Athlete.

Okay, say it again. I am an athlete. Wow, what a powerful statement.

Today I went to this great seminar called "Training the Mind". It was specific to triathlon training and races. Basically what it all comes down to is positive thinking; never saying the word "can't". Turn your negative thoughts to positive statements. When I am having a hard time in the water, I can't say "I suck at swimming". You have to turn it around and say "I am a swimmer". Or if I miss a few days of "training" (I am not working out; I am "training" for a race) then I say I am training; some is better than none". I could write about a book with all of the negative comments I need to turn around. It was a valuable seminar; it will do me well in the future. I will try to hold myself accountable by this blog. No more negative thoughts!!

May 4, 2011

Right now I am having a hard time keeping up with my training schedule. My goal is to do a morning workout and then a mid-afternoon workout. Not happening! My mornings get crazy for one reason of another and I end up working out between 12-2.

The problem is that my 45-60 minute bike/swim/run is over, I am spent. As in the whole rest of the day. Needless to say, it is rare that I actually workout twice in one day.

I have been experimenting with my pre and post workout nutrition. I started adding carbs back in my diet (greek yogurt, luna bars and dried fruit) but the pounds are coming back. Since I have added carbs back in, I have gained 3-4 lbs. My pants are tighter; it is not muscle gain! As someone who really needs to lose about 20 lbs, this is upsetting.

I borrowed a great book on endurance nutrition but I just don't think I can follow these plans. Way too many carbs!! I know they are essential to fuel your body for exercise but they are packing on the lbs. I guess I will figure this all out somehow.