OK, Life is just getting the way.

Well, I completed tri#9 and even though I didn't make my goal, I was able to run 5 mins faster than last time. I also felt much better than I have had in the past. My ankle did give out at mile 2.5, but I kicked it in the bike. I think I got a little competitive when I came upon a guy who couldn't quite believe a fat chick was going to pass him on a nasty old hybrid. But that is just what I did. I came behind him, laboring a little bit on a hill, so I sat on his back tire for awhile and he just about fell off of his bike when he looked back. He tried going a little faster and weaved all over the road so I couldn't get past him - what a twit. Number one - I weigh probably twice as much as him, so why bother wasting energy trying to keep me from passing? Number 2 - it was pretty obvious that even though he appeared much fitter than me, as well as having a nice road bike, clearly he couldn't keep up to me. It was quite funny because I toyed with him for awhile before passing him on the inside on a turnaround and pulled ahead. I could hear him trying to catch up to me, but it didn't take long to pull away and I finished the bike about 5 mins ahead of him. That was quite satisfying, not because I beat him on the bike, but because he was clearly very upset a large biker b**** passed him. Gives new meaning to chubby chaser!!

Well, I paid for it on the run and I could barely walk up the steps for two days. It was good though and I am proud of my time and it was the best I have ever felt during a triathlon. I am looking forward to training for an Olympic distance soon. I do have to complete my goal of doing a sprint in under 2 hours first though. My husband has offered to buy me a new road bike if I meet my goal. That will rock and I have already picked out a Cervelo Soloist. I will be a large blur on one of those!!

Stay tuned.

My other body is Simon Whitfield

Well, after trying to get started, life has taken an extremely busy turn. I have just started my internship to complete my Masters of Science in Counseling. Doing triathlons has given me a great way for self-care, as well as giving me a way to keep in shape. The internship, however, is cutting into my training time, but I have a bet with my husband that if I can complete a sprint triathlon in under 2 hours, I will get a road bike. My wish bike is a Cervelo Team Solo. I recently road tested one and it was fantastic!! The bike shop owner was very respectful and treated me well. That is the biggest thing that happens when I walk onto a sports store and that was the hardest thing to do when I was starting out. That is why I will not tolerate any negative comments. By the way, for those of you who feel the need to tell me that my weight is unhealthy, I have just had a complete physical and there is nothing wrong with me other than I like to run at night.

Today I learned that bugs gather at 6:30 pm and wreak havoc on the sensitive eyes of a cyclist. My protein intake was also increased significantly during my training ride. It was a good one and I think I should be able to do the ride in less than an hour. It is right on track for me since I am riding on a hybrid touring bike. After riding the Cervelo, I feel like I am riding on my old banana bike. It sucks!!

I have been losing motivation lately, but I am tired. I am looking forward to my taper week and that starts Monday. I will brick tomorrow and then go for a swim. It has been hard because I really haven't been training smart this time, but I have been quite consistent and I am satisfied. I am trying to focus on my run. I started out at the beginning of this summer at a 21:30min/mile pace and now I am averaging 15:00min/mile. I am happy with that.

One thing that is the most difficult is that I am doing all the training on my own. I recommend finding someone you trust and is truly supportive to help you start. I have had a fantastic personal trainer who has helped me significantly over the past three years, but I have also had my share of truly nasty experiences.

The Stepford Wives in town couldn't believe that a fat girl could do triathlons and began their own training club. I wasn't allowed in because I am too slow. One of them even asked me if it hurt to run. I almost asked her if it hurt to smile. I guess they don't know Mike's Law of Motion - momentum rules. So get out of my way!

Some people can't get over that I can be active and still be significantly overweight. One of the Stepfords was visibly upset when I beat her in the swim in the Danskin two years ago. I beat her skinny a** by a full minute. I can't believe she even was completing with me anyway. The only way we would ever be on the same playing field is to have them carry a 150lb backpack! That I would like to see.

Well, this has been a very long first post and I promise there will be more to come. Tomorrow I have a 10mi bike/2 mi brick planned and then a massage as a treat afterward.

By the way - I run for chocolate . . .