The fun (yes, really!) thing about triathlons is that the definition of “perfect” varies by individual. For me, it even varies by race. There is the reward of good health. There is intention and purpose. There is self examination. There is a test of endurance and preparation. There is an exposure of weaknesses. There is the support and encouragement from friends, coaches, and strangers. There is even patience (for some!). Perseverance. Even pain. But through it all, my training buddies and I find faith and affirmation. We find commitment. Courage. Triumph and defeat.
Why do we race? We race for life. Because we can.
![[del.icio.us]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Digg]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Facebook]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Faves]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/faves.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Furl]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/furl.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Google]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[MySpace]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Newsvine]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/newsvine.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Slashdot]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/slashdot.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Squidoo]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/squidoo.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[StumbleUpon]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/stumbleupon.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Technorati]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Windows Live]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/windowslive.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Yahoo!]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/yahoo.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
![[Email]](http://ihealthchicblog.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png "Pursuit of the Perfect Race")
Tags: Commitment, friends, Racing, Triathlons
Here’s a fast fact to mull over….Americans now spend more $$ on fast food than they spend on higher education, personal computers, compiter software or new cars—COMBINED–according to the book Fast Food Nation. (A very interesting read, btw.) So, reduce or cut down on eating junk (food high in fat and calories), and save some $ and lose pounds at the same time! According to the same source, the typical American eats 3 burgers and 4 orders of fries a week.
A few thoughts to chew on….eh?!!
Love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” I love that quote from Mr. William Purkey (an education professor).
It gets at the heart of the pace and intensity we can slip into in this life. It’s a great reminder not to let good times pass you by.
It’s time to lighten up. We take ourselves far too seriously, too often. Life’s a lot more fun when we loosen up and enjoy the journey. And, learn to laugh more. Kids have it right. They laugh 2-300X a day…compared to an adult’s measly 10-14.
Laughter really is good medicine. It relieves stress and releases endorphins. Kind of like running–or lifting. Hey, just listen to me sing sometime…and you’ll get a good laugh. That’s OK, I enjoy it too much not to.
So, are you ready to have some fun? Find joy, laugh easily. Forgive yourself & others. Look at life through a child’s eyes.
And enjoy it.
I know I am. I have good tunes on now. I am having dinner with an old friend from High School tonight. I’m swimming in an open water clinic tomorrow and cycling with good friends afterwards. I’m sure we will have some good laughs. Just climbing into a wet suit is entertaining. Walking in one is equally hilarious. Good times.
Lighten up, have some fun.
And, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there.
“You’re BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think!” –spoken by Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh.
It’s true. And it applies to YOU.
Have I told you about my friend Karen? She is one of my heroes. Karen is afraid of the water. She’s always had this fear of drowning. Did I tell you she is a triathlete? Last year, she learned to swim. So far, she has raced in pool swim triathlons. Last Sunday, she swam 200 meters in open water…right out towards the middle of a local lake! It got a little spooky, but she went for it. Yesterday she treaded water in the deep end of a pool for 10 minutes. I am sure she returned today to face her fears head on. And I have no doubt she will be competing in open water races in no time. Pretty amazing, eh?
She’s braver than most people I know, stronger than she seems, and smarter than she thinks. What an inspiration!
Tags: Bravery, facing fear, Triathlons
2009 crept up on us pretty quickly didn’t it? Well, in case you aren’t quite ready for the beach, it’s time to refocus and commit.
Here are the Cliff Notes as to how:
1. Create a plan- know what you want to accomplish and set a DEADLINE. I believe it was Dr. Phil who said goals without deadlines are dreams.
2. Get a partner or join a group-it makes you more accountable and I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS push harder when working out with others.
3. Include intervals–go hard and then lighten up. Whether cycling, swimming, walking, or lifting. Intervals really do help you get fit faster.
4.Variety is the spice of life, so mix it up and keep it fun. The more interested you are, the more committed you remain. My workouts change from week to week. For years it was out of necessity as a single mom balancing a career and active kids. Now, I do it because it works and I enjoy it more.
5. Swoosh some sugar. Yeah, sounds weird doesn’t it? But recently there was a study that proved if you just swish a high carb sports drink in your mouth, performance improves. And if thirsty, go ahead and drink it!
So there you have it. Go forth and go strong.
See you at the beach!
Tags: get fit, swimsuit ready, weight loss
Are you one step closer … or one step further from your goals? Everything you do–literally–either takes you one step closer or a step further from your goals. So, I ask you, what direction are you heading? What is important to you this year, this week? Think about it –every decision you make regarding your training, your diet, your rest, or lifestyle in general TODAY (& tomorrow) will take you closer (or further) towards achieving that goal. What power you have in your decisions, thoughts and actions.
So I ask you, what direction are you heading? How many steps did you take forward today? And, how many steps forward can you take tomorrow? Forwards or backwards …is all up to you. Embrace the opportunity!
I just received the June issue of “Life Extenstion Magazine” a magazine that prides itself on being “the” source of new health and medical findings around the world. My favorite part of the magazine is where it summarizes a number of studies in the front of the magazine in a section entitled, “In the News”.
So, for all my friends who enjoy the Cliff Notes version….here it is:
-Elevated C-reactive protein may signal higher cancer risk.
-Zinc supplements are associated with reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer.
-Dietary lignans may help control body weight.
-Superoxide dismutase (SOD)improves cognitive function.
-Osteoporosis drug (Zometa) improves outcomes for estrogen receptive breast cancer in menopausal women.
-Green or black tea drinkers may have lower stroke risk.
-Gamma tocopherol from Vitamin E may prevent prostate cancer.
-Daily consumption of potato chips encourages inflammation & atherosclerosis. (Seriously? Is that all?!)
-Published study confirms weight loss and metobolic benefit of Irvingia extract.
-Calcium helps prevent cancer, especially in women.
There you have it! For more information on these articles or the studies they are reporting about, go to www.lef.org .
The bottom line is this: good health is a combination of nutrition, rest, movement (cardio AND resistance), and flexbitility. The benefits of losing excess body fat go far beyond a slim physique to the promise of a longer, disease-free life.
Here’s to your healthy and happiness on this Memorial Day weekend. And, to all of those who have sacrificed for our liberties and freedom….THANK YOU so very much & God bless.
Do you feel like you are in a rut? Is today a repeat of yesterday? Will you do the same thing tomorrow? When it the last time you took a challenge? Do you remember how it felt? The excitement, the eustress (that’s the good kind!), the invigorating feeling and re-igniting of passion? Why not say YES to a new challenge today? Run a 5k or marathon, commit to losing those stubborn 20 pounds this summer, get stronger, increase your sales quota, or start that business you’ve always wanted. Maybe it’s as simple as cleaning out your garage! De-cluttering an area, room, or even a drawer has many rewards.
You have a lot of power to change your life. Begin taking steps today to a happier, more passionate, more healthy YOU! And say, “YES” –to joy, excitement and the accomplishment of something special. I know you can do it.
Happy, healthy Monday!
Tags: challenge, Goal setting, Life, passion
