More than an NSV...I am now a TRIATHLETE!!!

mlwatts2

As of yesterday morning at about 10:12AM I can now call myself a triathlete!

I set about this journey I am on January 3rd, 2012 setting my goal to lose 30 before I turn 30, which is right around the corner on September 10th. However this very quickly became much more than a journey of weight loss. I wanted to feel strong and be fit. Be able to do things I never thought I could. I lost the 30 pounds at a reasonably healthy rate I think by mid-June or so but I definitely was not and still am not done. Still have about another 15 I would like to see gone. I focused heavily on exercise and eating the right things for my body. The scale has since basically stalled but I have not. It was right around that mid-June mark when one of my dearest friends said" Hey let's do a triathlon". I thought well I workout, run, kickbox, strength train, step aerobics, no prob. We hit the pool for lap swims and borrowed bikes to make it work. I very quickly realized this was a lot more work than I thought but that I LOVED EVERY SECOND!! My insanely supportive husband found me a great bike and my commitment continued to grow. I have some very Tri involved friends that educated me and helped me train. The lead up to the race was intense and nerve wracking. All of last week I was pretty sure I could snap at any moment. However yesterday I got up and it was all business. Race day was beautiful and we had a huge cheering section!! Everything went as planned and I felt that strength I so badly desired when my journey began.

As part of my training I wrote a list of goals and man did I achieve them!!! I finished the race in 1:02:25 (8 minutes under my time goal) and even reached my ultimate goal of medaling. I placed 2nd in my age division and was 12th overall female! Other medalists walked to the stand accepted their medal and walked away. Not this girl!! I jumped up and down and yelled! Smiling so big it hurt!! So proud of what I have done!! So I encourage you set your goals and MORE than achieve them!! The rush is AMAZING!!

Thanks

I have included my before pic (pretty bad I know) and a couple from yesterday (hope you can feel my excitement in the pics)

mlwatts2

If anybody can make the second and third pics smaller feel free I am technologically challenged.

Lonewolf1507

Congratulations on your Triathlon debut and on the changes you have made to your body.

Andy

lheurebleue

Incredible and inspirational! Congratulations!

126siany

What a tremendous accomplishment! :flowerforyou:

Good for you for jumping up and down on the podium (you had energy left for that?:laugh: )!! You deserved it!

And although it's not the most important part of your journey, you look fantastic!

mlwatts2

And although it's not the most important part of your journey, you look fantastic!

Thanks although "looking good" may not be my exact goal it sure helps! LOL!!

Oh my hubby said I should also mention there were approximately 215 competitors in the race. And it was a sprint Tri but I will definitely being doing more and longer distances in the future! Stay tuned :happy:

michellevine1

Impressive!

XXXMinnieXXX

Awesome story! Very inspirational! You look great too x

tdbernrd

:flowerforyou: Congratulations! This is very inspiring!

Hoppymom

Congratulations on your terrific results! Not only thinner but stronger and more fit! You earned the right to jump up and down. It's that energy and enthusiasm that propelled you to victory!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

MFPBrandy

That is AWESOME--congratulations!!!

shgreenw

Congratulations and great work!!! You look amazing and I'm sure it felt amazing. VERY impressive!

half_moon

WOW!!!!

tabithajoyy

You are so amazing! You inspire me everyday!

mlwatts2

Thank you so much Tabi!! You my lady are the inspiration!!