Bermuda triangle

This is how my tridiva coach would put it, the holdiays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve, when there around the body supposedly looses to the dark bermuda triangle of food. But I don't see things that way. Since being in the Tridiva club, I've found that anything is possible. Thru motivation and discpline, you can just about do anything you want. And it feels very empowering when you do. I'm not saying jump off a bridge with a jumpy cord attached to you (unless you're into that sort of thing), but just saying yes, I can exercise outside when it's in the 50 degree temps, or yes I can swim at night in an outdoor pool with lights, or run on a high school track with other ladies in the dark (by the way, that tests all your senses!). And then, yes, I can paint a painting, make an exotic food dish (to me exotic if pork tenderloins with apricot chutney roasted), and help my boys' do their homework. And still rest and read a book if I want to satisfy my soul. It's getting in a positive mindset and saying, "yes I can do that and I will" and feel good about yourself. I've recently loved the new excitement over the Zumba classes at Tone and the attendance to the Weight Watchers club. It makes me want to go to the classes as well. These ladies are having fun meeting, granted, it's in the honeymoon stage, but I can see this going on for quite awhile and the ladies being successful at it. It takes movitation thru "sisterhood" and I think it comes from each other just being together and doing the same things. Everyone supports one another and that's the key right there to doing the possible. So Bermuda triangle, bring it on. We're ready for whatever the holidays bring us, and I think we'll all be pleasantly surprised. In other words, you won't melt or die, get out and move, walk with your friend, hike with buddies, play ping pong with family. Whatever it is that gets you going, that's it! And we overdo it at the appetizer table, don't knock yourself. Just bounce back and say I'm good, it won't be like this tomorrow. Happy Holidays and breathe....Luv ya Loni.

Back from Florida 70.3 Ironman

Well I'm finally back. It's been a very hectic past couple of weeks. Preparing to go on a trip without the family is even more stressful than taking them with you. All the preparation for others to watch my boys' was trying, to say the least. Getting, bills paid, banking done, paperwork in order, yatta-yatta--it goes on and on, but very much worth it. Just got back last night from my husband's triathlon in Clearwater, Florida. He completed his first ever (and probably not last) out-of-state triathlon. He qualified for it from the Vineman he did back in July. That means he did very well at the Vineman here, that he got to race against the best in the World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida. No pressure there...and World Championship it was! There were 52 countries represented by athletes from all over the world. From Europe, South Africa, China, South America, Australia, you name it, there was probably someone there racing. Another highlight was that there were all, but 5 states, that were participating in the race as well. Where were the other 5?! Watching and meeting other people was awesome. And met up with 5 other people that were from California, 3 from the bay area! The weather was awesome as well. Everyday reached around 72-75. We arrived in Florida on Wed., 11/7 and as the days passed by, so did the wind. It was cranked up on Thurs., making the ocean practice swims seem like, as one athlete said, a "washing machine" out there! Friday was windy, but not bad. By the time race day came on Saturday, the winds were just enough to cool off the atheletes during there trek, which they would want. And, of course, by Sunday, there was no wind anywhere, just like no athletes anywhere on the streets. It was a quiet morning after. As the days lead up to the race, there were athletes all over the place, very noticable was when they were out warming up on their bikes, working out any querks after piecing it back together from the shipped box. Everyone that came, had brought there own bike, strapped in and boxed up, and flew with them to the race. Everywhere it seemed like there were these big oversized, very oversized bike boxes. There were a total of 1,561 athletes, many with their families, loved ones, grandparents, etc. About 100 of them were men and women pros competing for a prize purse. Top notch got $18,000 buckaroos. I got to meet a couple pros. One I had met earlier in May at Wildflower, was Kate Major. Wonderful smile and laid back personality, she was great to talk to. Others that were there, were challenged athletes, who had prosthetics on one or both of their legs. Heart warming--it was, tear jerker-- it was, inspiring--all the way! Everyone together in one place from all over the globe. It inspired me to up my game now and go for the next level. So that's what I'm going to aim for now. Because of all of them, it made many smile and cheer for them as they cross the finish line. I may not of known them, but in some odd way, you felt you could just go up to anybody and start a great conversation with anyone, because you could almost relate to how they got there, through discpline, hard work, motiviation--that alone, makes you one big happy triathlon family!! Everyone cheered for everyone and patted each other on the back. There were engineers, moms, students, doctors, teachers, dads, grandparents, fire fighters, scientists, you name it, they were there. Just like you and me. Well, I'm very excited now, can you tell?! So back to what I always say, move today and be healthy and happy tomorrow and the next, and the next! Happy trails to all who tri to tri and try to move,until next time have a good night. Over and out, luv always, Loni.